History & local legend
Russell Conwell, the founder of Temple University, described a deeply personal haunting after the death of his wife, Sarah, in 1910. About three years later, he began waking to the sight of a figure seated at the foot of his bed. As the weeks passed, he became convinced that the figure was Sarah.
Conwell initially suspected that overwork was affecting his vision. He consulted two physicians, who advised him to reduce his workload. He nevertheless published his experience in the Baptist, despite objections from Christian friends. In the account later recounted by The Temple News, Sarah helped him locate Army discharge papers that had been missing for twenty-five years. He said she appeared once more afterward and then never returned.
Sources
- The Temple News, A haunting on North Broad Street, quoting Russell Conwell’s published account
- The Philadelphia Inquirer, Conwell’s lost documents and the black box
- The Temple News, The supernatural: graves and ghosts at Temple, address and pen tradition
- Philadelphia Historical Commission, Conwell House Block nomination and dates of residence
- City of Philadelphia, Office of Property Assessment location point for 2020 North Broad
