Author Archives: History Goes Bump

Battle of Antietam, Ep. 124

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The Battle of Antietam was a twelve-hour fight that would go down in Civil War history as the bloodiest day of the war. Many would say this was the bloodiest day in American history. The setting would be a cornfield that contained a lonely little white church near the Antietam River. General McClellan’s army would clash with General Lee’s, sending the Confederates away in a draw not worth continuing to fight. This had been General Lee’s first push into the North. The battle would leave President Abraham Lincoln the opening he needed to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. It stands to reason that such a violent day would lead to stories of hauntings on the battlefield and in the surrounding buildings, including many homes used as field hospitals. Join us as we explore the events and hauntings of the Battle of Antietam! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features Royston Cave and This Day in History is by April Rogers-Krick and features the Lewis and Clark Expedition Start. This haunted event was suggested by listener Rebekah Johnson and our research Assistant was Steven Pappas.

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The Capitol Theater, Ep. 123

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Ep. 123 features the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City! Theaters have always shared a special place in history. We crave to be entertained and many of us desire to entertain. Theaters are a place of strong emotions, both those played out by actors and those evoked in the audience. Paranormal activity feeds off of those kinds of emotions. The Capitol Theater was built in the center of Salt Lake City and has entertained Utahans for more than a hundred years. Tragedy has been a part of the Capitol Theater’s history as well and that has helped add to the theater’s reputation as being a haunted location. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Capitol Theater! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features the Spruce Goose and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features the birth of Belle Boyd. This location was suggested by listener Sue Story and the Research Assistant was Ren Davenport.

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Whaley House, Ep. 122

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Ep. 122 features the Whaley House! When it comes to San Diego, few other homes carry the historical significance of the Whaley House. It was built in 1856 by Thomas Whaley, Jr., who had followed the call of the Gold Rush from New York. The home would become a social center in San Diego and over the years it would serve as a courthouse, theater, school and many other businesses. The spot Whaley chose to build his home upon seemed like a choice piece of land, but the history says otherwise. This was hanging ground. And one executed criminal by the name of Yankee Jim seems to have stayed right there on that land, even when a house was built on that spot. The Whaley House is considered by some to be THE most haunted house in America. There are several spirits that seem to be here, both of the human persuasion and animals. The house was thought to be cursed. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Whaley House! The Moment in Oddity features Mallows Bay and This Day in History is by April Rogers-Krick and features the San Francisco fire of 1851. Our location was suggested by listeners Michelle DePriest and Candice Nelson and reseacrh assistance was by April Rogers-Krick!

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Athens Lunatic Asylum, Ep. 121

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Ep. 121 features the Athens Lunatic Asylum! The Athens Lunatic Asylum is an institution that operated in Athens, Ohio from 1874 until 1993. This hiospital not only has a strange and morbid history, but it has gone through a series of name changes. Today it is known as The Ridges, a name it took on in the 1990s. While it was operational the hospital served thousands including Civil War vets, children and violent convicted criminals. The Ridges are now part of Ohio University and house the Kennedy Museum of Art, an auditorium, offices, classrooms and storage facilities. The faciltiy also houses something else. Spirits of those who have died here have decided to remain. There are legends, tales of seances and unwashable stains that are all part of the paranormal happenings at this location. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Athens Lunatic Asylum! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features the life of Jeremy Bentham and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features Joan of Arc arriving at Orleans. This location was suggested by listener Tracy Martin and our Reserach Assistant was Jenni Watt.

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Dumas Brothel, Ep. 120

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Butte, Montana has its roots in mining. The town came to be known as the “Richest Hill on Earth” and gold, silver and copper were all mined here. As was the case with so many mining towns, a successful red light district grew within the town. One of the most successful and high-class brothels in town was the Dumas Brothel. Rich clientele could have their fantasies met here, but there was also pleasure for the working class in the basement, which ran like a sex mill. The brothel passed through many hands and has the reputation of being the longest running brothel in the country. And it seems that clients and the girls are still hanging out here in the afterlife. Several entities are thought to haunt this building. Join us as we explore the history and ahuntings of the Dumas Brothel! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features Pykrete and Ice Aircraft Carriers and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features Joshua Slocum Traveling Round the World Solo. Our location was suggested by listener Julie David and our Research Assistant was April Rogers-Krick.

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Folly Beach Island, Ep. 119

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The barrier island of Folly Beach, South Carolina appears picturesque with its images of waves lapping against the sand. Locals refer to it as the “Edge of America.” Below the surface of painted sunsets and beautiful beaches lies a dark history of mysterious and tragic losses. Folly Beach really has it all from shipwrecks to the Civil War to pirates. Blackbeard himself took cover at Folly Beach. A native tribe also died out here. Is it this colorful history that has led to rumors of hauntings? Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of Folly Beach. Moment in Oddity features the Dr. Suess House as suggested by listener Ren Davenport and This Day in History features the Shot Heard Round the World. Location was suggested by listener Dee and Research Assistants were Sharon Spungen and April Rogers-Krick.

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Legends of Mexico, Ep. 118

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From the Aztec Sun Stone with the sunken eyes of Tonatiuh, the Aztec sun god, peering out from the center of the stone to the Alley of the Kiss to the Devil’s Alley, the country of Mexico is rich with legends and superstition. On this episode, we are joined by our Research Assistant Kristin Swintek who is going to share some of the legends of Mexico with us. There is La Llorona, the Ironed Lady and the Monster El Cucuy. Bring along a little salt, violet petals, sage, or ginseng to help keep unwanted ghosts away. Join us as we explore these Legends of Mexico. Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features Highwayman Dick Turpin and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features the Titanic hitting an iceburg.

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Grove Park Inn, Ep. 117

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Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina is one of the more uniquely designed hotels in America and it fits its setting in the mountains of North Carolina perfectly. Those mountains have a number of claims to fame. People come from all around to see the leaves change colors in the fall, to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and to hike its dozens of trails on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Nestled in the mountains, lies the city of Asheville. This growing city is home to over a dozen craft and major breweries, the University of NC at Asheville, and The Biltmore Estate – which we previously covered on the podcast in episode 81. Just down the road from the estate, sits the historic Grove Park Inn, which faces Sunset Mountain. The guest list includes the rich and famous and many presidents. But it’s one guest in particular who has endured through all the decades. She is a mysterious woman in pink who has a penchant for appearing out of nowhere and disappearing just as quickly. And she brings an icy chill with her. Join us as we explore the history and the hauntings of the Grove Park Inn. The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features London Bridge in US and This Day in History is by Krisitn Swintek and features Lee surrendering to Grant. This location suggested by listener Gina Guin and research assistance by Steven Pappas.

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Moundsville State Penitentiary, Ep. 116

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Paranormal investigator and listener Josh Kitchen joins us to share his experiences and evidence from Moundsville State Penitentiary! The West Virginia Penitentiary is located in Moundsville, so most people know it as Moundsville State Penitentiary. In its day, it was one of the most violent prisons in the United States. The Gothic architecture of the building resembles a castle with turrets and battlements. This place truly was a fortress, not as protection from outside forces, but to keep the bad inside. It would seem that some of the inmates of the prison still remain in the afterlife. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Moundsville State Penitentiary! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features Bella in the Wych Elm and This Day in History is by Krisitn Swintek and features the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

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North Brother Island, Ep. 115

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North Brother Island has a rich history that is still reflected in its abandoned landscape and buildings. This is an island off of New York and now owned by New York. New York City saw the worst tragedy in American history on September 11, 2001. Before that day, the worst tragedy was the sinking of the General Slocum, which has connections to North Brother Island. The island also was home to Riverside Hospital, a quarantine hospital for those suffering from horrible and contagious diseases like small pox. Many died there. And for twenty-three years, Typhoid Mary called this island home. There are rumors that the island is not completely abandoned. Spirits seem to have remained. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of North Brother Island. Moment in Oddity features the noise of planets and This Day in History is by Steven Pappas and features the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Research Assistant on this episode was April Rogers-Krick.

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