Old Bethpage Village Restoration - Conklin House

A Brief History: The Conklin House is part of the Old Bethpage Village Restoration located at 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage New York. The Conklin House, a fisherman’s cottage was originally built in 1820 in Smithtown by Thomas Hallock. Walt Whitman was said to have lived here shortly while he was teaching school. The house was purchased by Joseph Hull Conklin in 1853 after he had married Thomas Hallock’s niece Thankful Hallock. Joseph Conklin was originally in the carriage business but became a bayman where he worked in making decoys, duck hunting, fishing, clamming, and eel spearing after buying the house. In 1965, the house was moved to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration and was restored to 1850 where it remains today.

Haunted History: There have been many paranormal claims that have occurred in the Conklin house. From hearing loud banging, footstep, voices, and seeing shadow people. There has been said to be a woman dressed in 1800s period cloths who looks at you from the top of the stairs. Some have seen the ghost of a little boy who was said to have been disabled and was shut away inside the house. The spirit of a gentleman was also seen and claimed the house belonged to him and everyone should leave. The house gives off such an uncomfortable feeling that people have refused to even step inside.