Deep Dive
What is the history of 14 West 10th Street in New York City, and why is it called the House of Death?
14 West 10th Street, built in 1856 by James Borman Johnston, was originally intended as a residence for artists. Over time, it gained a reputation as the 'House of Death' due to its dark history, including multiple deaths, hauntings, and tragic events. The house is associated with eerie occurrences, ghost sightings, and a series of deaths among its residents, earning it its infamous nickname.
What paranormal experiences did Mark Twain reportedly have at the House of Death?
Mark Twain, who lived in the House of Death around 1900, reportedly witnessed a piece of wood levitating in his room. Despite his skepticism about ghosts, he fired a gun at the floating wood, which then fell to the ground with blood spraying out. After his death in 1910, his ghost was allegedly seen by residents, including a mother and daughter who claimed to have encountered him in the house.
What tragic events are associated with the House of Death in the 20th century?
In the 20th century, the House of Death saw a series of tragic events, including the deaths of multiple residents. Jan Bartel, a former resident, wrote about her paranormal experiences in the house before her sudden death in 1973. Later, in 1987, the infamous case of Lisa Steinberg, a six-year-old girl who was beaten to death by her adoptive father, Joel Steinberg, brought further notoriety to the house.
What were Jan Bartel's experiences with the paranormal at the House of Death?
Jan Bartel, a former resident of the House of Death, experienced numerous paranormal events, including strange sensations, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena like rotting food appearing in her kitchen. She hired a psychic who claimed to communicate with 22 ghosts in the house. Despite attempts to rid the house of spirits, the hauntings continued, leading Jan and her husband to move out in 1973.
What happened to Lisa Steinberg, and how is her story connected to the House of Death?
Lisa Steinberg, a six-year-old girl, was illegally adopted by Joel Steinberg and Hedda Nussbaum, who lived in the House of Death. In 1987, Lisa was brutally beaten by Joel during a cocaine-fueled binge and later died from her injuries. The case brought national attention to the house, adding to its dark history. Lisa's death is one of the most notorious tragedies associated with the building.
Why is the House of Death considered one of the most haunted places in New York City?
The House of Death is considered one of the most haunted places in New York City due to its long history of tragic deaths, ghost sightings, and paranormal activity. Residents and visitors have reported encounters with spirits, including Mark Twain, a woman in a white dress, and a gray cat. The house's dark past, combined with ongoing reports of hauntings, solidifies its reputation as a haunted location.
- 14 West 10th Street, Greenwich Village, is known as the "House of Death."
- Numerous paranormal events have been reported, including levitating objects and ghostly apparitions.
- Mark Twain, a former resident, reportedly witnessed and documented paranormal activity.
Shownotes Transcript