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Lake Crescent and the Lady of the Lake Haunting it

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The Lady of the Lake said to haunt the Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. The ghost said to linger in the water is said to be the spirit of Hallie Latham Illingworth, who was murdered and dumped at the bottom of the lake.

Within the mist-shrouded landscapes of Olympic National Park in Washington lies Crescent Lake, a serene body of water with a haunting secret that transcends its natural beauty. The spectral narrative of the Lady in the Lake, rooted in a tragic tale from a horrible murder that was left floating and unsolved until the lake itself revealed it, casts an eerie spell over this enchanting wilderness.

Lake Crescent: The lake in the Olympic National Park is said to be haunted by a ghost they call the Lady of the Lake. // Source: Dave Lichterman/Flickr

Lake Crescent

The 12 mile long lake on the northwestern part of the park is said to be a stunning destination, but with haunted depths. There are many mysteries about the dark waters of the lake, often thought to be 1000 ft in popular belief. Some of them have been cleared up, like the true depth is actually 596 feet. 

The tales about Lake Crescent are old, like when the Klallam Tribes 10 000 year old oral story told about how they were fighting against the Quileute people and the Mount Storm Mountain got angry and threw a boulder at them to stop their fighting, splitting the valley in two, forming both Lake Southerland and Lake Crescent.

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According to legend, the lake never gave up on those that died back then and ever since, and for many generations the natives didn’t want to go near the lake. Although there actually is some truth to the story, there really was an earthquake at the time of battle that split the valley, is there also some truth to the legend about the lake holding on to its dead?

In 1929 a couple driving along the lake went missing and the case remained a mystery for decades. That was until 2002 when they found their 1927 Chevrolet under the surface of the lake. Although still, no bodies have shown up. 

But the most famous story is about the Lady of the Lake and the stories behind the true mystery of Hallie Latham Illingworth, the dead the lake gave back. 

The Death of Hallie Latham Illingworth

Hallie Latham Illingworth: Thought to be the spirit haunting Lake Crescent.

In 1937, the Lake Crescent Lodge and Tavern was a gathering place for those seeking respite amid the park’s breathtaking lakes. It was here that Hallie Latham Illingworth, a beloved waitress, lived and worked. Originally from Kentucky, she had found herself ensnared in the tumultuous web of her marriage to Mr. Monty Illingworth, a beer truck driver. Her latest of her three marriages. 

Unlucky in love, she had moved in search of a better life, but only found her early end of it. Both heavy drinkers, they often fought and the fights often ended violently. She would often show up to work with bruises, broken teeth and told her coworkers about how he choked her. 

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On December 22, 1937, Hallie at the age of 35 mysteriously vanished, just five months after they had married. Mr. Illingworth, quick to deflect blame, asserted that she had eloped with another man, a sailor from Alaska. 

Three long years passed before the secrets hidden beneath Crescent Lake surfaced. Monty had already gone to Long Beach in California with his new wife, whom he married the year after. She was the former roommates of Hallies sister and it was said they had gotten together before she disappeared. 

Lake Crescent Lodge: The place where Hallie Latham Illingworth used to work and also thought to be haunted by her ghost.

The Soap Corpse in Lake Crescent

But Hallie had not disappeared, not forever. She was dead, and closer than anyone had thought. In 1940, the lifeless body of Hallie Illingworth washed ashore in the near freezing water temperatures and was discovered by two fishermen.

Investigations showed how she had been tied to rocks before being dropped in the lake rolled up in a blanket. But as the ropes decomposed, her body floated up to the surface. 

There were several strange things about this case, least of all how her body and particularly her waxy and soapy skin had been preserved all these years although her features had faded. This almost perfectly preserved body because of the cold waters and minerals of salt and calcium in the water known as saponification or Ivory soap even showed evidence of being beaten and strangled. 

Her name was not identified until 14 months after the discovery as there were more than one woman gone missing in these parts the last few years and the public named her corpse the Lady of the Lake.

Her estranged husband, now implicated in her murder, faced arrest and charges that would forever tie his name to this tragic episode. He served nine years in prison for this until he was paroled in 1951.

Despite the legal resolution, the ethereal presence of Hallie’s spirit lingers along the tranquil shores of Crescent Lake. Park rangers and intrepid guests have reported eerie sightings—a ghostly figure of a woman, clad in a bygone era attire, her green dress from when she went missing and found, meandering along the water’s edge. The mournful cries that echo through the stillness of the night speak to the anguish of a life cut short and a love lost to the shadows.

The Ghost of Lake Crescent

As the Lady in the Lake, Hallie Illingworth’s ghostly apparition continues to wander the edge of Crescent Lake, a silent testament to the enduring power of tragedy and the spectral threads that bind the past to the present in Olympic National Park. It is also said she is seen gliding over the surface of the water.

Some even claim to have seen the ghost of Monty rowing over the lake to drop Hallie’s body into the water. 

It is also said her ghost is still haunting the Lake Crescent Lodge and Tavern where she used to work. Guests and staff tell about how they hear her walking up and down the stairs and that lights flicker, doors bang shut and the music turns on louder and louder. 

Some have even claimed to have seen her sit down on a table as she is smoking, perhaps even speaking to them. 

The Mysteries of Lake Crescent

The story of the Lady of the Lake is still told on the campsites of hikers taking the Spruce Railroad Trail around Lake Crescent. 

An underground stream is running between Lake Crescent and Lake Sutherland, and it has never really been explored. Some experts believe that the stream is hiding bodies of more missing people, but until then, the lake keeps it people. 

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References:

The Lady of the Lake – Hallie Illingworth • Morbidology 

Spooky National Park Experiences this Halloween 

12 Haunted National Parks | Shaka Guide 

The Hidden History of Olympic National Park’s Lake Crescent – THE OUTDOOR SOCIETY 

The Lady of Crescent Lake | It never gave up its dead until… 

True Crime: The Lady of the Lake – HistoryLink.org

The Lady of the Lake: A ghost story 

https://seeksghosts.blogspot.com/2014/07/washington-state-lady-of-lake.html

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The Haunted Sabatini’s Customs Office

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In the Sabatini’s Customs Office in Madrid the people working there think it is haunted by the victims of the Spanish Civil War that died in the basement. Loud noises, banging and strange noises have made the guards making their rounds filled with fear. 

Just around the corner of the crowded square of Puerta del Sol you will find Alcala Street in Madrid where the Architect Francisco de Sabatini designed a building on the behest of King Charles III.

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Sabatini’s Customs Office, also known as Real Casa de la Aduana, is a historic building located in Madrid. Constructed by the renowned architect Francisco de Sabatini under the orders of King Charles III, this monumental structure holds immense historical significance. Originally serving as a customs office, the building played a vital role in the city’s trade and commerce during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is utilized by the Ministry of Finance, but it’s eerie past continues to intrigue visitors and locals alike.

Haunted Basement: The Dark Secrets Unveiled

One of the most chilling aspects of Sabatini’s Customs Office lies beneath its grand facade – the haunted basement. This subterranean level was once home to prison cells and even served as a mass grave for those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War. The residual energy of the traumatic events that took place within these walls is said to linger, creating an atmosphere of unease and fear.

Visitors and employees have reported experiencing inexplicable phenomena while venturing into the basement. The air grows heavy, and an overwhelming sense of foreboding fills the space. It is not uncommon to hear ghostly whispers or witness shadowy figures lurking in the shadows. Some have even claimed to feel icy fingers brush against their skin or the sensation of being watched by unseen eyes. The haunting of the basement is an undeniable testament to the building’s dark past and the restless spirits that still roam its halls.

Haunting the Guards: A Terrifying Encounter

The guards tasked with protecting and patrolling Sabatini’s Customs Office have had their fair share of spine-chilling encounters. Many have reported strange occurrences while walking their rounds, leaving them shaken and questioning their own sanity. One common experience is a loud banging on doors and windows, seemingly coming from nowhere. As the guards rush to investigate, they are greeted with an eerie silence, as if the source of the noise has vanished into thin air.

These unexplained phenomena are often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature, sending a chill down the guards’ spines. It is as if an otherworldly presence is passing by, leaving behind an icy reminder of its presence. On one occasion, a guard even heard a disembodied voice speaking loudly and clearly, asking, “Why are you following me?” The guard turned around, only to find no one there – no one they were intentionally following or anyone visible to the naked eye. Such encounters leave the guards bewildered and questioning the nature of reality within these haunted walls.

Visited by a Medium: Conversations with the Departed

In recent years, the paranormal reputation of Sabatini’s Customs Office attracted the attention of a renowned medium. Eager to explore the building’s haunted mysteries, the medium claimed to have made contact with a spirit who had been murdered within the premises in 1847. According to the medium, this tormented soul revealed that it was not alone in the building. Numerous other spirits, victims of violence and tragedy, wandered the basement, trapped between the realms of the living and the dead.

The medium’s encounter shed light on the lingering energy and restless souls that inhabit Sabatini’s Customs Office. The spirits, unable to find peace, continue to wander the halls, their presence felt by those attuned to the supernatural. The medium’s visit added another layer of complexity to the building’s haunted reputation, leaving us with even more questions about the mysteries that lie within its walls.

The Mystery of Sabatini’s Customs Office

Sabatini’s Customs Office stands as a testament to the duality of history – a place that once bustled with the activities of trade and commerce now echoes with the whispers of the departed. The haunting tales, experienced by guards and visitors alike, add an air of mystery and intrigue to this architectural marvel. 

Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the stories surrounding Sabatini’s Customs Office cannot be easily dismissed. The ghostly encounters, the chilling voices, and the eerie atmosphere continue to captivate those who dare to explore its haunted past.

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Haunted Madrid – CaramelTrail

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The Haunted Mysteries of 25 GB Bungalow in Bonacaud

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An abandoned house in Bonacaud known as 25 GB Bungalow by an old tea plantation is now thought to be haunted. A story about a British child who died under mysterious circumstances started to circulate and it is said that her ghost is haunting her home.

Atop a hill in Bonacaud, Trivandrum, 25 GB Bungalow stands as a relic of the past, overlooking a sprawling tea plantation and estate bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu. By day, this abandoned bungalow whose actual name today is B2 is a popular destination for adventure seekers drawn by its panoramic views and historical allure. 

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By night, when the fog gathers around, the bungalow transforms into one of the most haunted places in Kerala, shrouded in eerie legends and tales of ghostly apparitions of a young girl who died under mysterious circumstances. But just how much of this haunted rumor is true?

A Glimpse into History

The story most told goes like this: The 25 GB Bungalow, once owned by a British landlord and his wife, was a symbol of colonial grandeur and it was said they were manager of a tea estate only three kilometers away from the former Boncaud Tea Estate. In many of the sources they name in Manager Saip.

Constructed during the British era, the estate boasts a majestic view of the Agasthya mountain ranges, with its hilltop location offering a 360-degree panorama of the verdant plantation and surrounding landscape. However, the grandeur of 25 GB Bungalow is overshadowed by the tragic events that unfolded within its walls.

The landlord’s children or child succumbed to mysterious illnesses. Most sources says it was a single daughter around the age of 13. Her death cloaked in uncertainty and sorrow. It is also said that the child was killed under mysterious circumstances.

The grief-stricken parents left the bungalow, abandoning it to the ravages of time and nature. It is said that the spirits of the child remain, unable to move on from the place where her young life were abruptly cut short.

Ghostly Whispers and Unseen Presences

Visitors to 25 GB Bungalow after dusk often report unsettling experiences. Several people after tried to make the bungalow their new home, but no one lasted for very long as they all claimed it was haunted by the girl.

One of the most common phenomenon is the sound of disembodied voices speaking in English with a distinct British accent. 

Despite the absence of any electrical connections, mysterious lights are frequently seen glowing within the bungalow. 

Among the various reports of paranormal activity, the apparition of a child-like figure stands out. This shadowy presence is often seen roaming around the bungalow, its form barely discernible but unmistakably that of a small child through the window of the abandoned bungalow. 

Another spine-chilling aspect of 25 GB Bungalow’s haunted reputation is the sound of glass breaking, echoing through the silent night as the screams and laugh of a child can be heard. Is it the sound of the actual living local children, or perhaps the ghost of the child that were left behind?

Possession of a Local Girl

One of the most famous stories connected to this house and haunting was when a young local girl went up to the house to collect firewood. It was said that the girl was unschooled when she went out, but when she returned, she behaved strangely. According to the locals, she now spoke English fluently as well as reading and writing. 

This led people to believe that the ghost of the British girl had somehow possessed the girl and made the haunted rumours spread even more. Did this really happen though is the question as there is no information about how the girl turned out and further details about the possession.

The Truth Behind 25 GB Bungalow

The name as mentioned, is not actually 25 GB, who actually refers to the next door building used by the drivers to stay in. A plaque marking the buildings got people confused, and therefore the bungalow has become known as 25 GB.

When was it built though? Some sources state that 25 GB Bungalow is actually from the 1850s, but the reality looks quite different. It seems like the bungalow was built when foreigners named Johnny and Brown were managers in 1961-62. Or perhaps it was built in 1951, the numbers given by different sources vary. Although the tea plantation itself is probably as old as the 1850s, the bungalow itself is not.

According to the locals, there was no Manager Saip living with his daughter who died. The rumor about people leaving 25 GB Bungalow because of it being haunted also looks false. Truth is that the bungalow was owned by tea plantations and there were many worker disputes until the company eventually went under. 

The tragic tale of the British landlord’s children, coupled with the numerous reports of paranormal activity, has cemented its status as one of Kerala’s most haunted locations. But did they actually exist? According to a journalist looking into the case for fact checking, the story first aired as a part of a private TV channel and that the locals were hearing the story about it first then.

The doors and windows are now all destroyed. The mosaic floor and fireplace is still standing as a skeleton of a home. Outside there is a large pine tree swaying in the wind, the only thing suppose to be still alive in the bungalow. 

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References:

Read the story behind Bonacaud Bungalow, which tops Google search for haunted places in Kerala

In Kerala’s Bonacaud, This 175-year-old Haunted Bungalow Is A Tourist Destination – News18 

പ്രേതകഥകളുടെ നിഴലിൽ ബോണക്കാട് ബംഗ്ലാവ് | Fact Check 

The Ghost Village of Bonacaud 

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The Haunted and Forgotten Ground of Kasauli Graveyard

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From colonial times, there are only graves left behind in Kasauli Graveyard, and they are slowly disappearing with no one to attend to them. Over time, the rumors of the graveyard being haunted also grew together with the wild grass taking over the headstones. 

The serene hill town of Kasauli, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is famous for its breathtaking vistas and tranquil beauty. Yet, amid the picturesque landscapes and lush forests, a spine-chilling enigma shrouds the Kasauli Graveyards inside of a forest, as old as the town itself. 

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Positioned on the way to Shimla in the Solan district, there are two cemeteries that have gained notoriety as a hotspot for paranormal activities that have left visitors bewildered and unnerved. These cemeteries can be found on the Kasauli-Dharampur and Kasauli-Parwanoo road around a kilometer from the town center.

Phantom Apparitions Among Weathered Graves

Visitors to Kasauli Graveyard have reported chilling sightings of apparitions, wandering the hallowed grounds under the cloak of night among the graves that are up to 200 years old, many of them not maintained where time and weather is about to reclaim them. 

There have also been problems with people stealing iron crosses as well as the marble headstones over the years. Has all of this helped fuel the haunted rumors?

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from cemeteries around the world

The first cemetery is on Dharmapur road and houses mostly Europeans that lived there in colonial times as well as 29 soldiers from the British army who died during World War 1. Some say they are still here. These ethereal figures, shrouded in mystery, cast eerie shadows that dance with the moonlight. 

The Lone Caretaker

As the sun dips below the horizon, Kasauli Graveyard awakens to a symphony of ghostly whispers. Eager ears have strained to decipher the incoherent murmurs that fill the night air, their origin a macabre mystery. 

As the current caretaker of the graveyard, Devi Lal, says: “The dead here need care.” He is better known as Kabristan ka Chowkidar in the town and has done as his father and grandfather before him, taken care of the graveyard. For free that is. 

And although it is the cemetery that is supposed to be haunted, the diligent caretaker has another opinion and claims: “This place haunted? Nah! But I do see dead people being haunted by the humans here.”

Nocturnal Laments and Unearthly Cries

The second cemetery with hundreds of graves dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, can be found on Parwanoo road not far from the old Central Research Institute. There is a small path in a forest area leading to the cemetery where the state is much like the first one and wild grass and shrubs are growing over the headstones. 

Who and why these graveyards are supposed to be haunted is unclear, however the stories about it have reached far. 

Most stories come from visitors that are claiming to have experienced different paranormal things while walking among the gravestones. They have talked about hearing the sound of ghosts weeping  and seen the spirits gliding through the cemetery. 

Perhaps this is why the local authorities forbid people visiting the graveyard after dark?

The Haunted Abandoned Kasauli Graveyard

The Kasauli Graveyard, veiled in an otherworldly aura, captivates the imagination of those who dare to explore its haunted terrain. The tales of phantom apparitions, ghostly whispers, and the woeful cries of the night beckon the curious and the fearless. 

While skepticism may shroud the paranormal occurrences within these grounds, the mystique of Kasauli Graveyard sits there, inviting those who seek the mystery of the abandoned and supposedly haunted. 

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References:

https://curlytales.com/most-haunted-places-in-himachal

https://thewildcone.com/web-stories/13-facts-about-kasaulis-cemeteries

10 Best haunted places to visit in Himachal Pradesh 

Visiting the Dead in Kasauli’s Cemeteries — Wildcone 2023 

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The Cherokee Legend of Spearfinger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Disguised as an old woman or a loved one, the liver eating Spearfinger has terrified the Cherokees for centuries. She hides in the mountain, attacking children to eat their livers.  

In the mist-laden embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park between North Carolina and Tennessee lies a haunting tale, a Cherokee legend that weaves through the dense forests and shadowy trails under the misty mountain peaks. 

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The legend of Spearfinger, or the U’tlun’ta in the Cherokee language meaning “she had it sharp’, is said to live in this area. According to Cherokee lore, Spearfinger is no ordinary witch; she is a sinister entity with a penchant for deception and a hunger for the flesh of unsuspecting children.

The Legend of Spearfinger

The legend unfolds along the winding paths of the Great Norton Creek Trail, trails along the Chilhowee Mountain and by Little Tennessee River. Among her favorite places she calls home is the thunder mountain, Whiteside.  

Spearfinger is said to disguise herself as a kindly grandmother or a family member of children she sees to sneak up on her victims. Dancing in clouds, she sang her favorite song with her raven friend:

Uwe la na tsiku. Su sa sai.

Liver, I eat it. Su sa sai.

Uwe la na tsiku. Su sa sai.

Armed with a finger that resembles a sharp, knife-like blade that looks like a spear or obsidian knife, she lures innocent children away from the safety of their homes and into the heart of the ancient woods. Once under her spell, Spearfinger reveals her true form, her mouth stained with blood from livers she has eaten and with her Nûñ’yunu’ï, which means “Stone-dress”, for her stone-like skin. With a single, fatal stroke, she cuts her victims and consumes their tender body parts.

Arrows cannot pierce her stone skin and she is strong, picking up boulders without any effort. She is also said to often clutch her right hand tightly, as she is hiding her heart in her palm, her only weak spot. 

Stories About Spearfinger

The Cherokee have traditionally been very cautious about strangers, and were suspicious of those who wandered off alone. They could come back as the liver-eater in disguise, and there were many stories about this. 

Some tales told about her deceiving people by hiding the victims after turning into them. She went to their families and waited until they were asleep so she could steal the children’s livers. 

Hunters in the woods told about an old woman with a strangely shaped hand, singing her song and scaring them so they ran off. Because Spearfinger is quick and doesn’t even leave a scar, making the victims ill before they die after a few days. 

When birds flock to the sky, villagers say it was her. Her presence was marked by the graceful dance of the birds, as if they were paying homage to her mysterious spirit. The villagers whispered about her shadowy figure, weaving tales of her mystical connection to the natural world.

The Spearfinger Place

But where did she come from? What is her purpose? Was she just a story parents told their children to keep out of woods and strangers? According to the storyteller, Kathi Littlejohn of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, she says that there are portals to the other worlds. The upper world of the creator, the middle world of humans and the underworld were creatures like Spearfinger comes from. 

Years ago, sometime in the 19th century, the Cherokee pinpointed the location where the ruins of Spearfinger’s Tree Rock remain, in Blount County, Tennessee. This area, rich with history and legend, is known as Nantahala. The Cherokee name for the place is U’Tluntun’yi, which means “The Spearfinger Place.” U’Tluntun’yi holds a significant place in Cherokee lore as it is believed to be where Spearfinger built a rock bridge that offended the higher spirits who struck it down with a bolt of lightning, giving her a body of rocks. 

The Death of Spearfinger

The Cherokee called a great council, including towns like Tomotley, Tenase, Setico, and Chota, which were haunted by the liver eater, Spearfinger. The medicine man, adawehi, revealed Spearfinger’s deception and proposed a trap: a pit covered with brush and a smoky fire. Spearfinger, drawn by the smoke, approached disguised as an old woman. Though initially mistaken for one of their own, the medicine man recognized her trick. Despite arrows breaking against her stone skin, Spearfinger fell into the pit, unharmed by the stakes. 

Birds descended to help; a titmouse misled them to aim at her chest, but a chickadee correctly indicated her right hand. The hunters severed her heart by hitting her wrist, ending her curse. Stone Man, her ally, dismissed the warning of her death and continued his ominous song. In gratitude, the chickadee was forever known as the “truth teller.” Cherokee storytellers still recount Spearfinger’s legend and mark where her stone form fell.

But even though the Cherokee claim to have killed the liver-eating witch of stone, there are still stories of her cackles and shrieks echoing through the mountains. The legend tells of how she would lure unsuspecting travelers into her lair with promises of shelter, only to devour their livers in a grotesque display of her insatiable hunger. Some say her spirit still haunts the darkest caves and craggy peaks, seeking vengeance for her demise.

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The Cherokee Legend of Spearfinger 

Spearfinger – Wikipedia The terrifying legend of Spearfinger as told by a Cherokee storyteller

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The Haunting of Naggar Castle in the Hills

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In the mountainous hills in India, Naggar Castle is said to be haunted and visitors and staff that have stayed at the hotel it now operates as, talk about their paranormal experiences. 

Sat in the picturesque landscape of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, is Naggar Castle overlooking the green mountain ranges in the Kullu valley on the way to Manali. Although not the biggest castle, this medieval stronghold, which dates back to around 1460 A.D., carries with it not only a rich history but also a spectral mystique. 

The Kullu Valley: Known as the “Valley of the Gods” or “Dev Bhumi” because almost every village in the valley has a local deity and annual festivities around them. Naggar Castle was the seat of the Kings ruling the valley.

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Today it is a heritage hotel you can stay in, but Naggar Castle’s history is as captivating as its Himachali architecture of wood and stone. It housed the Kullu kings for almost 1500 years before Kullu Town was made the capital in the mid-1800s. 

The name Kullu derives from the word “Kulant Peeth”, meaning “end of the habitable world” and the secluded place only got a road for cars after Indian Independence in the mid 20th century. Constructed under the patronage of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, it has seen centuries pass by from its perch on the hills and the lower rocky ridges. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

One legend about the building of the castle suggests that Raja Sidh Singh utilized stones from the abandoned palace of Rana Bhonsal, known as “Gardhak,” to build this castle. 

The Eerie Echoes of Naggar Castle

As mentioned Naggar Castle is today a heritage hotel and has been so since 1978, so even as a hotel it has a rich and long story. So where do the ghost stories come from? From its time as a castle or as a hotel? 

Naggar Castle: constructed c. 1460 CE in local Himalayan architecture in Naggar, district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. //Source

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Over the years, Naggar Castle amid the pine and deodar forest has acquired a reputation for being haunted, with countless eyewitnesses attesting to the inexplicable and the paranormal within its walls. But what are they seeing and hearing?

Although there is not one single ghost story, the tapestry of history weaved into the old castle-like building is said to linger and strange and ghostly occurrences constantly happening. 

Visitors have reported hearing distinct voices engaging in conversation and witnessing objects mysteriously moving of their own accord in the hotel. Typically classical and vague signs for haunting. But are they true? The visitors checking in and spending time there must be the judges.

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References:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/naggar/naggar-castle/ps59178641.cms

10 Best haunted places to visit in Himachal Pradesh 

Naggar Castle – Wikipedia

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The Ghostly Presence of Beverly at Lake Quinault Lodge

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At the old Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Park, it is said that the ghost of Beverly, the former employee that died in a fire, still haunts the suit named after her.

Lake Quinault Lodge was built in a span over 10 weeks in 1926 and still stands like it did then in the middle of nature. The Lodge has drawn people wanting closer to nature for years but also bore witness to a tragic tale that left an indelible mark on its storied history. 

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This remote Lodge far from most things in the In the Pine peaks of Olympic National Park in Washington was built in 1926 and still today it cling to its rustic and spartan way of living with no internet and designed to socialize with other guests. A lot of the conversations are about  the designated house ghost, a former employee called Beverly. 

Lake Quinault Lodge : The old lodge said to be haunted by Beverly, the former housekeeper who died in a tragic fire. // Source: Flickr

The Haunting in The Beverly Suite

One time a guest was unpacking her bag inside of her booked room when she was suddenly face to face with a woman. The woman told her name was Beverly and that she worked at the hotel. The guest got so upset about the unannounced staff and went to complain to the front desk. The ones working behind it had to tell her that they did in fact not have a worker called Beverly, not anymore. The guest checked out the same night. The room the woman was staying in was called The Beverly Suite.

There are plenty of different rooms in the Lake Quinault Lodge, one of them being The Beverly Suite filling up the entire third floor in the Boathouse Building. The staff used to call it that after they noticed that their ghost seemed to prefer to appear inside of it. 

Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

According to the story, there was a woman named Beverly, once the dedicated housekeeper of this remote haven. However, one night a fire engulfed the lodge’s attic in the Main Lodge, in some versions the Boathouse that used to serve as a kitchen. 

The fire claimed the life of the unsuspecting Beverly who slept soundly in her room, or worked in the kitchen. 

Interior: Inside of Lake Quinault Lodge as it was in 2017. // Source: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia

The Death of Beverley at Lake Quinault Lodge

Beverly’s untimely demise cast a melancholic shadow over Lake Quinault Lodge, but her spirit, it seems, refused to depart from the place she worked. In the quiet corners of the lodge, her apparition is said to wander, a ghostly specter that traverses the halls with a quiet grace and her presence is thought to be most powerful in the attic. 

Witnesses to Beverly’s ghostly manifestations recount the subtle opening of windows as a testament to her lingering benevolence. The gentle touch of her unseen hand, still imbued with the essence of a caring housekeeper, leaves an ethereal trail that hints at her enduring connection to the lodge and its occupants.

Although mostly a friendly ghost it has been said she sometimes throws glasses and silverware. 

The True Haunting of the Lodge

But was there really a fire at the Lake Quinault Lodge that took the life of one of the employees? Was there ever a housekeeper named Beverly? One year we dated was 1924, when the owner of the hotel was Olena Egge. On an August day she brought her family to a picnic of Higley Peak and saw black smoke through the fog.  

In this version Beverley was her cook and chambermaid and the fire had started in the flue in the kitchen. All was gone at the hotel except the fireplace and chimney. After this, the hotel we see and stay in today was built on top of it. 

Lake Quinault Lodge: The original building that was completely destroyed by the fire and the starting point for the ghostly legends of today.

It is said that she watches over the lodge, a silent guardian from beyond the veil, ensuring that the tranquility of this remote retreat is maintained. As the winds sweep through the dense forests surrounding Lake Quinault, whispers of Beverly’s presence are carried through the air. 

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References:

LeRoy Tipton’s take on local lodge history – Washington Our Home 

Lake Quinault Lodge – FrightFind 

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The Buried Bones Haunting The Provincial Council of Granada

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In a former church with a haunted rumor in Granada, they did some renovations when it was turned to house the Provincial Council of Granada and found something disturbing under the foundations of The Buried Bones. Human remains were discovered and gave an answer to just who had haunted the building for centuries. 

Granada, a city steeped in history and Moorish heritage, boasts several haunted buildings that have fascinated locals and visitors alike. Among these enigmatic structures, one stands out on Calle Mesones, downtown. What started as a Moorish hermitage later transformed into the church of St. Magdalena and now serves as a council building. This historic landmark holds a dark secret that has intrigued and unsettled those who have delved into its mysteries.

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After the church buildings were privatized, the church was converted into a fabric warehouse and it was said that it was haunted already then. The people that worked there didn’t dare to go inside except for in pairs because of all the strange things that happened in the warehouse where they kept fabric.

The rolls of fabric would keep falling over together as strange noises filled the building with an eerie sensation. 

The Buried Bones Unearthed: A Sinister Discovery

The same thing is said to have been reported when the Woolworth Chain took over the building. The lights kept turning on and off as well as objects having a life of their own. They closed seven years later and it is said that when they locked the door, the lights turned on. But nothing was as frightening as what they found when they renovated the place. 

During renovations on the old building of the Provincial Council of Granada, a shocking discovery sent chills down the spines of the workers. Beneath the weathered walls and crumbling foundations, human bones were unearthed—many of them belonging to children. The sheer number of bones found within the building was unnerving, raising questions about the building’s history and the stories it held within its silent walls.

This macabre find added fuel to the haunting tales that had circulated for years. Workers who had spent time within the building claimed to have experienced strange occurrences—gusts of wind from nowhere, flickering lights, and an unsettling presence that permeated the air. These paranormal phenomena only added to the building’s reputation as a place shrouded in darkness and mystery.

When the council moved into the building, the staff continued to walk in pairs, and the security guards in the night kept leaving one by one. It is said that the only one that dared to keep working there was a deaf employee that couldn’t hear all of the sounds that seemed to come from the building. 

The Ghostly Priest: A Haunting Apparition

Legends surrounding the haunted building also speak of the apparition of a priest, believed to be from the time when the building served as the church of St. Magdalena. Witnesses have reported encountering a spectral figure dressed in priestly garb, silently gliding through the corridors and crypts of the haunted building. The ghostly priest adds an extra layer of intrigue and hauntings to an already chilling narrative.

As visitors and locals continue to explore, the fascination with Granada’s haunted building remains an ongoing phenomenon. The allure of unearthing forgotten stories and encountering otherworldly phenomena draws in those seeking a thrill and a deeper connection to the city’s rich history. Whether it be the bones buried beneath the building’s foundation or the ghostly presence of the long-departed priest, Granada’s haunted building continues to captivate and send shivers down the spine of all who dare to enter.

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References:

Halloween in Granada | Ghosts and legends | Cicerone
The 5 most Haunted Places in Spain
The 10 most famous haunted houses in Spain — idealista

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The Haunting of Dona Paula Beach and the Pearl Wearing Ghost

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People on the Dona Paula Beach in Goa, India claim to have seen the ghost of a woman coming out from the ocean, wearing only a pearl necklace. Legend claim it is Dona Paula, lamenting over her tragic love.

Along the coastline of Goa, Dona Paula Beach is a renowned destination for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure in Panaji. With its pristine sands, azure waters, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers an idyllic escape where the Mandovi and Zuari meet the Arabian Sea. It is crowded during the tourist season with people flocking to the beach, but a calm place during monsoons. 

Read more: Check out all ghost stories from India

However, as the sun sets and shadows deepen over the Marmugao Harbour, this seemingly serene paradise transforms into one of the most haunted places in Goa, steeped in tales of love, loss, and the supernatural.

Dona Paula Beach: Source: Flickr

The Story of Dona Paula

The Dona Paula Beach derives its name from Dona Paula de Menezes, or as her full name was: Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior. She was the beautiful daughter of  the Portuguese Viceroy of Jaffnapatnam, Sri Lanka, or at least related to him. 

Dona Paula is said to have come to this place in 1744. It used to be a fishing village known as Oddavell. So what happened after Dona Paula arrived in the village that would eventually be named after her?

The legends about Dona Paula are many and confusion about who she really was runs so deep, even the tourists guides slip up. 

The Tragic Love Story

Legend has it that Dona Paula fell deeply in love with a local fisherman, some give him the name Gaspar Dias or Paulo, a romance that defied the rigid social norms of their time. Her aristocratic family vehemently opposed the union, forbidding Dona Paula from seeing her beloved. 

Heartbroken and despairing, she chose to end her life rather than live without him. One fateful night, she leaped from the cliffs into the turbulent Arabian Sea, her tragic story forever entwined with the locale. In some versions, he jumped with her. 

Other Variations of the Legend

There is also a bit of a different myth about her where she was a lady-in-waiting for the Governor General’s wife. The Portuguese Governor took a shining to her and his wife didn’t like it one bit and took action to tear them apart. 

According to the stories, the Governor even gifted her a pearl necklace. As punishment, she was stripped of all of her clothes on top of the cliff. With only a pearl necklace around her neck, the wife pushed her off the cliff. 

Dona Paula Cliff: It is also said that she actually did marry the fisherman, but he went to sea, but never returned. She waited for him at the cliff for the rest of her life, eventually turning into stone. Here from the unrelated statue on Dona Paula Beach that have started to merge with the legend. // Source: Wikimedia

Lovers Paradise in Goa and Dona Paula Beach

It is said that Dona Paula was entombed in the Cabo Chapel nearby and that her spirit remains. To this day, the area where she leapt off the cliffs are still referred to as lovers paradise. According to many locals, it is also thought to be haunted by Dona Paula. 

It is said that on moonlit nights, the ghostly figure of Dona Paula can be seen emerging from the sea, clad only in a shimmering pearl necklace. Her spectral form glides silently along the shoreline, a forlorn reminder of her unfulfilled love and untimely demise. The sight of her apparition has left many with an unsettling chill, as her sorrowful eyes seem to search for the lover she lost to the cruel tides of fate.

The True Tale of Dona Paula

The haunting tales of Dona Paula Beach have persisted for generations, with each retelling adding new layers to the legend. Some believe that her spirit wanders not out of malevolence, but out of a desperate yearning to reunite with her lost love. Others suggest that her restless ghost guards the beach, ensuring that no one else suffers a similar fate. But how much of it is actually true?

What we do know is that Dona Paula married when she arrived in Goa, as her title Dona would suggest. She married a hidalgo, a Spanish nobility in 1756 called Dom António Caetano de Menezes Souto Maior. They were a very affluent family, owning everything from Cabo Raj Nivas to Caranzalem.

She was known to the locals as a woman with a big heart and remembered for her charity and this is the reason why the former village, now neighborhood, named it after her. As of her death, she is said to have died on 21st of December, 1782, but of what is uncertain.  

How her legacy became a haunted one though is uncertain. One can perhaps wonder if a woman dedicating her life to charity, must be reduced to a lovesick woman that can’t deal with life if she can’t have her possible fictional lover. 

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References:

Problems `haunting’ Dona Paula | undefined News – Times of India 

Dona Paula – Wikipedia

The legend of Dona Paula – truth or tall-tale | undefined News – Times of India 

Of love and legends: The story of Dona Paula

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The Black Doctor of the Pines: A Haunting Tale from the New Jersey Pine Barrens

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In the shadowy depths of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a spectral figure roams the dense woods, forever etched into the folklore of the region. This is the tale of the Black Doctor of the Pines, a ghostly healer whose presence still stirs the hearts and minds of those who traverse these eerie lands.

The New Jersey Pine Barrens, a vast expanse of dense forests and mysterious wetlands, is a place steeped in eerie folklore and haunted legends. Covering over a million acres, this wilderness is not only known for its natural beauty but also for the chilling tales that have emerged from its shadowy depths. 

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Among the most famous of these is the legend of the Jersey Devil, a fearsome creature said to inhabit the Barrens, terrorizing locals with its unearthly screeches and terrifying appearance. Ghost towns, remnants of once-thriving communities, now stand silent, their abandoned buildings whispering secrets of the past. These tales, woven together with the haunting stillness of the landscape, create an atmosphere of mystery and unease, making the Pine Barrens a place where the past and the supernatural seem to coexist.

The alleged ghost we are looking closer at here though is Dr. James Still, the real man that would be remembered at the Black Doctor of the Pines:

The Pines: the Jersey Pine Barrens are filled with ghost towns, mills no longer in use like this within its thick canopy of pine trees. It is also here the Black Doctor of the Pines are said to be haunting.

Dr. James Still the Man and the Legend

James Still (1812-1882), the man who would become known as the Black Doctor, was a determined individual with a passion for healing. In the mid-19th century, however, his aspirations were stymied by the pervasive racial prejudices of the time. 

The Black Doctor of the Pines was born at Indian Mills and lived in Burlington County most of his life. One out of 18 children from the former slaves, Levin and Charity Still, his family was heavily involved in the abolitionist movement, and his brother was William Still, a founder of the Underground Railroad as well as Peter Still, a man who rescued himself from slavery. 

Forbidden from practicing medicine due to his race, Still sought solace and purpose in the isolation of the Pine Barrens. Here, amidst the thick canopy of pines and the whispering winds, he pursued his medical studies through textbooks and, as some legends recount, learned the secrets of herbal medicine from the Native Americans who had long called these woods home.

Still studied the healing powers of herbs and plants, and developed medical practices based on his own observations. He began earning a modest income by regularly selling his homemade oils, tinctures, and essences to Philadelphia druggists Charles and William Ellis.

Read More: Check out more of the haunted tales of the Pines like the Jersey Devil here

The Black Doctor of the Pines didn’t hide away in the pines forever though as he ended up becoming one of the wealthiest men in Burlington County and built a wonderful house and hospital, married and had eight children. Although he became rich, he remembered the poverty he came from, living a frugal life.

The Ghost of The Black Doctor of the Pines

Some chilling accounts tell of a tragic end, where local residents, upon discovering his clandestine practice, lynched The Black Doctor of the Pines in a fit of racial hatred. These stories speak of dark nights and ghostly figures swinging from the branches, their spirits forever restless.

What really happened though is that he died of a stroke in 1882. He is buried in Colemantown Cemetery in Mount Laurel, New Jersey with his family around him.

The legend of James Still has endured, and his spirit is said to linger in the Pine Barrens. When the rumor of him haunting the pines started to spread it was uncertain, but it is said to happen when people need it.

Those who venture deep into the woods at night may encounter a mysterious figure, holding a flickering lantern, gently guiding them to safety. Lost or injured wanderers have described feeling a sense of peace and protection, as if an unseen force were guiding them away from harm as well as fixing their ailments.

The Black Doctor of the Pines, whether a victim of violence or a benevolent healer, remains an enduring symbol of resilience and compassion. His ghostly presence serves as a reminder of both the darkness and the light that can exist within the human spirit. So, if you ever find yourself lost in the vast, silent woods of the Pine Barrens, keep an eye out for a flickering lantern light. It just might be James Still, the Black Doctor, continuing his eternal vigil, ready to guide you home.

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References:

NJDEP | Dr. James Still Office Historic Site | New Jersey State Park Service 

James Still (doctor) – Wikipedia 

Legends and tales of the New Jersey Pine Barrens – Wikipedia 

Inside the New Jersey Pine Barren’s Legends and Abandoned Ghost Towns