The Haunting of the University of Montevallo

University of Montevallo –Shelby County, Montevallo, Alabama

Photograph ©State University.Com

Address:
University of Montevallo
720 Oak Street
Montevallo, Alabama 35115
(205) 665-6000
Website

The sprawling 160 acres that now house the University of Montevallo carry a rich tapestry of history and spectral tales that weave through the epochs.

In the 1700s and 1800s, the land was occupied by Native Americans, creating an ancient connection to the region. The 1820s marked the arrival of Edmond King, a wealthy individual who peacefully coexisted with the indigenous population. King, in his affluence, constructed an opulent abode atop a hill, initially named "Mansion House" but later known as "The King House," becoming one of Alabama's most illustrious residences.

As time unfolded, the Civil War era ushered in new chapters for the land. The Confederate Army utilized the area, reportedly constructing underground tunnels for strategic movements. Reynolds Hall, once an ordinary structure, transformed into a hospital during these tumultuous times. It is here that a dark chapter unfolded, as General Sherman ordered the massacre of sick and wounded soldiers before departing the town.

Legend has it that the victims found their final resting place in the King's Cemetery, situated on the present University of Montevallo campus. In 1896, the buildings, including the hospital, were repurposed as the Alabama Girls' Industrial School, later evolving into the Alabama Girls' Technical Institute, a trailblazer in granting degrees for women.

Within this historical backdrop, tragedy struck in 1908 when Condie Cunningham, a young student, perished in a fire while attempting to make hot chocolate. The institution evolved over the years, admitting male students in 1956 and eventually becoming the University we know today by 1969.

Amidst the historical edifices, spectral tales abound. The King House is said to be haunted by the spirit of Edmond King, who allegedly buried his wealth under a tree to thwart Union Army looting. Witnesses claim to have seen his apparition with a lantern and shovel, or peering through windows, possibly counting his hidden treasure.

Reynolds Hall, once a hospital during the Civil War, is haunted by the spirit of Captain Henry Clay Reynolds. The Captain, tasked with protecting the hospital, is believed to roam the halls, with students reporting sightings and eerie feelings. Strange occurrences, such as doors and windows opening on their own and fluctuations in temperature, add to the ghostly atmosphere.

Old Main Hall bears the phantom presence of Condie Cunningham, who tragically lost her life in a dormitory fire. Witnesses have recounted seeing her apparition running down hallways in flames or hearing her screams echoing through the building. Palmer Hall is haunted by W.H. Trumbauer, a former designer passionate about the college's theatrical arts. His spectral presence is said to manifest during dress rehearsals, offering opinions on performances.

Lastly, Hanson Hall is watched over by a former house mother, with students attesting to a ghostly presence during late-night study sessions. Complaints of feeling observed and an unexplained sense of another's company add an ethereal dimension to this campus lore, weaving together the history and hauntings that echo through the halls of the University of Montevallo.

The Haunting of the Pocatello High School

Pocatello High School – Bannock County, Pocatello, Idaho

Photograph ©Untraveled Road.com

It might come as a surprise, but there is a notable prevalence of haunted grade schools scattered across the United States, a phenomenon that often escapes public awareness. Although I typically don't delve into tales of haunted educational institutions, an exception is warranted today as we explore one such eerie school.

One of the spectral entities that lingers within the premises is believed to be the ghost of a former student. In the post-World War II era, specifically the late 1940s to early 1950s, the school bore witness to a tragic incident involving two students who entered into a suicide pact. While one of the young girls experienced a change of heart, the other was discovered lifeless within the school premises, having reportedly hung herself from her own locker.

The aftermath of this unsettling event was marked by peculiar occurrences. Both teachers and students began to notice an inexplicable and potent aroma of perfume enveloping the air around the deceased girl's former locker. The scent became so overpowering that the school administration opted to remove the tainted locker and replace it with a new one in an attempt to dispel the unsettling fragrance.

Even in the present day, there are reports of sporadic encounters with the lingering scent of the girl's perfume. Janitors working in the school during the after-hours have shared eerie experiences, claiming to have witnessed the apparition of the long-deceased girl aimlessly wandering through the dimly lit hallways.

However, the haunting tales within this school extend beyond the tragic suicide incident. Numerous unidentified apparitions have been sighted, often observed gazing out of windows. Some witnesses have reported peculiar nocturnal activities, such as the inexplicable activation of the gymnasium alarm and the eerie sound of a piano playing in the auditorium when no living soul was present to play it. The prevailing theory behind these additional hauntings suggests a spiritual attachment to the very land upon which the school stands, serving as a haunting reminder of the mysteries that endure within its walls.

Address:
325 North Arthur Avenue
Pocatello, Idaho 83204

The Haunting of the Old Jesse Lee Home for Children

Old Jesse Lee Home for Children – Kenai Peninsula County, Seward, Alaska

Photograph ©Seward Historic Preservation Commission

Address:
Seward, Alaska 99664
Website


In 1890, the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church opened their doors to provide educational services. As time went on the school became a safe haven for unfortunate children. Many of the children that came there were from broken homes or orphaned. Many of the orphaned had lost both of their parents to a widespread flu epidemic. In 1925, the school/orphanage was moved to the outskirts of Seward, where it was home to more than seventy children and at least ten caring employees.

In 1927, one of the Jesse Lee students, Benny Benson, entered a contest to design Alaska’s state flag and he won! Benny was thirteen years old at the time. In August of that same year, Benny’s flag was raised for the first time in the state at the Jesse Lee home.

In 1964, an unexpected earthquake occurred. This is said to be the worst earthquake to take place in the state of Alaska. The Jesse Lee home was hit hard and the school suffered extensive damage. Worse than that, more than a dozen of the children were killed by the natural disaster, leaving sadness in the hearts of all who remained and marking the land with grief.

With most of the school too damaged to use and beyond repair, the Jesse Lee home was then moved to Anchorage where it is now known as the Alaska Children’s Services. However, the old home still stands, broken, battered and empty of life, outside the town of Seward.

The reports of paranormal activity at the old home are uncountable! Many who step onto the old grounds report the feeling of melancholy. The sounds of children giggling can be heard all over the grounds but no living child is ever found to be the source. Others have claimed to hear the sounds of a jump rope tapping on the sidewalk.

Many visitors have reported hearing the sounds of little feet running past them and then the sound of cheering follows, as if these lingering apparitions are still playing the games that they enjoyed in life.

The children’s lives at the Jesse Lee home were good and they were nurtured, happy and well taken care of. I suppose that is why these little souls have made the old home and its grounds their eternal play area.

As for the structure, all hope is not lost. Apparently, several of the children who resided there, as well as, several organizations, are trying to raise the money to refurbish the buildings. Their goal is to turn the old home into a museum so that everyone can learn about its history and enjoyment may still be found there.

The Haunting of Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University – Columbia County, Magnolia, Arkansas

Photograph ©Magnolia, Arkansas Website

Bussey Hall, a residence hall of Southern Arkansas University, is said to house the apparitions of several females and many living residents have complained of strange happenings.

One resident claims that while in her room one night she suddenly felt she wasn’t alone. She was sitting on one side of the bed with her back to the door, when she claims she felt the edge of the bed go down behind her, as if someone had just sat down on it. The girl said she was too terrified to mover or scream and then the edge of the bed raised up (as if someone had stood up) and the feeling she had, went away. She immediately got up and checked her door but it was still locked!

Many other residents have reported their stereos and television coming on by themselves, with the volume full blast! Another claimed that she had placed a loaf of bread on the window sill and it threw itself onto the floor in the center of the room!

Others say that the attic light seems to go on and off on its own and that the attic is kept locked. The only person with a key is the dorm director and they would have no reason for going to the attic at night (or during the day).


Address:
100 East University
Magnolia, Arkansas 71753
(870) 235-4000
Website

The Haunting of the Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University – Warren County, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Photograph ©OP Master

Address:
1906 College Heights Boulevard
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
(270) 745-2551 to Schedule a Tour
Website

Academic Complex

Many have reported seeing apparitions out of the corner of their eye here, as well as, hearing phantom footsteps. Two witnesses reported watching as a CD player moved around the room on its own and seeing a closet door open and close when no one was there.


Barnes – Campbell Hall

In this building, a maintenance man was killed in the elevator shaft while trying to fix it. This poor man’s apparition has been said to turn on water faucets full blast and his ghostly footprints have been seen coming from the showers to the elevator. Apparently this phantom is also responsible for running the elevator up and down when no one is on it. The elevator is also said to make stops at the fifth floor when no one has pushed the fifth floor button and the doors will open as if someone is getting on or off.


Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity House

The apparition of a woman has been seen here. It is said that this woman was murdered many years before the house was used by the University. The female specter has been seen running across the front yard of the house at night. Claims have also been made that she occasionally lights a fire in the fireplace! This entity, like many others, turns lights on and off and likes to hide items from their owners.


Library & Museum

A misty formed apparition was once caught on film here. Many have seen this same form out of the corner of their eye but by the time they turn to look, the specter is gone. Many people have also complained of cold gusts of air where there should’ve been none, books being thrown onto the floor by some unseen source and the eerie feeling that someone is looking over your shoulder.


McClean Hall

Ms. McClean haunts this namesake and is said to roam the hallways late at night. Many of the University students have communicated with McClean via the Ouija board and many have claimed that she appeared to them when requested.


Pearce Ford Tower

The elevators in this building are known to go up and down on their own. Apparently, as with the Barnes-Campbell Hall building, a maintenance man was killed in one of the shafts while servicing the elevator.

Potter Hall

The restless spirit of a young woman named Allison is said to haunt this building; apparently she committed suicide in the basement. This apparition has been heard walking down hallways and many have claimed to hear her call out their name! Allison is also said to bang on the pipe where she hung herself and her presence has been felt in the same area.


Rhodes Harlin Hall

A young woman is said to have committed suicide here, by leaping to her death from the roof. This woman’s apparition has been spotted on the roof and she is also said to tap on doors. Many claim that the woman’s spirit scratches on windows and they have heard her footsteps on the roof when no one was up there.


Schneider Hall

A female apparition is said to haunt Schneider Hall. Apparently the woman was viciously attacked and murdered many years ago by an escaped mental patient. This woman’s apparition has been spotted looking out of the windows in this building. Many have also claimed that the specter likes to rearrange furniture, play with electrical gadgets, scratch on doors, and cause cold spots.


Sigma Alpha Epsilon House

At the Sigma Alpha Epsilon House, the apparition of a young man has been spotted walking along the outer walls of the building. He is described as tall, thin and dressed in some type of uniform. This apparitions presence is often “felt” in room 7 and many have heard his disembodied footsteps echoing throughout the building.


Van meter Hall Auditorium

A janitorial employee fell to his death from a ladder while working on the skylight in the auditorium. The apparition of this man is said to still haunt the building and he has been seen by many who claimed that he just appeared in front of them out of nowhere! On the stage where his body was found, there have been many who claim that the spot occasionally glows and that a stain from his blood reappears after being cleaned. This apparition has also been known to turn lights on and off, open and close the stage curtains and move items around.

The Haunting of the Ladd School

The Ladd School – Washington County, Exeter, Rhode Island

Photograph ©ArtinRuins.com

Address:
Exeter, Rhode Island

Built on more than four hundred acres of farmland, the Ladd School opened its doors as a mental rehabilitation hospital in 1907. In the beginning the building was quite empty; only caring for eight patients after it had been open for two years.

By the year 1915 the population had expanded to some one hundred + patients. However, by 1923, they had more than three hundred patients and they were considered over crowded.

More buildings were later added and the patients kept rolling in. By 1950 the population reached nearly one thousand. At this point they were over crowded again and on top of that they were ill equipped to take care of their ever-growing populace. In fact, the school had no dental care, no morgue, no recreational facilities, no chapel and no “functional” hospital apparatus! Also, there was only ONE certified doctor on the staff; Dr. Joseph H. Ladd. The remainder of the staff was either uncertified to care for the patients or they had little training.

In 1956, Dr. Ladd gave up on the school and retired and Dr. John G. Smith took control of the facility. Two years after that an investigation was launched due to numerous allegations of patient abuse and neglect. The inquiry into the schools conduct and facilities showed that allegations were true, to a terrifying degree.

Due to the overcrowding factor, it was found that patients slept head to feet, side-by-side, on cots that were placed only nine inches apart. Many patients had been beaten routinely due to disruptive behavior. Many of the patients’ rooms were not equipped with a sink and toilet. The entire facility was infested with vermin; including the kitchen and dining areas. Patients were given incorrect prescriptions, wrong dosages and medications administered by unqualified personnel, causing many deaths.

One female patient was impregnated twice but it is unclear whether or not it was caused by another resident or hospital staff. A nine-year-old boy was found asphyxiated in one of the shower stalls after someone had stuffed him into a laundry sack. An elderly man died after being shoved down a stair well by another patient.

In 1983, after a lawsuit was brought against the state of Rhode Island and the Ladd School, Dr. George Gunther was brought in. Dr. Gunther tried his best to straighten out the mess, moving patients, demolishing old buildings but his efforts were lost when the Governor of Rhode Island decided to have the school shut down in 1993.

Today, locals and curious trespassers swear that the place is haunted. Many have reported hearing moaning, phantom footsteps or shuffling and crying throughout the main building and other surrounding buildings. Many have also claimed to hear disembodied voices murmuring, whispering or crying out. Doors have been seen opening or closing without explanation; these same doors also seem to lock at times even if there is no lock on the door itself. Also heard in patients’ former rooms is an eerie growling sound when no animals are present. Some visitors here have also claimed they were touched, shoved or they’ve had items knocked out of their hands by some unseen force.

Outside of the facility, visitors have claimed to see human-shaped shadows moving across the field and into the woods. Voices have been heard out there as well and many have photographed glowing orbs. Also, car radios are said to go haywire or stop working all together and a few people have claimed that their car alarms or horns have gone off for no reason.

All in all, the Ladd School was a living nightmare for its many patients. It is no wonder that many of these residents still roam the halls even after their death. Unfortunately, these poor restless souls will probably always remain here; wandering the desolate halls alone and crying out for help that will never come.

The Haunting of Mount Marty College

Mount Marty College – Yankton County, Yankton, South Dakota

Photograph ©HCAP

This building was built in 1936 by the Benedictine Order of Sisters and was used as a Junior College for women.

During the building’s construction, a laborer fell to his death on the site of the building. This poor fellow’s apparition is believed to be responsible for showers turning on and off on their own, drinking fountains coming on unexplainably, phantom footsteps and shadows.

In the Corby Residence Hall, numerous witnesses in the elevator have seen the apparition of a female student who unexplainably disappeared.

In the Whitby Hall building, residents have claimed they saw a male apparition dressed in gray pants in their dorm rooms. Some of the residents have also claimed they saw various apparitions of workmen, wearing blue suits and hard hats, in their rooms.

In the Dakota Hall building, the apparition of a male has been seen and heard. This same boy hung himself in this building.

In the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity house, another male reportedly hung himself too death and now he restlessly haunts the house along with a female who died of infection that occurred after she was inadvertently scratched with a hat pin.

In the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity house, a young male named Gerry used a bullet to end his life. Gerry’s apparition is said to still roam the house and he is believed to be responsible for turning the TVs on and off, playing DVD players, and messing with the lights and electrical gadgets.

Address:
1105 West 8th Street
Yankton, South Dakota 57078
(800) 658-4552
Website

The Haunting of the Wesleyan University of Nebraska

Wesleyan University – Lancaster County, Lincoln, Nebraska

Photograph ©StateUniversity.Com

Address:
5000 Saint Paul Avenue
Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
(402) 466-2371
Website

The activity that occurred at the Wesleyan University seemed to be confined to the C.C. White building. This building has been torn down since that time and normally I wouldn’t write about something as such, however this story is very odd and I found it quite intriguing.

The story begins with a woman named, Urania Clara Mills. Miss Mills came to work for the university in 1912 as a music teacher and spent her entire teaching career there. In April of 1940, Miss Mills was found dead in her classroom; she was about sixty years old at the time.

A little more than two decades passed before any activity began in the C.C. White building, the reason for this are unknown. However, the story of how the strange events began is rather strange in itself.

In October of 1963, a school employee, Mrs. Coleen Buterbaugh, went in search of the school’s Scottish guest speaker. The guest speaker, Professor Thomas McCourt, had been using the old music room since his arrival at the university; the same room where the late Miss Mills had passed away in 1940.

Mrs. Buterbaugh walked through the hallway and to the door, surrounded by noisy students on their way to class. Mrs. Buterbaugh said she took two steps into the old music room and the entire world around her changed! Suddenly everything was dead still; the sounds of the students in the hallway were suddenly gone! At the same time, she was hit with an odd odor that she later described as the smell of a gas jet being opened with the smell of gas leaking out. Mrs. Buterbaugh said that she then felt a presence in the room with her; she turned and saw an older woman with her hair pulled back into a bun. The woman was standing with her back to Mrs. Buterbaugh and she was reaching into an older-style filing cabinet.

Mrs. Buterbaugh then looked out of the classroom window and saw that everything outside had changed! She later recalled that outside there were no streets and that the Willard Sorority Hall had just disappeared!

Extremely frightened and disoriented, Mrs. Buterbaugh ran from the room, straight to the Dean’s office where she told her story. The Dean, Sam Dahl, took her story very seriously; apparently Mrs. Buterbaugh was in complete control of all of her faculties and she wasn’t the type to make up stories.

It’s reported that Mrs. Buterbaugh was never the same after the incident and soon afterward she quit her job with the university and moved to the state of Colorado.

Over the ten years that followed, disembodied footsteps, lights turning on and off and a phantom piano playing were reported frequently. Then, in 1973, the C.C. White building was torn down. No reports have been made here since then.

The experience that Mrs. Buterbaugh had in 1963 interested me because this is not the only time that I’ve heard of this sort of thing. In Juneau Alaska this same type of experience happed to a woman who worked for the Alaskan Hotel, you can find that story on my site, “True Hauntings of America”.

The Haunting of Carroll College

Carroll College – Lewis & Clark County, Helena, Montana

Photograph ©Janet-n-John

Built in the early nineteen hundreds, this college has had reports of reoccurring blood stains in one of the bathrooms. Apparently a student fell and hit his head here. The apparition of this student has also been witnessed in this room and the school, after many reports, apparently sealed the room off.

Another reoccurring event reported here is the residual reenactment of a former student who jumped to his death in one of the stairwells.

The third apparition reported here is that of a nun. The nun is said to have died of an illness at the college and her apparition has been seen roaming about that area.

Address:
1601 North Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59625
(406) 447-4300
(800) 992-3648
Website