Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:00 am Post subject: Savannah GhoStock
I can't believe how close its getting to GhoStock! Less then 2 months are left to secure your room!!
I've been fortunate enough to have visited Savannah many times and have learned a good deal about their history. Savannah was declared in Oct. 2002 by the American Institute of Parapsychology, which professes to investigate hauntings with scientific rigor, to be the most haunted city in America. The movie "The Garden of Good and Evil", helped catapult Savannah to the forefront of many peoples attentions but, what kept it there were the hundreds of stories we learned of afterwards. Some chilling, some humorous, most witnessed by many on differant occasions.
GhoStock is not something you want to miss. If you haven't signed up yet, take a moment to do so now. There are many things on our agenda!! After you register, come back to this topic and pull up a chair around the campfire. Share a Savannah Ghost Story you've heard about (or witnessed!).
C'Mon folks, I've got the marshmellows!
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:27 am Post subject:
Heres a link for a Savannah timeline going back to Ogelthorpe in 1733..... http://www.ourgeorgiahistory.com/chronpop/1000055
The city has had several catastrophes causing hundreds of deaths. In 1820 there were 2 major ones. January brought a huge fire that destroyed 463 buildings. In April, the first of two yellow fever epidemics took over. By the end of the year, fire and fever death tolls neared 700.
Savannah was literally built on its dead. Cemeteries were built on the edge of the settlement. As the colony grew into a port city the cemeteries were absorbed and homes and businesses built on former burial sites. Some of the dead were moved, some probably weren't. And some just turn up. A mummified body was found in the walls of the Foley House some years back. But, even before settlers arrived in Savannah this high ground known to the Creek and Choctaw peoples as Yamacraw Bluffs was probably a burial ground. Native Americans from this culture literally built their towns around their dead.
I have many many stories about haunted sightings in Savannah but I'm looking forward to reading what some of your favorites are. I'll include some of mine also as we go along.
Lets get scared!
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:42 am Post subject:
Yes, General Shermans march did end in Savannah. That being said, lets discuss The Marshall House.
Built in 1852 The Marshall House is now and originally a hotel, but its also served as a hospital during the civil war and a volunteer fire department in 1867. During its 12 million dollar restoration in 1998, workmen were constructing some structural checks in the crawl space under the building. They continuously bumped into objects they assumed were rocks and tossed them aside. Eventually, they shined there flashlights to discover they were not rocks but, human bones. Specifically arms and legs. During the civil war, when a limb was hit by the heavily damaging bullets the usual recourse was amputation. I assume the usual recourse was also to discard the limbs on site.
The ghosts of both children and soldiers have been spotted on the 3rd floor of this hotel and was featured by the Travel Channel show, Haunted Hotels. _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Sep 22, 2004 Posts: 340 Location: Loganville, GA
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:08 pm Post subject:
The Travel Channel's Haunted Hotels (Weird Travels, right?) was a good show - I remember watching it after seeing that it was going to feature a Savannah hotel, hoping it would feature the Seventeen Hundred Ninety Inn, which is where David & I are staying. Unfortunately they didn't - but from what you have told us about the place and from what we have read ourselves, it should prove to be an interesting stay! We may need a vacation from our vacation!
We are staying in the room that is supposed to be haunted by a woman who fell to her death because of a lost love. We are also hoping to check out the kitchens from what you have told us, Babs. Hope to hear more stories...thanks! _________________ Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes! http://myspace.com/aravisramandu
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:46 pm Post subject:
Waving Girl- I was wondering what was holding you up in replying to a Savannah topic! lol I'm so glad you were able to find "the" room available for you. I might have to stop by...you know, just to say hi... I met the owner a few years back and he was nice enough to give me a tour. It is a gorgeous bed and breakfast. I would have liked to taken some time outside on the patio with a nice mint julip!!! Anyway, for those who do not know the story...
Anna Powers fell deeply in love with a married seaman in the early 1800's. As the sails of his ship left her sight down the Savannah river, Anna threw herself to her death from the third floor balcony. There are mixed claims of Anna possibly being with child when she jumped. Room 204 is said to have the most activity as Anna, in her long flowing white, ankle length gown still waits for the return of her lover. She has been known to touch the men who stay in Rm 204 and otherwise make her presence known.
The ghost rarely spoken of resides in the kitchen area. It is thought to be the ghost of a long ago employee who still wants to make sure everything is done right. She has been known to bang dishes in the kitchen.
The 17 Hundred 90 is the oldest Inn in Savannah.
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:57 pm Post subject:
and of course....
The Waving Girl Statue on River Street. This monument honors Florence Martus (1869-1943) who lived near the entrance to Savannah Harbor and would wave to EACH ship that came and went- for 44 years!!- nearly 50,000 vessels hoping her lover would be on one of them. Some have claimed to see the stone cloth moving in the wind and still others claim that the ghost of a young boy who was hung by the river for "breaking the necks of animals and children??", can be seen near the statue and close to the river on calm autumn nights, looking for victims.
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Sep 22, 2004 Posts: 340 Location: Loganville, GA
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 12:48 pm Post subject:
hmmmmm........I'm sure David can handle himself with a "touchy-feely" ghost! He might like it!
Seriously - pull up a rocking chair on the verandah! We can mint some juleps and by the time we're good and sauced let's see if we can find the "record" button on the DVR!
Florence is happy with me that I finally put her in this thread - we've been playing in "off-topic" games a little much lately - great fun!
From what I have read about the more "touristy" things to do in Savannah, there is the "Trolley of the Doomed" which does sound like fun despite the corny name:
Tonight's the Night!!!
Join us for an evening excursion through the darker side of America’s Most Haunted City!
Savannah is often referred to as "America’s Most Haunted City!" Her turbulent history has unleashed a fascination with the supernatural. Old Town Trolley Tours® of Savannah presents an unforgettable "FRIGHTSEEING"sm experience aboard the Ghosts & Gravestonessm Tour. Join our gravedigger guide aboard the “Trolley of the Doomed” as we share tales of murder and mayhem, ghosts, ghouls and other mysterious happenings and phenomena. Let us take you to the secret haunts that only the gravediggers know.
See the only house in Savannah to undergo an exorcism. Hear about the hanging victims in Wright Square that are still “hanging around” and visit the Colonial Park Cemetery and find out why some of its residents are reputed to have lived over 200 years while others died before they were born.
You never know what you might encounter wandering the streets of Savannah. Don’t be afraid, well, maybe a little…
Join us... if you dare!
The last time I was in Savannah (WAY too long ago), I remember LOVING the River Street shops - it may have been the candy-making store (mmmmm....candy) that I heard a story of strange goings-on in the early-morning hours in the shop, but of course I can't remember details (I was 10). I feel fairly certain that most - if not all - of those River Street shops have a spirit or two (or three or four). I am not only excited about GhoStock, but also about visiting one of the most beautiful towns I have ever had the pleasure of being in! _________________ Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes! http://myspace.com/aravisramandu
Joined: May 18, 2004 Posts: 1573 Location: metro ATL
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 3:04 pm Post subject:
Babs~ what a great topic..I am so excited over GHOSTOCK! I hope everyone else is getting ready, making reservations, getting the old suitcase out and stocking up on film,batteries,etc..
I have never been to Savannah but I have read numerous books and read the many ghost stories that has made Savannah famous for the hauntings! I cant wait to go...This will be I am sure, the first of many exciting ghostocks! I can hardly wait to see Bonaventure!
_________________ Heidi
Your lost friends are not dead, but gone before, advanced a stage or two upon that road which you must travel in the steps they trod.
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:18 pm Post subject:
Okay, lets do Bonaventure now....
In 1771, 9,920 acres of Ga. land was owned by John Mullryne and his son-in-law. 600 acres of that property were named Bonaventure, meaning "Good Fortune", and this became the family home. Ironically, "good" fortune did not always befall the family.
Twice, within 30 years, fire destroyed the home. It is said that on one of those occasions the dinner party was moved to the lawn so to not ruin a perfectly good evening. There have been claims to still be able to hear the clinking of wine glasses. The family home also served as a hospital for French troops looking to capture Savannah from the british. John Mullrynes daughter-in-law was the first to be buried there in 1802.
Bonaventure is the final resting place for many fallen soldiers as well as others including, Pulitzer Prize winning poet Conrad Aiken, and song writer Johnny Mercer.
Bonaventure has got to be thee most beautiful cemetery I have ever seen. Spanish moss hangs low from the trees giving you a true Savannah welcome. The monuments leave you awestruck. The "Bird Girl" monument made famous from the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil used to sit atop a family plot but was moved around 1988 to the Telfair Museum. Another famous monument is the life size monument of Gracie Watkins. Her site is now fenced in to keep people at a small distance yet, her nose shows the marks of well aimed stones. Visitors have left Gracie small trinkets as gifts and it is said that if anyone removes any of these gifts, Gracie's statue will cry tears that resemble blood.
What you can be sure to see are stones that have been placed on a large number of graves throughout the cemetery. A belief of many visitors is that placing a stone on the grave of a loved one will ensure their spirit to be "grounded" and not wandering about aimlessly. hmmmm
A pack of ghosts dogs have also been reported at Bonaventure. Though no one has claimed to see them, they can be heard
running and breathing as they are being chased. Personally, Id rather hear the lovely sounds of a fine dinner party being warmed by the glow of a nice fire.
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Sep 22, 2004 Posts: 340 Location: Loganville, GA
Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:46 pm Post subject:
A spirit after my own heart!
I copied this form another link, and thought of what I had mentioned earlier about the Candy Kitchen on River Street - just thought it would be an interesting story to add to the thread:
Candy Store Ghost
Best Read Guide
Around Savannah, you hear of ghosts with a number of eccentric habits. There are those who play with marbles, rolling them across the floor of otherwise empty rooms. There is a ghost who inhabits a downtown kitchen, and she is apt to sometimes push you out of the way if you disturb her "cooking." There is the affectionate ghost in a local inn who likes to give gentle kisses and neck rubs. Yet one of the strangest of all may be the ghost with the sweet tooth.
At a well-known pub at the center of the Historic District, the owner and the servers share the rooms with a spirit known as "Larry." Larry, who occasionally appears to startled servers and patrons, seems to have lived in the 19th century, judging by his style of dress. Larry seems to be a cheerful ghost, and he causes very little trouble to the staff, most of whom regard him with as much equanimity as they do their regular patrons.
One evening, however, it seems that Larry had a craving. Now, he's never been known to indulge in a pint or a snifter of cognac, nor to ask for any special favors. However, he seems to have been taken with the sugary gumballs that are kept in a small red machine just inside the front door. As the staff was closing the pub, it heard the machine turn over, as if someone had slipped in a coin and turned the handle for a gumball. However, none of the staff had done so, for they were busy cleaning and preparing the pub for the next day.
Upon hearing the machine turn over, one of the staff went to it and lifted the metal flap to peer inside the gumball chute. It was empty and the staff returned to its duties. Soon, though, the mailflap in the locked door creaked and an object dropped to the floor. When the staff went to investigate, they found a brand new white gumball on the floor.
Many thanks to Wendy Snowden for this story. _________________ Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes! http://myspace.com/aravisramandu
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1892 Location: Georgia
Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 12:38 pm Post subject:
dchastain wrote:
Would anyone be interested in a private investigation or two or other activities in Savannah led by Kriss? I believe I can arrange such a thing through her and Patrick.
So long as any private outings don't conflict with any other sheduled events we have planned where we need Kriss, I don't see any problem with this. Just remember that since GhoStock is paying her airfare and hotel, the convention gets first dibs on Kriss' agenda!
Also remember that the schedule is subject to change - up to and even during the convention. Any private outings during the convention will be subject to her availability.
To recap - the GhoStock schedule supercedes (takes absolute precedence over) any private events planned. If all concerned parties agree with this arrangement, no problem!
Thanks! _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1892 Location: Georgia
Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 12:53 pm Post subject:
dchastain wrote:
Of course, Patrick. I'm only speaking of investigations that would be sanctioned by the conference organizer, as part of the conference, and benefiting the conference. No moonlighting going on here. It's your weekend.
I didn't think you were; rather I want to clarify it for any interested parties so that there is no misunderstanding should scheduled plans suddenly change. _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 7:00 pm Post subject:
Time for another story children. Gather round the fire well I tell you the story of The Kehoe House....
William kehoe built the house in 1892 for $25,000. A huge amount of money for that time. He married Annie Flood in 1868 and founded Kehoe Iron works in 1874. The house is a five-story Renaissance Revival style property. Almost every part of the exterior that is not brick, is iron.
The home remained in the Kehoe family till approximately 1930 when it was sold to Albert Goette. During the next 60 years the house served as both a residence and a......funeral home! It operated as a funeral home till the 1970's.It was also owned for a short time by famous NFL player, Joe Namath. In 1990, Mr Namath sold the property and restoration began. In 1992 The Kehoe House opened as a Bed and Breakfast.
The Kehoe house is considered to be one of the most haunted houses in Savannah. Stories are told of the Kehoes twin children who are said to haunt the 2nd. floor. There are 2 stories about how they passed. One is that they died at birth. The other claims the children passed away while playing in a chimney in one of the rooms. A tour through the house would show you all the chimneys in the home are blocked and decorated with carvings of angels. Guest on the 2nd floor have heard the sound of childrens laughter and footsteps running down the hall.
Also haunting this home is the "Lady in Grey". In particular room 203. Guests have felt the touch of a gentle hand and kisses on their cheeks. She seems to be a very friendly spirit.
Guests have awoken to see children sitting on their bed and stroking their hair.
The other ghost can be found roaming the attic. Apparently, a Jack the Ripper copycat wandered the squares of Savannah many years ago. A woman walking by the front of The Kehoe House had her throat slit. The lights were on in The Kehoe House and she drug herself up the steps dying on the doorstep. The ghost in the attic is a female who has been seen with a bloody bandage around her neck.
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Aug 04, 2004 Posts: 3709 Location: Houston Texas area
Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 8:25 pm Post subject:
Babs;
If we are going to do pamplets for the group we need to get some info together. _________________ Based on the condition that you are incapable of moving at a high velocity with large animals of the canine species, then you shall be required to remain in a location that is in the general vicinity of the front door of your domicile.
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:04 am Post subject:
Hampton Lillibridge House-
This beautiful home was purchased in 1963 by wealthy antiques dealer, Jim Williams. (yes, the same Jim Williams). During the attempt to move the Lillibridge house and the one next door to another location, the other house collapsed and killed a worker.
Later, while workers worked on the foundation, a crypt was found made of tabby ( a mixture of lime and oyster shells). 8 skeletons were discovered. As I mentioned in an earlier post the yellow fever epidemic killed many. A great deal of these people were to poor to be buried in consecrated grounds and were buried where they lived.
Very mysterious things began happening while workers attempted to complete their job. Tools became missing, and noises that could not be accounted for. One day a worker was found hugging the floor of an upstairs room screaming. The frightened man was convinced that a force beyong nature was attempting to pull him through an opening in the floor, a drop of 30 feet. Scratches were left in the wooden floor from his bloodied fingernails.
Restoration work was completed very slowly due to workers complaining of strange events and refusing to stay on the job. Jim Williams was said to have claimed to have his bed raise off the floor one night while he slept. Mr. Williams finally made a call to a local "ghost buster" or medium who claimed it was the most active house he had ever been in. Finally, an episcopal bishop conducted a 45 minute cleansing of the home. This is the first, if not the only, home in Savannah to have had an exorcism. I have heard that another has taken place but at this time Im not able to substantiate that. Regardless, apparently 45 minutes was not enough. Two years later activity began again.
The home is currently owned by a young couple with children. The home is not open for tours and the owners decline to comment on the activity or inactivity of their home.
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Feb 08, 2004 Posts: 965 Location: Lawrenceville
Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 5:37 pm Post subject:
The Pirates House
Back in the day when cotton was “king” several boats docked in Savannah and this restaurant was a popular haunt for sailors-it still is.
Supposedly, there is a tunnel system that leads from the basement of the bar to the docks. It was in this tunnel that sailors would get their shipmates drunk and drag them to the dock where they would put them on the next boat out of the port. When told this story, an adventurous policeman went down into the tunnel. As he walked deeper and deeper he could hear the noises of men exerting themselves and the sound of something dragging behind. When he took a closer look he saw sailors dragging a man towards and past him where they disappeared through a dirt wall. The officer then ordered the owners to seal up both ends of the tunnel. Nowadays, if you venture down to the basement you can see the brick wall that has sealed the entrance to the dock and the mysterious tunnel haunted by sailors.
The spirits of seamen who once stayed there also inhabits upstairs rooms.
Captain Flint of the literary Treasure Island is said to have drunkenly died there uttering his last words “Bring aft more rum, me Darby.”
Poltergeist-like activity has also been reported in the Herb House, one of the restaurants dining rooms.
Babs _________________ Only a mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf. -Aldo Leopold
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1892 Location: Georgia
Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:52 am Post subject:
Wackywizjr wrote:
Babs;
If we are going to do pamplets for the group we need to get some info together.
????? _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Geez, will Babs be around for a "book" signing, too? AFter all these juicy tidbits and details she's shared about Savannah, she could write a book too!
Beth M _________________ Beth M aka Mauserwerke
I know I'm in my own little world - but it's OK. They know me here.
Joined: May 18, 2004 Posts: 1573 Location: metro ATL
Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:18 pm Post subject:
I agree,I have enjoyed reading Babs little tid bits on sanannah-making me look even that much more forward to Ghostock! I have never been to savannah so this will be a treat! I am very much looking forward to it!~
Great info Babs _________________ Heidi
Your lost friends are not dead, but gone before, advanced a stage or two upon that road which you must travel in the steps they trod.
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I met the owner a few years back and he was nice enough to give me a tour. It is a gorgeous bed and breakfast. I would have liked to taken some time outside on the patio with a nice mint julip!!! Anyway, for those who do not know the story...
