The Green Lantern Inn

The Green Lantern Inn began its existence as the Henry DeLand House, constructed between 1874 and 1876 in Fairport, New York, as the residence of Henry Addison DeLand, a prominent industrial entrepreneur and chemical manufacturer. DeLand achieved significant wealth and prominence through his development and commercialization of baking soda production and distribution, becoming one of the major industrial manufacturers of the nineteenth century. His chemical manufacturing business established operations in the Fairport region, taking advantage of the area's location near transportation routes and water resources essential for industrial production. DeLand's success in the chemical industry allowed him to commission the construction of an impressive residence befitting his elevated social and economic status within the community. The house reflects Victorian-era architectural preferences with design elements appropriate to an industrialist's residence in upstate New York.

Henry Addison DeLand occupied the residence during the late nineteenth century, establishing it as his primary family home and as a reflection of his business success and social position. DeLand's life was substantially shaped by his industrial enterprises, which required constant attention and innovation to maintain competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving chemical manufacturing industry. The residence served as both a private family sanctuary and potentially as a venue for business-related social gatherings that would have reinforced DeLand's social and professional networks. Historical records suggest DeLand lived in the house for an extended period, establishing deep personal connections to the property and creating the emotional attachments that often manifest as paranormal presence after death. Following DeLand's death, the house eventually transitioned to other ownership and uses, losing its identity as the DeLand family residence.

In 1925, the property was converted to use as the Green Lantern Inn, a commercial lodging and dining establishment that capitalized on the building's architectural character and historical significance. The conversion to commercial hospitality use required substantial interior modifications including installation of kitchen facilities, dining room equipment, and bedroom furnishings suitable for hotel operations. The inn developed a reputation as a gathering place for the Fairport community and a destination for travelers and visitors to the region. The inn's period of operation coincided with Prohibition, the period of federal alcohol prohibition affecting the United States from 1920 to 1933. Historical accounts indicate that the Green Lantern Inn maintained availability of alcoholic beverages during this period through operation of a hidden speakeasy established in a loft space.

The Green Lantern Inn is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Henry Addison DeLand, the original builder and resident of the property who may have been unable or unwilling to depart the location he so significantly shaped and occupied. Paranormal activity attributed to Henry DeLand includes apparitions observed in various locations throughout the building, disembodied voices emanating from empty rooms, strange light phenomena including unexplained illuminations and shadow figures, and various unexplained sounds suggesting continued occupancy by an unseen resident. The nature of DeLand's paranormal presence suggests emotional attachment to the property he created and occupied, potentially complicated by his possible awareness of the subsequent uses and alterations made to his former residence.