FORMERLY “THE COLONIAL HOUSE INN”

The original house was first built in 1716, by Captain John Minot, a soldier and a dedicated physician who loved his work. Being built close to the King’s Highway, Native Americans and other people over the years came to town right by the property. Perhaps some of these people were treated, operated on by the good Dr. Minot.

In 1730 another part of the present building was built next to the Minot House by the Josiah Ryder family; a two story Federal style home with a hip roof, an attic and a basement. The Ryder family lived there for only a short time. They lived next to Captain John Minot’s home.

During the Revolutionary War, this house was used as a hospital and Room 24 was Dr. Minot’s operating room. The wounded were treated here with some success. Others may have “bought the farm” or “kicked the bucket” from their wounds.

Captain Joseph Eldrige bought the newer Josiah Ryder home. At some point, the Eldrige family also bought Dr. Minot’s property; probably when he died. For the next 100 years, it was known as the Eldrige House, being passed down to descendants, such as Dr. Azariah Eldridge who enjoyed living in this Cape Cod location.

When more room was needed, another house which was floated over from Nantucket, and was added on a foundation at the rear of the original Eldrige building as more living space was desired. It wasn’t until 1860 that this house was added directly onto the main structure and added a third floor while they were at it. The Minot House was also made part of the Eldrige building along with two other nineteenth-century buildings, in the latter part of the 1800’s. The owners also added a mansard roof and the portico sitting on the top modernized the house to fit in with the Victorian style homes being built at this time.

Other people who owned the Eldrige House include U. S. Congressman Thomas Thatcher, Charles F. Swift and Ella Bray (local historians) and the Simpkins family. Sometime along the way this once private residence became an Inn, putting this massive structure to work.

This Inn has seen a lot of history, a lot of human drama being around for so long a time in one form or another. “Some believe this building may well have more paranormal activity than any other house on Cape Cod!” is a quote from one book “Ghosts, Myths and Legends”, published by the Historical Society of Cape Cod.”

Room 224 – The spirit of Dr. John Minot

The good doctor is still on duty; apparently making room calls to living guests; especially those who stay in 224.

Dr. John Minot gave a young bride on her honeymoon a start one late night in room 224. He appeared as a misty gray figure, standing about 4 feet from her side of the bed. After studying her for a bit, the figure floated to the foot of the bed, and slowly faded away. Her husband slept through the whole thing.

Dr. Minot felt compelled to check out two investigators sleeping in Room 224, touching them with cold hands; perhaps taking a pulse? Perhaps the caring doctor saw them as patients.

Room 224: Spirit of a Native American girl

She may have been treated by Dr. John Minot but may have died of her illness or surgery. Perhaps she likes to stay with Dr. Minot.

She lets the living know that she is there in the room.

Room 224: Spirit of Ralph Waldo Emerson

He must appear fully; perhaps see-through as he was recognized as being himself.

Ralph’s apparition may have been seen sitting at the desk, deep in thought and writing.

He lets the living know that he is there, sharing the room with them.

Downstairs: Spectral Supervisor

This Supervisor is a stern, no nonsense spirit, who can take charge if need be.

This spirit likes to supervise the employees, with a protective eye on the cashier station. Perhaps, this spirit is protective of the owner’s business and likes to step in to “help” employees that are deemed to be in his or her eyes to be hapless or naive.

The Colonial House; When a waiter attempted to swipe a customer’s credit card through the machine, an unseen presence from behind grabbed the card out of the waiter’s hand, taking it away. The card was eventually found in the cabinet below the payment counter. Perhaps the customer reminded this entity of a scalawag from the past with bad credit!

Office Area: Resident Monk

Spirit of a Monk loves the office area: especially the electrical devices and books!

Books on the shelves in this front office have fallen off all by themselves. This spirit must like to read and study new things.

This spirit has been seen by the living, appearing clearly enough to be recognized as a monk.

Outside Area: Chore Time

A spirit of a Woman is dressed in 18th century attire.

Apparently, the best time to attend a spectral garden is in the middle of the night. She has been noticed going about her gardening chores. She could’ve been the cook for some owner a long time ago; or perhaps an owner’s wife.

* Listing information and/or photos were researched on the Internet and provided by a third-party, article or property owner's website and is deemed accurate, but not guaranteed, to the best of our knowledge.