This is the time of year when our society becomes enamored by the idea of hauntings and ghouls that are all around us. Through movies, campfire stories, books, or music, we are surrounded by stories and ideas of ghosts. With this, Scott and I decided to go around to some of the spots around our area to see which of these are truly haunted. Here is a list, in order, of the scariest places in the area:

Witch’s Castle – This is site is located in Utica, Indiana. During the early 1780’s, three sisters lived together. These were not your ordinary sisters, as all three were witches. Then during cold winter nights, parents started losing children. It seemed no one was safe. So, the parents went and drug all three witches out of their house, tied them to a raft, sending them down the Ohio river, while also burning the home they took from them. The townspeople were supposedly hexed, but no proof came from it. Also, the site of the infamous murder or teen Shanda Sharer in early 1992 was here. MCHS senior Cain Nutley and I went down to take pictures, and see if the legend had any truth to it.

Cain said, “It was an (sic) actually spooky place to go especially with the backstory with the witches and the crime story, too.”

Broadway Tavern – This local eatery is said to have once housed a wanted man. During the early days of Madison, there was an outlaw taking shelter there and was shot and killed by a fellow bandit in the local tavern. If you go there at night, you might just see him for yourself.

Ohio Theatre – The local theatre was opened in 1938, one year after the original, The Little Grand Theatre, was burned up in a fire. Also, before the upstairs screen was built, those seats were a higher viewing area. In the 1940’s, as some kids do, they got too close for comfort. A boy was leaning over the wall during a movie and fell over the railing to the lower level. Some say, you can still see the boy if you find him at night.

The Lanier Home – One of the hallmarks of Madison, the Lanier Home was built in 1844 and is located right next to the Ohio River. Many sightings of ghostly children from the era have been reported, and last September there was even a ghost tour led at the home.

“Guests on our evening ghost walks really enjoy hearing the ghost tales associated with the mansion,” said Gerry Reilly, Lanier Mansion State Historic Site manager. “Most of the rooms are dimly lit and the cupola and basement can be a little creepy.”  

Eleutherian College – Eleutherian is a very historic college that was the first to allow de-segregation in the nation and was established in 1856; it also served as a stop along the Underground Railroad for former slaves escaping the south and on their route to Indianapolis. It had a very eerie feeling when we visited it.

347 Vine Street, Madison – Former resident of the household and current MJHS teacher Ruthi McGarry used to live in the household, and the current resident is my very own aunt. It is said to have been owned by a surgeon during the Civil War. This man and his wife also lost a child while they were very young. Also, make sure to catch me there tonight handing out candy.