Alan Peppard’s column in last Friday’s edition of “The Dallas Morning News” relates an interesting conversation between First daughter Jenna Bush and “Texas Monthly” magazine’s Dallas-based executive editor, Skip Hollandsworth. In the course of an interview designed to promote Jenna’s new book, Jenna’s Story, she mentions being scared — really scared — at times in the White House.
“I’m not kidding. I have heard ghosts, I really have — ghosts singing opera. One night, opera noises came out of my fireplace. When I told my sister, she didn’t believe me, but the next week, we were up late in that bedroom and we heard 1950’s piano music. People will think I’m crazy for saying that.”
Not necessarily. As Peppard points out, numerous White House residents have been convinced they’re not exactly alone, including Lynda Johnson, who lived in the room Jenna now occupies and reported paranormal activity.
I’m particularly intrigued by the reports of “opera noises.” I’m not certain what qualifies in this day and age as an “opera noise,” but if haints are hanging about the executive mansion, I’m glad they show the good taste to be humming, singing, or moaning some of opera’s greatest hits.
Gives a whole ‘nother meaning to “Cold Little Hand”…doesn’t it?
Suzanne Calvin, Assoc. Dir. of Marketing, The Dallas Opera