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Ghost StoriesCollection of stories about ghosts, urban legends, mythology, haunted places and other paranormal phenomena. Wednesday, July 15, 2009Gaither Plantation was once a cotton plantation ran by Cecilia and W.H. Gaither in the 1800s. The property extended several thousand acres but now consists of only a few hundred, including the original home, several outbuildings and a relocated historic church built in 1822. During the Civil War, it’s rumored that Confederate soldiers hid at the plantation. Cecilia and W. H. had several children. Their daughter Clara died at the age of 9. Her and her father are both buried in a family cemetery on the grounds. Cecilia was forced to sell the plantation in 1921 when she was unable to pay the $28 in taxes she owed. Several spirits are said to roam the property. A female is often seen. Sensitives state her name to be “Ceely”. One paranormal group discovered Cecilia was often called Ceely by her grandchildren. The smell of perfume is found in her room as well. Other apparitions are believed to be connected with Confederate soldiers, a murder committed at the back of the house, and a pastor murdered his wife and himself in the church. A male is also seen in the upstairs area of the house. Footsteps and voices are often heard in empty rooms.
Labels: Haunted Locations  Monday, July 13, 2009Do you think the giant Palouse earthworm in Idaho will ever be found? Labels: GS Question of the Week Sunday, July 12, 2009It seems the latest paranormal TV trend is targeting the younger demographic. The latest show is The Othersiders on the Cartoon Network. It’s formatted similar to Ghost Hunters with teenagers. Their latest investigation took place at the Morey Mansion. Morey Mansion was built by David and Sarah Morey in 1890. The house was financed from the profits of Sarah’s citrus tree nursery. Being a former ship builder, David put his carpentry skills to use, constructing many of the mansion Victorian features. Over the years, the mansion fluctuated between being a private residence to it’s current status as a bed and breakfast. There are several apparitions that have been spotted here including a young girl, a former caretaker and a young boy. The Othersiders investigation ended with a possible orb, a thermal hotspot on a portion of a railing and mirror, and the initials “S.M.” appearing on a mirror. They concluded with a majority vote that the Morey Mansion is haunted. I find this a Catch-22 situation. I think everyone has a right to their opinion based on their own experiences. Obviously not everyone is going to agree on the subject. However, I don’t think a location should be declared haunted by majority vote. It should be based on experience and knowledge of the subject. These kids investigate in a professional manner but still bring a child-like nature to it. Overall, I say it’s a good show for the kids, but I think I’ll stick to Ghost Hunters.
Labels: TV/Movies/Books Saturday, July 11, 2009What could possibly scare a big bad baseball player? Ghosts. Whenever the Minnesota Twins play in Milwaukee, they stay in the Pfister Hotel. They weren’t prepared for what the hotel had to offer. Matter of fact, on a previous stay, bizarre events had Outfielder Carlos Gomez dashing to the lobby minus pants and shoes. What is it about the Pfister Hotel that has them shaking in their cleats? Guido Pfister and his son Charles opened the Pfister Hotel on May 1, 1893 as a “Grand Hotel of the West”. Costing over $1 million, it contained such features a fireproofing, electricity throughout the hotel and thermostats in every room. Over the years, the hotel’s overall condition slightly deteriorated until 1962. Ben Morgan purchased the Pfister vowing to restore it to its former beauty. Such renovations were indeed completed including a new 23-story guest room tower and an extensive art collection. The one spirit most often seen at The Pfister is Charles Pfister himself. He is spotted surveying the lobby from the Grand Staircase, making sure all guests are well taking care of. Another spirit is seen strolling through the minstrel's gallery above the ballroom and passing through the storage area on the ninth floor. Those who have seen the portrait of Charles Pfister swear it is the same person. Either way, nothing malevolent roams the halls of The Pfister. Although, whenever ballplayers stay, it’s mischievous side tends to make an appearance. Some believe the ghost may be a Brewers fan.
Labels: Haunted Locations, Video Clips, Weird News Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Labels: Ghost Stories Carnival Monday, July 06, 2009What do you think the Beast of Bray Road is? Labels: GS Question of the Week Friday, July 03, 2009People all over the world hang lights and ornaments on their tree every Christmas. But who do you think Christmas balls have to thank for their origins? According to an ancient tale, Christmas ornament balls are descendents from the witch ball. These ornaments were placed on the tree to dispel a visitor’s envy at the presents underneath it. What exactly are witch balls? They are made from glass (sometimes wood, grass or twigs), five to seven inches in diameter. Traditionally but not limited to, green or blue in color with enameled swirls or brilliant stripes. A string ran through the center of some. Others were placed on velvet pillows or on top of stands. Today, many people have a silver “gazing ball” in their gardens. Witch balls date back to a time where witches were considered a blessing. They would enchant these balls to ward off evil. How this was accomplished depends on the tale you hear. Some say the bright colors of the ball would lure the evil presence in and the strand inside would capture it, preventing it from escaping. Another legend states the ball protects its owners from witches. The attractive colors lures them in to investigating the spheres. Then traps them inside forever. A third legend states the Witch Ball acts like a magnet. The ball is a positive element drawing in the negative from the air. If you find yourself ill, stay close to the ball and it will attract the evil causing your ailment. Want to exorcise the evils trapped within? All you have to do is dust it. There are a variety of balls associated with the Witch Ball: Fairy Orbs are said to attract fairies and luck. The orbs remind fairies of flowers and come to inspect the colors. Thanking you for the treat, they reward you with a little luck. Pond Balls are basically the same as Witch Balls except they are weighted and placed in a pond or pool of water. Legend states animals see their reflection in the balls floating on top of the water and retreat, leaving the fish unharmed. Spirit Balls are like Witch Balls except for an open hole on one end. It is believed they could protect the home owners from evil spirits. The spirit would be attracted by the colorful surface and fly in to the hole. Then become trapped in the glass strings inside. Friendship Balls are gifts to represent a friendship. Its spherical shape represents eternity. The swirling colors stand for harmony. And the glisten represents the sparkle of a friend’s smile. Good Luck Balls and Globes of Happiness are traditionally given as housewarming gift. It’s believed to bring the recipient good luck, happiness, health, and prosperity. Butler Globes resemble Gazing Balls more than Witch Balls. They were used by butlers and maids to observe the behavior of the guests and properly tend to their masters needs. They peer in to its reflective surface to see who might be finished with their meals or need their drink freshened without having to watch constantly throughout the meal.
Labels: mythology, Superstitions |
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