The True Tales behind Asylum Picture's Haunting of Whaley House

With a title like The Haunting of Whaley House, Asylum Pictures has another imitation product about a real life haunted estate in the works. This studio has built a reputation of creating some way out of the way horror titles. The last one in this particular supernatural genre was Amityville Haunting (2011). In this latest, America's most haunted house in the west coast of America, located in San Diego, gets center stage. Whaley House is reputed to be spooked by many a spirit.

This film stars Stephanie Greco (Chemical Peel, Phoenix Falling) and Graham Denman (Sick Girl, Eyes of the Woods) in the lead roles of Penny and Craig. They get a private tour of the home and get more than they bargained for. Along for the ride are fellow performers, Alex Arleo, Arielle Brachfeld and Carolina Groppa. This movie is currently filming and many of the performers are excited in being in a real haunted house.

The movie is expected to release this summer. But for audiences who are not well versed in the paranormal lore of this abode, just why is the Whaley House so notorious?

There are many reasons: The land once belonged to the Native Americans. Multiple tribes warred upon the region before settling into the Luiseño, Cahuilla, Cupeño, Kumeyaay, Northern Diegueño Indian groups when the Spanish landed upon their shores.

Also, the cemetery from a nearby Catholic Church expanded into this plot of land. Some graves may have lain on what would become the Whaley property.

One of the ghosts said to be lurking about is that of James "Yankee Jim" Robinson. He was a miner who quickly developed a bad reputation when he arrived into town. But his attempt at grand larceny is what led to his conviction, and his hanging in 1852. Many executions took place in the many years prior and that did not bother Thomas Whaley, an early settler, when he bought the land in 1855 to build his house. When he tore down the public gallows – located at the archway that separates the music room and parlor – that was when the hauntings were said to have first started.

This socialite and pioneer believed the spirit was of Yankee Jim.

After the building was built, the Whaley family did not occupy it immediately. Various businesses operated from within the house, which included a funeral parlour and a saloon. Adjacent to it was a building that was used as a theatre and courthouse. The family did not settle in until 1868. Even the Whaley’s was said to have encountered the spirit of Robinson several more times before the family became part of the spirit parade near the turn of the century. Four members of his family tragically died in the house — including a 17-month-old son, Thomas Jr., who died of scarlet fever. Even the Whaley's pet terrier is said to have been seen running around and nibbling on the bare legs of women.

But as for how all this information relates to the movie, according to Brachfeld, one of the co-stars, there is going to be blood, guts and ghosts. Or should that be gore? Given the layered history of this house and land, there are many reasons for this place to be haunted. But as for what kind of scares that are experienced will depend on the individuals who investigate the place overnight. No one is allowed on the premises after 4pm. Even amongst paranormal researchers, there is a belief that the red bricks can hold memories and the energies of all those who have passed.

But as for who the ghostly antagonists are in this movie, only certain years of this building’s existence can paint such a terrible picture. Most of the spooks are tame, even though television personality Regis Philbin thinks otherwise. He's stayed overnight at this famous building and had a supernatural encounter that he could not logically explain.

When considering all the stories told throughout the years, let's hope this movie does not taint the true events of this historic landmark.

More details on the property:

The Whaley House Homepage

And even more details:

Whaley House at Weird California

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