Hi guys, how are you doing! 
Today, I would like to write about the Packer Mansions. The Harry Packer Mansion was at the top of my Google Maps 
list when we visited the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. I was intrigued to read online that Disney supposedly used this mansion as a reference for their famous Haunted Mansion 
. Upon further investigation, I discovered they were also inspired by a house in Maryland 
. While I haven’t seen the Maryland mansion in person, let me tell you—this one looks remarkably similar to the Disney theme park ride 
!
If you travel to Jim Thorpe, you’ll quickly realize that the architecture is among the most beautiful you’ll ever see, featuring stunning Gothic and Victorian styles. This mansion stands out due to its incredible design and its privileged location on a hill, offering the best views of the town and the surrounding mountains (Poconos) 
. Today, the mansion operates as a Bed & Breakfast 
and even hosts nighttime events like Murder Mystery Weekends 
! I mean, c’mon guys, take a look of this photo 
lol, it is like crazy scary! 
Another detail we observed is that literally next door is another beautiful estate: the Asa Packer Mansion (which operates as a museum). It turns out that a famous architect Samuel Sloan built this mansion in 1861 for Asa Packer, who was one of the richest men in the United States thanks to his investments in coal 
. Years later, Sloan’s disciple, Addison Hutton, built the Packer Mansion in 1874 as a wedding gift for Harry, one of Asa’s sons.
The history of the family is quite tragic; some even say they were cursed. Asa Packer died in 1879, and of his seven children, five passed away before the age of 45—three of whom died in childhood. With the death of his last son, the Packer lineage ended. Only one daughter, Mary Packer, lived a long life, passing away at age 73 in 1912. She lived her entire life in the Asa Packer Mansion and bequeathed the estate to the town of Mauch Chunk (which later changed its name to Jim Thorpe). I wrote another post explaining why this town changed its name, check it out here 
The Legend of Jim Thorpe: A Story of Resilience and a Town with a Unique Name
There is also a spooky side to the story: visitors often report seeing the silhouette of a woman dressed in white looking out of the windows. Many believe it is the spirit of Mary.
I love learning about these things when I travel—discovering the history, folklore, and myths. Sure, many might be local legends created to attract visitors, but they certainly have their charm! 
What similar places have you encountered as Local Guides? 
See you very soon, and don’t forget… #letsguide
Marco
P.D. more Jim Thorpe pictures below, hoe you like them!
Hey @AdamGT I think I nailed it with this photo 
