When looking at the history of mankind, we’ve evolved. Our beliefs, how we work, and how we act in the world has greatly changed. Many of the myths and lore that terrified us in ancient times have since been explained by science and reason. Yet, there are a few legends that have remained steadfastly. They are constantly present in our society, and keep us completely fascinated.
One such legend is that of the werewolf. For example, take a look at how many books and movies have been inspired by the werewolf lore. While mainly a plot device for fiction, there was a time when werewolves were very much believed to be real. And it affected how people lived their lives and what they believed in.
Today, the movie “I Am Lisa” comes out, and it had me thinking about how werewolf lore is sill dominant in our society to this day. Let’s take a look!
What is a Werewolf?
According to most legends, werewolves are people who transform into vicious and powerful wolves. They usually transform on the night of a full moon. Today, we know that these creatures are mythological. But for a time in human history, they were very much thought to be real. With any legend, there are variations. There are accounts that believe that werewolves could be a mutant variation of a human and wolf. Either way, werewolves are very much feared to this day and are one of the most popular plot devices in books and movies.
Where Did the Legend Come From?
Many believe that the legend of the werewolf may have come to fruition as early as 1800 BCE in “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” In the poem, Gilgamesh rejects a potential lover. Why? She had turned her previous partner into a wolf. That’s a mood killer. But it’s not clear whether or not she turned the poor man into a werewolf, or just a wolf. Yet, it’s been used to support the ancient origins of the legend.
“The Epic of Gilgamesh” isn’t the only place where you can find supposed werewolf lore. Greek mythology has its share as well. Let’s take a look at Lycaon. Zeus gets angry after Lycaon serves him the remains of a boy that was sacrificed. For his punishment, Zeus turned Lycaon and his sons into wolves. You may have noticed that the name Lycaon is awfully similar to “lycan.” We’ll get into that in a moment.
Another early werewolf legend is written by Petronius. Satyricon was written around 62-63 CE, and depicts the story of a werewolf or shapeshifter that takes the form of a wolf.
In Saga of the Volsungs, a father and son find wolf pelts that possess the power to turn people into wolves for ten days. The father and son go on a killing rampage. However, the father mortally wounds his son. But don’t worry, the son makes a full recovery after a raven gives the father a leaf with healing powers.
Is There a Difference Between a Werewolf and a Lycan?
This is one of those questions that is discussed a lot in the world of the paranormal, anthropology, horror enthusiasts, the list goes on. There are consistent similarities. For example, both werewolves and lycans become so when they’re bit. They both possess supernatural strength and expert tracking abilities.
The main difference is that a werewolf’s transformation happens during the full moon, and they have no control over the process. A lycan’s transformation occurs anytime and can be triggered by emotions or simply willing it to happen. So, it seems like the lycan has more control over whether or no it transforms.
Also, a werewolf looks like a bigger version of a wolf, while a lycan looks more like a wolf humanoid-type creature. Lycans are also said to be smarter than werewolves. Given that lycans seem to have more control in their process, they seem to be more conscious of their humanity than the werewolf.
While silver can kill a werewolf, a lycan has to be decapitated. This means that lycans can be much more difficult to kill. Silver can slow down a lycan and wound it, but it won’t kill it.
Real-Life Werewolves
There are folks out there today who do believe that they are werewolves and/or possess lycanthropic powers. This, of course, can be explained by means of mental illness. Accounts of these cases could very well explain why there are so many werewolf legends in the sixteenth-century. But most of the “werewolves” during this time were actually serial killers.
Werewolves continue to play a large role in who we are as a society. Because we have science and the medical field to explain things that people didn’t know about centuries ago, we can simply just enjoy the legend for what it is.
What is your favorite werewolf movie? Why do you think there is still so much interest in werewolves today? Let me know in the comments!
I’m not one to dive into conspiracy theories, but this is one that can’t be ignored. The spooky and paranormal side of TikTok is so fascinating to me, and it keeps me entertained.
TikTok has an effect known as the brush tool. It actually comes in several different options. In the effect with the red and blue border, there are images between the bands. And we’re not talking about innocent image. These images are just plain weird.
The brush effect allows users to draw a 3D shape around them using AR. The effect adds a virtual 3D line that you draw with your finger on your phone’s screen. If you want to try the effect out for yourself, it will either be under “Trending” or “World.” You can see a step-by-step process in my YouTube video.
There are several different options for the Brush Effect, and you want to choose the one with the blue and red border. It seems that the other options don’t have these creepy photos in between the bands.
The Conspiracy Theory
From the basic research I’ve done through my own TikTok experiments and looking at other videos, they really remind me of Google Earth images. One of my followers said that the images were screenshots taken from other TikTok videos. I’m actually on board with this theory if there are sources to support it.
However, if this is the case, why is TikTok only pulling the creepiest images? They sort of look like they’re from abandoned places. But other images look like they were taken from dark and desolate rooms. Let’s check out these examples:
Is this a person crouched down and hiding their face?
One of my other commenters wondered whether or not these were Easter eggs of child trafficking like the perpetrators are playing some sick game with TikTok users. This one…I have a hard time accepting because it’s just too disturbing, and it’s a little too “conspiracy theory” for me. But, I know there are people who believe TikTok is somehow involved in this, but there isn’t a lot of evidence to support it.
Experimenting With the Brush
If you watch the video, you’ll see my own attempts at trying out the brush effect. I keep seeing the same image, which looks like a tunnel. I’ve drawn different variations of the brush so I can get a better look. I either see someone crouched down with their hands on their face or a plague mask. It’s definitely me reading this through pareidolia and my mind is trying to make sense of the blurry images.
Should You Try the Brush Effect?
If you decide to try out the brush effect for yourself, definitely keep an open mind, but try to stay rational and don’t go off the deep end in the world of conspiracy theories. There is likely a logical explanation for these strange images in the effect. But I don’t know if we’ll have the answers anytime soon.
What do you think these images are inside TikTok’s Brush Effect? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Ghost hunting, paranormal investigating…call it what you will . The world of looking for the unknown and trying to communicate with spirits is a centuries-old practice. It’s going stronger than ever, and it only keeps getting better! Of course, this is a life that may seem weird to outsiders, if not a little scary. But there’s a reason why people stay in it.
Let’s look at ten reasons why it rocks to be a ghost hunter.
Talk to Ghosts
This is the number one reason why many people love ghost hunting. It gives you the opportunity to talk to people who have passed from this life and remain in spirit form. How often do you have the chance to sit and chat with someone who lived through the American Revolution or the Civil War? Sure, there’s historical documentation like letters. But ghost hunting takes that one step further with the chance to talk to the person who wrote the letter.
Visit Historical Places
For the conventional tourist at a historical site, you can usually tour the location for a short time. Then you’re off to the gift shop. But, there are multiple historic places all over the world that are open to paranormal investigations. This means that you will get to spend much more time in a historic location than a daytime tourist. For example, you might get to spend 8-12 hours at the home of a patriot for a ghost hunt. Plus, you may even get a special tour of the place and get a unique perspective that others wouldn’t get.
Meet Cool People
There’s no doubt that the paranormal and ghost hunting community has some of the coolest and most unique people around. I’m always amused at the reactions when I tell people I’m friends with witches, psychic mediums, and Pentecostal Christians. We all hang out together! This community is very diverse when it comes to interests and backgrounds. Plus, you never know who you’ll meet. For example, I have a ghost hunting friend who is a corporate CEO at a major tech company that investigates on the weekends! We often banter about ghost theories and the latest happenings in the tech world, all in the same conversation.
Traveling is a Way of Life
If you’ve ever needed a good reason to travel, ghost hunting might be the ultimate excuse! There are haunted spots all over the world. Plus, there are even companies dedicated to creating paranormal-themed adventures just for you. I can’t tell you how many ghost hunters travel for hours for one location and then make it back home in time for work on Monday. Traveling is such a special experience, and ghost hunters get to visit as many places they can if they have the means to make it happen!
Cool Gadgets
Even though these gadgets aren’t confirmed to prove the existence of ghosts, they’re a lot of fun to use! The technology of ghost hunting is always changing and evolving, and the gadgets just get cooler. What’s even better is that the manufacturer is usually accessible to chat. It would be like getting the chance to talk to Steve Jobs about the computer. The world of ghost hunting equipment is always fascinating and exciting, and I’m excited to see what comes of it in the future.
Unique Opportunities
Ghost hunting definitely comes with its own opportunities. People have gotten a chance to do extraordinary things like appear on television, receive unique teaching opportunities, travel, write books, the list goes on. Others have had the opportunities to appear on podcasts, and even consult on paranormal-themed movies. There is definitely value in having expertise in the paranormal and the world of ghost hunting, especially if you know where to look.
Learn New Skills
Ghost hunting is much more than wandering around a building looking for ghosts. There are logistics that a seasoned ghost hunter needs to be familiar with like scheduling, networking, and even social media. And let’s not forget there’s also historical research, knowing how the equipment works and knowing how cameras work when it comes to photography and video. Some of the best ghost hunters and paranormal investigators out there are knowledgeable in how to research, photography, and videography. Paranormal research is the perfect place for working on your interest in genealogy and historical research.
Cultivating Gifts
Many people realize that they have some sort of spiritual gift while ghost hunting and they want to know more. Others dive into the world of paranormal investigating and ghost hunting because they have a gift and want to cultivate it. The beauty of spiritual gifts is that it doesn’t just mean psychic mediumship. There’s a whole world of gifts that even include being good at interviewing people or writing.
Helping the Community
The world of the paranormal has also given back to the community in a multitude of ways. Groups have fundraised for local charities, like the Gettysburg Battlefield Bash for the Wounded Warrior Project. Others, like the Association of Paranormal Study, host ghost hunting events for a price. Then, they give 100% of the proceeds back to historic locations. I’ve seen ghost hunting teams create toy drives at local haunted places. There are some that even participate as a group for 5Ks and walks for causes like March of Dimes, the American Diabetes Association, etc. Ghost hunting definitely has a unique twist on the traditional charity benefit!
Spiritual Awakening
Being a ghost hunter opens you up to a whole new world of diverse cultures and ways of life. You experience things that you can’t explain. Your mind becomes a little more open. The lessons you learn in your spiritual awakening end up in your everyday life. This ends up fulfilling your life all around. You become a well-rounded person both in life skills and spiritually, and you’re able to use these gifts to make the world a better place.
Why do you love being a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator? Tell me all about it in the comments!
“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.“
The case of Lizzie Borden is an unsolved mystery that still has no answers. The truth has truly been lost to time. A small town was thrust into the spotlight thanks to one of the most brutal murders in history. This led to one of the most sensational murder trials of our time. We will never know what truly happened on August 4th, 1892. But it seems like those who lived at that time remain, and they are desperate to tell their story. The question is, are you willing to listen?
Lizzie Borden has become an American icon, and her story has become the center of one of the most interesting folklore in history. Who else has a creepy and grisly nursery rhyme about them?
The Bordens were the ideal and model family. The family patriarch, Andrew Borden, was a wealthy businessman. The family matriarch, Abby Borden, was a devoted wife. The two Borden sisters, 32-year old Lizzie, and 41-year old Emma, were admired members of their church. Abby was the stepmother of Lizzie and Emma, as their mother, Sarah, had died in 1863. Three years after Sarah’s death, Andrew married Abby.
On August 4th, 1892, it was a sunny summer morning in this little town in Massachusetts. But there was a darkness that creeped over the town. Andrew and Abby Borden were found hacked to death in their home. Abby was hacked 18 times, and Andrew was hacked 11 times. At the time, their 32-year old daughter Lizzie, 41-year old daughter Emma, Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan, and John Vinnicum Morse were living in the house at the time. But, Emma Borden was out of town at a dress fitting, and John only stayed temporarily for a night.
The Timeline
So at the time of the murders, it was Lizzie, Bridget, and John in the house, along with Andrew and Abby Borden.
At 7am, John, Abby, and Andrew had breakfast. John left around 8:45 am to buy oxen and to visit his niece, and Andrew went to work around 9 am and 9:15 am. John’s alibi is somewhat solid. He said he took a streetcar with six priests. But the streetcar conductor didn’t remember John but remembered the priests. The police seemed to confirm his alibi.
As stated before, Emma was out of town for a dress fitting in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The seamstress is a friend of Emma, and she stayed in town for several days before her fitting and was planning on staying for several more days after that.
While Lizzie and Emma usually cleaned the guest room, Abby went upstairs to make the bed. Sometime between 9 am and 10:30 am, Abby was hacked to death in the guest room, where John slept the night before. Bridget is sent outside to clean some windows.
Andrew returned home around 10:45am, and laid down on the couch in the sitting room to take a nap.
Bridget wasn’t feeling well, and also went upstairs to take a nap. Apparently, Lizzie gave her permission to go check on a sale at the nearby department store, but Bridget declined. Around this time, Lizzie leaves the house through the back door to go to the barn to prep for an upcoming fishing trip.
The Discovery of the Bodies
Around 11:15 am, Lizzie said she came back into the house and went to the sitting room. That was where she discovered her father’s bludgeoned corpse. She called Bridget and said that Andrew was dead and that someone came and killed him. She sent Bridget to go get the town doctor, who was a neighbor. Lizzie then sent Bridget and the neighbor upstairs to get Abby, but Abby was already dead. She too was hacked to death.
I’ve also found research that indicates it was the police who actually found Abby first. They did see that Abby’s blood had coagulated since it was dark and sticky. This means that her murder might have happened long before Andrew had been killed. Well, let’s just say Andrew was still dripping. That’s why it’s commonly believed that Abby was killed at least an hour before her husband. However, Abby was in a room that faced the sun, so the heat may have sped up the coagulation.
Andrew Jackson Borden was 69 years old when he died, and Abby Durfee Gray Borden was 63 years old.
The Suspects
This is your classic “Who done it?” mystery. There were two main suspects in the murders; Lizzie Borden and John Vinnicum Morse. Lizzie wasn’t fond of Abby, she even called her “Mrs. Borden.” She truly believed that Abby married Andrew for this money.
John Morse was the brother of Andrew’s first wife (and the mother of Lizzie and Emma Borden). There is even speculation that Lizzie and Bridget conspired the murders together because they were in a relationship. There is another theory that Lizzie, Emma, and John conspired the murders as well.
While she was never a suspect, Bridget Sullivan was in the house at the time of the murders, and it’s speculated that she may have helped Lizzie in some way. On the day of the murders, there were dozens of people coming in and out of the house, and rumor has it that Bridget was seen leaving the house with a bundle.
But Lizzie became the main suspect and became a news sensation.
You could say there’s a third suspect, an unknown assailant. In fact, neighbors reported seeing a stranger knocking on the door of the Borden house the morning of the murders. Back then, the mindset was that the intruder must have been an immigrant who went mad and decided to hack the Bordens to death. Ah…how we’ve evolved.
Yet given how much time was in between Abby and Andrew’s murders, the third suspect was the least likely. But, Andrew was a successful businessman who made a lot of enemies. So, this possibility wasn’t completely thrown out.
The Investigation
During their investigation, police found a handleless hatchet in the basement. The handle had apparently broken off very recently.
What is really interesting is that at the time of the Borden murders, forensic science and investigation was just beginning. In fact, those photos of Andrew and Abby’s corpses were some of the first crime scene investigation photos.
Yet, Victorian science still had a ways to go. Back then, crime scene photography wasn’t always seen as necessary because it was believed that the eyes of the victim would have an image of their murderer burned into the retinas, known as optography. This idea dates as far back as the 17th century. Murderers even started destroying their victim’s eyeballs, just in case. Even if true, that wouldn’t have worked in poor Andrew’s case since one of his eyeballs was cut in half, which means he was sleeping at the time of his murder.
Abby, however, was facing her attacker. The forensic investigation confirmed that she must have known her attacker because her wounds indicate that she was face-to-face, but there were no signs of a struggle. She also had bruise marks on her face from when she hit the floor, which means she was still alive. She had 18 blows to the head…which means this was a crime of passion.
It’s also noted that Lizzie was oddly calm during the investigation, even for someone who just lost her parents, let alone discovered her father’s corpse. Her calmness was seen as suspicious. Not to mention, her story was inconsistent when it came to her whereabouts at the time of the murders.
Lizzie was arrested and put in jail. This came as a shock to her community because people could not imagine that such a woman like her could have committed this heinous crime.
Question of the Dress
From the nature of the bodies, it’s clear that Lizzie would have been covered in blood from the murders. However, when police came to investigate, Lizzie was in a clean blue dress. Even Bridget confirmed that Lizzie’s dress was clean at the time Andrew’s body was discovered.
Newspaper illustrations of the Borden murder trial
Lizzie’s trial started on June 5th, 1893, and she became an instant celebrity overnight. People would stand in line for hours at the courthouse in Ned Bedford, Massachusetts in hope of getting a seat in the small courtroom. The prosecution also started its opening statement with the skulls of Andrew and Abby Borden. Their actual skulls. This causes Lizzie to faint.
By the way, that famous rhymed that opened this blog started becoming popular during the trial.
While the skulls were used to demonstrate the gruesome matter of Andrew and Abby’s deaths, it backfires. Lizzie fainting in court actually drew sympathy for her. Also, Lizzie’s inconsistent alibi was thrown out because her lawyer wasn’t present. It was also revealed that she was taking morphine at the time of the investigation. By the way, morphine was commonly used by many women of that time. It was one of the earliest opioid pandemics of the Victorian century. Her dosage was large, and it was prescribed for pain, women’s issues, stress, and more.
The handleless hatchet had a hair on it, but it turns out it was bovine hair. Also, the wood part was tested for blood, but results showed none was present. The defense managed to cause everyone to question whether that was the actual murder weapon.
Ultimately, there wasn’t enough physical evidence to convict her. We’re talking no fingerprints, footprints, nothing. She was found not guilty.
She was acquitted in 1893. Yet, many believe that Lizzie was guilty. If you look up the details of the case and timeline of events, it’s easy to see why. But the mindset of the jury was that a woman would never pick up such a masculine tool and brutally kill her parents.
The location of the murders, the Borden House, which can be found at 230 2nd Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, still stands today as the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum. You can sleep in the same room where Abby Borden was murdered, and sit on the couch located where Andrew Borden met his end. It’s a macabre lover’s dream come true. But there is more to this house than the murders.
It seems there are sinister spirits residing in the house. Guests at the Lizzie Borden House have reported hearing voices, especially a woman’s voice, hearing footsteps, bangings, the list goes on. There is even a room that reported to be haunted by children.
There is also a room with money and coins. Why? In life, Andrew Borden was a frugal man, even though he was wealthy. If you take his money, you might get scratched. Well, at least that is what is reported by people who have toyed with fate.
In case you’re wondering, yes, this location is on my ghost hunting wish list. I want to witness these occurrences for myself and ask questions to the specters that reside in the home. As you can imagine, multiple paranormal investigators have tried to solve the mystery of the murders. I doubt ghost testimony will ever give us the answers.
Paranormal Theories
While I haven’t investigated the Lizzie Borden House myself, I’ve done some research on the consistent activity and I have a few theories.
Tulpas or Thoughtforms – I think, given how many people come in, and the legends that have been circulating over the years, that some of the haunting could be blamed on…us. Meaning, we’ve put so much energy into the stories we’ve heard, that we’ve given it a life of its own.
Footsteps – I think this is all residual. Given how many people are at the house every day, and the number of guests coming in with the spooky stuff in mind, I think this is all replays of history.
Scratches from Taking the Money – I don’t know what Andrew Borden was like in life, so I don’t know if he was someone that would either scratch people or grab them if they were taking his money. Depending on what the scratches look like, I wonder if it would look like what an arm looks like after it’s been grabbed and the assailant dug their nails in.
Voices – This could also be residual, but I’ve read enough reports and watch quite a few investigation videos that lead me to believe that either Abby’s conscious spirit is still around, or the trauma of her murder still stays in that house, especially the guest room.
Many pieces of the murder and trial are still on display today at the Fall River Historical Society. They have the couch that Andrew Borden slept on when he died, as well as the handleless hatchet that was found in the basement. The museum has tons of artifacts from the murders. While this may seem dark, the historian and macabre lover in me is thrilled that these artifacts have been preserved.
Just a few months after her acquittal, Lizzie bought a house, where she lived until her death in 1927. What is truly interesting is that the house went up for sale in 2020. Lizzie herself named the house, Maplecroft. How exquisite!
The owners, Donald Woods and Leeann Wilbur, also own the murder house, now known as Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. Truly, the house is spectacular and beautiful. The owners intended to open a second bed and breakfast, but COVID-19 was the nail on the coffin for that dream.
I have to wonder if there’s paranormal activity tied with this location as well. In reality, I suppose we will never know, unless someone with a paranormal business in mind ends up purchasing the house. Time will eventually reveal the answer to my curiosities.
Did Lizzie Do It?
Personally, I think she did. Andrew was incredibly frugal, and since he didn’t have a will, if he died, Abby would have inherited his estate. And if Abby got the estate, it would have been passed onto her sister when she died. This means that Lizzie and Emma would lose their inheritance. Andrew signed multiple properties over to Abby, so their fears were valid.
Also, before Andrew and Abby’s deaths, Lizzie often said that she was unhappy with where she lived and felt she needed to live in the more prestigious area, known as “The Hill.” That is exactly where her new house is located. Money can be quite a motivator. Plus, Andrew was very much a Victorian man, and often put a lot of restrictions onto his spinster daughters.
Do you think Lizzie murdered her father and step-mother? What do you think of these hauntings? Let me know in the comments!
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California opened on May 15, 1927. It is one of the oldest hotels in the Los Angeles area that is still in operation today. It sits right on Hollywood Blvd, across the street from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (also known as TLC Chinese Theatre). If you want to feel like you’re at the center of the universe where everything is happening, the Roosevelt Hotel is your place. If you ever stay there, chances are that you’ll see a celebrity at some point since it’s a popular hotel for the stars.
With so much history and such an incredible guest list, it’s no surprise that the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Living in Hollywood can be energizing and draining at the same time, as well as dynamic and volatile.
Glitz and Glam
If you’re a fan of “Old Hollywood” and the glitz and glam of the 1920s and 1930s, the Roosevelt is a landmark. Shirley Temple learned how to do her famous stairstep dance on the stairs. Marilyn Monroe lived at the hotel for two years and did her first photo shoot by the pool. While filming the 1952 film, “From Here to Eternity”, Montgomery Clift lived at the Roosevelt for three months. And finally, Errol Flynn may or may not have created the famous recipe for his bootleg gin in the barbershop tub. My personal favorite, Charlie Chaplin, also stayed at the hotel numerous times along with Clark Gable…swoon.
Alright, let’s dive into the ghost stories!
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe will forever be an icon. Even decades after her tragic passing, people still obsess over her. Her spirit has been seen by multitudes of guests of the Hollywood Roosevelt.
Marilyn lived at the hotel for two years, and she did one of her first photoshoots at the pool. From my understanding, she lived in Room 1200. It’s one of the largest suites at the Roosevelt. There used to be a tall mirror that hung in the room, but now it hangs in one of the hallways in the mezzanine by the lobby. That mirror is reported to be haunted by Marilyn, as well as Room 1200. According to legend, the reason why the mirror was moved out of the room was that people would see her reflection instead of their own!
Mystery Phone Calls
This is probably one of the most unsettling stories from the Hollywood Roosevelt. At one point, the Roosevelt became apartments for a period of time before being converted back into a hotel. Perhaps some of the residents there decided to not leave? At night, receptionists have reported getting phone calls from hotel rooms that don’t have any guests. All they hear on the other end is giggling.
Montgomery Clift
Montgomery Clift called the hotel home for three months while filming the 1953 movie, “From Here to Eternity.” He stayed in Room 928, according to legend. Sadly, in 1956m he got into a car accident and he had to get plastic surgery to repair his face. But he never recovered physically nor emotionally. He passed away in 1966 from a heart attack.
Caroline has been spotted around the Roosevelt and the pool area. Legend says that Caroline and her brother drowned in the pool while their father was out running errands. Since then, Caroline likes to make phone calls from the hotel lobby phone, play in the jacuzzi with her brother, and ask guests where her mother and father are.
Other Ghostly Experiences
There are other ghost stories associated with the Roosevelt Hotel like the sound of a typewriter coming from unoccupied rooms. A man dressed in white and 1930s attire has been seen by the piano near the Blossom Room. As you approach him, he seems to disappear. The ghosts of Errol Flynn and Carole Lombard have been sighted at the hotel along with Carmen Miranda, Humphrey Bogart, and Betty Grable.
My Personal Experiences
The fifth and final ghost story is my own personal experiences at the Roosevelt.
I have an extensive history with the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel that started in 2011. I went to an event there back in August 2011. As soon as I walked through those doors, I felt something compelling and just plain strange. Sure, Hollywood itself is pretty strange. But, this was spooky.
Then, a year later, I ended up staying at the Roosevelt on an impromptu trip to Hollywood. I was with a friend at the time, and the stay was fairly uneventful. Maybe some odd footsteps here and there, but that’s it. I saw a few shadows out of the corner of my eye, but I try to brush it off as explainable.
A few years later, I found myself a regular guest at the Roosevelt. Mainly, it was because my former boss was living there for a few months during a transitional phase of his life. Because sometimes my drive took more than two hours, he frequently booked a room for me. I think in the span of three months, I stayed for several weeks in the hotel.
I often went to the mirror that is famously known for being a hotspot for Marilyn Monroe’s ghost. While I didn’t see her full-on, sometimes I caught sight of a shadow as I was turning around. I also had an alarming amount of nightmares during my stay at the Roosevelt. I often heard knocking at my door, but no one announced themselves, and no one was there when I looked through the peephole. It made me feel pretty uncomfortable at times, but I’ve never felt unwelcomed during my stay.
Have you ever stayed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel? Is there a haunted hotel near you?
Cemeteries are one of my favorite things in the world. If I see a cemetery off the road, especially a small one with a few headstones, I will pull over and investigate. For years, I’ve found myself drawn to cemeteries in such a way that they are now a regular thing I explore.
Many people will shy away from cemeteries because it reminds them of the inevitable, which is fair. Even though I’m so weary of death, visiting a cemetery makes it less intimidating for me.
Also, I have this weird worry about being forgotten. I also worry about my loved ones and friends being forgotten. So, visiting a cemetery gives me a chance to meet new people, except these new people are long gone.
In case you’re interested in visiting a cemetery, especially around October, here is a list of 10 things you can do in a cemetery, as well as 10 things you should NOT do!
10 Amazing Things You Can Do!
Say Their Name
I truly believe that when you say someone’s name, you give it power and you breathe new life into their story and existence. As you walk around the cemetery, say the names you see. Each of those names belongs to someone who once lived a life just like yours. They had family, friends, hobbies, stresses…the list goes on. Acknowledge their life.
Stargaze
Only do this if the cemetery or park is open after dark. I know quite a few cemeteries that will have stargazing events, which is amazing! There is something special about stargazing in a cemetery. It’s just you, the stars, and the dead. There’s something about being in the stillness and the quiet of a cemetery. But its’ a whole other level to be looking at the stars and constellation at the same time. It reminds us that, even though we might be very small, we are still connected to the universe and we’re made of stars.
Take Photos
Cemetery photography can be some of the most beautiful works of art you’ll ever see. The grounds of the cemetery are also extraordinarily beautiful. But this category does come with its own do’s and don’t’s. Some memorial parks consider it an invasion of privacy to take photos of headstones that aren’t associated with you. Whenever possible, try to hide the names inscribed on the headstones. And finally, don’t take photos of funeral services, mourners, and other visitors.
Historical and Genealogical Research
I try to find the oldest grave in the cemetery, that’s usually where I will begin as I start exploring. I also try to do as much research as possible on the cemetery so I understand the context. Thankfully, the internet and resources like FindaGrave.com have created amazing databases on even the smallest of cemeteries.
Have a Picnic
This is a tradition I wish would be resurrected. In the 19th century, people would picnic and enjoy their snacks in cemeteries. Back then, there wasn’t a multitude of parks or recreational areas, so cemeteries became the go-to place to picnic, take walks, and more. Also, given the time period, children often died young, and family members died more rapidly. So, picnicking in a cemetery gave family members a chance to spend time with their lost loved ones.
Take a Walk, Run, Exercise
While picnics may have fallen out of style, people still find cemeteries a great place to walk, run, and other exercises. Cemeteries are quiet, peaceful, and relatively safe. While I was visiting Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, there were a lot of joggers, and I just loved that. In Gettysburg, there are plenty of folks jogging throughout the battlefield, which one can argue is one massive cemetery. Some cemeteries may even let you take your dog with you, so check first before making the trek with your pooch. And clean up after them!
Headstone Rubbing (With Permission)
Definitely check in with the cemetery first to make sure this is allowed since it can compromise the integrity of the stone. Also, make sure you know why you want to do a headstone rubbing. If you’re just looking for information, then contacting the staff at the cemetery will be helpful in obtaining it. Personally, I have done this quite a few times with old headstones that I couldn’t read anymore, and the names were not legible. If the cemetery has been abandoned, I’m extremely careful when I do any rubbing because I don’t want to cause more damage. It was likely unraveling a mystery. Also, there are people who have made beautiful works of art from headstone rubbings.
But, if you’re not related to the deceased, or don’t have a connection with them, then a headstone rubbing could also be seen as disrespectful. Also, don’t ever use shaving cream, as it will damage the stone.
Lay Flowers
I love laying flowers at different headstones that look like they haven’t had visitors in a while. It’s a beautiful gesture and I would love to see it done more often. Last year, I participated in my first Wreaths Across America where we laid wreaths on the graves of our veterans and fallen soldiers. Keep in mind, try to avoid laying fake flowers. Often, mowers are coming around the area, and it creates a hassle for them if they have to deal with fabric or plastic flowers.
Drive Your Car (As Space Allows)
Most modern cemeteries these days are drivable. It’s very convenient and it lets you cover more ground. Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg is a great one to drive around, as you can get a front-row seat to Jennie Wade’s grave and other prominent citizens from the town.
You would think this was common sense, but this happens more often than not. I’ve had to dodge plenty of cars in cemeteries because they were speeding around the corners. I’ve also seen cars literally drive over graves in order to find a good parking spot. Please PLEASE don’t do this!
Clean Up Graves
This is a process, not a one-task job. You can clean up debris around a headstone by clearing leaves, tree branches, and picking up trash. If the headstone looks unstable, don’t touch it. If there’s a headstone that needs more cleaning, there are countless tutorials that will teach you how to do it.
Here Are 10 Things You Should NOT Do!
Get Intimate
This happens…a lot. Maybe the cemetery vibe or the whole “death is inevitable” vibe gets people in the mood. But there have been a number of times I’ve accidentally stumbled onto a couple…in broad daylight…getting frisky in a cemetery. I’m sure Ghost Alex will be amused by it in the afterlife. But, heavy petting and PDA in a cemetery is seen as disrespectful and tacky.
Interrupt Funeral Services
Believe it or not, I’ve witnessed this at a funeral I was attending. We were on cemetery grounds as the body was being lowered into the ground, and this family walked right in between the grave and the tent full of mourners. The dad sheepishly lifted his hand and mouthed the word, “Sorry.” Um. No. This isn’t okay. Mourners need a safe place to grieve and worrying whether someone will interrupt their loved one’s service should be the last thing on their minds.
Sit, Lean, or Lay on the Headstones
To put it simply; it’s not respectful. It’s similar to putting your shoes on someone’s coffee table without asking. Bouncing off from taking photos, I’ve seen photographers use cemeteries as backdrops for photoshoots with models. However, I then see models laying on headstones, or even standing on crypts. Please don’t do this. It doesn’t matter if the grave is 200 years old. It’s still a person who deserves respect. Passage of time doesn’t make them less human.
Walk or Stand on Top of the Graves
I will be the first to admit that this one can be tough, especially if there’s a specific grave you want to see and the plots are close together. But it’s still considered disrespectful to walk or stand on top of graves. I know, I know, the person in the ground likely doesn’t care. However, if the person died in the past few decades, chances are that they still have family members coming to visit them. If I ever find myself stepping on a grave, I literally tiptoe and say “Sorry” over and over…like they can hear me. Anyway, try to avoid it as much as you can.
Be Noisy
A cemetery isn’t the place to be blasting Van Halen or Taylor Swift. It’s also not the place to be screaming and yelling. This is a tough one, especially if there are children around. I remember I didn’t go to my first cemetery until I was about seven years old, and that was to visit my Grandpa, who was in a mausoleum. But before we went to visit, my mom and grandma made it very clear about my behavior during the visit. I’ve seen many people state that if a child can’t handle being in a cemetery, don’t take them until their old enough.
Talk to Other Cemetery Visitors
If Southerners can avoid this, so can you! Smiling and nodding as you pass each other is fine. If the other person says hi or wants to talk, even better. Definitely read the room…or the cemetery…in this case. It can be hard to not say hello or have some small talk banter with fellow cemetery visitors but don’t do it if the other person isn’t wanting to talk. Most people are at a cemetery to grieve, and they may not be in the right headspace to do it. If someone is clearly in a cadence of praying, talking to their loved ones, etc., let them be.
Lay Stuffed Animals
This is a common practice; leaving toys and stuffed animals on the graves of babies and children. But, stuffed animals will start looking really gross as days go by and they deal with the elements. Groundskeeping has to deal with it, and it is often a mess. They will try to put the stuffed animal on the headstone, mow, and replace it, which is nice. But it’s still an extra step for them. Plus, they get gross.
Take Souvenirs
Whether it’s flowers, toys, broken stone, or even human remains, leave it in the cemetery. We’re way past the times of grave robbing. A cemetery isn’t a massive gift shop.
Leave Breakable Items
Too often, people will leave plastic, ceramic, or glass items on a headstone. While the gesture is lovely, they eventually break. Not only will groundskeeping have to take care of it, but a broken piece could be missed. Then, worst-case scenario, it harms the animals or a child finds it and cuts themselves.
Forget Your Local Cemetery
Keep visiting your local cemetery! Cemeteries are a place not only for mourning but for celebration and community. Attend community events at your local cemetery, volunteer for cemetery cleanups, and share their content on social media. Bringing awareness to death and cemeteries will help dispel the taboo and calm the heebie-jeebies people get when they hear the word, “cemetery.”
What do’s and don’t’s would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
We still have TikTok, and thousands, if not millions, of videos are posted every day. So, it’s not surprising that videos with ghosts and other creepy stuff have made it onto the platform. Whether it’s an accidental paranormal sighting, or a video that’s obviously staged, people can’t get enough paraormal videos on TikTok.
In this blog and video, I’m going to break down five of the most popular paranormal videos on TikTok. Because I’m a skeptic when it comes to evidence like this, yes, there will be some debunking going on. If I can’t debunk the video, I’ll go ahead and say it. Since I wasn’t there when these videos were created, I can’t debunk any of these with certainty.
So, this start this off, apparently this WASN’T her dog. Her dog was outside when this video was taken. If she thought it was her dog, I’m not sure what was prompting her to take a video. Maybe he looked cute hanging out at the doorway? Anyway, this is an apparent shadow shaped like her dog, and it seems to be darker than its surroundings despite the floor being somewhat illuminated. If this really isn’t her dog, then yeah, this is quite disturbing, and I’m sure she eventually freaked out.
If you’re having trouble seeing what’s paranormal, focus on the stairs at the far right. Here’s the video by itself before he did a reaction video. So, this was a video that did legit give me the chills. There’s nothing more terrifying than the reality that someone may be lurking in your home along with you when you think you’re home alone. I think it is what makes this video SO disturbing! I know the anomaly is hard to see, so here’s the slow-mo version focusing on the stairs.
This guy claims he doesn’t have a pet in the home. Yet, it looks like SOMETHING was enjoying his dancing. If we take his word to heart, then yes, this is a fascinating video of something weird going on. In one of his more recent TikTok videos, he’s been seen petting a cat. So, this is either a new development or the cat has always been there.
Okay, so face filters on apps have become the bane of many skeptical ghost hunters. First, I have to say I love the, “Hey what’s up giiirrrrl.” I mean, it’s not contextual at all, but who am I to judge. I got a great laugh from it. I’ve been sent dozens of videos of this exact filter on walls. I’m quite skeptical since the filter is basically made to find a pattern that resembles a face. When it sticks its tongue out on command, yeah, that’s interesting. One of the commenters suggested that maybe it was a woman with her baby.
If this is real, all I’ll say is that I would try my best to withhold my excitement and try to keep the conversation going!
First, I want to say I feel for this girl because she lost her mom so young. It SUCKS to lose your mom. In the video, this girl is nonchalantly straightening her hair while beckoning her mom to turn the light on. Given how well she knows this process, this may be a regular thing. She also has a circle to help direct our eyes. Now, whenever something seems too good to be true, it usually is. If I were to debunk this, I would almost want to say that since the straightener, as well as a TV, seem to be on, there may be something electrical going on that this young lady is aware of. Besides that, I got nothing.
First, I have to say that this song ALWAYS creeps me out. I don’t really see why this video became so popular because nothing happens. Cats sniff things. Cats can act weird sometimes. Also, we life our hands and arms in our sleep. Cats and people do weird things. Yes, the doll could very well be haunted, but this video is definitely NOT an example of that. If she was having nightmares, or the doll was moving by itself (when the cat is NOT on the bed), then maybe there could be something there. I must confess, I’ve always wanted to buy a haunted doll for experimental purposes.
We can’t help but remember the horrifying events that took place on September 11th, 2001. It’s safe to say that we all remember where we were when it happened. I was in the car with my mom, as she was driving me to school that day. There was breaking news on the radio, and my mom had to pull over and she kept yelling, “It’s gone…it’s completely gone.” Since we were in California, the towers had already collapsed by 7:30am Pacific Time.
It’s safe to say that no school work happened on this day. Every class, well, except for my French class, had the news on, and we watched everything unravel. Then, my school was placed on lockdown since we were just a few miles from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
With such a massive event like this, it would be weird if something wasn’t left behind. I wouldn’t be shocked if there were residual events occurring on one of these sites, or the victims coming back to say goodbye to their loved ones.
A Controversial Subject
Before we start; I wanted to issue a disclaimer.
Most of my readers and subscribers lived to witness the events of 9/11. So, talking about the paranormal part of it has been controversial because it’s something that hits close to home. The thought of ghost hunting Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the United Airlines Flight 93 crash site and Memorial are totally out of the question. Yet, I know people who have investigated the Flight 93 site, at the request of the victims’ families. They never publicized it, and it remained private until a few years ago.
But yet, every day I’m learning that the families of the victims who lost their lives had, or are currently having, paranormal experiences in relation to the 9/11 attacks. I think it’s important to be able to talk about the paranormal connection to 9/11 in a respectful manner because there are people who need support. I think this subject is not one to gawk at or post videos of data for the world to see since we can never tell who is related to who.
The stories you’re about to read about were made public by the witnesses or the members of the victim’s family.
The Red Cross Ghost
In the book, “From the Landfill to Hallowed Ground”, NYPD Lieutenant Frank Marra recounted a ghostly experience while sifting through the rubble of the World Trade Center. Cops, EMTs, firefighters all saw the same spirit while working on an area known as Fresh Kills landfill, also known as “The Hill”, in Staten Island. After the attacks, much of the rubble and destruction were sent to the landfill for further investigation. The spirit they saw was a woman dressed in white, like a Red Cross worker from World War II. She was carrying a tray of sandwiches and coffee. Many assumed she was one of the volunteers coming to help. Could the events of 9/11 awaken the spirits and they came to offer aid?
It was reported by a psychic medium says that the woman may have been a soul collector, meaning she was guiding the recently deceased to the afterlife.
The Man at the Landfill
NYPD officer, Joe Lani, had a front row seat to the horrific aftermath of 9/11. While driving to the Fresh Kills landfill, he saw a man wandering the debris field. It was the middle of the night. As Lani pulled up to inspect further, the man disappeared. He is certain that he saw the ghost of a 9/11 victim. Lani wrote a book about his experiences titled, “Running with the Bulls”, and it’s available on Amazon.
Given that the landfill held the debris from the attack, it’s no surprise that the remains, ashes and possessions of all the lives lost were in that landfill.
Premonitions
Bonnie McEneaney
Bonnie McEneaney, who lost her husband on 9/11, wrote a book called, “Messages: Signs, Visits, and Premonitions from Loved Ones Lost on 9/11. It is a collection of stories from the families of the fallen who had paranormal experiences from their lost loved ones. About a week before the attack, Bonnie’s husband, Eamon, was talking with his brother about the possibility of the World Trade Center being attacked again. He also had a foreboding feeling that started weeks before 9/11. After that conversation, Eamon told Bonnie that she needed to be a tougher disciplinarian to the children because it was going to get harder once he was gone. On the morning of 9/11, Eamon had a vertigo episode in the shower.
Later that day, Bonnie was waiting for Eamon to come home, hoping and praying he survived. She went outside and yelled, “Eamon, where are you?” At that moment, she felt a “river of wind” swirl around her, the branches swayed, leaves rustled, and the wind lifted her skirt. She knew Eamon had died.
Monica and Michael Iken
Eamon wasn’t the only one to experience vertigo the morning of.
Monica and Michael Iken were married on September 11, 2000. During the wedding, a jet had buzzed overhead so loudly that the couple had to wait to say, “I do.” On September 9, 2001, Michael and Monica had checked into a hotel near the Boston airport. Michael started to panic and said they had to check out. Turns out that the hijackers were staking out the hotel.
After the attack, Monica woke up one night to find Michael standing at the foot of their bed. She thanked him for coming, and he smiled and disappeared. Monica described him as glowing, and he told her he was there with her in her dreams.
David and Ruth McCourt
Ruth McCourt seemed to know that she didn’t have long to live. About 4 weeks before 9/11, she was making amends with everyone she knew and wrote notes to her loved ones. Their 4-year old daughter, Juliana, wasn’t supposed to go on the ill-fated trip to the west coast, but Ruth told her husband David, “David, Juliana belongs with me. I’m taking Juliana with me.” Ruth and Juliana were lost on one of the flights.
Coming Back
Lisa O’Brien
Lisa O’Brien lost her husband on 9/11, and it seemed he stuck around the family for a bit. While he was alive, he had an inside joke with Lisa surrounding the song, “A Penny for Your Thoughts, A Nickel for a Kiss”, and Lisa would finish by saying she wondered what a quarter would be. After his death, Lisa started finding quarters in strange places around the house. She even found one in the middle of her bed in the middle of the night after checking on the kids.
Also, her 4-year old daughter Jacie, was often found talking to the wall, and then it was revealed she was talking to her Daddy. Jacie would tell Lisa about the Knock Knock jokes her dad would tell her even though he passed. Jacie could also identify her Dad’s coworkers in photos even though she never met them in person.
Finding Closure and Protection
Joanne Kelly
Joanne Kelly was on the phone with her husband when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. He worked in the other tower, and when the second plane hit, she said she couldn’t feel her husband anymore. After searching for her husband’s remains, it seemed like a hopeless cause. While at the medical examiner’s office, eight more morgue trucks filled up and her heart started racing. Joanne was able to point out the truck that held her husband’s remains, and she was right.
The blinding light soon evolved into a white mist. Before she knew it, she saw a legion of angels to the left of the crash site. She then saw one angel, who was clearly the leader of the group, look onto the debris. As she looked, she could see the angels escorting the souls of the deceased to the next life. What I found interesting is that some of these souls moved on with the angels while others stayed behind.
Hallowed Ground
You’re probably wondering, are the sites of 9/11 haunted? Are there souls who have yet to move on?
The answer? I don’t know. A few psychics I know of who have read various areas of significance of the event have given mixed feedback. One psychic reported that she felt absolutely nothing around the One World Trade Center. She says it is because the world acknowledged the event, and therefore acknowledging the dead. So, they move on. I’ve also heard the opposite, given how so many lives were lost in an instant, there is a severe lack of closure.
Whatever is truly happening, this was an event that left a physical and emotional scar on us all, and it seems that someting still lingers so that we can learn their story.
I’m trying to find an unmarked grave in a massive cemetery. How am I going to do this? But, this is a very special grave. I have an idea of where it is. And yet, here I am…wandering aimlessly through Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. But…this grave means the world to me. It means so much to me. My previous attempt during a visit to Atlanta over 10 years ago left me unsuccessful.
But on this day, this day was the day I was going to find the grave of Lucille Frank, the wife of Leo Frank. I couldn’t fail again. I pulled out my phone and brought up Google. In my search, I read that Lucille used mediums to try to contact Leo on the other side. Wait, what?
In my attempts of finding Lucille’s unmarked grave, I fell down a rabbit hole.
A Decades-Long Obsession
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a Saturday and I was channel surfing, looking for something to watch. Something made me stop the rapid channel surfing; it was Peter Gallagher in a courtroom. I stopped and watched for the rest of the day. I was riveted, intrigued, and horrified. But I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to know more.
The movie was the miniseries, “The Murder of Mary Phagan”, which originally aired in 1988. One of the networks was clearly doing a rerun since I was in middle school in the mid-to-late 90s. Since it was the 90s, I had to find the miniseries at my local library to watch it again.
Since then, I’ve had this fascination with the Mary Phagan murder and the lynching of Leo Frank. I read as many books as I could about the subject. Being from California, I was fairly sheltered from the idea of Southern Heritage, the Invasion of the North post-Civil War, and finally, the rampant anti-Semitism that was very prominent in the South that sparked around Leo Frank’s trial.
Horrified
My focus is on Lucille Frank. I don’t want to go into a long history lesson, as there is lots of information on the case. While there are tons of websites about the case (many alarmingly anti-Semitic), here is a good place to start. While you’re at it, check out this link too.
I was horrified when I learned of Leo Frank’s lynching on August 17, 1915. I was also horrified that not only was there a large group, but there were photographers. Postcards with photos of Frank’s dead body on the noose sold like hotcakes for 25 cents. I know it was a different time and a different culture…but…geez.
By His Side
Leo and Lucille Frank
As you can imagine, between the politcal and racial tensions overlaying the case, plus the horrifying nature of the crime; the people wanted justice. But did they really get it? As you can imagine, it was a circus. It was chaos.
The person who never left his side was Frank’s wife, Lucille. She never remarried. Even though the KKK had resurfaced, and anti-Semitism was stronger than ever, she resolved to not leave Atlanta or the South. Let’s read it in her own words.
I am a Georgia girl, born and reared in this state, and educated in her schools. I am a Jewess; some will throw that in my face, I know, but I have no apologies to make for my religion. I am also a Georgian, and American, and I do not apologize for that, either…I only pray that those who destroyed Leo’s life will realize the truth before they meet their God–they perhaps are not entirely to blame, fed as they were on lies unspeakable, their passion aroused by designing persons. Some of them, I am sure, did not realize the horror of their act. But those who inspired these men to do this unlawful act, what of them? Will not their consciences make for them a hell on Earth, and will not their associates, in their hearts, despise them?
Lucille Frank “The Historic Oakland Cemetery of Atlanta” by Cathy Kaemmerlen, The History Press, 2007. p. 83
Lucille made this statement six weeks after Frank’s lynching. She was only 27 years old at the time of his death. That’s young. Especially in the early 1900s. The fact she never remarried is also remarkable. Lucille had to see a doctor regularly for chest pains and headaches. Her doctor believed she suffered from depression. Lucille stayed in Atlanta for the rest of her life. Her friends believe that she never stopped mourning her husband. “Leo might have been killed, but she served a life sentence…
Mourning for Her Husband
I have always felt a very strong connection to Lucille. During Frank’s trial, sentencing, and all the work she did to prove his innocence, Lucille comforted herself by eating. So often, she wrote letters to Leo about being worried about the cameras getting photos of her because of her weight. This resonates with me so deeply as a woman. I also lost someone I was planning to marry, also due to unexpected and premature death by someone else’s hand. While I wasn’t a wife, I grieved as a wife. I don’t know the depths of Lucille’s pain, but I feel like I can relate to her in those ways.
To lose someone you love so deeply, and to not have a chance to say goodbye and receive closure, it’s no surprise that Lucille turned to spiritual means to contact her husband.
In Steven Oney’s book, “And the Dead Shall Rise”, he writes extensively about Lucille’s life before, during, and after her husband’s trial. After her husband’s death, Lucille was in constant pain, plus nausea and headaches. Her friends did their best to counsel her, but Lucille needed something more.
Seeking Closure
Credit: Alex Matsuo
It didn’t take long going through Oney’s book to find out what I needed. Lucille did indeed use psychic mediums to try to make contact with Leo. One medium from Oklahoma City, who spoke through a “spirit father”, gave Lucille a message from her husband saying, “Get all out of life that you can. I am sorry I had to leave you.”
It’s hard to say whether these messages gave her comfort. I hope they did. The case of Leo Frank spread around the country like wildfire. Keep in mind that when Leo died, this was around the decline of the popularity of Spiritualism. But the mediums were still there, which is how Lucille knew to contact them.
Leo and Lucille Frank…and the Future
It took a few decades, but in 1986, Frank was posthumously pardoned.
When Lucille Frank died on April 23rd, 1957 at the age of 69…42 years after Leo’s death. She was cremated, per her request. Her funeral occurred at Patterson’s Funeral Home in Atlanta. She had wanted her ashes scattered in a public park, but this was forbidden by the city. So, her ashes were stored in the funeral home. Her friends and family were concerned that any public ceremony or mention of her death would reignite the whole situation all over again.
Starting in 1958, anti-Semitic tensions were rampant. The local temple was badly damaged by a bombing. Pattersons contacted Lucille’s family and told them to deal with the matter. Alan Marcus, Lucille’s nephew, picked up the ashes, and placed them in the front trunk of his red Corvette and drove around with them for six months.
Lucille’s family, once again, was concerned that a public funeral and ceremony would reignite not only the case but this time, racial and anti-Semitic tensions. Her funeral and laying to rest were once again, delayed.
It was revealed in 2002 that Alan and his brother drove to Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta and buried Lucille’s ashes between her parents’ headstones in 1964. Her grave is unmarked, but she is no longer alone.
Meeting Lucille Face-to-Face
Credit: Alex Matsuo
Let’s return to Atlanta, and my frustrating search for Lucille’s unmarked grave.
As I wandered around Oakland Cemetery, I had to find Jewish Hill. From the front entrance, I went down the first hill, and up the second hill. I did this a few times, going back and forth. Eventually, I pulled out my phone to look at her parents’ grave to see what was around it.
I managed to look at the surroundings, and I walked. And then, there it was. I saw the headstones and started running. I ran in flip-flops and over uneven brick, and finally reached the headstones.
There it was. There she was. I saw the little stone angel marker between her parents’ grave. Before I knew it, I was standing before the remains of Lucille Frank, and start crying from happiness. This decades-long obsession I’ve had since middle school all brought me to this place.
After I did a quick video and took photos. I turned on the voice recorder on my phone and set it down. As I stood there, I talked to Lucille. I told her about how much she inspired me, and tearfully expressed condolences for her pain and suffering during Leo’s trial and his lynching. I acknowledged her strength and resilience during her life and said I’m sure Leo was proud of her and hoped they were reunited on the other side.
Then, I walked back to my car and cried. Even as I write this, I have tears in my eyes. I never realize how much this woman meant to me until that moment. This isn’t my only visit to her grave. I’m going to visit her again and will continue to do so until my time has come.
Paying Respects to Leo and Mary
This was the closest I could get to Mary Phagan’s grave since Marietta City Cemetery was closed. Credit: Alex Matsuo
After finding Lucille’s grave, I drove to Marietta and visited the memorial plaque for Leo Frank. It sits nearby the spot of his lynching. If you want to find it, it’s next to the parking lot for El Huarache Veloz at 1157 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062. I parked in the restaurant’s parking lot and just walked a few feet over.
The next day, it was time to head home. But I wanted to check out Mary Phagan’s grave and pay my respects before leaving. As I arrived, I was disappointed to see that Marietta City Cemetery padlocked their gates. And I was there around 11am on a Tuesday. Sadly, I could only look through the gate off of Cemetery Street. Look for the black pole with the memorial plaque. From a distance, I paid my respects through the gates. When I finished, I got in my car and headed back to Raleigh.
I found myself in Spartanburg, South Carolina during an extensive road trip to Atlanta, Georgie. My good friend, Tally Johnson, just happens to be an expert on the area when it comes to legends and hauntings. In fact, he’s written a book about it! Tally has actually written MANY books about the hauntings in South Carolina. Check them out when you get the chance! He was kind enough to take me to the famous haunted Tanning Yard of Spartanburg. He also shared with me a few legends of the area. Tally also shared a hilarious personal story of his own encounter with the woman in white…but it’s not what you think!
I’m not going to tell his story for him. So, you’ll need to watch the video to find out!
What is a Tanning Yard?
Okay, this California girl has no idea what a tanning yard is. It’s basically where cowhides were tanned for leather. At this particular tanning yard, it’s right under a railroad bridge, with a creek that runs underneath.
The Legend
When Tally mentioned visiting the Tanning Yard, Google directed me to a site that called it one of the most haunted places in Upstate South Carolina. Needless to say, this had my attention. According to legend, this tanning yard was home to multiple homicides nearby. We’re talking serial killer status.
Also according to legend, in the mid-1900s a bunch of cars were dumped with bodies inside. Also, Tally mentioned about a story from the 1960s and a religious cult that collected a virgin from each local high school, dress them in a white virginal gown, and sacrifice them. One girl managed to escape using the creek.
I also read that there used to be an old amusement park nearby. Also, the same girl who escaped using the creek may also be the girl who was murdered by strangulation by the Gaffney Strangler; Lee Roy Martin…also in the 1960s.
It’s amazing how all of these legends start merging together, doesn’t it?
The Hauntings
Tally calls this area “Cry Baby Bridge.” To be fair, almost every town in America has their own version of the Cry Baby Bridge legend. Babies and children can be heard crying, and red eyes have been seen glowing in the creek. A woman in white is also seen running down the creek, waving cars to stop for her. Visitors also report feeling a sense of sadness and dread.
Tally also said that if people honk their horn three times and leave the car in neutral, something moves the car. Could it be the woman in white telling you to get a move on so she can get away from her assailants?
There are also reports that there’s a micheivious ghost that comes out at night. Of course, being in a haunted spot after dark is sure to make you feel a little more nervous than usual. Could it be human nerves or something paranormal?
If you go there today to explore, I wouldn’t recommend it. This is because it is much more populated today than it was in Tally’s time. There’s actually a beautiful mansion right across the street from the creek. I can’t help but wonder if those folks have ever sensed anything weird, or is it just the tourists looking for the woman in white?
