History & local legend
Chestnut Hall in New Oxford was operated as a bed-and-breakfast by Steve and Tina McNaughton. Steve included its resident child ghost, called Alice, in his book Pennsylvania’s Adams County Ghosts.
Stories about Alice describe a little girl occupied with familiar childhood activities: playing with toys and hosting tea parties. She might tug a guest’s skirt or trouser leg to attract attention. The startling part came when she finished playing and walked through a closed door.
The house also has a documented family history distinct from Alice’s legend. Alexander and Sarah Himes completed it in 1890, the year their daughter Ruth was born there, and the stained glass by the stairs dates to their ownership.
Sources
- Steve McNaughton, Pennsylvania’s Adams County Ghosts, Schiffer, publisher’s description of the innkeeper’s account
- Rick F., RSF Trip Reporter, Alice Still Lives Here, account of the author’s visit and reading of McNaughton’s book
- Tina and Steve McNaughton, Chestnut Hall’s history and address, archived 2004
