A historical perspective of the Rodgers' House Tavern, unedited draft, that was prepared for the benefit of those participating in the Sept 18 paranormal investigation of the building:
Sep 16, 2010
The Rodgers’ House Tavern
formerly The Elizabeth Rodgers’ House
226 N. Washington Street
Havre de Grace, Md
Simply put: the Rodgers’ House Tavern is one of Havre de Grace’s oldest and most historically significant structures. Built during the late 1700s, it and a handful of other buildings were spared while British troops burned the town during the War of 1812. The reason some houses, and a church, avoided the British torch during the invasion, while most did not, is purely a matter of speculation. In keeping with many aspects of the town’s ostensibly documented past, it doesn't make sense that some buildings were destroyed while others were not. It could be said that much of the town’s history has been presented incorrectly or avoided entirely by local historians to portray a certain image.
We do know that the building was purchased by a Scottish immigrant named John Rodgers and his wife Elizabeth not long after it was built. Elizabeth Rodgers, nee Reynolds, was the daughter of a prominent Presbyterian minister who resided in White Clay Creek, DE. John Rodgers was commonly known as Col. John Rodgers due to his military service during the Revolutionary War. It’s generally accepted by townsfolk that the building was used as a tavern and inn during its long and prolific tenure. This statement is clearly couched more in folklore than in fact. It’s likely that the Rodgers used the building as a residence even though they had substantial land holdings in Harford County and at least some property in Cecil County.
Col. John Rodger was entrepreneurial to say the least. He not only licensed a tavern somewhere in town, the exact location of the site is unknown, but he also established a lucrative ferry business with buildings on both sides of the formidable Susquehanna River. The Rodgers had nine children, five boys and 4 girls. All the children married, and married well, except for the youngest daughter who was named Elizabeth after her mother. Very little is known about the younger Elizabeth, she may have been an isolated spinster with emotional attachments to her home and may be responsible for some of the paranormal activity in the building. The family prospered financially, and by reputation, becoming quite prominent in colonial American social circles. The sons of John and Elizabeth Rodgers did remarkable things during their lifetimes. Books are written about one of them, also named John, who was instrumental in the founding of the US Navy. He captained the USS Constellation, among other sailing warships, and was the strategic architect of the naval victory at Ft. McHenry. Nine decedents of John and Elizabeth went on to become admirals in the navy. Any number of their decedents went on to achieve fame in the annals of aviation history. This clan was full of “piss and vinegar.”
When crafting possible questions for EVP sessions, keep in mind : the Rodgers boys were “river rats” while growing up; it’s known that they took full advantage of the abundant outdoor opportunities available at the time by hunting, fishing, etc., it’s also known that George Washington stayed in the house a number of times, including visits after Col. Rodgers died in 1791; and, it’s not unlikely that the Rodgers family owned slaves. Elizabeth Rodgers, the mother, was a strong-willed, intelligent woman who possibly made important historical contributions that have been ignored by historians or conveniently, and improperly, attributed to her husband or others.
The Rodgers’ House Tavern is a massive 3 story structure, that is currently used as a bar (first floor) and a residence (second and third floors). There is no accessible or functional basement to speak of. A single, open staircase climbs along an interior wall making the building an amazing acoustic chamber. Sounds travel great distances while possibly distorting along the way. There is an apparent rear addition that was added to the original structure. As a result there’s sort of a strange, hidden area that’s accessible only from the second floor. There’s no proof, but is it possible that the building was a stop on the Underground Railroad?
Robbin and I have conducted regular EVP sessions on the second and third floors of the building since the beginning of July. We have captured numerous EVP, some of them clear, robust responses to questions asked. There are credible reports of shadow figures being seen in, or near, the bathroom on the third floor. The resident tenant, has a strong sense that a paranormal conflict of some type is playing out in a little area in front of the bathroom.
There’s a room on the second floor that’s reportedly active as well. The voices of men have purportedly originated from the room. We have captured the EVP of male voices in that room. The tenant senses the presence of a strong, protective woman there. We have a remarkable, crisp, clear EVP captured in that room of two woman talking. We also have several recordings from that room, during different sessions, where a disembodied voice imitates one of us talking. Again, a remarkable phenomena. Robbin and I will share more of our investigative experiences on Saturday night as the list is too long to share in this forum. There are also claims of activity on the first floor, in the bar, that need to be discussed as well.
Saturday night’s investigation should prove an interesting and positive experience for all involved. Based on our work in the Rodgers' House Tavern, Robbin and I are thoroughly convinced that the place is active, in a paranormal sense, and that old energy resides there.
I’m truly excited about the prospects for personal growth that this investigation offers and I look forward to working closely with each of you. - Ed
The Rodgers’ House Tavern
formerly The Elizabeth Rodgers’ House
226 N. Washington Street
Havre de Grace, Md
Simply put: the Rodgers’ House Tavern is one of Havre de Grace’s oldest and most historically significant structures. Built during the late 1700s, it and a handful of other buildings were spared while British troops burned the town during the War of 1812. The reason some houses, and a church, avoided the British torch during the invasion, while most did not, is purely a matter of speculation. In keeping with many aspects of the town’s ostensibly documented past, it doesn't make sense that some buildings were destroyed while others were not. It could be said that much of the town’s history has been presented incorrectly or avoided entirely by local historians to portray a certain image.
We do know that the building was purchased by a Scottish immigrant named John Rodgers and his wife Elizabeth not long after it was built. Elizabeth Rodgers, nee Reynolds, was the daughter of a prominent Presbyterian minister who resided in White Clay Creek, DE. John Rodgers was commonly known as Col. John Rodgers due to his military service during the Revolutionary War. It’s generally accepted by townsfolk that the building was used as a tavern and inn during its long and prolific tenure. This statement is clearly couched more in folklore than in fact. It’s likely that the Rodgers used the building as a residence even though they had substantial land holdings in Harford County and at least some property in Cecil County.
Col. John Rodger was entrepreneurial to say the least. He not only licensed a tavern somewhere in town, the exact location of the site is unknown, but he also established a lucrative ferry business with buildings on both sides of the formidable Susquehanna River. The Rodgers had nine children, five boys and 4 girls. All the children married, and married well, except for the youngest daughter who was named Elizabeth after her mother. Very little is known about the younger Elizabeth, she may have been an isolated spinster with emotional attachments to her home and may be responsible for some of the paranormal activity in the building. The family prospered financially, and by reputation, becoming quite prominent in colonial American social circles. The sons of John and Elizabeth Rodgers did remarkable things during their lifetimes. Books are written about one of them, also named John, who was instrumental in the founding of the US Navy. He captained the USS Constellation, among other sailing warships, and was the strategic architect of the naval victory at Ft. McHenry. Nine decedents of John and Elizabeth went on to become admirals in the navy. Any number of their decedents went on to achieve fame in the annals of aviation history. This clan was full of “piss and vinegar.”
When crafting possible questions for EVP sessions, keep in mind : the Rodgers boys were “river rats” while growing up; it’s known that they took full advantage of the abundant outdoor opportunities available at the time by hunting, fishing, etc., it’s also known that George Washington stayed in the house a number of times, including visits after Col. Rodgers died in 1791; and, it’s not unlikely that the Rodgers family owned slaves. Elizabeth Rodgers, the mother, was a strong-willed, intelligent woman who possibly made important historical contributions that have been ignored by historians or conveniently, and improperly, attributed to her husband or others.
The Rodgers’ House Tavern is a massive 3 story structure, that is currently used as a bar (first floor) and a residence (second and third floors). There is no accessible or functional basement to speak of. A single, open staircase climbs along an interior wall making the building an amazing acoustic chamber. Sounds travel great distances while possibly distorting along the way. There is an apparent rear addition that was added to the original structure. As a result there’s sort of a strange, hidden area that’s accessible only from the second floor. There’s no proof, but is it possible that the building was a stop on the Underground Railroad?
Robbin and I have conducted regular EVP sessions on the second and third floors of the building since the beginning of July. We have captured numerous EVP, some of them clear, robust responses to questions asked. There are credible reports of shadow figures being seen in, or near, the bathroom on the third floor. The resident tenant, has a strong sense that a paranormal conflict of some type is playing out in a little area in front of the bathroom.
There’s a room on the second floor that’s reportedly active as well. The voices of men have purportedly originated from the room. We have captured the EVP of male voices in that room. The tenant senses the presence of a strong, protective woman there. We have a remarkable, crisp, clear EVP captured in that room of two woman talking. We also have several recordings from that room, during different sessions, where a disembodied voice imitates one of us talking. Again, a remarkable phenomena. Robbin and I will share more of our investigative experiences on Saturday night as the list is too long to share in this forum. There are also claims of activity on the first floor, in the bar, that need to be discussed as well.
Saturday night’s investigation should prove an interesting and positive experience for all involved. Based on our work in the Rodgers' House Tavern, Robbin and I are thoroughly convinced that the place is active, in a paranormal sense, and that old energy resides there.
I’m truly excited about the prospects for personal growth that this investigation offers and I look forward to working closely with each of you. - Ed
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