Author Archives: History Goes Bump

Mad Doctor McDowell and His Medical College, Ep. 342

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Stories connected to the McDowell Medical College cover all the bases for a good ghost tale. There was the unusual construction of the building, medical experiments, grave robbing, mental illness, Spiritualism, a Civil War prison and lots of death. The only thing missing in this story is the actual building. The former Ralston-Purina Company owns the land today, but tales of supernatural happenings persist. Join us as we share the history and hauntings of the McDowell Medical College! The Moment in Oddity was suggested by John Michaels and features the Talking Stove of Spain and This Month in History was suggested by Chelsea Flowers and features Frank Hayes dying of a heart attack during the Belmont Stakes.

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Mass Murder at Taliesin, Ep. 341

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Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most celebrated architects in America. His designs were ahead of their time and he was a true architectural visionary. Most people know the successes, but not many know about a mass murder that has left one of his personal homes possibly haunted. That would be Taliesin in Wisconsin. Join us as we share the details of Wright’s life, this tragic event and the haunts that are connected to this famous architect! Moment in Oddity features The Phantom Fortress and This Month in History features Fabricius observes and publishes on Sunspots.

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The Exchange Hotel, Ep. 340

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The Exchange Hotel started out as a tavern along the railroad tracks in the quaint town of Gordonsville in Virginia. This would eventually become a forerunner to larger railroad hotels. As the Civil War erupted, the centralized location of the hotel and its proximity to the tracks, made it the perfect spot for a hospital. Soldiers lost limbs here and died here. More than 70,000 sick and wounded passed through here. Perhaps that is why this location has a reputation for being haunted. Join us, some of our Spooktacular Crew and Daryl Marston of A&E’s Ghost Hunters as we explore the history and hauntings of The Exchange Hotel! The Moment in Oddity was suggested by Darren Koch and features the Ancient Bone Wall in Belgium and This Month in History features an Atomic Emergency Civil Defense Drill. Our location was suggested by Myra Wheeler.

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Ohio University, Ep. 339

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Ohio University in Athens, Ohio has been open for over 200 years and today has over 28,000 students enrolled. The university is the home of the Bobcats and apparently, quite a few ghosts. A ghostly bobcat might be a more appropriate mascot. There are few buildings on the campus that don’t have some kind of ghost story connected to them. Join us as we explore the history and haunts of Ohio University. The Moment in Oddity was suggested by Breanne Sanford and features The Screaming Mummy Museum of Mexico and This Month in History features the event that inspired Les Miserables. Our location was suggested by Ashley Struz and Katie Meeks.

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Old Tailem Town, Ep. 338

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South Australia is said to be the most haunted state in Australia and within that state is said to be one of the most haunted locations, Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village. This is a unique, man-made village in Tailem Bend that is a compilation of buildings, old cars, antiques and artifacts. There is so much history reflected in these elements, but there is something else as well. Spiritual energy radiates from the buildings and many visitors have stories of unexplained experiences. Add to this that this is a favorite spot for paranormal investigators and it’s not hard to believe that there may be hauntings going on here. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of Old Tailem Town. The Moment in Oddity was suggested by Jannae McCabe and features a solid gold Buddha discovered and This Month in History features the Relief of Mafeking. Our location was suggested by Jenni Watt.

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French Lick and West Baden Springs Resorts, Ep. 337

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When it comes to gorgeous hotels, the French Lick Springs Resort is at the top of the list and is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Indiana. Just a mile away is an even more impressive resort, the West Baden Springs Resort. This hotel was once considered one of the eighth wonders of the world. Both of these resorts shared mineral springs that were believed to have healing qualities and they both are considered two of the most haunted locations in Indiana. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the French Lick and West Baden Springs Resorts! Moment in Oddity was suggested by Darren Koch and features a fake hero dog and This Month in History features the crash of American Airlines Flight 191. Our locations were suggested by Danielle Daniels.

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Haunted Manitou Springs, Ep. 336

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Manitou Springs is a touristy town found south of Denver in Colorado that became popular in the 1890s as a health resort, with its clean mountain air and mineral springs. This was a sacred area to the Native American tribes there. Many of them believed this was a gateway to the other side. There are so many interesting legends and ghost stories connected to this town that it’s hard not to believe that they might have been right. Join us as we explore the history and haunts of Manitou Springs, Colorado! The Moment in Oddity was suggested by Mike Streibel and features Fernand Arbelot’s gravesite and This Month in History features Adolf Eichmann captured. Our location as suggested by listener Stacy Skelton.

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St. Albans Sanatorium, Ep. 335

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St. Albans Sanatorium, in Virginia, started out as a Lutheran Boys School before becoming a psychiatric infirmary. As was the case with so many hospitals for the mentally ill, this one started out with promising expectations that unraveled into crowded conditions and abusive treatments. There were deaths and suicides. There is so much paranormal activity at this location, that many refer to this as one of the most haunted places on the East Coast. Join us, and our listener Whitney Zahar, as we delve into the history and haunts of the St. Albans Sanatorium! The Moment in Oddity was suggested by Mike Streibel and features Oran Asa Pruitt falling out of a plane and into a cemetery and This Month in History features the issuing of The Penny Black Stamp.

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The Murder and Hauntings of Helene Knabe, Ep. 334

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Helene Knabe was ahead of her time. She was murdered and to this day, the identity of her killer is a mystery. And that may be why her spirit is at unrest. Join us as we share about the history of the Delaware Flats, the Anthaneum and the life of this amazing woman and her tragic murder. The Moment in Oddity features aliens turning Soviet soldiers to stone and This Month in History features The 1974 Super Outbreak. Topic suggested by Michelle Rooney.

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Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Ep. 333

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Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was a place of immense sadness that was for many years home to the mentally ill and other unfortunate souls. The name would change later to Weston State Hospital. The hospital closed in 1994, but the building reopened as a historic site offering tours. And as is the case with so many of these places, one can investigate the paranormal here and there are so many stories of unexplained experiences coming out of this place, that it is hard not to believe that this is one of the most haunted places in the world. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The Moment in Oddity features The Mystery of Skeleton Lake and This Month in History features Hank Aaron beating Babe Ruth’s home run record.

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