Where are the real haunted places in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area?
By that, of course, we were looking for organized "haunted attractions" like Ann Arbor's Brandywine Cemetery and Night Terrors at Wiard's Orchards in Ypsilanti Township. But today, statewide entertainment reporter John "Gonzo" Gonzalez is asking a different question: What about real haunts?
The full text of Gonzo's post appears below. At the end of this post, leave a comment if you have a story of a real-life haunted location or experience. And if you want to read the comments from elsewhere around the state, check out Gonzo's original post.
GRAND RAPIDS — It's about this time every year when someone asks me, "Have you ever seen a ghost?" Or, "Have you ever been to a REAL haunted house?"
Well, coming off our recent project, searching for Michigan's Best Haunted House Attractions, where I ranked my Top 10, I thought I would throw it out there:
Have you ever been to a real haunted house? Place?
Or maybe seen or head something that can't be explained? Paranormal?
Two years ago I went out to Oakwood Cemetery on Cannonsburg Road, north of Grand Rapids, where a woman has been reportedly seen on the corner. She has always been seen in cold rains or wet snows.
I went there because my friend, Ed "Uncle Buck" Buchanan of WLAV-FM, said it was indeed a haunted place that everyone knows about. He also believes in the Ada Witch and the unexplained noises at the former Michigan Bell Telephone Company Building.
I don't know if you would call my visit to the Oakwood Cemetery as true ghost-hunting. I went along with comedians Tim Cusack and Dave Dyer.
You can check out the video below.
I know there are books, websites and other resources that chronicle paranormal experiences and sightings.
Even Pure Michigan has asked the question: What is haunted in Michigan? They hosted a live chat with Kat Tedsen and Bev Rydel, authors of “Haunted Travels of Michigan.” The book chronicled their adventures exploring haunted places across the state.
Some of their locations (full list):
• Fort Holmes, Back Trails, Cemeteries, Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
• The Whitney Restaurant, Detroit
• Terrace Inn, Petoskey
• Doherty Hotel, Clare
• Michigan's First State Prison, Jackson
But what about you? Tell me your stories. Use the "comments" below so we all know where NOT to go.
Comments
jns131
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
There is a true haunt out in Manchester. I don't know what road we were on but legend has it this guy killed his family and then burned the house to the ground. Locals in Manchester can tell you where, but on this hayride, it was getting dark and they pointed out the area where the house stood. We saw a dark house as we approached. When in front of it? It was gone. Just the burnt out remains of the building. Know what is creepier? A new house was built no less then 1000 feet from this old home.
jns131
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
Is anyone going to tell us what haunted house got first, second, third and so on? As for haunted? I think there are a few school buses and one Pioneer High School that is haunted. I remember an article from a year ago that got Mr White.
mady
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Rackham Hall, which was built on what used to be Michigan's first Jewish cemetery(see the plaque at the northwest corner of Huron and Fletcher), has been said to be haunted. after working there midnights as a security guard, and seeing some things that can't be explained any other way(i.e., heavy leather-padded doors to the auditorium moving independently), I am inclined to agree. just because we can't see something with our own eyes doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
mrk
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
I worked in the building that now houses Jolly Pumpkin. We heard that there was a ghost there - a young woman who had been raped on the third floor (which was never opened to business while the establishment I worked at was open). I think the story was also that she had committed suicide. Anyway, I thought it was silly - but one night when I was working I noticed that a faucet at th ebar was on full blast. Everyone around said they didn't turn it on...