Blog 33 Ghosts of Christmas Past

Tis the season for were the ghosts that are mentioned belong to Scrooge. There is one haunt here in Fort Lauderdale get more active during the Christmas season. That haunt is the River House Inn. Now, a abandoned Restaurant on the Middle River, its ghosts are far from forgotten.

When I did my research in the haunting and the paranormal happenings at the River House Inn, I would get many employees and management would express how Christmas was a active haunt at the homes of Tom and Reed Bryan’s homes made into one great restaurant.

Perry, the son of Camille and Tom Bryan, would love the holiday time. Who wouldn’t, being the only son of very wealthy parents? His spirit still roams the house as a 8 year old boy who would love to play with the Christmas lights in the restaurant. Upon closing of the restaurant, the manager Vivian would make sure all the plugged in Christmas displays would be unplugged, lock up the place and turn on the security system, only to walk by later with all the unplugged lighting back inside their sockets. She was always fearful that this old historical landmark would catch on fire due to the Christmas lighting that would magically turn on by themselves.

Then there is the Spirit of Barbara Estelle Bryan Umbro, 2nd wife of Reed Bryan. She died in her sleep on the second floor of the Reed Bryan’s side of the restaurant. Her sightings would heighten during this time of year as well. She would often be seen descending from the ceiling from the second floor. This could only be seen if you did not look directly at her. As soon as you would make eye contact with her, she would vanish.
She was a striking looking woman and would often be seen walking along the front veranda at the Reed’s River House. Her ghostly presence would be seen by those eating on the veranda. She would nod and smile as she went by. People who would dine there would ask, “Where did that Lady with Lace dress go?” to the employees, thinking that the ghost would be a reenactor working at the restaurant. Only to be told that there is no woman like that working for the fine dining establishment.
The lights have gone dim at his restaurant since it’s closing in mid 2009. I go past there in my ghost tour, only hoping to get a look at the ghosts of Christmas past.


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all and a Happy New Year!