The Story Continues...

It has been nearly four years since the untimely passing of Mary Strong, but her memory is still very much alive. The debacle that took place on the night of her wake and funeral caused quite a stir among the local towns people. The community has become divided in its assessment of the frightening events plaguing the Strong property during recent years.

Visitors paying their last respects at Mary's funeral expressed extreme disgust over the ruckus that occurred during the procession of Mary Strong to her final resting place. Witnesses tell tales of a corpse gone missing, with a drunken minister to blame. Others have insisted that it was a ghost seen carrying the lifeless body of Mary back to her rightful resting place in the family plot. These reports of ghostly apparitions have been further substantiated by visitors who witnessed other strange events in the woods adjacent to the Strong-Porter Homestead

There is no disputing that terrible things happen in and around those woods. Three years ago, young Lucy was attacked by an unknown force while gardening near the forest. The assault left her completely insane. Shortly thereafter; another tragedy occurred when John's wife died of consumption although no outbreak had been reported. Town officials questioned the potential source and upon further investigation - located instruments of the Devil beneath her bed. Consequently; many townsfolk attributed witchcraft as the root cause of this recent hysteria. They proposed the botched execution of Mary Johnson, who was found guilty of witchcraft almost 200 years prior, as a possible reason. Legend dictates that even though she was decapitated during her execution, Miss Johnson somehow survived long enough to exact her revenge by cursing the woods surrounding the homestead.

As bad luck would have it, a consumption outbreak did indeed occur. Accusations of witchcraft were put to rest and focus shifted toward containing the spread of disease. The town doctor was unable to properly treat the sick, so other professionals were summoned to assist. One visiting physician was convinced that desperate measures were the only means toward finding a cure. He cited the case of Mercy Brown in the neighboring state of Rhode Island which involved acts of mutilation and desecration. He suggested that due to the characteristics of the disease - the dead must be sustaining themselves by taking nourishment from their living kin. Therefore, deceased relatives of the sick must be exhumed and examined for signs of life. If evidence was found, the cadavers vital organs must be removed and burned. The afflicted must breathe the smoke and then ingest the charred remains. Despite the efforts of such desperate, vile undertakings, the townspeople eventually banished the afflicted to the woods where they died. The large-scale loss of human life has made the woods a dark and ominous place. It seems that when something horribly tragic happens in Coventry, its presence continues to dwell there...

This October, we invite you as a student of "bizarre and unorthodox" history to observe our desperate community. Join us for a Hauntingly Enchanted Evening and embark on a lantern tour of the Strong Estate. Transport yourself to a time when the supernatural was a part of everyday life - when malevolent spirits scoured the earth. Learn of the strange events afflicting the Strong Family including the untimely death of beloved Mary. Sit for a spell in the tavern for refreshments and period entertainment. Explore the dark woods - where hidden horrors are unearthed...

Reservations Required: Friday and Saturday, October 15, 21, 22 and 28, 2011. This event is SOLD OUT!!! Please dress appropriately for an outdoor excursion through the woods.

For information Please Call: (860) 742-5234 or Email: aader@prodigy.net

Visit us on Faceboook: A Hauntingly Enchanted Evening Lantern Tour and Haunted Woods Walk and/or check this page periodically for updated information.