Built in 1990, the Harvey Public Library is sitting on a secret. But shh! What is it? Before the library was erected, the gruesome murder of Sophia Schmidt Eberlein took place on its grounds. Now her spirit haunts the library causing mischief and mayhem. Buy some merch and support the podcast! https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com/shop Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to contact@crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes SOURCES: Admits Burning to Death His Wife in Family Auto. (1931, October 6). The Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 6. Admits Killing Wife. (1931, October 6). The Nebraska State Journal, 16. Confesses to Wife Murder. (1931, October 5). The Bismarck Tribune, 1. Confession Text Given to Public. (1931, October 6). The Bismarck Tribune, 1. Front Page Sophia (Eberlein) Bentz Slaying 1931. No. 2. (1931, October 6). The Bismarck Tribune, 1. Harvey Man Sent to Prison After Confessing. (1931, October 6). The Bismarck Tribune, 3. Harvey Man Sent to Prison After Confessing Crime: Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder in District Court Here. (1931, October 6). The Bismarck Tribune, 1. Harvey, N.D., library haunted? Library workers wonder | Grand Forks Herald. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/2111894-harvey-nd-library-haunted-library-workers-wonder Jacob Bentz | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://murderpedia.org/male.B/b/bentz-jacob.htm Schlichenmayer, J. (n.d.). Harvey Public Library. Haunted Places. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/harvey-public-library/ Sophia Eberlein. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sophia_Eberlein&oldid=1002744630 Sophia Schmidt Eberlein (1889-1931)—Find A Grave Memorial. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176609079/sophia-eberlein Three Persons are Victims of Fatal Mishaps in State. (1931, October 2). The Bismarck Tribune, 1. Void, T. V. before the. (2016, October 18). Sophie, the Ghost of Harvey, North Dakota: Interview with Carolyn Feickert at the Harvey Public Library, and “Sophie’s Legend Lingers in Harvey Library” from Dakota Mysteries and Oddities by William Jackson. The Voice before the Void: Arcana, Story, Poetry. https://www.thevoicebeforethevoid.net/sophie-the-ghost-of-harvey-north-dakota-interview-with-carolyn-feickert-at-the-harvey-public-library-and-sophies-legend-lingers-in-harvey-library-from-dakota-mysteries-and-oddities-by-willia/
In Jamestown, New York lies a mysterious stone statue of a woman encased in glass...some say it's not only a statue, but her corpse lies within it. Who was she? Why is she trapped in a prison of glass? Her name was Grace Galloway but how she got there is not so easy to answer. Buy some merch and support the podcast! https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com/shop Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to contact@crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes SOURCES: 3 Nov 1898, Page 10—The Pittsburgh Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). Newspapers.Com. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from http://www.newspapers.com/image/141841055/?terms=Grace%20Galloway&match=1 11 Nov 1898, 9—Telegraph-Forum at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). Newspapers.Com. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from http://www.newspapers.com/image/600943251/?terms=Grace%20AND%20Galloway&match=1 Ancestry.com—New York, U.S., State Censuses, 1880, 1892, 1905. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8940/images/NYV14_274-0434?usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA441&usePUBJs=true&pId=259566 Grace Galloway. (n.d.-a). Fenton History Center. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://fentonhistorycenter.org/grace-galloway/ Grace Galloway – Prendergast Library. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.prendergastlibrary.org/grace-galloway/ Grace Galloway: The Lady In The Glass Case. (n.d.-b). Planet Today News. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://www.planet-today.com/2020/05/grace-galloway-lady-in-glass-case.html Grace Lavern Galloway—LifeStory. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/74694345/person/272207806195/story Grace Laverne Galloway (1871-1898)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7717018/grace-laverne-galloway Kirst, S. (n.d.). Sean Kirst: Legend of “Lady in the glass case” begins with singer who died too young. The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://buffalonews.com/opinion/columnists/sean-kirst-legend-of-lady-in-the-glass-case-begins-with-singer-who-died-too/article_12f4ddca-0927-5f88-b9ba-aea2c4b11353.html\ Pennsylvaniarambler. (2020, March 15). Grace Galloway: The Lady in Glass. The Pennsylvania Rambler. https://thepennsylvaniarambler.com/2020/03/15/grace-galloway-the-lady-in-glass/ Snapshot. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://www.newspapers.com/image/600943251/?terms=Grace%20AND%20Galloway&match=1 The true story behind Jamestown’s haunting Lady in Glass. (n.d.). The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://buffalonews.com/multimedia/the-true-story-behind-jamestowns-haunting-lady-in-glass/collection_45149d71-cf6f-560b-976a-31be975c071f.html Transcript: Hello, and welcome to Crimes and Witch Demeanors, the paranormal podcast where we go beyond the Wikipedia page and delve into historic and primary sources to find the truth behind your favorite ghostly tales. I’m your host and loveable librarian – Joshua Spellman. Welcome back, by the time this is airing it’s officially fall and I couldn’t be more excited to break out my layers! But if I’m being honest – I think I’m a little bit more excited for today’s episode. There are so many versions of this story it’s hard to find out which is the definitive one and the thing that’s crazy is that they’re all so different! Like…so…different. I did my best to include them all but I think you’re going to love today’s ghost story. It’s the quintessential thing that local legends are made of but unique in such an oddly beautiful way. Today we’re not straying far from where I am now and venturing down to the quaint hometown of Lucille Ball…Jamestown and no, we’re not talking Lucy’s ghost here, we’re talking about one she would have heard legends of growing up and one that she is buried with…the Lady in Glass. Five young kids drove in the dark. Their fear and anticipation had left them silent; unsure of what the night would bring. They bumped and bounced along the ill maintained roads until the headlights of the old Chevy Malibu pierced the hazy night, highlighting the large stone sign declaring their destination: “Lakeview Cemetery” “We’re here” Cyndi, the oldest, and the driver said in an almost whisper, parking the car a little down the road as to not raise suspicion. Jack, the youngest at only 8 years old, and Cyndi’s brother, let out a small whimper that he hoped the others didn’t hear. “Oh shut up, twerp” Cyndi said, turning off the lights, and climbing out of the car and lightly closing the door behind her. The others followed: Jack’s two friends, Riley, the girl he had a crush on, Dane, his best friend, and Corey, Cyndi’s boyfriend. “Thanks for driving us” Dane said. The other muttered their thanks too before Corey motioned them to be quiet, and waving them to follow him. The five kids walked a little ways through the woods before hopping over a low stone wall and into the cemetery. Corey passed a flashlight to Jack and another to Dane before whispering “Well, we all know why we’re here, right?” he asked. They looked at each other, nodding, some more assuredly than others. “It’s the anniversary of her death” Corey continued “The Lady in Glass. All the way back in in 1898 Grace Galloway was to be wed. She was beautiful and came from a wealthy family. She was an heiress like Paris Hilton or something and the man she was marrying was carefully chosen by her father. But she was in love with someone else. Grace had been having a secret affair with her chauffer and couldn’t bring herself to marry a man she didn’t love. On the night of her wedding, as she was pleading with her lover who had decided to leave. He had decided it was best she marry and live a happy life where she would be provided for. She was heartbroken but decided to carry on. But when it came time for the wedding…her fiancé never showed. It turned out he had overheard her conversation with her chauffer and left Grace at the altar. With her heart broken by not only one, but by two men that left her, Grace died of a broken heart. This monument” Corey paused, shining the light dramatically behind the group, lighting up a beautifully eerie scene: behind them was a large stone pedestal, and atop it was an incredibly lifelike statue of a woman, encased completely in glass, “This monument” Corey continued “was made. But something strange began to happen. Some nights the statue would be missing from its stand and would wander the cemetery crying out for her lost love. Because of this they had to put glass around it to keep it from wandering off, but her spirit can still be seen wandering the grounds…and if you see the monument without the statue in it…beware…” “Wait wait wait” said Cyndi “that’s not how the story goes. First of all, Grace died the night before her wedding when she fell of a party boat into lake Chautauqua and that’s not any old statue. The reason it looks so lifelike is because her body is actually encased inside.” “Well,” Riley started “I heard she actually made it to the altar but she was stung by a bee. She was allergic and she dropped dead right there in her wedding dress – that’s why she’s wearing it!” “Okay…you’re all wrong” Dane said defiantly, “she died on her prom night when her and her date crashed their car.” “Well…” Jack started pointing at the stone “she was a little old for a prom date…” He was right, the stone read October 5, 1871 – November 2, 1898. “Oh…maybe I am wrong” said Dane. “Anyway…” Jack continued “I heard that after her fiancée left her at the altar that she was so heartbroken that she literally turned to stone and her body isn’t just inside the statue…it is the statue.” They all stared at it in awe. It really was so lifelike, down to the details in the lace of her dress, it did almost look alive. “Well,” said Cyndi “I’m going to go over to Lucy’s grave with Corey” she said with what could only be the look of teenage love in her eyes “We’ll be back to get you” As the older kids walked off, the three young ones sat there. They could see their breath in the November air. They shivered a little and decided to play a game of hide and seek. They only had one flashlight with them and it was decided Jack would keep it since he was “it”. They walked aways from the Lady in Glass before Riley and Dane spun Jack around a few times as he began to count “30, 29, 28” they thought it would be funny to hide back in the car and let Jack wander around for a bit “3, 2, 1!” Jack said, opening his eyes. He stumbled around a bit, still pretty dizzy. He shone his flashlight around “Ready or not, here I come!” Jack began to look around the cemetery; peeking behind headstone and looking in bushes but he couldn’t find his friends. He heard a laugh in the distance…his sister, clearly having some quality time with her boyfriend. Jack kept searching. Eventually he circled back around to where they had begun. His flashlight scanned the ground and he began to track the beam up the monument but a sound behind him startled him. Thinking it was Dane or Riley…he followed. But what he didn’t notice was that if he had shone his light just a touch higher…the glass case was empty. “I hear you!” she shouted futilely into the night “You can come out now!” but there was nothing there. He saw a shadow dart behind a large oak tree and what sounded like the giggle of a girl. “Riley! I know you’re there!” he shouted, nervously coming closer “you can come out!” But as he approached the tree the laughing sounded more like
Filled to the brim with scandal, murder, and historic characters ranging from Queen Victoria to Thomas Edison to Wyatt Earp, the history behind the Golden Gate Villa is nothing to scoff at. In 1907 Santa Cruz was served a salacious historic scandal resulting in a horrific tragedy...leaving the house rumored to be haunted in its wake. Buy some merch and support the podcast! https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com/shop Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to contact@crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes SOURCES: 7 Dec 1907, Page 1—Santa Cruz Evening News at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). Newspapers.Com. Retrieved September 14, 2021, from http://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=4203848&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjU1Mzc5MDMzLCJpYXQiOjE2MzE2MjAzMTAsImV4cCI6MTYzMTcwNjcxMH0.RvcF17nCqc3CPgInOgE9pYOuOODX01oAtIjpmA0sC0A Clipped From Oroville Daily Register. (1907, November 18). Oroville Daily Register, 1. Dormanen, S. (n.d.). The Golden Gate Villa. Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Retrieved September 10, 2021, from https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/files/original/dac12ae750afce922632b1d9a1f17930.pdf Frank McLaughlin Kills Daughter and Himself at Santa Cruz: Bullet and Poison Used. (1907, November 17). The San Francisco Call, 17–18. Golden Gate Villa. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_Gate_Villa&oldid=1023021509 Metroactive Features | The Haunting of Santa Cruz. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2021, from http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/10.29.03/haunting-0344.html Poverty Pitiful at the End. (1907, November 19). Santa Cruz Sentinel, 2. Sweet House Dreams: Golden Gate Villa, 1891 Queen Anne Victorian in Santa Cruz, California. (n.d.). Sweet House Dreams. Retrieved September 10, 2021, from http://sweethousedreams.blogspot.com/2018/06/golden-gate-villa-1891-queen-anne.html Tom Brezsny. (2012, October 18). Golden Gate Villa—924 Third Street Santa Cruz California—Lavishly ornamented victorian. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jd72cnY_6E Transcript: Hello, and welcome to Crimes and Witch Demeanors, the paranormal podcast where we go beyond the Wikipedia page and delve into historic sources to find the truth behind your favorite ghostly tales. I’m your host and loveable librarian – Joshua Spellman. Today we have a very exciting ghost story filled to the brim with scandal, murder, and historic characters ranging from Thomas Edison to Wyatt Earp the outlaw but even these prominent figure are obscured by today’s ghostly tale. Trust me, it’s juicy, and we have all the gossipy progressive-era tabloids to prove it. And boy, are some of these newspapers gorgeous, so make sure to check them out on the podcast Instagram. Also thank you to everyone who purchased some merch from the shop! You are true bibli-ahh-graphers! If you want to support the podcast please go ahead and grab something for youself, crimesandwitchdemeanors.com link in the description! So, anyway, you’re here for the salacious historic scandal and the modern haunts that resulted from it. So put on your sunnies, grab a parasol, we’re headed to Santa Cruz and learning the legend behind the Golden Gate Villa and the tragedy that transpired there… Considered one of the most historically significant homes in all of California, Golden Gate villa is perched atop Santa Cruz’s historic Beach Hill neighborhood. It’s face is painted a buttery gold with a bright orchid trim; cheerful colors that belie it’s dark and twisted past. Major Frank McLaughlin was born sometime around 1840. During his early career he served on the police force in Newark, New Jersey and developed a life-long friendship with esteemed inventor Thomas Edison. He fought with Union forces briefly during the Civil War, but his stint was brief and it’s unlikely this is where he earned his military title. Instead, it is thought he achieved it from his later activity with the California state militia. McLaughlin became an engineer on the Pacific Railroad, helping to lay tracks across the plains and the Wild West. In the Wild West he earned quite the reputation, known as “one of the quickest men on the frontier” and was one of only a handful of men to ever challenge Wyatt Earp and live to tell the tale. In 1877, McLaughlin returned to the East coast where he began to court a New Jersey widow by the name of Margaret Loomis. During this period Thomas Edison was developing the incandescent light bulb but ran into trouble finding a dependable source of platinum to use as filaments. Without this precious metal, he would not be able to market his invention. McLaughlin suggested that Edison source from the Feather River in California, as McLaughlin heard that there had been a find there. Upon this suggestion, Edison commissioned McLaughlin to head out west and prospect for the mineral. Before he did so, McLaughlin married Margaret Loomis and adopted her young daughter Agnes. Like with most of his endeavors, McLaughlin went all-in. It was said that he "never settled for the petite when the mammoth was available" and his exploits in Butte county were no exception. He soon earned the title “King of Feather” for his domination of the river where his sights quickly turned from platinum to gold. He soon began to make a fortune, but he was smart never to invest his own money – instead he organized companies he would manage giving himself a hefty salary. During this time McLaughlin commissioned San Francisco architect Thomas J. Welsh to design a home for Margaret and Agnes to escape the brutal summer heat. McLaughlin instructed Welsh to "spare no expense in making Golden Gate Villa the showplace of Santa Cruz” – and that he did. The mansion was named the after Golden Gate Mining Company, which managed the operations back in Feather, and provided all the funds for his lavish home. Naturally, being friends with Thomas Edison, the home was outfitted with the newest luxury available – electricity. The home was magnificent and the McLaughlin’s hosted many events including costume parties, magic shows, musicals, fireworks displays, and the first moving picture ever shown in Santa Cruz. Agnes became a figure of note in the local community and was pronounced as “indescribably pretty”, a “petite beauty with rose leaf complexion”, and as the “ideal American girl” by a number of publications. Perhaps it’s no wonder the focal piece of the Golden Gate Villa is a gigantic stained glass portrait of a young woman reaching to pick an apple blossomed branch. Rumour has it that McLaughlin cut some of Agnes’ hair to be mixed in with the color of the glass. Despite Agnes’s earthly beauty and love of parties and extravagance, she regularly attended mass with her dog…who she often sprayed with expensive cologne. Agnes had never married, though she almost did once. She was engaged to a man named Sam Rucker, and while the invitations to the ceremony were sent nothing ever came of it. While the McLaughlin women lived in luxury in Santa Cruz, McLaughlin was busy with various endeavors: From olive orchards to orange groves, to a 9-mile tunnel at Big Bend, a 30-mile flume for the hydraulic mine, and funding development in the area, McLaughlin was quickly amassing a fortune. However, his biggest endeavor was to divert the water of the Feather so that gold could be mined from the river bed. Receiving letters of recommendation from Thomas Edison, the governor, and two California state senators, McLaughlin travelled to London to try and secure investors. He was charming, as usual, and made such an impression that the newspapers declared that “Not since Benjamin Franklin had an American made such an impression on English society” McLaughlin seemed to have luck in all of his projects and this trip was no different – due to a misunderstanding he came home with $12 million in funds…a great deal more than he planned or ever dare thought to get. However, the project itself would not see the same luck. The project took four years to complete the end resulting in a 7,000 foot long canal and a retaining wall twelve feet wide and twenty feet high. It became one of the greatest mining feats of the era and Thomas Edison, McLaughlin’s chum, provided the first electric lights ever to be used on a construction site as the workers labored all hours of the day. When the water was diverted and the riverbed dry, McLaughlin was the first to take his shovel to the dirt. While he struck gold in London, much like the river, this project would soon run dry. McLaughlin was sure that he would make a 100 million return on the initial 12 million invested but the project ended in catastrophe. Instead of hitting gold, he hit bankruptcy. All they found were small gold nuggets, old rusty picks, and buckets. It turns out that McLaughlin was 50 years too late. Half a century earlier, 49ers diverted the same river with a simple wooden flume, exhausting all the gold in the area and walking away with a fortune. The locals of the area knew this, and knew that McLaughlin’s project was doomed from the start but decided to keep it a secret to watch the man go down in flames. Like his previous project, McLaughlin declined to invest any of his own money, and upon learning this, the English investors were furious. They found out that McLaughlin had lost no money at all, and was paying himself a generous salary. Queen Victoria herself launched an investigation and sent Scotland Yard to investigate. However, when the agent arrived, he was scared off by McLaughlin who wasn’t afraid to wave his pistol about…he did survive
What does a persistent blood stain, wisteria, and freshly baked bread have in common? Located in the heart of Germantown in Philadelphia, Grumblethorpe, a historic home and garden, is haunted by ghosts and boasts an incredibly rich history. Buy some merch and support the podcast! https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com/shop Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: Glennon, Patrick. n.d. “In Germantown, Slain British General Haunts House Where He Died.” Https://Www.Inquirer.Com. Accessed September 6, 2021. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/opinion/commentary/germantown-british-general-haunts-wister-house-20171027.html. “Grumblethorpe.” 2021. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grumblethorpe&oldid=1025622012. “GRUMBLETHORPE.” n.d. Philalandmarks. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.philalandmarks.org/grumblethorpe. “Grumblethorpe.” n.d. PAHauntedHouses.Com. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.pahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/grumblethorpe.html. “Grumblethorpe | AMERICAN HERITAGE.” n.d. Accessed September 6, 2021. https://www.americanheritage.com/content/grumblethorpe. “Grumblethorpe: Philadelphia’s Seriously Haunted Historic Home.” 2019. Https://The-Line-up.Com. June 20, 2019. https://the-line-up.com/grumblethorpe-haunted. “Historic Germantown.” n.d. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.ushistory.org/germantown/lower/grumblethorpe.htm. “James Agnew (British Army Officer).” 2021. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Agnew_(British_Army_officer)&oldid=1010530410. “John Caspar Wister.” 2021. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Caspar_Wister&oldid=1036504485. Magaraci, Kim. 2017. “The Story Behind Philadelphia’s Most Haunted House Will Give You Nightmares.” OnlyInYourState. October 8, 2017. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/philadelphia/grumblethorpe-philadelphia-pa/. Oordt, Darcy. 2015. Haunted Philadelphia: Famous Phantoms, Sinister Sites, and Lingering Legends. Rowman & Littlefield. “Pursuing Grumblethorpe’s ‘ghosts’ on Walpurgis Night.” n.d. WHYY (blog). Accessed September 2, 2021. https://whyy.org/articles/grumblethorpe/. RAW, DEANE in EDIBLE, FLOWERS, and PLANTS. n.d. “Charles Jones Wister Sr. Archives.” Eat The Weeds and Other Things, Too. Accessed September 5, 2021. http://www.eattheweeds.com/tag/charles-jones-wister-sr/. “Susanin - Grumblethorpe An Historic Landscape Report.Pdf.” n.d. Accessed September 6, 2021. https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1339&context=hp_theses. Susanin, Jay Davidson. n.d. “Grumblethorpe: An Historic Landscape Report,” 422. “Visit Grumblethorpe.” n.d. Visit Philadelphia. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/grumblethorpe/.
New Orleans has been known for its vampires for centuries...but how did these creatures of the night arrive in the New World? Did the Casket Girls bring them in the coffins they carried or were the Casket Girls simply casualties of history? Women, like many before them, who did not fit the mold of society, and therefore transformed into bloodthirsty nocturnal monsters? Tune in and find out! Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: Boomer, Lee. n.d. “The Casket Girls.” Women & the American Story (blog). Accessed August 16, 2021. https://wams.nyhistory.org/settler-colonialism-and-revolution/settler-colonialism/casket-girls/. “Casquette Girl.” 2021. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Casquette_girl&oldid=1034753996. Hallberg, Mary. 2019. “The Mysterious ‘Casket Girls’ of New Orleans.” Mary Hallberg. May 24, 2019. https://www.maryhallbergmedia.com/post/2019/05/24/the-mysterious-casket-girls-of-new-orleans. “History of The Casket Girls in New Orleans.” 2018. GoNOLA.Com. October 16, 2018. https://gonola.com/things-to-do-in-new-orleans/history/the-casket-girls-wives-for-french-new-orleans. “———.” n.d. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://gonola.com/things-to-do-in-new-orleans/history/the-casket-girls-wives-for-french-new-orleans. “NOLA History: The Old Ursuline Convent in the French Quarter.” 2011. GoNOLA.Com. March 30, 2011. https://gonola.com/things-to-do-in-new-orleans/history/nola-history-the-old-ursuline-convent-in-the-french-quarter. “Old Ursuline Convent, New Orleans.” 2021. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Old_Ursuline_Convent,_New_Orleans&oldid=1031517718. “Sign In to Get Started | ID.Spectrum.Net.” n.d. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://id.spectrum.net/login?account_type=RESIDENTIAL&client_id=consumer_portal&code_challenge=-d2G9EUidCmY7CUW-4Mz5adb4CZizh7JX4LMobleY_0&code_challenge_method=S256&exVisitID=18e164dd-4136-4cff-a854-f3cbf97f17c3&nonce=424488954598460711395443678185&redirect_uri=https:%2F%2Fwww.spectrum.net%2Fsign-in-redirect&state=eyJ0YXJnZXRVcmwiOiIvYmlsbGluZy1hbmQtdHJhbnNhY3Rpb25zL3N0YXRlbWVudHMiLCJ4c3JmIjoiYmpSRVUyWnFVRVZ2WTJkRmNHbERkamRTZFhkdVRHRkZPVjl3ZVZSLVdGTkRRa1ItUmxWNU0ySk9UQSIsImlzRGxhIjpmYWxzZX0. “The Casket Girls and Vampires of New Orleans.” 2020. #FolkloreThursday (blog). October 29, 2020. https://folklorethursday.com/urban-folklore/the-casket-girls-and-vampires-of-new-orleans/. “The Truth About the Casket Girls in New Orleans.” n.d. Ghost City Tours. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans/ghost-stories/truth-casket-girls/. “The Ursuline Convent.” 2016. October 12, 2016. http://www.royaltoursneworleans.com/the-ursuline-convent. “Ursuline Convent, New Orleans, Extenstive Historical Content.” n.d. Accessed August 17, 2021. http://www.storyvilledistrictnola.com/ursulines.html.
You've heard of the Amityville Horror, but have you heard of the Sallie House? This small house located in Atchison Kansas is home to the ghost of a young girl who died on the operating table during emergency surgery. Her tormented spirit tortured the Pickman family for years. But who was Sallie? Did she even exist? Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: 1900 United States Federal Census—Ancestry.com. (n.d.-a). Retrieved August 1, 2021, from https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/16447863:7602?ssrc=pt&tid=16562748&pid=1258751851 1900 United States Federal Census—Ancestry.com. (n.d.-b). Retrieved August 1, 2021, from https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/16447863:7602?ssrc=pt&tid=16562748&pid=1258751851 1920 United States Federal Census—Ancestry.com. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2021, from https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/64850810:6061?ssrc=pt&tid=16562748&pid=1258751851 Agnes Marie Finney True (1861-1939)—Find A... (n.d.). Retrieved August 2, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54228452/agnes-marie-true Annie. (2016, July 7). The Story Behind Kansas’s Most Haunted House Will Give You Nightmares. OnlyInYourState. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/sallie-house/ Blog, S. G. (n.d.). Skate Guard: The Curious Case Of Dr. Charles C. Finney. Skate Guard. Retrieved August 3, 2021, from http://skateguard1.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-curious-case-of-dr-charles-c-finney.html Dr Charles C Finney (1865-1947)—Find A Grave Memorial. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54225331/charles-c-finney HAUNTED: The Sallie House | Supernatural with Ashley Flowers Transcripts | Podgist. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2021, from https://www.podgist.com/supernatural/haunted-the-sallie-house/index.html Kansas, U.S., State Census Collection, 1855-1925—Ancestry.com. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2021, from https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=1088&h=8617909&ssrc=pt&tid=16562748&pid=1258751851&usePUB=true Sallie House. (n.d.). Visit Atchison. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from https://visitatchison.com/highlight/sallie-house Sallie House Overnight Stay. (n.d.). Visit Atchison. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from https://visitatchison.com/product/sallie-house-overnight-stay This Little Girl’s House Really IS the Scariest Place in America. (2019, June 1). Rare. https://rare.us/rare-life/sallie-house-kansas-haunted/ UFOTV On Demand. (n.d.). THE SALLIE HOUSE: The Most Haunted House In America - FEATURE. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRhIlgTEWD8&t=56s Why is the Sallie House Haunted. (n.d.). Sallie House. Retrieved August 2, 2021, from https://salliehouse.com/why-is-the-sallie-house-haunted/
Cows say "moo" and the ghosts go "boo!" The "Scary Dairy" and the greater Camarillo State Mental Hospital (currently California State University Channel Islands) is haunted by the tortured spirits of former patients and staff. But...is it really? What really happened there? Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: 11 Oct 1947, 3—Ventura County Star-Free Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/624927503/?terms=%22Camarillo%20State%20Mental%20Hospital%22&pqsid=VWQ31A3o1daW6_nH25PJCg%3A22000%3A1737248379&match=1 14 Sep 1940, 70—Ventura County Star-Free Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/624631016/?terms=%22Camarillo%20State%20Mental%20Hospital%22%20AND%20%22Dairy%22&pqsid=VWQ31A3o1daW6_nH25PJCg%3A244000%3A756358966&match=6 16 Jan 1952, 1—Daily News at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/689899043/?terms=%22Camarillo%20State%20Mental%20Hospital%22&pqsid=VWQ31A3o1daW6_nH25PJCg%3A22000%3A1737248379&match=1 25 Apr 1959, Page 1—Press-Courier at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=13302080&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjMxOTA3OTAwLCJpYXQiOjE2MjYxMzQxMDEsImV4cCI6MTYyNjIyMDUwMX0.BIerX47PcNmfGzQlZPd9AKx0NBDIPRA7EYV0cTT-xMM bananabrownie. (2016, September 3). Is CSUCI Haunted? Any current or former student have any experiences to share? [Reddit Post]. R/Csuci. www.reddit.com/r/csuci/comments/511867/is_csuci_haunted_any_current_or_former_student/ Camarillo State Mental Hospital. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camarillo_State_Mental_Hospital&oldid=1021356215 Camarillo State Mental Hospital – CSU Channel Islands | Haunted Places | Camarillo CA 93012. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/camarillo-state-mental-hospital-csu-channel-islands/ cindynunn. (2017, June 14). Camarillo State Mental Hospital. API Reloaded. https://apireloaded.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/camarillo-state-mental-hospital/ Did You Know... ? The Scary Dairy. (2016, April 28). Totally Local VC. https://www.totallylocalvc.com/dyk-scary-dairy/ Ghost Infested College in Camarillo. (2016, January 10). http://backpackerverse.com/ghost-college-camarillo/ Joe, C. (n.d.). The “Scary Dairy” at CSU Channel Islands University Park in Camarillo. Conejo Valley Guide | Conejo Valley Events. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from https://www.conejovalleyguide.com/welcome/the-scary-dairy-at-csu-channel-islands-university-park-in-ca.html Parzanese, J. (n.d.). Scary Dairy. Weird California. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from http://www.weirdca.com/location.php?location=126 Ralston, S. J. (2020, May 23). Hotel California. Medium. https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/hotel-california-426f07f5bfd8 Scary Dairy. (n.d.). Atlas Obscura. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/scary-dairy The Scary Dairy. (n.d.). CaliforniaHauntedHouses.Com. Retrieved July 11, 2021, from https://www.californiahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/the-scary-dairy.html The Scary Dairy of Camarillo Will Frighten You to the Core. (2016, February 16). http://backpackerverse.com/scary-dairy-camarillo/
Before the Pulse Massacre in 2016, the UpStairs Lounge Arson Attack was deadliest known assault on a gay club in US history. Not only was this a horrific event, killing 32 individuals, the apathy and lack of response by the local community illustrates how far queer liberation has brought us and how much further we need to go. Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: 32 People Died In The UpStairs Lounge Fire In 1973. Why Was It Forgotten? (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2021, from https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019/05/06/upstairs-lounge-fire A Horrific Haunting in New Orleans’ LGBTQ Community: The Upstairs Lounge Arson Fire – Queer Paranormal. (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://moonspenders.com/2018/11/26/a-horrific-haunting-in-new-orleans-lgbtq-community-the-upstairs-lounge-arson-fire/ Dier, C. (2015, June 24). The Upstairs Lounge Fire: The Largest Massacre of Gay People in U.S. History. Chris Dier. https://chrisdier.com/2015/06/24/the-upstairs-lounge-fire-the-largest-massacre-of-gays-in-u-s-history/ Downs, J. (2018, June 22). New Evidence Shows That During the 1973 UpStairs Lounge Arson, Gays Had to Take Rescue Efforts Into Their Own Hands. Slate Magazine. https://slate.com/human-interest/2018/06/upstairs-lounge-arson-evidence-shows-gay-rescue-efforts-amid-official-indifference.html Duplechien. (2016, September 20). Haunted Nation: Jimani Lounge - New Orleans, LA (A Hate Crime for the Ages). Haunted Nation. https://hauntednation.blogspot.com/2016/09/jimani-lounge-new-orleans-la-hate-crime.html Paper Monuments, Perez, F., Lerman, L., & Artist. (n.d.). Arson Attack on the UpStairs Lounge. New Orleans Historical. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from https://neworleanshistorical.org/items/show/1431?tour=91&index=37 Prejudice & Pride: Revisiting the tragic fire that killed 32 in a New Orleans gay bar—YouTube. (2018, June 28). ABC News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPWrK9Pu7Gk says, L. C. (2018, June 20). Fire at the Up Stairs Lounge—Episode #66. Beyond Bourbon Street. http://beyondbourbonst.com/fire-at-the-up-stairs-lounge-episode-66/ The Haunted Jimani Bar in the French Quarter | Ghosts of the Jimani. (n.d.). Ghost City Tours. Retrieved June 21, 2021, from https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans/haunted-places/haunted-restaurants-bars/jimani-bar/ The Upstairs Lounge Fire: The Largest Massacre of Gay People in U.S. History – Chris Dier. (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://chrisdier.com/2015/06/24/the-upstairs-lounge-fire-the-largest-massacre-of-gays-in-u-s-history/ Times-Picayune, M. D., NOLA com |. The. (2018, June 22). ABC releases documentary on anniversary of deadly UpStairs Lounge fire. NOLA.Com. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/movies_tv/article_fc4ff24c-b373-5734-8eb4-ab6cda668771.html Tour | Upstairs Lounge Fire. (n.d.). New Orleans Historical. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from https://neworleanshistorical.org/tours/show/39 UpStairs Lounge arson attack. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UpStairs_Lounge_arson_attack&oldid=1028713492
We're kicking off Pride Month by heading to the gayest town in the USA and investigating the flamboyant ghost of the Rose & Crown Guest House. However, this jolly ghost teaches us an important lesson about life and how to live it. Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: Alice Foley Newspaper Clippings. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2021, from http://www.provincetownhistoryproject.com/PDF/asg_000_027-alice-foley-founding-member-of-provincetown-aids-support-group.pdf Brathwaite 4/3/2019, L. F. (n.d.). A Home at the End of the World: Provincetown and the AIDS Crisis. LOGO News. Retrieved May 29, 2021, from http://www.newnownext.com/a-home-at-the-end-of-the-world-provincetown-and-the-aids-crisis/04/2019/ Lipari, L. (n.d.). Provincetown Activist Babbitt Dies At 48 After Long Illness. 1. Desroches, S. (2018, October 24). Ghost in a Gown. Provincetown Magazine. https://provincetownmagazine.com/index.php/2018/10/24/ghost-in-a-gown/ Miner, R. (n.d.). Homo Haunts: New England’s Gay Ghosts Come Out of the Closet | Boston Spirit Magazine. Retrieved May 29, 2021, from http://bostonspiritmagazine.com/2012/09/homo-haunts/ MYERS, K. C. (n.d.). Early Cape AIDS activist dies. Capecodtimes.Com. Retrieved May 29, 2021, from https://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20090426/NEWS/904260326 Provincetown, Massachusetts—Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provincetown,_Massachusetts Rose & Crown Guest House – Provincetown Business Guild. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2021, from https://ptown.org/business-directory/rose-crown-guest-house/ Rose and Crown Guest House. (n.d.). Rosecrown. Retrieved May 29, 2021, from https://www.roseandcrownptown.com Summers, K. (2009). Queer Hauntings. Lethe Press.
Just north of Appleton, New York lies a winery with a dark past: murderous Free Masons and more than 5 deaths that occurred at 3:00pm on a Thursday. But what is the truth? Let's take a deep dive into the archival record to find out if Marjim Manor serves up more than just good spirits. Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com SOURCES: Calud, D., & O’Connor, C. (2009). Beds, "Spooks and “Spirits”: Winery at Marjim Manor. In Haunted Buffalo: Ghosts in the Queen City (Haunted America) (e-book edition, pp. 42–46). The History Press. Daniel Klaes. (2016, August 11). Behind The Shadows—S4E41(Marjim Manor). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPVUiNhesRM&t=126s Dr. Chas. A. Ring Dies In His Chair. (1908, February 29). Buffalo Courier. http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/370258421/?terms=%22Charles%20A.%20Ring%22&pqsid=QV-w-sFoCwGcj6mQdP1cPw%3A1184000%3A401194203&match=1 Ghost Stories, Sightings and Experiences with our Spirits at The Winery at Marjim Manor. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://marjimmanor.com/legend_current_ghost_sightings.html Haunted Ghost Wineries Across The United States. (2016, October 28). Uncorked: The Blog. https://www.cawineclub.com/blog/haunted-ghost-wineries-across-united-states/ History of Newfane , New York. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from http://history.rays-place.com/ny/newfame-ny.htm History of the Winery at Marjim Manor in Appleton, NY. (n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2021, from https://marjimmanor.com/legend_history.html Lewis E Merritt (1833-1865)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114506704/lewis-e-merritt Lewis W Merritt (1833-1863)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157239658/lewis-w-merritt Marjim Manor. (2018). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marjim_Manor&oldid=833048263 MARJIM MANOR: House has history of hauntings | Local News | lockportjournal.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/marjim-manor-house-has-history-of-hauntings/article_7e3938a5-6515-5654-97ff-8ec38b0a8999.html Neighbors, J. (2012, October 3). Joy’s JOY of Wine: Haunted Wineries of the Eastern U.S. Joy’s JOY of Wine. http://joysjoyofwine.blogspot.com/2012/10/haunted-wineries-of-eastern-us.html New York, U.S., Death Index, 1852-1956—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://search.ancestrylibrary.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=61535&h=1914175&tid=&pid=&queryId=0878014bbcbcc4dd6f5ee56dc6197304&usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA323&_phstart=successSource Obituary for Florella C. Morse RIPLEY. (1908, September 16). The Buffalo Enquirer, 9. Obituary of Shubal Merritt. (1881, March 7). Buffalo Morning Express, page 6. Our Resident Ghosts at the Winery at Marjim Manor in Appleton, NY. (n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2021, from https://marjimmanor.com/legend_ghosts.html Phebe Sophia Scudder Merritt (1767-1855)—Find A... (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50872572/phebe-sophia-merritt Shubal S Merritt (1801-1881)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50871659/shubal-s-merritt Shubal Scudder Merritt (1842-1918)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82244006/shubal-scudder-merritt Shubal Scudder Merritt—LifeStory. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/family-tree/person/tree/70541377/person/232126309761/story Sophia Spencer Willson (1804-1877)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11689097/sophia-willson The Spirit Guide: Marjim Manor. (2020, July 8). https://spookeats.com/2020/07/08/the-spirit-guide-marjim-manor/ Winery at Marjim Manor. (n.d.). Haunted History Trail of New York State. Retrieved May 20, 2021, from https://hauntedhistorytrail.com/explore/winery-at-marjim-manor Transcript: Hello, and welcome to another episode of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors, I’m your host, Joshua Spellman. On Crimes and Witch-Demeanors we go further than the wikipedia page and dive into the archival record to discover the truth behind your favorite ghostly tales. I hope everyone is doing well and that you enjoyed last week’s diversion from the usual. If you didn’t, now worries! Today I’m back to my old hijinks and looking at a really fun historic haunt that I so desperately hoped to be true. I love wine, I truly do, and it’s one of the reasons I love Western New York and Southern Ontario — we have so many great wineries — and many of them are haunted. Today I’ll be telling the alleged —and I mean alleged— tale of Marjim Manor, a haunted winery in the Hamlet of Appleton, New York. Sounds quaint, right? Wrong. Tales of murderous Free Masons and a mysterious death curse plague this winery - and spoiler, a dog dies in the end. But how much of it is true? That’s what we’re here to find out. So let’s dive right in to the purported past of Marjim Manor… ___ In order to fully encapsulate the story of Marjim Manor, or at least the story of its ghosts, we must begin in 1826 with a man by the name of William Morgan. William Morgan was a bricklayer from Virginia who moved to Batavia, New York in 1824. Once he arrived in the small village, he attempted to join the local masonic lodge. Morgan claimed that he had joined the Masons in another country, and his in-depth knowledge of their most secret rituals appeared to confirm this. Despite this, his application to the lodge was rejected. In a fury, Morgan threatened to publish a tell-all book that would expose the Free Masons and their deeply hidden secrets. Morgan recruited a local printer, David Miller, to his cause to publish his expose. However, before any copies could be printed, Miller’s printing press and his office mysteriously burned down and Morgan was arrested for overdue bills. Miller paid Morgan’s bail but just as Morgan was released, he was locked up again for another past-due bill in the neighboring town of Canandaigua. Unfortunately, Miller was not able to come to the rescue of Morgan this time - the loss of his business and the first set of bail had depleted what little funds he had. Fortune was on Morgan’s side, however, as a mysterious stranger paid his bail and arranged for a carriage to pick him up outside the jail. The carriage appeared to be headed to Canada, allegedly to prevent Morgan from being arrested again on similar charges…but the carriage made an unexpected stop at Fort Niagara to pick up a few new passengers. It was here when a handful of Masons grabbed Morgan, tied him with rope, and carried him onto a boat bound for Canada.. However…while the Masons made it safely across the Niagara River and Lake Ontario…Morgan did not. The Masons had tied William Morgan to a large rock and tossed him overboard into the seemingly endless depths of the Great Lake. William Morgan died just off the shore of modern-day Marjim Manor. A large, natural stone served as a marker for the site of Morgan’s death. 8 years later the parcel of land that served as William Morgan’s death site was purchased by Schubal Scudder Merritt. Merritt promptly set to work on building his dream-home, constructing a 9,500 square foot manor made of stones imported from Italy. Gardens and orchards were planted on the surrounding land and a rock garden was artfully placed around the large stone that marked the site of William Morgan’s death. The estate was proudly deemed “Appleton Manor”, named so for the hamlet in the town of Newfane located just south of the property. Merritt lived on the property with his wife Sophia Spencer Wilson, his son Lewis, and his two daughters Phoebe Sophia and Cordelia Marie. They lived in bliss for quite some time until March of 1864 when Sophia passed away. Sophias death set their fortune on its head and things only went downhill from there and marked the beginning of the curse of Marjim Manor. The very next year, Schubal and his son Lewis returned from a hunting trip. Lewis had gone upstairs while Schubal remained in the parlor to clean their guns. While upstairs, Lewis had opened a letter from the University of Rochester stating that his tuition had been raised to $12 a semester. Shocked an appalled at this, Lewis ran down stairs and burst through the French doors of the parlor to tell his father. Unfortunately, Schubal was startled by his son’s dramatic entrance and the gun he was cleaning was accidentally set off — shooting and killing Lewis on the spot. Lewis died on the spot, at 3:00pm on Thursday. This tragic accident sent Schubal into a spiral of guilt and anxiety. He demanded that the French doors to the parlor be permanently sealed in order to prevent another tragedy and to help block away the memory of that tragic day. Years passed before Schubal Merritt also died in the home on March 2, 1881…at 3:00pm. It was also a Thursday. After Merritt’s passing his daughter Phoebe Sophia and her husband Lucius Adams moved into the family home after buying Cordelia’s share of the farm. They lived in peace, raising their daughter Elizabeth, void of tragedy for years…until one day, while Phoebe was in the parlor with her husband — the French doors, which had been permanently sealed for years, blew wide open. With a gasp, Phoebe fell to the floor - dead. Again, at 3 o’clock on a Thursday afternoon. Phoebe’s husband and daughter moved out of the home shortly after and it began to rent the
We're taking a detour from the usual historic romp to discuss some of my personal ghost stories and paranormal experiences. The Red Lady, a ghost who gave me a book, and more! Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com
Grey Nurses are mysterious figures that appear in hospitals all across the world, regardless of culture or region. Who are they and where do they come from? It's hard to say - but Adelaide, South Australia may be the key to finding out. Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Sources: Alison Green’s answer to Nurses, have you ever seen the ghost of a recently deceased patient? - Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2021, from https://www.quora.com/Nurses-have-you-ever-seen-the-ghost-of-a-recently-deceased-patient/answer/Alison-Green-104?ch=10&share=081d3000&srid=ua4ka aquilareen. (2019). North Adelaide Calvary Hospital chapel [Photo]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/31967465@N04/48810339713/ at 3:54pm, 31st October 2017. (n.d.). Aldershot’s “Haunted” Military Hospital: Who Is The Grey Lady? Forces Network. Retrieved April 29, 2021, from https://www.forces.net/news/aldershots-haunted-military-hospital-who-grey-lady Austin Health: The ghosts that roam our hospitals. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2021, from https://www.austin.org.au/ghoststhatroamourhospitals/ GREY LADY OF NORTH ADELAIDE CITY’S BEST GHOST STORY. (1929, October 17). Register News-Pictorial (Adelaide, SA : 1929 - 1931), 30. History and heritage. (n.d.). Calvary Health Care. Retrieved May 8, 2021, from https://www.calvarycare.org.au/about/heritage/ Museum, O. (2017, September 14). 30 Nurses Share their Most Blood-Curdling Hospital Ghost Stories. The Occult Museum. http://www.theoccultmuseum.com/nurses-share-hospital-ghost-stories/ Paranormal Investigation at the Former Royal Adelaide Hospital—Searching for the ’Grey Nurse’—Review of Adelaide’s Haunted Horizons Ghost Tours, Adelaide, Australia. (n.d.). Tripadvisor. Retrieved April 29, 2021, from http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g255093-d6948983-r596869442-Adelaide_s_Haunted_Horizons_Ghost_Tours-Adelaide_Greater_Adelaide_South_Australi.html Smith, K. & R.N. (2017, October 31). 8 Terrifying Ghost Stories as Shared by Nurses. Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/8-ghost-stories-shared-nurses/ Strangways Terrace. (n.d.-a). State Library of South Australia. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+43308 Strangways Terrace. (n.d.-b). State Library of South Australia. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+8517 Strangways Terrace. (n.d.-c). State Library of South Australia. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+7428 Strangways Terrace, North Adelaide. (n.d.). State Library of South Australia. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+1294 The Grey Nurse. (2011, May 10). Personal Ghost Stories. https://personalghoststories.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/the-grey-nurse/ The Grey Nurse Hospital Ghost Phenomena—Truth or Urban Myth? (2020, March 1). Haunted Horizons Adelaide. https://adelaidehauntedhorizons.com.au/grey-nurse-hospital-ghost/ William Younghusband. (2020). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Younghusband&oldid=941797985 Transcript: Hello, and welcome to another episode of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors! The paranormal podcast where we go beyond rehashing wikipedia pages and delve into archival and historic resources to uncover the truth behind our favorite spooky tales. I’m your host and sardonic librarian, Joshua Spellman. N Today’s episode has been inspired by recent personal events dealing with hospitals and nurses and the title is of course inspired by Willam. If you know, you know, if you don’t, you don’t. And that’s fine, some of us have our own little club. Today’s topic took me on quite the journey (as good research often tends to do): you begin one place and think you know where you’re going to land but you wind up in an entirely unintended location. And in this case — that’s fine! I mean, that’s how the scientific process works. Never try and prove your own hypothesis, be your own worst enemy — like I am in my love life. But today I went from researching phenomenon spanning continents to zeroing in on the homes and hospitals of the beautiful coastal capital of South Australia—Adelaide,. Not a bad place to end up, if you ask me! So settle in, buckle up, we’ve got a long flight ahead. ____ “Alright, you’ve got this” Cassie said to herself in the mirror, splashing water on her face. This was her first night on the job as an evening nurse in a new facility — and through a series of unfortunate events — she was the only one on staff. Something like this wouldn’t happen back in the city, but things are different when you’re in a small town…as Cassie would soon find out. Making her way back out to the nurses station, Cassie paused to look around. The hubbub and bustling activity of the day had all but faded away. By this time, most of the patients were already asleep in their beds, leaving Cassie feeling unnaturally alone. The place felt almost abandoned. Even the smallest of sounds: a patient’s distant cough, the water dripping from the leaky faucet, her footsteps on the ground, bounced and echoed through the tiled halls; rising and falling in a cacophony of silence. BZZT! Cassie nearly jumped out of her skin. It was only the call button of a patient requiring assistance. She made her way over to the patient’s room “Hi there, I’m Cassie, the new evening nurse, what seems to be the matter” she glanced at the patient’s chart “Miss Roebel?” “Oh please dear, call me Trish” the old woman replied “I have the bladder of a small old lady despite being a spry young thing of 79” she chuckled “if you could please help me on over to the lavatory” “Oh, of course!” Cassie replied, rushing to Trish’s bedside to help her up. She walked Trish over to the bathroom and onto the toilet. BZZT! Another patient needing assistance. “Do you mind if I go and help them? It can give you your privacy” Cassie asked. “Oh, of course!” Trish replied. “But don’t try any funny business and try and get back to bed on your own” Cassie warned, mockingly wagging her finger at Trish. “Aye, aye captain!” Trish retorted as Cassie made her way to assist the other patient. He was an older gentleman who, while trying to get comfortable in bed, had accidentally ripped out his IV. Cassie was still a little nervous and being new, it took her minute to locate the sterile needles. After successfully administering the IV, which took a little longer than expected since the man was afraid of needles, Cassie rushed back over to Trish’s room. And that’s when she found Trish…tucked neatly into bed, ready for sleep. “Trish…” Cassie started, “I told you to wait for me so I could help you into bed. You could have fallen!” “Oh…but I didn’t!” Trish exclaimed, “the other nurse came in and helped me” Confused, Cassie asked with skepticism “The other nurse?” “The one in the grey uniform, with the hat” “Ah, yes. Of course” Cassie replied, not wanting to alarm the old woman “Goodnight Trish” she said as she turned off her light. As Cassie made her way back into the hall, the phone at the nurse’s station began to ring. She rushed over to answer, “Hello, Valley County medical center, Cassie speaking” “Oh, hi Cassie! This is Frida, the day nurse, I just wanted to check in and make sure everything is going alright before I headed to sleep, my apologies that we’re so short staffed” “Oh, hello Frida! Yes, yes, everything is going alright…but did you happen to have someone else come in to help work my shift? I just came back from a patient who-“ Frida cut her off, “Oh…so you’ve already seen her then?” “Seen…who?” “Oh, never mind.” Said Frida, “Just something silly. Anyways, have a good night, please call if anything urgent comes up” “Of course, thanks for checking in. Goodnight!” Cassie said, hanging up the phone. What was she on about? But Cassie didn’t have time to mull it over as she heard the echo of shuffling of feet. Another patient out of bed? Cassie got up from the nurses station and peered around the corner. There was someone at the end of the long hall. Cassie squinted to see clearer in the dim light, was that Trish? “Trish!” Cassie scolded, walking closer “I told you not to get out of bed on your own” As she made her way closer to the figure she realized it was a nurse. She was dressed in grey from head to toe, with a funny old-fashioned hat. The nurse nodded to Cassie with a wry smile and winked as she tilted her cap. Then, suddenly the woman turned on her heel, walked straight into the adjoining wall and vanished. ___ Stories like Cassie’s are not unfamiliar to nurses — regardless of culture or region. Benign nurse figures are often seen roaming hospitals across the world and are referred to as Grey Nurses or Grey ladies because of the color of their uniforms. Are these apparitions the spirits of departed healthcare workers who loved their jobs so much in life that they carry on in death? Which I find hard to believe…while there are many great nurses out there on the front lines saving us from the pandemic I immediately think of all my high school bullies who can barely spell catheter let alone insert one who are now probably all angels of death… Which is actually a great segway while throwing some subtle shade at former cheerleaders—maybe grey nurses are not ghosts at all but instead are inhuman spirits taking on a familiar form, who seek to comfort and care for our sick and dying. I guess that’s literally the definition an angel? Well, not the kind that are concentric spinning rings of fire with seventeen glowing eyes that are
We’re making like the devil and heading on down to Georgia. Most people’s minds go straight to Savanah when picturing the haunted South, but today we’re setting our sights the smaller, lesser known town of Americus. Specifically, we’re honing in on the historic Windsor Hotel. Among the living, many denizens of the dead are said to be checked in as permanent guests-- but are the only true spirits those on the shelf in the pub? Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Sources: 1920 United States Federal Census—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/8354991:6061?tid=&pid=&queryId=56d4f8d41cd9be6445f55f92f41c2d2d&_phsrc=eBA312&_phstart=successSource 1940 United States Federal Census—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/51459890:2442?tid=&pid=&queryId=56d4f8d41cd9be6445f55f92f41c2d2d&_phsrc=eBA312&_phstart=successSource A New Hotel. (1897, November 12). The Macon Telegraph, page 3. An Americus Horror Story. (n.d.). Https://Www.Walb.Com. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.walb.com/story/27180029/an-americus-horror-story Assembly, I. G. (1906). Legislative Documents. Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel—Americus, GA. (n.d.). Yelp. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.yelp.com/biz/best-western-plus-windsor-hotel-americus-4 Bevington, R. (n.d.). Georgia Ghosts: A Mother, Daughter Haunt This Hotel. Georgia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.gpb.org/news/2018/10/29/georgia-ghosts-mother-daughter-haunt-hotel BS Paranormal Investigations. (2020, December 8). Just the Evidence: Windsor Hotel, Americus, Georgia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdlz84xuFm4 Down the Elevator Shaft. (1894, January 7). Columbus Daily Enquirer (Published as Columbus Enquierer-Sun), page 3. Eoghanacht. (2007). Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia. 32°4′20″N 84°14′1″W / 32.07222°N 84.23361°W / 32.07222; -84.23361. Own work. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Windsor-Hotel-Americus-GA-1.jpg Fraternity, P. U. (1917). Catalogue of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity. Georgia, U.S., Death Index, 1919-1998—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://search.ancestrylibrary.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=5426&h=2141242&tid=&pid=&queryId=103c0146dc83f8afe1a4b3f5bf750d72&usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA297&_phstart=successSource Haunted Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel. (n.d.). Mystery 411. Retrieved April 25, 2021, from http://www.mystery411.com/Landing_bestwesternpluswindsorhotel.html Haunted Places In Georgia: (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.haunted-places-to-go.com/haunted-places-in-georgia-2.html Historic Windsor Hotel, Americus, Georgia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.windsor-americus.com/ Historical Images—Americus 1. (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2021, from https://www.americusga.us/historical_images_americus%201.htm History | Windsor Hotel. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://www.windsor-americus.com/history/ Hotel Spotlight: Historical Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel Americus, GA. (2017, July 27). HotMamaTravel. https://hotmamatravel.com/best-west-plus-windsor-hotel/ joshnjen010304. (2020, March 30). Ghostly Georgia. Guitars, Gear, & Ghosts. http://guitarsgearandghosts.com/ghostly-georgia/ Laura Lyn. (2014, February 17). Laura Lyn visits the historic Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_lubPaPWLU MadeInAmerica1977. (2012, November 24). Windsor Hotel (in Americus, Georgia)—A Behind the Scenes Haunted Tour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-FHmBAfOng Married in Haste. (1892, March 14). The Macon Telegraph. http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/591679561/?terms=%22windsor%20hotel%22%20americus&match=1 Nothing found for Ghostreport. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2021, from http://www.windsor-americus.com/GhostReport.htm Recollections of a Vagabonde: The Haunted Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia. (2009, October 22). Recollections of a Vagabonde. http://avagabonde.blogspot.com/2009/10/haunted-windsor-hotel-in-americus.html Rev Richard Sutton Rust Sr. (1815-1906)—Find A... (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79029702/richard-sutton-rust Richard S. Rust. (2020). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_S._Rust&oldid=990829872 Schnur, L. M. (2014, May 31). Just the Facts. Please! The Haunted Librarian. https://thehauntedlibrarian.com/2014/05/31/just-the-facts-please/ Southwest Georgia city boasts haunts along with history. (2019, August 2). [Text.Article]. FOX 5 Atlanta; FOX 5 Atlanta. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/good-day-atlanta/southwest-georgia-city-boasts-haunts-along-with-history The Windsor Hotel: Directors Select a Name for Americus Palatial Hotel. (1891, September 4). The Macon Telegraph, page 1. The Windsor is a certified haunted hotel. (n.d.). Https://Www.Walb.Com. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.walb.com/story/5449720/the-windsor-is-a-certified-haunted-hotel U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/690841718:2469?tid=&pid=&queryId=e8f78aa6a0edd3b8ad24b526bc678038&_phsrc=eBA302&_phstart=successSource U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/38590185:2238?tid=&pid=&queryId=68a411473ddd2b72490bc26cd63edd45&_phsrc=eBA313&_phstart=successSource Windsor Hotel. (n.d.). GeorgiaHauntedHouses.Com. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.georgiahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/windsor-hotel.html Windsor Hotel—Americus, GA - Windsor Ghost Report. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2021, from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:I3dRut8YvvcJ:windsorhotel1.ipower.com/GhostReport.htm+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us WindsorHotel101. (2009, November 30). Americus Windsor Hotel—Haunted House. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5al8YZFU0I TRANSCRIPT: Hello, and welcome to another episode of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors, the podcast where we use historic and archival resources to investigate ghost stories and separate fact from fiction. I’m your host, and loveable librarian, Joshua Spellman. I wanted to take care of some housekeeping before we get into the episode: I hope the new podcast artwork didn’t spook you! I love the illustration my good Judy GiAnna Ligammari made for the podcast, and I’m still using it on the website and other branding, but I needed something that read better as a thumbnail and that is graphic and punchy for new listeners. So…I hope you don’t mind the change! I did it as a stress doodle while waiting for updates about my mom who is in the hospital this last week and I fell in love with it…and I hope you do too! But I digress! On today’s episode we’re making like the devil and heading on down to Georgia. Most people’s minds go straight to Savanah when picturing the haunted South, but today we’re setting our sights the smaller, lesser known town of Americus. Specifically, we’re honing in on the historic Windsor Hotel. Among the living, many denizens of the dead are said to be checked in as permanent guests-- but are the only true spirits those on the shelf in the pub? Let’s find out. But first, here is the alleged history of the ghosts at Americus Georgia’s Windsor Hotel. The Windsor Hotel, despite being located in the small city of Americus, Georgia, is a grand and opulent structure, not unlike the castle across the pond that shares its name. Like Windsor Castle, the hotel has housed great figures of history and harbors ghosts of the past. In August of 1888 a reporter for the Americus Recorder discovered John Sheffield and Ross Harper measuring the court square of the city. When the reporter inquired as to why, Mr. Sheffield responded simply, “because Major Moses Speer and Papa told me to.” Without hesitation, the reporter rushed to the Bank of Southwestern Georgia and asked to speak with the president, Major Moses Speer to get the real scoop on the story. Major Speer told the reporter that he planned on building a hotel and that “the hotel will be built and in short order. There is no doubt about that…it will be a building worthy of the city.” And indeed it would be. Two architects submitted plans for the hotel: W.H. Parkins and G.L. Norman. On March 21st, 1888 the selection committee for the project, which consisted of S.H. Hawkins, John Windsor, and C.M. Wheatley, favored the design drafted by Parkins. Parkins’ plan for the hotel was to erect a square, four-story wooden structure with 120 rooms. The front of the building would run the entire length of Jackson Street and the corner would house two additional floors. However, G.L. Normann would not take no for an answer, and the remainder of the corporation preferred his design. Normann described his plan as being “a more fanciful character, greatly resembling the Hotel Alcazar at St. Augustine” (which, by the way, is the modern day Ripley’s Believe it or Not? Building). Normann’s design was a brick structure of three and five stories in height, contained 100 rooms, and space for ten shops on the street level. On April 17th the committee chose Normann’s proposal with an estimated budget of $80,000. Construction began in September of 1890 and was completed on June 16, 1892. The lavish hotel would go on to house famous guests including Presidents William J
Located in Gambier Ohio, Kenyon College was founded in 1824, which has given it ample time…197 years to be exact…to collect its fair share of ghosts. A fraternity initiation gone wrong, a destructive dormitory fire, an elevator shaft incident, a car crash, and a diving accident are just some of the misfortunes that plague this university’s past. In fact, one of these tragedies nearly destroyed its reputation, causing enrollment to plummet, and just as the college recovered, another catastrophic event threatened its continuation once more. Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Sources: College installs bars on Bullseye windows. (2018, April 19). The Kenyon Collegian. https://kenyoncollegian.com/news/2018/04/college-installs-bars-on-bullseye-windows/ Confusion Surrounds Sophomore’s Death. (1979, November 15). The Kenyon Collegian, page 1. Death on the Tracks—Alumni Bulletin—Kenyon College. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2021, from http://bulletin-archive.kenyon.edu/x3615.html Facts Point To Ghastly Crime Former Law Student Led ward Railroad Track Bound With Rope. (1905, November 1). Plain Dealer, page 1. Investigators Consider Theories and Questioins. (1979, November 15). The Kenyon Collegian, page 1. Kenyon College. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kenyon_College&oldid=1017979821 Kenyon College Ghost Stories Archives—College Bound Advantage. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2021, from https://collegeboundadvantage.com/tag/kenyon-college-ghost-stories/ Kenyon College’s ominous history still survives on campus. (2019, October 31). The Kenyon Collegian. https://kenyoncollegian.com/features/2019/10/kenyon-colleges-ominous-history-still-survives-on-campus/ Kenyon College—The Haunted Kenyon Tour. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2021, from http://bulletin-archive.kenyon.edu/x2521.html Kenyon Collegian—November 15, 1979. (n.d.). 7. McCutchion, J. T. (1912, November 7). Up-To-Date College Fraternity Initiation. St. Joseph News-Press, page 1. Not Tied to Track: President of Kenyon College Derides Coroner’s Theory of Pierson’s Death. (1905, November 1). The Daily Times, page 1. Pierson’s Death is a Mystery. (1905, November 1). Quad-City Times, page 1. r/Kenyon—Is Kenyon Really Haunted? (n.d.). Reddit. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.reddit.com/r/Kenyon/comments/begdya/is_kenyon_really_haunted/ r/Paranormal—Haunted college. (n.d.). Reddit. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/6g4soj/haunted_college/ Ruins Hide Bodies at Kenyon College: Hope Given Up for Six Missing in Fire. (1949, March 1). The Escanaba Daily Press, page 1. Shutler, N. (2017, October 16). Opinion | My Haunted Dorm Room. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/15/opinion/haunted-college-halloween.html Snapshot. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/24742765/?terms=stuart%20pierson%20lunch%20basket&match=1 Top 10 Most Haunted Colleges in America. (2019, December 8). https://www.collegeconsensus.com/rankings/most-haunted-colleges/ Two Dead, Six Missing in Kenyon College Fire: Flame Destroy Historic Hall, Many Injured Escaping Blaze. (1949, February 28). The Logan Daily News, page 6. Verdict Due Today: Stuart Pierson’s Death Will be Laid at Door of the D.K.E. (1905, November 11). Atloona Mirror, page 1. TRANSCRIPT: Hello, and welcome to another episode of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors, I’m your host Joshua Spellman. On this podcast we tell tall tales as they’re traditionally told and then dive into historical and archival records in order to separate fact from fiction. Today’s episode is a suggestion from a listener, Lucas, who alerted me to his haunted alma mater: Kenyon College. When he told me his college was haunted I was like “yeah okay it’s a haunted college” but I was shocked to find out just how haunted and how rich the real history of this college is. It is a haunted college. Sorry for doubting you. There’s a reason Kenyon College always makes its way to the top of listicles touting America’s Most Haunted Colleges. Located in Gambier Ohio, Kenyon College was founded in 1824, which has given it ample time…197 years to be exact…to collect its fair share of ghosts. A fraternity initiation gone wrong, a destructive dormitory fire, an elevator shaft incident, a car crash, and a diving accident are just some of the misfortunes that plague this university’s past. In fact, one of these tragedies nearly destroyed its reputation, causing enrollment to plummet, and just as the college recovered, another catastrophic event threatened its continuation once more. We’ll investigate all of these tales today, but first, let me tell you the – alleged – story of Kenyon College’s most infamous tragedy…that of poor Stewie Pierson. October’s prickly night air licked the back of Stuart Pierson’s neck, goosepimples emerging from his skin like the cloaked figures surfacing from the shadows in woods around him. If it were anyone else, they might be scared, but he knew who they were and they were the reason why he was there: he was a pledging the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and this was the beginning of his initiation. The hooded figures glided silently into the clearing, forming a circle around Stuart and the other pledges. They said nothing. Simply stood in the dark, heads bowed, moving at a glacial pace towards the pledges. One of the other boys made a shrill sound like a mouse. Stuart’s looked at each cloaked figure in turn, knowing that beneath one of the dark robes was his father. He strained his eyes to see through the murky haze of the night but he couldn’t make out a single face through the inky shadows cast by the figure’s large hoods; just the occasional puff of smoke as their warm breath met the cool autumn air. Suddenly the figures stopped in unison, mere feet from the pledges, who were now shaking. Even Stuart could feel his body hum. He told himself it was because he was cold, and not the spindly fingers of dread wrapping around his soul. Without warning the figures leapt toward the pledges, grabbing them, separating them from each other, and they chanted “DELTA KAPPA EPSILON!” as they threw burlap sacks over the heads of the frightened boys. The world began spinning around Stuart as he was swept up into the air and carried off into the woods. What was going to happen? He knew he was safe. He knew it. This was all part of the process. But the grip of dread around him grew tighter and tighter. He felt as he might choke. The cloaked figures carried Stuart for what felt like hours, though it may have only been mere minutes. Stuart was disoriented and sleep deprived – having waited up all night the day before waiting for his father’s train to come in. He was simultaneously alert and on the edge of sleep, which only heightened his sense of confusion. Eventually, Stuart heard the sound of a river. The Kokosing? It must be, but where were they going? He felt now that he was being carried at an incline, they were going uphill. The soft footsteps on the soil turned to something more metallic. A bridge? Then it hit him. Clarity pierced through his mental fog – the train tracks. They were on trestle bridge. Abruptly, Stuart was falling. Was he thrown off the bridge? THUD. Wincing in pain, barely able to breathe through the burlap, his back ached. That was his answer. No, he wasn’t hurled from the bridge – the fraternity brothers merely dropped him onto the tracks. Mercifully, the burlap hood was removed and he took in large gasps of the chill October air. Bewildered, Stuart looked around him and tried to regain his bearings, the cloaked figures formed a tight circle around him…staring…silent…unmoving…and without warning they chanted “DELTA KAPPA EPSILON!” and pinned him down to the train tracks. They pulled ropes from beneath their billowing cloaks and began to bind his legs together. “What are they doing? Are they insane?” he thought? Then he felt a hand wrench his left arm and pin it down. Then his right. They began tying his hands to the tracks as he screamed. The cloaked figures didn’t move, they just continued their knotwork, one of them stuffing a handkerchief in Stuart’s mouth. Stuart began to panic now. His face was flushed, he imagined it was steaming in the cold autumn air. Sweat dripped down his brow and into his eyes, stinging. Or were those tears? Stuart felt the dread in his soul once more, panic filling every bone in his body. He couldn’t breathe, he felt like he was dying. And then…Stuart felt a familiar hand on his shoulder. His father. His muscled eased, though he still screamed through the handkerchief. “Don’t worry, son” his father whispered “there’s no train coming tonight, calm down, you’ll be safe. We’ll return within the hour.” His father stood up as the other figures pulled their final knots. They didn’t seem to notice his father tipped him off. Stuart screamed and thrashed in his bindings as the figures walked away. For show, as to not give away his father’s tip. Once he could no longer hear their footfalls, Stuart relaxed. It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay, he told himself. Now even more exhausted than before he felt his consciousness slowly slipping. He welcomed it. If anything, he could use this hour to nap before the fraternity came back to untie him. With his eyelids too heavy to keep open, Stuart closed them and began to dream. After some time in a deep
So much history surrounds Niagara Falls it is near impossible to dive into: from initial exploration by white folk, exploitation of the falls and indigenous peoples, to the history of hydroelectric power, strange mortuary science experiments, and daredevils who have ridden down the falls in barrels (only some who have survived) – like the water over the crest, the history seemingly never ends. However, while Niagara Falls is heralded for its natural beauty, booming tourist trade, and rich history -- behind its bridal veil lies something sinister, brooding beneath the foam. Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like The Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Main podcast illustration by GiAnna Ligammari: https://gialigammari.wixsite.com/portfolio Sources: Cave of the Evil Spirit. (n.d.). Roadtrippers. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/lewiston-ny/points-of-interest/cave-of-the-evil-spirit Devil’s Hole Cave—Niagara County, New York. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2021, from http://falzguy.com/devils-hole-cave.html Goat Island (New York). (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Goat_Island_(New_York)&oldid=1004636526 Luna Island. (2020). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Luna_Island&oldid=953221872 May 12, R. R.-L. S. C. & 2017. (n.d.). Facts About Niagara Falls. Livescience.Com. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.livescience.com/59099-niagara-falls-facts.html Niagara Falls. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Niagara_Falls&oldid=1017113129 Niagara Falls USA. (n.d.). Niagara Falls USA. Retrieved April 14, 2021, from https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/directory/three-sisters-islands/ Niagara Falls—Devil’s Hole Massacre. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2021, from http://www.niagarafrontier.com/devilhole.html Official guide to Niagara—Cave of the Evil Spirit, Devil’s Hole—Details. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2021, from http://www.nflibrary.ca/nfplindex/show.asp?id=91217&b=1 Szczepaniec, K. (2018). Indigenous People of Western New York. FACT SHEET, 23. The Cementation of the Dead; the story of Theodore Graves Hulett’s most curious work in Oakwood Cemetery. (n.d.). Oakwood Cemetery | Niagara Falls, NY. Retrieved April 14, 2021, from https://oakwoodniagara.org/kratts-korner/2012/3/15/the-cementation-of-the-dead-the-story-of-theodore-graves-hul.html Three Sisters Islands (New York). (2020). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Three_Sisters_Islands_(New_York)&oldid=956552156 TRANSCRIPT: Hello, hello, hello! Long time no see, you may have thought I became a ghost myself! My name is Joshua Spellman, and I’m your – very much alive – at least on the outside– host of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors. The podcast where we get to the good old fashioned truth behind our favorite ghostly haunts using archival and historic resources. Maybe you care where I’ve been. Maybe you were even happy to hear me go. Long story short – I was creatively and emotionally burnt out. I was pouring myself into this podcast, my drag, sewing garments, and cultivating my TikTok…and with things going on in my personal life I just crashed. I stopped doing everything. Had some health stuff to worry about but I digress! We’re here. We’re back. I’m going to do my best to stay motivated and on top of things, but this pod is a lot of work! Today’s podcast episode is something new. And something I’m excited about. I don’t want to give too much away… but we’re going to investigate the satanic underpinnings of a famous worldwide attraction and city, that just so happens to be in my back yard: Niagara Falls. And also, one of my favorite hiking spots at the aptly named Devil’s Hole. But be sure to stick around for the truth, as always it is much more interesting than the myth. So, for lack of a better word: let’s dive right in. Niagara Falls – one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is a group of three waterfalls (the bridal veil falls, horseshoe falls, and American falls, respectively) that spans the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the state of New York. Located on the Niagara River, which drains into both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the combined Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. More than 168,00 square meters, or six million cubic feet, of water goes over the crest every minute. So much history surrounds Niagara Falls it is near impossible to dive into: from initial exploration by white folk, exploitation of the falls and indigenous peoples, to the history of hydroelectric power, mortuary science experiments, and daredevils who have ridden down the falls in barrels (only some who have survived) –it seemingly never ends. However, while Niagara Falls is heralded for its natural beauty, booming tourist trade, and rich history -- behind its bridal veil lies something sinister, brooding beneath the foam. At first glance, it seems innocent enough – if you discount historic atrocities to its indigenous inhabitants – but as you peer a little closer a pattern emerges. Perhaps most glaringly, is Devil’s Hole state park. Named as such for…no discernable reason. It is a park that overlooks and descends into the Niagara river gorge, a 6.8 mile long canyon with cliffs as high as 1200 feet, carved by the Niagara River. The hiking in this particular area can become quite hazardous. In fact, the current of the Niagara River in the gorge is one of the most powerful river currents in the world: which, unsurprisingly has taken many lives. Perhaps this is where its hellish name originates. Perhaps it is partially due to the famed cave halfway down the steep escarpment: the Cave of the Evil Spirit. While not a clever name, it sums up its origin quite well. Long ago, the Great Spirit who created man, sealed away the Evil Spirit within the walls of the Niagara Gorge. However, over time as man turned evil and began waging wars, the walls of the gorge began to split. Eventually, the cave opened and the Evil Spirit was once again free, cursing all those who entered the cave. Famously, the explorer Robert Cavalier de LaSalle ignored the warnings of his Seneca guide. Upon entering deep into the cave he heard a voice tell him "Return" said the voice, "to your home in Canada, and wealth, honors, a long life and usefulness will be yours, and when death comes, generations of your descendants shall follow you to your grave, and history shall transmit your name to prosperity as the successful founder of a great empire. Proceed to the West, and although gleams of hope may, at times, shine in your path, in gratitude and disappointment will be sure to meet and follow you, until a treacherous murder shall end your days remote from human habitation, without the shelter of even a wigwam of a friendly red man. The Eagles of the desert shall strip the flesh from your bones, which shall lay bleaching under the tropical sun, unburied and unprotected by the cross you now so devotedly cherish." LaSalle foolishly disregarded the warning of the Evil Spirit. LaSalle’s fortune eventually dwindled and he became poor and desolate. In a last-ditch effort to regain his wealth and fame, he decided to go out west to Louisiana to begin a colony – doing exactly what the spirit warned him against. Even LaSalle’s precious crucifix of his Christian god could not save him from the curse of the Evil Spirit. LaSalle was eventually murdered by his own men and left to rot in the woods near the Mississippi river. But the city’s connection to the crowned prince of hell and malevolent spirits do not end at the mouth of the Niagara Gorge, instead we must look to the Niagara rapids at the top of the falls and turn our attention to five innocuous islands. Bisecting the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls is an island known as Goat Island. It is the location of the famed Terrapin point observation area and is large enough that it carries not only pedestrian traffic, but car and trackless train traffic as well. Goat Island is largely wooded with many nature trails. The island also provides access to the Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you down the escarpment to the foot of the falls. Just off the southern shoreline of Goat Island are the Three Sisters Islands. These small islands provide an excellent view of the upper rapids. They are connected by a series of bridges and consist solely of nature trails. Biologically speaking they are fascinating: each sports a variety of microhabitats and possess its own unique floristic character. However as is the nature of…well, nature, it is not all pretty petals. It is easy to access the raging rapids from these islands, which spell certain death for those unlucky enough to be swept into the current and hurled over the falls…that is if the large boulders hiding in the cataracts or the undertow don’t do you in first. The Three Sisters islands were home to mysterious rituals before European settlers came to the area. Iroquois shamans would offer sacrifices and gifts to the spirit that dwells inside the mist shrouded cave at the base of the falls. Mediums and psychics who visit these islands in modern times can hear the voices and screams of spirits long gone. Lastly, there is Luna island. Which, like, Goat island, bisects two of the falls but unlike its larger counterpart it is situated between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Aside from sacrifices – you may be asking – how are these satanic? Let’s take a closer look at the names. Devil’s hole is quite
Abandoned for well over a decade, the Winderbourne Mansion in Boyds, Maryland is a decaying reminder of a tragic past. Once belonging to the wealthy Totten family, things quickly took a turn as their children died. Is this property cursed? Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Main podcast illustration by GiAnna Ligammari: https://gialigammari.wixsite.com/portfolio Sources: 6 Jun 1915, 14—Evening Star at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved February 8, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/332078312/?terms=%22Winderbourne%22%2BNOT%2BKennels&pqsid=x3NN_YD5pyhW_nx6SDusZg:1063000:1697821625 7 Nov 1901, Page 15—Evening Star at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved February 8, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/207674218/?terms=%22Edith%2BTotten%22&pqsid=x3NN_YD5pyhW_nx6SDusZg:489000:332569778 17 Nov 1927, 1—The Times Dispatch at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved February 8, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/615380246/?terms=Dr.%2BEdith%2BTotten&pqsid=x3NN_YD5pyhW_nx6SDusZg:12000:1740180449 22 Mar 1908, 6—Evening Star at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved February 9, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/330817925/?terms=%22edith%2Btotten%22&pqsid=9JF4FvyGyHeayxOjkNzP5g:84000:1858908365 1880 United States Federal Census—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/35148805:6742?tid=&pid=&queryId=77426bcee4ef96704997c9b6b70ace89&_phsrc=eBA275&_phstart=successSource 1900 United States Federal Census—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/33891257:7602?tid=&pid=&queryId=77426bcee4ef96704997c9b6b70ace89&_phsrc=eBA275&_phstart=successSource Alice Crosby Totten (1869-1884)—Find A Grave... (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2021, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38919506/alice-crosby-totten Coleman, Peg, et al. (1978). Winderbourne ACHS Summary Form. https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/stagsere/se1/se5/016000/016900/016957/pdf/msa_se5_16957.pdf Document | America’s Historical Newspapers | Readex. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2021, from https://infoweb-newsbank-com.i.ezproxy.nypl.org/apps/readex/doc?p=EANX&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&val-base-0=%22alice%20crosby%20totten%22&val-database-0=&fld-database-0=database&fld-nav-0=YMD_date&val-nav-0=&docref=image/v2%3A11BE946A9536E73A%40EANX-11C7E39797D27AF0%402409458-11C7E397DEA90B78%402-11C7E3988129E5B8%40Mortuary%2BNotice&firsthit=yes Elias Howe. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elias_Howe&oldid=1005648130 Elias Howe | American inventor. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved February 8, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elias-Howe http://www.facebook.com/johnfranciskelly. (n.d.). For sale: The faded grandeur of the Winderbourne mansion. Washington Post. Retrieved February 7, 2021, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/for-sale-the-faded-grandeur-of-the-winderbourne-mansion/2016/04/18/2138eeda-0568-11e6-a12f-ea5aed7958dc_story.html The Strange, Fascinating History of This Abandoned Mansion Gave Me Goosebumps. (2016, November 30). Definition.Org. https://definition.org/strange-fascinating-history-abandoned-mansion-gave-goosebumps/ Winderbourne Mansion. (n.d.). Atlas Obscura. Retrieved February 7, 2021, from http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/winderbourne-mansion TRANSCRIPT: Hello and welcome back to your regularly scheduled Crimes and Witch-Demeanors programming; I’m your host – Joshua Spellman! Last week we took a small detour and discussed the Deuel House, the site of one of my personal paranormal experiences and switched meandered around history with no clear direction. However, while this week we are covering yet another haunted Victorian, a Queen-Anne to be precise, it has a much more unified and chilling history and yet again, somehow it circles back to me…I knew the name sounded familiar. However, as we have found out with most ghost stories on this podcast – the information that is perpetuated in the modern day is not often truthful or accurate. This week we are headed to Boyds, Maryland to investigate the Winderbourne Mansion. Now, I am saying Winderbourne because that’s what everyone says and it sounds enchanting and like something from a Neil Gaman novel…but through my research I have my suspicions it’s actually supposed to be pronounced Winder-bourne…even if it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue or make any phonetical sense whatsoever. You’ll have to let me know what you think. This legend is interesting, and I thought it had to be true since one of my sources is a government source but – spoiler – I don’t think it is. This mansion has seen its fair share of tragedy and has been left abandoned for well over a decade. It was on the real estate market for probably just as long, but now it seems it is no longer for sale, so its future is uncertain, as is its past. Join me now to learn the alleged history of our Windy…or Windy…mansion. Winderbourne Mansion was built in 1884 at the behest of Enoch and Mary Totten. The Tottens lived in Washington DC but wished for a summer home to escape the hustle, bustle, and stifling heat of the city. The couple decided on a plot of land near Little Seneca Creek, where the B&O railroad line gently curved around the property on two sides. Access to the parcel of land was from Clopper Road, which the Tottens also purchased. Eventually, the railroad expanded from a single track to a double track and needed to cut off the road. The Tottens and the railroad came to a compromise, each paying half the cost of a bridge that went over the track and the railroad agreed to maintain the bridge in perpetuity. Enoch Totten did well for himself, as he was a prominent lawyer in DC and was a Civil War Veteran…he even managed to survive being shot four times at the Battle of Spotslyvania Court House…in fact, one of these shots may have been his own fault as a projectile bounced off of his sabre and hit his right hand. Regardless of this strange mishap and his career as a lawyer – the capital for the construction of Winderbourne mansion came from his wife, Mary. Mary was the daughter of a Wisconsin senator named Timothy Howe who was the cousin and heir to the massive fortune of Elias Howe, the inventor of the Bobbin-Winder. This device is what inevitably inspired the name of Winderbourne. When Winderbourne was completed it was painted a pale pink with dark rose trim and shutters of a deep plum – a vibrant contrast to its current pallid, moss-covered facade. It’s architecture was unique, sporting a triangular fireplace, a room suspended above the foyer, and hidden rain spouts that directed water to an underground cistern. The Tottens hosted elaborate formal affairs on their lawn, landscaped with rare and exotic plants imported from around the world. And while Winderbourne acted as the Totten’s summer home, it was staffed all year long, with increased staff during their stay. In addition to the parties on their lawn, they also hosted extravagant dinner events. However, the food was never set upon the table; instead maids would carry around silver platters and bowls and served those who were seated at the table. Sadly, the Totten’s life was soon struck by tragedy. The three Totten children contracted typhoid fever from drinking contaminated water. Two of the children survived, while one of their sons died from the grisly disease. This tragedy soured the Totten’s love of the Winderbourne property. However, they kept the property and it stayed in the family. One of the Totten daughter’s, Edith, inspired by her tragic childhood experience became a physician and came into ownership of Winderbourne sometime before 1915. She did not marry but adopted a daughter. The little girl loved Winderbourne, exploring its every nook and cranny, running through its magic halls that seemed to never end. One of her favourite activities was to slide down the bannister of the massive staircase that led to the foyer. However, one day when she slid down the bannister as always, she gained a little bit too much speed, lost control, flew off, and fell to her death. The curved railroad track around the home was straightened and the bridge that was supposed to have been maintained by the railroad company was demolished. Leaving the Tottens with no access to their home. The Tottens took the case to court and the home and surrounding property was sold off to the railroad. Not long after, Edith Totten dropped dead unexpectedly after giving a lecture at John Hopkins University at only 48 years old. Winderbourne Mansion was repurchased by the Pickrell family in 1929. Edward and Beulah Pickrell raised their two sons, Edward Jr. and Paxton on the property. Both Edward and Beulah passed away, leaving the property to Edward in their will. During Edward Jr.’s ownership the house began to fall into disrepair, and he eventually passed away in 2004, leaving the responsibility of the quickly decaying property to Paxton. To this day the house remains abandoned. Vines and the surrounding vegetation have completely engulfed the property. Blending in more and more with Black Hills regional park that sits against the estate. Winderbourne Mansion, once elegantly groomed, now appears like a map from a post-apocalyptic video game with several old muscle cars left abandoned in the yard and furniture, clothes, books, and magazines still left inside. While the house has decayed and su
Doing things a little differently this week and investigating the history behind one of my personal paranormal encounters at the Deuel House in Buffalo, New York. Belonging to my friend, we have not known who may haunt the halls...until now! Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Follow Lauren (the owner of the Deuel house) on Instagram: http://instagram.com/fern.and.folly Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Main podcast illustration by GiAnna Ligammari: https://gialigammari.wixsite.com/portfolio Sources: [sources are pending! -- a lot to create a bibliography for this one!]
The story of the Witches' Tree is often underplayed as a whimsical tale of how a strange tree in Louisville's historic district came to be. However, the truth is much more disturbing and horrifying involving the deadliest tornado event in the history of the United States. Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Main podcast illustration by GiAnna Ligammari: https://gialigammari.wixsite.com/portfolio Sources: 3 Apr 1890, 2—The Greenville Journal at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/652924466/?terms=%22tornado%22%22Louisville%22&match=1 28 Mar 1890, Page 20—Logansport Pharos-Tribune at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/4266239/?terms=%22storm%20demon%22&match=1 29 Mar 1890, 1—Memphis Daily Commercial at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/586983136/?terms=%22storm%20demon%22&match=1 29 Mar 1890, 1—The Buffalo Commercial at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/269471310/?terms=%22storm%20demon%22&match=1 29 Mar 1890, 5—The Morning Post at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/409953020/?terms=%22tornado%22%22Louisville%22&match=1 29 Mar 1890, Page 1—The Record-Union at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). World Collection. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from http://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/85658032/?terms=%22tornado%22%22Louisville%22&match=1 A Scene of Ruin. (n.d.). ArcGIS StoryMaps. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a98efe3cb3f340b88d10079e10299e87 Dominé, D. (n.d.). Ghost story | The wicked witches’ tree. The Courier-Journal. Retrieved January 18, 2021, from https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/2015/10/29/ghost-story-wicked-witches-tree/74680150/ Fujita scale. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fujita_scale&oldid=998728230 KET - Kentucky Educational Television. (2019, October 31). The Witches Tree in Louisville | Kentucky Life | KET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lAQ3pfiwIc Limke, A. (2020, May 22). Bizarre Circumstances, History, And Mystery Combine At The Witches’ Tree In Kentucky. OnlyInYourState. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/witches-tree-ky/ Lumber truck, Louisville, Kentucky, 1928.: Caufield & Shook Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2021, from http://digital.library.louisville.edu/cdm/ref/collection/cs/id/3489 March 1890 middle Mississippi Valley tornado outbreak. (2020). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=March_1890_middle_Mississippi_Valley_tornado_outbreak&oldid=976255968 US Department of Commerce, N. (n.d.). Tornadoes of March 27, 1890. NOAA’s National Weather Service. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from https://www.weather.gov/lmk/tornado_climatology_march271890 Witches Curse Louisville, the Tale of the Witches’ Tree. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2021, from https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/lexington/news/2019/10/30/witches-curse-louisville--the-tale-of-the-witches--tree TRANSCRIPT: Hello and welcome to another episode of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors, I’m your host, Joshua Spellman. I feel like every week this year has felt like a month…how is it only the end of January? Sorry there was no episode last week—my computer broke and I had no way of recording. So suffice to say that last week was a whirlwind and I cannot even begin to imagine what this week will bring. Oh, that’s right, a whirlwind! Because on today’s episode we’re covering the legend of Louisville’s Witch Tree and the storm that sprouted it: the Storm Demon. But we’ll talk more about that name and poor reporting later. This is a case where the truth is stranger than fiction…or at least more disturbing. The articles I’ve read about the legend of the witch tree made it seem like the Storm Demon was this little itty bitty tornado that swept through Louisville destroying one neighborhood and all was well…but all of the articles about the Witch Tree left out that this tornado was part of a mass casualty event with hundreds dead. So, without further ado let’s hear the legend as it’s typically told and then learn the horrifying truths of what really transpired. On the corner of Sixth and Park, in Louisville, Kentucky, stood a large, tall maple; straight as a pole. It had been there for centuries and provided shade to the citizens of Louisville by day…but by night, below its leafy crown that stretched upwards towards the stars, witches would gather to cast their spells and worship their old gods. Or, as some may mistakenly believe: the devil. However, in 1889 a chain of events would be set into motion that would topple not only this sacred maple, but half the city of Louisvile. Mr. Mengel, of the famous Mengel Lumber Company, was head of the city’s planning committee and was scouting for trees to be used for Louisville’s May Day celebration when he laid his eyes upon the majestic maple. He knew that he had to have that tree, it was so tall and so straight, it was born to be a May pole. The news quickly reached the ears of the witches, perhaps even before the thoughts formed in Mr. Mengel’s mind. One night, under the cover of darkness and a velvet hood, the priestess of the coven knocked on Mr. Mengel’s door. He answered, displeased, and she implored him not to cut down their beloved maple. “I will do no such thing!” he bellowed. “Please sir, I beg you to consider your actions very carefully. I will ask once more for you to please not fell our sacred tree.” “And I will tell you once more that I will be chopping down that tree” “Very well,” the priestess said calmly, looking up from beneath her hood, “I asked you nicely and you refused, now you shall face the consequences.” Before Mr. Mengel could even ask what she meant dozens of cloaked figures emerged from all directions: from behind the trees, around the street corners, and some even seeming to appear out of thin air. They slowly began to gather together, holding hands as they chanted: This tree shall stand and not be cut, We’ve fed her with our laughter. Our leafy haven you’ll not gut. Or pay forever after. But if you, Wooden King, prevail, And Mother Maple dies, The force of Fate shall strike this town And right between the eyes. If our tree falls, yes, Fate will call To teach you, heartless Dunce, That all man’s work can disappear. BEWARE ELEVENTH MONTH! And just as quickly as they appeared, they were gone. Leaving only the head witch on Mr. Mengel’s doorstep. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you Wooden King. Remember, wood burns.” She smiled a wry smile, swept her cloak, turned on her heel, and disappeared into the night. Mr. Mengel paid no mind to the witches’ warning, and he proceeded with his plans. The tree was chopped down, and as its heavy trunk smashed to the ground horrid shrieks could be heard echoing through the city. However, the May Day celebration went off without a hitch. The trunk of the maple was adorned with ribbons and decorations of all kinds as men, women, and children danced about it. Afterward, it’s carcass was tossed into the Whitsuntide bonfire where to was turned to ash. Everyone had forgotten about the witches’ warning, but 11 months later, to the very day, the curse would take effect. On March 28, 1890, the witches whipped up a hell of storm to terrorize the city of Louisville. They first sent it down Maple Street, proving it was their craftwork, and into downtown. Here, the storm flattened buildings, killing and injuring many – and among them were the members of the May Day committee and two members of the Mengel family. And then, according to eyewitnesses, the twister made a bizarre right-hand turn down sixth street. As it barreled down Sixth Street toward Park, the storm hurled a lightning bolt straight into the stump where the sacred maple had once stood. From this charred base grew what is now known as the witches’ tree: a gnarled wretched thing with great burls and thin branches like the bones of a witches’ hand. Since the day of the storm it is said that coven has returned to cast their spells beneath the twisted branches of the witches’ tree. Visitors to Louisville place flowers at the base of the tree and hang beads and charms from its branches as gifts to the city’s witches, in hopes that they may cast a spell in their favor. Meanwhile, the citizens of Louisville have never dishonored the wishes of a witch since in fear that their city may once again fall to ruins. What a cute little story, right? Wrong. The articles about the witches’ tree make it sounds like there was this little twister that rolled through Louisville but no…on March 27, 1890 there was a tornado outbreak and it was the most deadly tornado event in United States history. I didn’t know that a tornado outbreak was a thing? But now that I know it is, I am absolutely horrified. You may have caught that I said March 27th and not March 28th. This is another case of modern journalism recounting the date that an event was reported, not the date that it occurred. Much like the Carnegie medal situation in episode one. So, on March 27th 1890 there was a massive outbreak of tornados, dubbed the Storm Demon by some papers, though it appears tornados may have just been called this as I saw newspapers for years after and prior calling them storm demons. Which may be more errors in moder
Today we’re headed down to the wetlands of east Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, and investigating the spirits that haunt Kingsley Plantation: the princess turned slave, turned slave-owner, Anna Kingsley; the vengeful and malevolent entity known as “Old Red Eyes”; and the ghostly white peacocks that scream in the night are just some of the known apparitions. However, are these truly the ghosts that haunt the plantation? Or is the true haunting the racial tropes that persist within these ghostly stories, paired with the bloody imprint of slavery on our history? Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Main podcast illustration by GiAnna Ligammari: https://gialigammari.wixsite.com/portfolio Sources: AncestryLibrary.com—Florida, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1810-1974. (n.d.-a). Retrieved January 12, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/imageviewer/collections/8993/images/005886187_00016?usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA241&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&pId=120668 AncestryLibrary.com—Florida, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1810-1974. (n.d.-b). Retrieved January 12, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/imageviewer/collections/8993/images/005886196_00104?usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA241&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&pId=288588 AncestryLibrary.com—Florida, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1810-1974. (n.d.-c). Retrieved January 12, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/imageviewer/collections/8993/images/005886081_00271?usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA241&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&pId=173533 Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley. (2018, September 22). Celebrating Our History. https://uncoveringjax.wordpress.com/anna-and-zephaniah-kingsley/ Anna Kingsley A Free Woman.pdf. (n.d.-b). Retrieved January 11, 2021, from http://latinamericanstudies.org/slavery/Anna-Kingsley-Free-Woman.pdf Black History Month: The Ghosts of Kingsley Plantation. (2011, February 25). Haunt Jaunts. https://www.hauntjaunts.net/black-history-month-the-ghosts-of-kingsley-plantation/ Card, M. (n.d.). Guest column: The amazing inter-racial story of Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley. The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved January 11, 2021, from https://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/20191103/guest-column-amazing-inter-racial-story-of-anna-and-zephaniah-kingsley Groove, B. (2019, November 29). The Spiritual Significance of Peacocks. Balance. https://blog.buddhagroove.com/the-spiritual-significance-of-peacocks/ Jacksonville, M. A. 12713 F. C. R., & Us, F. 32225 P. 904-641-7155 C. (n.d.). Anna Kingsley: A Free Woman - Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve (U.S. National Park Service). Retrieved January 11, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/kp_anna_freewoman.htm Jaxson, T. (n.d.-a). Old Red Eyes And The Ghosts Of Kingsley Plantation. Retrieved January 9, 2021, from https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/old-red-eyes-and-the-ghosts-of-kingsley-plantation/ Jaxson, T. (n.d.-b). Old Red Eyes And The Ghosts Of Kingsley Plantation. Retrieved January 9, 2021, from https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/old-red-eyes-and-the-ghosts-of-kingsley-plantation-page-2/ Kingsley Plantation. (2020). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kingsley_Plantation&oldid=965199923 Kp_freedomandslavery.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/timu/planyourvisit/upload/kp_freedomandslavery.pdf leral, L. rédaction de. (n.d.). ANNA KINGSLEY... Ou ANTA MADGIGIN NJAÏ - ANTA MADJIGUENE NDIAYE. Leral.net - S’informer en temps réel. Retrieved January 11, 2021, from https://www.leral.net/ANNA-KINGSLEY-ou-ANTA-MADGIGIN-NJAI-ANTA-MADJIGUENE-NDIAYE_a263761.html Weird Florida. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2021, from http://www.weirdus.com/states/florida/road_less_traveled/old_red_eyes/index.php Zephaniah Kingsley. (2021). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zephaniah_Kingsley&oldid=998872813 TRANSCRIPT: Hello, and welcome to another episode of Crimes & Witch-Demeanors. I’m your host, Joshua Spellman. Last week we covered the burning of a Capitol building…which happened to air on the day our Capitol was attacked…am I prophet? Maybe. Today we’re headed down to the wetlands of east Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, and investigating the spirits that haunt Kingsley Plantation: the princess turned slave turned slave-owner, Anna Kingsley; the vengeful and malevolent entity known as “Old Red Eyes”; and the ghostly white peacocks that scream in the night are just some of the known apparitions. However, are these truly the ghosts that haunt the plantation? Or is the true haunting the racial tropes that persist within these ghostly stories paired with the bloody imprint of slavery on our history? Join me today to find out. I was getting a little tired of telling the same old story of rich white folk, as ghost stories often tend to be…and the story of Kingsley Plantation is still often told as one. Instead of focusing too much on the owner of the plantation, Zephaniah Kingsley, a rich, white polygamous slave-owner; I wanted to focus in on the story of one of his wives, Anna Kingsley, or Anta Madjiguene Ndiaye. Her story is that of tragedy and triumph, overcoming being sold into slavery and even once freed, overcoming societal norms and the oppression of Jim Crowe. For the history portion of the podcast, let us delve into the life of Anna Kingsley so that we can better understand her afterlife and the phantoms that lurk on the grounds of Kingsley Plantation. On June 18, 1793 princess Anta Madjiguene Ndiaye of the Wolof people was born in modern-day Senegal. At this time, this portion of West Africa was a home to conflict between the Wolof and the Fula and villages in the area were often lain waste to by slave raids. The crisis only intensified and in 1806, Anta was captured by Tyeddo raiders from the Futa Toro. She was taken by force to Goree Island, a slave debarkation point. She was kept prisoner for days with little to no food. However, on the first occasion she was presented to European buyers, she was sold. Unfortunately, this catapulted Anta from one horrific situation to another. The journey across the Atlantic was long and arduous. The enslaved were shackled to wooden boards, confined to tight quarters, and were malnourished and over-heated. Those who had died from heat stroke or another malady were simply thrown overboard like rotted meat. Some people managed to escape and threw themselves overboard, as death by drowning was preferable to the horrid conditions on the ship and what awaited them once they arrived at their destination. The ship landed in Havana, Cuba and the passengers were immediately forced into isolation. This was done to help prevent the spread of any diseases that may have been brought with them and to make them presentable to potential buyers. In the autumn of 1806, it was time for Anta to be put up for sale. As it would have it, luck was on her side. 43 year-old Zephaniah Kingsley, an English merchant, had been in Cuba to purchase rum, molasses, and of course, as was the fashion of the day, slaves. It was at this auction that he laid eyes on 13 year-old Anta and had to have her. He desperately outbid every other slave trader and merchant there, winning ownership of Anta, soon changing her name to Anna. Now, there is nothing about slavery that is good, but the fates were looking out for young Anta; rescuing her from a destiny that could have been much more dire. While still a slave trader, and still a slave owner, Zephaniah held views on slavery that were atypical for the time and would benefit Anta until her death. Although not ideal, and though it raises many modern day concerns: Anta was wed to Zephaniah in an African ceremony in Havana. This ceremony was certainly not a catholic ceremony and therefore was not legally recognized by Spanish Florida or the United States during their lifetimes. After this unconventional marriage, the couple made the voyage to Zephaniah’s plantation, Laurel Grove, located in present-day Orange park. However, Zephaniah and Anta did not arrive alone, as by the time they landed, Anta was with child. Despite still being a slave, instead of relegating Anta to the paltry slave quarters – Zephaniah invited her to stay with him in his home. This was a welcome change from the gruesome living conditions Anta had been subject to for the last several months. Laurel Grove was home to over 100 slaves working to produce cotton, oranges, peas, and potatoes. As mentioned earlier, despite being a plantation owner, Zephaniah’s views on slavery were unique. Make no mistake, he was still a slave master, but he was more humane than most. Zephaniah employed a system where the slaves were appointed certain tasks for the day. They were allowed to work as quickly or as slowly as they wished and when their day’s work was completed they were allowed to use their time as they wished. Zephaniah also allotted slaves their own fields to grow their own crops. Some slaves spent their free time creating crafts, which Zephaniah permitted them to sell along with their own produce if they so wished. Instead of segregating his slaves, Zephaniah preferred that they live together as families, rather than being split up. However, despite this treatment his motivations weren’t altruistic: he believed that if you treated slaves better that they would be more productive and less likely to rebel. Apparently his system worked, as the plantation made up to $10,000 annually, or nearly half a million dollars today. This was impressive, especially for a plantation in a seclud
This week we investigate the spirits of New York's State Capitol Building in Albany and the ghosts that reside there. However, the scariest ghost of all may be the lost history that resulting from the 1911 library fire. Learn about William Hunt, Samuel Abbott, and listen to uncover the names of two previously unknown ghosts! Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Submit your feedback or personal stories to crimesandwitchdemeanors@gmail.com Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimesandwitchdemeanors Episode Transcript: Available below the sources in the show notes Visit the website: https://www.crimesandwitchdemeanors.com Main podcast illustration by GiAnna Ligammari: https://gialigammari.wixsite.com/portfolio Sources: 1911 Capitol fire remains seared into city’s history. (2011, March 27). Times Union. https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/1911-Capitol-fire-remains-seared-into-city-s-1308984.php Albany State Capitol. (2020, June 12). Haunted Houses. http://hauntedhouses.com/new-york/albany-state-capitol/ Body is Found in Albany Ruins: Samuel J. Abbott, a Watch-man, Discovered in West Wing Under Debris. (1911, March 31). Brooklyn Daily Times, page 1. BUILDING BIG: Databank: New York State Capitol. (n.d.). Retrieved January 5, 2021, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/ny_state_capitol.html Capitol Fire of 1911: Online Exhibits: New York State Library. (n.d.). Retrieved January 5, 2021, from http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/mssc/capitolfire/ Crimes and Casualties. (1878, October 29). The Buffalo Courier, page 1. Find No Trace of Mr. Abbott: Searchers Believe Syracuse Man Perished in Capitol Fire. (1911, March 30). The Post Standard, page 7. Fire at the New York State Library. (n.d.). New York Genealogical & Biographical Society. Retrieved January 5, 2021, from https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/blog/fire-new-york-state-library Fire Destroys State Capitol: Cigar or Cigarette Causes $600,000 Damage. Started in Assembly Library. (1911, March 29). The Oswego Palladium. Important River News: Items from our Exchanges ; Two Accidents At The Capital—Died From His Injuries—The Body of Eagan Found In The River—Fires—A Pet Dog Roasted In An Oven—Strange Disappearance Of An Aged Lady—Sad Accident in Troy. (1878, October 30). Poughkeepsie Eagle News, page 1. John, T. S. (n.d.). With History Comes Hauntings – The New York State Capitol Has Its Fair Share. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.milesgeek.com/hauntings-new-york-state-capitol March 27, T. A. P., & Pm, 2011 12:59. (n.d.). 100th anniversary of 1911 Capitol fire. Newsday. Retrieved January 5, 2021, from https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/ny-marks-100th-anniversary-of-1911-capitol-fire-1.2785318 Pudney, T. G., & Editor, A. (n.d.). Ghosts, legends and lore come to life in “Capitol Hauntings” tour – The Legislative Gazette. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://legislativegazette.com/ghosts-legends-and-lore-come-to-life-in-capitol-hauntings-tour/ Snapshot. (n.d.-a). Retrieved January 3, 2021, from http://hauntedhouses.com/new-york/albany-state-capitol/ Snapshot. (n.d.-b). Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://legislativegazette.com/ghosts-legends-and-lore-come-to-life-in-capitol-hauntings-tour/ State Capitol Wrecked By Fire; One Life Lost. (1911, March 29). The Standard Union, page 1. Ten Million Loss When Fire Wrecks the Capitol: Priceless Documents are Destroyed: 400,000 Volumes Cannot Be Replaced; Defective Electric Button the Cause. (1911, March 29). Buffalo Evening Times, page 1. The Capitol. (n.d.). Retrieved January 5, 2021, from https://www.albany.edu/museum/wwwmuseum/statestreet/thecapitol.html U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995—AncestryLibrary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/1411739262:2469?indiv=1&tid=&pid=&queryId=c5a29b04d2d96924c8babf14bd6ecc9a&usePUB=true&_phsrc=eBA227&_phstart=successSource Young, M. (2020, June 5). Behind the Scenes Look Inside the New York State Capitol in Albany. Untapped New York. https://untappedcities.com/2020/06/05/behind-the-scenes-inside-the-new-york-state-capitol-in-albany/ TRANSCRIPT: Hello, and welcome to Crimes & Witch-Demeanors! I’m your host, Joshua Spellman. We’re starting the year off right with something we should have covered earlier…a haunted library! Or…at least a haunting that was caused by a library. The New York State Capitol Building, in Albany is home to three known spirits: the artist William Morris Hunt, a night watchman named Samuel Abbott, and a fruit vendor. There was a death of a construction worker at the site that may contribute to the hauntings, but it is not confirmed. Both the fruit vendor and the construction worker have remained nameless in all the internet articles I’ve read…until now. Join me in discovering their identities and learning more about the tragic fire that erased centuries of history and caused billions of dollars of damage…which of course lets us touch briefly on the importance of libraries, preservation, and the dangers that digital and physical records pose to the preservation of our history and culture. BUT…before we get to our main ghost story we have to talk about the building itself because not only is it impressive, it is integral to the spirits that haunt it. The New York State Capitol is an incredibly large and imposing structure that fills two whole city blocks. Five architects had worked on its design and it was heralded as one of the most beautiful buildings in America…though others criticized it for being an oversized and costly spectacle. Which…they weren’t wrong about. Construction took place between 1867 and 1899 at a cost of over 25 million dollars, or the modern equivalent of 768 million. It was built by hand using white granite from Maine and in places the walls are four to five feet thick. Its style is unique…and that is in part because of its five architects that did not work on the project simultaneously leading to what historians refer to it as the “Battle of the Styles”. It also has led to some interesting mishaps, not all stemming from its numerous architects, but they are major oversights nonetheless. Some highlights include the building initially being built on top of quick sand! Not sure how that happened! They had to dig out all the sand and replace it with clay and concrete. Another major mistake was that the original cornerstone of the building, which contains a time capsule, has been lost because the builders forgot to mark it. The first architect, Thomas Fuller, designed the first floor in a Classical and Romanesque style. However, from 1875-1883, Henry Hobson Richardson and Leopold Eidlitz worked on the building and continued the design in a Renaissance style. During this time, Frederick Law Olmstead, who was a frequent collaborator with Richardson, was hired for the landscape architecture. The final architect on the project was Isaac G. Perry, assigned to the project by Grover Cleveland. He became the first New York State architect and is known for many institutional buildings and asylums across the state. While the exterior itself is impressive the interior is absolutely breathtaking. In particular, the Western Grand Staircase is a testament to the intricacies of this bold design. Initially begun by Richardson, it was completed by Perry who kept his design but added even more carved elements than originally planned. The Grand Staircase lacks a dome, and in fact the New York State Capitol is one of only 10 US Capitol buildings without one, but in its place is a magnificent 3,000 square foot skylight. Which is…bigger than any house I’ve lived in. I cannot even fathom it. The vaulted ceilings and sandstone walls are carved with intricate acanthus leaf designs around 77 famous faces of the day. The sandstone carvers were also allowed to carve a memory into the sandstone, many choosing to carve the faces of their wives or children. However, one of these artisans had a dark side as he chose to carve the face of a demon tucked between some leaves in a dark hallway. It is so small and tiny that it is said if you can find the face on your own, you yourself are a devil. The devil is surely in the details and the capitol building is full of them. One of the lost details are the murals of artist William Morris Hunter. Hunt was commissioned to paint two 45 foot long murals directly onto the sandstone walls of the Assembly Chamber. They were titled “The Flight of Night” and “Discover” and Hunt considered them to be his magnum opus. Sadly, the ceiling of the Assembly Chamber was deemed unstable and had to be lowered significantly, permanently obscuring the artwork. Future murals that were planned were deserted due to a lack of funding. The destruction of these works are largely attributed to the deepening of his depression and eventual suicide. His ghost still haunts the capitol today, mourning the loss of his greatest works. The lowered ceiling was intended to be made of solid oak. However, the contractor cheated the state to line his own pockets and instead used oak paneling filled with paper mâché. While this was a contentious issue at the time it ended up saving the Assembly Chamber in 1911 when true tragedy struck. “Good evening, what are you still doing here?” and old man asked, a lantern in one hand and a silver-handled cane in the other “Working late?” “Good evening, Mr. Abbott! Oh, well you know…a librarian’s work is never done!” the man replied, “Plus the Tammany caucus didn’t wrap up until,” he glanced at his pocket watch “nearly one o’clock this morning. So I’m just closing up the State Library now. I believe they’re still in the Assembly Library up to God knows what! I just worry, I hate that the Assembly uses their library as a social venue…always drinking and smoking…even with t