Oak bluffs is a charming picturesque seaside community. It is 1 of the 3 "down island " towns. In the 1880's, it was referred to as Cottage City. Because of its popularity, the name was changed to Oak Bluffs in 1907. Originally, the Campground was situated in a grove of towering oak trees. Appreciating the beauty of the environment, the Methodists flocked to this tranquil area and set up tents. The grove became home to their many religious retreats. Shortly thereafter, the tents were replaced by many charming, elaborately decorated wooden cottages which still stand today delighting all who explore the winding paths and Victorian flavor of yesteryear.
During the daylight hours, these cottages are a feast to the eyes with their shocking array of colors and bright overflowing windowboxes. The evening however, casts a totally different almost eerie feeling of mystery and anticipation. Winding paths are engulfed with shadowing trees and the soft glow of interior lights seem to entice passerbys to peek in for a glimpse of days gone by.The M.A.P.S. team was fortunate to experience first hand some of the ghostly happenings in one of these cottages. What began as a few days of fun in the sun on the Vineyard evolved into a series of unexplainable events.
Upon arrival, we began organizing the kitchen which still housed a beautiful old soapstone sink. It was on our first day that members of the team noticed the disappearance of a spice bottle which had been placed on the shelf with other spices. Also, on more than one occasion, upon opening the cabinet door a box of chocolate chip cookies seemed to move to the front of the cabinet almost pressing against the door. We didn't think much about this although we did check for vibrations from the door being closed and came up with no good reason for this to occur. At this time, we dismissed this ...after all, we were on vacation. That evening, while watching television, four people witnessed the downstairs bedroom door open by itself. The following evening at a different time, the door opened once again.