In Helsinki, a Fire Captain’s Favorite Stone Is Linked to Nocturnal Mischief

A rough block of reddish granite in central Helsinki has become the focus of a long-running ghost story at The Burgher’s Home, the city’s oldest surviving wooden house. The stone once served as the preferred seat of Alexander Wickholm, a fire captain whose Finnish title, ruiskumestari, translates literally as “hose master.” Wickholm reportedly smoked his pipe there while watching over the courtyard. He died in 1896. Nearly 30 years later, in 1923, Wickholm’s granddaughter Martta arranged for the stone to be moved to a cemetery across town, near his grave. According to the legend reported by Atlas Obscura, the house soon became the scene of repeated disturbances. Tenants described banging around the attic stairs and shutters that appeared to slam shut at night. Several residents reportedly left because of the activity. The disturbances were said to end only after the stone was transported back to its original place in the courtyard. It remains there today, set low in the gravel with a flat surface that can still function as a seat. The property now operates as a small museum, but the stories surrounding Wickholm have not entirely disappeared. Museum staff say unusual activity returned after a 2021 account of the house described the former fire captain as “grumpy.” Since then, they have occasionally found rugs twisted, an old flatiron facing the wrong direction, and kitchen utensils moved during the night. These incidents are presented as staff reports and local legend rather than confirmed evidence of paranormal activity. Still, the account has made Wickholm’s stone one of the more unusual features of the historic house. A guide who leads visitors through the courtyard reportedly says she would not spend the night there. The stone, meanwhile, has stayed in place since its return. According to the story, Wickholm’s ghost remains there too—still occupying his old perch with a pipe in hand.