Ghosts of Greater St. Louis

The Ghost of the Meramec - The Lynching of John Buckner

In January, 1894, in Valley Park, Missouri, A black resident named John Buckner was taken from the authorities and hanged from the "Old Wagon Bridge" over the Meramec River. The story goes that he had sexually assaulted 2 black women and 1 white woman in the area, and after a crime wave in the County of St. Louis, 150 citizens from the surrounding areas removed Buckner from the custody of local authorities, took him in the middle of the night to the main bridge in Valley Park, and lynched him.

The town was becoming a boom-town on its way "to rivaling its better known neighbor of St. Louis"--until a flood in 1915 pulled down the three-span steel bridge from its foundations. The nearby businesses burned to the ground after the electric plants had been flooded, and they never re-opened. Two Thousand people were left homeless and unemployed, and several drowned in the disaster. A new bridge was built, and was pummeled again and again, until it too was destroyed. Many locals say that a ghost haunts the Meramec River, and some have speculated that the spirit of the lynched John Buckner roams the Meramec where a new bridge (Highway 141) crosses over the spot of the lynching. They say his ghost longs for revenge on the town, and is the continuing cause of the bad luck their town has endured.

Ghostly Girls at the Edgewood Children's Center

Located in the southwest St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves, sits the historic Edgewood Children’s Center. Today the center serves as a treatment center for abused and abandoned children; however, the center has a long history dating back almost 175 years. In 1834, the St. Louis Association of Ladies for the Relief of Orphan Children was created in response to the many children left orphaned by the 1832 cholera epidemic. After expanding their facilities and services in 1848, the name was changed to the St. Louis Protestant Orphans' Asylum

In 1869, the group merged with the Western Sanitary Commission, a volunteer organization designed to provide relief for veterans of the Civil War. As a result of the merger, the group moved from its north St. Louis location to the Rock House in Webster Groves, originally the sight of Webster College School for Boys purchased by the Western Sanitary Commission in 1861.

The Rock House, sitting in the middle of the new 23 acre site already had history of its own. Constructed in 1850 by Reverend Artemus Bullard, the preacher successfully operated a seminary for young men in the Rock House until his untimely death in a train wreck in 1855. It is known that Reverend Bullard was a strong abolitionist, and is believed that he used the Rock House as a way station in the Underground Railroad, helping to move slaves into safety in the north. It was believed that a tunnel, several blocks long, ran beneath the Rock House acting as a hiding place for slaves escaping to the north. The exit was sealed off in the 1890's after two children became lost in it and died.

In 1910, a devastating fire gutted the old Rock House and at least one child perished in the fire. Though the interior was destroyed, the lovely stone exterior was not damaged

Changing the name from St. Louis Protestant Orphan's Asylum to Edgewood Children's Center in 1944, the agency successfully bridged the transition from the care of homeless children to meeting the needs of emotionally disturbed children. Today the 155 year old Rock house is listed as a National Historic Landmark and houses the Edgewood Center’s offices.

It comes as no surprise, with the center's long history and the numerous children who have lived and died on these premises that it is reportedly haunted. Many have claimed that they have seen the ghost of the little girl who perished at the Rock House fire in 1910. Said to be a friendly little spirit, the staff have fondly named her Rachel. Often the sounds of footsteps are heard in the hallways of the Rock House when no one is present. Furthermore, the footsteps are heard to continue up a staircase that stood almost a century ago but no longer exists today. Reports from adults who have lived on the second floor include moving objects, more phantom footfalls, and feelings of an oppressive uneasiness.

Outside many have reported hearing the sounds of children playing on the grounds under an old cottonwood tree in the early evening hours. Some have even stated that they have seen a little girl under the tree, sometimes floating.

The historic Rock House and Edgewood Children’s Center is located at 330 North Gore Street between North Rock Hill Road and West Kirkham Avenue in Webster Groves.

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Devil's Promenade & the Hornet Spook Light - Hornet, Missouri

Bobbing and bouncing along a dirt road in northeast Oklahoma is the Hornet Spook Light a paranormal enigma for more than a century. Described most often as an orange ball of light, the orb travels from east to west along a four mile gravel road, long called the Devil's Promenade by area locals.

The Spook Light, often referred to as the Joplin Spook Light or the Tri-State Spook Light is actually in Oklahoma near the small town of Quapaw. However, it is most often seen from the east, which is why it has been "attached” to the tiny hamlet of Hornet, Missouri and the larger better known town of Joplin.

According to the legend, the spook light was first seen by Indians along the infamous Trail of Tears in 1836; however, the first "official” report occurred in 1881 in a publication called the Ozark Spook Light.

The ball of fire, described as varying from the size of a baseball to a basketball, dances and spins down the center of the road at high speeds, rising and hovering above the treetops, before it retreats and disappears. Others have said it sways from side to side, like a lantern being carried by some invisible force. In any event, the orange fire-like ball has reportedly been appearing nightly for well over a one hundred years. According to locals, the best time to view the spook light is between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and midnight and tends to shy away from large groups and loud sounds.

Though many paranormal and scientific investigators have studied the light, including the Army Corps of Engineers, no one has been able to provide a conclusive answer as to the origin of the light.

Many explanations have been presented over the years including escaping natural gas, reflecting car lights and billboards, and will-o’-the-wisps, a luminescence created by rotting organic matter. However, all of these explanations all fall short of being conclusive.

As to the theory of escaping natural gas, which is common in marshy areas, the Hornet Light is seemingly not affected by wind or by rain, and how would it self-ignite? The idea that it might be a will-o’-the-wisp is discounted, as this biological phenomena does not display the intensity of the ball of light seen along the Devil's Promenade. Explanations of headlights or billboards are easily discarded, as the light was seen years before automobiles or billboards were made, and before a road even existed in the area.

One possible explanation that is not as easily discounted, but not yet proven conclusive, is that the lights are electrical atmospheric charges. In areas where rocks, deep below the earth’s surface, are shifting and grinding, an electrical charge can be created. This area, lying on a fault line running east from New Madrid, Missouri, westward to Oklahoma was the site of four earthquakes during the eighteenth century. These types of electrical fields are most commonly associated with earthquakes.

Other interesting legends also abound about the light that provide a more ghostly explanation. The oldest is the story of a Quapaw Indian maiden who fell in love with a young brave. However, her father would not allow her to marry the man as he did not have a large enough dowry. The pair eloped but were soon pursued by a party of warriors. According to the legend, when the couple was close to being apprehended, they joined hands above the Spring River and leaped to their deaths. It was shortly after this event, that the light began to appear and was attributed to the spirits of the young lovers.

Another legend tells of a miner whose cabin was attacked by Indians while he was away. Upon his return, he found his wife and children missing and is said to continue looking for them along the old road, searching with his lantern.

Others say the Spook Light is the ghost of an Osage Indian chief who was decapitated in the area and continues to search for his lost head, with a lantern held high in his hand.

Sightings of the Spook Light are common, sometimes even reported to be seen inside vehicles. A few people, who have been walking along the road at night, have even claimed to have felt the heat of the ball as it passed near them.

Reportedly, the moving anomaly, growing brighter and dimmer, larger and smaller, can be seen approximately twelve miles southwest of Joplin, Missouri. To get to Devil's Promenade Road, take Interstate 44 west from Joplin but before you reach the Oklahoma border, take the next to the last Missouri exit onto Star Route 43. Traveling south for about four miles, you will reach a crossroads which is Devil's Promenade Road.

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Haunted Inn at 835 in Springfield - Springfield, Illinois

Built in the early 1900s, the Inn at 835 in Springfield, Illinois first housed luxury apartments. The dream of Bell Miller, a turn of the century businesswoman, it was designed during the Arts and Crafts movement by architect, George Helmle.

While still in her 20’s, Bell Miller began a floral business in the early 1890’s, catering to Springfield’s high society. Before long, she expanded her small business into a number of greenhouses, encompassing a city block.

In December, 1909 her dream home was completed, including airy verandahs, massive fireplaces and exquisite oak detailing in a neighborhood once termed "Aristocracy Hill.” In no time, the dignified building attracted an array of aristocratic tenants who graced the luxury apartments over the years..

In 1994, the building was completely renovated and the apartments were converted into seven luxurious guest rooms, each offering private baths and amenities such as double Jacuzzis and airy verandas. In 1995, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But according to the legend, Bell Miller became so fond of her dream home, that she refuses to leave. From guests and staff come the stories of a warm friendly voice that seemingly comes out of nowhere. On other occasions, a ghostly figure has been seen drifting through doorways. One report included a book taken from a tightly packed shelf and placed in the middle of the room multiple times. On another occasion, when the wallpaper began to peel away from the wall, it was found to be perfectly repaired the next morning. Apparently, Miss Miller continues to care for her luxurious home.

She also seems to have a penchant for candy as the sound of the lid from a crystal candy dish is often heard being removed and replaced when no one is around. Most often reported are the strange events occurring in the elevator. Guests often report that regardless of the button they push, they wind up on a different floor. Though the elevator and been serviced and inspected on multiple occasion with reports that it is in perfect working order, the events continue to occur.

In any event, Miss Miller is seemingly a benign and friendly spirit at the Inn, which today provides every modern convenience without detracting from the sense of gracious luxury which Bell Miller created almost a century ago.

Today the historic inn provides gourmet breakfasts and evening wine and cheese in its luxurious surroundings. Meeting and banquet facilities are also available for up to 150 guests.

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Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn - Berwyn, Illinois

Cigars and Stripes, the hip lounge and comedy club on old Route 66 in Berwyn has plenty of atmosphere – most of which cannot be easily explained. Customers and paranormal researchers are saying it is a "hot spot” in more ways than one.

"It was more than weird. It was very weird,” said Simone Tervydis of Cicero as she and her friend, Bernice Jan tried to describe their astonishment when they saw the top of a martini shaker flip upside down and then roll across the bar at Cigars and Stripes. "The top just lifted up on its own. We were shocked and jolted. We all looked at one another. It was very weird.”

Chicago-based, Supernatural Occurrence Studies (SOS), Inc. investigators have been recording the testimonials and first-hand accounts of unexplainable occurrences and sightings that patrons of the hip eclectic lounge and comedy club have been experiencing. SOS Inc. Theorist Dave Black said he "sensed things” as he took a walk around the basement and first floor of the lounge. "There’s definitely something going on in this building,” he said.

"From what I hear of the all the testimonials, it has been manifesting itself in various ways. People have been hearing things, seeing things and things have been moving.”

Black said there are multiple testimonials of glasses falling off shelves, the phone lifting up by itself, bottles falling and martini shakers just flipping in the air. "All the people are watching this happen,” said Black.

Though he’s somewhat skeptical about the paranormal "happenings”, Cigars and Stripes’ owner, Ronn Vrhel explained that when they were first renovating the 80 year old building five years ago, his wife heard sounds like there were parties going on downstairs. When he would go downstairs to check, there was nothing there.

Vrhel said that not long ago, he lost his large bundle of keys and searched high and low for them. A short time later, he heard a loud sound and "the keys dropped out of nowhere” in plain view of all the customers who were seated at the bar.

"The keys slammed off one of the corners and just flew down the bar. I grabbed them and people were saying, "What was that all about? Where did those keys come from?”

Black said that while doing some of the research, he witnessed some unique experiences as well as "very intense” sensations in the basement. His own accounts include hearing someone walking down the stairs – when no one was there, and hearing noises and activity in the empty basement.

SOS Inc. has been researching the paranormal since 1998. They’ve explored some well-known haunts such as Bachelor’s Grove, The House of Blues and the sites of some well-known murders.

"The ultimate goal is to collectively put together a story of what’s taking place. We also want to make sure that every piece of information is backed by fact.

"There are a lot of testimonials from bartenders and customers. At least 2 out of every 15 regulars have experienced something,” said Vrhel who is also researching the building’s history.

At least five customers have seen a shadowy figure walking down the hallway at the rear of the bar. One customer described seeing the shadowy figure "scoot down the hall and around the corner”.

Vrhel invited Spiritual Advisor Lee Murphy to walk through the building to see if her insight validated the ongoing investigations of supernatural activity. After touring the main floor and the basement of Cigars and Stripes, Murphy confirmed the findings of the SOS Inc. group - several spots were charged with energy. Her insight brought to life many stories of the past as well as many possible explanations of the haunting activity.

Murphy’s insight points to several sources of supernatural activity, including a former customer who fell dead in the business entryway nearly 30 years ago, and who may still be walking in to enjoy the social atmosphere.

A presence at the rear of the building is sensed to be an elderly woman who prayed and worried considerably about the well-being of family and friends.

The large hand-crafted bar, which was brought over from the former Stardust Lounge several blocks down from Cigars and Stripes, may be the source of a true love story playing out in some of the current "playful” events.

Murphy said that the energies of the bar are especially intense in one location, which Vrhel shared was the place where Rose, the late former owner of the bar, was best remembered to sit. Rose and her husband Joe owned the Stardust Lounge, and he built and hand-crafted the bar especially for her. Murphy said that Rose’s presence is an exceptionally loving one.

As investigative results are gathered and more and more testimonials of unexplainable occurrences and sightings are being documented, the Supernatural Occurrence Studies, Inc. group has agreed that the place is definitely haunted.

"I do believe that this location is haunted,” said SOS Vice-President William Wolfe who, along with his group, made an overnight visit to the location.

The SOS group, which was founded in 1998, set up their equipment in various locations of the first floor and basement, especially in the areas that have been noted to have the most paranormal activity. After leaving the location for several hours, the group returned to study the results of the camcorders, infrared cameras and tapes.

When the group played back the tape recording, definite sounds and voices could be heard. "We heard knocking sounds, voices, whispering and conversations. One voice sounded like it was saying ‘No, no, you can’t!’ in a man’s voice. There were some howling or screaming sounds in the background, too. We will definitely do some more audio recording here,” said SOS Theorist/Field Guide Dave Black who added that extensive analysis will be performed on the EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) tapes.

Sophisticated energy readings showed that there were drastic temperature variations in some locations. "We were getting readings of a 30 degree temperature variance in the area known as the hot spot,” said Wolfe.

"You never know with old buildings, and you suspect explanations such as drafts and such. They said, ‘Get over here. You have to check this out!’ They were feeling something. I went over there and it was so intense that my eyes started watering and I was having difficulty breathing. I had to put my hand on the stool to stay upright. We all felt it,” said Black.

Numerous Cigars and Stripes customers have reported seeing a shadowy figure in the hallway near the rear of the bar. Owner Ronn Vrhel said that most people describe it as an outline of a figure. "People describe it as having no arms or legs – just a shape. They see it go around the corner,” he said.

SOS researchers and many of the customers report hearing footsteps on the stairs when no one is there. Sounds have been heard in the basement as well. Wolfe said that the night they did their research, they heard sounds like beer cans being thrown around. "Ronn doesn’t have beer cans in the lounge, only bottles,” he said.

Wolfe also thinks that the location was likely an Al Capone haunt. "Based on the history of the place with people dying at the bar and the age of the building, it’s a good possibility that Capone visited here or offered his protection for the businesses that were here. It’s a prime location for Capone tactics,” said Wolfe.

With a long list of stories which include four deaths in the building, keys dropping out of nowhere, martini shaker tops flipping and rolling down the bar, phones falling off the hook and then ringing, light switches and spotlights turning on by themselves and bottles and glasses toppling with no reason, the conclusions are clear that the place is "special”.

Spiritual Advisor Lee Murphy agrees that the place has many stories to tell. She said that for the most part, the place has a "very colorful” energy. She walked through the basement, upstairs game room and bar area and told Vrhel some of the stories she "picked up” which included the story of a former owner who prayed and worried about her family and friends. She said it is a good possibility that this former occupant, who passed away on the premises, still occupies the scene and even, perhaps, cares for the present owners and/or customers in some way.

Murphy feels that there is a special energy attached to the hand-crafted bar which came from the former Stardust Lounge located several blocks from Cigars and Stripes. Vrhel had always admired the bar, brought it to his establishment and set it in place carefully.

Murphy said she feels especially strong impressions from the area that Rose, the former owner, used to sit most often. Vrhel said that the "hot spot” seems to be a favorite place for many customers. Murphy offered an explanation as to why that might be.

According to Murphy, Rose’s energy is clearly present and may even be working in a match-making kind of scenario. "I sensed that Rose’s relationship with her husband was very loving and special. She may be helping others in finding the same kind of relationship. She seems to have had a very good understanding about such things,” offered Murphy.

Along with it being a spot where many like to gather, the "hot spot” was the place where two customers met and then married not too long ago, explained Vrhel. "It’s likely to be a great place to meet someone or even to improve your existing relationship. The energy is really very special,” said Murphy as she sat in Rose’s former seat.

Vrhel said he is getting used to the occurrences and even feels like something is working on his behalf. "A while back I was talking about getting out of the business. It seems like some of these things really started to happen then. I get the definite impression that ‘they’ want me to stay and are looking out for us in some way,” he said.

"In conclusion, yes, this bar is haunted. It probably has more activity than a lot of other places we’ve been to and documented. There are a lot of testimonials - to a degree that I haven’t experienced in most places we have been,” said Black.

Dave "Od” Black first sensed the strange goings-on when he was at the lounge performing his stand-up comedy act. After the show, the comedian/paranormal investigator asked Vrhel if his place was haunted. "Funny you should mention it…” answered Vrhel.

Spiritual Advisor Lee Murphy has assisted police investigations and worked with clients across the U.S. for almost 25 years. She is semi-retired and lives in the Western suburbs.

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