The house is named for its original owner, John McConaughy, who founded the first scheduled passenger and freight service in San Diego County. His four-horse passenger stage and six-horse wagon operated between San Diego and Julian.
Today, the McConaughy house is home to the Coral Tree Tea House and Old Town Gift Emporium. The spirits of Mary and John McConaughy and at least one of their sons are still very active. According to the current occupants, things are always mysteriously moving around on the first floor.
The most common occurrences are attributed to Mary, who keeps close tabs on what goes on inside the house. Her benevolent energy will often rearrange merchandise as well as toy with the electricity.
Although actual sightings are infrequent, most of the employees sense that an active spirit is at work. Mary seems to love testing the patience of the staffers as she constantly toys with the cash register and display cases. Unbeknownst to logic... the register has reportedly operated on its own and display lights mysteriously turn on even when the cabinets are unplugged.
To those sensitive souls that visit the house, many report that there is a constant feeling of being watched by a female presence as they wander through the gift shop. The guests describe this feeling as being “feminine and protective.”
Although the upstairs is closed off to the public and is used for office space, John has made his presence known as well. His restless spirit and heavy footsteps can be heard echoing downstairs when the upstairs area is devoid of people.
A recent preliminary investigation of the house by psychic Ginnie McGovern, members of the International Paranormal Research Organization (IPRO) and the San Diego Ghost Hunters reported some interesting results when they were allowed to roam freely inside. The group heard a woman’s voice coming from a deserted hallway and then heard clicking and shuffling sounds that seem to surround them, but no one could find the source. Several photographs taken in the house produced orbs.