.
The Mysterious History of Deaths at 22 Twiss Road, Orleans, MA
22 Twiss Road in Orleans, MA, is shrouded in intrigue, tragedy, and whispers of the supernatural. For decades, this quiet, unassuming property has been linked to a string of mysterious deaths and unsettling events, leading locals and paranormal enthusiasts to speculate about the dark history of the house and its surroundings. The question remains: What happened at 22 Twiss Road, and why does its history continue to captivate the curious?
Origins of the Twiss Road Property
Orleans, MA, is a small, picturesque town on Cape Cod known for its tranquil beauty, quaint cottages, and tight-knit community. However, the property at 22 Twiss Road starkly contrasts this serene backdrop, its past marred by tragedy.
The house was built in the early 20th century by a local fisherman, Samuel Twiss, who was one of the earliest settlers in the area. The road was eventually named after him, as the Twiss family played a significant role in the town’s history. The house itself, a classic Cape Cod-style home, was meant to be a symbol of the family’s success and stability. But, over time, this idyllic image would fade as the property became the site of a series of unfortunate events.
The First Tragedy: The Twiss Family
The history of mysterious deaths at 22 Twiss Road began with the Twiss family themselves. In 1935, Samuel Twiss’s son, Jonathan, was found dead on the property under suspicious circumstances. His body was discovered in the small fishing shack near the house, his face pale and cold. Though the cause of death was officially ruled as drowning, some locals suspected foul play, citing Jonathan’s increasing involvement in illicit activities, including smuggling during Prohibition.
Not long after Jonathan’s death, his younger sister, Margaret Twiss, was found dead in her bedroom in 1940. Her death was attributed to an unknown illness, but many neighbors reported hearing strange noises and witnessing eerie occurrences at the house around the time of her passing. The Twiss family, once prominent and prosperous, was now being decimated by unexplained deaths.
The Abandoned Years
After the deaths of Jonathan and Margaret, the Twiss family abandoned the house, leaving it to decay. For years, 22 Twiss Road sat empty, a dark, dilapidated reminder of the tragedies that had taken place there. Locals began to avoid the property, sharing ghost stories and rumors of hauntings. Some claimed to see shadowy figures in the windows or hear faint cries from within the house at night.
During this period, the house fell into a state of disrepair. Broken windows, overgrown weeds, and the creaking of old wood gave it a haunted appearance. By the 1960s, 22 Twiss Road had gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Orleans, with many believing the Twiss family’s spirits still lingering within its walls.
The Cursed New Owners
In the 1970s, the house was purchased by a young couple, Michael and Linda Harper, who hoped to restore the property and create a fresh start for themselves. Unfortunately, their dreams quickly turned into a nightmare. Not long after moving in, the Harpers reported strange occurrences: doors slamming shut on their own, objects moving without explanation, and a cold, oppressive feeling that permeated the house.
Their fear reached a peak when Linda began having vivid nightmares about a woman in a white dress, whom she described as “desperately trying to communicate something.” In 1975, Michael Harper was found dead in the basement, having fallen down the stairs. Although his death was ruled an accident, Linda believed it was something far more sinister, claiming that she had heard Michael talking to someone just before his fall—though no one else was in the house.
Linda Harper, now a widow, moved out shortly after her husband’s death, convinced that the house was cursed. The property remained vacant for several years, further cementing its reputation as a place of death and despair.
The Unexplained Deaths Continue
Despite its dark history, 22 Twiss Road was sold again in the late 1980s to a family hoping to start anew. But the cycle of tragedy continued. In 1992, a young child who lived in the house died unexpectedly of what doctors called “sudden infant death syndrome” (SIDS). The family was devastated, and once again, the house became the center of local rumors.
The child’s death was followed by yet another tragedy just two years later when the family’s teenage son was killed in a freak accident while working in the yard. A falling tree branch struck him during a routine yard clean-up, a tragic incident that shook the Orleans community. Many began to wonder if there was something more than coincidence at play—was the property at 22 Twiss Road truly cursed?
Paranormal Investigations
In the years following these deaths, paranormal investigators took a keen interest in 22 Twiss Road. The house’s reputation as a haunted site attracted amateur ghost hunters and seasoned professionals. Many claimed to capture strange voices on recording devices or witness unexplainable phenomena, such as objects moving or cold spots appearing in various parts of the house.
One particularly well-known investigation occurred in 2001 when a team of paranormal experts conducted an overnight stay in the house. They reported several eerie occurrences, including footsteps in empty rooms, sudden temperature drops, and the unexplained flickering of lights. Their findings only fueled the local legend of the Twiss Road curse.
A Final Tragedy?
In 2015, the house was once again the site of a mysterious death. A 45-year-old man who had been renting the property was found dead in his bedroom, with no apparent cause of death. The coroner’s report stated that there were no signs of foul play or natural causes, leaving his death classified as “undetermined.” Neighbors recalled seeing the man just days before his death, describing him as healthy and in good spirits.
This latest death reignited the long-standing belief that something evil resided within 22 Twiss Road. The house has since been abandoned, with no new owners willing to risk living in a place with such a chilling past.
Theories Behind the Deaths
The history of deaths at 22 Twiss Road has left many wondering: Is there a logical explanation for the tragedies, or is the property truly cursed? Some believe the house’s location may be key to its dark history.
One theory suggests that the house was built on land with a violent past, possibly the site of a long-forgotten Native American burial ground. This theory is based on local folklore, which holds that disturbing sacred land can lead to a curse or spiritual unrest. Others speculate that the house itself may be haunted by the spirits of the Twiss family, seeking vengeance or resolution for their untimely deaths.
Skeptics, on the other hand, argue that the string of deaths is merely coincidental, pointing out that tragic accidents and illnesses happen in all places. However, the sheer number of unexplained deaths at this particular location continues to raise questions.
Final Thoughts
The tragic history of 22 Twiss Road, Orleans, MA, defies easy explanation. From the mysterious deaths of the Twiss family to the eerie occurrences reported by later residents, this property has become synonymous with death and despair. Whether the result of a curse, paranormal activity, or mere coincidence, the events surrounding 22 Twiss Road have left an indelible mark on Orleans.
The house remains abandoned, a haunting reminder of the lives lost within its walls. As time passes, will more answers emerge, or will the mystery of 22 Twiss Road deepen?
FAQs:
- Is 22 Twiss Road still inhabited?
- No, the property has remained abandoned since the death of its last resident in 2015.
- Is there any proof of paranormal activity at 22 Twiss Road?
- While many paranormal investigators have reported strange occurrences, there is no definitive proof of supernatural forces at work.
- What do locals think about the house?
- Many locals avoid the property due to its dark history and rumors of hauntings. Some believe it to be cursed, while others are skeptical.
- Has anyone tried to sell the property?
- Attempts to sell the house have failed, as its reputation makes it difficult to find buyers.
