Weird William Paterson

Hobart Manor, one of William Paterson University's historical buildings, holds a special place in the magazine Weird New Jersey. The manor is rumored to have three ghosts roaming the halls.

According to legend, the manor is haunted by a servant, Mary, who once occupied the manor, and also by Jennie Hobart, wife of Vice President Garrett A. Hobart. People have also reportedly seen a disappearing man dressed in an old-fashioned coachman's uniform.

"I have never seen any of the ghosts, or anything that resembles one," stated WPU President Arnold Speert.

But many claim to have witnessed at least one of the roaming ghosts. Some even refused to walk into or pass Hobart Manor because they get "spooked out."

According to Speert, the ghost of Hobart Manor is just an "urban legend."

But the myth will not die out. Ghost hunters have paid a visit to the manor on several occasions. They claim that they can feel the spirits as they walk through the rooms.

"Yes ghost hunters have been to the manor," Speert said.

However, you cannot believe everything you hear until you see it for yourself.

"I do not believe that there are ghosts haunting the manor. I'll believe it when I actually see it," stated Speert.

Then again, who's best to know whether there is a ghost in the manor, but Speert? His office has been in Hobart Manor for 10 years. He has worked many late nights and, to this day, has not seen any ghosts nor heard any strange noises.

"No windows or doors have closed on their own," Speert said.

After spending some time in the manor and exploring each level and finding no ghost, or hearing any strange noises, the conclusion is, yes the manor is old and old buildings tend to make strange noises. And like most old buildings there is also a bizarre ghost tale to go along with it.

This has become a strange myth that has made its way into Weird New Jersey, but to those who work in the manor, this bizarre "urban legend" is nothing but extremely funny.

Editor's Note: Is it true that the ghost's name is Arnie Spirit?