#22
September 1, 2026#24
September 1, 2026
Searchable issue transcript
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Ghosties, Witches, Ghosties, Witches, Haints & Spirits Haints & Spirits foothills foothills Display until 1/15/24 $8.95 Digest Digest Spooky Stories Spooky Stories Lydia's Bridge Lydia's Bridge 1891 Train Wreck 1891 Train Wreck The Pink Lady The Pink Lady Broughton Hauntings Broughton Hauntings East Hall East Hall Mysteries Mysteries Brown Mountain Lights Brown Mountain Lights Bigfoot Bigfoot UFO s UFO s Tom Dula Tom Dula Cherokee Legends Cherokee Legends The Moon-Eyed People The Moon-Eyed People Wampus Cat Wampus Cat Spearfinger Spearfinger Little People Little People Fairy Crosses Fairy Crosses Lake Lure Lore Lake Lure Lore Haunting of Lake Lure Inn Haunting of Lake Lure Inn Apparitions over Chimney Rock Apparitions over Chimney Rock Lost Gold in the Hills Lost Gold in the Hills The Bottomless Pools The Bottomless Pools The Flowering Bridge The Flowering Bridge Ghost Hunting Ghost Hunting Trivette Clinic Trivette Clinic Candlelit Ghost Tours Candlelit Ghost Tours 1924 Catawba Courthouse 1924 Catawba Courthouse
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Send a check for $32 to: Foothills Digest 1070 26th Ave NE Hickory NC 28601 Name: Address: Phone: Card Number: Expiration: CVV Code: subscribe On the cover: O n the cover: On the cover: Read the haunting story of Lydia, a beautiful hitch hiker who vanishes after getting her ride. Learn the history of Lydia's Bridge. Page 84. "There are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” -Hamlet/ Shakespeare "Ghosts are all around us. Look for them and you 'll find them." -Ruskin Bond "Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." -Stephen King “Whether it’s mirage or magic, you have to agree that this land of time – sculptured rocks (Chimney Rock) is one to stir the most laggard imagination” – John Parris
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4 foothills Digest 3838 Cleary Rd Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Fall 2023 Phone: 828.475.1323 E-mail: editor@foothillsdigest.com Website: foothillsdigest.com Stock by Adobe Stock and Shutterstock Created using Adobe Suite Edited with the assistance of Grammarly PRINTED IN USA PARTNER COMPANY: ECKARD PHOTOGRAPHIC C A R M E N E C K A R D Editor in Chief Author, unless otherwise noted J O N E C K A R D Principal Photographer J O E Y O S B O R N E Partner S P E C I A L T H A N KS TO : Leslie Restivo Margaret Langley "Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light." -Joseph Pulitzer
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5 L L etter etter f f rom the rom the Editor: Editor: Dear Readers, Several times during the making of this issue, I've been asked if I "believe" in ghosts. I haven't had a clear answer for that, and I still don't. What I can say is this: There are a lot of unexplained things in the world. There are also limits to our own understanding and our own sensory experiences. Many animals can smell or hear better than we can, and some even see a range of colors we cannot detect. There is more than we can perceive. Who am I to say anything doesn't exist? There's far too much I don't know and can never know, so I can't rule out all manner of things, including ghosts. Our region has so many ghost stories and mysteries that there's no way I could cover all of them. We are sharing a well-rounded selection, but I encourage you to go on a local ghost tour or ask the oldest person you know if they remember any ghost stories from their youth. Even if ghosts are not real, which is very possible, their stories are still important. They help us understand the cultures that they belong to. They tell us what a group of people thinks is important, what scares them, and what they find exceptional. They contribute mightily to the zeitgeist. And so, I will tell you ghost stories, as people have done for hundreds, probably thousands of years. You can choose if you want to believe them, but even if you don't, I hope they deepen your understanding of the mythology of western North Carolina. It's about to get spooky, y'all.
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6 Purchase this print & others at EckardPhotography.com/Prints.
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5 Letter From the Editor 8 Ghosties, Witches, Haints and Spirits 10 Bigfoot 16 Lake Lure's Lore 18 Lake Lure Inn 24 Rumblings on the Bald 25 Battle of the Little People 26 The Apparitions at Chimney Rock 32 Chimney Rock State Park 36 The Bottomless Pools 38 The Flowering Bridge of Lake Lure 41 Lost Gold in the Hills 42 Protecting the Homestead 44 Unidentified Flying Objects 46 Trivette Clinic 56 The Witchdoctor 58 Candlelit Tours in Wilkesboro 60 The True Ballad of Tom Dula 63 Bostian Bridge Train Wreck 66 The Mysterious Choir of Roan Mountain 70 Searching for Ghosts 82 The Pink Lady 84 Lydia's Bridge 90 Mysterious Cherokee Tales 97 Judaculla Rock 100 The Witch's Keyhole 102 Mr. Conrad's Haunting 106 Hickory Community Theatre 108 Broughton Hauntings 112 Reader Submissions 114 Mystery of Brown Mountain Lights 120 The Siren of the Broad River 122 East Hall 130 Scary Movies of the Hills 132 Haunted Antiques 134 Old Saint Paul's Church 140 Year of the Trail: Grandfather 142 Phantom Hiker of Grandfather Mountain 144 The Brocken Spectre at Grandfather Table Table of of Contents Contents
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Ghosties, Witches, Haints & Spirits "In my time, there was a lot of people who believed in witches and ghosties. They knowed how to put some truth into stories about haints and spirits. It took me a long time to get straight on some of that. The difference atween haints and spirits is that haints are something that haint. They haint real, they're just a part of our imaginations. Now, spirits are of God and are sacred. We was teached about ghosties, witches, haints and spirits. Ghosties were thought to be real. They might be a kind of spirit all lost and wanderin' tryin' to find their way back somewhere. That's why Mama painted hex signs on the porch ceilin' on either side of the front door of our house. She always said it was to keep the ghosties away. It must work, cause none of us ever seed nairy a ghost round our house." Ray Hicks The Life and Times of Ray Hicks Keeper of the Jack Tales by Lynn Salsi
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9 Ray Hicks, known as the Bard of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was born on August 29, 1922, in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. He was a storyteller and key preserver of Appalachian heritage, weaving his tales from family traditions of Cornish and English origins, mixed with homemade music and British ballads. Standing nearly seven feet tall, Hicks led a simple life, deeply connected to his Appalachian home. He began storytelling in 1951, and his fame grew, culminating in his participation in the 1973 National Storytelling Festival. Yet, he never left his beloved land, turning down opportunities that might separate him from it. After his death in 2003, his words and wisdom continue to endure, encapsulating the Appalachian distinction between 'haints' and 'spirits' and illuminating the region's rich folklore. Photo by Dennis Freeman In the quote, Ray Hicks speaks candidly about beliefs from his time in the Appalachian region, using authentic dialect to differentiate between witches, ghosties, haints, and spirits. He creatively explains that "haints," a play on "ain't," are figments of imagination, not real entities. Contrarily, "spirits" are regarded as sacred and divine. Ghosties, considered real, led his mother to paint hex signs to ward them off, a practice reflecting deep-rooted customs. His words encapsulate not only the unique language but also the complex understanding of supernatural elements in Appalachian culture. By sharing his personal experiences, Hicks preserves and brings to life a rich tradition, enabling a broader understanding of a heritage which is both vivid and quite profound.
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10 Bigfoot, the mystifying beast of the wilderness, has long teased the imaginations of millions around the globe. Known by a slew of names such as Sasquatch, Yeti, Skunk Ape, and Yowie, this cryptic creature has etched itself deeply into folklore and popular culture alike. The creature is typically described as a towering, hairy, two-legged humanoid with a build that would put the burliest of bodybuilders to shame. Piercing eyes glow eerily from a face mostly obscured by dark, coarse hair, with an occasional glint revealing large, formidable teeth.
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12 The elusive primate walks on two feet like humans, but its footprints, from which it gets its name, are gargantuan in comparison. Their thunderous roars, unearthly shrieks, and unsettling wood-knocking sounds are claimed to haunt forests and stir dread in the hearts of those who hear them. Bigfoot has found a particular home in the lore of Western North Carolina. In this scenic corner of the United States, the legend thrives, intertwined with the natural beauty of the Appalachians. Over the past decades, there have been over 100 reported sightings of this elusive creature, infusing an air of mystery and curiosity in the region. A gripping account, recently posted by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, is that of a family from North Carolina. Their typical evening was turned on its head when a huge bipedal figure appeared at the edge of their woods. The daughter, a seventeen-year-old girl, was the first to spot the creature. Strangely, their five dogs did not bark at the sight of it, suggesting either a mesmerizing calmness or an unworldly aura that surrounded this creature. It was only a few days later that the girl's mother experienced a similar sighting, cementing their belief in the existence of Bigfoot.
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13 Yet, it's not just isolated families in remote houses who claim to have encountered Bigfoot in Western North Carolina. In 2017, John Bruner and his team reported a close encounter with the creature in Marion. Their story, backed by the crisp moonlight that lit the beast, added another chilling chapter to the Bigfoot lore. The creature, according to John, was covered in shaggy hair, with a solid black face that stood in stark contrast against the moonlit night. Indeed, such is the fascination with Bigfoot that Marion hosts an annual Bigfoot festival. This popular event sees enthusiasts and skeptics alike come together, some even dressing up as their beloved creature. However, the history of sightings in North Carolina predates the present-day reports and festivals. The Cherokee legend of Tsul 'Kalu, a towering ape-like creature that roams the mountains, indicates that these encounters have been happening for centuries. Readers curious about the legend can delve into the story of Judaculla Rock for a richer understanding of this intriguing character from Cherokee folklore. In a similarly enchanting vein, the Boojum of Haywood County stands as another local mythical creature. Boojum, described as a mix between a Bigfoot and a mountain man, is renowned for stashing treasure throughout the mountains. His story adds another layer of fascination to the cryptid tales of the region.
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14 This compilation of mysterious encounters, folkloric tales, and annual celebrations paints a vivid picture of Bigfoot's indelible mark on Western North Carolina. However, the mystery remains unsolved. With each sighting, with every tale told, the enigma only deepens. Whether Bigfoot is a remnant of an ancient species, an interdimensional traveler, a misunderstood bear, or simply a figment of collective imagination remains open to speculation. Despite countless expeditions by researchers and enthusiasts, substantial physical evidence of the creature, like a body or clear, undisputed photographs, are yet to be produced. Bigfoot, it appears, is as skilled at evading capture as it is at fueling curiosity. However, the lack of concrete evidence doesn't dampen the spirit of believers. The encounters are too real for them, the stories too convincing. These stories, combined with the local lore of Tsul 'Kalu and the Boojum of Haywood County, create a rich tapestry of mysterious encounters. The Cherokee legend of Tsul 'Kalu connects these modern sightings with the indigenous history of the area. As for the Boojum, his story combines the mystery of Bigfoot with the intrigue of hidden treasure. Bigfoot, in a sense, is a symbol of the unexplored, the unknown, the wild. The quest for Bigfoot is a quest for discovery, for the thrill of the chase, for the allure of mystery. So, does Bigfoot roam the woods of Western North Carolina? The definitive answer remains as elusive as the creature itself. This quest transcends generations, cultures, and even geographical boundaries, but it takes on a particularly intense hue in the verdant and untamed landscapes of Western North Carolina. The annual Bigfoot Festival in Marion is an expression of the complex relationship between the community and its local legend. The festival also attracts enthusiasts, researchers, and curious visitors from far and wide, bringing diverse perspectives to the local legend. Bigfoot's cultural impact in Western North Carolina extends even beyond the annual
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15 festival. The local lore and modern encounters have sparked a surge of interest in cryptozoology, the study of hidden animals. But what is it about Bigfoot that has such an enduring hold on our imaginations? Perhaps it's the tantalizing possibility of a creature that straddles the line between humans and beasts, challenging our understanding of evolution. Or maybe it's the romantic notion of an untouched wilderness where such a creature could exist. So, if you find yourself in the region, be it for the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the rich cultural heritage, or the charming local festivals, remember to keep an eye out. Who knows? You just might catch a glimpse of a large, shadowy figure moving through the undergrowth, adding your own story to the enduring mystery of Bigfoot. With each sighting, tale, and piece of 'evidence', this enigma deepens, adding more texture to the intricate tapestry of local lore. As you explore this beautiful land and immerse yourself in its vibrant traditions, you'll come to appreciate the sense of wonder that Bigfoot brings to Western North Carolina. It's a living tale that continues to inspire and captivate, enhancing the magical aura of the region.
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Lake Lure's Mysterious Lore In the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, where pristine waters shimmer under the gaze of emerald hills, lies a place as entrancing as it is enigmatic: Lake Lure. This sparkling jewel is celebrated not only for its breathtaking beauty, a panoramic tableau straight out of a fairy tale, but also for the rich tapestry of stories woven into the fabric of the surrounding towns. Lake Lure has a history as captivating as its folklore. It didn't come into existence through natural geological processes over millennia, like the Chimney Rock that overlooks it. Instead, it was born from the ambitious vision of one man, Dr. Lucius Morse. His dream to create a perfect mountain retreat began in 1900. As a physician suffering from poor health, he was drawn to the thermal belt of western NC. Fascinated by nature, and especially Chimney Rock, Morse often walked the 10-mile gorge to gaze up in awe at the rock. Intrigued, he paid a local 25 cents to take him to the top by donkey. The view inspired him to purchase the land with the idea of building infrastructure that would allow others to share the sweeping vista. In 1902, he and his brothers Hiram and Asahel bought Chimney Rock and the surrounding 400 acres for $5,000 and began building steps and roads. Soon, he saw the potential to turn the area into a bustling resort town and purchased additional land, including the valley that would become Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains. Dr. Morse worked diligently to attract tourists to Chimney Rock over the years, and he couldn't shake the idea that his property could become a spectacular resort. To achieve this, he collaborated with The Carolina Mountain Power Company to construct a $555,000 dam that created Lake Lure. Unfortunately, the lake's creation spelled disaster for the small farming community of Buffalo, named after a nearby mountain resembling a buffalo. Situated in the Whiteside Valley of Hickory Nut Gorge, Buffalo was marked by its lush fields, winding streets, and industrious residents. Yet as Morse's plans unfolded, this bucolic scene was fated to vanish beneath the tranquil waters of Lake Lure. Despite the emotional toll, the community was displaced, their homes dismantled, and their graves relocated. As the dam was completed and the valley intentionally flooded, remnants of this submerged past continued to shape Lake Lure's identity. Many streets, buildings, and landmarks around the lake bear the name Buffalo as a poignant tribute to the lost community. By 1927, Dr. Morse had completed construction of The Lake Lure Inn, transforming the area into a beautiful resort. The Town of Lake Lure was incorporated that same year, and a vibrant community has since grown around the lake, under the watchful eye of Chimney Rock.
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Lake Lure's picturesque surroundings have not only drawn visitors seeking respite from urban life; its idyllic backdrop has also caught Hollywood's attention. The lake and its environs gained fame as the filming location for the beloved 1987 movie "Dirty Dancing." The film's iconic dance scenes, romantic plot, and legendary lift in the water were all filmed here. To this day, fans visit to relive their favorite moments during the annual "Dirty Dancing Festival," which commemorates the film’s legacy. Beyond "Dirty Dancing," Lake Lure has hosted several other big-screen productions. The mystical ambiance and rugged landscapes provided an authentic setting for the 1992 film "The Last of the Mohicans." More recently, the area also appeared in the dystopian blockbuster "The Hunger Games." Lake Lure represents a harmonious fusion of natural grandeur and human innovation. Its tranquil waters, sandy beaches, and surrounding wilderness draw visitors from far and wide, luring them with promises of serenity and adventure. Yet, these same landscapes, under the cover of darkness, seem to whisper tales of mystery and intrigue. As the sun sets, casting long, spectral shadows over the landscape, Lake Lure transforms. During these quiet, eerie hours, one can almost sense the hush of hidden histories and spectral secrets that the towns around the lake have carried for centuries. From uncanny apparitions atop Chimney Rock to the ethereal presence at the historic Lake Lure Inn, the lake is steeped in supernatural lore that blurs the line between the living and the dead. We visited Lake Lure to explore why so many spirits are rumored to linger after death. After our visit, we concluded that the town's beauty and charm might be so captivating that they simply don't want to leave. As we pondered this question, lying in our comfortable bed at the haunted Lake Lure Inn, I joked that I might haunt the place myself when my time comes. I certainly wouldn't be the first, nor the last. From apparitions seen floating in the air in 1806 to whispers of sightings of a little boy who isn't actually there, Chimney Rock is the epicenter of much of the lore around Lake Lure. Tales of the Bottomless Pools, their unfortunate victims, and subsequent hauntings have both thrilled and chilled visitors for generations. The Lake Lure Inn is said to be the site of many paranormal experiences. Yet Lake Lure's mysteries extend beyond conventional hauntings. The lost gold of Round Top Mountain and the perplexing rumblings of Rumbling Bald each contribute their unique threads to Lake Lure's supernatural tapestry. The area's indigenous heritage adds another layer to this mystical mix, with Cherokee tales of the "Little People," mystical beings believed to dwell in the region. Lake Lure invites you to embrace its beauty, delve into its history, and, if you dare, tread the thin line between its sunlit charm and the shadowy world of its spooky tales.
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18 The Lake Lure Inn stands as a beacon of relaxation and history. Established in 1927, the Lake Lure Inn is more than just a hotel; it's a living, breathing time capsule of history. Completed in 1927 by Dr. Lucius Morse, the same individual who developed Chimney Rock into a park and conceived the idea of creating Lake Lure, the inn was the crowning jewel of the resort town he aimed to create. This is a place where history lives. The original oak and pine floors, period furniture, bronze statues, and oil paintings lend an air of authenticity to the Inn's storied past. You can almost imagine F. Scott Fitzgerald, a frequent guest in the mid-1930s, sauntering through these doors. The lobby is filled with antique music boxes, most as large as a man, and player pianos. George and Hope Wittmer, the owners of the inn, continue to add to this impressive collection. Additionally, the hotel houses a restaurant and a bar. While the ambiance at the restaurant was delightfully fancy and old-fashioned, we ate at the pub, called The Moose & Goose. A stuffed goose hangs from the ceiling and a mounted moose head greets guests as they enter. This full service bar also serves some of the best food in Lake Lure. Although we stayed at the hotel on an off-season week night when it wasn’t very busy, the bar was packed with people and the atmosphere was merry. Lake Lure Inn
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19 Guests have the opportunity to delve into the Inn's rich past through newspaper clippings and photographs that line the lobby walls, from Calvin Coolidge’s 1928 visit to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s stay during the filming of Dirty Dancing in 1986. There are even reminders of its significant role during World War II, providing rest and respite for 5,000 combat airmen before they returned to the front lines. The walls are lined with beautiful art and collections of antiques. Old signs from the hotel remind guests of its history. One of our favorite newspaper articles labels the inn as the “Only resort in the thermal belt” and boasts that it yields “Three Fig Crops a Year!” The Inn's architecture, marked by Mediterranean characteristics such as stucco, arches, and a red-shingled roof, speaks of the original vision for Lake Lure: a resort town inspired by the Lake District of Northern Italy. Our favorite part of the hotel was the pool. When you are there, it feels like you’ve transported to a different time and place. The old fences make it so the outside world fades away entirely, excepting the beautiful mountains rising up all around the lake, which are perfectly visible while floating in the pool. It feels like a Mediterranean paradise, with unusual and beautiful plants and architecture. We had the pool, to ourselves, and we couldn’t stop talking about how lovely it was. Dr. Lucius Morse originally had plans for an airfield, a yacht club, and a zoo to complete his resort town, but the Great Depression stopped progress. However, the Inn remained, steadfastly embodying the town's history since its incorporation.
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Despite its rich and intriguing history, it's the chilling spectral legacy of the Lake Lure Inn that leaves an indelible mark on many guests' memories. The Inn is reputedly home to several spirits. A newspaper article on the wall discusses the haunting, and posits that the ghost could be the spirit of Dr. Lucius Morse, finally able to enjoy the resort he created. But we talked with life-long Lake Lure resident William, who is the night auditor at the hotel. He hasn’t had any experiences with the ghost of Dr. Morse, but his eyes sparkled as he began telling us of the different ghosts he knew of in the space. Perhaps the most compelling and tragic tale is of a young bride who met a gruesome end within the hotel's walls. The story tells of a groom's wrath in the 1930s, which led him to murder his new wife after seeing her flirt with a police officer in the Inn's lobby. The ill-fated couple had been residing in room 217-218, a single spacious room at the time, and the echoes of their tragic end seem to linger even today. Many guests staying in rooms 217- 218 have reported inexplicable occurrences, hinting at the continued presence of the unfortunate bride. An overwhelming scent of roses frequently pervades the room, seemingly coming from nowhere. Sightings of a spectral woman, dressed in an ethereal white garment, wandering aimlessly through the Inn's corridors, have been reported. She's often seen lingering near the historic room, her spectral figure an eerie reminder of the violent incident that took place decades ago. Adding to the chilling narrative, a bone-chilling, shrill scream has
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been captured echoing through the Inn on multiple occasions. Both hotel guests and event visitors have reported hearing it, often accompanied by an unshakable sense of dread. The scream is believed to be that of the young bride, her spectral voice echoing her terror across time. Two different ghost hunting teams have recorded the screams in room 217 and 218, and although they were separated by time, and heard by different teams, the screams were identical. A former housekeeper, under the cover of anonymity said, "I used to work there, along with my mother. There's a lot of strange activity that goes on there. I can assure you, that place is haunted. There's a room on the second floor where a woman died. Whenever you cleaned the room, even if no one had stayed there, you would always find long strands of black hair in the bathroom and the television would turn to static, even if you unplugged it. I've had my cleaning cart pushed over when no one else was up there with me." And the night auditor, William, told us that on his second night of work, he looked up in the lobby and a burst of smoke appeared, with the lady in white inside it. It’s the only time he’s actually seen her, but it made him a believer for life. Here at Foothills Digest, we are a curious lot, so we stayed in the haunted room. It offers a beautiful view of the pool, Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains, with large windows that open outward. We didn’t hear any screams, or find any black hairs, but we did smell roses while bathing. We brought our ghost hunting equipment, including dowsing rods, an EMF reader and a spirit box. We settled in, once it got dark, and began asking questions, such as, “Is there a spirit in this room.” Strangely, the dowsing rods didn’t spring to life, and offered no answers at all. The EMF reader stayed quiet. I continued asking questions, and then the spirit box, which had been
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silent for the months that I’ve had it, spoke up. It loudly and firmly said, “STOP.” We pressed on a little longer, and three minutes later, the spirit box spoke it’s second and third words: “PLEASE GO.” We are curious, but not stupid, so I put my equipment away and we didn’t ask more questions. But this woman in white isn’t the only spirit in the hotel. After World War II, the hotel, still struggling financially in the aftermath of the Great Depression, was used as a convalescent home for soldiers. It is said that many of these soldiers still wander the premises. And in the basement, there are two spirits that are spoken of. William tells us of a little boy that many people have heard bouncing a ball. Many people say that this is the spirit of the boy that died at the nearby Bottomless Pools in 1985. William disagrees, thinking it is more likely the spirit of a boy who was drowned at Lake Lure Beach, which stands just across the street from the hotel. Interestingly, there is a photograph of the young boy. The staff was taking a picture of an ice sculpture, and when once they shared it, people started mentioning the little boy. You can see the image here, and to the left of the sculpture there does appear to be a spectral boy. But we’ll let you come to that conclusion on your own. Another ghost in the basement is less friendly. He’s known as “Sam” and workers have reported that he has pulled their hair straight up into the air. As William talked, he imitated The Inn's owners, George and Hope Wittmer, have adorned the hotel with their collection of music boxes from around the world. The most impressive piece in this collection is the German- built Badenia II Orchestration. This nine-foot-tall musical titan is one of only three of its kind left in the world. You can use the QR code to see a video of one of the other two remaining Badenia II Orchestrations playing a song. It includes a great many instruments, including piano, violin and cello pipes, orchestra bells, snare drums, a Chinese cymbal and a xylophone. When it is cranked, it causes the Inn's original wooden floors to vibrate, infusing the environment with a melodic ambiance that enhances its historic atmosphere. These music boxes are such a draw that the hotel offers special tours where each of the music boxes are wound up.
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the voice of Sam: “Hey,” low and gravelly and a bit unpleasant. My husband and I turned to look each other with our eyes wide: as we had toured the hotel alone earlier in the day, we found ourselves in the basement. We both heard a gruff, “Hey.” We assumed it was a worker, and we saw ourselves out, but listening to William made us confident that we had heard a ghost. He also told us of other common occurrences that made our blood run cold. For instance, the hotel closes during the week over the winter. When the staff comes back to open up for the weekend, there is a particular painting of a girl (shown above) that is usually found somewhere other than where it was left. They’ve found it in rooms, in the basement, on every floor, and hanging in different spots on the wall. It’s never damaged…just sometimes difficult to find. The spirits do have one habit that the staff find terribly annoying. They tend to lock the doors from the inside. Unlike newer hotels, which use key cards, these doors use old fashioned deadbolts on the outside, and metal chains on the inside. There’s no way to fasten the chains from the outside, but it often happens that these chains are mysteriously locked. It’s a difficult task to unlock them from the outside, and a task that the staff has to perform relatively often, to their chagrin. As guests enjoy the historic charm of the Lake Lure Inn, they can't help but feel a fascinating connection to the past, not only through the tangible history but also through the spectral whisperings of a bygone era. However you feel about ghosts, you should still book a stay at the Lake Lure Inn, which offers a singularly charming experience.
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24 In 1874, the calm of Rutherford County, North Carolina, was disrupted by a series of strange events surrounding Bald Mountain. The mountain, at 3,020 feet, suddenly filled with loud sounds and vibrations that frightened locals. From this mountain, rumbles and booms echoed, creating fear in the nearby Chimney Rock community. There were reports of the mountain shaking and smoke emanating from it, leading people to believe a volcanic eruption was imminent. Interestingly, these mysterious tremors followed a prayer by a local preacher, Posey Owensby, who asked God to shake the mountain to awaken the 'wicked people.' The timing led locals to attribute a religious significance to these events, believing it to be a sign of divine intervention. News of the 'rumbling mountain' quickly spread, attracting media attention from various newspapers, including the Daily News of Raleigh, the New York Herald, and the New York Times. Warren DuPre, a professor from Wofford College, led a team to investigate the phenomenon. Despite finding no evidence to support the frightening reports, they suggested the events might be due to natural seismic activity in the area. During this period, life in the community was greatly affected. Work stopped, livestock was left untended, and people turned to religion, believing they were facing divine retribution. By May 1874, the tremors had stopped, and life returned to normal. However, the mystery and the impact it had on the community's beliefs and behaviors remained. Accounts of the quakes inspired French sci-fi pioneer Jules Verne to set “The Master of the World” atop a mountain near Morganton. Today, the mountain is known as Rumbling Bald Mountain, a testament to that winter. Scientists are still trying to understand the seismic activities that led to these events, but the true cause remains as elusive as ever. This situation underscores the often-blurred line between science, faith, and natural phenomena. Of note, the town of Sparta, near the NC/VA border, recently experienced a similar set of rumblings that lasted months, leading some people to speculate that the fault lines that run through western NC are "waking up." Rumblings on the Bald
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25 Battle of the Little People Chimney Rock is steeped in intrigue, rich in stories that reach back through the centuries. Among these tales is a legendary battle between a courageous Cherokee medicine man and a group of mythical entities referred to as the "Little People". Charles Lanman recounted this captivating encounter in his collection of "Letters from the Alleghanies," placing Hickory Nut Gorge as the epic backdrop to this extraordinary narrative. The story unfolds at a critical time in Cherokee history when the tribe was battling a severe shortage of tobacco, a valuable commodity only found in the lowlands. Their only route to this precious resource lay through a challenging mountain path, closely guarded by the "Little People." Undaunted by the treacherous journey, a brave and resourceful medicine man stepped forward, determined to aid the survival of his people. The medicine man morphed himself into a mole, his new form allowing him to travel undetected through the rugged terrain, bypassing the watchful eyes of the "Little People." The journey was fraught with challenges, and in a decisive move to overcome these, the medicine man transformed himself once more. This time, he became a whirlwind, a force of such power and intensity that it made the cliffs crumble, showering the unsuspecting "Little People" with a barrage of falling rocks. Emerging victorious from this perilous journey he returned to his tribe with the much- needed tobacco. His courageous endeavor brought relief to his people, restoring their health and lifting their spirits. Although this tale, as recorded in James Mooney's "Myths of the Cherokee," does not specifically name the location, it has become deeply intertwined with the lore of Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Gorge, forever marking this landscape with the echoes of its past. This story exemplifies the Cherokee's resilient spirit and their will to survive. Within the quietude of Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock's majesty, these tales persist, linking past to present in a continuous historical narrative.
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26 Chimney Rock, a formidable stone formation jutting into the sky, has long stood sentinel over an array of enigmatic tales that echo through the corridors of local lore. Its imposing silhouette has held captive the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, its mysteries unfurling against the backdrop of the untamed wilderness that characterized the area in the early 1800s. One particular family, the Reaves, found their lives woven into this tapestry of the extraordinary on July 31, 1806. Eight-year-old Elizabeth Reaves and her brother Morgan observed a sight that bordered on the unimaginable. Their accounts initially revolved around a single man precariously perched on the summit of Chimney Rock, a feat seemingly impossible given the era's absence of rock climbing pursuits. But what they, and soon their mother Patsy, observed was far from a lone figure. Their eyes were greeted with a spectacle of thousands of ethereal beings hovering around Chimney Rock. The figures, shrouded in a brilliant glow and clad in shimmering white garments, bore a vague The Apparitions of Chimney Rock
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27 Treats in the Streets October 31, 2023 | 4-6pm Costume Contest & Haunting Dancers Trick Or Treat Downtown Merchants visitvaldese.com The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein October 13,14,19,20,21,26,27, 28 oldcolonyplayers.com Bluegrass at the Rock presents Authentic Unlimited October 7, 2023 concertsattherock.com Fall Attractions Tours Waldensian Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Fridays Tours 11am & 2pm Waldensian Trail of Faith Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Leaf Looking & Strolls Valdese Lakeside Park McGalliard Falls Park Plan your Fall Visit to Valdese, NC
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28 resemblance to humans. Yet, they were indistinguishable in terms of features, age, or gender. This spectral congregation, consisting of infants to adults, engaged not only the Reaves family but also piqued the curiosity of neighbors. The group collectively witnessed these radiant beings ascend the rock and disappear into the heavens. The incident quickly found its way into public discourse, documented first in the Raleigh Register and Gazette and later immortalized in Edward Augustus Kendall's travelogue. Yet, the tales surrounding Chimney Rock didn't end there. Five years later, in 1811, the region was once again abuzz with several reports of aerial apparitions. This time, the sightings were of two spectral cavalry units engaged in battle. The entities, mounted on small, winged horses, seemed to clash swords and emit the sounds of combat, their spectral conflict disturbing the peace for more than an hour before vanishing into the night. It's worth noting that these accounts emerged in a context heavily influenced by European, and particularly German and UK, mythology. Many early settlers in this area would have been familiar with stories like the "Wild Hunt", a popular motif across European mythology involving large groups of spectral beings seen in the sky. "The Wild Hunt" is a compelling piece of Norse mythology that has seeped into the wider tapestry of European folklore. Central to this myth is the image of a frenzied, spectral cavalcade galloping across the night sky. Often led by a figure of significant mythological stature, such as Odin in the Norse tradition, this phantom procession is associated with times of unrest and change, such as the onset of winter or tumultuous periods in human history. This myth captures the collective imagination with its vivid portrayal of spectral hunters, dogs, horses, and sometimes even wildlife, engaged in an eternal pursuit. It is said to traverse the boundary between the living and the spirit world, often seen as an omen foretelling disaster, war, or death. To fully capture the captivating grandeur and eerie nature of the myth, this article includes art depicting “The Wild Hunt,” below.
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29 The events that transpired at Chimney Rock, wrapped in spectral mystery, took place a mere 26 years after the closing chapters of the American Revolutionary War. This war, a definitive period of upheaval, not only changed the course of a nation but also deeply scarred the psyche of the people living in the region. The sounds of cannons firing, the cries of soldiers in battle, and the mourning of families who lost their loved ones were still fresh in the memories of the community. Many who had witnessed the war were still alive, and their narratives, filled with valor and sorrow, echoed through family tales and campfire stories. With such a poignant backdrop, it's not entirely surprising that when the people of the region observed apparitions, they could relate them to the remnants of war they were all too familiar with. The ethereal cavalry, taking form in the skies above Chimney Rock, could have been interpreted by the locals as the souls of fallen soldiers, still fighting their battles, even in death. These spectral riders clashing swords and charging at each other served as chilling reminders of the skirmishes, ambushes, and full-fledged battles that once raged in their very lands. The events at Chimney Rock, in many ways, were a manifestation of the interplay between the supernatural and the historical. It wasn’t just about phantoms in the sky; it was also about the shadow of history, looming large over the present. For the community, these visions might have symbolized their unresolved traumas and the need for reconciliation with their past. The apparitions, ethereal and mysterious, thus stood as a testament not only to the realm of the unknown but also highlighted the profound ways in which historical events leave imprints on the collective consciousness, shaping interpretations, beliefs, and perceptions for generations to come. The region surrounding Chimney Rock boasts a rugged and intricate terrain, a product of countless years of geological evolution. This complex landscape, with its valleys, peaks, and varying elevations, serves as a fertile ground for the birth of numerous atmospheric and optical
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phenomena. The mountains, due to their vastness and irregularities, can disrupt wind patterns, causing sudden gusts or shifts in direction. These variations not only influence temperature and precipitation but can also lead to the creation of unusual atmospheric phenomena. For example, the Brocken Specter, a magnified shadow of an observer cast upon clouds opposite the Sun's direction, is often surrounded by halo-like rings of colored light. Such spectacles, though grounded in the science of light and atmospheric conditions, can easily be perceived as otherworldly, especially when set against the dramatic backdrop of the region's landscapes. Furthermore, the tumultuous weather conditions that the area frequently experiences play a role in conjuring magical scenes in the sky. As storms roll in and out, colliding with the setting or rising sun, rare and captivating rainbows can emerge, often double or even supernumerary, with multiple fainter rainbows appearing on the inner side of the primary rainbow. The play of light through mist or raindrops can lead to halos, sun dogs, and coronas, each painting the sky with ethereal hues. Given the rich tapestry of cultural myths like the Wild Hunt, it's understandable that these natural occurrences could be interpreted through a lens of mysticism. When a vivid rainbow arcs across the sky, or a peculiar shadow appears amidst the clouds, the line between natural phenomena and the supernatural can easily blur, providing a captivating context for the sightings and tales that emerge from the region. However, these possible explanations do not detract from the intrigue that these incidents inspire. Whether the result of misunderstood natural phenomena, cultural folklore, or genuine paranormal experiences, the stories continue to captivate. Regardless of their origin, the mysteries of Chimney Rock remain an integral part of local history and lore. We invite you to venture into deep into the mountains of North Carolina and experience the awe-inspiring Chimney Rock. Ascend to its summit, feel the echoes of history and lore beneath your feet, and allow your gaze to drift skyward. Envision the spectral display that once held its audience captive - a congregation of ethereal beings ascending into the infinite expanse. While no guarantee of ghostly apparitions awaits you, we promise you a vista that is nothing short of breathtaking. From the sun- drenched valleys to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the panoramic view from Chimney Rock is one of the most stunning in the nation. As you stand there, amidst the profound beauty and the whispers of the past, you might find yourself, much like the early residents of this region, touched by the magic of this remarkable place.
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31 For the Raleigh Register EXTRAORDINARY PHENOMENON The following account of an extraordinary phenomenon, that appeared to a number of people in the County of Rutherford, State of North Carolina, was made the 7th of August 1806, in presence of David Dickie, Esq. of the county and State aforesaid, Jesse Anderson and the Rev. George Newton, of the County of Buncombe, and Miss Betsey Newton of the State of Georgia, who unanimously agreed, with the consent of the relaters, that Mr. Newton should communicate it to Mr. J. Gales, Editor of the Raleigh Register and State Gazette. Patsy Reaves, a widow woman, who lives near the Appalachian Mountain, declared that on the 31st day of July last, about 6 o’clock P .M. her daughter Elizabeth, about eight years old, was in the Cotton field, about 10 poles from the dwelling house, which stands by computation, 6 furlongs from the Chimney Mountain, and that Elizabeth told her brother Morgan, aged 11 years, that there was a man on the mountain. Morgan was incredulous at first; but the little girl affirmed it, and said she saw him rolling rocks or picking up sticks, adding that she saw a heap of people. Morgan then went to the places where she was, and calling out, said that he saw a thousand or ten thousand things flying in the air. On which, Polly, daughter of Mrs. Reaves, aged 14 years, and a negro woman, ran to the children, and called to Mrs. Reaves to come and see what a sight yonder was. Mrs. Reaves says, she went about 8 poles towards them, and without any sensible alarm or fright, she turned towards Chimney Mountain, & discovered a very numerous crowd of beings resembling the human species; but could not discern any particular members of the human body, or distinction of sexes; that they were of every size, from the tallest man down to the least infants, that there were more of the small than of the full grown, that they were all clad with brilliant white rainment, but could not describe any form of their rainment; that they appeared to rise off the side of a mountain south of said rock, and about as high; that a considerable part of the mountain’s top was visible above this shining host, that they moved in a northern direction and collected about the top of Chimney rock. When all but a few had reached said rock, two seemed to rise tighter, and behind them about two feet, a third rose. These three moved with a great agility towards the crowd, and said the nearest resemblance to men of any before seen. While beholding those three, her eyes were attracted by three more rising nearly from the same place, and moving swiftly in the same order and direction. After these, several others rose and went towards the rock. During this view, which all the spectators thought lasted upwards of an hour, she sent for Mr. Robert Siercy, who did not come at first; on a second message sent about fifteen minutes after the first, Mr. Siercy came; and being now before us, he gives the following relation, to the substance of which Mrs. Reaves agrees. Mrs. Siercy said, when he was coming, he expected to see nothing extraordinary, and when come, being asked if he saw those people on the mountain, he answered, no; but on looking a second time, he said he saw more glittering white appearances of humankind than ever he had seen of men at any general review; that they were of all sizes from that of men to infants; that they moved in throngs round a large rock, not far from the chimney rock; they were about the height of the chimney rock and moved in a semi-circular course, between him and the rock and so passed along in an southern course between him and the mountain, to the place where Mrs. Reaves said they rose; and that two of a full size went before the general crowd about the space of 20 yards: and as they respectively came to this place, they vanished out of sight, leaving a solemn and pleasing impression on the mind, accompanied with a diminution of bodily strength. Whether the above be accountable on philosophical principles, or whether it be a prelude to the descent of the Holy City, I leave to the impartially curious to judge. GEORGE NEWTON P .S. The above subscriber has been informed, that on the same evening, and about the same time in which the above phenomenon appeared, there was seen, by a gentleman of character, who was several miles distant from the place, a bright Rain-bow, apparently near the Sun, then in the West, where there was no appearance of either clouds or rain; but a haze in the atmosphere. The public are therefore at liberty to judge, whether the phenomenon had anything supernatural in it, or whether it was some unusual exhalation or moist vapor from the side of the mountain, which exhibited such an unusual Rain-bow. G.N. You can find the original newspaper article by scanning this QR code. We are particularly fascinated by the Post Script, which points out that a strange rainbow was also seen at the same time. Does this point to a weather phenomenon? A few years later, after the calvary was seen, other newspaper articles were written as well.
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32 Chimney Chimney Rock Rock State State Park Park It is often said that landscapes shape destinies, and so it was for Dr. Lucius B. Morse, the man inextricably woven into the history of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in the thermal belt of Western North Carolina. Dr. Morse found his lungs weighed down by tuberculosis and his spirit uplifted by the colossal grandeur of Chimney Rock, a monumental geological formation that transfixed him from the moment he beheld it. Settling in Western North Carolina for its healthful air, the former Missourian not only saw the beautiful Chimney, but envisioned an entire park and adjacent town, Lake Lure, that would come to fruition through the dreams and toils of him and his older twin brothers, Hiram and Asahel.
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34 It was Morse, who in 1902, paid $5,000 to acquire 64 acres of this terrain, including the eponymous Rock and its adjacent cliffs. His family would go on to expand the park to nearly a thousand acres, a haven that lured visitors from rail stations in Hendersonville and Rutherfordton in horse-drawn carriages. Bridging the wilderness, Morse and his brothers built a span over the Rocky Broad River and started laying a narrow dirt road towards Chimney Rock’s base. Their resolve was tested when Hurricane Hilda obliterated the bridge in 1916, but like nature itself, they were indomitable; the bridge was reconstructed and lasted until 1984. Local craftsman Guilford Nanney was the brains behind the inaugural Cliff Trail and the labyrinth of stairways that transported adventurers from Pulpit Rock and the Rock Pile to the summit of Chimney Rock. As the 20th century marched on, the Morse family adapted to the evolving appetites of their guests. When the thrill of stair-climbing waned, plans were laid in 1946 for an elevator that would ascend the Chimney's grand heights. After 18 months and eight tons of dynamite, the public had access to an elevator and the previously hard-won vistas were now available to all. It's a true feat of engineering, with a 200 -foot tunnel blasted into the stone mountain, and a 26 story elevator shaft that blasts riders to the top in about 30 seconds. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the third and fourth generations of the Morse family prioritized ecological stewardship alongside infrastructural upgrades. Focused research unveiled a surprising biodiversity within the park’s boundaries, leading to educational trail guides and hiring of dedicated botanists and ornithologists. Educational outreach blossomed in the form of a Nature Center, first housed in an ancient stone building and later expanded to the Meadows area, serving as an informative primer on the park’s geological and biological wealth. In 2004, a broader collaborative effort commenced to secure the land’s biodiversity. The Hickory Nut Gorge Partnership was established, leading to the creation of a new state park in 2005. This culminated in the 2007 purchase of Chimney Rock Park by North Carolina State Parks, thereby expanding its protected status. Beyond nature’s grandeur, Chimney Rock has been a stage for the visceral thrill of auto-racing and the cinematic exploits of Hollywood. It hosted the Chimney Rock Hillclimb, a precarious race that persisted from 1956 until 1995. Please use this QR code to watch a delightful short film about the 1960 Hill Climb. Chimney Rock's cliffs and falls have been backdrops to films like The Last of the Mohicans and Firestarter, echoing its multifaceted allure.
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35 Plan a Visit The story of Chimney Rock is a tale of people guided by passion, a tale of transformation and preservation. It serves as a testimony to what human vision coupled with resolve can manifest—a sanctuary sculpted both by the hands of nature and the will of humanity. It will take your breath away, and you simply must experience it. All seasons offer beautiful views, but October and November are especially beautiful! Tickets are available at the gate, or you can use the QR code below. Photo: Tiffany Rose Marino COME FOR THE, EWS STAY FOR THE SPOoks
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36 By Carmen Eckard In the picturesque town of Lake Lure lies a unique natural wonder, the Bottomless Pools. These unfathomable geological formations, whose floors have never been located, possibly emerged as a result of water filling lava tubes from long-extinct volcanoes. These remarkably large potholes are the result of years of erosion by Pool Creek. The swift waters find soft spots in the granite, primarily along faults or joints in the rock, and as two fractures intersect, the deflected water forms a whirlpool. Stones swept around by the current carve deep circular walls. The spectacle of these pools has captivated many visitors, transforming the spot into a popular picnic place. F. Scott Fitzgerald even mentioned the pools in his story "I'd Die For You." It was in 1937 that Lee Powers purchased the Bottomless Pools, transforming it into an attraction that garnered over a million guests throughout the years. An esteemed member of the Lake Lure community, Powers was later honored by the town council in a resolution commemorating his services and contributions. Following his passing, his daughter continued the family legacy until her own death in 2005. Since then, the pools have seen less human intervention, with nature slowly reclaiming the once crowded spot. Despite the pervading "No Trespassing" signs and the rumored prospect of the state purchasing the pools as part of Chimney Rock Park, the acquisition is yet to happen. The Bottomless Pools at Lake Lure The Bottomless Pools at Lake Lure Southern Appalachian Digital Collections courtesy of University of North Carolina Asheville
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37 While the mystery surrounding the true depth of the pools continues to lure people in, they also harbor a disquieting history. Many lives have tragically been lost to these depths, their spirits said to linger within the waters. The most chilling of these is the tale of a young boy who met his tragic end in 1985. Slipping on a mossy surface, the boy fell from a rocky ledge into the pools. After his untimely demise, the town and Lake Lure Inn were abuzz with tales of sightings of a boy who matched his description. Housekeepers whispered of hearing the sounds of bouncing balls in the basement. Even though the bottomless depths are believed to result from the continuous whirlpool motion of water eroding the rock, the pools have always been wrapped in an aura of mystery and endless fascination. My personal encounter with this mystery dates back to when I was just five years old. I remember visiting the Bottomless Pools with my mom, aunt, and uncle. The natural beauty of the surroundings left me mesmerized. During the visit, my family noticed me sitting on a fallen tree trunk and engaging in an earnest conversation with someone they couldn't see. I was deeply engrossed, talking and listening to my unseen companion. When asked what his name was, I glanced at the fallen log where he'd introduced himself and named him "Treetrunk." Treetrunk, it seemed, followed me home and for the next several years, I had an "imaginary friend." Treetrunk would speak to me during quiet moments in nature until I was around eight years old. I had forgotten about the origin of my "friend" until my aunt brought it up as I was researching the Bottomless Pools. Could Treetrunk have been a manifestation of the spirits that are rumored to inhabit the pools? Over the years, the Bottomless Pools of Lake Lure have remained a fascinating subject, intriguing locals and visitors alike. From natural marvel to a spooky legend, the tale of the pools and their history continue to captivate the imagination of all who hear it. Whether it is the allure of the pools' depth, the melancholy of lost lives, or the spectral lore, the Bottomless Pools hold an enigmatic allure that is undeniably hard to ignore.
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38 T T he he Flowering Flowering Bridge Bridge of Lake Lure of Lake Lure Like many communities, the people of Lake Lure have a knack for turning tragedy into beauty. According to local lore, in the 1960s, a young woman named Clementine was water- skiing on the lake when she tragically lost her balance and was thrown against the side of a beautiful old bridge. She lost her life, and legend has it that her spirit has lingered there ever since. For many years, locals referred to the structure as "Clementine's Bridge." The bridge was originally built in 1925, coinciding with the founding of the town and just before the lake was flooded. In 2010, a new bridge was constructed to span Lake Lure, and ownership of the old bridge was transferred to the town. While many other communities might have considered demolishing it, Lake Lure recognized the architectural beauty and historical significance of the bridge. The bridge was built with the town in 1925 but tragedy struck when a young woman named Clementine perished after colliding with the bridge on her water skis.
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39 Once known as "Clementine's Bridge," the residents of Lake Lure have turned tragedy into beauty with their beautiful Flowering Bridge.
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40 They set out to breathe new life into the stunning, three-arch, 155-foot structure. By 2013, a garden had been completed. A winding pathway, teeming with a variety of plants, has transformed the bridge into a paradise. Home to more than 2,000 species of plants—all tended by volunteers—the garden thrives, particularly because Lake Lure is situated in the isothermal belt, which offers a more temperate climate than most of western North Carolina. The bridge affords a view of Chimney Rock and is beautifully lit both day and night, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the view. Additionally, the Flowering Bridge has a special feature for pet owners. Many of our readers may be familiar with the poem "The Rainbow Bridge," which addresses the loss of a pet. The poem speaks of a joyous reunion, declaring, "When you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again." Inspired by this sentiment, artist Amy Wald created a Rainbow Bridge on the Flowering Bridge following the loss of her own cherished pet. Grieving pet owners are invited to attach their pet's collars to this Rainbow Bridge. Hundreds have done so in the year since it was introduced, making it a deeply moving memorial that celebrates the love people have for their pets. The Flowering Bridge is truly something special, a testament to the strong sense of community that thrives in Lake Lure.
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41 In the heart of the wild Western North Carolina landscape lies a mountain steeped in lore, history, and unclaimed riches. Round Top Mountain, a rugged sentinel watching over the Broad River and the Hickory Nut Gorge, holds a mystery that has intrigued adventurers for centuries. Nestled within its caves and under its stony visage, legend claims a cache of gold, abandoned by its English owners and protected by the mountain's rugged terrain, awaits to be discovered. The tale, as retold by a hermit dedicated to the quest for the gold in Clarence Griffin's 1941 book, Western North Carolina Sketches, paints a vivid picture of danger, escape, and lost opportunities. A group of six Englishmen, owners of a gold mine further up north, found themselves under attack near Hickory Nut Gap as they sought to transport their treasure to the coast. Outnumbered and desperate, they found refuge in a cave, hastily erecting a stone wall in a futile attempt to ward off their attackers. The situation was grim, and only one Englishman managed to evade the assault, slipping away under the cloak of darkness. His escape led him back to the coast and ultimately to his homeland, England. However, the trauma of the incident took a heavy toll, costing him his eyesight. His grand plans of leading an expedition back to the hidden treasure were reduced to dictating a map to the gold's location. The groups that ventured forth guided by his directions, however, returned empty-handed, their dreams of wealth turned into nothing more than shattered illusions. Adding a chilling touch to the already intriguing saga, tales of spectral sightings have seeped into local folklore. Travelers on the moonlit trails near Round Top Mountain report ghostly encounters with spectral wagons, their phantom drivers eternally searching for the elusive gold. Among the many who embarked on this futile quest was Collett Leventhorpe, who, before becoming a Confederate General, heard tales of the lost gold from his family in England. Investing two months of his life and the labor of fifty slaves in 1843, he, too, was forced to leave with empty hands. And so, the legend persists, growing with each unsuccessful expedition, and the gold—if it exists— remains hidden, a tantalizing lure for adventurers and treasure hunters. Round Top Mountain, with its panoramic views and unique biodiversity, continues to guard its secret, keeping alive the mystery and allure of this remote corner of the world Lost GOLD Lost GOLD in the Hills in the Hills
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43 Protecting the Homestead In the misty valleys and rugged mountains of Southern Appalachia, age-old beliefs and traditions persist, entwined with the lives and homes of the inhabitants. This region is rich in folklore and culture, where tales of witches, haints, and spirits have endured through generations. Here we explore the various methods people used to protect their homes and lives from supernatural influences. The fear of witches had its own unique manifestations in this region. Witches were thought to be obsessed with counting, a trait that led to creative defenses. By spilling mustard seeds outside a door or keeping a broom or salt at hand, one could effectively stop a witch. The witch would be compelled to count the seeds, straws, or salt crystals, and would be so distracted that they would forget their wicked intentions. The color Haint Blue, borrowed from Gullah culture, is another potent deterrent. Painting porch ceilings and doors with this specific shade of blue was believed to keep haints away. The Bottle Tree, a practice that originated in Africa and migrated to the U.S. with enslaved people, served a similar purpose. By placing bottles on tree branches, homeowners could catch wandering spirits at night, holding them until the sunshine destroyed them the following day. Haints were also thought to be susceptible to distraction. Legends told that they couldn't resist certain repetitive tasks, such as reading newspapers pasted onto walls or counting grains of rice. These tricks were employed to distract and frustrate the haints, forcing them to leave by morning, having done no harm. To cleanse the home, residents would burn sage or incense, mop the floors with pine and camphor, and place salt across doors, windows, and in corners. Blue glass in windowpanes served to catch spirits before they entered the dwelling. Some superstitions were observed with great care. For example, an empty rocking chair should never be pushed, as it invites spirits. If found rocking, it should be stopped to ward off the unseen presence. A mirror by the front door would catch the devil. He was said to be so entranced by his own vanity, would look at himself all night and forget to enter the house. A fascinating aspect of Southern Appalachian tradition is the use of hex signs, which evolved into the Barn Quilt Squares that adorn many of the barns across the foothills and the Southern Appalachians. These symbols, often painted on barns, stables, houses, and even household goods, were meant to protect against witches and spirits. Featuring 5, 6, or 8 pointed designs inside a circle, they protected against lightning, ensured fertility, and prevented bewitching. This practice, stemming from German heritage, can still be observed in the societies of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Southern Appalachia’s rich tapestry of folklore and tradition offers a fascinating window into a world where the mystical and mundane intertwine. These time-honored methods of protecting homes from witches, haints, and spirits reflect a vibrant cultural heritage that continues to resonate in the hearts and homes of those who dwell in this unique and captivating region.
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44 In a significant shift of attitude towards Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), colloquially known as UFOs, the U.S. Congress held a hearing on July 27, 2023. This marks a dramatic change in the official response to the phenomenon, which previously subjected those reporting UFO sightings to skepticism, ridicule, and professional discreditation. Now, credible military personnel have testified before Congress about their encounters with UAPs, calling for more transparency, understanding, and acknowledgment of such incidents. Among the testifying veterans were retired Maj. David Grusch, former Navy pilot Ryan Graves, and retired Navy Cmdr. David Fravor. Grusch, an Air Force intelligence officer and whistleblower, made an astonishing claim that the U.S. government has been secretly reverse-engineering recovered alien vessels for several decades and has retrieved non-human "biologics" from alleged crash sites. While he did not disclose further details during the public hearing, he assured the assembly that his knowledge was based on credible sources and a wealth of intentionally concealed evidence. Cmdr. Fravor recalled his encounter with a white, "Tic Tac"-shaped flying object in 2004 off the San Diego coast. Graves shared his experience with an unidentifiable object off Virginia Beach in 2014, emphasizing that such sightings were not isolated incidents. This aligns with a prior disclosure that the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office received 366 UAP reports since its establishment in the previous summer. As part of a larger push by Congress to promote transparency around UAPs and address them as a national security concern, the testifying veterans called for a safe, centralized reporting system for UAP sightings and the removal of the stigma associated with such reports. It is clear that past testimonies that were dismissed as baseless or fantastical are now finding resonance in our changing understanding of these phenomena. North Carolina has a rich history of reported UFO sightings, with over 7,000 instances recorded across the state. In fact, North Carolina ranks 10th in the nation for UFO sightings. The town of Spruce Pine stands out as a hotspot, holding the distinction of having the highest concentration of sightings in the state. Interestingly, while not within North Carolina, nearby Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach hold second and third places respectively in terms of national Unidentified Flying Objects Unidentified Flying Objects over North Carolina Skies
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45 UFO sighting concentrations. The lore of UFO sightings in North Carolina stretches back to at least 1940, showing a long-standing tradition of such occurrences. In a celebration of this unique facet of local culture, Spruce Pine hosts an annual Spruce Pine Alien Festival each June. This event serves as both an acknowledgment of the town's unique place in UFO history and a vibrant gathering that brings together enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike. This growing recognition and acceptance of UFO sightings as credible experiences underscores the need for our understanding of aerial phenomena to evolve. The skies above us may hold more mysteries than we ever previously imagined, and it is crucial that we remain vigilant and observant. Every reported sighting contributes to a larger body of evidence, deepening our understanding of the vast and mysterious skies we live under. In light of these revelations, it seems we owe a collective apology to those who have been discredited and marginalized over the years for their UFO reports. Their experiences, once thought implausible, are now acknowledged as significant parts of a larger puzzle that we are just beginning to piece together.
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When it comes to modern paranormal investigations, few enthusiasts are as dedicated as Jessyca, the woman behind the "That Modern Mombie" social media channels. With a following that stretches across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, Jessyca is known for her detailed accounts of ghost hunting adventures, relaying tales of specters and spirits that she's encountered across the country. She's a trusted voice in the paranormal community, and when she recommends a location, her fans listen. One place that Jessyca has frequently championed is the Trivette Clinic, located in Hamptonville, North Carolina. Known for its spooky happenings and an unusually high number of spectral residents, Jessyca has had her fair share of uncanny experiences at this location. But before we delve into the haunted happenings, let's step back and explore the history of the building that now serves as a hotbed of paranormal activity. The History of Trivette Clinic The Trivette Clinic stands as a symbol of North Carolina's progressive journey in the realm of healthcare. Founded in 1932, the clinic is an epitome of a dream envisioned by Dr. William Trivette. Dr. Trivette, a distinguished World War I veteran, had exhibited unwavering courage on the battlefields of England. Yet, his fight was not limited to the war. After the war's tumultuous events, he sought refuge in education, pursuing medical studies. His dedication and perseverance saw him graduate with top honors from the renowned Medical School of Virginia. Returning to his roots in North Carolina, he was not just armed with a degree, but a vision. He dreamed of a medical establishment that was second to none, a place where the residents of Hamptonville would have access to unparalleled medical care. Thus, the foundation for the Trivette Clinic was laid. The clinic was not just a testament to advanced medical treatments but also a beacon of hope, drawing in patients from across the state. The once-sleepy town of Hamptonville soon found itself prominently marked on North Carolina's medical atlas. However, destiny had charted a different course for Dr. Trivette. In 1939, the man behind the medical marvel fell victim to pneumonia, a disease against which even his indomitable spirit couldn't fight. The heart-wrenching event led to the closure of the clinic, casting a shadow over a place that was once pulsating with life and hope. Yet, like a phoenix, the Trivette Clinic was destined to rise again. In 1945, a twist of fate Trivette Clinic a nd Th a t Moder n Mombie
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Built in 1932, the Trivette Clinic is known as one of the most haunted places in the Southeast.
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saw the edifice being reborn as a supper club. The clinic's stately architecture, reminiscent of its glorious past, was an instant allure for the crème de la crème of society. Not one to be bound by a singular identity, the clinic soon metamorphosed into a rest resort. Its tranquil surroundings offered a serene escape from the daily grind. The clinic's subsequent transformation into an alcohol detox center added yet another chapter to its storied past. By the early '60s, the clinic, with its expansive rooms and robust framework, captivated a family. Enchanted by its history and potential, they made it their dwelling. For nearly twenty years, the laughter of children and the warmth of familial bonds reverberated within the clinic's walls. In 1981, a new narrative began, with the clinic being sold and repurposed into a nursery. However, the building's magnetism was far from over. In 2011, Tim and Doug, initially drawn to the adjacent nursery, found themselves ensnared by the allure of the old clinic. The duo, inspired by the clinic's legacy and tales of its haunting allure, committed themselves to its restoration. Their meticulous efforts preserved many of the building's original features, from the vintage water fountain to the cupola that served as a natural cooling system. Through their endeavors, the Trivette Clinic was not just physically restored but also spiritually awakened. Today, as the clinic stands tall, it serves as a nexus between the tangible and the ethereal, linking the tales of the past with whispers of the otherworldly. The Hauntings of Trivette Clinic Over the years, the Trivette Clinic has gained a reputation as a paranormal hub. This is no ordinary haunted house; it's a veritable city of spirits. More than 70 entities are believed to call this place home, each with its unique characteristics and narratives that are deeply intertwined with the location's past. The first spirit on our list is none other than the founder of the clinic, Dr. William Trivette himself.
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These are undoctored photographs ghosthunters have shared with the owners.
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Many ghost hunters have reported encounters with a spirit that bears a striking resemblance to Trivette's descriptions. Is it him checking up on his old clinic? The theories abound. Next is "Majesty," a little girl who seems to prefer the basement. Her playful demeanor brings a certain lightness to the otherwise heavy atmosphere of the place. Upstairs, you'll find "Nancy," another young girl who seems to be stuck in the past. Her presence is often felt in the rooms upstairs, and ghost hunters frequently report hearing her childish giggles echoing in the otherwise silent rooms. Two nurses, Helen and Poly, are often sighted, almost as if they're continuing their tireless work of providing care. Witnesses describe them as caring and gentle spirits, forever dedicated to their profession. However, not all the spirits are as congenial. One spirit said to haunt the Trivette Clinic is a severely burned boy. The child, aged around 6 years, tragically fell into a boiling liquid. His burns healed, but he eventually succumbed to pneumonia. His spectral form still roams the clinic, pulling on guests' clothing, rolling objects around, and sometimes even causing a bit of harmless mischief. It's not uncommon for investigators to hear his disembodied giggles and footsteps as he runs from room to room. The clinic's operating room holds a particularly ominous presence. There, the figure of a male spirit known as Phillip has been spotted peering out of the windows. His shadowy form casts an eerie darkness in the room that once buzzed with life-saving efforts.
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Jessyca, AKA That Modern Mombie, looks out the same window where she previously photographed a spectral face looking down at her (see pictures at right).
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Jessyca's Paranormal Encounters at the Trivette Clinic Jessyca, with her ever-growing reputation as a seasoned paranormal investigator, has had her share of eerie experiences across various haunted locations. However, her visit to the Trivette Clinic stands out prominently in her chronicles of ghostly encounters. She often mentions that while many places lay claim to haunted histories, it is at the Trivette Clinic where the veil between our world and the spiritual realm seems the thinnest. On a particularly eventful night, Jessyca decided to stream her investigation live on her YouTube channel, allowing her vast following to bear witness to any supernatural occurrences in real-time. As the night unfolded, an encounter with one of the clinic's many spirits became the highlight of her exploration. While attempting to communicate using her array of ghost-hunting tools, an unseen force reached out, leaving a noticeable scratch on her leg, which soon began to bleed. The real-time nature of the stream only amplified the chilling nature of the event, with viewers expressing shock and concern for Jessyca's well-being. However, the surprises didn't end there. As Jessyca was wrapping up her investigation, preparing to leave the clinic, her live stream captured an unsettling sight. A face, presumably that of a young girl not part of her team, inexplicably appeared in the background of the video feed. What further mystified and intrigued her fans were photographs captured during the investigation. These images clearly displayed ghostly visages peering out from behind the building's windows. Upon review, it was confirmed that these photographs were genuine and had not been tampered with or altered in any way. Some of her photographs are shown at right. As if her experience wasn't intense enough, the spiritual inhabitants of the Trivette Clinic seemed to have formed a lingering connection with Jessyca. Just a few days after her visit, another group of paranormal investigators, equipped with a spirit box (a device known to facilitate communication with spirits by producing words), distinctly heard Jessyca's name being spoken. This intriguing event suggested that her energy and interaction had indeed resonated with the spirits, leaving an indelible mark on the clinic's supernatural residents. Jessyca's encounters at the Trivette Clinic underscore her belief that it is among the most potent hotspots for paranormal activity. She frequently shares her belief with her fans, stating that the spirits at Trivette are far more palpable and willing to interact than anywhere else she has been, making it a unique destination for those seeking genuine paranormal experiences. Use this QR code to check out Jessyca's content
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Tim and Doug are excited Tim and Doug are excited to show us some of the to show us some of the photographs ghost hunters photographs ghost hunters have sent them. We've shared have sent them. We've shared many in the previous pages. many in the previous pages.
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The Trivette Clinic Today Tim and Doug, the current caretakers of this historic and spectral landmark, are passionate about preserving not only the clinic's physical structure but also its ghostly reputation. They have a profound respect and fascination for the paranormal, welcoming guests who seek to uncover the mysteries that the building houses. The owners have a growing collection of photographic evidence, full of clear anomalies that hint at the presence of the spirits said to reside within the clinic. This collection includes images of unexplainable streaks of light, seemingly disembodied hands appearing where no living hand should be, and ghostly faces peering through windows. We've shared these in the previous pages.Each image adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the Trivette Clinic's paranormal legacy. Tim and Doug offer private tours of the property year-round, allowing others to experience the clinic's eerie charm for themselves. Tours run from 8 PM until 11 PM and can be scheduled by calling 704- 539-4709. During the month of October, the owners open the doors for Friday and Saturday evening tours, welcoming Halloween enthusiasts and brave souls looking for a real-life ghost story. They also host various ghost hunting groups throughout the year, providing a venue for paranormal investigators to ply their trade. The Historic Trivette Clinic in Hamptonville, North Carolina is more than just a building; it's a gateway to the past, and perhaps, to another realm. Its walls hold countless stories - stories of healing, of history, of hauntings. So, if you're looking for a touch of the paranormal or want to dive headfirst into a real-life ghost story, the Trivette Clinic is waiting for you. Ad Available $700
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56 WITCHCRAFT IN A TRIAL A REMARKABLE STORY OF IGNORANCE AND SUPERSTITION IT OCCURRED IN A LINCOLN COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND IS VOUCHED FOR BY RELIABLE PEOPLE A Case tried in Lincoln Court in which a Witch Doctor is the Defendant and his Victim the principal Witness There was a case tried in Lincoln Court this week in which witchcraft played an important part. Chris Detter was on trial on an indictment for embezzlement and Mar tin Smith was the principal witness. Smith sore that Detter claimed to be a witch doctor and represented to him that his sister an inmate of his house, was bewitched. After treating her for some time, he said that the whole house and every crack in the house was full of witches and that the only way to get rid of them and cure the patient was to burn the house. Smith and his family had such implicit confidence in the witch doctor that the house was set on fire and burned down. During the burning the doctor stood by with a big stick to kill the witches as they came out. But after the fire he claimed that they had escaped up the chimney. Smith had a large fat hog and the doctor claimed that the witches has taken refuge in the hog, but that they could be driven out by hitting the hog between the eyes. Acting on the doctor's instructions Smith took a big stick of wood and hit the hog on the head white the doctor held the hog's mouth open with a large butcher knife to enable the witches to escape. The first lick was not hard enough and the doctor called for a harder lick. The nex t blow killed the hog. Then the doctor said that cer tain por tions of the hog, if eaten by any member of the family, would cause instant death but would have no deleterious effect on anybody else. He drew a mark close behind the shoulder blades and convinced Smith that if any of the family ate any of the meat back of the line it would bring sure and immediate death. Smith therefore took the head and shoulders and the doctor the hams and sides. 1 7 Ap r 1 8 9 9
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57 All this was brought out on the witness stand to show the power that Detter had acquired over Smith. While all this witch doctoring was going on Smith was living in Burke County. After the fire and hog episodes the doctor informed Smith that to get out of the reach of the witches, he would have to leave that section. He advised him to move to Lincoln County, and undertook to act as agent for him in the purchase of a piece of land from William L. Baker. He agreed to make the trade for two dollars. In a few days he appeared with a deed from himself to Smith in which the price was named at $240, representing that that was the least he could get the land for. He explained that he had the deed from Baker made to himself as he could buy it in his own name cheaper than he could if Baker had known he was buying it for somebody else, but that $240 was the exact price he had paid Baker. Smith thereupon paid him $240 for the land and $2 for his services. Smith found out afterward that Detter only paid $175 for the land and had cheated him out of $65. This seemed to shake his confidence in the witch doctor, and he plucked up courage enough to consult a lawyer, which lead up to an indictment for embezzlement and a suit to recover his $65. The jury found the doctor guilty and Judge Coble sent him to jail. His sentence will probably be a term in the penitentiary. This tale may sound strange to people who have been laboring under the impression that belief i n witches in only a myth, or at least confined to some very remote or benighted sections of the country. But Catawba and Lincoln people must not put on any airs over the fact that the scene of the witches is laid in the South Mountains of Burke and comfor t themselves in the belief that no such ignorance could exist in their own counties. Both Smith and Detter have lived in Catawba and both are now living in Lincoln. N e w t o n , N C
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58 A Walk with the Spirits: Candlelight Ghost Tours in Wilkesboro In the very core of Wilkesboro, North Carolina, shrouded in shadows and whispers of a bygone era, a mysterious world beckons the brave and curious. Here, folklore is not mere tales but echoes of truth; chilling stories are not fiction but pieces of a jigsaw puzzle of the unexplained; and ghosts are not mere figments of imagination but residues of a past that refuses to fade away. Welcome to the eerie world of the Candlelight Ghost Tours, where time blurs, history breathes, and the unknown reaches out. This is no ordinary stroll down the cobbled paths of history. Operated by the Wilkes Heritage Museum, the Candlelight Ghost Tours guide you to a place where the past doesn't just meet the present; it haunts it. The stories that have been whispered from one generation to the next are not mere words here. They are alive, breathing, and waiting for you. The tour begins at the Wilkes Heritage Museum before weaving through downtown making several exciting stops. These include some of the town's oldest buildings. • The Captain Robert Cleveland Log Home: A house relocated but not left behind by its spectral residents. Every creak, shadow, and chill here is a testament to a haunting truth that defies explanation. • The Old Jail: The walls still echo with the cries of Tom Dula, an accused murderer, possibly innocent, definitely restless. His footsteps, though invisible, are etched into the very soul of this place. • The Tory Oak: A sentinel of history, a witness to conflict, an embodiment of justice and retribution. The oak's aura resonates with memories and energies that send a chill down the spine. • Brown-Cowles Home: More than a Civil War-era relic, this house whispers of sorrow, pain, and glimpses of a spectral figure. The voodoo symbols are not mere art but a voice from the past crying out to be heard. • The Smithey Hotel: A place where ghosts don't just linger; they reside. A hub of unexplained phenomena, a kaleidoscope of life, death, and mysteries that tantalize both guests and staff alike.
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An Evening You Won't Forget As dusk falls and shadows grow, the journey takes on an ethereal dimension. With every step, the tales grow more vivid, the air thickens with anticipation, and even the skeptics may find themselves glancing over their shoulders. Walking through these sites after dark is not for the faint of heart. But for those who dare, the Candlelight Ghost Tours offer more than a glimpse into Wilkesboro's rich past. The tour offers a connection with the unknown and a night that promises to haunt the memory long after the tour is over. Do you dare? The ghosts of Wilkesboro are waiting.
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60 The True Ballad of Tom Dula: Love, Syphilis, Murder, and Betrayal In the heart of North Carolina, in the aftermath of the American Civil War, a tale of love, jealousy, murder, and betrayal unfurled, ensnaring a man named Tom Dula, better known as "Tom Dooley". A Confederate veteran and the protagonist of a renowned folk song, Dula's tragic saga has been kept alive, not just through the melody that reached the zenith of the Billboard Hot 100 chart by the Kingston Trio in 1958, but also within the exhibits of the Wilkesboro History Museum. The folkloric rendition of the story paints Tom Dula as an engaging Confederate veteran who falls for Laura Foster, a maiden also being pursued by a Northern schoolteacher, Bob Grayson. Amidst this love triangle, another woman, Anne Melton, married and affluent, covets Dula for herself. Upon discovering Dula's love for Foster, Melton, driven by jealousy, purportedly murders Foster. As the blame for Foster's murder falls on Dula, he takes flight towards Tennessee, with Grayson leading the chase. When Dula discerns that it was indeed Melton who committed the murder, he shields her, confessing to a crime he did not commit to preserve Melton's reputation. Consequently, Dula was executed on May 1, 1868, while Melton, eaten by guilt, reputedly went mad, and succumbed years later amidst eerie supernatural occurrences. This melodramatic tale, culminating in the demise of an innocent man, was encapsulated in a folk song, believed to have been composed by Dula himself. The song resonated through North Carolina for a century, before catapulting to national fame through the Kingston Trio. However, the reality of Tom Dula and Laura Foster's story is more labyrinthine, marked by an undercurrent of syphilis. Born in 1845 in the impoverished mountains encircling the Yadkin Valley, Dula as a teenager, lived with James Melton, a successful cobbler, and his young wife, Anne. With James' acquiescence, Dula and Anne began sharing a bed while James slept alone. After serving in the 42nd Regiment of the North Carolina Infantry, Dula returned home, resuming his unusual domestic arrangements. However, the plot thickens when Pauline Foster, Anne's distant cousin, joins the household as a servant and soon starts an affair with Dula. An unexpected twist occurs as Anne accepts and even joins the arrangement. The situation grows more intricate when Dula meets Laura Foster, another of Anne's cousins, and they begin an affair independent of the entanglement at the Melton cabin. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Dula, Pauline had moved to the area not only for work but also to seek treatment for syphilis, which eventually spreads through the group. In an unfortunate case of mistaken culpability, Dula attributes his syphilis infection to Laura Foster, and seeks vengeance. On May 26, 1866, Laura Foster vanishes, leading to a manhunt for Dula who had escaped to Tennessee. Concurrently, a dubious exchange between Pauline Foster and a friend implicates her and Dula in Laura's murder. Under duress, Pauline discloses Dula and Anne Melton's involvement in Laura's murder and leads the authorities to Laura's grave, revealing a deadly stab wound to the heart. Consequently, Dula, found working on Colonel James Grayson's farm in Tennessee, is persuaded to surrender and taken back to stand trial. In a surprising turn, Zebulon Vance, former North Carolina Governor, offers to defend Dula pro bono, propelling the case into national limelight. The media descends upon the Yadkin Valley region, sensationalizing Dula's scandalous personal life and turning it into a hotbed of decadence. In separate trials, Dula is convicted while Melton is acquitted. Dula is hanged on May 1, 1868, in Statesville, leaving behind his alleged last words: "You have such a nice clean rope, I ought to have washed my neck." Anne Melton passed away in 1874, under ambiguous circumstances, haunted by rumors of her involvement in Laura's murder. While the members of the Kingston Trio catapulted to fame with the romanticized version of Dula's story, they were privy to the sordid reality and often shared the uncensored details backstage with house crews during tours. Thus, the haunting ballad of Tom Dula, a tale steeped in love, jealousy, murder, and betrayal, continues to echo through history, a reminder of the darker side of humanity.
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Tucked away in the epic chronicles of North Carolina's past, hidden behind grand narratives of the Old South and spectral echoes from the Civil War, there resides a tragic tale of Bostian's Bridge. Erected in 1858, this robust structure of brick and stone gracefully spanned the Third Creek, merely a stone's throw away from Statesville. The architects, unaware of their creation's future, unknowingly fashioned an everlasting monument to one of the state's most confounding enigmas and a stage set for an eerie spectacle destined to reverberate through the centuries. Imagine the scene: It's August 27, 1891, a seemingly average night, during which the unsuspecting passengers aboard the Western North Carolina Railroad could never have predicted the drama that was about to play out. The train, helmed by the ambitious engineer, William West, had embarked on its journey from Salisbury towards Asheville. As the locomotive neared Bostian's Bridge, the cool 3:00 a.m. zephyr stirred the calm night. The majority of the passengers had surrendered to the lull of sleep in their seats. That night, however, their peaceful dreams were destined to be brutally interrupted. With the rumble of the engine resonating over the bridge, the tranquil atmosphere was abruptly pierced by a horrific jerk. The train, now akin to a beast in its death throes, was thrown off its steel tracks, plunging into the dark chasm beneath. That horrifying Bostian Bridge Train Wreck of 1891
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64 night claimed twenty-two souls, lost to the brutal fall and the unyielding currents of Third Creek. This calamity sent shock waves throughout the region, etching a lasting wound into the hearts of the citizens of Statesville. The Coroner's inquest pointed to a malicious hand at work: spikes removed from the rails, causing the wreck. The mystery persisted, with detectives and investigators thronging the area for months in search of the culprit. In a surprising turn of events in 1897, two prisoners, already paying for other sins, confessed and were convicted of this disastrous act. Yet, this heartbreaking narrative found a spectral sequel that not merely retold but seemingly replayed the incident. Leap to the predawn hours of August 27, 1941. A lone woman, left by the infamous bridge due to a flat tire, eagerly awaited her husband's return with assistance. As the eerie call of a far-off train whistle pierced the night, she watched as a train light danced among the trees. What followed, the train's plunge off the bridge, the bone-jarring crash, and the cries of the wounded, recreated a vivid tableau of the accident that took place exactly fifty years ago.
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65 And the unsettling climax? On reaching the reported scene of the accident with her husband and a good Samaritan, there was no wreckage to be found, just the tranquil waters of Third Creek meandering beneath Bostian's Bridge. In a spine-tingling twist, the woman had not seen a mere crash; she'd bore witness to a phantom replay of the ill-fated event from fifty years prior. The Ghost Train of Bostian's Bridge had its first eyewitness. Fast forward to another anniversary of the original disaster in 2010. A troupe of paranormal enthusiasts converged on the bridge, awaiting an encounter with the supernatural. Their expectations were brutally shattered when a tangible train thundered down the tracks. Christopher Kaiser, one of their number, met the same end as those unfortunate souls from 1891, unable to flee in time. At first, he thought the real train was a ghost train, and he didn't attempt to escape until it was too late. His story should serve as a warning to all ghost hunters to proceed with caution. The magnetic pull of Bostian's Bridge's shadowy history persists to this day, with each retelling of its macabre legend. The accident, the ghostly apparitions, and the ghost hunters' doomed expedition all contribute to an unearthly narrative woven into North Carolina's tapestry. Each strand adds a new level of intrigue, offering a fresh lens to view the mysterious bridge that stands as a testament to mystery, intrigue, and the bewildering connections between life and death. Should you find yourself in the vicinity of Statesville in the wee hours of August 27, strain your ears for the distant sound of a train whistle. Watch the horizon for the solitary beam of a train headlight slicing through the night, and perhaps, you might see the Ghost Train's spectral voyage over Bostian's Bridge. But heed this advice - don't trespass, and always maintain a safe distance. Photos of wreck by Stimson Studio, Statesville, NC. Image courtesy of NC State Archives
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Mystery surrounds the voices at Roan Mountain. Are they ethereal or infernal? The great Roan Mountain, poised at the precipice of North Carolina and Tennessee, has been a cauldron of mysteries and tales for centuries. This majestic expanse, a five- mile-long ridge looming almost two miles above sea level, is adorned with patches of beautiful pink and white rhododendrons nestled beneath shady balsams. Yet, some believe it harbors more than its obvious natural beauty - whispering in the wind, they say, are otherworldly voices. Step back in time to 1799 when the first survey team was sent out to establish the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. They reported that the relentless wind at Roan Mountain had eroded large holes into the mountaintop's face. But when European settlers started pouring into the region in the early 19th century, tales took a turn for the supernatural. The wind, they suggested, was not merely a physical force - it seemed to carry ghostly voices. With these reports, Roan Mountain started to gain a reputation. The singing voices were said to be heard from the mountain's highest points, but interpretations varied. Some found the sounds akin to a heavenly choir, believing the ridge to be the rehearsal ground for angelic beings preparing for the Christian Judgment Day. Others described the sounds as demonic wailing, associating Roan Mountain with echoes from Hell. We may never truly understand the phenomenon. The Mysterious Choir at Roan Mountain
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68 The Biltmore Estate, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Asheville, North Carolina, stands as the largest privately-owned home in the United States. Founded by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the grandson of the illustrious Cornelius Vanderbilt, this sprawling estate is not only a symbol of opulence but also a place steeped in ethereal mystery and spectral lore. Amidst its grandeur, the estate conceals tales of the supernatural that have captivated the imagination of visitors and staff. Vanderbilt's fascination with the mountains of western North Carolina drew him to Asheville in 1888. Over time, he amassed an astounding 125,000 acres of land, including areas that would later become part of the renowned Pisgah National Forest. Collaborating with visionary architect Robert Morris Hunt and renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, George embarked on the ambitious endeavor of creating the magnificent Biltmore House, a stunning French château- style mansion. His diverse interests in agriculture, art, and design were profoundly reflected in every facet of the estate, making it not just a masterpiece of architecture but also a testament to his passion for agriculture and design. Yet, amidst this architectural splendor, there exists an ethereal dimension that has intrigued and mystified visitors and staff. Ghostly tales and eerie encounters have become part of the estate's folklore, making it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts. Visitors and staff members have shared chilling accounts of hearing a voice repeatedly whispering the name "George" in the echoing hallways. It is believed that the spirit of Edith Vanderbilt herself roams the halls, possibly in search of her husband, who is also believed to be another spectral inhabitant of the mansion. At night, those working on the grounds have reported hearing sounds of laughter, glasses clinking, and lively party chatter, all seemingly emerging from thin air, as if a phantom celebration unfolds within the mansion's walls. This seems very fitting for a building designed for celebrations and gatherings. P h a n t o m a p p a r i t i o n s often grace the estate's grand staircase, with many reporting ghostly figures ascending or descending the stairs, accompanied by eerie phantom footsteps. These encounters are often accompanied by strange smells, inexplicable cold spots, and eerie sensations, adding to the otherworldly allure of the estate. Adding an even stranger dimension, one of the mansion's rooms houses a collection of headless mannequins dressed in period clothing from the early 20th century, further contributing to the estate's eerie ambiance. George Washington Vanderbilt himself seems to be an active participant in these spectral encounters. His ghostly presence is said to manifest throughout the mansion, with his study, surrounded by a vast library of books, being a favored haunt. The eerie occurrences at Biltmore Estate extend beyond its mansion to it's beautiful gardens. Some visitors have reported sightings of a headless orange cat roaming the garden area, adding to the myriad of unsettling and downright spooky encounters that await those who explore this storied estate. Haunted Biltmore
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69 For those seeking an immersive journey into the realms of history, opulence, and the supernatural, the Biltmore Estate offers a captivating blend of all three. Whether you're drawn to its architectural elegance, agricultural significance, or the allure of ghostly encounters, Biltmore stands as a testament to the enduring mystique of America's largest privately-owned residence. We recommend that visitors give the Biltmore House Backstairs Tour a try. The hour-long tour gives you a glimpse behind the curtain, leading you down secret servant stairwells, and detailing how the house operated. Even experienced Biltmore visitors will tour new places and learn new things on this particularly tour.
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70 Searching for Ghost s
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The pursuit of the paranormal is not a novelty of modern times; it has roots buried deep in human history. The age-old practice of ghost hunting dates back to our earliest civilizations when the idea of death, the afterlife, and otherworldly beings fascinated the human mind. The ancient Egyptians, for example, held a firm belief in the existence of spirits and life after death, which was embedded in their religious practices. This belief is evident in their detailed rituals for the deceased, and the extensive iconography of the underworld found in pyramids and tombs. The ancient Greeks and Romans also believed in ghosts, many stories of which are preserved in classical literature. Ghost stories were a popular form of entertainment in ancient Rome, often told during dinner parties or festivals. This fascination with the spirit world is not confined to Western culture alone. In the East, China, Japan, and India too, have a rich repertoire of ghost stories dating back thousands of years. Moving into the Middle Ages, ghost hunting transitioned from the realm of religious rituals and folklore into a mix of superstition and early scientific enquiry. The famous English polymath, John Dee (1527-1608), for example, devoted much of his life to alchemy, divination, and Hermetic philosophy. This was a time when the line between science and the occult was blurred, and many believed it was possible to communicate with spirits. The Enlightenment era, with its emphasis on reason and empirical evidence, seemed to temper widespread belief in ghosts. However, the fascination persisted, and ghost stories continued to be told, often as cautionary tales or moral lessons. But it was the 19th-century Spiritualist movement, notably in the United States and United Kingdom, that marked a significant turning
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72 point in ghost hunting. People started conducting séances, using Ouija boards, and seeking mediums to communicate with the dead. This period also saw the advent of 'ghost photography,' where photographers claimed to capture images of spirits. The 20th century witnessed a surge in the popularity of ghost hunting, fueled by advancements in technology. From analog voice recorders to electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors, devices were now available to empirically 'detect' and 'record' spectral presences. Popular culture, through movies and television shows like Ghostbusters and The X-Files, also played a significant role in shaping and promoting the image of the modern ghost hunter. The Ghost Hunting Industry: A Spectral Spectrum of Opportunities Today, ghost hunting is not just a passion or pastime but has morphed into a fully fledged industry. The field has grown to include not only hobbyist ghost hunters, but also professionals who offer paranormal investigation services. Some people hire these investigators to explore strange occurrences in their homes or businesses. Often, the goal is to confirm or dispel suspected paranormal activity, or simply to provide reassurance to those experiencing inexplicable events. A related offshoot of the industry is ghost tourism. Haunted hotels, historical sites, battlefields, and even entire towns market their paranormal reputation to attract visitors seeking a brush with the eerie and unknown. These places often offer guided ghost tours, night vigils, and even ghost hunting workshops for those brave enough to venture. Companies manufacturing ghost hunting equipment constitute another significant part of this industry. From high-tech ghost detectors, infrared cameras, to spirit boxes, these businesses cater to an audience that's enthusiastic about documenting and understanding spectral phenomena. The media, too, has found a profitable niche in ghost hunting. Numerous reality TV shows, documentaries, and movies revolve around this topic, engaging viewers with a mix of fear, intrigue, and curiosity. Notable among these are Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Witness, and Ghost Hunters, which have amassed substantial audiences worldwide. Moreover, the rise of social media has led to the proliferation of ghost hunting content. Enthusiasts share their experiences, evidence, and theories on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, and dedicated paranormal forums. This has fostered a global community of ghost hunters, connecting people across different cultures and backgrounds, all united in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the unseen. As we delve deeper into the world of ghost hunting, we realize it's more than just a fascination with the unknown. It's a testament to the enduring human curiosity about death and what lies beyond. This journey, shrouded in mystery, doubt, and fascination, leads us to confront our deepest fears and, perhaps, find solace in the possibility of a life beyond our mortal existence.
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73 The Encounter: A Personal Foray into the Paranormal Realm with the Great State Paranormal Team As the editor of Foothills Digest, I've had my fair share of local adventures. But this time, I found myself about to delve into an experience entirely out of the ordinary—I was preparing to attend a ghost hunt at the Catawba County Museum of History, one of my favorite historical spots nestled in the old courthouse at the heart of downtown Newton. This event was the product of an intriguing collaboration between the Catawba County Museum of History, The Hickory History Center in the Harper House, and the Great State Paranormal Team. This annual event raises funds for the 1924 Courthouse, which houses the Catawba County Museum of History. The latter, known for being one of the top five paranormal teams in North Carolina for three consecutive years, were to be our guides for the night. As I geared up for this adventure, I found myself captivated by the ethos of the Great State Paranormal Team. Their motto "Sicut Superius et Inferius," meaning "As above, so below," resonated with me. It embodied their mission to explore the mysteries of our world, straddling the tangible and the ethereal, and to do so with respect for the cultural, historical, and folklore context of Western North Carolina. They are based in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, a region steeped in history, where the lives of native American tribes and British colonists had once intersected. The team firmly believes that this collision of cultural and spiritual forces has made this area a breeding ground for paranormal activity.
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The Investigation: As I prepared to step into this unique realm, I learned that this wouldn't be a passive experience. We, the attendees, were invited to become part of the team for the night, to truly immerse ourselves in the world of ghost hunting. We were to participate in an opening vigil, where we'd ground ourselves before introducing ourselves to the spirits, inviting them to interact with us throughout the night. We would then conduct several vigils employing various ghost hunting tools and techniques, guided by the experienced members of the Great State Paranormal Team. Most intriguing was the promise of gaining access to parts of the building normally off-limits to the public, and the opportunity for self-exploration. We were given the freedom to use our own equipment or borrow some from the team, thus allowing us to conduct our own mini investigations. The evening was filled with anticipation as we first gathered in the old courthouse upstairs, a place that seemed to breathe history. Its grandeur, mixed with a slightly eerie aura, immediately set the tone for what was to come. Dustin Crowley, our leader for the night, initiated the proceedings with an opening talk. His words were measured, a careful articulation, designed to respect the spirits residing there and inform them of our presence and intentions. Suzanna and Kellene, two of the Great State Paranormal investigators, approached each of us with grounding oil, a familiar ritual designed to center our energies and provide a sense of calm amidst the anticipation. The oil was warm against my forehead, the scent earthy and comforting. It was as if a gentle wave of tranquility washed over me. I was ready for what was to come next. Then, Quintin Knight (shown at right in the courtroom) took charge, leading us downstairs for our first vigil. We stood in a circle in the dimly lit lobby, our faces illuminated by the scant remnants of daylight streaming through the old windows. Knight introduced us to a curious tool - the dowsing rods. These were originally used to locate ground water, buried metals, gemstones, oil, or grave sites, but in our context, they served as a medium to communicate with the spirits. The premise was simple: the rods would cross or diverge, answering
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our yes or no questions. As each of us took turns asking our questions, an intriguing narrative unfolded. A spirit of a woman, a former juror, filled with regret for a wrong choice she had made. She was stuck in this courthouse, but she didn't seem unhappy. She even knew Susan Holbrook, Executive Director of the Historical Association of Catawba County, whose office is in the building. The rods' responses were swift and precise, providing a vivid insight into this unseen presence. As the evening moved forward, we prepared ourselves for the next activity, a game that would put our newly learned dousing skills to the test. A silver ring was hidden somewhere on the first floor of the museum, and our task was to use the dowsing rods to find it. As I took the rods in my hand, a surge of excitement rippled through me. These simple metal rods felt alive, ready to guide us to our destination. The moment I held the rods, they snapped into action, pointing towards a room at the far end of the museum. I was taken aback by their insistence; the rods wouldn't waver no matter how much I shifted my position. Guided by their unerring direction, our team made our way to the indicated room. As we stepped into the room, our eyes fell on an iron lung, a relic from the Miracle of Hickory. Despite the initial excitement, the ring was nowhere to be found. As I asked the rods if we were in the right spot, they indicated a strong "yes". But where was the ring?
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Confused, I passed the dowsing rods to another member of my group, hoping she might have better luck. This led us on a wild goose chase throughout the museum, every nook and cranny explored under the relentless pursuit of the elusive silver ring. But as the search led us farther away from the iron lung, I couldn't shake off the rods' initial insistence on that room. Regaining possession of the rods, I felt their familiar weight in my hands again. They promptly whirled around, pointing unwaveringly back towards the room with the iron lung. Trusting their guidance this time, we decided to revisit the room, scouring every inch with renewed determination. As one of my partners knelt down near the iron lung, her fingers grazed something small and metallic hidden in a corner we hadn't noticed before. A triumphant grin lit her face as she held up our prize - the elusive silver ring. Even though I had not intended to get competitive, it felt good to win. I decided to keep the rods for the rest of the night. A brief respite followed this flurry of activity, a chance to gather our thoughts and prepare for the next part of our journey into the unknown. We then moved to a museum
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room filled with artifacts. Their exact nature was obscured by the darkness, turning them into ambiguous shapes that kept our imaginations guessing. We sat in silence, the only sounds being the soft breathing of my fellow participants and the occasional creak of the old wooden floor beneath us. Team leaders peppered the room with questions, their voices cutting through the darkness. Devices intended to detect the presence of spirits, like EMF readers that could sense electromagnetic waves, were scattered around the room. Every now and then, they would light up, indicating a potential spirit's proximity. Despite this, the room felt strangely calm, devoid of any menacing undertones. As I let my mind drift, the evening took an exciting turn. Our leaders introduced us to an array of ghost-hunting equipment, each more intriguing than the last. Among these were EMF readers, tools that light up in the presence of electromagnetic fields, believed to indicate the presence of spirits. The spirit box, also known as a radio sweep box, was another fascinating device. This modified radio continuously scans across various stations, aiming to pick up on the frequencies that spirits are believed to communicate through. The intent is to detect paranormal activity, capturing voices, sounds, and phrases that could be responses from the other side. As we were introduced to these new tools, I couldn't help but feel an odd mix of trepidation and excitement. Soon, we were deep into an interaction with a spirit believed to be a former judge. The team regretted not having the spirit rods to identify the judge amongst the many portraits on the walls. Seizing the opportunity, I offered the dousing rods I'd kept. Following their guidance, we identified the spirit as T Manley Whitner, whose visage stared back at us from one of the portraits. I tried to imagine him presiding over the courtroom, a formidable figure dispensing justice. The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Estes method. This was a technique using sensory deprivation and a spirit box to communicate with potential spirits. The goal was to eliminate stimuli that could influence the perception or interpretation of spirit box responses, thereby providing clearer, undistorted communication. The technique of the Estes method fascinated me, and I was quick to volunteer when the opportunity arose. Sitting in the judge's chair and overlooking the courtroom, I felt a chill run down my spine. Blindfolded and equipped with noise-canceling headphones connected to a spirit box, I was plunged into a world devoid of any external stimuli. The silence was profound at first, then came a surge of words, flooding my ears and consciousness. As instructed, I vocalized every word I heard, despite not comprehending the context or meaning. Emerging from this deeply immersive experience, I found the room strangely still and shocked. As it turned out, the seemingly disjointed words I had spoken were
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78 piecing together a terrifying tale of three girls' murder. The coincidence between the information from the spirit box I was using and the other participant was uncanny. We were apparently responding to the same line of questioning without even being aware of it. Switching roles, I held the spirit box this time while another volunteer took my place in the sensory deprivation setup. With the unfolding narrative of the murder case, the names Delilah, Marissa, and Morgan appeared on the screen of my spirit box. The atmosphere was electric, everyone hanging on to every word, until an unexpected phrase broke through, "The Bush Administration." Laughter rippled through the room, a welcome break from the tense situation we found ourselves in. The clock had struck midnight by the time I left, but others chose to stay until the early hours, using the tools we'd been introduced to, and exploring the museum on their own. Though the ghost hunt had concluded for me, the experience left a lasting impression. This encounter, in the dimly lit corridors and rooms of an old courthouse, was an experience that defied explanation. It was not about proving the existence of spirits or deciphering their messages, but about suspending disbelief for a few hours and opening up to the possibility of a reality beyond our understanding. I carried this sense of wonder and curiosity with me as I left, already looking forward to the next ghost hunt.
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So, dear readers, are you brave enough to join a ghost hunt? Would you dare to ask a question to the beyond, or perhaps volunteer for the Estes Method? Ghost hunting is not for the faint-hearted, but if you're curious and open- minded, it might just offer an unforgettable adventure. And who knows, you might even be the lucky one to find the next hidden silver ring! Looking back on that evening, one thing is for certain: ghost hunting in a historical courthouse is a hauntingly beautiful blend of past and present, a tangible connection to the stories and lives that have unfolded within its walls. And it's a thrilling, chilling reminder that sometimes, history refuses to stay in the past. It lingers, it whispers, and if you're very quiet and very lucky, it might just speak to you. We asked Quintin Knight was keeps him coming back for more. He said, " The one thing that has kept me coming back as a paranormal investigator is the mystery. While our team is very diligent in learning the history of each location, and understanding how each location came to be. There is still a sense of mystery in each location that makes you wonder about the events that were never recorded. Whether that be in times before the location was constructed, or it was just
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another day that did not seem notable. Unraveling the mysteries of the beyond is a thrilling experience, especially from a scientific point of view. Although there is no clear cut way to deem a location as officially and indisputably haunted, the experience of each location brings a new understanding of science, and questions. As you become more experienced in investigations you also develop a sense of understanding and compassion for those that you come into contact with. Being a mental health professional has taught me a great deal on how to be compassionate and empathetic towards others. Being a paranormal investigator has taught me that the same compassion and empathy should be afforded to those who are beyond our realm of existence." But don't take my word for it, or Quintin's. You can check it out for yourself on October 20th. Tickets are available now, and you can use the QR code below to order. We talked with Executive Director Susan Holbrook about the ways the event benefits the museum. Firstly, it's an excellent fundraiser. But she told us other ways the event is impactful. “While most people think paranormal experiences are scary or evil, we at the Catawba County Museum of History see it as an opportunity to dive deeper into the past of those represented in our exhibits and to share even more of their stories. It causes us to look further into our shared past.” So, buy yourself a ticket, and be prepared for an evening of spooky fun, and you'll know that by doing so, you are also benefiting the historical organizations in our community! Sicut Superius et Inferius As Above, So Below Astrology can be a powerful tool to help you gain insight about yourself. Visit our site to learn about astrology, p u r c h a s e c u s t o m astrology reports, and shop our line of astrology related clothing and accessories. easyastro.me
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82 The Pink Lady: The The Pink Lady: The Benevolent Spirit of Benevolent Spirit of the Grove Park Inn the Grove Park Inn In the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, where culture meets mountainous majesty, lies an aged resort concealing a spectral secret—the legendary Pink Lady of the Grove Park Inn. Conceived in 1913, the Inn is an emblem of history, nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, its stone walls bearing witness to a plethora of eminent guests, from F. Scott Fitzgerald to President Obama. Yet, amid its grandeur, a spectral silhouette, the Pink Lady, has dwelt for over a hundred years. Her story, steeped in hushed whispers, tells of a 1920s guest who met her untimely end falling from room 545's balcony. Her spectral moniker, 'Pink Lady,' comes from the color of her death attire. Despite scant historical proof, the countless eyewitness accounts lend an uncanny veracity to her existence. The Pink Lady isn't a specter to fear; her presence is often experienced as a soothing aura, a playful rearrangement of personal belongings, or a sudden chill in the room. Children, especially, seem to sense her, reporting interactions with a friendly lady in pink. Sometimes she appears as a pink haze or smoke. Her preferred haunt, room 545, isn't her sole domain. Many have sensed her throughout the Inn, especially in the late hours when the hallways quiet down. Now, the Pink Lady's tale enhances the historic allure of the Grove Park Inn, drawing curiosity seekers from all corners, hoping to witness the iconic lady in pink. Her enigmatic existence adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the Inn's narrative. So, should you find yourself in Asheville, the Grove Park Inn is worth a visit. Enjoy the grandeur, soak in the vistas, and perhaps, sense the playful whisper of the Pink Lady, extending her eternal sojourn at this distinguished resort.
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84 Lydia's Bridge Lydia's Bridge, located near Greensboro, North Carolina, is steeped in local folklore and chilling tales of hauntings that have captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The "bridge" is actually a concrete underpass, also known as the Jamestown Bridge, on U.S. Highway 70-A between Greensboro and High Point. However, it is not the architecture of the bridge that attracts attention, but rather the ethereal presence reportedly tied to it—the ghost of a young woman named Lydia.
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The story of Lydia dates back to a fateful night in the 1920s. As the story goes, Lydia, a young woman dressed in a white evening gown, was returning from a dance with her date when their car crashed near the underpass. Lydia's date was killed instantly, and Lydia also died at the scene. Over the years, numerous eyewitness accounts have reported encounters with the ghost of Lydia on stormy nights. These drivers recount that Lydia would sit in the back seat, quietly giving directions, only to vanish as the vehicle neared a certain address in High Point. Upon reaching the address, perplexed drivers are usually met with a resident who sadly informs them about Lydia's tragic fate years ago. Further fueling these eerie accounts, some drivers even report finding a wet spot on their car's back seat after Lydia's disappearance, as if her ghostly form had been drenched by the rain on the night of her death. Over time, these chilling encounters have turned the otherwise nondescript underpass into "Lydia's Bridge," a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts and curious explorers. Notably, the physical underpass associated with the Lydia story is often misidentified. The structure known as Lydia's Bridge is actually a Jefferson Standard Highway Marker, a type of roadside infrastructure prevalent in North Carolina during the 1920s and 30s. The actual bridge where the accident supposedly occurred is nearby Since the 1930s, drivers have reported picking up a beautiful hitchhiker by Lydia's bridge only to find she has vanished when they arrive at their destination.
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Buy our soaps online! 3 oz. soaps, made in NC. Can be customized. Wholesale is available for shop owners. Visit our storefront at 105 South 3rd Street, Smithfield NC 27577, or give us a call at 919-810-7472. JUDSDESIGNS.COM Email nihongo@mindspring.com for wholesale orders. and is significantly older. Despite the misnomer, the title "Lydia's Bridge" has stuck, serving as a testament to the enduring power of local folklore. The spectral tale of Lydia's Bridge has become a staple of Guilford County lore, passed down through generations. While some view it as a thrilling ghost story, others perceive it as a poignant reminder of a life tragically cut short. The ghostly tale continues to draw both locals and out-of-towners to the site, with some hoping to catch a glimpse of Lydia on a stormy night. The tale of Lydia's Bridge took an intriguing turn on a Friday in 2023 when a “Legends & Lore” marker was unveiled near the site for the first time. The marker, made possible by Carolina Haints—a podcast exploring "ghost stories, folklore legends, unexplained mysteries, dark history, and true crime" across the Carolinas— is a testament to the enduring intrigue and cultural significance of the Lydia legend.
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88 Saturday, October 21 Jontavious Willis, Blues Man "Jontavious is a great new voice of the 21st century in the acoustic blues. I love the way he plays.” --Taj Mahal, blues artist Concert: 7-9 PM Burnsville Town Center 6 South Main Street, Burnsville NC Tickets $20 @ Eventbrite.com or at the door Concert Opener: Sam McKinney, Mitchell County Seminar 3-4 PM Burnsville Town Center Free and Open to the Public Sponsored by North Carolina Humanities Jontavious Willis: Exploring Regional Variations of the Blues. Willis will demonstrate the roots of the blues and discuss the regional variations of types of country blues, focusing on the Piedmont blues. Produced by: Traditional Voices Group Sponsored in part by Explore Burnsville As reported by Fox 8, paranormal author Amy Greer, who researched the legend alongside Michael Renegar, asserts that the Lydia story dates back to June 1923. Lydia was returning home from a dance with her boyfriend when they were involved in a tragic accident, resulting in her instantaneous death. Subsequent years saw the proliferation of stories about her ghost still lingering near the bridge where her life was tragically cut short. Greer and Renegar discovered a 1923 newspaper article about a fatal car crash involving a Miss Annie L. Jackson. A subsequent examination of a death certificate revealed that Annie Lydia Jackson was a Greensboro resident who died on June 20, 1923, and was buried at Holt’s Chapel on June 22. The legend of Lydia also holds personal significance for Michael David Mitchell, a Greensboro native, who discovered that his great-aunt Annie had died in a car crash. He said that when he was growing up, his Daddy told them they were related to Lydia. According to Renegar, Mr. Mitchell is a grandchild of Annie’s sister, Dora.
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89 The unveiling of the marker and the revelation of Lydia's potential true identity have further deepened the fascination surrounding Lydia's Bridge. The discovery highlights the remarkable way folklore can intertwine with local history, demonstrating how a tragic event can be transformed over time into a tale of spectral encounters. Even as Lydia's story continues to evolve, the intrigue surrounding Lydia's Bridge remains undiminished, its allure undeniably woven into the cultural fabric of Guilford County. This photo is Miss Annie Lydia Jackson. We enhanced a photocopy of a small image of her with AI to have a more modern understanding of what she looked like.
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MYSTERIOUS CHEROKEE TALES: Giants, Battles and Strange Creatures in the Night The beautiful expanse of North Carolina, teeming with vibrant flora and kissed by the gentle waves of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been home to the Cherokee people for thousands of years. Rooted in this fertile ground, their history and culture have flourished, giving rise to a rich tapestry of stories, myths, and legends that continue to resonate today. The following section of our magazine is dedicated to sharing some of these captivating Cherokee tales, each offering an intriguing glimpse into the soul of this resilient community. Before we delve into these stories, let's explore the heritage of the Cherokee in North Carolina, a narrative carved by the rhythm of nature, the echoes of sacred rituals, and the whispers of ancient wisdom passed down through generations. The Cherokee are part of the Iroquoian language family, and their ancestral homelands encompass a vast region including North Carolina, South Carolina,
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Georgia, and Tennessee. Living in harmony with the land, they developed sophisticated agricultural practices, hunted in the abundant forests, and nurtured a vibrant society steeped in spiritual beliefs, art, and political structures. Their history, however, was marked by struggle and resilience as they faced displacement, most notably during the infamous Trail of Tears in the 19th century. Despite this, the Cherokee endured, with their vibrant culture and traditions surviving and continuing to thrive, particularly in North Carolina's Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The articles that follow in this section draw upon diverse aspects of Cherokee lore, ranging from mysterious creatures to ancient petroglyphs. You'll learn about the Legend of Tsul 'Kalu, a powerful slant-eyed giant, and the tale of Spearfinger, a deceptive figure who held a stone knife as an extension of her hand. Journey further into the world of Cherokee mythology with the story of the Moon-Eyed People, nocturnal beings believed to have inhabited the region before the Cherokee. The enigmatic Judaculla Rock, a large soapstone boulder etched with prehistoric petroglyphs, and the legend of the six-legged Wampus Cat, also feature in this collection, adding layers of mystery and intrigue. The Enigmatic Moon Eyed People Deep within the annals of North Carolina's rich history are countless narratives that weave an intricate tapestry of tales. A particular Cherokee legend has proven enduringly fascinating — that of the enigmatic "Moon-Eyed People." The Moon Eyed People, according to Cherokee lore, were a unique tribe of diminutive, light-skinned beings that inhabited the Appalachian region before the Cherokee. Their distinctive name is tied to their large, round eyes that were said to be sensitive to sunlight, forcing them to live mostly nocturnally. Shielded by the night and the soft glow of the moon, they went about their lives, seeking refuge from the sun's glare in caves or subterranean dwellings during the day. These unusual beings were described as bearded men with fair skin, a description that strikingly contrasted with the region's Native American inhabitants. Some tales even suggest that the Moon Eyed People had an advanced society with established infrastructure, laws, and culture. Among the myriad tales surrounding the Moon Eyed People, one enduring narrative details a confrontation with the Cherokee. It is said that the Cherokee forced these nocturnal inhabitants from their homes in the area of North Carolina's Hiwassee River, pushing them to move westward. Reasons for this forced displacement range from competition
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92 for resources to cultural clashes and the difficulties posed by their contrasting lifestyles. However, not all encounters were marked by conflict. Some Cherokee tales narrate peaceful interactions and intermarriages between the Cherokee and the Moon Eyed People, painting a picture of historical coexistence that experienced both cooperation and confrontation. A tangible link to the Moon Eyed People legend is found in the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, North Carolina. An ancient stone statue standing two feet tall and featuring large, round eyes believed to be a depiction of two Moon Eyed individuals, serves as a captivating embodiment of this part of Cherokee mythology. The Wampus Cat A key character in the rich folklore of western North Carolina, the mysterious Wampus Cat is deeply ingrained in the region's cultural fabric. Deriving from Cherokee mythology and popular in Appalachian narratives, the story of this intriguing creature is a blend of mystique, reverence, and an innate respect for nature. The Wampus Cat, a large feline with mesmerizing eyes and a distinctive six-legged form, is a fascinating figure in local lore. Its four legs grant remarkable speed, while the other two lend it unmatched combat prowess. Its chilling cry, resembling a woman's scream, makes it both a revered and feared entity. The origin of the Wampus Cat is intricately linked to Cherokee mythology, and one particularly captivating tale underscores its genesis. Within this legend, a courageous Cherokee woman, driven by curiosity, resolves to witness a sacred ritual that is traditionally reserved solely for the men of her tribe. To achieve this audacious goal, she disguises herself in cougar hide and furtively observes the ceremony. Her intrusion, however, does not go unnoticed. When her violation of this sacred boundary is discovered, she faces a severe punishment that is both poetic and fearsome. She is cursed to eternally wander the Appalachian mountains as the six-legged Wampus Cat, a creature that embodies her courage, her transgression, and her ultimate transformation. Her human attributes meld with those of the cougar, culminating in a fearsome hybrid that is part woman, part cat, forever bound to the wilderness she once called home. In another version, the creature is the spirit of a warrior's wife, punished for her husband's battlefield cowardice by being transformed into a fearsome feline. Both interpretations embody themes of violation and punishment, casting the Wampus Cat as a symbol of taboo and divine retribution. The Wampus Cat has permeated modern pop
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93 Catherine Cochran Counseling PLLC Prioritize your wellness... State Licensed & Nationally Certified Counselor based in Newton, NC (980) 858-5157 catherinecochrancounseling.com culture, appearing in literature and video games, and even serving as a mascot for local schools. It represents not just a thrilling myth but also provides insight into western North Carolina's zeitgeist. Fairy Crosses The Museum of the Cherokee Indian houses a captivating array of artifacts, notably the "fairy crosses"—intriguing crystalline formations of natural staurolite. These structures, though steeped in legend, are a fascinating blend of aluminum, iron, and silicate. Yet, it's the stirring Cherokee tales surrounding them that truly accentuate their charm. Each narrative involves tears crystallizing into crosses, with differing sources and reasons behind the tears. One story roots in the European settlers' arrival and their efforts to assimilate Christianity into the Cherokee culture, leading to significant conversions. With
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94 the 1821 creation of the Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah, the Bible was translated, and its crucifixion story deeply moved the Cherokee, prompting, as legend tells, their tears to form fairy crosses. The second account intertwines with the Cherokee's belief in the "Little People"—tiny, protective spirits that interacted with Cherokee children. Following the tragic Trail of Tears displacement, it's believed these entities remained, their sorrowful tears forming the fairy crosses. While these stories may not align with scientific interpretations, they add an enchanting dimension to the fairy crosses. These tales underscore the emotional depth and enduring beliefs of the Cherokee, enhancing the mystique of this North Carolina region. Spearfinger In a time long erased from historical records, a fearsome entity roamed the Cherokee territories. She was known as Spearfinger, a name derived not from imaginative lore, but from the harsh reality of her existence. As per Cherokee legends, Spearfinger was a sorceress endowed with an eerie gift: she could shapeshift. Her skin, akin to a stone's rugged facade, was as resilient as the mountains she roamed. Her most chilling feature, however, was a fearsome instrument that replaced a finger on her right hand - a long, razor-sharp spear of glistening obsidian. Famed for her cunning and deceit, Spearfinger was a grand illusionist. She would transform herself into an elderly woman, an avatar endearing and reassuring to Cherokee children. In her guise, they perceived a warm village matriarch, a figure of trust, wholly unaware of the lurking peril. Sporting a disconcertingly gentle manner, she'd approach these unsuspecting children, offering to comb their hair, lulling them into a profound, peaceful slumber. But this tranquility was short-lived. Swift and skillful, she'd pierce their skin with her obsidian spear-finger, aiming for their napes or their innocent hearts. From the inflicted injury, she'd adeptly extract their livers, feasting on the purloined organ. Following numerous tragedies, the tribal leaders convened to bring Spearfinger's reign of terror to a halt. In the autumn season, when the Cherokee burnt the undergrowth for chestnut harvest, they laid a trap. A large pit was artfully camouflaged with straw, with the hope that the harvest fires would entice Spearfinger into it. True to their expectations, she fell into the trap, morphing into her true stony form in her fury. The warriors' weapons proved futile against her rigid exterior, shattering upon impact. Spearfinger retaliated with vicious force, leading many brave warriors to a grisly fate. Just as all seemed lost, a tiny bird, a tufted titmouse, descended, singing a melody, urging the men to target her heart. Despite their efforts, they could only elicit laughter from Spearfinger.
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The warriors, in frustration, reproached the bird, accusing it of deceit and severed its tongue. The struggle against Spearfinger continued. Then, a Chickadee materialized, darting under Spearfinger's raised arm and soaring upwards. This movement caused her arm to elevate, unveiling her heart, concealed within her hand's palm. Directed by the Chickadee's song, the warriors pierced her heart with their arrows (since the Chickadee's assistance, the bird has been known as the "truth teller" and seen as a positive omen when perching near a home indicating the safe return of an absent man). Spearfinger succumbed, her body crashing to the ground with such vigor that her stone form crumbled, becoming an integral part of the mountain. The stone bridge she erected also shattered, its remnants still evident at Whiteside Mountain's base. Even today, as you navigate the mountain's rugged contours, you may notice flies buzzing around rocks cloaked in lichen. They stand as a stark reminder of the ancient terror that once was Spearfinger. Little People The enigmatic 'Little People' or Yunwi Tsunsdi, hold a unique place of intrigue among the Cherokee. These beings, straddling the divide between the tangible and ethereal, are believed to personify a multitude of traits – from mischievous pranksters to helpful companions. Their vibrant personalities are as diverse as the tales they inhabit. However, the perception of the Little People isn't uniform and varies across tribes, individuals, and generations. Renowned ethnographer James Mooney, in his work "Myths of the Cherokee," describes the Little People as barely reaching a man's knee in height, their diminutive stature starkly contrasting with their beautifully formed bodies and long hair, flowing almost to the ground. His depiction, drawn from the wealth of Cherokee tradition, offers a peek into the fascinating universe these beings inhabit. Some controversial and unverifiable evidence purports to validate their physical existence. An interesting incident revolves around a Choctaw medicine man named Uncle Billy Washington. What was supposed to be a simple portrait of Uncle Billy beside a small table revealed an unexpected guest when the photo was developed. A bizarre creature, unseen when the picture was taken, had appeared on the table. The Choctaw community perceived this as tangible evidence of the Kawnakuasha, a being similar to the Cherokee's Little People, believed to be in service to Uncle Billy. A study of the history of photography in America may lead one to believe the image is a fake. Regardless, it's a fascinating story, and one that is fun to tell. The vibrant tapestry of Cherokee legends and myths paints a rich picture of the cultural heritage of western North Carolina. Through tales of Spearfinger, the Moon Eyed People, and the Wampus Cat, readers are invited to explore a world of intrigue, mystique, and profound connection to the land.
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JUDACULLA ROCK AND THE LEGEND OF TSUL 'KALU: Stories Etched in Stone Peeling back the layers of history often finds us at the foot of age-old artifacts and listening to ancient narratives passed on through the ages. Western North Carolina, a repository of such historical treasures, is home to the enigmatic Judaculla Rock. The rock, when coupled with the fascinating Cherokee legend of Tsul 'Kalu, provides a unique window into the region's archaic culture. Cradled in the embrace of the Appalachian Mountains, near the quaint town of Cullowhee in North Carolina, the Judaculla Rock lays. This remarkable soapstone rock holds immense archaeological value due to the rich tapestry of petroglyphs – age-old rock carvings – that consistently bewilder researchers and history aficionados. The face of the rock is embellished with an array of diverse symbols and inscriptions. Scholars contend that these markings span over thousands of years, with some possibly originating as far back as 2000- 3000 B.C. The engravings showcase a multitude of shapes, including circles, human figures, animals, and other enigmatic symbols and designs. The exact interpretation of these symbols largely remains a riddle, underscoring the secretive nature of the societies that once flourished in this area. Intriguingly, 'Judaculla' is an alternate name for 'Tsul 'Kalu', a mythical character from Cherokee folklore. Referred to as the 'Slant-Eyed Giant', Tsul 'Kalu is considered a master huntsman and the sovereign of all game animals. His capabilities were unparalleled, and his aura was imposing. Legend asserts that he resided in the highlands of the erstwhile Cherokee land,
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now known as the Appalachian Mountain Range. According to the lore, Tsul 'Kalu could traverse from one mountaintop to another, overseeing his dominion. On one occasion, he took a gigantic leap from a towering ridge and landed at the site of the Judaculla Rock, leaving his hand print imprinted on the stone. Folklore states that the numerous symbols and marks on the rock represent the laws or records he established for his people. To the Cherokee, Tsul 'Kalu is far more than a mythical entity; he embodies their historical and cultural legacy. Even today, the legend is remembered and respected by the Cherokee community and other residents of the region. It serves as a testament to their rich ancestry and the complex rapport their forefathers shared with the surrounding nature. In the meantime, Judaculla Rock stands as a physical testament to these age-old tales. To many, it's not just a stone bedecked with mystifying symbols; it's a crucial link to a vibrant history that persists in the present through narratives, cultural practices, and belief systems. Despite the ravages of time, the rock continues to preserve its ancient symbols, igniting curiosity among archaeologists, anthropologists, and visitors. It stands as a testament to North Carolina's historical depth and the captivating narratives that are woven into the region's very essence. Ultimately, the Judaculla Rock and the Legend of Tsul 'Kalu collectively present an enthralling journey into the past, contributing to a more profound understanding of the region's cultural and historical tapestry. As long as these tales are retold and the rock endures, the legend of the 'Slant-Eyed Giant' will reverberate through the valleys of the Appalachian Mountains.
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99 COSMETIC, IMPLANT ANDCOMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY(828) 328-5581 221 13th Avenue Place North West, Hickory
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100 In Lenoir stands a historic symbol that tells a tale of resilience, superstition, and the mystical forces that once roamed the area. The keyhole from George Powell's home, now preserved in a planter box at Trinity United, whispers a story from the 1800s, a time when belief in witchcraft was deeply ingrained in the local culture. The Cabin and the Witch The Cabin and the Witch Legend has it that George Powell, a resilient man of strong character, built a wooden cabin on what is now 901 Seehorn St. NE. Tragedy struck when the cabin was burned to the ground, a calamity attributed to a witch trapped inside. Unable to escape, the witch burned the cabin down around her and went on with her mysterious business. A Home Rebuilt and Protected A Home Rebuilt and Protected Unperturbed, Mr. Powell rebuilt a more substantial brick home on the same property. This time, he took an unusual precaution: he incorporated a brick keyhole in the eve of the house, just to the left of the chimney - the historically sinister side. It was said that this keyhole would provide an easy exit for any witch or spirit that found its way inside, allowing them to fly out freely. The The Witch's Witch's Keyhole Keyhole
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101 For nearly a century, the keyhole seemed to serve its purpose. Powell's home stood unscathed by witchcraft or hex, a testament to the man's wisdom or perhaps a curious nod to the superstitions of the time. A Spiritual Abode Replaced A Spiritual Abode Replaced The house remained intact until the 1970s when it was removed to make way for a spiritual successor, a new place of worship. Yet, the keyhole, imbued with history and lore, was carefully preserved. It found its new home in a well-cared-for planter box outside the church, bearing the name of Trinity United. A Legacy Preserved A Legacy Preserved Today, visitors to Trinity United can gaze upon the preserved keyhole and wonder about the truth behind the legend. Was George Powell a wise man who found a way to live in harmony with the supernatural? Or was the story simply a captivating tale, reflecting the beliefs and values of a bygone era? Though the historical accuracy of the legend may be debated, its power to fascinate and inspire continues to live on, a timeless reminder of western North Carolina's rich cultural heritage.
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Mr. Conrad's Haunting By Bob Timberlake We used to own a house, out in the middle of nowhere. The house was built in 1820 and once served as the county’s post office. We took on its restoration. The real story here is about Mr. Conrad, a man of note. He was the postmaster and was quite well-known in his time. The first notable event involves Iron Eyes Cody, the man from the “Keep America Beautiful” campaign. He was our guest, staying in our isolated house located at the end of a road near a creek. One morning, just before 8 a.m., I went to pick him up for breakfast. As I entered through the back door, he asked if I had been there earlier or sent someone over.
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Confused, I denied it. He insisted he saw a man in the kitchen. Concerned about this breach of security, especially considering our secluded location, I called the sheriff I was acquainted with. Despite investigating, the sheriff found nothing. Months later, during the furniture market, friends from Pennsylvania stayed in that house. They departed abruptly one night after a disturbing encounter. When asked about their hasty exit, they explained that the wife woke up feeling as if someone had touched her. She looked up to see a man at the foot of their bed. He was dressed in a black coat, was very skinny, and sported a mustache. Out of fear, they left immediately. A few months after that incident, another couple, this time from Michigan, experienced a similar sighting. Their description of the mysterious man matched the previous accounts. I had initially been skeptical about Iron Eyes Cody's encounter and even doubted the Pennsylvania couple's story. But with the Michigan couple's corroborative account, things began to fall into place. I reached out to Iron Eyes to get more details. He described the man similarly: tall, thin, wearing a black coat, reminiscent of characters he portrayed in his many western films. I was telling the story to my son Dan, and he recalled an image in a county history book. He rushed to fetch it, and there it was: a photograph of a man resembling the descriptions - tall, thin, with a mustache and goatee, wearing a long black coat. It was the old postmaster, Mr. Conrad What you choose to believe is up to you. Founded in 1953, Keep America Beautiful aimed to promote national cleanliness and prevent litter through collaborations between the public and private sectors. One of its most iconic undertakings was the 1971 "Crying Indian" PSA campaign, developed with the Ad Council. Artist Bob Timberlake furthered this legacy in 1975 by painting Iron Eyes Cody, the "Crying Indian," cementing the image's status as a symbol for environmental responsibility. This painting's significance was underscored in 1982 when the United States Postal Service issued a stamp featuring Timberlake's portrayal. Beyond the campaign, Timberlake and Iron Eyes Cody shared a deep- rooted friendship, adding a personal dimension to their collaborative efforts.
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106 By Carmen Eckard In the heart of Hickory's Downtown stands the Hickory Community Theatre (HCT), a building with a history as rich and fascinating as the plays it hosts. But beyond the laughter and applause, the theatre harbors secrets that are both eerie and enchanting. The building has worn many hats since its inception in 1921, serving as city municipal offices, fire station and more. Its walls conceal a room that has been sealed for years, and the backstage area was the old jail, with the bars still visible, adding to the theatre's mysterious allure. But it's the ghostly residents that truly capture the imagination. People say that three spirits have made HCT their eternal home. There's the man in the balcony, a mischievous figure who enjoys pranks and laughter. Then, there's the little girl in yellow, notorious for her playful thievery of costume props. The most haunting of all, however, is the woman in white. A graceful figure sometimes seen dancing on the stage or waiting offstage during productions, she exudes an otherworldly charm that both fascinates and terrifies. Her presence has been witnessed by many, including children attending theatre summer camps. Hickory Community Theater
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107 In the years after that ghost revealed herself to camp students, I taught many classes in the summer program and, to my relief, didn't have any strange experiences with the spectral girl. But it didn't take long before I had my own spooky encounter. During the run of Big River, I was responsible for operating the spotlight from the second balcony. This balcony had a history; before segregation, it was where African Americans sat, and it had a separate entrance marked by daunting and rickety stairs. That night, as I sat quietly, headphones strapped on, and waiting for my cue, I heard a sharp rebuke from the stage manager accusing me of making noise, stomping around, and distracting the audience beneath me. When I turned to look behind me, I found myself alone, but the balcony was filled with a cool breeze on a hot July night. That eerie sensation was the last time I ever worked in that second balcony, and it remains a vivid memory. As a side note, that second balcony has another connection to the extraordinary. Denzel Washington's wife, Pauletta Pierson, hails from Catawba County and her mother had to sit in that balcony to watch plays growing up. The couple hired professionals to hoist one of the original benches out of the balcony and ship it to California, where it now resides in their Hollywood home. The Hickory Community Theatre is more than a venue for entertainment; it's a gateway to the unknown. Its history, architecture, and spectral inhabitants weave a tale that reaches beyond the confines of ordinary experience. Visitors and staff alike can feel the echoes of the past, resonating in the very walls, as they become part of a story that continues to unfold, one spine-chilling moment at a time. Whether driven by a love for the arts or curiosity about the supernatural, those who step into HCT are embarking on a journey that transcends the stage, delving into the mysteries that lie just beyond the spotlight's glow.
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108 BROUGHTONBROUGHTONHAUNTINGSHAUNTINGS By Margaret Langley
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109 People have been talking about Broughton Hospital for a very long time. Construction began in 1875, and the building was completed in 1883. The first 100 patients came from Dorothea Dix Hospital by way of train. They arrived a bit early before the interior of the hospital was completely done, so they were chained to trees in front of the hospital. Even though there have been many derogatory remarks made about Broughton Hospital, not everything that was said is true. There are a lot of good things that have come from the hospital over the years, and a lot of good people have worked there. I had heard some rumors about it being haunted, but I had none of this in mind when I went to work there. As nursing students, we were all struggling financially. So when the State of NC offered a grant of $1000 to anyone who needed help, we all jumped on it. All you had to do was either repay the state after you graduated and got a job, or you could take a job with the state, and after a year of work, they would forgive the loan. For me, option 2 was the best way to go. So they assigned me to work at Broughton Hospital. That was how I came to work there. My only concern was to be the best nurse I could be for the patients, and to do the best job I could do. I have always believed in working with good ethics. When I graduated from Nursing School and went to work at Broughton Hospital, I had known about the stories that had been told over the years. But that did not influence me one way or the other. I was a single parent, and I needed to get to work as soon as possible. The first experience I had was within the first two weeks of working there. We had a huge snowstorm in January of 1994. It was so bad that I couldn't drive home. The hospital was always putting people up when bad weather struck because so many people would call out. They needed to be sure to have staff on hand, so what better way? I was told I could stay in the old Nurses Dorm. So after my shift, I made my way over to the brick building that used to be staff housing for the nurses. I found women in there who looked like they were patients to me. I didn't know anybody, so I just asked where I should go, and made my way to my room and laid down. Later in the night, I came to consciousness and was immediately terrified, and I didn't really understand why I was so scared. There was a feeling of evil and that I was in some real danger. I knew that I couldn't leave, so I cracked open my door and tried to go back to sleep. This was the first time that I really got a serious scare. You better believe that the next day, when the roads were a little more clear, after I finished work, I made it home.
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Many people ask about the tunnels which are underneath Broughton Hospital. In the beginning, they were a way for the staff and the patients to travel from one building to another during inclement weather. The hospital Matron and Supervisors would also get from one building to the other this way. The story has also been told that some of the more affluent people admitted to the hospital would be transferred to different buildings this way for privacy reasons. The families would not want people to see their loved ones in their state of health. I have been in the tunnels a couple of times. I think that there were times when patients might have been kept in the tunnels because I saw what looked like cells with dirt floors. They could have been used back in the day for the out-of-control patients, or the most dangerous patients. It is a known fact that Dr. Murphy and other doctors were opposed to hearing the screams of the wilder patients. So the worse off behaviorally you were, the further away from the Center building you were put. That way, the Doctors and their families would not have to endure the continuous screams and commotion coming from the sicker patients. Then as a patient improved, they were allowed to move closer to the main building. Broughton Hospital is such a big campus, and during the time I worked there, we sometimes would be pulled to other wards to work. It was during one of those times that I had a very weird paranormal event happen to me. I got pulled to the Hospital Ward, which is basically a hospital within the hospital. We had the sicker patients who needed special treatments. I arrived up on Ward 102 and got the report. During that time, I got a call from the House Supervisor telling me that one of my CNA's was going to be late, and that she was sending me a staff member in his place until my technician showed up. I said OK, got the report, and went to the medication room to check my equipment and do the drug count. I was standing there working with the Accu-Chek machine when I saw a man stroll past my Med Room door. He had reddish hair and freckles and was wearing a brown Members Only jacket. I just figured it was the replacement staff coming on to the ward. I finished doing my work and went out into the hall. All of a sudden, the staff member who was coming late walked onto the ward. I spoke to him and said aloud, "Wonder where the other guy went to? We can send him back to his unit." Myself and both of the CNA's that were with me looked everywhere for the guy. We could not find him, but the CNA who was sitting in the office stated that he had seen the guy go into the break room. We checked, and there was no one in there, either. Later that shift, when the House Supervisor made her rounds, we talked to her and asked
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111 her who it was that she had sent over to our ward. She said that they had wound up not sending anybody because they did not have enough staff. I told her who and what I had seen, and the CNA sitting in the office confirmed what I saw as well. I described what the guy looked like, and her face took on a funny look. She said, "Do you know who you just described?" I said, "No, I had no idea." She proceeded to tell me and the two CNAs with me about a certain patient who had been on that ward a long time. He had died in the patient bathroom when he had a heart attack while taking a bath in there. The description I gave her matched him to a tee. He even wore a Members Only jacket all the time. And he was always begging for snacks at the snack room door. Apparently, this gentleman made it back one more time for another snack. I was shocked because I had never seen or met this patient before. There was no way I could have known this information. These and more great stories can be found in my Haunted Broughton book series. I wrote Haunted Broughton, Tales From the Graveyard Shift, Haunted Broughton, More Tales from the Graveyard Shift and Haunted Broughton, Book III, History and Horror. I am also collecting more true ghost stories from anyone who has one to tell so I can write another book. I would like to get any story that is true from anyone who wishes to tell the story. Please contact me at WhispersOfTrueGhostStoriesBH@gmail.com to share your stories with me. I will be giving free copies of this new book to anyone who contributes a story. I am also writing a book about true paranormal events that happened outside of the hospital. This can be any paranormal story or event that is true and happened to you or someone you know. I am selling my books at Jim’s Indoor Flea Market at 1020 Main Street, West in Valdese, North Carolina. I would love to meet you there and sign your book for you.
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112 We were at Junaluska with our friends and family...I really had a eerie feeling about the house from the start...like the hair would stand up Reader Submissions on my neck and arms when I went upstairs...everyone was gone that day except me . I had a migraine and decided a nice hot bath might help . I was in the tub and there was a rocking chair in the bathroom where I was. All of a sudden I heard footsteps walking down the hall and I thought someone had returned home so I looked out the window … nothing got back in tub and had just settled down and that dang rocking chair started rocking... no breeze or nothing. I came out of that bathtub like a shot grabbed a towel and clothes and ran downstairs putting clothes on as I went ... I sat on the porch till Robert and the boys came back I wasn’t going in there by myself again . I told my husband about it and he said he felt like somebody was watching him the whole time we were there. We left early I just couldn’t stand to stay upstairs... which was were our bedroom was! True story. Never rented that place again! -Jackie Watson I had a mini dachshund named Bogie and when I lived alone and worked second shift, my dad would stop by on his way home from work, take Bogie out to the bathroom then feed him and then sit in the glider in my living room and rock him. He did this every night that I had to work, until he died at the age of 53. Fast forward to when I got married and moved from Vale to Mountainview. Brought the glider with us and sat it in the living room. Also got bogie a wife and they had a son. His wife was Gretchen and the son was Lino. Gretchen and Lino would stand in the hallway going into the living room and growl and the fur would stand up on their backs. Bogie would walk right by them, go to the glider and whine till someone picked him up and put him in it where he would curl up and go to sleep. Just like he did on my Daddy's lap. -Jo Boone This story was told by my great-great grandmother. In a small rural area know as Happy Valley she was sent to work in a mill at the age of 12 or 13. This would have been in the early 1900’s. At the time families would send their children who were able to work to mills where they shared living quarters with other girls around the same age. If you can imagine the sleeping area was said to be one large room with beds lining each wall with around 20 in total. I always imagined it as looking like the scene from Annie (orphanage scene). My grandmother would stay up after everyone went to sleep with just a small
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113 lantern dimly lite to write letters home to her family. At this time in the Appalachian mountains many illnesses were spreading among people and a young woman had recently been sent home due to becoming extremely ill. On one particular night my grandmother was up late writing when she heard a strange sound coming from across the room. It sounded like papers being torn apart and crumbled up continuously. She finally got the nerve to walk across the room to see if she could see what was causing the commotion. In the fire place she saw what she first thought were two red embers glowing brightly. As she approached closer the embers looked more like a set of red glowing eyes that were coming towards her now while the sound continued getting louder. She turned running and screaming jumping over the beds of the other girls waking up everyone she stumbled across. When she looked back to see the pair of eyes she watched as they crossed each bed except the empty bed where the young girl who had become ill had once lay. The eyes vanished as soon as they reached the empty bed. The next day the mill received word that the young girl had died due to the illness the night before. -Lori Allison Dyke
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Unraveling the Enigma of the Brown Mountain Lights The Appalachian range, known for its lush greenery and striking peaks, also hosts one of the most intriguing and enduring mysteries of North Carolina—the Brown Mountain Lights. These peculiar illuminations, appearing regularly over the Brown Mountain in the Linville Gorge area, have fascinated observers for centuries, inspiring a myriad of theories and extensive research. The inexplicable light show ranges from red to blue to white glows, sometimes remaining stationary, sometimes darting around the night sky. Native American lore attributes these lights to ghostly spirits, while some folklore suggests they are the spectral lanterns of grieving widows searching for their fallen husbands. In the age of advanced scientific analysis, other explanations have been postulated, going beyond the realm of geologic or atmospheric causes. Some researchers have considered the possibility of piezoelectric effects, wherein the Earth's crust produces lights when under stress. This could be caused by the
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underlying tectonic activity, creating electrical discharges visible on the mountain's surface. Additionally, there have been discussions around atmospheric reflections, where light from other natural sources is bent and reflected due to unique atmospheric conditions over Brown Mountain. Another captivating theory stems from biology. Certain fungi and microbes, known to emit a soft glow, might be responsible. While bioluminescence is common in marine environments, terrestrial bioluminescence is rarer but not unheard of. The presence of such organisms, in high enough concentrations, could explain the mysterious lights. As each theory emerged, so did the efforts to validate or refute them. Scientists have pointed to refracted light from locomotives, cars, and local settlements. However, this explanation fails to account for sightings recorded prior to the invention of these artificial light sources. As public curiosity grew, the mystery caught the attention of the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1922, geologist George R. Mansfield was dispatched to Brown Mountain to study this phenomenon. Through a careful and systematic approach, Mansfield spent considerable time observing, documenting, and analyzing the lights. His investigation, e n c o m p a s s i n g m e t i c u l o u s observation and logical reasoning, led to a series of conclusions which were subsequently released to the press. The intrigue surrounding the Brown Mountain Lights endures, with Mansfield's study providing only one among many possible explanations. What is certain is that these lights continue to captivate and inspire both the scientific community and the public alike, remaining one of nature's most enigmatic spectacles. As for Mansfield's conclusions? We leave it to his own words in the abridged version of his report to reveal his findings. The QR code will download the full report.
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116 GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS MADE For many years "mysterious lights" have been seen near Brown Mountain, in the northern part of Burke County , N.C., about 12 miles northwest of Morganton. Some have thought that these lights were of supernatural origin; others have dreamed that they might indicate enormous mineral deposits; and many who have not had such visions have looked upon them as a natural wonder that lent interest to all vacation trips to the region. In October 1913 at the urgent request of Representative E. Y. Webb, of North Carolina, a member of the U.S. Geological Survey , D. B. Sterrett, was sent to Brown Mountain to observe these lights and to determine their origin. After a few days investigation Mr. Sterrett declared that the lights were nothing but locomotive headlights seen over the mountain from the neighboring heights. This explanation was too simple and prosaic to please anyone who was looking for some supernatural or unusual cause of the lights, and when they were seen after the great flood of 1916, while no trains were running in the vicinity , even some of those who had accepted Mr. Sterrett's explanation felt compelled to abandon it. As time went on, the interest in the lights became more general, and as one after another local investigator failed to discover their origin, the mystery seemed to grow deeper. Finally Senators Simmons and Overman prevailed upon the Geological Survey to make a second and more thorough investigation of these puzzling lights. The present writer, to whom the task of making this investigation was assigned, spent 2 weeks near Brown Mountain in March and April 1922 and took observations on seven evenings, on four of them until after midnight, from hillsides that afforded favorable views of the lights. The results of the work are reported here. TOPOGRAPHY OF BROWN MOUNTAIN The shape and general elevation of Brown Mountain are shown on the accompanying map. Its eastern ridge forms part of the boundary between Burke and Caldwell Counties. Its top is plateau-like and reaches a maximum elevation of about 2,600 feet. It is partly cut away by southward-flowing branches of Johns River and is separated from more intricately carved uplands on the northwest, north, and northeast by Upper and Wilson Creeks and their tributaries. Seen from a distance from almost any direction, Brown Mountain appears as a ridge having a nearly even skyline. (See map , fig • 1. ) GEOLOGIC FEATURES The geologic features of the Brown Mountain region are the southward extension of the features seen farther north, which are described and mapped in the Cranberry-folio, No. 90 of the series of folios of the Geologic Atlas of the United States. There is nothing unique or unusual in t~e geology of Brown Mountain. Most of the mountain is composed of the Cranberry Granite, a rock which also underlies many square miles on the north side of the Blue Ridge. The Caldwell Power Co. has drilled a series of holes, 50 to nearly 100 feet deep, along the lower part of the east slope of Brown Mountain preliminary to the location of a tunnel. Through the kindness of H. L. Millne~ an officer of the company; the writer was permitted to examine the cores taken from these holes. Most of them consisted of ordinary granite,· though a few included masses of rock of other kinds. The men who surveyed the line for the tunnel reported local magnetic attraction amounting to a deflection of about 6°, but though representative pieces of all the different kinds of cores were presented to the compass needle, they produced no noticeable effect. Dip-needle tests made to determine magnetic conditions at Brown Mountain gave readings of 41~0 , which is slightly greater than those made at Loven's or at Gingercake Mountain (40°) but less than those made at Blowing Rock (43°) and at the Perkins place, near Adako (45°). RECORDS OF EARLIER OBSERVATIONS So far as the writer is aware the first published account of the light was given in a dispatch from Linville Falls to the Charlotte Daily Observer, dated September 23, 1913, in which its discovery is credited to members of the Morganton Fishing Club, who saw it "more than two years ago" but who were "laughed at and accused of seeing things at night." This account is quoted in part below: · .. The mysterious light that is seen just above the horizon almost every night from Rattlesnake Knob, near Cold Spring, on the Morganton road is still baffling all investigators. With punctual regularity the light rises in a southeasterly direction from the point of observation just over the lower slope of Brown Mountain, first about 7:30 p.m. and again at 10 o'clock. It looks much like a toy fire balloon, a distinct ball, with no atmosphere about it. It is much smaller than the full moon, much larger than any star and very red. It rises in the far distance from beyond Brown Mountain, which is about 6 miles from Rattlesnake Knob, and after going up a short distance, wavers and goes out in less than 1 minute. It does not always appear in exactly the same place, but varies what must amount in the distance to several miles. The light is visible at all seasons, so Mr. Anderson Loven, an old and reliable resident testifies. There seems to be no doubt that the light rises from some point in the wide, level country between Brown Mountain and the South Mountains, a distance of about 12 miles, though it is possible that it rises at a still greater distance. In this article in the Charlotte Daily Observer, the discovery of the lights is assigned to a date "more than 2 years ago," but conversation with B. S. Gaither, of Morganton, who participated in the fishing party mentioned, and who was the one who first saw the lights, elicited the fact that they were observed in 1908 or 1909. Rev. C. E. Gregory , who in 1910 built a cottage on the little knoll near Loven's Hotel at Cold Spring, presumably the Rattlesnake Knob referred to, was, according to local oral accounts, the first to give much attention to the lights and to bring Origin of the Brown Mountain light in North Carolina By George Rogers Mansfield
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117 them to public notice. Col. Wade H. Harris, editor of the Charlotte Daily Observer, from which the first description of the light, quoted above, was taken, states in a letter dated October 2, 1921, addressed to Senator Simmons~ that "there is a record that it (the light) has puzzled the people since and before the days of the Civil War." R. T. Claywell, of Morganton, says that people used to come to Burke County 60 years ago to see the lights. Joseph Loven, of Cold Spring, says that he noticed the lights as early as 1897, when he moved to his present home by Loven's Hotel, but that he had heard nothing about them and paid no attention to them until Mr. Gregory came, in 1910. In October 1913, Mr. Sterrett of the U.S. Geological Survey made his investigation, as a result of which he decided that the lights were locomotive headlights. He did not visit Rattlesnake Knob but went unaccompanied to the Brown Mountain region, where he made his observations. NATURE AND APPEARANCE OF THE LIGHT In his letter to Senator Simmons already cited, Colonel Harris writes as follows concerning the light: "It is a pale white light, as one seen through a ground glass globe, and there is a faint, irregularly shaped halo around it. It is confined to a prescribed circle, appearing three or four times in quick succession, then disappearing for 20 minutes or half an hour, when it repeats within the same circle." Prof. W. G. Perry, of the Georgia School of Technology, in a letter dated December 15, 1919, addressed to Dr. C. G. Abbot, of the Smithsonian Institution, describes the light as seen from the Cold Spring locality as follows: "We occupied a position on a high ridge. Across several intervening ridges rose Brown Mountain, some 8 miles away. After sunset we began to watch the Brown Mountain direction. Suddenly there blazed in the sky, apparently above the mountain, near one end of it, a steadily glowing ball of light. It appeared to be about 10° above the upper line of the mountain, blazed with a slightly yellow light, lasted about half a minute, and then abruptly disappeared. It was not unlike the "star" from a bursting sky rocket or Roman candle, though brighter. We were impressed with the following facts: The region about Brown Mountain and between our location and the mountain is a wild, practically uninhabited mountain region--a confusion of mountain peaks, ridges, and valleys. Viewing the lights from a fixed position our estimate of their location was most inexact; the varying color (almost a white, yellowish, reddish) may have been due to mist in the atmosphere; the view of the lights was a direct one and not a reflection; there seemed to be no regularity in their time of appearance; they came suddenly into being, blazed steadily, and as suddenly disappeared; they appeared against the sky and not against the side of the mountain.
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118 THE INVESTIGATION IN 1922 METHODS EMPLOYED The writer set out to take observations at the place near Loven's Hotel and at other places from which, according to reports, the lights could be seen, Brown Mountain itself being one of the places. The instruments used consisted of a 15- inch planetable (a square board mounted on three legs), a telescopic alidade, pocket and dip-needle compasses, a barometer for measuring elevations, a fieldglass, a flashlight, and a camera, besides topographic maps of the region. In making the observations a topographic map was fastened flat on the board, which was leveled and the map turned to a position in which the directions north, south, east, and west on the map correspond with the same directions on the ground. Sights were then taken to known landmarks with the alidade, which is essentially a ruler fitted with a sighting telescope, and corresponding lines were drawn along the ruler on the map. The meeting point of the lines thus drawn marked the location of the observer's instrument on the map. From this location sights were taken at night with the alidade on the map. The telescope of the alidade swings in a vertical as well as in a horizontal plane and can therefore be used for measuring vertical angles along the lines of sight. The dipneedle compass is so arranged that the needle swings in a vertical instead of in a horizontal plane. It is used to detect differences in magnetic attraction. Three stations were occupied--one on the knoll by the cottage formerly occupied by Rev. C. E. Gregory, near Loven's Hotel; one in a field on the east slope of Gingercake Mountain; and one on the terrace in front of the summer residence of Miss Cannon, at Blowing Rock. These stations are marked on the map (fig. 1) by the letters A, B, and C, respectively . Two nights were spent on Brown Mountain, but the conditions were so unfavorable that no station was occupied there. At each station at which observations were made, vertical angles to parts of Brown Mountain were noted, dip- needle readings were made, and photographs were taken. Vertical angles were also measured when practicable from each station to each light seen. The procedure adopted was first to get a line of sight to the light and then to note its time of appearance and measure its vertical angle, but occasionally a light remained visible for so short a time that it had disappeared before 1 the telescope could be trained upon it and a line drawn to fix its direction. Few records were kept of lights for which lines of directions were not drawn, but the total number may have been nearly twice the number recorded. The atmosphere proved too hazy for satisfactory photographs. The train registers at Connelly Springs and at Hickory were examined, and subsequently train schedules for the evenings of observation were obtained from many station agents throughout the region. The observations obtained in the field were afterward adjusted on the map. Many profiles along lines of sight were constructed, the vertical angles were plotted, and corrections for the curvature of the earth's surface and for refraction were made. In this way the sources of some of the lights were approximately determined. Figure 1 illustrates the method of locating a source of light by means of a profile and vertical angle drawn from station B along line 15. Space does not permit a detailed statement of the individual observations made and of the inference drawn from them. The geographic positions of the sources of light as determined by instrumental observations are only approximate because of the difficulties attending the use of the instruments in darkness. The stations were from 1,000 to 1,500 feet higher than the summit of Brown Mountain, so that the lines of sight to the lights seen all passed several hundred feet above the top of the mountain as shown in inset profile (fig. 1). This fact caused the lights to appear over the mountain rather than on or below its crest, a feature noted both in the first published description of the lights, in the Charlotte Observer, and in Professor Perry's description, ·already quoted. The appearance of the lights as described in these two accounts, especially in that given by Professor Perry , agrees so closely with their appearance as observed by the writer that no additional description of them need be given here. OBSERVATIONS AT LOVEN'S At station A near Loven's Hotel, various lights were observed and studied. The lights were seen in an arc between Lenoir and line 3 over Brown Mountain, associated with the name "Brown Mountain light." Observations included lights from trains, automobiles, and an unexplained light, possibly the Brown Mountain light, viewed at different times and positions. OBSERVATIONS AT GINGERCAKE MOUNTAIN At station B on Gingercake Mountain, the lights were seen over a larger arc with Brown Mountain covering half of it. Observations included lights from locomotives, automobiles, and possibly brush fires. There was a notable observation of a light near the dam on Linville River. Various lights seemed similar, and unfavorable conditions led to limited observations on certain nights. OBSERVATIONS AT BROWN MOUNTAIN An expedition to Brown Mountain was hindered by rain and fog. While no lights were seen, the conditions and the circuit made around the mountain made it likely that any lights arising over the mountain would have been noticed, but none were observed. CONCLUSIONS The writer feels confident that the lights he saw were actually a fair average display of the so- called Brown Mountain light. The lights observed have nothing in common with the Andes light or with St. Elmo's fire. There is no geologic basis for the idea that the lights seen are natural wonders of any sort, but there are certain interesting surface features and atmospheric conditions that are effective in producing some of the appearances of the light. By reference to the map it will be noted that the Catawba Valley east of Marion is a basinlike area--an area nearly surrounded by mountains, of
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which the Blue Ridge on the north, with its fringe of southward-projecting spurs, is the highest and most rugged part. After sunset cool air begins to creep down the tributary valleys into the basin, but the air currents come from different sources and are of different temperature and density . The atmospheric conditions in the basin are therefore very unstable, especially in the earlier part of the evening, before any well defined circulatory system becomes established. At any given place in the basin the air varies in density 15 degrees during the evening and hence in refractiveness. The denser the air, the more it refracts light or bends waves of light emanating from any source. The humidity of the air affects its density and hence its refractive power. Mist, dust, and other fine particles tend to obscure and scatter the light refracted and to impart to it the reddish or yellowish tints so frequently observed. Thus it is that the light is most active in a clearing spell after a rain, as noted by many observers. When the mist is very dense, the light is completely obscured. Lights that arise from any source in the basin are viewed at low angles. Probably few if any basins on the Blue Ridge front are so favorably located as to show as well as this one the atmospheric phenomena described, and the opportunities here for the observation of such phenomena are perhaps no less exceptional. Loven's Hotel and Blowing Rock, which are resorts that attract fishermen or tourists, are among the most favorable places of observation. The valley is fairly well settled and has a network of roads, three railroads, and several large towns, so that the possible sources of light are very numerous. As the basin and its atmospheric conditions antedate the earliest settlement of the region, it is possible that even among the first settlers some favorably situated light may have attracted attention by seeming to flare and then diminish or go out. As the country became more thickly settled the number of chances for such observations would increase. Before the advent of electric lights, however, it is doubtful whether such observations could have been sufficiently numerous to cause much comment, though some persons may have noted and remarked upon them. According to local estimates electric lights have been in use in the larger towns of the region for about 30 years. The use of powerful electric headlights on railway locomotives, which began about 1909, furnished new sources of strong lights in the valley and introduced an element of regularity in their appearance. In 1910, the Brown Mountain light began to acquire notoriety . Meanwhile, automobiles were coming into use throughout the country , and many of them were equipped with powerful headlights. Within the last few years their number has been greatly increased, and this fact is in keeping with the general deduction already made--that on a favorable evening the lights are seen more frequently now than formerly . During the flood of 1916, when train service was temporarily discontinued, the basin east of Marion, where the atmospheric conditions are disturbed, was still the scene of the intermittent flare of favorably situated lights. Automobiles were then in use in the larger towns and on some of the intervening roads, and their headlights were doubtless visible from Loven's over Brown Mountain. One need only remember the network of roads in the valley region (see topographic maps of the Morganton and Hickory quadrangles) to realize the almost infinite number of possibilities for automobile headlights to be pointed toward Brown Mountain and stations of observation beyond. It should be emphasized, too, that automobile headlights and locomotive headlights, when seen at distances and under atmospheric conditions such as those which prevail in this region, possess no characteristic that clearly distinguishes them from other lights. On the contrary , as stated by the lady at Blowing Rock, they look "as much alike as so many peas in a pod," though this statement should not be understood to mean that some may not be brighter than others. The behavior of headlights in the Brown Mountain region in this respect is comparable to that of the lights in the lighthouses on the Atlantic Coast. From the seawall at Gloucester, Mass., the writer has repeatedly seen the light at Minots Ledge, southeast 17 of Boston, nearly 25 miles away in a direct line. This light is identified by a series of flashes that may be represented by the numerals 1-4-3. There is no beam and there are no rays. The light cannot be seen unless the air is fairly clear. Then it simply flashes once, four times, three times, and it has much the same appearance as the Brown Mountain light. The supposed motion of the light at times may be due to errors of observation. Some years ago McNeilly Du Bose, an engineer then employed near Morganton, tested observations made by himself and others by tying a cord across the fork of a tree in a place where he could see the light across the cord and was surprised to find that the light was stationary with respect to the cord. Professor Perry , whose letter has been quoted, notes that the light was uniformly stationary when he saw it. The eye is easily deceived at night as to the stability or motion of an object, and an observer's impressions are to a considerable extent affected by his mental and physical condition at the time of observation. It is not surprising that under the circumstances different eyewitnesses give quite different accounts of the light, especially as the light may appear suddenly against a dark background with nothing nearby that can be used as a scale to determine its size or its possible motion. In summary it may be said that the Brown Mountain lights are clearly not of unusual nature or origin. About 47 percent of the lights that the writer was able to study instrumentally were due to automobile headlights, 33 percent to locomotive headlights, 10 percent to stationary lights, and 10 percent to brush fires.
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120 Siren of the French Broad as told in Charles Montgomery Skinner's 1896 MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF OUR OWN LAND Among the rocks east of Asheville, North Carolina, lives the Lorelei of the French Broad River. This stream—the Tselica of the Indians—contains in its upper reaches many pools where the rapid water whirls and deepens, and where the traveler likes to pause in the heats of afternoon and drink and bathe. Here, from the time when the Cherokees occupied the country, has lived the siren, and if one who is weary and downcast sits beside the stream or utters a wish to rest in it, he becomes conscious of a soft and exquisite music blending with the splash of the wave. Looking down in surprise he sees—at first faintly, then with distinctness—the form of a beautiful woman, with hair streaming like moss and dark eyes looking into his, luring him with a power he cannot resist. His breath grows short, his gaze is fixed, mechanically he rises, steps to the brink, and lurches forward into the river. The arms that catch him are slimy and cold as serpents; the face that stares into his is like a grinning skull. A loud, chattering laugh rings through the wilderness, and all is still again.
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121 HFM | North Entrance | Level 3 2220 Hwy. 70 SE Hickory, NC 28602 828-327-8485 www.reflectionsfurniture.com reflectionsfurniture.com Live Beautifully.
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East Hall As the sun sets on the beautiful Boone, NC, campus of Appalachian State University the red brick of East Hall assumes a quiet, enigmatic demeanor. This historic dormitory, built in 1952, has been home to countless students over the decades and carries a rich tapestry of memories within its walls. The building's most notable feature, its U-shaped construction, holds three floors in two wings, and five in its oldest wing, built against a steep hillside. However, East Hall isn't just known for its visual appeal or historical significance; it's also cloaked in a blanket of enduring mystery. The dormitory has a reputation that transcends its tangible features, an air of the supernatural that's whispered in hushed tones across the campus. The dorm has long been the subject of many captivating tales, lending it an aura of the mystic, the unexplained, and the downright eerie. As night falls, the whispers grow louder, and the hall's silent, shadowy corners seem to speak a thousand words. For decades, students and faculty have traded stories of inexplicable occurrences and eerie feelings within its storied corridors. The whispers aren't just about phantom noises or fleeting shadows - they speak of a more personal interaction with the unseen. But before we delve into the specifics, it's important to acknowledge that these accounts are part of the hall's rich lore, shaped as much by the power of suggestion and fascination with the unknown as by actual events.
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The Rec Dispensary Woman-Owned Since 2019 At Rec Dispensary, we sell a large variety of exceptional products. They include: CBD Delta-8 Delta-9 Tinctures Oils Gummies Flower/Bud Vapes Muscle Rubs Distillates We offer the widest variety of Cannabis products that are all lab tested We also employ some of the most educated cannabis product specialists (we call them bud tenders) that can answer all of your questions and help you choose the right product. Visit our Hickory, NC or Denver, NC stores to make sure you make the right decision for purchasing any cannabis in the area. 283 2nd Ave SE Hickory 5730 NC-150 Denver 1800 Newton Dr Statesville 844-213-6882 therecd.org We'll explore some of the ghost stories and rumors that have swirled around East Hall for years, contributing to its reputation as a dwelling of the uncanny. A Heritage of Hauntings and Unearthly Incidents at East Hall East Hall carries a wealth of eerie tales. Perhaps the most potent of these tales begins at the heart of this older section, on the lowest level, a floor often referred to as 'the basement'. According to local lore, in the dim light of a basement restroom, a young woman was discovered one frosty morning, her life tragically ended by her own hand. The reasons for her despair were never definitively established, making the incident all the more chilling. This somber event, which is unverified and could be simply legend, was merely the prologue to a series of peculiar phenomena that have painted East Hall as a center for spectral activity. Students recount episodes of whispering voices echoing in otherwise deserted hallways and ethereal balls of light floating mysteriously in dorm rooms during the dead of night. The old wing appears to be the epicenter of these strange happenings. One resident claimed to have been pushed over by an unseen force on his way to the bathroom, whilst hearing an inexplicable voice murmur, "My dorm". This startling encounter marked one of the more tangible interactions between the spectral and the living in East Hall. Further adding to the uncanny reputation of the building is the pronounced supernatural presence in the basement. Residents have reported abrupt cold spots, inexplicable sensations of being observed, and sightings of a distinctive, human-sized blue mist that often reappears in the room adjacent to the
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124 bathroom where the tragic incident occurred. This spectral mist, witnessed moving through walls and always returning to the scene of the tragedy, is accompanied by a palpable sense of anger and malevolence. Moreover, a seemingly disproportionate number of student mental health issues have been associated with East Hall, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by campus mental health services. The phrase "Going East," indicating a student's psychological distress, was born from this eerie correlation, further cementing East Hall's reputation as a hotspot of abnormal incidents and unsettling aura. Incorporating whispered voices, phantom pushes, and a spectral blue mist, the tales of East Hall are a rich tapestry of eerie incidents, reported encounters, and lingering presences. These chilling narratives have contributed significantly to East Hall's transformation from a common student dormitory to the enigmatic 'Dorm of Doom', a place of fascination, and for some, trepidation. Cami Maher's Investigation In response to our call for East Hall ghostly encounters, we received a fascinating treasure trove of tales from Cami Maher, who had lived in the dormitory beginning in 1998, and conducted in-depth research about the haunting phenomena for a paper she wrote. Cami's sources spanned a broad spectrum, from her older brother Corey Maher, an earlier resident of the dorm, to Michele Wisdahl, the then Resident Director, Bob Hutton, a former inhabitant and current teacher, and Michael “Doc” Geressy, an ex-resident who had spent four years compiling stories of eerie occurrences. Cami Maher's personal encounters and her exhaustive research echo the strange experiences that have been a recurring theme at East Hall, making her findings a significant piece in this captivating puzzle. Just like other residents mentioned in this article, her brother too experienced the chilling touch in the basement bathroom, a notorious hotspot for paranormal activity. Her accounts also include tales of unexplainable noises, doors slamming shut and people being trapped in rooms for no apparent reason. These unnerving narratives strikingly mirror those of the myriad students, housekeepers, and even prominent figures such as author Orson Scott Card, who all claimed to have been touched by the supernatural presence within the dorm, and wrote about it in his book Lost Boys. Through Cami's lens, we witness an enthralling interplay
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125 foothillskidsmagazine.com of individual experiences and shared narratives, further solidifying East Hall's enigmatic reputation. Then there's room B18, purportedly at the apex of a pentagram created by five mountains around Boone. Some have called this the "Center of Energy," a site where numerous séances have taken place. The room was rife with reports of peculiar sounds, sightings, unexplained cold drafts, and shifting furniture. For years, the rumors of a self-playing piano added an extra layer of mystery. The subfloor area was another hotbed of paranormal activities with multiple reports of lights and radios spontaneously turning on and off, accompanied by the sound of heavy footsteps echoing through the vacant corridor, inducing an oppressive sense of dread. Intriguingly, the housekeeper, Cricket Carroll, found that the nearby closet door would only open if she asked a certain "Mrs. Brown" for access. The specter of the supernatural was not confined to these places alone. Dorm rooms across East Hall have their share of inexplicable incidents. Furniture moving on its own accord, a self-tuning violin, and lamps turning on and off are just the tip of the iceberg. Students have reported hearing a woman and a baby crying from room 103. A psychic who investigated the room suggested that it was the site of a brutal crime, but the claim remains unverified. Room 125, a confirmed suicide site, proved too terrifying for two international students who reported unsettling phenomena. A radiator glowed very hot and burned their curtains as their bed lurched across the floor, in their direction. Elsewhere, residents have reported their names being whispered, and their belongings mysteriously rearranged. The eeriness extends to room 354, where housekeepers www.etsy.com/shop/ www.etsy.com/shop/ JenniferNicolePrints JenniferNicolePrints
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126 reported a levitating bed, and the third floor, where housekeeper Lorraine McGuire reported sighting the apparition of a girl who allegedly hung herself. Students over the years have reported seeing a floating ghost in a dress in that same location. Cami's overnight ghost hunt did yield some perplexing results—voice recordings, unexplained cold spells, and phantom footsteps. However, she candidly stated that this lone night of investigation did not make her a believer in ghosts. Foothills Digest salutes the hard work of Cami Maher, whose documentation has kept these stories from disappearing from history, and raises many questions about the nature of the building. Michael Renegar's Investigation Another Appstate student found himself fascinated by East Hall and its hauntings. With a keen interest in the paranormal, Renegar not only experienced the haunting presence at East Hall but made a determined effort to uncover the truth behind it. One night in the fall of 1989, while working as a night assistant in East Hall, Renegar encountered a terrified girl in the lobby. Her claim of seeing a 'creepy guy' on the stairs piqued his curiosity and concern. As he approached the stairwell, he spotted a man with sandy blond hair ascending the stairs. Despite Renegar's close pursuit, the figure disappeared by the time he reached the first floor, a mysterious vanishing act that stayed with him for years to come. The encounter prompted Renegar to dig deeper into East Hall's history. He was particularly interested in tracing the identity of the man he saw on the stairs, a search that eventually led him to the story of Lacey Dean Everitte. Everitte, as Renegar found out, was a conscientious young man from Greensboro who had joined App State in 1977. Chosen as a senator in the Student Government Association, Everitte was known for his quiet demeanor and his eagerness to contribute and learn. However, his time at the university was tragically cut short when he was found dead in East Hall, room 125, on September 29, 1977, the victim of GET OUTTA TOWN! You can uplug and connect with nature here. From the rugged outdoors to 5-Star luxury, there is so much to discover. Find yourself here visitpatrickcounty.org
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127 an apparent suicide. It was only when Michael obtained a yearbook photo of Everitte that the shocking realization dawned on him. He, immediately recognized the man he had seen on the staircase all those years ago. Renegar's discovery has added a new layer to the myth of the "Dorm of Doom." It connects the mysterious ghostly encounters experienced by many in East Hall to the poignant story of a young man, remembered by his peers for his ambition and quiet demeanor. The reported hauntings and the tragic tale of Dean Everitte have intertwined to become part of the folklore of Appalachian State University. They have contributed to the enigmatic allure of East Hall, with Renegar's research ensuring that Everitte's story, much like the stories of the dorm's spectral inhabitants, is passed down to each new generation. While East Hall continues to stir curiosity and unease, the memory of Dean Everitte endures, not as the ghost many claim to have seen, but as a young man who had so much to give but whose life was cut tragically short. Embracing the Unusual and Shaping the Campus Culture East Hall's mysterious and captivating reputation has ingrained itself so deeply into the university's fabric that it even influenced an annual Halloween tradition known as the "Dorm of Doom" event. Starting in 1985, the event transformed East Hall into a Halloween
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128 attraction, drawing students and local residents alike for an evening of fun and fright. People would bring their children, turning a normal college dormitory into a communal celebration of the spooky season. As stories of East Hall's resident specter became more popular, the event drew larger crowds year after year, with the Office of Sustainability taking over its organization from the 90s until 2017. Though the event was canceled due to an overwhelming turnout, its legacy is a testament to how the tales of East Hall became a unique part of Appalachian State University's identity. Leila Jackson, the communications specialist for the Office of Sustainability, reflected on the event, stating that it was designed to bring awareness to their office's location and the ghost stories were just part of the fun. Despite the rumors and speculations, she emphasized that no hard evidence of paranormal activity had been found. These tales, however, whether based on fact or fueled by active imaginations, became a part of the university's unique culture. They added an element of mystery and intrigue to the otherwise ordinary student life and created a shared narrative that continues to engage the campus community.
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129 Though the stories surrounding East Hall may seem chilling, they have become an indelible part of the university's lore. They have not only contributed to shaping the school's distinctive culture but also ensure that the legacy of Dean Everitte and others is kept alive, connecting past generations of students with the present ones in a most unexpected way. As the sun sets on the future of East Hall, it seems that its mysterious allure and legacy of spectral tales may fade into the shadows along with the structure itself. Currently serving as temporary offices, the grand old building is on the brink of being demolished by 2025. Yet, as we stand on the precipice of its possible end, we are reminded of the hall's unshakable significance in Appalachian State University's identity. More than just a physical structure, East Hall has played an integral role in shaping the campus culture, its enigmatic past breathing life into the shared narratives and traditions that span generations. With its impending demolition, we can't help but wonder what will become of the resident spirits said to haunt its storied corridors. Will they simply dissipate, or will they find new corners of the campus to echo their tales? Whatever their fate, East Hall's eerie legacy will continue to reverberate within the heart of Appalachian State University, ensuring that its specters, real or imagined, will linger on, long after its bricks and mortar have been laid to rest. 1. The Appalachian Online. (10/15/2019). Dorm of Doom: The Legend of East Hall. 2. The Appalachian Online. (10/31/2019). Death and doorways: the story behind the “Dorm of Doom. 3. Haunted Hiker. East Hall: The Story of the Dorm of Doom. 4. Visit North Carolina. (2019, December 31). East Hall - Dorm of Doom. 5. North Carolina Ghosts. Ghost of East Hall. 6. The Appalachian. (10/31/1979). The story of East Hall. 7. The Appalachian. Dorm of Doom Still Terrifies Students. 8. Maher, C. (2002). Ghost Lore of East Hall. @visithickorymetro fall in love with hickory, nc rotary-geitner park From parks and trails to festivals and outdoor dinning the possibilities of adventures are infinite. hart square village boca Photo: Chad Austin Inc. VisitHickoryMetro.com
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Scary Movies Set in our Hills The majestic mountains of Western North Carolina offer more The majestic mountains of Western North Carolina offer more than just breathtaking vistas and serene landscapes; they are a than just breathtaking vistas and serene landscapes; they are a realm of beauty intertwined with mystery. Their towering peaks realm of beauty intertwined with mystery. Their towering peaks and shadowed valleys, cloaked in mist, have inspired countless and shadowed valleys, cloaked in mist, have inspired countless tales and legends throughout the ages. The dense forests tales and legends throughout the ages. The dense forests whisper secrets of ages past, and the secluded trails lead to whisper secrets of ages past, and the secluded trails lead to places where the boundary between reality and myth blurs. It places where the boundary between reality and myth blurs. It is this enigmatic aura that makes these mountains the perfect is this enigmatic aura that makes these mountains the perfect backdrop for scary movies. In their embrace, filmmakers find a backdrop for scary movies. In their embrace, filmmakers find a setting where nature's awe-inspiring grandeur seamlessly melds setting where nature's awe-inspiring grandeur seamlessly melds with tales of suspense and horror, creating cinematic experiences with tales of suspense and horror, creating cinematic experiences that captivate and haunt audiences long after the credits roll. that captivate and haunt audiences long after the credits roll.
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131 Hannibal (2001) Among the grandeur of Asheville's iconic Biltmore Estate, "Hannibal" found a home for its eerie setting. This sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs" has Anthony Hopkins reprising his role as the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The opulent backdrop of the Biltmore contrasts starkly with the dark narrative, making it an unforgettable setting. Deliverance (1972) This haunting survival story, featuring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight, showcases the raw, untouched beauty of the Sylva region. However, beneath the scenic river adventures lurks a tale of survival and moral dilemmas. The tumultuous white-water sequences were genuinely filmed here, making the viewer feel the raw power of WNC's nature. Cabin Fever (2002) Eli Roth's gory horror, "Cabin Fever," tells the story of a group of friends whose vacation turns into a nightmare when they contract a flesh-eating virus. Various locations across Western North Carolina, such as Mt. Airy, Mocksville, Winston-Salem, and High Point, were chosen for the film's backdrop. The locations in WNC gave the film its eerie, isolated feel that adds to the suspense. Firestarter (1984) Stephen King's thrilling tale of a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities was brought to life in multiple locations across WNC. Lake Lure, Wilmington, and Chimney Rock, among others, beautifully frame this suspenseful narrative. The film, starring a young Drew Barrymore, masterfully combines the area's picturesque landscapes with the tense, fiery story. Evil Dead II (1987) Sam Raimi's horror-comedy sequel, "Evil Dead II," stars Bruce Campbell in a story of demonic possession. The secluded cabin, central to the narrative, was set amidst the serene environment of the PeeDee National Wildlife Refuge. Raimi's blend of slapstick comedy and genuine horror is made all the more vivid with the region's dense forests and secluded landscapes. Honeymoon (2014) The beautiful settings of Lake Summit and Hendersonville hosted the chilling story of "Honeymoon," a movie that explores the unraveling of a newlywed couple's relationship. With its calm lakes and thick woods, the WNC backdrop becomes a silent witness to the couple's descent into mystery and paranoia. Alien Abduction (2014) Inspired by the urban legend of the Brown Mountain Lights, "Alien Abduction" is set against the backdrop of the Pisgah National Forest. The found footage style of the movie uses the vast expanse and untouched beauty of the forest to its advantage, creating a feeling of isolation and dread.
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132 H a H au un nt ted a ed a n ntiqu tique es s In the realm of the supernatural, it's easy to think that haunting is a phenomenon strictly confined to decrepit mansions, eerie graveyards, or shadowy corners of ancient castles. But the supernatural isn't always so discerning. Sometimes, spirits find solace not just in locations but in objects—worn pocket watches, aged portraits, or timeworn trinkets that have seen lifetimes pass by. Antique stores, with their collections of items steeped in history and memories, often become unexpected vessels for these transient spirits. They attach themselves to these artifacts, traveling from one collector to another, a phenomenon that most sellers are largely oblivious to. But not Rick Wakefield. As the owner of Dead People's Stuff Antique Emporium in Lenoir, North Carolina, Wakefield has become something of a connoisseur of haunted antiques. It's a peculiar expertise that not only adds an extra layer of intrigue to his wares but also makes him one of the most unique vendors in the world of antiques and the supernatural. Whether it's an ornate mirror that has seen more than just reflections or an ancient locket containing memories not entirely of this world, Wakefield's shop offers more than just antiques—it offers stories, mysteries, and sometimes, a brush with the other side. Rick Wakefield's initiation into the captivating world of antiques came courtesy of his father-in-law, who also introduced him to a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts—the 127 Yard Sale. Spanning a whopping 690 miles across six states, this annual event is a haven for those in search of hidden gems. While Rick has an eclectic taste in antiques, he leans towards items with a darker, more macabre edge. It was at the 127 Yard Sale where his father-in-law found him his very first casket, which has become a Halloween staple at his residence. When you walk into Dead People's Stuff Antique Emporium, you'll encounter more than just run- of-the-mill vintage items. Skeletons cling to the building's exterior, and inside, you might spot an authentic skull from a woman who lived—and died— in the late 1800s. The store is likely the only place in the region where you can stumble upon old mortuary signs or even a bottle of antique embalming fluid. But if the macabre isn't to your taste, don’t fret. Rick also stocks Catawba Valley Pottery, time-tested tools, and heirloom-quality quilts that could rival your grandmother's handiwork. When it comes to the presence of the supernatural, Rick isn't a skeptic. Built in 1907 on the remains of a burnt-down hotel, his emporium has its share of eerie happenings. Both Rick and his son, who helps manage the store, have heard phantom footsteps in an area that's been off-limits to the public for ages. Customers have reported sightings of a mysterious woman in black on a staircase that seemingly leads to oblivion. On one occasion, a piece of furniture emitted such a strong smell of smoke that the Wakefields scoured the building, fearing a fire, before identifying the mysterious source. Far from being unnerved, the family views these spectral occurrences with a sense of camaraderie, considering the resident spirits almost like ethereal coworkers. Intrigued, we pressed Rick on whether he's had any encounters with haunted objects. What he revealed was nothing short of spine-chilling. Among the various items that have passed through his store, a particular ventriloquist dummy stood out. While even an ordinary dummy can unsettle the nerves, this one emitted an aura that was palpably eerie. From the moment it arrived at Dead People's Stuff, it seemed to have a mind of its own—or perhaps the lingering spirit of a former owner. The Wakefield family couldn't help but notice that the dummy would mysteriously change positions and locations throughout the store. They turned to their extensive network of security cameras to figure out what was happening, only to confirm that no human hand was responsible for its movement. The evidence, caught on camera, showed that the dummy shifted spots without any earthly intervention. Fate seemed to intervene just a few days later when a customer walked into the store specifically seeking a haunted item. When shown the ventriloquist dummy, the buyer was thrilled—finding the perfect artifact that met their eerie criteria. They happily made the purchase, taking this unsettling occupant off the Wakefields' hands but leaving an indelible memory that some objects are more than just inanimate things—they're vessels of stories, mysteries, and sometimes, restless spirits. Don't miss your chance to visit Dead People's Stuff Antique Emporium, especially around the Halloween season. The store transforms into an even spookier haven for antique enthusiasts. Enhanced by haunting melodies and the flicker of candlelight, the shopping experience becomes otherworldly during after- hours events. Elevate your evening with a "Sip and Shop" affair, featuring delectable mead provided by Moonjoy Meadery. Come and discover a world of antiques where the boundary between the past and the paranormal is delightfully blurred.
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135 Old Saint Paul's Church Just two miles outside of Newton lies the oldest church in the region - the Old St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Initially known as the Dutch Meeting House, the church was already established when George Washington was at Valley Forge, and when Lord Cornwallis crossed North Carolina in his flight from the Southern colonies. The earliest graves date back to 1702, and the original building was built soon after that. The second church is what stands on the site today. Built in 1818 by a youthful Henry Cline, it stands as a testament to early American craftsmanship and history. Old St. Paul's, with many of its parishioners taking part in the fight against the British, played an integral role in the birth of a new free nation. Although, as the Revolutionary War was the first civil war, it must be noted that some of the congregants were Whigs as well, supporting the British cause. The graveyard is the final resting place for soldiers on both sides of the Revolutionary War.
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136 The church is steeped in tradition, following an old German custom of segregating seating areas by gender and status. Men and women were seated on different sides of the church, with slaves in the balcony, climbing single file up the stairs. The minister's pulpit was originally in the center of the church, accessible by high, narrow steps, and crowned by an old sounding board believed to fall if the minister spoke a lie. The ceiling's "haint blue" color adds to the aura of mystery and leaves one to ponder if it's to keep evil spirits at bay. The church was also the backdrop for eerie tales of the supernatural. The most commonly told yarn is the tragic story of a runaway slave and his master, Colonel Hildebran, which, it is said, ended in the slave's death in the church's balcony in 1861. People somberly whisper that the bloodstains remain on the floor upstairs. It wasn't until the 1970s that the church was locked at night. Before that, it was left open for travelers who needed shelter. For many decades, rumors persisted that the ancient organ would play songs on its own, causing the travelers to flee into the night. During our tour with Randy Sigmon, who grew up less than a quarter mile away, these ghostly tales were challenged. He shared stories from
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his granddad, who swore he'd never heard of the murder or ghost until "a Yankee preacher came down here in the '60s." This so-called haunting tale crumbles under scrutiny, as the supposed murderer was only 15 in 1861, and did not ever own slaves. Moreover, Sigmon points out that the diligent women of the church would never allow a bloodstain to remain. However, Randy does believe those tales of the ancient organ's melodies, believed to be a ghost. But he doesn't think it was ghosts. His granddad told him of hearing stories of locals playing the organ to terrify unsuspecting visitors, thinking it was a right hilarious joke. Old St. Paul's is not just steeped in ghost stories but history and tradition. Serving as a gathering place for the region's German settlers, sermons were conducted in German until the mid-1800s. The adjoining cemetery carries the weight of time, serving as the final resting place of Catawba County souls for more than three centuries. Some of the oldest tombstones bear no names or dates at all, adhering to a German tradition to ward off the devil's taunts.
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Anyone with family in Catawba County since the 1800s likely has relatives buried here, emphasizing the church's historical importance. The sight of these graves, some without names, others in German, echoes the lives, sacrifices, and traditions immortalized in this hallowed ground. The Old St. Paul's Lutheran Church, with its centuries-old architecture, deep historical roots, rich traditions, and haunting spectacles both real and refuted, is a captivating blend of beauty, history, and legend. A journey back in time awaits those fascinated by the past, eager to explore the complex layers of culture, myth, and heritage that have shaped this enduring landmark.
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140 North Carolina's Year of the Trail: Grandfather Mountain Photo by Leslie Restivo
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141 In the Great Trails State of North Carolina, 2023 has been declared the Year of the Trail. This celebration is a testament to the wide variety of trails that cater to every adventurer's preference, offering an open invitation to bikers, hikers, paddlers, and riders alike. The trails in North Carolina provide not only refuge and recreation but also a connection to the state's rich history and a pathway towards a sustainable future. With the active participation and care from both locals and visitors, these trails foster a sense of community and purpose that transcends generations. Grandfather Mountain beckons adventurers with its striking peaks, rich biodiversity, and a storied past. This remarkable mountain, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers some of the most intriguing hiking trails in the region, each one a gateway to the splendor of nature and an immersive history lesson. Historically, Grandfather Mountain's rugged beauty has fascinated explorers, naturalists, and scientists alike. Its distinctive profile, which many say resembles the face of an old man or 'grandfather' gazing skyward, has inspired its name. The mountain's highest peak, Calloway Peak, stands majestically at 5,946 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest mountains in the Blue Ridge range. Grandfather Mountain is also a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its exceptional diversity of plant and animal life. Grandfather Mountain offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Woods Walk and Bridge Trail are perfect for those looking for a relaxing stroll, both being 0.4 mile, providing an easy introduction to the woodland scenery. Black Rock Trail and Grandfather Loop offer slightly more of a challenge but reward hikers with beautiful vistas and opportunities to explore above 5,000 feet. For a quick and breathtaking view, visitors can take a short path to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where the more adventurous can continue out onto the rock cliffs for spectacular views atop Linville Peak. For those seeking a more strenuous experience, the Grandfather Trail along Crest offers a thrilling 2.4-mile hike that is designed for experienced hikers. This challenging trek involves areas of rocky cliffs where progress is made hand-over-hand, with cables and ladders assisting the ascent. The hike culminates in the breathtaking views from Calloway Peak, standing at an impressive height of 5,946 feet. Whether you're looking for a leisurely family outing or a rigorous mountaintop adventure, Grandfather Mountain's diverse trail offerings cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Each trail presents unique opportunities to connect with nature, with the possibility of encountering rare and endangered species that call Grandfather Mountain home. Throughout your hike the mountain's rich history, vibrant ecology, and stunning vistas will be constant companions. Hiking at Grandfather Mountain is more than an outdoor activity—it's a journey into the heart of a living, breathing ecosystem, a lesson in conservation, and a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of our natural world. So, put on your hiking boots, prepare your backpack, and step onto the trails of Grandfather Mountain for an unforgettable adventure.
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Grandfather Mountain is a natural sanctuary that draws visitors from near and far. With its majestic peaks etching the sky and vibrant ecosystems teeming with biodiversity, it offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. The park features eleven hiking trails, meandering across various terrains, leading into the backcountry where ecosystems cradle a plethora of rare and endangered species. It is within this wild expanse that hikers have reported a peculiar sighting - a spectral wanderer known as the phantom hiker of Grandfather Mountain. Described as a mature man with a beard, this phantom hiker exudes a rugged charm. His attire deviates from the modern hiker's standard of Neoprene and Gore-Tex. Instead, his clothing reflects a time gone by, with his wardrobe mirroring mid-20th century workman's attire. His kit includes an old-style canvas army backpack, and in his hand, he carries a sturdy walking stick, further reinforcing his anachronistic appearance. Reports often place sightings of this spectral hiker during the twilight hours when the day's visitors have dwindled, and the park echoes with the sounds of nature reclaiming its space. The phantom hiker, silent as a whispering wind, tends not to respond to any salutations. His presence is fleeting - he emerges on one of the secluded trails, swiftly surpassing any fellow hikers, and then, just as abruptly, he fades away into the wilderness. The identity of this spectral figure remains a mystery, his story merely conjecture. Some propose that he might have been an unfortunate adventurer, who lost his way in the dense forests surrounding the mountain, succumbing to an accident or injury. Some think he is the Hugh Morton, the late owner of the park. Others propose a more poetic interpretation, suggesting he's the spirit of a man so enamored with the mountain that he elected to dwell there eternally, even beyond death. The phantom hiker, it appears, harbors no ill will towards the living. His interactions with humans, if any, are minimal. His spectral presence, much like the hikers who visit the mountain, seems solely aimed at basking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Grandfather Mountain, reminding us all of the enduring allure of nature. The Phantom Hiker of Grandfather Mountain
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Can't get enough Spooky stories? These are some of our favorite books that share spooky stories of western North Carolina. These books are available at Amazon, but be sure to check out your local book store for more!
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144 In the realm of natural wonders, certain phenomena stand apart, their sheer spectacle turning the heads of even the most seasoned outdoors enthusiasts. Among these captivating spectacles, the phenomenon of a Brocken specter holds a special place. Ethereal and otherworldly, it captivates the observer by painting a surreal tableau in the sky. Recently, such a spectacle was witnessed over the iconic landscape of Grandfather Mountain in western North Carolina, adding another facet to its rich tapestry of natural beauty. Named after the Brocken peak in Germany's Harz mountains where it was first recorded, a Brocken spectre or "mountain spectre" is an atmospheric optical phenomenon. It occurs when an observer positioned at a high altitude looks opposite to the sun and their shadow is cast on a cloud or fog below. The shadow often appears enormous and surrounded by a circular rainbow, known as a glory, resulting in a breathtaking display that seems as though a giant figure, swathed in radiant light, is suspended in mid-air. The spectacle witnessed over Grandfather Mountain in July of 2023 showcased this natural phenomenon in all its stunning glory. The outline of a spectral figure, reminiscent of a human form, was seen floating in the sky, bathed in an aureole of iridescent hues. This awe-inspiring display looked almost supernatural, a beautiful apparition suspended between earth and sky. The Majestic Brocken Spectre: A Grand Spectacle over Grandfather Mountain Photo by Leslie Restivo
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Creating a Brocken spectre requires a precise alignment of atmospheric conditions. The observer must be above the cloud or fog level, with the sun positioned directly behind them. As the sunlight shines past the observer, it casts a shadow on the clouds or fog below. Simultaneously, the water droplets in the clouds scatter the sunlight, causing the diffraction and backscattering of light which forms the luminous glory that envelops the shadow. In the case of Grandfather Mountain, its high altitude and frequent cloud cover create ideal conditions for the Brocken spectre phenomenon. The "phantom figure" witnessed was the shadow of an observer on the mountain's peak, projected onto the layer of fog or clouds below, and encased in the colorful halo of the glory. While a scientific explanation can demystify the mechanics of a Brocken spectre, it does little to diminish its enchantment. This grand spectacle adds to the allure of exploring high-altitude locations like Grandfather Mountain. It's a reminder of the surreal beauty that awaits us when we venture into the great outdoors. In these moments, as we stand transfixed by a larger-than-life shadow ringed in a halo of rainbow light, we can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe and connection with the natural world around us. The recent Brocken spectre over Grandfather Mountain serves as a vivid illustration of the magic that the natural world can conjure. Moments like these, fleeting yet unforgettable, encapsulate the profound beauty and mystery of nature and remind us why we continue to explore and appreciate our remarkable planet. The striking photographs accompanying this article are the work of Leslie Restivo, a talented photographer who calls Boone, North Carolina, her home. Specializing in capturing the natural beauty of her surroundings, Restivo was at the right place at the right time to immortalize this rare spectacle over Grandfather Mountain. Foothills Digest would like to express our immense gratitude and excitement for her valuable contribution. Restivo's ability to capture the Brocken spectre in such stunning detail allows us all to witness this ethereal phenomenon, and serves as a reminder of the captivating beauty that our natural world continually offers us. Her images invite us into an extraordinary moment of atmospheric ballet, and for that, we are truly thankful. The Spectre of the Brocken , 1888 Color Chromolithograph Illustration from Germany
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146 2023 is NC's Year of the Trail . Foothills Digest will highlight a trail in each 2023 issue. This quarter, explore the trails at Grandfather Mountain. North Carolina is home to hundreds of trails, and there's one right around the corner from wherever you happen to be sitting. Get out, and get hiking! Use this QR code to learn more about the Year of the Trail Initiative. Photo by Leslie Restivo
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812 W est a ve n W, L enoir , n C 812 W est a ve n W, L enoir , n C s ee P age 132 A chilling shopping experience for distinguished collectors. Located in the heart of Downtown Lenoir.