The Spirits of the Camron-Stanford House

Posted: 04.03.2025 | Updated: 04.03.2025

The Camron-Stanford House, built in 1876, is located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California. The mansion is the last remaining of its kind throughout the area, which stands as a testament to the early days of Oakland. 

Throughout the history of the house, it has been home to a variety of prominent families and also served as Oakland’s first museum. However, beneath its impressive Italianate design resides a darker reputation, and it is widely believed to be haunted. 

If you like intriguing tales of ghostly encounters and historical mysteries, book a ghost tour with   San Francisco Ghosts. Our guides could take you through the eerie histories of historic landmarks and other haunted locations throughout the Bay Area. 

Who Haunts the Camron-Stanford House?

Given the history of the house hosting multiple prominent families, the Camron-Stanford home is said to be haunted by multiple spirits. Over its history, there have been five influential families inhabiting the home at some point, many of whom experienced tragedy during their time living there. 

History of the Camron-Stanford Home

The home was built in 1876 and is located at 1418 Lakeside Drive in Oakland, California. The house stands today as the last remaining Victorian mansion from an era when the lake was surrounded by private estates. 

The home was built by Dr. Samuel Merritt,  the first resident of this historic location. The house was soon sold to William Walker Camron, who purchased the home thanks to Alice’s father, Dr. John Marsh – a California pioneer. 

Despite a hefty inheritance, the Camron’s time in the home was marked with financial struggles and personal tragedy. Following the financial struggles of the Camrons, the house was sold to David Hewes. 

Hewes was a wealthy businessman known for donating a golden spike for the transcontinental railroad. From 1882 to 1903, the mansion was owned by Josiah Stanford, brother of Leland Stanford, one of the most influential figures in California. 

Josiah’s tenure in the home helped the house become a hub for social gatherings, each hosting prominent individuals like President Rutherford B. Hayes. The final residents of the house were Captain John Tenant Wright Jr. and his family, who then sold the property to the City of Oakland in 1907 for $40,000. 

The house was eventually reopened as a historical museum in 1987, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is Oakland’s Historical Landmark #2. 

The Restless Spirits of Former Residents

Each of the residents of the Camron-Stanford House has left behind a legacy of wealth, tragedy, and mystery. Over the years, visitors and staff have reported eerie encounters, suggesting the spirits of these former residents could still linger within its walls. The following are the stories of the house’s most notable occupants and the ghostly activity tied to their lives. 

Alice Marsh Camron

Alice, the daughter of Dr. John Marsh, was one of the first residents after Dr. Samuel Merritt. Unfortunately, her life was marked by both privilege and sorrow. Following the death of her father, who was murdered, Alice inherited a large fortune in 1856. Just one year into living in the home, her youngest daughter Gracie died shortly after her second birthday. 

Those who have visited the home have reported seeing a woman in Victorian clothing wandering the halls, or standing by windows overlooking Lake Merritt. Many believe Alice is the apparition, mourning her lost child and the financial struggles she endured after her husband’s failed business ventures. 

David Hewes

David Hewes, a wealthy businessman, was the next resident of the Camron-Stanford House. Hewes was known for his extravagant lifestyle but ran into financial ruin multiple times throughout his life. 

Reports of ghostly activity tied to Hewes include shadowy figures moving through rooms and footsteps heard on empty staircases. Others have reported feelings of an oppressive atmosphere in areas where Hewes was known to host lavish parties. 

Josiah Stanford

Josiah’s time in the home made it a prominent hub for influential figures of the time. Despite the glamorous reputation Josiah brought to the house, tragedy struck with several family members experiencing illness and untimely deaths. 

Visitors often report seeing shadowy silhouettes near areas where social events were held or hearing faint voices as if reliving moments from past gatherings. Some claim to feel cold spots near Josiah’s former study, accompanied by a sense of being watched. 

Captain John Tenant Wright Jr. 

The final private owner before the city purchased the house in 1907 was Captain John Tenant Wright Jr., a retired sea captain who lived there with his wife Trella Beck Wright. Wright’s time in the home was relatively uneventful compared to its previous occupants, but his maritime background adds an air of mystery to his connection with the property. 

Some visitors have reported hearing faint sounds resembling ship bells or ocean waves within certain rooms—a curious phenomenon given Wright’s career at sea. Others describe feeling disoriented or unsteady while walking through areas associated with him, as though experiencing echoes of life aboard a ship.

Unexplained Phenomena in the Museum

After the City of Oakland purchased the home in 1907 and converted it into a museum, it proceeded to house a variety of artifacts from local history. Many of these objects were tied to tragic events or significant losses. These objects are thought to carry residual energy from their original owners, which could explain some of the odd occurrences reported within the museum. 

Staff members have described hearing unexplained noises at night, which included doors creaking open on their own, and furniture shifting slightly despite nobody being around. One account involves a mirror displayed in one of the rooms, where multiple visitors have claimed to see reflections of figures that disappear when they turn around. 

While the unexplainable visual sightings are spooky enough, visitors also report a feeling of inexplicable chill while touring areas of the house. The cold spots are often accompanied by a sense of being watched, leaving many guests wanting to leave quickly!

The Energy Tied to Artifacts

One of the most prominent theories as to why the Camron-Stanford House remains active with ghostly energy is the collection of historical artifacts. Many items like furniture, clothing, and personal belongings from former residents are on display throughout the museum. 

While the items create an immersive experience for the museum’s visitors, they also serve as conduits for lingering spirits. A particularly eerie exhibit features personal items belonging to members of Oakland’s early elite families. 

Visitors have reported objects moving slightly out of place or feeling compelled to avoid certain displays due to an unshakable sense of unease. Some believe that these artifacts may hold emotional imprints from their original owners, keeping their presence alive within the house.

Windows at Night

In addition to the variety of ghostly apparitions of the previous residents, unexplained phenomena, and the ominous energy tied to artifacts, there is also a recurring story of a figure standing in the windows at night despite the house being closed and unoccupied. 

These sightings often describe shadowy silhouettes appearing briefly before vanishing into darkness. Many locals walking the lake after sunset have shared tales of seeing movement behind the curtains, or faint tapping sounds against glass panes. 

Haunted San Francisco

The historic Victorian mansion is much more than just a home, it is a place where history feels alive, sometimes literally. From Alice Camron’s mournful spirit to the shadowy figures glimpsed after dark, the iconic home captivates visitors with its haunting tales. 

For those intrigued by the mysterious Bay Area and want to delve deeper into its haunted past, check out our ghost tour with San Francisco Ghosts! Our guides will take you on a journey through some of Northern California’s most fascinating and chilling locations, emparting stories that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of the area’s ghostly side. 

Book your tour today for an experience into the world of ghostly legends and rich local history. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real California hauntings.

Sources:

1. https://sfghosts.com/
2. https://www.sftravel.com/article/haunted-spooky-places-around-san-francisco
3. https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/list-of-designated-landmarks
4. https://www.cshouse.org/the-stanfords
5. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8862240/alice-frances-camron
6. https://fromthepage.com/stanforduniversityarchives/jls/article/70337
7. https://noehill.com/alameda/nat1972000213.asp