Bumble Bee Just Never Made It

Unlike many of the other ghost towns in the area, Bumble Bee, Arizona was not a mining town – rather, it was once a flourishing stage stop on the Prescott-Phoenix stage line. Originally, the stop was known as Snyder’s Station named for W.W. Snyder who first settled the area.

Though the region was “infested” with hostile Indians, Snyder saw opportunity in the creek that ran nearby and the lush pastures, where he could graze his horses and cattle. But the Indians were not happy with having white settlers in the area and began to attack a number of area ranches. Soon, The U.S. Cavalry sent in their troops to protect Snyder, as well as the other area ranchers and prospectors.

Though small amounts of gold could be found in Bumble Bee, the vast majority was to be found in the neighboring camps, including Turkey Creek, Golden Turkey, Cleator, Gloriana, Gillette, the mineral-rich veins at Tip Top, and dozens of other small settlements.

Bradshaw Mountains
Bradshaw Mountains

Though the original road through Bumble Bee was crude, it led to the mines, which the many prospectors were determined to reach. When a stage was established with a stop at Snyder’s ranch, Snyder built a small hostelry and stable to accommodate the travelers. Then, when gold was discovered in the adjacent Bradshaw Mountains, prospectors were crawling in nearby Bumble Bee Creek.

Soon, enough people had arrived in the area that a post office was established in February 1879, taking its name from nearby Bumble Bee Creek, so named because early travelers said that the Indians were as “thick as bumblebees.”

As the railroad pushed westward, it pushed the stagecoach out and about the same time; the rich ores were diminishing in the area. Bumble Bee was destined to die. Its few remaining residents did everything to keep the town alive, moving the townsite three different times as new roads were surveyed. Finally, though, it was by-passed so far by the Black Canyon Highway, it became a true ghost town.

In the mid 1930s, an attempt was made to bring Bumble Bee back to life by making it into a tourist attraction. Several new buildings were constructed, but the attraction never drew the tourists they hoped for.

Over the years, the property changed hands a number of times, until the entire town was placed on the market and purchased in 1960 by newspaper king, Charles A. Penn. Though Penn had plans to restore the town and build a museum, it never happened.

Time and weather have taken their toll on what little is left of the old ghost town, though several buildings continue to stand. The site is on private property and some of the old buildings are occupied; however, photographs can be taken from the road. At the time of this writing, the old school building, which houses a private residence and formerly, a gift shop for several years, is for sale.

The rest of the businesses have long closed have been left to the elements.

Bumble Bee is some 55 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona just off I-17 at Exit # 248.

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Ghost Children upon San Antonio’s Railroad Tracks

Just south of San Antonio, Texas, is the site of Texas’ most famous ghost story. Not far from the San Juan Mission is an intersection of the roadway that is crossed by railroad tracks. Whether this is an urban legend or truly a ghostly tale has long been forgotten in history. Reportedly, this is the site of a fatal accident in which a train collided with a school bus full of children in the 1930s or 1940s.

According to the legend, it was a rainy Texas morning as the train moved swiftly down the tracks when the engineer spied a school bus stalled along his path. Frantically pulling his break and tugging on the train whistle, the hulking engine quickly advanced toward the school bus, unable to stop in time. Ten children reportedly lost their lives that day and continue to haunt the area, protecting others from a similar fate.

As the story goes, if you park your car directly over the tracks and shift into neutral, the ghosts of the children will push it uphill, out of the way of an oncoming train. And if you have the foresight to cover your bumper with baby powder or flour, you can reportedly see the children’s fingerprints upon your car.

This story has been featured on the popular television shows of Sightings, Unsolved Mysteries, as well as numerous Texas Magazines and newspapers.

Despite the much-publicized story, its truth has been hotly debated in San Antonio and both area residents and local law enforcement are weary of the legend. Numerous accounts have been reported that cars do in fact inexplicably move on their own and mysterious prints are seen on vehicles. Others allege they have heard the voices and laughter of children while at the site.

However, in support of the San Antonio residents, there are no records of any such accident having ever occurred in the newspaper archives anywhere in Texas. It seems to us that an accident of such magnitude would have been reported somewhere.

Furthermore, official investigations into the events have determined that despite an illusionary appearance of a level, or even slightly inclined road, the street surface is actually at a two degree declination. This would result in the natural rolling of a car parked in neutral. As to the fingerprints, these could easily be those that were already there. Even after washing, forensic studies have concluded that fingerprints can still occur.

As the curious from all over the country come to witness the paranormal phenomena, law enforcement are constantly forced to deal with traffic problems at the site, especially around Halloween. Area residents have grown extremely weary of the congestion and the drugs and alcohol that seemingly accompany many of the visitors. Unfortunately, a criminal element has also entered upon the scene as reports of car-jackings, purse snatchings and worse, are perpetrated on the many curious and unsuspecting ghost hunters.

San Antonio is reportedly the most haunted city in the State of Texas with dozens of ghostly sites that are not debated. Perhaps it is time to give this legend a rest, along with local law enforcement and area residents.

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Haunted Inn at 835 in Springfield

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 1890s, 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.

InnAt835-Interior
Foyer inside the Inn at 835 in Springfield, Illinois courtesy The Inn at 835

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 occasions 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.

Contact Information:

The Inn at 835
835 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois

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Ghosts of Historic Springfield

Like many historic cities, and especially one that was called home to Abraham Lincoln for years, Springfield, Illinois continues to play host to a number of unearthly spirits.

The Ghost of Abraham Lincoln

While there are a number of spirits who are said to haunt this historic town, the most famous is that of Abraham Lincoln himself. According to over a century of legends, Abraham Lincoln continues to lurk around his tomb, now a state historic site in Springfield.

Sightings of the former president have been told almost since the day his body arrived in Springfield in on May 3, 1865. After lying in state at the capitol for a night, the body was placed in a receiving vault at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In December Lincoln’s remains were removed to a temporary vault not far from a new proposed memorial site. In 1871, three years after laborers had begun constructing the permanent tomb, the body of Lincoln and those of the three youngest of his sons were placed in crypts in the unfinished structure.

The construction of the permanent tomb lasted for years and it was at this time that the first sightings of a spectral Abraham Lincoln were reported as he wandered near the crypt. Others would report hearing the sounds of crying and footsteps near the site.

Lincoln Monument at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois.
Lincoln Monument at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois.

In 1874, upon completion of the memorial, Lincoln’s remains were interred in a marble sarcophagus in the center of a chamber known as the “catacombs,” or burial room. In 1876, however, after several Chicago criminals broke into the tomb, intending to kidnap the corpse and hold it for ransom. However, the attempt failed as one of the men in the gang was a spy for the Secret Service.

Over the years, the legends have persisted as tourists and staff members report uncomfortable feelings, phantom footsteps, whispers, muffled voices, and weeping. Along with our former president, Oakridge Cemetery also has reported that the apparitions of a small boy and a mysterious woman in a flowing red cape have been seen on the property.

Lincoln has also been reported to have been seen walking the streets surrounding Springfield‘s original courthouse, as well as the hallways of his former home. Others have reported seeing the ghost of Mary Lincoln at their old home located at 413 South Eighth Street. Having a long-standing reputation as being haunted, reports range from apparitions of a woman to toys moving of their own accord. Most people believe that the house is haunted by Mary. Maintained by the National Park Service today, the staff denies any reports of paranormal activity. Today the Lincoln home is the centerpiece of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Restored to its 1860s appearance, it stands in the midst of a four-block historic neighborhood in which the National Park Service also restored.

The most interesting haunting surrounding Lincoln is the phantom funeral train. Said to be seen during the month of April on the anniversary of Lincoln’s death, the ghostly train is said to ride those very same tracks that bore his body to Springfield in 1865. Reports indicate that this ghostly funeral procession is actually two trains, with the first steam engine pulling several cars draped in black, adorned with black streamers, and playing the sounds of mournful music. The second train is said to pull a flatcar that carries Lincoln’s coffin. Unfortunately, the train is said to never reach its final destination.

Dana House

Dana House, Springfield, Illinois courtesy the Illinois Times.
Dana House, Springfield, Illinois courtesy the Illinois Times.

Designed and constructed by renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902, this house is reported to still play host to its original owner. Designed for Springfield socialite, Susan Lawrence Dana, she was said to have thrown lavish parties in her home as well as being a major contributor and volunteer to charitable causes in the city.

Shortly after the home was finished, several family deaths caused Dana to turn to metaphysical and mystical religious groups for comfort. Before long, she became one of the city’s leaders in the Spiritualist movement that swept across American around the turn of the century. Her parties took a different turn with her involvement in the movement and soon her home became a Spiritualist center where séances were common and large parties of occultists gathered.

Finally, when a cousin who had lived with her for many years died, Susan was left alone in her Wright-designed house. A short time later, about 1928, Susan moved to more modest, less costly quarters. Declared incompetent by the courts in 1942, she was admitted to a local hospital, where she died in 1946. Her personal effects were inventoried in 1942 and auctioned at a public sale in July 1943. Her Frank Lloyd Wright House was sold the following year.

Maintained today by the State of Illinois, management denies any paranormal activity. However, there have been dozens of reports by other staff and visitors of objects which move of their own accord and the sounds of unseen people speaking in different parts of the house.

The Dana House is located at 301 East Lawrence in Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois Executive Mansion

Governors Mansion in Springfield, Illinois.
Governors Mansion in Springfield, Illinois.

Seven Presidents, including Lincoln, have been received here. Three levels are open to the public including four formal parlors; a state dining room; ballroom; four bedrooms, including the Lincoln bedroom; and a library handcrafted from Native American Black Walnut.

Built in 1855, this is the third oldest continuously occupied Governor’s Mansion in the country, having served as the official residence of Illinois‘ Governors and their families since Governor Joel Matteson first took up residence. Over the years, the magnificent home has been witness to many of the major events in the state’s history, none so trying perhaps as the Civil War.

During the Civil War, the mansion was called home to Governor Richard Yates and his family. Today, the mansion is said to continue to play host to Yates’ wife, Catherine. Mrs. Yates makes allegedly makes her presence known in a variety of ways, including tampering with electronics and smoke alarms. The upstairs bedroom where her portrait hangs is said to be the most active room in the house. On one occasion Mrs. Yates was credited with trapping an Illinois State Trooper in an elevator for four hours.

The Illinois Executive Mansion is open to the public during certain hours and days of the week. Three levels can be viewed which include four formal parlors, a state dining room, ballroom, the library, and four bedrooms, including the Lincoln bedroom. The mansion is located at 5th and Jackson.

Springfield Theatre Center

Built in 1951, the Springfield Theatre Center hosted performances at 101 East Lawrence through 2004 when they relocated to the Hoogland Center for the Arts in downtown Springfield. In addition to numerous wonderful performances throughout the years, the place is said to have been haunted for most of its existence.

On May 13, 1955, an actor Named Joe Neville left the theater after a dress rehearsal then committed suicide once he returned home. Apparently, during an audit at the company where he worked, it was found that substantial funds had been misappropriated and a fellow employee fingered Joe.

Said to have been an eccentric and unfriendly fellow, he loved the theater and at the time he killed himself, he was scheduled to play his first lead role. After his death, the theater group simply replaced him and the show went on.

But, apparently, that wasn’t the end of Joe. Returning to the theater after his death, his disposition evidently was as nasty as ever. Almost immediately strange and inexplicable events began to occur. While some of these are seemingly harmless, such as lights turning on and off on their own, doors opened by unseen hands, and several who have reportedly seen Joe’s filmy apparition; other antics of Joe’s are downright dangerous. On one occasion when two men were building a set, one of the men voiced his skepticism about the ghost. The next thing they knew, the saw started up by itself, several sheets of plywood fell to the floor, and a standing ladder was seemingly pushed over by unseen hands.

Illinois Capitol Building, Kathy Weiser-Alexander. 
Illinois Capitol Building, Kathy Weiser-Alexander.

The tampering with stage sets is the most often occurrence, but other smaller happenings occur such as items moving of their own accord, missing costumes, and the permeating smell of Noxzema wafting through the air, despite the fact that the cream was long ago banned in the theater. On one occasion a girl reported having her hand held by an invisible escort while she was crossing a room.

The Springfield Theatre Center continues performances at their new home in the Hoogland Center for the Arts after leaving the building on East Lawrence.

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