Turning the calendar from one season to the next can be hard….starting with the festive decorating in July these days. Halloween seems to be here in August and by the middle of October we’ve probably completely figured out Thanksgiving AND Christmas. It all moves so fast. Wow, I’m not trying to be a downer I’m just noticing. When you have small children you seem to get to be in the season. When you have older kids they all seem to run together. I have both—so I’m stuck in a constant rotation of holiday’s never finishing up one before we start another.
Today as I type this I am enjoying the music of a local cricket in my office. He’s still in here (and alive) because I cannot locate him. So, we are living in harmony or as much harmony as you can live with a cricket. They don’t take breaks…and I don’t have earbuds so here we are. This cricket makes me think of scary movies. Camping in the wilderness and hearing things in the dark by a campfire. So, I’ve decided that is where this week’s blog is meant to go–Halloween, campfires and such.
Halloween costumes—here are a few ideas. Apparently the folks at Hidden Valley Ranch ( yes the dressing) have come out with a life size salad dressing costume this year. I for one think it would be fantastic to dress up like a huge bottle of Ranch dressing. Don’t feel like purchasing a costume? Well, if you have a cardboard box you can be Sponge Bob, a piece of toast, a box of cereal….or a package ready to be mailed. If you feel nostalgic, look in your closet and put on any type of dress or suit a little makeup and you can be a zombie. See, it’s easy to play dress up!
While we are on the subject of Halloween I love, love, LOVE scary stories and haunted anything. So, in looking into that further I’ve found a website. It’s called Haunted Places you can type in your town and get a map. I put in Danville and much to my surprise several places near us came up. I asked our staff for some information on other places that might just be haunted, or at least scary. Much to my surprise no one had thought about ghosts since high school so they didn’t have any answers for me, however, I did some looking into it and found a few places that are closer than you might think.
The Fischer Theater —The Fischer Theater is a 19th century opera house. It became known to be haunted when a person accidentally recorded strange sounds occurring in the projection room. It has also been investigated by Springfield Ghost Society and they noted strange sounds and shadow figures. I do know that many locals also feel it has an eerie feel. I do know that even if you never have a paranormal experience in the Fischer it’s a beautiful historical site and well worth a visit.
Locust Grove Cemetery—This is in Ambia, Indiana. It’s a short drive into the back roads of Indiana, about 12 miles from Danville, Hoopston and Rossville, it sits in the center of our area and isn’t really “near’ anything. Here’s what I have found out….Phantom sounds of an army cadence and marching are heard at Locust Grove Cemetery. Legend has it that Harrison’s ghostly men are re-creating the Battle of Tippecanoe. Several folks have stayed over night there. I’ve checked it out and in the daylight it seems like it’s old and scary. So, at night I’m certain the scare factor goes up. Definitely worth putting on your tour!
Attica Public Library–Attica, Indiana. Since we are over in Indiana I’m going to mention The Attica Public Library. The Attica Public Library was built in 1905 and is still very much “alive” if you want to visit. In fact, according to Hauntedplaces.org, the employees of this library have heard strange noises including knocking, whistling, whispering, dragging sounds, and even the sounds of the toys in the children’s area moving by themselves after closing. The employees have also mentioned seeing figures watching them or shadows darting around. They have said that activity increases if there are people be they employees or not, there after closing time. Do you dare go and visit this ghostly library? 79% of those polled say it’s totally worth a scary field trip!
Allerton Mansion—Monticello, Illinois. This place is cool, beautiful and so haunted (so they say)! Here’s the information on this 1900’s Georgian Revival mansion. The Allerton Mansion and the Robert Allerton Park are both open to the public and are said to be the home some ghosts. A Lady in White has been spotted and is believed to be a guest at the mansion from long ago. It has been said that she is photographed in some old photos of the mansion guests. Her spirit has been seen in the guest room where she stayed, where she puts on her gloves and hat, and also by the pond. She has also been heard walking on the stairs.
