Gilbert Hitchcock House Blood Tests Booking

Ever heard of a house that's a bit... thirsty? Like, really thirsty? I'm talking about the Gilbert Hitchcock House, a quirky old gal in Rhode Island that's got a peculiar craving - for your blood. No, it's not a vampire, don't worry! It's just got a unique history that's made it a bit of a local legend.

So, What's the Deal with This Blood-Thirsty House?

The Gilbert Hitchcock House, built in the 1700s, is no ordinary home. It's got a secret room, hidden behind a bookshelf, that's caused quite a stir. Why? Because it's filled with... blood. Yep, you read that right. But before you start imagining some creepy, horror movie scene, let me stop you right there.

It's All About the Medicine

This isn't a case of some spooky entity draining the life out of unsuspecting victims. No, no, no. It's all about the medicine. You see, the house was once home to Dr. John Brown, a physician who had a bit of a side hustle. He was also a bit of an entrepreneur, selling his own patent medicine - a concoction that, according to him, could cure just about anything.

Now, here's where it gets a bit... weird. Dr. Brown's medicine was made from a base of... wait for it... ox blood. Yes, you heard it right. Ox blood. It was a popular ingredient in patent medicines back in the day, believed to have all sorts of healing properties. Gross? Maybe. Effective? Well, that's up for debate.

But Why the Secret Room?

So, why the secret room? Well, it seems Dr. Brown was a bit of a showman. He'd give tours of his house, showing off his medical equipment and his patent medicine. But he didn't want just anyone poking around his little blood-making operation. Hence, the secret room, hidden behind a bookshelf. It was his little blood lab, where he'd mix up his concoctions in private.

And the Blood Tests?

Now, you might be wondering about the 'blood tests' part of the title. Well, that's just a bit of local lore. Some say that Dr. Brown would conduct blood tests in his secret room, using the blood to diagnose illnesses. But there's no real evidence to support that. It's just a fun little story that's added to the house's mystique.

Can I Visit?

So, can you visit this blood-thirsty house? Well, it's not open to the public, but you can catch a glimpse of it from the outside. It's located in the historic village of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and it's well worth a look if you're in the area. Just don't go knocking on the door, asking for a blood sample. The current owners might not take too kindly to that!

But Why Is It Fun to Talk About?

So, why is the Gilbert Hitchcock House such a fun topic? Well, it's all about the quirkiness, the history, and the hint of the mysterious. It's a reminder that even in the most ordinary of places, there can be extraordinary stories. And who knows? Maybe there's a bit of a showman in all of us, just waiting to reveal a secret room or two.

So, next time you're in Rhode Island, keep an eye out for the Gilbert Hitchcock House. You never know what you might find hidden behind a bookshelf. Just remember to leave your blood at home. The house has had its fill, thank you very much!