Radio Show #323 & 324 - Building for the UFOs !

Check out the latest Radio Shows from Hometown Tales. Show #323 we discuss The Amityville home for sale, more on meat, the town of the broken bridge, some other tales of England, dwinkleflunking, the first hamburger of Rome, UFO crash in Kecksberg, PA and much more. Then check out Show #324 where we discuss building the suspense on UFO crashes, heat wave, brain freeze, living with husband and sister's corpse in CA, the cat torturer of Scotland, Giant race, stick in the mud and much much more.

And then you'll start to get excited for our next show on American UFO Crashes !

Tons of MP3s

Hey Everyone,

You'll notice a list of all our Radio Shows on the right column of this site. Just scroll down a bit but we also figured we'd update a couple of the last shows in a post. We didn't post for every show in like the last 20 or so.

But here they are.

HT Radio Show #321 - Bryan And the Tornado. Hear about Bryan's trip to the midwest where he went Storm Chasing.

HT- Radio #320 - Weird Northwest. Discussing the odd tales of Oregon and Washington with Weird Washington and Weird Oregon authors, Jeff Davis and Al Aufrasio.

HT- Radio #319- Tales of Meat, Part 1. While we mostly cover tales of beef, we discuss some of the origins of your favorite cuts and other delicacies. One of our most popular shows in a long time.

HT Radio #318. Catching up on the strangest tales including the square donuts, Bryan's trip looking for tornados, Lord Jesus Christ hit by a car, life on Mars, Lost Colony, more strange food and much much more.

HT Radio #317. More on haggis, Cheeburger Cheeburger, oldest jazz club, Ghengis Khan killing the messenger, church in the basement, massive fireball and more.

HT Radio #316. Where'd the tomato come from? Kids in car moved by UFO in NH, the troll hidden in a closet, dead body under the couch and much much more.

HT Radio #315. Catching up on the latest and strangest of news. Big fight in the UK over dry roasted nuts. Haggis Chocolate, Strange Sighting, The Golden Dawn and the Tarot and Satanic terrorist threat. Plus much more.

HT Radio #314- Kuchisake-ona. The Japanese urban legend of the Slit-mouth woman.

Radio Show #308

Bryan's infection, Melusine, The Town on Fire evacuated, trolls in Florida, an update on Suicide Bridge and much more. Intro music by DINOS Alive.

The Demons

While it's certainly been a hectic month or so for Bryan and I. However, we have managed to get out two really great shows. We've done 2 parts of demons. I really enjoyed discussing these. It was one of the more intellectual shows (if that's possible) that we've done. I think mostly because we talked a lot about how the different way cultures look at things. And how connotations have changed over many years.

But of course we had a couple of scary tales as well as some great listener mail on the subject.

Enjoy Tales of Demons, Part 1 & Part 2

PART 1


PART 2


or check out the live video stream from USTREAM

HT Radio #285

This week we discuss; the opening of the Ark of the Covenant?, more on the mysterious creature in a South Carolina sewer, the land of mermaids, a creepy El Salvadorian tale, the Crypt of Civilization and much more more. You can listen with the player below.

The Poe Toaster Did Return

The man who Toasts Poe every year at his grave is back


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,480747,00.html

Infected Bats

Not too far from us in Morris Plains, NJ is an old Psychiatric facility.  Greystone Psychiatric used to be enormous and rival the Pentagon in underground tunnels and connecting building.  Of course, there have been urban legends, ghost stories and folklore surrounding the remains of the facility.  Recently the area has been renovated and it was very sad to see many of these old structures be removed.  However, some tales of tomorrow may still arise as evidence to the mysterious disease plaguing a multitude of bats in the former facility.

Check out the article here.

Villisca, IA - The Axe Murder House

Villisca, Iowa is filled with rich history. The town is steeped with esteemed war veterans from conflicts dating back to World War I. Villisca also has a rich history as an early Coca-Cola bottling town. A bottling company that still operates today. Of course, as with many towns, it only take a good ghost story to steal the spotlight from these interesting narratives. And haunting tales from an old brutal unsolved axe murder dominate local history even more.

In 1912, the Moore family returned to their home after a church gathering with their children and 2 of their children's friends who would stay the night at the home. They entered their home late on that Sunday night and would not be seen again until later the next morning when all of their bludgeoned bodies were discovered. Everyone one of them were murdered while they slept by an axe wielding maniac. The axe, lighted wipe of it's blood, was left at the scene but no signs of forced entry. Many assume the assailant had lay waiting in the home when the Moore's and children arrived home on Sunday evening, then proceeding to his or her ghastly crime while all the victims were sleeping.

Today, the crime would have easily solvable but in the early 1900s there were no advanced fingerprinting tactics or DNA analysis. Many investigators and even spectators entered the home after the incident and may have tainted the crime scene or overlooked several clues. Details of the horrid crime are heavily debated today. A slab of bacon found near a victim, the position of one of the victims bodies and even a missing piece of Jo Moore's skull are all items discussed by crime enthusiasts today.

The house was eventually restored and now frequented by tourists, psychics and paranormal investigators today. Of course many of them claim to find evidence the murdered children's ghosts, the unknown murderer or other paranormal activity. The faint sound of children's voices or psychic communication about the unsolved wrongdoing are common elements of the Axe Murder house today.

For more info try Villiscaiowa.com

Evansville, IN - The Willard Library Ghost

Something mysterious lurks in the Willard Library. A lady in gray has been seen on many occasions by several different people. While speculation still stirs on who exactly this “ghost” is, the common legend involves Louise Carpenter..

Louise was the daughter of the founder of the Library. However, in a bitter dispute Louise attempted to gain control of the foundation claiming her father was unfit. Things did not go her way and she haunts the library to this day. As with any legend, the tales varies slightly among different circles.

The most notable first appearance of the “Gray Lady” happened in the late 1930s. A janitor took his nightly long walk to add coal to the furnace of the library around three in the morning. While in the basement he was startled by a glowing gray image. He dropped his flashlight and noticed this image was a lady dressed entirely in gray from her dress to her shoes. The janitor was so frightened that he ran from the basement and never returned again.
Countless other appearances have surfaces over the years and you can even watch a ghost cam live at LibraryGhost.com

However, the legend of the “Gray Lady” may be still growing. In Hometown Tales Podcast #60 listener, Scott Bishop uncovered a new twist on the legend. Scott recorded a tale his child heard in school. The tale of the “Great Lady” and how if you encounter her she will kill you. Of course it sounds extra creepy coming from a kid.

My, how the Gray Lady has grown.

St. Francisville, IN - The Purple Head

Some say it’s old James Johnston, out searching the Wabash River bottoms for anyone who crosses Stangle’s Bridge by night, disturbing his slumber. They say his habits never change. A purple head rises from the grave where they laid him 156 years ago and floats the half-mile stretch of county road to the old, one-lane plank bridge.

Accounts vary about what the purple head does on the bridge. Some believers say the specter needs no invitation to appear. Others insist it’s necessary to flash headlights on and off three times or honk the horn of a stalled car in the middle of the former railroad bridge. There are reports that the head will float above the iron spans, wandering from end to end as if patrolling the 85-year-old structure.

One account has the head appearing in the rear view mirror of an unfortunate passerby, staying there until the car sped past Johnston’s grave and headed toward St. Francisville. Still others claim the purple head floats below the bridge and can be viewed through spaces in the railroad ties that now support the plank floor.

The standard story has to do with ghosts of persons who died by accident or were murdered at a site. Johnston’s ghost might have good reason for haunting Stangle’s Bridge but he did not meet his end there.Or perhaps the head is that of another.

On a December night in 1906, a Catholic priest, J.B. Hatter, fell from a Big Four train as it passed over the bridge. Hatter, pastor of the St. Francisville church, struck his head in the fall and lay all night, moaning for help. Workmen on the morning train spotted him, and he was taken to the home of friends where he died. Before his death the priest explained that he had a few drinks in Vincennes and stepped onto the platform after he became ill. A sudden jolt led to the fatal fall.

Source: Carroll, Doug, “Stangle’s Bridge, Home of the Purple Head Legend“, The Valley Advance, October 26, 1982

Chicago, IL - Ressurection Mary

It’s a popular ghost story theme. Sometimes know as a “hitchhiker” ghost. Someone you pick up along the road and take for a ride but little do you know the person is long dead. These type of tales seem to originate in early Russian folklore but they have made an enormous imprint on American Culture as well.

In Chicago one of the most famous ghost stories is that of “Resurrection Mary”. One version of the legend goes like this- Mary was at a ballroom dance, after an argument with her date she ventured out on the street to walk home. However, she was tragically hit by a passing car which sped off. This all took place not far from Resurrection Cemetery. To this day she is often seen roaming Archer Ave sometimes dancing in her white ballroom gown and other times hitchhiking.

In some tales, a driver will pick up this attractive and unique hitchhiker and drop her off at her requested address. When the driver arrives they realized the address is nothing more than a cemetery. By that time Mary has disappeared. Or maybe you’ll find her dancing at a bar or club in her odd dated attire. She’ll consent to your offer to “take her home” however her home address is again the cemetery.

The sightings and accounts date back to the early 1930s and many speculate if any of the tombstones with the name “Mary” could be her.

Midlothian, IL - The White Lady of Bachelor's Grove

Bachelor’s Grove is reputed to be the Chicago area’s most haunted cemetery. This abandoned and neglected cemetery plays host to numerous ghostly phenomena: unexplained sights and sounds, glowing balls of light, orbs, voices, apparitions and even phantom car crashes complete with the sounds of breaking glass. But what Bachelor’s Grove is famous for is apparitions; specifically sightings of the “White Lady”.

When Illinois Ghost hunter Mari Huff snapped her now famous photo in Bachelor’s Grove, the cemetery was empty. But when the photo was developed she discovered a woman sitting on a grave stone. This apparition known as the “White Lady” is said to be the ghost of a woman buried in the cemetery next to her young son. She has been seen on nights of the full moon, wandering the cemetery with a baby in her arms.

America’s most famous ghost photo or America’s most convincing ghost hoax?

Check it out at GhostResearch.org

Honolulu, HI - Ghosts of Pearl Harbor

“… a day that will live …”

And with so many reported sightings of ghosts, spirits and everything paranormal, that day most definitely does live on in Pearl Harbor, Ford Island and at Hickam Air Field.

When the bombs and torpedoes began falling from the skies, service men, aboard ship and on land, scrambled to their battle stations. Many didn’t make it. In numerous spots in and around Hickman Field, people have felt an unwarranted sense of urgency: like people running past them, a feeling of being in some sort of emergency situation (sometimes accompanied by the sound of boots pounding down stairs).

All around Pearl Harbor, the sounds of footsteps or ship hatches slamming shut are heard. Cold drafts. Feelings of not being alone. Apparitions in uniform have all been seen and felt.

At Hickam Air Field, where bullet holes still pock a few remaining buildings, people have encountered the moans of dying men, doors opening and closing on there own and ghosts, dressed in fatigues, roaming the halls seemingly without destination.

Ford Island residents have reported strange occurrences including voices and footsteps from empty rooms, finding objects moved or stacked, lights and appliances suddenly turning on at night, a strange pale glowing “fog-like” apparition floating through the houses often accompanied with a strange odor.

Sources:“Haunted Places in Hawai’i”, SR Investigations, 2004.

Nuuanu, HI - The Ghost Dog

From the Nuuanu Valley, a remote and mysterious place just outside Honolulu, comes one of Hawaii’s best-known tales. Legend says that the Ghost Dog can be seen in the clouds at sunset or standing brazenly in the middle of the highway, but the locals will tell you his favorite haunt is the Nuuanu Valley.

Long before cars, if a traveler saw the Ghost Dog in his path, he’d turn back. The dog was a symbol of death and to see him was an omen of coming disaster. He is supposedly an ancient demi-god who used to attack and kill any man he met on the road. But locals look upon him today somewhat fondly, saying, now, that they feel lucky to have seen him trotting across the front yard last night.

Source: Pualani, Roseare, “The Ghost Dog of Nuuanu”, The Hawaiian Connection, 1998.

Andersonville, GA - The Horror of Andersonville

Still recognized as one of the vilest testaments to man’s inhumanity, Andersonville was the largest Confederate prison of the Civil War.

45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 die from smallpox, typhoid, scurvy or diarrhea. Prisoners lived in huts constructed of scrap wood. When the building supplies ran out, they dug holes to live in, escaping the summer heat and humidity. Rations were not given on a daily basis. Because of this “Raiders” (lawless mobs) began to rob, beat, and kill other prisoners…feeding off the weak.

Mosby Collins of the 144th New York was leader of “Mosby’s Raiders”. His 700 raiders were armed with clubs and homemade knives. Usually they would steer newly arrived prisoners to the “best” available spots in Andersonville. That spot was in fact best of a quick mugging and a beat down.

And through it all, Confederate Captain Henry Wirz just watched the bodies pile up. He was the only confederate officer tried for war crimes. He was found guilty and hanged. Perhaps Wirz’

s one moment of human compassion came when he allowed the prisoners to put Mosby and six of his raiders on trial for terrorizing the camp. They were found guilty, hanged and buried away from the rest of the dead.

The sounds of moans and marching feet are still heard today. Apparitions of soldiers on the prison grounds have also been seen as well as the sounds of gunfire heard after dark. Local legend tells of Civil War re-enactors, wearing Union uniforms encountering fog, shadows, walking into cold spots and a feeling of dread.

Historic Re-enactor Ed Crowe and several of his colleagues were camping out at Andersonville in 1984. It was a hot August night however they would all feel uncanny chills and sudden illness throughout the night. The symptoms did not appear to be a food sickness because each had eaten different and separate items. The strange event would sent them packing early in the night as each member of the camp felt a sudden urge to leave. Hometown Tales caught up with Ed on our vidcast. Ed would also uncover the Civil War Ghost often seen by Truck Drivers along the highway in Andersonville.

Years ago a tractor trailer truck came to a screeching halt after seeing an odd figure mysteriously appear along the side of the road. A figure decked out in a Confederate Civil War uniform who appeared and disappeared from the brush. The legend has grown since and is often repeated by Andersonville Prison Rangers. Was it a lost soul of the war, a ghost from the past? Hometown Tales caught up with the legend behind the ghost. See it on the Vidcast

Mayport, FL - The King House

Owned and occupied by John King, The King House was originally built on an old Spanish grave yard. The first house fell to fire and was rebuilt sometime after April 25, 1881. It still stands in Mayport to this day.

A distant aunt of Mr. King’s was pitch-forked to death as she sat in a green rocking chair by her jealous sailor ex-boyfriend. Many, including Mr. King, have claimed the chair rocked with no one sitting in it. The aunt’s ghost roams the halls of the house to this day.

Newark, DE - Battle of Cocch's Bridge

As the legend goes, the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge is where the revolutionary army (in this case the Delaware militia) first fought under new American flag with Betsy Ross’s “Stars and Stripes”. During the fighting, one unfortunate Redcoat got his head shot off. On foggy nights you might see his body walking along route 4 in Newark.

Burlington, CT - The Green Lady

Known throughout the region as the “Green Lady of Burlington,” this restless spirit always appears as a gentle, pretty lady shrouded in a green mist.

As the legend goes… Back in the 1800s the Green Lady used to live near the Burlington graveyard. She was drowned mysteriously in a nearby pond. She’s green because, again as the legend goes, she’s covered with green slime. It looks like a green mist. If you disturb her grave, she’ll appear. She may also appear, as local kids have told, in the windows of her now-abandoned house.

Source: Philips, David E. “The Green Lady of Burlington“, 2001.

Meridan, CT - The Black Dog

In the old town of Meridian, for the last two centuries the ghost of a black dog has haunting the townfolk.

As the legend goes, “If a man meets the Black Dog once, it shall be for joy. If a man meets it twice, it shall be for sorrow. If a third time: death.” Sightings of this Black Dog began in the early 1800s and supposedly continue to this day. The hills around Meridian are full of hiking trails.

Sometime back in the early 1900s, a man named Pynchon was hiking a treacherous path when he first saw the Black Dog. It was very friendly and playful. The second time he saw it, one of his climbing partners fell to his death. Did Pynchon see the dog three times? No one knows … but he died falling from that same treacherous path that he was hiking where he had his first sighting. If you head up to Meridian, be careful, because you might just catch a glimpse of the Black Dog.

Photo © Gene Fitzpatirck

Aurora, CO - The Haunted 7-11

If you are a ghost hunter then you’ve probably spent a few late night hours at your local 7-11 swilling caffeine before your hunt. If you lived in Aurora, CO, you’d already be hunting.

Popular local legends in Aurora claim that the 7-11 on Smoky Hill Road sits atop an old Indian Reservation and weird things start to happen around midnight. Things flying off the shelf, glowing red eyes staring at you from the Slurpee® machine and voices from the great beyond saying “Thank you, please come back again.” have all been reported.

Source:

Juliano, Dave, “Haunted Places in Colorado“, Shadowlands.net, 1998.