DOUGLASSVILLE PA – Guided ghost tours, primarily a Halloween season feature of past years in Douglassville, have been extended through the end of November at historic Brinton Lodge, 1808 Schuylkill Rd.
The lodge maintained a busy schedule during much of October, with some tours sold out in advance. An earlier press release indicated its final excursions were scheduled to end between Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 (Thursday through Saturday). Now, however, their run will continue through Nov. 29, its website shows.
Available dates include Sunday (Nov. 2) at 7 p.m., as well as Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 7-8, Nov. 14-15, Nov. 21-22, and Nov. 28-29. General admission costs $24 per person. See the Brinton Lodge ticketing page for selections and more information.
An eastern Berks County landmark for more than 300 years, lodge managers say the tours offer “an immersive 90-minute journey through a mansion alive with restless spirits (and) unexplained phenomena.”
Its tours certainly attract lovers of the fun and spooky. In its time, though, Brinton Lodge also has been the focus of legitimate spirit hunters. Ghosts in the house have been documented by paranormal investigators since the 1970s, 6ABC (WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia adds.
The lodge is named for former Reading hotelier Caleb Brinton, according to Berks County Living magazine. He acquired the lodge in 1927, and founded an exclusive gentlemen’s club there during Prohibition. Brinton reportedly “handpicked his clientèle from only the most rich and famous, who visited from far and wide.”
Historic records show radio, television, and movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher, Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman once were among guests who stayed at the lodge. They also spent time at after-parties there following performances in Pottstown’s famed Sunnybrook Ballroom, 6ABC reports.
Past adventures in the lodge have been praised by Secret Philadelphia: “This colonial-era estate carries an eerie charm and a backstory full of intrigue, scandal, and spirits,” it says.
Architecturally Surprising
Perched directly across from the Schuylkill River, on Route 724 between Reading and Pottstown, Brinton Lodge features 18th- and 19th-century architecture. During their tour, its visitors can wander the centuries-old stucco mansion. They explore its pillared parlor, grand master staircase, and elaborately decorated bedrooms.
Equally surprising: the lodge also is home to the Hidden River Brewing Company brewery and pub. It offers an extensive and rotating list of craft ales and lagers, as well as Pennsylvania wine and cider.
Its menu includes a variety of small plates and shareables, sandwiches, and paninis. The Hidden River kitchen is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Other Tour Options
Large groups may call 610-572-7121 to arrange private tours. So, too, can paranormal groups seeking exclusive investigations.
Top photo by Tom Frances Palattao on Unsplash, used under license
Above photo provided by Brinton Lodge
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