by Maureen Wood
But the hospital has a ghost of its own, “Nurse Pinkie.” Whenever doctors or nurses would administer drugs, they would hear a whisper in their ear, “Check it! Check it!” Patients would refuse medicine, saying a nurse in a pink uniform already gave them it. She was also credited with awakening medical personnel who fell asleep on the job. It is believed that Nurse Pinkie, having misread a label, accidentally killed a patient by administering a mistaken overdose. She subsequently committed suicide. The ghost of Nurse Pinkie, in her attempt to make amends, is monitoring the staff of St. Bart's Hospital, from the other side.
MAY 23, 1253 HOUSKA CASTLE
Blatce, Czech Republic
The roots of Houska Castle can be traced back to 1253. The Gothicstyle fortress has been described as the most evil castle in the world. According to local legend, the castle was built over a deep cavern known as the Gate to Hell. Black-winged creatures and horrific beasts, half-man and half-human, dwelled in the pit. During the castle's construction, prisoners were given a reprieve if they volunteered to be lowered into the pit and report back. The first volunteer that disappeared into the pit was pulled out screaming. His brown hair had turned snow white.
TERRIFYING TIDBIT
Portals are thought to be a dimensional doorway, from this world, to the next.
Built directly over the pit to keep the evil in, the walls of the chapel are covered with strange paintings of demons and dragons being slain.
During World War II, the Nazis used the castle for experiments on dimensional portals. Today visitors to Houska feel the presence of evil. Eerie sounds, screams, growling, and voices in strange languages emanate from within the chapel. And an endless line of humans chained together with big black hellhounds nipping at their heels is often seen. The plethora of demonic presences makes one wonder if the evil that lurks below Houska Castle has ever been contained.
MAY 24, 2007 GADSDEN HIGH SCHOOL
Anthony, New Mexico
Students attending a high school in Anthony, New Mexico, tell tales of tragedy and murder. The story goes that during a school dance, two male teens lured a young woman by the name of Ana into the basement, where she was brutally raped and murdered. Other stories speak to the possibility of Ana's suicide. Regardless, sometime in the history of Gadsden High School, the young woman met her end.
Or did she? Students have seen the luminescent spirit of a young woman peering out a window at the north side of the building as if longing to join them. Others have reported seeing a white ghostly mist float down the hallways from one side of the building to the other. Supposedly by viewing a picture of the basketball team in an old yearbook one can see her ghostly image. Although poor Ana is gone, it seems she is still longing to complete her education.
MAY 25, 1904 THE WITCH'S GRAVE
Yazoo City, Mississippi
On the banks of the Yazoo River lived an old ugly woman. Labeled a witch, she was rumored to lure fishermen into her house in the woods and kill them. In the fall of 1884, a local boy by the name of Joe Bob Duggett was passing by her house when he heard horrible screams. Sneaking over to the window, he peeked inside. To his shock, two men lay dead on the floor as the old witch chanted over them. Duggett ran for help. Upon returning with the sheriff, they broke in, but no one was there. Making their way to the attic, they slowly opened the door. The two stared in horror at the skeletal remains of two men hanging from the rafters. Fish bones littered the floor as dozens of mangy cats prowled the room. Hearing the witch outside, they chased after her into the swamp. But by the time they caught up, it was too late. She had fallen into a patch of quicksand. Sinking deep into the sand, she cursed in a cackling voice, “I shall return from the grave and burn down the town on May 25, 1904.” With one last breath, she disappeared beneath the muck. The next day they removed her body and buried her in Glenwood Cemetery, placing heavy chains atop her grave to keep her there.
Years came and went. Few remembered the curse of the witch, until the morning of May 25, 1904, that is. What started as a small fire, driven by unearthly winds, soon engulfed the town in a raging inferno that destroyed it completely. Remembering the curse, a delegation of elders inspected the witch's grave. To their astonishment, the chains had been broken. Twenty years later, just as promised, the town burned. If you think this is just a legend, then take a journey to Glenwood Cemetery and witness the broken chains for yourself. Just be careful not to become the next victim of the Yazoo witch.
MAY 26, 2008 GHOST PHOTOGRAPH VERIFIED
East Lothian, Scotland
A photograph taken by a gentleman by the name of Christopher Aitchison has caused quite a stir in the paranormal community. The picture was of a mid-fourteenth-century fortress, the Tantallon Castle in Scotland. And although Christopher does not remember physically seeing a person staring out the barred window of the castle, there is clearly someone to be seen. The figure captured on film is so clear that one can make out the fifteenth-century garb of the ethereal being.
It has been said emphatically that Tantallon Castle does not use mannequins or have tour guides that wear costumes. So, how does one know that the photo was not tampered with? Ghost skeptic and psychologist Professor Wiseman from the University of Hertfordshire, launched an investigation into the authenticity of the photograph. Wiseman sent the photo to three independent experts. The results astounded the professor: all three proclaimed the photo to be legitimate, not edited or manipulated in any way. This left the skeptic at a loss for words.
MAY 27, 1933 THE HEARTLAND GHOST
Atchison, Kansas
According to Legends of America website, the popular haunting of Sallie, the “Heartland Ghost,” has been the subject of several paranormal television shows. But the Heartland Ghost story is more than just an entertaining tale, especially for the family that lived in the home when the phenomena first began. In 1993, immediately after a young couple rented the home, a ghost began playing pranks. Picture frames were turned upside down, gas jets were turned on, and toys were strewn about the nursery.
Before long, the pranks turned menacing. No longer able to endure it, the couple sought the assistance of a psychic. Soon they learned that there were two entities in the home: a young child by the name of Sallie and the more sinister spirit of a woman who had allegedly set her sights on the husband. The psychic informed the couple that the ghost woman wanted the husband for herself and through all of her ghostly acts had tried to form a wedge between husband and wife. When that didn't work, she began attacking the husband. The psychic also informed the couple about Sallie. It seems that sometime in the history of the home, a doctor, practicing strange methods, had attempted to operate on a girl for appendicitis. However, the child had panicked when she'd seen the tools, and rather than wait until she was under anesthesia, the doctor held her down and began to operate.
During the production of the television show Sightings, researchers working on the story of the Heartland Ghost uncovered uncanny historical data corroborating what the psychic had relayed. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, a doctor whose unorthodox medical practices were under scrutiny had in fact lived in the home. And oddly enough, to the shock of all present, welts and red scratches dripping blood developed on the husband's body before everyone's eyes.
Finally, unable to put up with the torment, the family moved. And ever since they left, it appears the haunting has come to an end. Or has it? Perhaps there has yet to be another man the evil entity is ready to fight over.
MAY 28, 1922 THE MOSS BEACH DISTILLERY
San Mateo County, California
This former speakeasy was built in 1922 by Frank Torres. Legend has it that in its heyday over seventy years ago, a young woman had an affair with a pianist in the building, now home to the Moss Beach Distillery. Even though this woman was married and had a young child, her love was so strong for this musician that she frequently visited the bar. It's been said that once her enraged husband discovered the illicit affair, he murdered her in cold bloo
d. Today, rumors of a haunting abound at the distillery. Her spectral image, wearing a tattered blue dress, has been seen on so many occasions that she's earned the nickname “The Blue Lady.” Some believe her name to be Elizabeth Claire Donavan. And Cayte, as she likes to be called, has not only appeared to many, but has been known to move glasses. Lamps swing of their own accord, books fly off the shelves, and visitors to the Distillery have felt Cayte's presence at the very moment the odd occurrences are taking place. Perhaps she remains at the distillery trying to recapture the romantic memories of her forbidden love. If you're ever among the visitors to partake in the “spirits” of the Distillery, you too may be lucky enough to meet Cayte in person.
MAY 29, 1546 CARDINAL BEATON
St. Andrews, Scotland
Cardinal Beaton was the ruthless Archbishop of St. Andrews, a key figure in Bloody Mary's Persecution of the Protestants. In March 1546, he had Protestant George Wishart arrested. In a speedy trial he was convicted and sentenced to death. Wishart was dragged from the castle and burned alive as Beaton looked on. But Wishart had many sympathizers who plotted their revenge. In the early hours of May 29, they entered St. Andrews Castle and roused Beaton from his bed. Despite the cardinal's pleas, they stabbed him to death, stripped off his clothes, and hung his body over the castle wall for all in the town to see. Few prayers were recited for Beaton that day.
Although the Castle of St. Andrews lies in ruins today, there are those who have seen the ghostly image of the cardinal peering from the windows, especially the one from which he witnessed Wishart's death. Others say that when the tide is high on the East Sands, and the clock strikes the midnight hour, a black coach with skeleton footmen and a headless coachman materializes before you. Staring from within the coach's window is the ashen face of Cardinal David Beaton. Beside him sits the Devil, returning to the gates of hell.
MAY 30, 1894 HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Yachats, Oregon
Constructed in 1894, Heceta Head Lighthouse was named after Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta. Now it is a bed and breakfast, and it seems it has a permanent guest. Most know her as “Rue,” the spirit of an old woman who doesn't appreciate visitors. Sometimes she is called the “Gray Lady” because of the gray mist that makes up her essence. She appears to be a benign spirit, but likes to make her presence known. She rearranges objects to suit her fancy and even opens and closes cupboard doors while snooping in the cabinets. Some claim to smell her perfume, while others feel her presence. But who is this mysterious ghost?
Most think she is the mother of a baby girl who is buried on the lighthouse property. Others wonder if she may be a keeper's wife. But everyone agrees that “Rue” still believes that this is her house and she'll run it as she pleases.
MAY 31, 1912 ST. JAMES THEATRE
Wellington, New Zealand
The St. James Theatre was built in 1912. There have been several reports of ghosts in the theatre. The most noted one is the ghost of Yuri, a Russian performer. He died when he fell onto the stage from above, some say under mysterious circumstances. His ghost has been known to switch the lights back on again once the theatre has been locked up for the night. Another specter associated with the theatre is known as the “Wailing Woman” because she has been heard crying and moaning throughout the theatre. After receiving a poor response to her performance on stage, she went into the dressing room and killed herself. Perhaps the most unusual ghost or ghosts haunting the theater is that of a boys' choir. The choir played their last performance at the St. James during the Second World War. They boarded a ship to go on tour and were never seen again. Patrons and workers often hear their music in the seating area. The plethora of spirits may just earn the St. James Theatre the title of the most haunted theatre in New Zealand.
JUNE 1, 1735 FALL HILL
Spotsylvania County, Virginia
The Thornton family plantation, Fall Hill, was built in 1735 and is said to be home to the ghost of a Sioux Indian princess. Katina was captured in the late seventeenth century and was given as a gift to the Virginia governor, who in turn willed her to the Thornton family. Before departing this world in 1777, Katina was the loving caregiver for three generations of Thornton children. Even in death, it appears she took her job very seriously. One time, two boys sleeping in the nursery awakened to find the apparition of a Sioux woman staring over them. Upon realizing she'd been seen, she turned around and vanished through the wall. It wasn't until a few years later, during the remodeling of the nursery, that the door that would have been used by Katina to enter the nursery was discovered to have been in the same wall the boys had seen her disappear through.
Another guest, while resting, saw the door in the nursery open and there before her was not only the Indian princess Katina, but Francis Thornton II, the only male child in the home and her presumed favorite. Once again, she vanished, along with the young boy. Evidently Katina's bond is eternal, as even in death she continues to care for the Thornton children.
JUNE 2, 1863 RUEBEN'S GRAVE
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
The sound of hooves echoed in the night as a young lad rode his horse into Shott's Cemetery. Stopping at the base of a looming oak tree, he placed a noose around his neck. He tied the other end to a sturdy branch. At the youthful age of seventeen years, spurned by a lover, he could take no more. Hesitating for only a moment, he spurred the horse and hanged himself. As his body swayed in the moonlit night air, a legend was born.
His name was Rueben Briney, and he was buried in that same cemetery. Etched in the cold granite of his gravestone was the following, “As you are now so once was I. As I am now you will be; remember me as you pass by. Prepare to die and follow me.” His stone is gone today, toppled and smashed, but according to www.hauntsandhistory.blogspot.com it can be seen within the pages of a 1974 Ford City High School yearbook.
So, if you venture to Armstrong County and find yourself near Shott's Cemetery, beware of the ghost of Rueben. Riding a white horse with flaming red eyes, he searches for his lost love. But do not pity him, for all those who gaze upon his image will die a horrible death within a year. Or at least that is what the legend says.
JUNE 3, 1981 VIKING LONGSHIPS
Reykjavik, Iceland
Two American couples on an Icelandic vacation were standing on a beach near the capital city of Reykjavik. A shifting breeze patted their faces as the sun slowly dipped into the cold waters of the ocean. They were mesmerized by the moment, until jolted by the sound of wood slapping the water. Off to the right, their eyes slowly focused upon the silhouettes of not one, but two Viking longships. Frozen as if in a dream, they stood, their mouths agape as they watched the two graceful boats glide past them. On the bow of the lead ship perched a tall man with a long beard. “Kling hoff Ogden,” he shouted, as the ships slowly disappeared into the sunset. The couples, excited about what they had just seen, returned to town to talk to their tour guide. A nervous smile slid across his face. Pausing for a moment, he spoke in broken English, “You have just been lucky enough to see the ghost ships of Iceland.” He went on to say that every third of June, if you stand on the beach around 8 P.M., spectral longships continue on their eternal journey.
TERRIFYING TIDBIT
On June 23 each year, Viking longboats are supposed to appear off the coast of L'Anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland — twenty days after they are seen in Iceland.
JUNE 4, 1896 BRIGGS LAWRENCE COUNTY LIBRARY
Ironton, Ohio
This library is a perfect example that a haunting is not always the result of the building but the land on which the building stands. According to Firefox News, the staff have reported keys rattling, doors closing, and a computerized card catalog being toyed with. The staff believe it to be Dr. Lowry, whose house once stood where the library is now. Back in 1896, Dr. Lowry ordered a casket for his petite wife. The doctor special ordered the casket, but once he received it, he returned it, refusing to pay the bill. A short two years later, the undertaker would h
ave his revenge. As it turned out, Lowry died under mysterious circumstances and his body was sent to the unfairly treated undertaker for burial. This was the opportunity the mortician had waited for. He would bury the doctor in the previously ordered casket and bill his estate for money owed. There was one problem however: Lowry was too tall and too fat for the coffin. So the mortician broke Lowry's legs and removed his intestines. Unfortunately for him, suspicions surrounding Lowry's death led the police to investigate. Exhuming the body, the atrocities done to the doctor's remains were discovered. Fortunately for Lowry's heirs who were suspected of murder, the remains were no longer viable for testing.
Today, it's believed the sometimes disruptive spirit that roams the halls of the library is the restless ghost of Dr. Lowry looking for his internal organs. This ghost story goes to show: be careful of the enemies you make while you're alive. Or like Lowry found out, it just might come back to haunt you.
JUNE 5, 1692 LYCEUM RESTAURANT
Salem, Massachusetts
This haunted Salem restaurant was built upon the former site of Bridget Bishop's apple orchard. It's believed that Bridget's restless spirit haunts the building to this day. In 1692, she was accused of witchcraft. Found guilty, Bridget spent the next year in prison, until the fateful day that she was led to the gallows and hanged.
Sadly for Bridget, she would come to be memorialized for being the first witch to have been executed in the Salem witch trials.
