Benjamin Franklin's Ghost Electrifies Bensalem

While Benjamin Franklin is practically the patron saint of Philadelphia, it wasn't in the City of Brotherly Love that he allegedly conducted his most famous experiment: flying a kite in a thunderstorm. It was actually here in Bensalem! The experiment was apparently held on the grounds of Growden Mansion, just a mile away from the Neshaminy Mall. However, it seems that good ole Ben liked the place so much he decided to stay – for the next 260 years!

According to eyewitnesses, the ghost of Benjamin Franklin can still be seen on the grounds, flying his kite in thunderstorms. But that is not the only ghostly activity that is reputed to have taken place at the mansion. One paranormal website, Main Line Paranormal Investigators, states that there are reported to be sightings of “a man flying a kite” as well as “battle noises around the trenches surrounding this property.” In his book Spirits of '76: Ghost Stories of the American Revolution, author Daniel W. Barefoot wrote “Without question, the most famous resident ghost here is that of Benjamin Franklin…His ghost, kite in hand, has been sighted here.”

What does the Historical Society of Bensalem Township think about all of these ghostly happenings? Sally Van Sant Sondesky, treasurer for the Historical Society, said that she didn't even know about any of the ghosts in Growden Mansion up until this year. As for the battle sounds? “That probably comes from the fact that there are bullet holes in the shutters on the vault which is where Franklin's records and the county records papers were kept during the Revolutionary War,” Sondesky stated via e-mail. “No sounds or sightings were ever mentioned by the people living in the house.”

But what about Benjamin Franklin? Surely there must be some truth to the rumors that he was flying his kite on the grounds? “A few years ago there was an event called Kite Day and a man dressed as Franklin would fly a kite for the children,” Sondesky said.

Even if you're not in the mood for incorporeal forms floating over your head, there are still reasons to check out Growden Mansion! Fans of history may enjoy the illustrative history of the mansion, including its involvement in the Revolutionary War. Or you could take a loved one and wander the beautiful and well-kept grounds of the mansion, which has both a field and a small wooded area in the vicinity. Growden Mansion is certainly one place in Bensalem you wouldn't want to miss.

According to the Historical Society, “Growden Mansion is named for the family who once owned three quarters of all the land in what is now Bensalem Township.” The mansion is located on Neshaminy Valley Drive and is open for tours by appointment only. For more information, please contact the Historical Society of Bensalem Township at (215) 639-6575.