A Ghost a Day

by Maureen Wood

  Sin eaters refer to persons, who through eating food and drink, take on the sins of the deceased, thereby absolving their soul and allowing them to rest in peace.

  MAY 10, 94 B.C. HISTORY'S FIRST GHOST HUNTER

  Athens, Greece

  It has been said that one of the oldest recorded ghost sightings in history comes from a Roman magistrate named Pliny the Younger. What he described in his writings is what we would assume today to be a typical haunted house. Pliny writes that a philosopher by the name of Athenodoros Cananites (74 B.C.–A.D. 7), having heard of the haunted house, decided to investigate the situation for himself. You might say that Athenodoros was a paranormal investigator way ahead of his time. He rented the haunted location then waited for the ghostly apparition to make its move. We don't know how long the stoic philosopher had to wait, but what we do know, as recorded in Pliny's record, was that Athenodoros found what he was looking for. Apparently the disheveled spirit of an old man bound in chains appeared before him. Without whispering a word, the spirit beckoned Athenodoros to follow him. The spirit of the old man led him out of the home and into the garden before vanishing into thin air. Not one to ignore a message, the philosopher marked the spot, then brought men in the next day to dig.

  Once again Athenodoros was rewarded for his efforts when the skeleton of a man bound in chains was discovered. What happened next? Well, the way Pliny described it in his writings, when they respectfully removed the chains and properly buried it, the haunting of the home came to an end.

  TERRIFYING TIDBIT

  According to Greek legend the soul of a deceased person roams the earth for forty days and forty nights.

  MAY 11, 1833 THE WALLET MAN

  Morristown, New Jersey

  Antoine Le Blanc, an immigrant sailor from the West Indies, was hired by the Sayer family to help out on the farm. Little did they know how deadly that decision would turn out to be. Le Blanc, tiring of his duties, convinced an unsuspecting Samual Sayer and his wife to enter the barn, where he then beat them to death with a shovel and buried them in a dung heap. Next, he entered the home where he located Phoebe, the maid, and bludgeoned her with an axe as she slept.

  While attempting to flee the state he was captured and brought to trial. Found guilty of his hideous crimes, he was sentenced to death by hanging. After his death, his body was given to a Princeton scientist and a local doctor for dissecting. Later, his skin was tanned in Morristown, and soon after, souvenir wallets and purses, book jackets, and lampshades were made and signed by the local sheriff to prove authenticity.

  Since the gruesome murders, the Sayer family's farm, now believed to be haunted, has changed hands several times. Twice when it was a restaurant, waitresses and visitors alike have sworn that the spirit of Phoebe still remains. A delicate, yet blood-soaked hand has been seen reaching from a painting on the wall. Customers have been repeatedly touched on the shoulder by an invisible hand. Objects have been seen moving of their own accord, and the coldest spot in the building is … where else, Phoebe's room. Exorcisms have been done on the property, but the activity still remains.

  While Phoebe haunts the old Sayer farm in search of justice, the “Wallet Man” has been seen roaming around the old courthouse, perhaps looking to collect his skin.

  MAY 12, 2009 PFISTER HOTEL

  Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  Reports of a Milwaukee haunted hotel abound. Word has it that the previous owner of the luxurious, 116-year-old hotel, Charles Pfister, is still interested in keeping tabs on the goings-on in his establishment. Many visitors who have seen the ghostly specter have reported him to be a well-dressed, older gentleman with a welcoming smile. But how do they know it's Mr. Pfister himself? When shown his portrait, his image matches what they'd seen.

  Well-known baseball players staying at the hotel have been so unnerved with the strange occurrences that they have slept with a bat for protection. One player turned off his iPod only to have it con-tinue to play. The Marlins visiting Milwaukee for a series against the Brewers were so disturbed by the rumors that they decided to bunk up together as a preventative to paranormal activity.

  A “visitor” presumably fitting the description of Mr. Charles Pfister is still being reported from guests and staff. Apparently Pfister is returning to ensure all is well with his earthly clientele, taking customer satisfaction to new heights.

  MAY 13, 1878 HOSPITAL HORRORS

  Danvers, Massachusetts

  Danvers State Hospital, built in 1878, later became home to the mentally ill, the drug addicted, and the criminally insane. It's believed that many of these unfortunate souls were torn from their rooms, placed under restraint, and forced to undergo various experimental treatments. In the 1950s the experimental phase included electroshock therapy, hydrotherapy, and lobotomy. The latter technique did little but leave the patient in a vegetative state. Not only did this facility treat the mentally ill, but Danvers was also a tuberculosis site, where multitudes of deaths were recorded.

  Under these conditions, it's no surprise to hear why Danvers State Hospital was thought to be among the most haunted of locations. For years it sat vacant and was a paranormal playground for those who dared to enter its premises. Over the years there have been reports of ill feelings, hands emanating from the inner walls, spooky apparitions, and shadows cascading down the hallways. The torturous cries and sobs of the desperate have plagued many a visitor.

  With construction complete, new condominiums now stand on the land that once echoed the horrors of the poor tortured souls of the Danvers State Hospital. One has to wonder if the new tenants are able to get a good night sleep.

  MAY 14, 1810 FARNSWORTH HOUSE

  Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

  The Farnsworth House, built in 1810, was the homestead of the Sweney family during the Battle of Gettysburg. While the battle raged, Confederate sharpshooters occupied the house. The hundred bullet holes in the south side of the building bear testimony to the ferocity of the battle. Elon John Farnsworth, the newly appointed brigadier general, after whom the house was named, led the ill-fated charge against the Confederate right flank. Sixty-five of Farnsworth's men died that fateful day.

  The O'Day family purchased the Farnsworth House in 1972 and today it is a restaurant. Staff and visitors to the Farnsworth have heard the shuffle of booted feet pacing above them on the empty attic floor, along with the occasional sound of a mouth harp reverberating off its rafters. And while many have witnessed ghostly Confederate soldiers pacing the confines of the attic, others have seen the ghosts of Union soldiers in the basement, which makes sense, since the basement had been converted into a makeshift hospital for the Union army. But the most often seen ghost is Mary, a woman believed to have been visiting her brother when the battle broke out. Rather than leave, she remained to tend to the wounded. Her ghostly apparition, dressed in a white satin dress stained in blood, has shocked many visitors. Other spirits have been seen wandering about the dining room. So, if you get a chance to visit Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and are looking for something to quench your thirst, make sure to stop in at the Farnsworth for a “spirit” or two.

  MAY 15, 2009 PARANORMAL PAWS

  St. Augustine, Florida

  As reported on hubpages.com, a café chef in St. Augustine, Florida, working the second shift, befriended a large Himalayan cat one night when he walked home from work. The cat accompanied him for several weeks during his walk home. Concerned for its well–being, he checked the collar, which clearly read, “Mr. Jeeves.”

  One day while paying his rent, he asked his landlord and his wife about the cat. Suddenly, at mere mention of Mr. Jeeves, the elderly couple became extremely upset and refused to continue the conversation.

  Later he was informed by another tenant that she too had seen Mr. Jeeves. According to the woman, seventeen years earlier, the landlord and his wife had an eleven-year-old daughter by the name of Helen who had been killed while crossing the busy front street. She had not been alone. Her cat, Mr. Jeeves, died
beside her.

  It began to make sense. It explained why the cat never allowed the chef to pick him up. One evening after finding out that Mr. Jeeves was a ghost cat, the chef attempted to take his picture. However, although he could see the cat with his eyes, when he developed the film, Mr. Jeeves was nowhere to be seen! Perhaps this spectral cat would give even the biggest skeptic pause, or, should we say, “paws.”

  MAY 16, 1916 THE WUNSCHE BROS. HOTEL AND SALOON

  Spring, Texas

  The Wunsche Bros. Hotel and Saloon was built in 1916. This historic landmark in Spring is a well-known restaurant that was once used to accommodate railroad employees and travelers. It's even rumored that the infamous Bonnie and Clyde once used the saloon as a stopping place after robbing one of the town's banks. Today, many believe the crotchety ghost of Charlie Wunsche haunts the building. You see, poor Charlie wasn't always a cantankerous old man. The story is told that in his youth he fell deeply in love with a woman who never loved him back, and he spent the rest of his life pining after his lost love. Staff at the saloon hesitate to speak of Charlie. Ever since they remodeled the place, it seems the old man has been on a tear. On several occasions, it seems he's even locked employees out of the building.

  Not long after Charlie passed away, an artist who was sleeping in his old room was abruptly awakened during the night. There before him was an elderly man, who just stood there staring at him. Taking a pad of paper and charcoal, he drew a sketch. The man in the drawing was immediately identified; it was Charlie Wunsche. Sadly, it seems that poor Charlie's broken heart has sealed his fate — and the fates of those who will have to live with his ghostly presence.

  MAY 17, 1970 BERNARDSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

  Bernardsville, New Jersey

  The Bernardsville Public Library was dedicated in May 1970. The red brick building once was the Vealtown Tavern, which was constructed during the Revolutionary War. It is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Phyllis Parker, the innkeeper's daughter. In 1777, soon after Phyllis's marriage to Dr. Byram, Byram was hanged as a British spy. His remains were sent back to the tavern in a casket. Unaware of its contents, Phyllis opened it and found the glassy-eyed stare of her beloved. Unable to bear the horror, she went insane. Her weeping can still be heard in the oldest part of the library, the reading room, where it is said that poor Phyllis opened the casket.

  In 1974, after beginning renovations, her ghostly apparition began appearing to employees. In an attempt to contact Phyllis a séance was held in 1987, the results of which can be replayed during a visit to the library. And it appears that the ghost of Phyllis has remained all these years, because in 1989, a young child reported seeing a woman in a long, flowing white dress, in the reading room. In fact, the library staff has seen Phyllis Parker so often that they even issued her a library card.

  MAY 18, 1613 THE HAUNTED CROSSROADS

  Pluckley, England

  Just outside of the old village of Pluckley there lies a crossroads that is called Fright Corner — and rightfully so, because this was the ambush point for a murderous highwayman by the name of Robert du Bois. Next to the crossroads stood a hollow oak tree. Du Bois would hide inside the old oak until his unsuspecting quarry passed, then he would jump out of the tree and rob them of their money and possessions. As his infamy grew, it became common knowledge that the tree held a nasty surprise. One day, a traveler venturing up the road decided not to take any chances. He knew the story of Robert du Bois, so he drew his sword and ran it through the tree. Du Bois was hiding in it. Do you get the point? Robert did, and he died that day. Today the tree is gone, but the ghostly apparition of Robert still haunts the crossroads, looking for his next victim.

  TERRIFYING TIDBIT

  According to the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of Records, Pluckley was officially recognized as the most haunted village in England, with officially twelve ghosts.

  MAY 19, 1536 TOWER OF LONDON

  London, England

  Anne Boleyn had been the wife of Henry VIII slightly more than three years. Henry, in love with another woman, grew tired of Anne, especially since she lacked the ability to provide him with a male heir to his throne. Soon, a rather unconventional solution to his current dilemma presented itself. Unable to find a way to divorce Anne, he claimed he had begun to hear tales of her infidelities. Not only would she be branded as an adulteress, but also she would be charged with high treason, a crime punishable by death. Although lacking any supporting evidence, her alleged extramarital affairs became suspected as a conspiracy to murder the king.

  All of her supposed lovers endured brutal endings: burning, decapitations, disembowelment, castrations, and so forth. As for Anne, she lost her title of queen not long before she lost her head. On May 19, 1536, Anne was led to a scaffold where she was beheaded. But this would not be the last anyone would see of poor Anne Boleyn.

  In 1864 a guard nearly court-martialed for falling asleep at his post was spared by his tale. Apparently that night, he'd encountered a headless figure approaching him. Horrified, he charged the apparition with his bayonet, but he passed right through her and fainted.

  Another tale comes from the captain of the guard who, upon witnessing a light emanating from a locked, empty chapel, decided to take a closer look. After climbing a ladder to get a bird's-eye view, he peered down into the White Tower. There before him was a procession of people in ancient garb. One slender, elegant woman, whom he quickly recognized by her portraits hanging on the Tower's walls, led the procession. It was Anne Boleyn. The poor soul, to this day, it seems, not only carries her torturous memories, but her head as well.

  MAY 20, 1927 THE DELTA KING

  Sacramento, California

  The Delta King is a completely renovated 1920s riverboat that is permanently docked in Old Sacramento, California. From 1927 until 1940 the Delta King was alive with activity, offering its patrons everything from fine dining to live entertainment. And during its rich history, it was even used as a navy barracks. However, now it is an active restaurant and hotel where patrons and employees alike have reported strange goings-on. There have been several reports of hearing the pitter patter of little feet as a young girl walks down the hallway singing “Ring Around the Rosie.” In fact, after seeing the bare footprints of a small child appear out of nowhere, one horrified employee quit on the spot. And one guest even requested that the hotel staff ask the little girl to stop playing in the hallway, as she was disrupting his sleep. Apparently, he was unaware that the little girl was not among the living.

  Another spirit frequenting the riverboat has been nicknamed the captain, as his ghostly apparition appears wearing a dark cap and pants and a crisp white shirt. Employees have caught sight of the captain in their peripheral vision as he quickly moves to and fro about the ship. Since the captain has become a regular part of the crew, it seems that no one has the heart to tell him that his “presence” is no longer needed.

  MAY 21, 1935 HULL HOUSE

  Chicago, Illinois

  Hull House was built by real estate magnate Charles Hull in 1856. In 1889, Jane Addams and Ellen Starr Gates founded the first United States Welfare Center in the previously abandoned building. The center provided a variety of services to the poor.

  In 1913, as the legend goes, a Catholic woman married an Atheist. They were about to have their first child when the woman hung a picture of the Virgin Mary over their bed. Her husband became furious, removed the picture, and said that he would rather have Satan in his home then sleep under that. A short while later, his young wife gave birth to what could only be described as a demon child. It had scales for skin, pointed ears, horns, hooves, and even a tail. The Devil Baby could walk and talk and was reported even to smoke cigars. With a sinister laugh, it threatened the father. Frightened beyond belief, the father took the Devil Child to Hull House, begging for Jane Addams to take care of it. She agreed, and attempted to have it baptized. The creature escaped the clutches of the priest and scurried away over the pews. The me
mbers of Hull House captured it and imprisoned the creature in the attic until it passed away.

  The Chicago newspapers got hold of the story and soon Hull House was besieged with visitors looking for a glimpse of the Devil Child. Jane always denied its existence and took the secret to her grave when she died in May of 1935. The story eventually became the inspiration for the book and movie Rosemary's Baby. And even today, people still report seeing a demonic-looking being peering at them from the attic window, craving its freedom, even in death.

  TERRIFYING TIDBIT

  During colonial times it was believed that water had the ability to trap souls. Towns that had creeks run through them would have two cemeteries, one on either side, for fear that carrying the deceased over the water would trap his soul.

  MAY 22, 1123 ST. BART'S HOSPITAL

  London, England

  Rahere was a jester in the court of King Henry I. One night he had a dream about St. Bartholomew that inspired him to become an Augustinian monk. Eventually, he founded Bartholomew-the-Great, the second-oldest church in London, and nearby St. Bartholomew's Hospital, affectionately known as St. Bart's. Rahere died in 1143 and was entombed in the church. His ghost has often been seen in the church he founded.

  TERRIFYING TIDBIT

  A vortex can sometimes be captured on film. Spirits requiring a lot of energy to manifest, will often use this high-energy signature, as a precursor to manifesting their presence.