12 Gay Street

The historic brick townhouse on 12 Gay Street dates back to 1827. Over years it has been a home to New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker and Howdy Doody puppet-designer Frank Paris. It was also a speakeasy named Pirate’s Den during Prohibition. Though the spook’s identity is unknown, many visitors and former residents say that the building is haunted. Floor boards have been known to creek late at night, even when no one is walking on them, the apparition of a man in a top hat has been seen through the windows. Some say that the apparition is the spirit of Jimmy Walker.