Tony Caseletta & Old Brunswick Inn
Tony Caseletta & Old Brunswick Inn
Liz Fuller, Southport Historical Society
The Old Brunswick Inn, currently a private home, is located on the corner of Bay and Atlantic (across the street from the Walker-Pyke house). Like many old Southern homes, the Brunswick Inn is said to be inhabited by a ghost. It is said that while the body of Tony Caseletta lies buried in Old Smithville Burying Ground, his spirit resides at the Inn.
Tony is said to be a friendly spirit who contents himself with hiding hairbrushes, jewelry, or other small items and occasionally slamming shut an open window. Those who are lucky hear him play a few strands of harp music in the middle of a moonlit night.
In life, Tony was a musician. He played the harp for guests at the Brunswick Inn while they danced in the adjoining ballroom. One night in 1882, following dinner, the 20-year-old harpist decided to go for a sail on the river. He kissed his bride and their infant son goodbye and then joined a few friends on a small boat that was “frequently used by pleasure parties at Smithville.” The boat was ballasted with iron. When a problem arose with letting go of the sails, the boat capsized, and the heavy iron caused it to sink directly to the bottom of the river, “nearly opposite the hotel and but a short distance from the shore.”
Some say that Tony’s presence continues to reside at the Inn because he was simply too much in love – with his wife, his child, his music, and with life itself, to let it all go so soon. Instead, he lingers on at this beautiful spot on the Cape Fear, playing his music and reliving his happiest days.
The Old Brunswick Inn, 301 E. Bay St., is now a private residence, but you can still wave at Tony as you pass by!
