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Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones is a historian and author passionate about uncovering the hidden lives behind haunted histories. With a talent for blending meticulous research with captivating storytelling, she brings the spirits of the past to life in her work, offering readers ghostly tales grounded in real people and events.

Dark History

The Doruchów Witch Trial of 1775

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

The Doruchów witch trial of 1775 remains as one of the most infamous episodes in Polish history. It highlights the dangerous grip of superstition on society. On January 17, 1775, the small village of Doruchów was said to host a notorious witch trial. However, it is often referred to today as the Doruchów Lynching. This chilling event serves as a grim reminder of how fear and hysteria can lead to tragedy. It also marks a pivotal moment in history, bringing an end to witch trials in Poland. However, the story remains cloaked in mystery, with little evidence to fully confirm its authenticity. Let’s delve into the story of the Doruchów Witches, its historical significance, and the lingering questions that surround it.

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Haunted America

The Cuban Club: Where History and Hauntings Collide

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

Tucked into the heart of Ybor City, the Cuban Club, or El Circulo Cubano, stands as a monument to the dreams, resilience, and tragedies of Tampa’s Cuban immigrant community. Its Neoclassical facade may be elegant and stoic, but the stories that echo within its walls are anything but silent. Here, history, culture, and tragedy intertwine, creating a space where the past lingers in the present—sometimes in ways we can’t explain.

A Community United

In 1899, the Cuban Club was established as a mutual aid society, offering hope and resources to Cuban immigrants during challenging times. What began as a lifeline for a struggling community grew into a cultural beacon. By 1917, after fire claimed its original clubhouse the previous year, the Cuban Club rose again, this time as a stunning four-story Neoclassical masterpiece at 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba. Funded by member contributions and a donation from Cuban President Mario Menocal, the building housed a theater, ballroom, swimming pool, medical clinic, and more.

By the late 1920s, the Cuban Club’s membership exceeded 5,000, cementing its role as the heart of Ybor City. It was more than a building—it was a sanctuary where culture thrived, challenges were overcome, and the spirit of a community was kept alive.

Cuban Club Member Banquet c. 1940
A Caballeros de la Luz meeting at the Cuban Club.
Ballroom of Cuban Club c. Feb 1937
Cuban Club Theater

Above images courtesy of Digital Commons USF

A Place for Mourning and Honor

In 1910, the Cuban Club became a place of deep reverence when it hosted the remains of General Francisco Vicente Aguilera, a hero of Cuba’s independence movement. Following his death in 1877, Aguilera’s body had been interred in New York City. After Cuba gained its independence, his dying wish to be returned to his homeland was fulfilled, with Tampa serving as a poignant waypoint.

Aguilera’s casket lay in state at the Cuban Club, adorned with flags and surrounded by candles, as the community paid their respects. The somber vigil culminated in a grand procession led by Masons, the Florida National Guard, and sailors from the Cuban gunboat Yara. This event underscored the Cuban Club’s central role as not just a cultural hub but also a unifying force in times of sorrow and pride.

A Lifeline During the Spanish Influenza Epidemic

The Cuban Club’s resilience was tested again in 1918, during the devastating Spanish Influenza epidemic. With Tampa overwhelmed by new infections—679 cases and 16 deaths reported in a single day—the club transformed into an emergency hospital. Accommodating up to 150 patients, its rooms were converted into wards, while the large kitchen served as a vital resource for preparing meals. Under the guidance of the superintendent of Gordon Keller Hospital, the Cuban Club became a critical lifeline for one of the city’s hardest-hit areas.

Tragedy in the Spotlight

Not all of the Cuban Club’s stories are celebratory. On the evening of April 13th, 1934, a heated meeting about the dismissal of a club physician, Dr Guillermo Roig, erupted in chaos. Witnesses would later testify that Belarmino ran up to the stage where club president Edward Valdez was speaking shaking his finger in Valdez’ face saying “These are your trickeries here in the club!” The two men went hands on, struggling as people rushed the stage. In the ensuing melee Vallejo and Valdez ended up in a small room at the left rear part of the stage. Amongst the flying fists and bottles a gunshot rang out. Belarmino had been shot in his abdomen. Later, as he was dying in the hospital Belarmino would tell 4 people that two men named Alfredo Montoto and Ralph Rubio held him and he felt a gun being pressed into his side and then fired. When asked by his wife and friend who shot him he told them both that it was “the presidente”, Edward Valdez. During a coroner’s inquest Valdez, Montoto and Rubio were the first men called to testify. They all testified that they had no knowledge of the shooting. Despite interviewing over 20 witnesses and Vallejo’s alleged deathbed accusations, no one was ever held accountable for his murder. The incident left a permanent scar on the Cuban Club’s legacy.

Courtesy of Find a Grave
Courtesy of Find a Grave

Echoes of the Past: How History Shapes Hauntings

The Cuban Club isn’t just a repository of history; it’s a living, breathing chronicle of Ybor City’s triumphs and tragedies. Its walls have seen acts of courage, moments of celebration, and scenes of devastation. Perhaps it’s these layers of emotion—intense joy and sorrow alike—that have given rise to the paranormal phenomena often reported within its halls.

From the ballroom dances and theatrical performances that radiated unity to the grief of a pandemic-stricken community and the fiery destruction of the original building, the Cuban Club holds memories of human experiences. Some believe this emotional residue manifests as ghostly echoes—disembodied whispers, shadowy figures, and inexplicable sounds.

Residual hauntings, where past events replay like an old film, might explain sightings of shadowy figures or the faint strains of piano music in the theater. Others theorize that spirits tied to moments of intense emotion—triumph or tragedy—may linger, creating vivid encounters with the living. The Cuban Club’s history, a blend of triumph and heartbreak, leaves an indelible energy for visitors to feel.

Cuban Club c. 1926

Whispers of the Otherworldly

As if its history weren’t captivating enough, the Cuban Club is also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Some of the most popular tales include:

  • The Woman in White: A ghostly figure in a white gown and red heels is said to wander the grand staircase, rumored to have been pushed from a balcony after refusing to dance with a man.
  • The Drowned Boy: The spirit of a young boy, Jimmy or Jaime, is said to haunt the basement pool area, though no records exist to confirm such a tragedy.
  • The Playwright’s Suicide: In the theater, piano music and footsteps have been heard, linked to the spirit of a man who allegedly took his own life after forgetting his lines.
  • Vallejo’s Restless Spirit: The only documented death at the club, Vallejo’s murder in 1934, has fueled speculation that his spirit still roams its halls.

Visitors and investigators alike have reported chilling experiences, from disembodied voices whispering in Spanish to phantom touches and unexplained shadowy figures. The elevator has been known to move floors on its own, and ghostly piano music and the sounds of drums often drift through empty spaces. In 2009, the building’s haunted reputation earned it an investigation by TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), further cementing its status among Florida’s most haunted locations. Most recently a construction worker who was the last person to be in the building heard a woman scream in the basement as he was walking through. Knowing he was the only person in the building he abandoned his tools and left immediately.

History Never Dies

The Cuban Club isn’t just a building—it’s a story that continues to evolve. A place where a community’s struggles and triumphs have been celebrated for over a century, and where the past refuses to stay silent. Whether you’re drawn to its cultural legacy or its paranormal lore, one thing is certain: the Cuban Club remains as vibrant—and as mysterious—as ever. I want to offer a big thank you to the Cuban Club for providing me with some spooky stories. Also, if you’re in the area check out The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour and visit the ghosts of the Cuban Club for yourself!

Would you dare to visit? Or perhaps you already have a story of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below!

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Haunted America

The Hyatt Regency Skywalk Collapse

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

Tragedy, Hauntings, and Lessons Learned

On a warm Friday evening in July 1981, Kansas CIty’s Hyatt Regency Hotel was the epicenter of elegance and entertainment. The hotel’s popular tea dance had drawn a crowd of around 1,600 people, all enjoying live music, dancing, and the glamour of the 1940s-inspired event. Guests filled the hotel’s stunning multi-story atrium, with many gathering on its suspended walkways for a better view of the festivities below.

Atrium / Lobby Prior to Collapse
Atrium / Lobby Immediate After Collapse

At 7:05 PM, the unthinkable happened. Two of the atrium’s walkways, suspended above the crowded lobby, gave way. The collapse sent 65 tons of steel, concrete, and glass crashing onto the people below. In a matter of seconds 114 lives were lost, and over 200 others were injured in what remains the deadliest structural failure in U.S. history.

But the Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse is more than just a tragedy defined by numbers. It’s a story of lives forever changed, of haunting echoes that linger in the building’s walls, and of lessons learned in the face of devastating loss.

A Crown Jewel With a Fatal Flaw

When it opened in 1980, the Hyatt Regency Hotel was Kansas City’s pride and joy. Standing 40 stories tall, it was the tallest building in Missouri at the time and a shining symbol of the city’s revitalization. The atrium, with its soaring ceilings and suspended walkways, was a showpiece of modern architecture; a place designed to inspire awe.

But behind the glamours and architectural ambition was a critical error that would cost lives. The original design of the suspended walkways called for continuous steel rods to support both the 2nd-and 4th-floor walkways. During construction, the design was changed: shorter rods were used, each supporting only one walkway. This decision doubled the load on the connection points, nut no stress tests were performed to confirm the structure’s safety.

On July 17, 1981, that oversight became a deadly reality.

The Collapse Heard Around the Nation

The evening began like any other Friday tea dance. The hotel was packed with around 2,000 attendees. Couples twirled on the dance floor, their movements elegant and carefree. The atrium was alive with music, laughter, and conversation. Guests filled the walkways above, enjoying the view of the festivities below.

Shortly after the dance contest had begun, at precisely 7:05 PM, while the song Satin Doll was playing, the 4th-floor walkway failed, sending it and the 2nd-floor walkway beneath it crashing to the ground. The force of the collapse was unimaginable — 65 tons of debris falling instantly onto the crowded lobby. Survivors described a deafening roar, followed by screams and the sound of breaking glass. At the time of the collapse there were approximately 40 people on the 2nd floor walkway and 16 to 20 people on the 4th floor walkway.

The once beautiful atrium was now a scene of chaos and destruction. Shattered beams, broken glass, and twisted steel filled the air with dust. Beneath the wreckage lay hundreds of people — some crushed instantly, others trapped and injured, their cries for help piercing the night.

The landing of the concrete fourth-floor walkway, atop the crowded second-floor walkway
Lobby floor, during the first day of the investigation. The third-floor walkway shows the comparable three pairs of tie-rods holding its support beams, which failed on the fourth-floor walkway
View of the side wall, during the first day of the investigation of the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse.

A Scene of Heroism and Heartbreak

First responders arrived to find devastation on an almost unimaginable scale. The lobby resembled a battlefield, with blood pooling on the floor and bodies pinned beneath the wreckage. Emergency crews worked tirelessly, dismantling debris piece by piece to reach survivors. In some cases, onsite amputations were the only way to free those trapped.

Among the haunting stories of the night were tales of courage and compassion:

  • Ray Lopez and the Dying Woman: Ray, a survivor, stayed by the side of a severely injured woman who was pinned beneath the rubble, and missing one of her legs. Though her injuries were fatal, she asked Ray to rub her leg for comfort and deliver a message to her children. She asked him to “tell them I’m going to be alright, that I’m not hurt too bad.” He agreed and she died in his arms.
  • First Responders’ Bravery: Rescuers worked through the night, often at great personal cost. One responder recounted attempting to pull a man from the wreckage, only to have the victim’s arm separate from his body. Despite the horror, they pressed on, saving as many lives as possible.

By 4:00 AM the next morning, the last survivor was pulled from the rubble. While most of the victims were removed within the first hour of the collapse, there were 31 bodies found under the last slab of concrete. In total, 114 people lost their lives, and over 200 others were injured. The hotel would be closed for the next 75 days while crews removed the rubble and every trace of what happened in the collapse. When the hotel reopened it was back to business as usual and no effort was made to create a memorial to the victims.

Lives Lost, Stories Remembered

Behind the staggering numbers are the personal stories of those who were there that night.

  • Pamela Coffey, just 11 years old, was the youngest victim of the collapse. Pamela survived the collapse, and said Hail Marys with the last survivor pulled from the wreckage Mark Williams. She and her father, Gerald Coffey, had come to enjoy the tea dance together. Pamela was in the 5th grade at Xavier School in Leavenworth, Kansas. She was a Girl Scout, played softball and basketball and loved playing her guitar. Pamela and her father both perished in the collapse.
  • Kathryn Sullivan, 45, was attending her first tea dance with her husband. She had looked forward to the event for weeks. Kathryn did not survive the collapse, but her husband, who searched the wreckage in desperation, lived to tell her story.

These are just two of the many lives forever altered that night. Each victim, survivor, and rescuer has a story that speaks to the human toll of the disaster.

The Haunting Legacy

In the years following the collapse, stories of paranormal activity began to emerge from the hotel, now operating as the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Guests and staff have reported unexplained phenomena, including:

  • Apparitions: Figures in period attire, reminiscent of the 1940s tea dance, have been seen in the atrium. Many believe these are spirits of the victims, forever tied to the place where they lost their lives. The most commonly reported sighting of an apparition is thought to be Kathryn Sullivan. Guests of the hotel have reported seeing the reflection of a woman in a window when they’re alone in the room. Two separate guests have reported a woman being in their room that just vanishes. There has also been a report of a young man in a black tuxedo with a blue bow tie who disappears through the elevator door. To me this is a very interesting sighting because during the beginning of the rescue efforts, bodies were placed on a pallet right next to the elevator.
  • Eerie Sounds: Faint music, disembodies voices, and the sounds of dancing have been reported late at night, as if echoes of that tragic evening linger in the air.
  • A Heavy Presence: Some visitors describe feeling watched or experiencing sudden drops in temperature near the former atrium.

Lessons Learned

The Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse changed the fields of engineering and disaster response forever. The investigation revealed systemic failures, including a lack of oversight and inadequate communication between the design and construction teams. According to the KC Public Library, the ultimate cause of the disaster was traced back to support rods. In the original design, the second and fourth floor walkways were supposed to suspended from the ceiling. The design was later changed without going through any checks so that the 4th floor walkway was hung from the ceiling and the 2nd floor walkway was hung from the 4th floor walkway. In addition to having all the weight suspended from the fourth floor walkway, the rods themselves were bolted into a box beam that was so small only a small nut and washer held the walkways together.

A cross-section of the fourth-floor support beam that fell, together with the second-floor support rod passing through its left and right halves vertically

On top of that, the building somehow passed inspection despite being well below Kansas City’s existing building codes. It would later be determined that the walkways could barely have supported their own weight, let alone the weight of people.

These findings led to sweeping changes:

  • Stricter Building Codes:
    • Today, engineers are required to review and approve all design changes, ensuring structural integrity.
  • Enhanced Load Testing:
    • Structures must now undergo rigorous stress tests before construction begins.
  • Emergency Preparedness:
    • The chaos of the rescue efforts underscored the need for coordinated disaster response plans and psychological support for first responders.

The collapse also served as a sobering reminder of the ethical responsibilities engineers hold. Those responsible for the faulty design faced professional consequences, setting a precedent for accountability in the industry. While no criminal charges were filed, the engineers that had approved the plans lost their licenses. The Crown Center Redevelopment Corp who actually owned the hotel paid over $140 million in legal claims.

A Place of Reflection

For decades, there was no formal memorial for the victims of the Hyatt Regency collapse. That changed in 2015 with the dedication of the Skywalk Memorial Plaza in Hospital Hill Park. The memorial features a sculpture of dancers, symbolizing the joy of the tea dance, and the engraved names of the 114 victims. It serves as a place of solace, reflections and remembrance.

Photo © Joe Ledford Kansas City Star 2021

Moving Forward While Honoring the Past

The Hyatt Regency skywalk collapse is a story of tragedy and resilience, of lives lost and lessons learned. It’s also a story that refuses to fade, with its legacy preserved in both the haunted whispers of the hotel and the changes it inspired in engineering and emergency response.

Today, the Skywalk Memorial stands as a testament to the strength of the Kansas City community and a reminder of the importance of vigilance, integrity, and compassion in all we do.

Have you visited the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel or heard stories about its haunted history? Share your thoughts in the comments below:

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Haunted America

The Tragic Tale of Kate Morgan: From History to Haunting

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

The story of Kate Morgan is a fascinating blend of documented history and lingering legend. Her life and untimely death in 1892 are not just a window into the social dynamics of her time but also the foundation of one of Southern California’s most enduring ghost stories. At the Hotel del Coronado, where her tragic end occurred, the boundary between fact and folklore has blurred, transforming Kate Morgan into both a historical figure and a spectral icon. Let’s take a deep dive into this classic tale together.

Early Life: Roots of Tragedy

Born Kate Farmer in the post-Civil War years, her early life reflected the instability faced by many in 19th-century America. Her father, George Farmer, a Missouri-born saddler and Civil War veteran, settled the family in Iowa. Kate’s childhood was marked by profound loss—her mother passed away in 1868 when Kate was just three years old, followed by her father’s death in 1876. These events left her orphaned at ten, placing her under the care of her maternal grandfather Joseph Chandler.

Guardianship order placing Kate in the care of her grandfather.

Kate’s experiences mirrored those of many women of her era, who often faced limited opportunities and relied on marriage for social and economic stability. Her life, however, would veer sharply from this expected path.

A Marriage Marked by Sorrow

On December 30th, 1886 Kate married Thomas Edwin Morgan, which would have been expected for a woman of her age and background. Yet their life together was overshadowed by tragedy. Their son, Thomas Jr., died just two days after his birth in 1886. This loss marked a turning point in Kate’s life. By 1890, records indicate she had left her husband and eloped with Albert Allen, her husband’s stepmother’s stepson. This act—scandalous even by modern standards—carried significant social consequences in the late Victorian era, similar to a doctor having a relationship with a patient today.

She arrived in L.A. from Omaha in October of 1892, and told people that her parents lived near Omaha, and her husband was a gambler, but she didn’t know what happened to him. The women she would later work with said she was very secretive about her past.

The Final Days

Kate’s final days are meticulously documented, hinting at a deliberate and somber end. The following timeline was constructed using almost entirely primary sources:

On Wednesday, November 23rd, 1892 Kate left her position as a domestic servant for L.A. Grant at 917 South Hill Street in Los Angeles. Kate told Mr Grant that she would be back the next day. She only took a satchel, leaving her trunk full of clothing and other personal effects behind. There are also contemporary reports stating she was anxious to get some papers signed and seemed to be really worried about something, but no one knew what.

The following day, which was Thanksgiving, Kate arrived at the Hotel del Coronado and registered under the alias “Mrs Lottie A Bernard, Detroit.” She carried no luggage except for a small handbag and was later described as being reserved and ladylike.

Hotel from S.E. Ballroom on southwest corner at fart left on south side and east side on right. 1892
East with ballroom at southwest front of hotel seen lower right. 1920s

According to staff of the hotel on Friday the 25th Kate spent almost the entire day in her room. While she didn’t go into any sort of detail regarding her life, she freely told the hotel staff that she was very ill, suffering from stomach cancer and also some type of vague heart problem. Staff said she was incredibly despondent and that she mentioned her medical prognosis was hopeless.

The next morning Kate visited the drug store inside the hotel and proceeded to pace up and down the store and appeared to be suffering according to the clerk. She asked if they had anything for her pain and the store manager told her she needed to see a doctor. Kate replied that her brother is a physician and he would arrive at any time.

On Sunday, November 27th, Kate sent a bellboy, Harry West to fetch an empty pint bottle and a sponge from the drug store. She spent most of the day in her room, reportedly groaning and appearing very ill. Around noon she asked hotel staff to draw a bath for her and reportedly spent the next two hours in the bath. She would later tell the bellboy she was wet because she was too weak to properly stand up and had fallen into the tub while trying to get out. She then asked him to rub her head, which he did. (I’m thinking he was helping her dry her hair) She was later seen on the second-floor veranda by the same bellboy at around 6:30 pm. She continues to ask if her brother has arrived.

When Kate asked the bellboy to get her a whiskey cocktail the clerk of the hotel became concerned about Kate’s condition. After staff had repeatedly tried to get her to see the hotel physician and being unsuccessful, the clerk R. Gomer went up to Kate’s room to speak to her. He found Kate in bed with no fire going and suggested starting one because it might make her more comfortable. She replied that it was unnecessary, she was as comfortable as she could expect and was “totally opposed to calling the physician.” Mr Gomer tried unsuccessfully to find out something about her identity and said that Kate told him the doctors had given up on her, that she had stomach cancer and her case was hopeless. When he pushed Kate about sending a telegraph to her brother she replied that she didn’t know whether he was in Los Angeles, Orange, or Frisco. When he asked if there was anyone else she could telegraph for funds she suggested the name of G.L. Allen of Hamburg, Iowa.

Ladies Reception and Billiard Room about 1892
Ladies White and Gold Parlor about 1892

The next morning began with Kate asking the housekeeper and other staff if her brother has arrived. When she was again told that he had not she appeared despondent and said “Oh, no one comes to me anymore.” She mentioned to hotel staff that she needs to go to San Diego to identify her baggage personally. Kate left the hotel around noon and asked the conductor where she could find a hardware store and she was given directions. The conductor would later state that he had to lift her off of the car as she was very weak. At around 3pm Kate first went to the Ship Chandlery Store at 624 5th Street looking to purchase a gun. The clerk told her they didn’t sell weapons and directed her to go to Mr Chick’s gun store at 641 5th Street. Kate made her way to Mr Chick’s gun store in San Diego and purchased a .44 American Bulldog revolver and bullets, and was shown how to load the weapon. She told him the gun was to be a Christmas present to a friend of hers.

Kate would later be seen walking south on Fifth Street, “slow-moving and somber”, carrying the revolver. When she got back to the hotel she asked the bellboy for a box of matches and he gave her the few matches he had in his pocket. She told him that she wanted to burn some papers. The last time Kate would be seen alive by hotel staff was between 7 and 8 PM when she went to the hotel office to check for letters or telegrams. None had arrived. It appears that at some point between 9 – 10 PM Kate stepped out onto the hotel veranda during a storm, dressed in black with a lace shawl over her head. She headed towards the stairs at the north corner of the hotel near the beach.

Early the next morning around 7:30 on Tuesday, the 29th of November, the hotel electrician David Cone, discovered her body on the stone steps leading to the beach. A revolver was found near her outstretched hand. Her body was soaking wet, stiff and cold, suggesting she had died house earlier. The coroner was notified and Kate’s body was taken to Johnson & Co.’s undertakers in San Diego.

A Legacy of Mystery

Kate’s life and death were riddled with unanswered questions. She operated under multiple aliases, including Lottie Bernard, Josie Brown, and Louise Anderson. The reasons for her deception remain unknown. Adding to the mystery, contemporary accounts suggested she suffered from terminal stomach cancer, but an autopsy was never performed. Speculation about a possible pregnancy and attempted termination, though never proven, added another layer of intrigue to her story.

The Gazette | Mon, Dec 19, 1892 | Page 2 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Witnesses reported that Kate argued with a male companion during her journey to California, but his identity remains unknown. Could he have been a lover? A confidant? Or simply a passerby entangled in the tragedy?

On the 9th of December a trunk marked “Mrs Kate Morgan” was taken to the central police station from the house of L.A. Grant. Mr. Grant said that Kate had been employed in his house as a servant. He had reported her missing when she failed to return on Thanksgiving but no clues had been found.

The following items were found in her trunk:

  • Tin Box Marked Louise Anderson
    • Several photographs:
      • A man aged about 50 years with a full beard, tinged with gray
      • A man approximately 35 years of age, black mustache, black hair, thick skull, “looked something like a sporting character.”
      • Photographs of two boys aged about 9 and 10
      • Photograph of a girl who appeared to be about 2 years old
      • Photograph of an infant
  • Lock of blonde hair found carefully inside a piece of paper. On the paper was written: Elizabeth A Morgan’s hair.” (Kate had been carrying her dead mother’s hair around with her for all of this time.)
  • A marriage certificate for Thomas E. Morgan and Kate K. Farmer on December 30th, 1885 at Hamburg, Iowa.
  • A letter recommending Kate as an “honorable and trustworthy” woman and signed by W.J. Farmer in Hanford, California.
  • A cabinet size photograph of Kate.

On Dec 11th, 1892 the undertaker sent a telegraph to Thomas Morgan that read:

”Lady suicided here identical with Mrs Kate Morgan nee Farmer. Body unburied. What shall we do”

Kate’s body lay at Johnson’s undertaking parlor and the number of visitors to view her body was “as large as ever.” Interestingly, most of the visitors were ladies. Kate’s story served as a mirror reflecting the fears, constraints, and desires of Victorian women. Whether driven by curiosity, compassion, or fascination with her scandal, women’s interest in Kate’s death highlights how her story tapped into the broader anxieties and intrigues of her time.

On December 12th, Kate’s grandfather J.W. Chandler replied to a telegram from the coroner of San Diego county. It read:

“Your telegram received regarding Kate Morgan, nee Farmer. Bury her and send me statement. J.W. Chandler”

Los Angeles Herald | Mon, Dec 12, 1892 | Page 14 | Los Angeles, California

That same day the Chief of Police of San Diego finally got a response from W.F. Farmer who lived in Hanford, California and where Kate Morgan previously lived. He replied stating that he was “more than surprised” to hear of the tragedy, and that if it was Kate he was certain she would not have committed suicide because she would’ve had no reason to do so. He went on to say that her people well-to-do and her husband, Thomas Morgan, has been traveling in the interest of some manufacturing company, and his home is in Hamburg, Iowa.

Her uncle continued saying that when she left his house she had “quite a sum of money”, one large, flat-top trunk, two leather satchels, and a lady’s gold watch. When Kate’s body was found, only $16.50 were found on her body. What happened to all of her money?

On December 13th, the funeral of Mrs Kate Morgan took place in the parlors of Johnson & Co undertakers. Her funeral was well attended by not only the public but several members of the Brotherhood of St Andrew and some ladies from the Episcopal church.

After the service, Kate’s casket was taken to Mount Hope Cemetery for burial. Her unmarked grave remained for 98 years until an attorney named Alan May, obsessed with uncovering her story after seeing her ghost, donated a headstone. He was known to visit her grave regularly until his own death in 1991.

A Haunting at the Hotel del Coronado

Over the years following Kate’s tragic death both staff and guests alike have reported strange incidents that seemed to focus on the room that Kate stayed in.

The earliest mention in the newspapers that I could find is a May 19th, 1983 article by the Coronado Eagle and Journal. The hotel spokesperson at the time said:

We’ve had people booked into that room, and in the middle of the night they call and say, ‘Get me out of here.

A Times-Advocate story from October 25th 1987 reported that guests and staff reported lights flickering on / off, doors and windows that mysteriously open and close, and guests reported seeing the figure of a woman with long dark hair and antique dress in the room. Kate’s ghost would often scare the staff. There’s a report from the 1970s that a room service attendant brought a bottle of wine to a woman wearing Victorian dress in room 502.1 He later learned that wing of the hotel had no guests and room 502 had not been occupied in months.

A housekeeper named Irma DeAnda who worked in the department for more than 10 years told reporters that most of the housekeepers dreaded cleaning room 502. They stopped cleaning the room alone mostly because they hear strange noises and feel like they’re being watched while inside the room. Irma herself had an experience where she cleaned 502, had just finished dusting and went into the bathroom to replace the soap. When she returned she found a pile of dirt on top of the dresser.

This newspaper article also said that a housekeeper died from a heart attack in the 1960s in room 502 but I have been unable to verify this. Housekeepers have said after they’ve entirely cleaned the room lamp shades and hangers will be moved.

These incidents have cemented her reputation as the “Beautiful Stranger,” a ghost whose story is now woven into the fabric of the hotel’s identity.

The Evolution of the Legend

Let’s talk about how Kate’s story has managed to still be talked about over 130 years later. In this case it’s all about location and mystery. At the time of Kate’s death the Hotel del Coronado was already a glamorous and iconic location. And like in many ghost stories, the weather on the night of Kate’s death was stormy, adding a gothic element to her story, isolated in despair.

After the inquest locals and visitors speculated about Kate’s reason for choosing the hotel for her final act, often adding embellishments. Rumors swirled about her strange behavior, her illness and the lack of clear family connections. In the decades after her death guests claimed to hear unexplained footsteps, see shadowy figures, or feel unexplainable cold drafts in the areas near where Kate stayed. Soon stories were emerging about Kate’s spirit lingering in her room, Room 3327 (originally Room 302).

Kate’s death in 1892 was during the height of spiritualism and belief in the afterlife and communication with ghosts was widespread. Additionally, Kate’s story perfectly fits the “tragic female ghost” archetype who dies young and under mysterious or sorrowful circumstances.

Kate Morgan’s Cultural Impact

Kate’s life and death illuminate the constraints and contradictions of her era, especially regarding women’s autonomy and the harsh social judgment faced by those who stepped outside traditional roles. Her transformation from a forgotten figure to a cultural legend underscores how historical tragedies evolve into folklore.

The death of Kate Morgan is a perfect storm of mystery, tragedy, and the supernatural, which has kept her story alive for over 130 years. Her story became the central haunting narrative of the Hotel del Coronado because it had all of the ingredients of a classic ghost story: an atmospheric setting, unanswered (and unanswerable) questions, a tragic and relatable figure, and early reports of paranormal activity.

Share Your Thoughts on Kate Morgan’s Haunting Legacy!

Kate Morgan’s tragic story has captivated people for over a century, sparking questions, theories, and ghostly tales. Now, we want to hear from you:

  • What do you think really happened to Kate Morgan at the Hotel del Coronado? Was it a case of tragic despair, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
  • Do you believe the ghostly encounters reported at the hotel are tied to Kate, or could they be something—or someone—else entirely?
  • Have you ever visited the Hotel del Coronado or experienced anything paranormal there? Share your story!

Join the conversation in the comments and let’s unravel this enduring mystery together.

Sources:

Primary Sources:

1. Newspaper Archives

  • San Francisco Examiner
  • San Francisco Chronicle
  • Los Angeles Herald
  • San Diego Union and Daily Bee
  • Fresno Morning Republican

2. Public Records

  • Death certificates and coroner’s inquest reports for Kate Morgan (aliases included).
  • Marriage and birth records for Kate Farmer and Thomas Edwin Morgan.

3. Hotel del Coronado Historical Records

  • Guest registries from 1892.
  • Correspondence and photographs from the hotel archives.

Paranormal Research and Media Coverage:

4. Eyewitness Accounts

  • Anecdotes collected from Hotel del Coronado staff and guests over the years.

15. Folklore Studies

  • Papers or books addressing how historical events evolve into cultural myths.
  1. (502 was originally numbered 302 and later 3502, and 3327) ↩︎
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History

Why Haunted Places Matter to History

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

Haunted places aren’t just about spine chilling stories or eerie encounters, they’re windows into the past. Every creak of a floorboard, every whisper in the dark, is a testament to the lives lived (and sometimes lost) within those walls. Ghost stories are not just tales of the supernatural; they are reflections of our history, our humanity, and our unending connection to those who came before us.

The Human Element of Ghost Stories

Behind every haunting is a person with a story. A tragic love affair, an unsolved murder, or a life lived in quiet sorrow—ghosts are echoes of human emotion. By digging into these stories, we uncover lives that might otherwise be forgotten. Haunted places remind us that history is not just about dates and events; it’s about people.

The Hotel del Coronado is famously haunted by Kate Morgan, a young woman who checked in alone in 1892 and was found dead on the steps leading to the beach five days later, a gunshot wound in her head. Her death was ruled a suicide, though the details remain murky, and Kate tried really hard it seems to keep it that way. Kate’s story is a reflection of the challenges women faced in her era; social stigma for unwed pregnancies, few resources for independence, and little tolerance for scandal. Her ghost, said to linger in room 3327 is a poignant reminder of the struggles women endured and the quiet tragedies often hidden in history.

Preserving Architecture Through Hauntings

Many haunted locations are historic buildings saved from destruction because of their paranormal reputations. Tourists and ghost hunters bring funding that helps maintain these aging structures.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky is an excellent example of a building preserved largely due to its haunted reputation. Opened in 1910 as a tuberculosis hospital, it saw thousands of patients during the height of the TB epidemic. The hospital eventually closed in 1961, and over the years, its eerie reputation grew, fueled by tales of ghostly nurses, shadowy figures, and the infamous “body chute” used to discreetly remove the dead.

Once at risk of demolition, Waverly Hills was saved partially in thanks to its paranormal allure. Ghost tours, overnight investigations, and annual Halloween events draw visitors from around the world, providing the funding needed for restoration and preservation. The building now stands as both a haunted hotspot and a sobering reminder of the TB epidemic’s impact on history.

Cultural Reflections in Hauntings

Ghost stories often reflect the fears, values, and beliefs of the time they originated. They can teach us about how people viewed death, the afterlife, and even societal taboos.

In the Victorian Era there was an explosion of ghost stories, driven by the rise of spiritualism and fascination with the afterlife. These stories often took place in large, crumbling mansions, literal symbols of declining aristocratic power. Ghosts in Victorian tales were typically tied to moral lessons, unresolved family drama or societal taboos like illegitimacy or forbidden love. The themes often centered around redemption, justice, or even punishment for sins. The Industrial Revolution and advancements in science led to a tension between faith and reason, reflected in stories that blended the supernatural with skepticism such as Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.

Modern ghost stories often explore trauma, mental health, and personal relationships. They’re less about morality and more about the complexities of human emotion. The settings are typically more relatable such as suburban homes, schools, or workplaces. The themes often center around grief, loneliness and the lingering effects of trauma. With advances in psychology and societal shifts towards valuing personal expression have reshaped how we interpret hauntings. The Haunting of Hill House (one of my absolute favorites) by Shirley Jackson explores family dynamics, mental illness, and generational trauma through a supernatural lens.

When you compare the differences between the Victorian Era and our modern area you can see how ghost stories are more than entertainment, they’re cultural artifacts.

Filling in Historical Gaps

Not all histories are preserved equally. Marginalized groups, women, immigrants, laborers, and others whose lives were often deemed unimportant by historical record keepers frequently slip through the cracks. Ghost stories, however, offer a unique lens into their lives. These tales often highlight individuals or communities whose stories might otherwise be forgotten, using the paranormal as a way to give them a voice.

Ghost stories often come from tales of unrest, injustice or trauma, circumstances that are disproportionately experienced by marginalized groups. These stories preserve whispers of their struggles, even when official records do not. Most ghost stories began as oral traditions passed down through generations. In the absence of written records, these tales can be a way to keep histories alive, in supernatural form.

One of my favorite types of ghost stories to research and talk about are women who have been erased by history you might say. Like Belle London the madame of Ogden’s 25th Street said to haunt a couple of buildings on that block, or Toni Jo Henry whose conviction and execution in 1942 would most likely not have occurred if the same crime had been committed today. Through ghostly lore the names of both of these women have lived on, sparking curiosity about their real-life struggles and circumstances.

Stories of Chinese laborers who built the U.S. railroads often surface in haunted locations like tunnels or rail stations. Ghost tales of these workers sometimes preserve the only narrative of their dangerous working conditions and untimely deaths. These stories ensure that their sacrifices are not entirely forgotten, even if their contributions have been largely ignored.

And finally social outcasts and the forgotten dead. Potter’s Fields, burial sites for the poor and unknown are often said to be haunted, or society tries to erase that they existed entirely. These stories give voice to those who lived (and died) on the margins of society, and whose names and stories have been lost to time. Paranormal lore around such places brings attention to the humanity of the forgotten, reminding society to reflect on how it treats its most vulnerable.

While ghost stories offer a way to illuminate historical gaps, it’s important to handle these narratives with care. The goal should be to honor the people and their struggles, not sensationalize their pain. By focusing on their humanity, we ensure their stories are shared with the respect they deserve. Ghost stories can fill the void left by incomplete or biased historical records. They remind us that every haunting has a human story behind it, urging us to look beyond the supernatural for the truths that shape our collective history.

Why These Stories Still Resonate

Haunted places tap into our collective desire to connect with the past. They offer a tangible link to history, whether it’s walking through an old home or standing in the spot where a ghostly event reportedly occurred. These locations are more than just spooky—they are portals to the lives that once filled their walls.

Every time I visit a haunted location, whether it’s a famous site or an obscure hidden gem, I’m struck by the connection to the people who lived there. Knowing that someone met their end in a specific room, or that a building is said to be haunted by someone who deeply loved that place, brings history to life in a way that nothing else can. For me, it’s always about the people—their joys, their tragedies, and their legacies.

Legacies Worth Remembering

Haunted places matter because they ensure that history isn’t forgotten. They give us the opportunity to mourn the past, honor the dead, and better understand the lives that shaped our own. Ghosts may tell the stories, but the lessons they leave behind are meant for the living.

What haunted places have you visited that connected you to the past? Share your favorite haunted location and the story behind it in the comments. Let’s keep these histories—and the people behind them—alive together.

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Haunted AmericaParanormal Exploration

3 Haunted Holiday Destinations to Chill You This Winter

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

The holiday season might be about joy and cheer, but for those of us who love a spine-tingling adventure, it’s the perfect time to explore haunted destinations. If you’re craving some ghostly encounters between your carols and cocoa, these three spots are must-visits this winter:

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Famous for being the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining (one of my favorite movies), this hotel is a winter wonderland with a ghostly twist. Nestled in the snowy Rockies, the Stanley is said to host the spirits of its original owners, Freelan and Flora Stanley. Guests have reported heaing eerie piano music, phantom children laughing in the hallways, and even ghostly visitors tucking them into bed.

Salem, Massachusetts

This historic town might be best known for its witch trials, but Salem doesn’t pack up its paranormal vibes after Halloween. During the holidays, Salem’s snowy streets and festive lights add a magical backdrop to its haunted landmarks, like the Witch House and Old Burying Point Cemetery. Don’t miss the ghost tours, which run year-round!

Whaley House – San Diego, California

Even warm-weather destinations have their share of holiday hauntings. Dubbed “America’s Most Haunted House,” the Whaley House offers chilling tales of spectral figures and phantom footsteps. It’s decorated for the season in Victorian holiday style – perfect for mixing a little history with your hauntings.

Ready to trade traditional holiday plans for a ghostly getaway? Let these destinations fill your season with the perfect mix of chills and cheer. Download our free itineraries today and start planning your spooky getaway.

Victorian Ghost Tour in San Diego Itinerary

Discover the haunted side of sunny San Diego with this 2-day itinerary. Centered around the infamous Whaley House, explore Old Town’s rich history and ghostly legends. Dine at haunted historic…

Free

Holiday Haunts in Salem

Step into the eerie charm of Salem with this 2-day itinerary that blends ghostly history and festive holiday magic. Explore iconic landmarks like The Witch House and the Old Burying…

Free

Chilling Escape to Estes Park: A 2-Day Itinerary

Explore the Rocky Mountains and uncover ghostly secrets at the legendary Stanley Hotel. Discover the haunting beauty of Estes Park with this 2-day itinerary. Explore the iconic Stanley Hotel, famously…

Free

The Haunted Holiday Travel Bundle

Your Exclusive Freebie for Signing Up to The Dead History Newsletter Thank you for joining The Dead History! As a special welcome, we’re excited to share the Haunted Holiday Travel…

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Haunted AmericaHaunted Mansions

The Haunted Mark Twain House: A Gothic Tale of Spirits and Stories

by Jennifer Jones
written by Jennifer Jones

Nestled in Hartford, Connecticut, the Mark Twain House stands as both a monument to literary genius and an enigmatic symbol of the supernatural. Built in 1874, this 25-room Gothic-style mansion brims with character, with each room seeming to echo tales from the past. Decorated by Louis C. Tiffany & Co., its walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate, haunting beauty, perhaps as mysterious as the stories that have emerged over the years. Twain himself was known for his fascination with ghost stories, a passion he shared freely. He once wrote a heart-wrenching letter to a minister, saying:

“Our house… is become a cemetery. But not in a repellent sense. Our dead are welcome there… we shall have them with us always and there will be no parting.”

This poignant sentiment captures the deep connection Twain felt to those who passed within the house’s walls. Clemens was so fascinated with the paranormal that he joined the Society for Psychical Research in England. While he said he didn’t believe a word of it, he was known to have read their journals “cover to cover.”

Spirits of the Twain Family

By The Writings of Mark Twain, Volume 37 By Mark Twain | Public Domain

The spirit of Twain’s eldest daughter, Olivia Susan Clemens—affectionately known as Susy—seems to linger here. Known for her brilliance, wit, and sensitivity, Susy met a tragic end in 1896 when she succumbed to spinal meningitis in the very home she cherished. As she was cared for in her parents’ mahogany bed by the family maid, she gradually lost her sight before finally lapsing into a coma. Today, visitors and staff believe they occasionally encounter Susy’s spirit. A spectral woman in a white Victorian dress has been seen gliding through the rooms, a silent echo of the once-vibrant young woman.

Susy is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, New. York, surrounded by her family.

George Griffin: Guardian Spirit of the Twain House

Another key figure in the house’s history, George Griffin, was more than a servant—he was family. A former enslaved person, George became a fixture in the Clemens household, overseeing the massive 11,500-square-foot home and even sharing lighthearted bets with Twain over late-night billiard games. Known for his loyalty and good-natured personality, George’s spirit is said to have remained in the house after his death in 1897. Sightings of a Black man standing silently behind tour guides on the third floor have led many to believe George has chosen to stay near the family he served so devotedly.

Mark Twain scholar unveils only known photograph of Twain butler George Griffin

He is thought to have been the inspiration for the character Jim in Huckleberry Finn. Clemens once described George as: “…handsome, well built, shrewd, wise, polite, always good-natured, cheerful to gaiety, honest, religious, a cautious truth-speaker, devoted friend to the family, champion of its interests…. He was the peace-maker in the kitchen—in fact the peace-keeper, for by his good sense & right spirit & mollifying tongue he adjusted disputes in that quarter before they reached the quarrel-point.”

Paranormal Hot Spots and Ghostly Tales

The Mark Twain House has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations, including by the famed Ed and Lorraine Warren and TAPS, who have made multiple visits. The documented activity spans from the mundane to the downright chilling. Key areas that witness regular activity include:

  • Susy’s Room: A soft childlike giggle or the feeling of a gentle tug on clothing can make even the bravest feel a chill.
  • The Library: Women report feeling playful tugs on their jewelry and bracelets slipping off unexpectedly, a phenomenon documented after TAPS’ investigation.
  • The Master Bedroom and Nursery: Here, people hear mysterious noises—loud bangs that echo without any clear source.
  • The Billiard Room: Twain’s beloved cigar smoke sometimes drifts through the air, a smell vividly present despite no obvious origin. Footsteps, laughter, and whispered conversations emerge, as if Twain’s social circle of the past has returned for a quiet evening together.

In 1967, a security guard in the basement reported seeing a silver tray launch across the room, an incident still discussed today. Shadows and strange sounds fill the basement, as if George Griffin or a former maid were still tending to their duties. The unexplained knocking, sudden fire alarms without smoke, and the spectral sight of a woman in period dress make each visit an unforgettable experience.

The Twain House Over the Years

After the Clemens family sold the home in 1903, it passed through various owners and transformations, even becoming apartments and a branch of the Hartford Public Library. But as much as the house adapted to the changing world, the spirits of its past seem to remain anchored.

Each room, from the grand library where Twain’s books line the shelves to the silent bedrooms, holds a piece of history—a history that refuses to be forgotten. The Mark Twain House is a place where stories are etched into every corner, and visitors might just find themselves becoming part of the tale.

For those who dare to explore, remember that you’re not alone in the halls of the Mark Twain House. The past lives on, and if you listen closely, you might hear Twain himself spinning another ghostly tale.

Sources:

The Mark Twain House & Museum – Overview of the house’s history, architecture, and connections to the Twain family.

    Journal Inquirer – An article detailing paranormal reports and historical significance of the Mark Twain House.

      Love to Know Paranormal – Interviews and accounts of paranormal experiences from staff and visitors.

      Connecticut Magazine – Coverage of ghost tours and reported hauntings, including sightings of Susy Clemens and George Griffin.

      The Hartford Courant – Historical clippings documenting the home’s transition over the years, from private residence to apartment and museum.

      • Notable Clippings: Hartford Courant, Dec 23, 1919, Pg 6; May 24, 1923, Pg 14; Mar 12, 1967, Pg 116

      Star-Gazette (Elmira, NY) – Articles and obituaries concerning the Clemens family, notably Susy Clemens’ passing.

      • Notable Clipping: Star-Gazette, Aug 24, 1896

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      Haunted America

      Ghost in the Attic – Davis-Horton House Museum

      by Jennifer Jones
      written by Jennifer Jones

      And not just any type of ghost, specifically the Davis-Horton House Museum, is said to be home to the ghost of a German spy. There are other ghosts here at the oldest remaining building in downtown San Diego, including a ghost cat! But before we get to the ghosts, let me give you just a tiny bit of the home’s history and tell you how you can help ensure this museum survives.

      Located in the San Diego historic Gaslamp District, the Davis-Horton house got its beginnings in Portland, Maine, and was shipped all the way around Cape Horn to be pieced back together in San Diego in 1850. Since its first location near Pantjoa Park at State and Market St, the house was moved two more times in its 171-year history, landing in its current location in 1984.

      After the house was donated to the city in 1977, a massive restoration took place which included adding electricity to the house for the first time in its history. The rooms have been restored to show how the house appeared during various times including when it served as pre-civil war military barracks, the county hospital from 1873-1881, and a private family home. With all of the history contained in this small house, it’s not very surprising that it also has a haunted reputation.

      Matt and I recently had a chance to visit this museum, and other than the docent, we were lucky enough to be the only people in the house. While small, the museum is well done, and certain areas definitely had a slightly creepy vibe.

      But as we all know, an old house doesn’t automatically = haunted, even one that is filled with antique pieces. However, numerous people through the years have reported having strange experiences in the Davis-Horton House, including before the house was used as a museum and before it had electricity.

      One of the most common occurrences is flickering lights and lights that turn off and on by themselves. You know, fairly typical haunted house activity. What makes this house even more interesting is that one of the house owners, prior to it being gifted to the city, said that even when gas lamps lit the house, they often had a mind of their own. Current staff at the museum report turning the lights off at night only to find one or more is on the following morning.

      One of the docents told me that recently she had an interesting experience with the light in the upstairs office. She said that shortly after her husband dropped her off to open the museum for the morning, she heard a noise from upstairs as if someone else was inside. Worried that someone had broken in, she ran out to get her husband before he left and asked him to come and make sure no one else was there.

      Her husband checked the upstairs and the attic and left after assuring the docent that there was no other living person in the house. As she went from room to room, turning the lights on for the day, she found that the desk lamp in the upstairs office was turned on. This is just an example of some of the odd occurrences experienced by those who work here.

      Visitors have often told the museum staff that they saw a cat in one of the rooms and it ran out and simply disappeared. Others have reported hearing a cat meowing and being unable to find where the sound is coming from, a cat’s meow has also been captured on EVP. Staff will often come in to find small objects that were sitting on tables, now lying on the floor as if knocked off by a cat.

      For a period of its life, beginning in 1873, the house was used as a “county hospital”, run by a woman named Anna Scheper. She was paid $1 per day per patient. This is reflected with one of the rooms being set up as it would have looked during that time. By the end of 1873 alone, three patients had died in the house. A small chest containing old medicine bottles is kept on top of a dresser and the chest is always left open so visitors can see the contents. Museum staff often report coming in to find the chest closed and the bottles and various items are not in the same place as they are usually kept.

      While most of the activity involves things being moved and the lights being turned on or off there have also been a few sightings of full bodied apparitions. This ghost is said to be a woman dressed in Victorian era clothing, and has been seen at the top of the stairs near where the children’s room is today. Interestingly enough, the ghost is almost always seen only from the waist down.

      Unfortunately, while the ghost in the attic seems to be the most mentioned, the activity attributed to him is difficult to pin down. One site referred to the apparition of a man wearing a WWII uniform that has been seen in the house, but that doesn’t match the history of the alleged spy in question. The reported spy was a German man named Karl Offer. Karl arrived in the United States in 1915 and listed his occupation as a fine jewelry importer. On July 12th, 1917, he was arrested as an alien enemy upon orders of Attorney General Gregory in Washington, D.C. It is said that the owners of the home at the time, German immigrants Herman and Lena Lohman allowed Offer to use their attic as a lookout to track the American Pacific Fleet in San Diego Bay. By August, Offer was transferred to Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City and it appears held until the end of the war. It’s unclear what information was used against him, but by 1928 he was granted citizenship in the United States.

      If you won’t be in San Diego anytime soon, you can book a Virtual Ghost Tour here, they also have a non-paranormal option available. And, if like me you appreciate old buildings with haunted history considering donating a few bucks to help this museum stay open.

      Sources:

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      Haunted America

      The Haunting of Express Car No. 5: A Historical Account

      by Jennifer Jones
      written by Jennifer Jones

      On January 26, 1882, a small article hit the third page of the Reno Gazette-Journal entitled “A Haunted Car.” The article stated that the Wells, Fargo & Co’s messengers have detailed encounters they’ve had with the haunted express car. The car in question was Express Car No. 5 and during this time its typical route was between San Francisco and Ogden. An express car was a guarded car that was used to transport gold, silver, and other valuable items. Well-armed express messengers traveled in the car, something similar to the armored trucks of today.

      According to the article, this particular car had been causing problems of the paranormal nature for a number of years. It had become so well known amongst the Wells, Fargo & Co’s messengers and other staff that the company sent it to Sacramento for a complete renovation in December of 1881. The messengers believed that this would “kill the ghost and return the car to the rail free from all demoralizing influence.” Unfortunately for them, that was not the case.

      On January 24th, 1882, the car in question left San Francisco and the poor messenger assigned to the car had the experience of his life. He told the paper that the “ghost came in and tumbled the boxes of freight about, tolled bells, and made sweet music, and called the messenger by name.” Wait, what? What was happening in this car?! According to the unnamed messenger, the car’s previous trip before being sent to Sacramento was even worse. The messenger during that run reported hearing strange noises on the roof of the car. Thinking that he was in the process of being robbed he waited for the robbers to try and enter the car. When that didn’t happen and the noises on the roof ceased, he opened the door and looked around but saw nothing and everything was quiet. Here’s where things get extra weird. He closed the door and while walking back to the mail table “down came a box of cooked shrimps and a band-box.” Just imagine the smell of a box of cooked shrimps in an unrefrigerated car back in 1881. Yuck. The freight was tossed around and then everything went quiet.

      Whoever wrote the article goes on to claim that on another occasion prior to the renovation the express car had a corpse in transit. The messenger stated that he saw the head and trunk of the man’s body rise up from the casket, take a look around, call the messenger by name, and then vanish. If I had to guess I would say that this was some exaggeration from the reporter or the person who relayed that experience had eaten a few too many of those cooked shrimps. So, what is the cause of the haunting, you ask? The article stated that the car was part of a train that was in an accident several years prior near Truckee, California in which Conductor Marshall and an express messenger were killed. It was this event that started the frequent paranormal experiences of all of those unlucky enough to be assigned to car No. 5. I wanted to see if I could track down any information about this train wreck that led to the haunting of the car and sure enough, I was able to verify that the wreck mentioned did happen, and the people involved were real.

      Around October 20th, 1872 on the Central Pacific Railroad an east-bound train was heading for Reno when trouble struck about 3 to 4 miles east of Truckee. The cars somehow became detached from the engine and despite efforts to avoid a crash eventually caught up to and collided with the engine. The post office, express, and baggage cars were thrown from the track killing Conductor Marshall who was caught between the two sleeping cars while trying to put on the brakes. He was nearly cut in two. The Express Agent, John Hawks, Express Messenger, Van Wormer, and Postal Agent, Joseph Taylor were all killed in the accident.

      The Haunted Car article of 1882 would not be the last we would hear about the infamous car No. 5, however. On March 7th, 1882, noted Wells, Fargo & Co’s Express Messenger Aaron Y. Ross reportedly took a shot at what he thought was a person standing inside of car No. 5. Ross, who would go on to become famous for single-handedly warding off a robbery of the car in January of 1883 was said to be a level-headed, non-drinker. He was 6’3”, weighed over 200 lbs, and had a “commanding presence.” (Ross would eventually retire from Wells Fargo at the age of 87 and died in Ogden in 1922 at the age of 93.)

      Back to the story, because we’re not done with this express car yet. In January 1885 it was reported that Ross demanded a new car. He said that one evening he was working alone in the car and went to sleep around 10 pm. At midnight he was awoken by a noise that sounded like a box falling and being crushed. He got up and looked around, nothing seemed to be out of place, and figuring he must have dreamt it, he went back to sleep. The next time he was on the same route he again was woken up by the sound of a box falling and being crushed. This time, however, when he laid back down he heard the noise again. He said it would happen every night he was working this route and he eventually got used to it and would simply ignore the strange noises.

      One night, however, the noise was unusually loud, and he sat straight up in his bed. As he looked around he saw the “shadowy figure of a man standing at his desk, pen in hand.” He couldn’t figure out how the man got in and when he grabbed his rifle the figure disappeared.

      There weren’t any further mentions of car No. 5 until 1893. The car was now being used on the mail route between Los Angeles and El Paso. According to the article, there was a macabre death of a “tramp” who was riding underneath Central Pacific Car No. 5062 when it stopped at a water tank. The man was thrown from his seat, horribly mangled and killed. On the next trip when the train neared the spot where the accident occurred a “peculiar moaning was heard” and would continue until the site was some distance behind the train. Messengers would claim this would happen on every trip. It seems the unusual life of car No. 5 would come to an end near Lordsburg, New Mexico on December 10th, 1893 in a wreck.

      Sources:

      • The Daily Bee, 14 Oct 1872
      • The Mail, 7 Mar 1882
      • The Mail, 19 Jan 1885
      • Los Angeles Herald, 19 Dec 1893
      • Arizona Daily Star, 10 Dec 1893

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      True Crime

      The Gruesome Discovery: Body in a Box in Otterbein, Indiana

      by Jennifer Jones
      written by Jennifer Jones

      October 8th, 1976, had started like any other normal day for the Skoog family who lives near the small town of Otterbein, Indiana. The Skoogs were a farming family, and Norman Skoog had acres of corn ready to be harvested. While his 16-year-old son, Curtis, was busy mowing the grass, Norman had his combine out in the cornfields. Around 5:30 pm, he saw a cardboard box lying squarely in the rows of corn, about nine rows deep into the field. At first, he figured one of his kids had left it there and paid little attention to it. But as it was now in his way, his interest was piqued when he realized the box was too heavy for him to lift. He returned to his house and asked his father-in-law for some help in lifting the box onto the bed of his truck.

      When they got it back to the house, they noticed a strange odor wafting from the box, the sickly sweet scent of cheap woman’s perfume. It was as if the box had been drenched in the perfume. Police described the box as one that was typically used by moving or storage companies. It was approximately 3’x2’x1′ with “wardrobe bottom” stamped at one end and written on another part of the box was “hall closet.” The box was sealed shut with what was described as gray furnace tape and tied with a clothesline. Curious as to what was inside, Norman cut a piece of the tape and opened up a small corner of the box. All he could see was an almost empty perfume bottle and something wrapped in heavy plastic. He told Curtis to put the bottle back in the box, and realizing that something was not right, Norman Skoog alerted the sheriff’s office.

      When the authorities arrived and opened the box, they were confronted with an object wrapped in layers of heavy plastic—the type of plastic used to preserve carpeting in heavily-trafficked areas. The plastic was kept in place by what appeared to be masking tape. Upon unwrapping the plastic, it quickly became clear that the killer had used perfume to try and mask the unmistakable smell of decomposition. As they unwrapped the gruesome package, they found a woman’s body, placed in the fetal position and bound by more rope. The woman wore light green pants with a matching light green and tan knit shirt. The clothing was in relatively good condition with no rips or worn areas and surprisingly few stains, considering the pathologist would later determine the woman had been dead for approximately 7 to 10 days. She was not wearing shoes and had no jewelry on her body.

      The killer wrapped the woman’s head in paper towels, a “smaller than average white cloth towel,” and two small light-colored trashcan liners. She wore no makeup, her nails were trimmed and neatly kept, and it was noted she had callouses on her hands. She appeared to be in her late 50s or early 60s with light brown or brownish-gray hair and brown eyes. Although there was very little for the police to go off of in the hopes of making an identification, the woman’s body did offer a couple of specific clues. She had recently undergone a mastectomy on her right side. She had dental work done but needed a considerable amount of more work, and she had a vertical scar on her torso that extended from her sternum to her stomach. She was fingerprinted, and the prints were sent to the FBI lab but produced no matches. Whoever this woman was, she had never been arrested, served in the military, held a position in the civil service, or immigrated to the U.S. The cause of death was determined to be a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.

      Another sad fact would soon become clear to investigators; no one was apparently missing this woman.

      Investigators surely expected someone to come forward looking for their missing mother, sister, wife, or aunt. They got a couple of calls from the surrounding area, but the woman in the box didn’t match the description given. The newspapers published a sketch of the woman’s face taken from police photos hoping it would cause someone to recognize her and come forward but to no avail. Police believed that perhaps she was a cleaning lady due to the callouses on her hands. The theory was that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time or walked into a situation she was not supposed to be aware of. Perhaps there was even Mafia involvement.

      Journal and Courier Lafayette, Indiana Sunday, October 2, 1977

      Investigators turned their focus to the box that contained the woman’s body. Manufactured by a company based in Melrose, Illinois, and distributed to moving and storage companies in parts of Indiana (Gary & Hammond), the Chicago area, southern Michigan, and parts of Wisconsin. Not exactly a small area of distribution. Police, however, believed the woman was most likely from Chicago. This wasn’t the type of crime to happen in this rural section of Benton County, Indiana.

      They next focused on just how the box ended up in the “back 40” of Norman Skoog’s farm. The Skoog farm was not close to any major roads. Located six miles north of U.S. 52, this area of Benton County was only reached by a series of twists and turns down small rural roads.

      Red circle indicates approximate area of the Skoog Farm

      Norman didn’t believe that someone could have gotten the box nine rows into the cornfield without him noticing broken stalks. Additionally, police were certain the box had been left in the cornfield within hours of Norman finding it. When found, the box was dry although the area had seen rain the evening before. After talking to people who lived near the Skoog farm they concluded that no one saw or heard a car in the area, but they did report hearing and seeing something unusual.

      Three different witnesses reported hearing and seeing a helicopter in the area of the Skoog farm the morning the box was found. Not only was seeing a helicopter highly unusual for the area, but this was also a costly type of helicopter: a white and gold Bell JetRanger.

      1976 Bell JetRanger

      In 1976 the average cost of a JetRanger was $160,000, which is equivalent to approximately $760,000 today. Not exactly a common thing to see in the rural farmland of Benton County, Indiana. Police at the time said that a helicopter of that type would’ve been limited to major corporations or the very wealthy. According to the witnesses, the helicopter approached from the northeast, swung towards the southwest, and lowered, hovering over the Skoog crops, lifted back up, heading west, quickly disappearing into the northwest.

      On October 9th, 1976, the Unknown Woman was given a pauper’s burial in Fowler Cemetery. With no headstone marking her grave, the woman’s body would lie there, mostly forgotten for the next 43 years. With all leads exhausted and no new information coming in, her murder case was about as cold as one could get.

      Journal and Courier Lafayette, Indiana Sunday, October 2, 1977

      At the end of June 2019, the Benton County Coroner received a search warrant and order to exhume the Unknown Woman’s body. A team from the Human Identification Center at the University of Indianapolis carefully excavated the grave, finding the simple wooden coffin had almost entirely disintegrated. Still, her remains were quickly found inside a body bag. After first being taken to the Tippecanoe County morgue, her body was then brought to the University of Indiana, where the investigation would begin. Unfortunately, this was not a high-profile case, and it appears that any new information they might have gleaned from the research has not been made public as of yet.

      What is known for sure is that it took more than one person to leave her body at that location. Whether it was transported by car or helicopter, it was too heavy for one person to lift on their own. I fully believe there are those still out there that have the answers to this mystery. Let’s hope that, at the least, the mystery of who this woman was is solved, and she can be buried under her proper name. And maybe, with increased awareness and technology, police will be able to determine who was responsible for her murder.

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