Obscurities

From the tragic tale of Nettie Dickerson to the spectral presence of actor Junius Brutus Booth, we unravel the chilling history and paranormal activity that make Dock Street Theatre a true Southern gothic mystery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1966, two Brazilian men were found dead on Vintém Hill under bizarre circumstances that continue to perplex investigators and conspiracy theorists alike. Lying side by side, their bodies were discovered wearing matching lead masks—shields with no eyeholes—alongside cryptic notes. Were they victims of a cult ritual, a failed experiment, or something even more otherworldly?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A ringing phone in the dead of night. A voice that knows too much. A terror that lingers long after the call ends. In this episode of Obscurities, we unravel the chilling mystery of the Phone Stalker—a faceless tormentor who infiltrated lives through eerie messages, cryptic threats, and an uncanny knowledge of victims' personal lives. Was it a cruel prank, a skilled hacker, or something far more sinister?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once a prison, now a paranormal hotspot—the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, has a history as dark as its crumbling cell blocks. Built in 1886, the gothic fortress housed thousands of inmates, some of whom never left. From tales of tortured spirits to eerie sightings in the infamous solitary confinement, the reformatory's chilling past continues to echo through its halls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Stowe, Vermont, Gold Brook Bridge—known to locals as Emily's Bridge—carries with it a chilling legend of love and tragedy. Said to be haunted by the spirit of a heartbroken woman named Emily, the bridge is a hotspot for paranormal encounters, with reports of ghostly screams, scratches on vehicles, and an oppressive energy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, the historic Colonel C.C. Pegues's house has stood for over a century, bearing witness to generations of history—and mystery. Once the home of a decorated Confederate officer, this antebellum mansion holds more than just the echoes of its storied past.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Obscurities, we unravel the eerie lore surrounding Bonaventure, from the tragic story of Little Gracie to the unsettling sightings of shadowy figures. Join us as we explore the thin veil between the living and the dead in one of America's most mysterious burial grounds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nestled in the Ozark mountains, the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is more than just an architectural gem; it's famously known as one of the most haunted hotels in America. Join us as we delve into the eerie legends and paranormal happenings that have haunted this historic hotel for decades. From its beginnings as a luxury resort to its dark turn as a fraudulent hospital run by a charlatan doctor, the Crescent Hotel's walls seem to hold onto the memories of those who met tragic fates within them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tucked away near the historic Salado Creek, Victoria's Black Swan Inn is a place where history and mystery intertwine. From its roots in Texas history to the unsettling events that have left an indelible mark on the property, this iconic location holds secrets that defy explanation. In this episode of Obscurities, we delve into the eerie encounters and whispered tales that surround the inn, exploring what makes it a hub for unexplained phenomena. What stories does the Black Swan Inn have to tell, and why do its mysteries continue to captivate those who visit?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this chilling episode of Obscurities, we unravel the dark and twisted mystery behind the infamous Chop Chop House murder case. Hidden behind a seemingly ordinary home in a quiet neighborhood, the discovery of dismembered remains shocked the nation and exposed a web of secrets and deception. We delve deep into the investigation, from the eerie clues uncovered by police to the sinister motives behind the crime. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Step into the shadowy corridors of the Lemp Mansion, one of America's most haunted homes, where the legacy of wealth, power, and despair lingers. In this episode of Obscurities, we unravel the chilling history of the Lemp family, whose brewing empire was marred by untimely deaths, suicides, and ghostly encounters. Discover how this opulent St. Louis mansion, once the heart of high society, became a notorious hotspot for paranormal activity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us as we delve into the chilling tales surrounding the infamous Cecil Hotel, from the mass of mysterious deaths and disappearances to the haunting paranormal activity that has plagued its halls. Are the spirits of the Cecil's troubled past still lingering within its walls? Tune in to uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the Cecil Hotel's sinister history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From its inception in the late 1800s to its transformation into a historical landmark nestled in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, Sloss Furnace has witnessed a multitude of tragedies and inexplicable events.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we explore the eerie history of the WW Hartwell House in Plattsburgh, New York. Once the stately residence of a prominent local businessman, this historic home has long been the center of ghostly tales and mysterious occurrences. We'll explore the life and times of William W. Hartwell, whose tragic demise is said to have left a spectral imprint on the property. Tune in for a spine-tingling journey into one of Plattsburgh's most haunted homes, where history and the supernatural collide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this chilling episode of Obscurities, we delve into the eerie tale of the Red Lady of Wellscroft Lodge. Perched on a mountaintop, Wellscroft Lodge stands as a picturesque yet haunting estate, known for its stunning architecture and... ghostly resident. Local legends speak of a sorrowful figure, draped in a flowing red gown, who roams the halls and grounds of the lodge. Who was she in life, and why does she remain tethered to this place in death?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Poveglia Island has witnessed centuries of turmoil and death, from its days as a quarantine station during the plague to its time as a mental asylum. Stories of restless spirits, eerie whispers, and shadowy figures have turned Poveglia into a place of fear and fascination. Join us as we delve into the island's harrowing past, exploring the chilling tales of those who suffered and perished there. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us on a chilling journey into the depths of the paranormal as we uncover the harrowing tale of the Kennedy Ife Exorcism. In this episode, we delve into the mysterious events that unfolded in the small town of Enfield, London where a family was plagued by inexplicable occurrences.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for a spine-tingling episode of Obscurities as we delve into the enigmatic world of the Belmez Faces phenomenon. These mysterious images, known as the "Faces of Belmez," emerged on the floor of a Spanish home in the 1970s, captivating the world with their eerie appearance and sparking intense speculation about their origins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us as we delve into the haunting history of this seemingly innocuous Iowa home, which became the scene of one of the most brutal and unsolved crimes in U.S. history. On a fateful night in 1912, the Moore family and two young houseguests were savagely murdered in their beds, victims of a mysterious assailant who left no clues behind. Over a century later, the Villisca Axe Murder House remains shrouded in eerie silence, its walls echoing with the whispers of the past.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Obscurities, we uncover the fascinating history behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, exploring the legends of ghostly apparitions that haunt its corridors and the unsolved mysteries that linger in the mountain air. From its opulent origins as a haven for the elite to its role in wartime espionage, this luxurious retreat has a narrative as captivating as the landscape that cradles it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Somnambulism: A sleep disorder involving complex motor acts; also referred to as sleepwalking. But what happens when those complex motor behaviors involve criminal acts? There have been a few cases in history where defendants have claimed this excuse for violent crimes with deadly consequences. But can you really get away with murder with this excuse? The answer may surprise you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With today's technology, it is easy to stay in touch. But sometimes, someone cuts off all communication without any explanation. Ghosting is a relatively new term, most frequently used when someone disappears and avoids all contact, usually from a romantic partner in a casual dating relationship. But what if your spouse goes missing completely? And what if the reason is something a little more nefarious?

The murder of young Texas couple Shane Stewart & Sally McNelly has been a mystery for decades. For nearly three decades, there had been virtually no progress in cracking the case. The story begins in 1987 in a Central Texas ranching town when 17-year-old Sally McNelly took a liking to a cute and muscular boy a year younger. Shane Stewart and Sally McNelly immediately connected, but allegedly became involved in strange parties with satanic and cult-like undertones involving drugs, sex and illegal weapons. Listen to how the story unfolds and bring the story back from obscurity.

Can you imagine a world without a need for fossil fuels? Even more incredible, can you imagine a time where all we would need is water to fuel vehicles? This wouldn't even be any special kind of water; tap water, spring water, water from a lake, or even melted snow would be sufficient to run your car. A man from Columbus, Ohio claimed to have invented a water powered automobile, and worked on its development from 1975 to the mid-1990s until his sudden death…

The Rendlesham Forest Incident of 1980 is considered by many to be the most corroborated UFO sightings in military history. The sightings took place in Rendlesham forest, adjacent to the Royal Air Force Woodbridge station in Suffolk, England during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Listen now to hear what happened during ‘Britain's Roswell.'

The Lake Shawnee Amusement Park was a popular attraction in West Virginia from 1926 until it closed in 1967. Its history of fun and laughter, though, was marred by at least two tragic deaths. The park briefly reopened in 1987, but it struggled to escape its calamitous history. Today, the park remains abandoned, and some say the grounds are haunted by the spirits who perished there, and by the horrifying events which took place on the property more than two centuries ago.

It was a cold, dark November night in 1930 when a fur trapper, Joe Labelle, arrived in a small Inuit village. A village on the banks of Lake Anjikuni, where, like many Innuit communities at the time, took place in a thriving European fur trading operation. As the chilled fur trader approached the lake village, a strange silence met him; the only sound was the howling of the wind. There were no lights, no fires burning in the homes. It was as if the village had been abandoned.

An eerie painting created by artist Bill Stoneham in 1972 has spooked many people who have viewed the image of a young boy standing next to a girl doll with hollow eyes and a sad, downturned mouth. Even more disturbing are the creepy stories of those who have come into contact with the painting.

The Hudson River Valley is a beautiful area stretching from Westchester County to Albany, New York. The Hudson River cuts through the Hudson Highlands. The Catskills and the rest of the Appalachian Mountains rise from the west and the Taconic Mountains to the east. The area is filled with orchards, vineyards, farms, and quaint villages. The valley stands out as an affluent and cosmopolitan region, with New York City just a short drive away. But from 1983 to 1989, over 5000 residents from various towns in the area reported visitations from unidentified flying objects. One of those residents, Dennis Sant, has a story to tell, and he intends to tell it. Here is his story.

Speculation regarding the existence of intelligent life outside our planet dates back perhaps thousands of years. But in 1947, the United States Army Air Forces found debris of a reported flying disc in Roswell. Officials quickly retracted reports of the unidentified flying object, but questions remained as all information related to the matter was classified. One scientist with specific experience with Area 51 decides to open up about what is happening at the top-secret government facility.

The historic Hot Wells of Bexar County park opened in April 2019. It is the site of the former Hot Wells Hotel and Spa, which lie in ruins, but has been stabilized and featured on the 4-acre site as part of the San Antonio River Walk. The unique history of the former hotel and spa and its life afterward is fascinating. But prior to its adaptation to a county park, pervasive rumors of hauntings within the ruins caught notice of ghost hunters across the country. Their experiences did not temper those reports.

Skull and Bones was established in 1832 at Yale University. When you view its list of notable alumni, it is plain to see that this is no ordinary fraternal organization. Since its inception, the men who have been hand-picked by its members to join are what many refer to as “the power elite.” After graduating college, a giant chunk of these names goes on to become people of significant influence, domestically and internationally. But what goes on at Skull and Bones? Why is the organization so secretive?Voting for the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards ends on Sunday, April 17. Vote for BEST PODCAST Obscurities with Debbie Rochon! To vote, simply email your name and 'Best Podcast: Obscurities' to taraco@aol.com . For a list of all the categories and nominees, go to rondoaward.com .

Denver International Airport opened in 1995 to much fanfare and currently ranks in the top twenty busiest airports in the world. Construction delays and a flawed state-of-the-art automatic baggage handling system pushed the costs to almost five billion dollars, two billion over budget. Conspiracy theorists have embraced many aspects of the facility, debating its true purpose and supposed hints left throughout the sprawling 52 square mile complex. Is Denver International Airport a typical airport, or does it hide nefarious activities?

On the night of December 29, 1980, Betty Cash and Vicki Landrum would experience a UFO sighting which would impact them long after that evening. Deteriorating health, government denials, and conspiracy theories swirled around the incident and continues to fascinate forty two years later.

King's Park, Long Island. A pleasant hamlet touted as a great place to live and raise a family. Three miles of beautiful beaches. But its history is a little more dark, as it hosted the Kings Park Psychiatric Center from 1885 to 1996.

The Portland underground is known as the Shanghai Tunnels. Many of these tunnels have collapsed and are in disrepair. But in the late 19th century, Portland was referred to as the Forbidden City of the West. Tales and legends of able-bodied men being drugged, kidnapped, sold to sea captains, and forced to work on ships bound to Shanghai, came alive here. From 1850 to 1941 the fear of being “shanghaied” or crimped screamed the loudest.

Lizzie Borden is known to most as an American woman who was tried and acquitted of the grisly murders of her father and stepmother. More than 192 years later, the crime continues to fascinate us. The evidence of hideous transgression, carried out with excessive strikes from an ax, indicated a clear-cut verdict. Yet Lizzie was acquitted. The details of the case are remarkable.

The Ouija board is far different than any other board game. It supposedly taps into the subconscious mind, causing the body to make involuntary movements to spell out words or answer questions. However, from the darker spiritual perspective, some believe these boards are used to make contact with the dead, to communicate the messages of passed on spirits to those who tap into this device. How did the Ouija board become a mainstream game from such a dark origin?

Travelers on the London Underground and passersby around the Farringdon station often report hearing screams late at night and sometimes during the day. It is a chilling sound, sending a chill down your spine. You may convince yourself you mistook the noise for what it is, or even that you did not hear it at all. But be assured, the agonizing wail is real. It is the ghost of a thirteen-year-old girl who met an awful and agonizing death at the hands of sociopaths, not so carefully disguised as shopkeepers from the eighteenth century.

San Jose, California was home to Sarah Winchester, famed heir of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. From 1886 to her death in 1922, Sarah continuously remodeled and expanded a mansion for spirits to reside - all the souls claimed by Winchester guns. Without rhyme or logical reason, renovations both quirky and mysterious resulted in an architectural wonder. Today it's a popular tourist destination, but do you dare visit and risk getting lost in the labyrinth of hallways, rooms, and undiscovered spaces and forever lose yourself alongside the spirits that haunt the Winchester House.

Are you interested in enjoying the recreational opportunities offered by a former ordnance factory-turned uranium processing facility once contaminated with over one and a half million cubic yards of asbestos, radioactive uranium, and polluted rubble? You can visit the Weldon Spring Ordnance Works, but you may want to listen to our latest episode before you do.

Kelly, Kentucky, like the rest of the towns along the state's border with Tennessee, has hot, humid August nights. After the sun sets, people tend to lounge in their homes or on porches, enjoying cool drinks and hoping for breezes. Residents of the Sutton Farm likely hoped that they would spend the evening of August 21, 1955, in such a way. A horde of creatures had other plans for the family.

When Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, the world was captivated. As details emerged, the story became more strange as the hours and days went by.

Scott Gearen is the kind of man who always walks aroundwith a wide smile on his face. He is loved and respectedby many, and has a passion for fitness, faith, his country,and life. It is believed by many, that those with thisrelentless positive mindset have often experienced someof the darkest times that one could only imagine. ScottGearen embodies this. He has lived a near-deathexperience and had two brushes with unexplainableparanormal encounters. This is his story.

Individuals, organizations, companies, and municipalities should strive for purpose and meaning to achieve a highly regarded reputation and significance. Those with principles and integrity wish to make lasting, meaningful contributions to society. Anyone can and should make efforts to enhance those around them. If you can be remembered as a kind, caring individual, then you have achieved your purpose. If one's endeavors, though, have a positive impact beyond one's lifetime, stretching into generations, you can achieve greatness and perhaps a bit of immortality. Other times, however, despite best efforts and intentions, a heavy fog will seep in, eroding, slowly erasing, and eventually leaving little trace of significant accomplishments, allocating history to obscurity.

Our world is a strange place full of obscurities. We explore them, beginning with the tale of the blood sucking chupacabra.

Our world is a strange place. For every one of earth's strange events, odd objects, and obscurities there's someone or something behind them all. Obscurities sheds light on them.