I've always been intrigued with Ghost Stories, and good 'ol PA is full of them. Now, I can't honestly say I've ever been privy to any supernatural activity, but telling Ghost Stories in October is about as necessary as passing out cute little cards on Valentine's Day. To be perfectly honest, I'm a little skeptic when it comes to believing some of the following stories, but I find a certain nostalgia, even romanticism in sharing a creepy tale once in awhile. Here's a few of my favorites, some places I've been.
Because of its tragic history, it's only natural that the town of Gettysburg runs amok with Spirits. I've long been a Civil War buff, and I do believe there really is something quite haunting about the town.
The Jennie Wade House, Gettysburg, PA
"If there is anyone in this house that is to be killed today, I hope it is me, as Georgia has a little baby." -Jennie Wade"The Jennie Wade House is a two story, modest red brick structure, sturdily made, and originally was a duplex done 1800s' style. It has the customary cellar and attic as well. A wall divided the brick structure from attic to first floor, creating two rental units. The house is now a museum and is open for tours.
This historic house looks very much like it did back in 1863. Authentically furnished from cellar to attic, The Jennie Wade House Museum is not only a shrine to a heroic martyr but has become a museum of life and living during the American Civil War.
Taking the tour will give the visitor a glimpse of life in the Civil War era, and perhaps a paranormal experience!
HISTORY:Mary Virginia Wade was born in Gettysburg in 1843, and grew up in a house with her family that could be found also on Baltimore Street. She was called Jennie. In 1863, this local girl turned 20, and was living with her sister Georgia, her brother-in-law, Louis and her baby nephew in one unit of this red brick house, while Susan McClean, the owner of this structure, lived in the other unit. Jennie also had a love of her own, Johnston "Jack" H. Skelly. When the Civil War broke out, both Louis and Jack joined the Union forces. Jack became Corporal, and then Sergeant Johnston Skelly. Both went to fight the war a long way from home.
Jennie, Georgia and Susan McClean had kind hearts, and let the orphan children from the nearby orphanage escape their hard, abusive existence for awhile, and play at their house, enjoying a few happy times, a kind of oasis away from their sad reality of suffering at the hands of their abusive orphanage director with personal issues and temper problems. The orphanage was originally located at 785 Baltimore Street .
Then their situation took a turn for the worse, when Union and Confederate troops clashed in a bloody conflict on the fields and town of Gettysburg. Jennie, Georgia and Susan's house was smack dab in the middle of the fighting, in "NO MAN'S LAND." Not only was this a landlord's nightmare, but it goes without saying that it was incredibly dangerous for the occupants as well.
Jenny, Georgia and Susan were warned to leave because of their precarious situation. While Susan left, both the sisters baked bread and gave out water to passing Union troops, perhaps thinking about their own loved ones, far away and also probably fighting the confederate soldiers on some distant battlefield. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wade, also came to help, hoping to keep their daughters safe, as well as help Union soldiers.
During the first two days of the battle, a cannon ball landed in the dividing wall in the attic, but it didn't explode. While many bullets hit the outside of the house, none came inside. However, sometime during the third day of the battle, a stray bullet that was shot by a confederate soldier, holding his position in the Farnsworth House attic, came through two wooden doors of their home, striking poor Jennie in the back as she was baking bread in the kitchen. Jennie was the only civilian killed in this bloody 3 day battle, and she was remembered as a martyr to the cause, an example of courage and patriotism.
Then their situation took a turn for the worse, when Union and Confederate troops clashed in a bloody conflict on the fields and town of Gettysburg. Jennie, Georgia and Susan's house was smack dab in the middle of the fighting, in "NO MAN'S LAND." Not only was this a landlord's nightmare, but it goes without saying that it was incredibly dangerous for the occupants as well.
Jenny, Georgia and Susan were warned to leave because of their precarious situation. While Susan left, both the sisters baked bread and gave out water to passing Union troops, perhaps thinking about their own loved ones, far away and also probably fighting the confederate soldiers on some distant battlefield. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wade, also came to help, hoping to keep their daughters safe, as well as help Union soldiers.
During the first two days of the battle, a cannon ball landed in the dividing wall in the attic, but it didn't explode. While many bullets hit the outside of the house, none came inside. However, sometime during the third day of the battle, a stray bullet that was shot by a confederate soldier, holding his position in the Farnsworth House attic, came through two wooden doors of their home, striking poor Jennie in the back as she was baking bread in the kitchen. Jennie was the only civilian killed in this bloody 3 day battle, and she was remembered as a martyr to the cause, an example of courage and patriotism.
When soldiers came to take her body, her mother insisted in having Jennie put in the cellar, until it was safe to move her. Soldiers stayed with the body until she could be buried in a temporary burial spot. Finally, Jennie's remains were buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery with honor. Her grave is honored by a lovely statue and an American flag.
The Entity of Jennie WadeJennie was killed while in the middle of an urgent mission; Making bread for hungry soldiers. She didn't get to finish the batch she was working on. People who die in the middle of an important task or work goal, often try to continue what they were doing before they died unexpectedly.
She is perhaps still waiting to hear the fate of her beloved, Jack, who she knew was fighting in a battle. Jack was taken prisoner and died from his wounds at Winchester. Jennie never found out. Their mutual friend, Wesley Culp, who had joined the Confederacy, was supposed to bring her the news as he had been there when Jack died and had promised Jack he would tell her. Unfortunately, Wesley didn't have the chance because he died on July 3rd in the Gettysburg Battle, on Culp's Hill.
Unfinished business concerning loved ones has caused entities to hang onto this world.
The Children Entities
Perhaps these children didn't survive because of abuse they received, diseases, the hardship of war,or dumb kid accidents. They so enjoyed their time with the kind-hearted, loving souls who lived here, and all the fun they had in the house, that they have stayed here after they had passed.
The Two Male Entities
They perhaps are tied to the house due to emotional issues as neither act like they are too happy, and can't let go to the other side. Some entities mourn the loss of a loved one, perhaps blaming themselves, while others are just upset because they died before they were ready; A common occurrence during war.
MANIFESTATIONS:
a) Female Entity - Jennie Wade
An apparition of a young woman, presumed to be Jennie, has been seen around the house, who is apparently still baking bread, as the aroma of freshly baked bread delights the living.
Her favorite perfume which was rose-scented is noticed as well by visitors and museum caretakers.
b) An Unknown Male Entity
Thought by some to be her father, this male presence, felt and sometimes seen, has been noticed by the living to be hanging out in the cellar.
c) Another Unknown Male Entity
He is known to haunt the upstairs area. He smokes cigars and on occasion lets invisible ashes fall on visitors for chuckles. He needed another lesson or two in the social graces.
d) Unknown Entities of Friendly Children have made their presences known throughout the house. They have been known to yell a friendly greeting, "Hey!" If they take a liking to a person, they have been known to grab onto this favored person's ankles in an affectionate way and travel with this person during the tour. Other times, they have touched the person's hand.
The Children Entities
Perhaps these children didn't survive because of abuse they received, diseases, the hardship of war,or dumb kid accidents. They so enjoyed their time with the kind-hearted, loving souls who lived here, and all the fun they had in the house, that they have stayed here after they had passed.
The Two Male Entities
They perhaps are tied to the house due to emotional issues as neither act like they are too happy, and can't let go to the other side. Some entities mourn the loss of a loved one, perhaps blaming themselves, while others are just upset because they died before they were ready; A common occurrence during war.
MANIFESTATIONS:
a) Female Entity - Jennie Wade
An apparition of a young woman, presumed to be Jennie, has been seen around the house, who is apparently still baking bread, as the aroma of freshly baked bread delights the living.
Her favorite perfume which was rose-scented is noticed as well by visitors and museum caretakers.
b) An Unknown Male Entity
Thought by some to be her father, this male presence, felt and sometimes seen, has been noticed by the living to be hanging out in the cellar.
c) Another Unknown Male Entity
He is known to haunt the upstairs area. He smokes cigars and on occasion lets invisible ashes fall on visitors for chuckles. He needed another lesson or two in the social graces.
d) Unknown Entities of Friendly Children have made their presences known throughout the house. They have been known to yell a friendly greeting, "Hey!" If they take a liking to a person, they have been known to grab onto this favored person's ankles in an affectionate way and travel with this person during the tour. Other times, they have touched the person's hand.
On the second floor, the Entities of Children like to swing on the chains which are part of the roped off areas that have antique furniture, to prevent visitors sitting or touching the displays.
They like to play with the bed-skirts around the bottom of the beds in the upstairs bedrooms.
They like to play with the bed-skirts around the bottom of the beds in the upstairs bedrooms.
On the first floor, these Entities of Children like to play downstairs in the first floor bedroom, on the rug in from of the deacon's bench. As it is in this room that the downstairs stories are told, the little entities like to play with visitors' jewelry or tug on coats."
I like the story of Jennie Wade for several reasons. I believe she was a kindred soul who only wanted to serve her country in the best way she knew how. If only baking bread was considered an act patriotism today!
Heading just a bit further south into West Virginia, the tales about the ghost of abolitionist John Brown run wildly through out the town of Harper's Ferry. When I was about 13 or so, we made a visit to this quaint town, and the history was not as fascinating to me then as the ghost stories that were shared by the locals. Like the story of [another] Jenny, whose billowing skirts caught fire while standing too close to the fireplace. Poor frightened Jenny ran outside screaming, only to be struck by the night train. Many conductors to this day swear they occasionally see a blazing ball of fire screaming towards the train, only to disappear into the dark night.
Many other tales of woe circulate within the town's history; but don't ever let that prevent you from visiting this most picturesque town!
Back in PA, I grew up hearing the tale of the Lady in White. It was an eerie tale indeed, and often we would travel the Buckhorn Road in which she haunts on our way to Altoona for a day-long shopping trip. The story of the the Buckhorn Ghost, as it is known to locals, is what initially inspired me to include a post of local ghost lore. Here is an excerpt from a website I'd found that explains the reason for the Lady in White. I'd also like to mention that during my many travels on these roads, I haven't been fortunate (or unfortunate!) enough to have run into her. Maybe someday I will!
"A popular legend throughout the Allegheny Mountains is the legend of The White Lady of Wopsy Mountain also known as Wopsononock Mountain. The local people refer to the popular mountain as Wopsy Mountain.
Some people believe there are two White Ladies, another White Lady that roams the Buckhorn Mountain road. Nobody really knows for sure. Although, John Hunter Orr of Altoona, PA, a collector of folk stories, thinks the story started with the Wopsy Mountain story and spread to the Buckhorn Mountain.
There are also several legends of The White Lady of Wopsy Mountain. One legend reports the White Lady is looking through Wopsy Mountain for her baby. The baby was thrown out of the horse carriage while rounding Devils Elbow, a dangerous curve that still exists on PA's Wospy Mountain. The legend says the baby was never found.
Although, of course, the road has been much improved since the horse and buggy days. Drivers are still cautious when approaching Devils Elbow. I'm not sure it's because of the dangerous curve or the legend of the White Lady of Wopsy Mountain, most likely it's both reasons. You actually have to travel the road yourself to understand the eerie feeling you suddenly get when you approach the area. It seems everybody breaths a sigh of relief once you're down the mountain.
There Are Two Legends Of The White Lady
Both legends are very similar. They always begin with newlyweds getting in deadly accidents on the mountain's treacherous roads. Wopsy Mountain and the Buckhorn Mountain have several dangerous curves. The most famous dangerous curve is known as Devils Elbow. This is where the legend of the accident of the White Lady of Wopsy Mountain takes place. There have been a lot of accidents in the area of Devils Elbow. The dangerous curve has caused many experienced drivers to lose control, especially when the mountain is snow-covered and the roads are slick.
The White Lady of Wopsy Mountain's story has the husband dying instantly. The wife regains consciousness only to find her beloved husband's decapitated body.
Mr. Orr says the woman disappears into the woods, wandering around Wopsononock Mountain. She heads west towards Buckhorn Mountain. Yet, she always disappears around the deadly curve at Devils Elbow. She's been seen there many times by people traveling down the steep mountain road. Most sightings only last a second when you suddenly see someone in white on the side of ther road ahead but once you approach the area there is no one in sight.
Sightings of the White Lady of Wopsy Mountain have been reported for many years by many people in the area. As the folk story goes, many people have seen a woman dressed in white, wearing a long flowing gown, standing along the side of the steep, winding Wopsy Mountain Road, near Devils Elbow. Some say she is holding a candle, others report she is holding a lantern.Many testify to have stopped to offer her a ride down the steep mountain. Once inside the vehicle she seems grateful for the ride but quiet, she smiles a lot, and is extremely beautiful.
It has been reported many times that when they look in their rear view mirror they can't see her reflection, yet when they turn to face her, they see her sitting in their back seat. Before the vehicle reaches the bottom of the mountain, in the area of Devils Elbow, she always vanishes into thin air. "
Well, whether you are a believer or a skeptic with regards to ghost tales, you have to admit it's always a little fun to add some mystery and intrigue to your days during the month of October. I'd also like to mention that while looking up some ghost stories online, I came across this website: http://theshadowlands.net/places/pennsylvania/html It lists hundreds of haunts within the state! I never realized I shared a state with so many ghosts and goblins!
I'll close with one last thing- for those who check in from New Mexico, my husband has told me that the cemetery across from the post office in Gallup is haunted. When he was in high school, he and some friends where "hanging" out there (why?) and they all swear to this day that they saw and old man coming towards them, yelling.
Like a bunch of chickens, they took off running, but when they looked back the man was gone. I can't debate whether or not the sighting actually occurred since I wasn't there, but I tend to believe that the old man was perhaps a vision brought forth with a little help from their friend Bud (weiser!)
HAVE A HAPPY AND HAUNTING OCTOBER, my friends!
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