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Shocktober: A Little Too at Home

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Snuggled into the base of the Hollywood Hills near Franklin Avenue is 1822 Camino Palmero Street. Known more commonly among American television viewers as 822 Sycamore Road, this gray-shingled colonial home was the actual home of the Nelson family, who invited millions of viewers into their quiet residential palace every week during "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." The charming title couple and their sons, David and Ricky, became synonymous with American domestic life in the '50s—so much so that they continue to be part of the vernacular of popular culture 50 years later.

And, as it turns out, Ozzie continues to be part of the home he lived in for 25 years. Hidden now behind an iron gate and foliage, the Nelson's former abode is purportedly still harboring the spirit of the man who made it famous. During his life, the cheerful patriarch ate right, exercised and abstained from smoking and drinking, striving to be healthy. Unfortunately, Ozzie was diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away at age 68, too soon to even see his grandchildren grow up.

Since then, numerous sightings of Ozzie Nelson have been reported in the house by a variety of people:

• Mr. Nelson's family reported seeing his somber apparition walking around the house and loitering near his favorite spots.

• New owners purchased the house in 1975. Soon after they moved in, reports of strange events began: mysterious footsteps in empty rooms, faucets and lights with minds of their own, and doors opening and closing at will. A woman living in the house felt, on several occasions, a strong, loving presence beside her in bed.

• Nearly twenty years later, in 1994, a painter working in the house complained of hearing footsteps. On one occasion, while painting, the painter observed a white, misty form floating next to him, as though inspecting his work.

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