Newport Naval Base, Coasters Harbor Island

From 1980 to 1984, my father was stationed in Newport, RI and we resided in officer's quarters on Coasters Harbor Island. There were only a few houses on this small island, which also included the War College, Officer's barracks, gym, marina, library, and officers club. I was 10 (to 14) years old at the time and was the only child at home as my two older siblings were away in college. I don't know any history of the house we lived in - it was "Quarters H" on Bainbridge Road; a duplex at the end of the row of houses. It was a two-story home (also, with a basement), had steam heat, and appeared fairly old - again, I am not sure of the age or history. My room was on the second floor facing north and east.

I had several unexplained sightings at the house - all in my bedroom and all at night. The first sighting I had was about a year into our stay. I woke during the night and kneeling at the foot of my bed was an old lady that was resting her head on her arms on my bed. She looked to be over 80 years, white hair pulled into a bun, and wearing a long white dress. When I woke and sat up in my bed, I remember being so scared, but not able to say anything. And as I sat up, she stayed kneeling but lifted her head to look at me. I moved my legs away from her and screamed, which caused her to stand, turn away from me and move away from the bed towards my closet. My scream caused my mother to come into my room and upon her entrance, the lady was gone. I explained what had happened to my mother, who suggested that I was dreaming.

Later (not sure how many weeks or months had passed), I woke again in the night to find the same lady standing in my room. She was positioned on the far side of the room - again, near my closet - but looking over at me as I laid in bed. I sat up in bed and looked at her - trying to figure out if I was dreaming or not. She looked exactly the same - old, white hair pulled back, and wearing a flowing white dress - something from the 1800's. She didn't move or sway, but rather stood there looking at me. One thing that has stuck with me all these years, was that one of her hands was holding a white cloth. I didn't see it in the previous encounter, but this time it was very noticeable. As before, I screamed and again, my mother came into my room to comfort me. I don't recall what happened to the lady after I screamed, I just know that she was gone when my mother entered. The next morning, my mother asked me to explain what I had seen (I think she asked what I "dreamed about") and I shared the aforementioned. I also connected the lady to the first encounter. My mother did not react either way, but stood her ground that I was dreaming.

The strangest situation happened one night in 1982. It was a school night and my parents had put me to bed - I assume around 8:30 pm. I was a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan and they were playing the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Championship. I presume the game was in Los Angeles and therefore, I was missing it by going to be at that time. I had a radio in my room, so after my parents left the room, I would turn it on very low and listen to the game. That night, my father caught me listening to the game and directed me to turn it off and go to sleep. The second time, my mother (who was the disciplinarian) came in the room and threatened me with restriction if I didn't turn it off and go to bed. Being a 12 year old and a significant fan of the Lakers, I took the risk and again, turned it on. This time, for whatever reason, the station was all static. I hadn't had that problem all night and don't recall ever not being able to tune into the channel. But, regardless what I did with the antenna or turning the dial, I couldn't get a signal to listen to the game. I recall having a restless night of sleep waiting to find out the next morning, who won the game.

I had several more encounters after these - all in my room and all at night. In these, the lady was always kneeling at the foot of my bed, but I never saw her rise or move again. She just seemed to be overlooking me, as if I was ill or injured.

I mentioned this up to my parents recently and my mother does recall these incidents, but nothing of detail. She mentioned as well, hearing noises from time to time when she was home alone. She thought that someone was walking around upstairs, but wrote it off to the sounds of the radiators or the creaking of an old house.

I have tried to find out if any other occupiers of Quarters H on Coasters Harbor Island ever experienced what I did, but the military was of little help. In a visit to Newport about five years ago, I was able to visit the base and went by the house to speak with the current tenants to ask if they had any experiences. But unfortunately, the house was vacant (between tenants) and I couldn't validate my experiences.

I have read some additional posts in this forum that cite various experiences at the old Naval Hospital and the War College, and I am hoping that someone may come across my post and have some similar experience or know more about this house and the experiences therein. I have always been a skeptic, but what I experienced felt incredibly real and at the very least, makes me want to know more. If you have any info, thoughts, or stories, please let me know.

Thanks,

Chris