July 27 - Winchester Mystery House

I convinced Steve to visit the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose because the kids had spoken of it so often.  Ends up that it was indeed odd but not as mysterious as I had thought. 

Mrs Winchester had moved west after her only child had died very young and her husband, her parents, and parents-in-law all died in one year and I psychic told her that the spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle needed to be appeased.  I realized that after all the talk of her speaking with psychics and basing large decisions on what they said, that no one mentions how prevalent a practice that was in the late 1800's.  Years ago, I read a book about one of the prominent psychics of the day and how she had advised presidents, industry leaders, etc. and how many decisions they made were based on her readings.   So, whatever her motivation (if interested, check out the website for the house - pretty interesting), it's a beautiful Victorian house with amazing architecture.  And if we all had limitless funds, we would probably make a house as specific to each of us as she did. 

But she did build without stop, 24/7, for 36 years.  She rang a bell at midnight and 2 AM every night.  So there were definitely some eccentricities going on.  Her favorite number was 13, so it's repeated everywhere.  13 bathrooms, 13 pillars (upside down) holding up the rounded porch, lots of rooms and outdoor siding with 13 panels.  She also liked daisies and spider webs so those motifs are all over the place too. 

She was very intelligent: spoke four languages, was an accomplished musician and horticulturalist, and had very good taste in building materials.  They spoke a lot about her being a recluse, but she stayed on top of the engineering accomplishments of the day and had electricity and indoor plumbing added early.  She had elevators and converted to the automobile early on.  And the interesting ways that heat, hot water, etc. were delivered into the house was fascinating.

It was definitely worth hassling a downtown situation to see.  It reminded us a bit of the Molly Brown House in Denver, now surrounded by condos.  Cody - the gardens were amazing.  I took lots of pictures of the arbor because it's something I think we could definitely adapt for the CR backyard , in our own small way.