Ohio Folklore

Most Ohioans know the community of Mason for one claim to fame -- the destination of summer thrill seekers, Kings Island.  But for those more keen on local history, it's also known for a haunting, unsolved murder.  The building in which it occurred, at 101 E. Main Street downtown, stands yet today.  Claims of eerie disembodied sounds and full-bodied apparitions are now commonplace.   On Apr. 12, 1901, an elderly recluse was found murdered in her own bed, her head caved in.  Her husband, the man found at the scene, wore clothes sopping wet with blood.  He would be tried for her murder in the months to come. He was found not guilty of the crime. Come hear the tale from one native himself, Stephen.  He recalls searching for Rebecca's ghostly figure, known to stare out the second story window of the bedroom where she was killed. Come discover for yourself how this legend still fascinates locals and visitors alike.  Come consider why Rebecca's spirit remains confined to this prison of her own making. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Most of us come to Hocking Hills, Ohio's most treasured park, for its rugged beauty.  With scenes unlike anywhere else in the state, newcomers are often stunned by towering rock formations and plunging waterfalls.  It's no wonder this place draws so many year after year. One lesser known landmark off the beaten path has intrigued and terrified locals for more than a century.  Death Hole, a deceivingly peaceful spot on Scott's Creek in Logan, has laid claim to unsuspecting victims for more than a century.   It's said the spirits of those who died here, linger.  Some have spotted the misty shape of a woman standing on the bank, gazing at the calm, still water where she once drowned.  It seems the echoes of that terrible day are yet heard by those who come to visit.   Come hear the history behind the legend, the truth of one tragedy that occurred in August, 1877.  Come hear the personal account of one local woman, Ashley Strong, who offers personal insight into this enigmatic and mystical place off Highway 93. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:  Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always… keep wondering.    

Just in time for the holiday season... An Ohio Folklore Christmas ClassicAround the holidays, most Ohioans are wrapping presents, baking cookies and decorating the tree. One ancient holiday tradition often gets left out, however. It's the ritual of sharing ghost stories around the winter solstice. It's that darkest time of year when the veil between the dead and the living is at its thinnest.  Come hear the forgotten story of a Shawnee Chief, whose ghost appears on Christmas Eve, in the woods where he was murdered by a group of white men. Come hear the legends of the settlers who first lived there, and their descendants whose larger-than-life reputations remain today.  Pull a chair up by the fireplace and settle on in for a night of mystery and wonder. Sleep tight.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always…keep wondering…

Just in time for Halloween, a classic Ohio Folklore episode is rebroadcasted.  Take another delve into this timeless ghostly love story that lingers on...Bridges represent so much to us.  They make the impassable, passable.  They connect us to the wider world.  Yet in folklore terms, bridges are magnets for ghosts.  Countless “crybaby bridges” dot the landscape of our great state.  We share and reshare tales of disembodied voices and misty shapes rising over the water.So you might think this episode is just another trite tale of a haunted bridge.  Think again.Come hear the tale of the Bloody Bridge near St. Mary's.  This legendary story has been published in local newspapers for more than 160 years.  It's been written into a high school musical.  This wrenching narrative, a love triangle turned lethal, has captured the imaginations of Ohioans for generations.Locals believe the tortured spirits of those lost, remain.  They erected a plaque, set in stone, to proclaim a history still very much alive.Special thanks to Ms. Alysia Hatfield and Mr. Warren Bowery for their personal insights on the subject.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can find Ohio Folklore atOhiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…Covert Affair - Film Noire by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100795Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Come listen again to one of Ohio Folklore's most popular episodes!One monument to an era gone by once laid hidden in the overgrown hills of Ohio's Vinton County.  Thanks to the efforts of countless local enthusiasts and state ODNR officials, this antiquated railway tunnel is now easily reached.  In fact, it's handicap accessible.All who dare can now visit the Moonville Tunnel.  However, it's not just the living who answer its beckoning call.  Claims of ghostly apparitions at this desolate location began in the late 1800's, and persist yet today.  With the multitude of violent rail deaths that have been documented through the years, it's no real surprise that perhaps some lost souls are still waiting for the next train.Come hear the story of Mr. Rich Dahn, historian for the Moonville Rail Trail Association.  He's been visiting the site for more than 40 years, and still can't get enough.  Come hear the ghostly tales and the documented history of this legendary spot left yet untouched by modern civilization.So come on aboard this episode, revealing a sparkling jewel of Ohio's railway folklore.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:Ohiofolkore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…Special thanks to The Rarely Herd for their permission in using their song “Moonville Brakeman” as part of today's episode.  Find them on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/The-Rarely-Herd-113910075327852/To learn more about the Moonville Rail Trail Association, click here: https://vintoncountytravel.com/parks-and-recreation/moonville-rail-trail/.

Planning that annual trip to the Lake Erie shore this summer?  Better take another listen before you go...Most of us think of Port Clinton as a summer tourist destination.  Indeed, it is.  And yet, it's so much more.Few know of the haunted structure that sits on the corner of Madison and Perry Streets.  The Island House Hotel is a rumored home for lost spirits, including a famous mobster, sheriff and orphaned immigrant turned proprietor.  They make their presence known to staff and guests alike.Come hear the tale of a ghost hunter and founding member of Haunted Toledo.  Christopher Tillman shares the story of an investigation of the historic structure.  The hotel's staff was eager to welcome his team and share their stories.Beneath the claims of ghost sightings lies Prohibition Era history that deserves a good telling.  So sit back, raise a whiskey sour and soak in the knowledge of how it all came to be.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

In honor of the upcoming summer solstice on June 21, 2022, come hear one of Ohio Folklore's most downloaded episodes.   Then click this link to plan your visit to this year's Summer Solstice Celebration: https://www.serpentmound.org/fullschedule/  When we think of history in Ohio, most of us consider the past two to three hundred years.  Few know that one location in Ohio's southern hills holds prehistoric secrets that have yet to be explained.  The Serpent Mound of Adams County.Come hear the tale of the world's largest effigy mound, here in our backyard.  One local Ohioan and resident expert, Ms. Beth Jenkins, shares her personal connection to the place, as well as the knowledge she's gained in her role as the History Preservation Manager for the memorial itself.This remarkable piece of art stirs wonder in many.  It stirs questions of both earthly and spiritual realms.  Come consider what the ancients are trying to tell us...If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

When most of us think of the Civil War, we picture grand Southern plantations and epic battles with names like Gettysburg and Antietam.  Even many Ohioans fought in the conflict, no actual battles happened within our borders, right? The ghosts of the Battle of Buffington Island may beg to differ on this question. Come hear the historic saga of one rogue Confederate general who led a raid through southern Indiana and Ohio.  His reign of terror was the stuff of legend.  It apparently still haunts some Ohioans today. Come hear the story of one Donny Jones, interim chairman of the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation.  A Civil War reenactor himself, he shares personal experiences of what it's like to encounter shadows of those who've gone before us. For some lost souls, the battles rage on. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore   To make your donation to help save the Buffington Island Battlefield through the American Battlefield Trust, click here: https://www.battlefields.org/give/save-battlefields/help-preserve-311-acres-four-historic-battlefields# To connect with the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation, click here: https://www.buffingtonbattlefieldfoundation.org/ 

For this month's rebroadcast, we turn to an oldie but a goodie.  First released in April 2019, this tale stands as the most compelling UFO lore to ever come out of the Buckeye State.  If you haven't heard it yet, what are you waiting for?Early before dawn one April morning in 1966, in rural county outside Akron, two police officers got the call of a lifetime.  The chase that would follow was covered in newspaper headlines across the country.  Come hear the unforgettable tale of a space craft chased by police for 86 miles.  Witnessed by countless Ohioans and Pennsylvanians, it's a story no one can yet explain.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on your podcast platform. You can find Ohio Folklore at ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering...

In honor of Women's History Month, take another listen to the episode devoted to one of Ohio's most revered daughters, Annie Oakley.When we Ohioans think of Annie Oakley, we think of a petite woman in fringed leather, staring down the barrel of a long gun, at a target soon to be decimated.  Her fame lives on a century after her death.  She's the subject of musicals, movies and countless books.We're well aware of her sharpshooting skills, the likes of which haven't been seen since.  However, few of us have any idea of the remarkable history that led her to develop such superhuman abilities.Come hear the tale of Annie's early life, growing up in Darke County, in a time of scarcity, loss and immense adversity.Sometimes that's the very thing that brings forth greatness that lasts centuries.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  Ohio Folklore can be found at:ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

For our second rebroadcasted episode, come listen to Ohio Folklore's most downloaded tale, the legendary Ohio State Reformatory.Most Ohioans know well the venerable institution called Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.  It served as the backdrop for the 1994 seminal film, The Shawshank Redemption.  Had the movie been shot elsewhere, the state would have demolished this historic structure.  How fitting that this movie's message is one of redemption and hope against all odds.  It resonates deep within us.Tourists from all over the world come to visit this remarkable place.  Some come for the history.  Some come for the pop culture influence.  Yet many come to fill their curious minds and hearts.  They seek to know what lurks in the shadows, what hides behind iron bars.Come hear the tales of three individuals with unique knowledge of the place.  Hear the paranormal experiences of a tour guide, a ghost hunter and a volunteer.  Come learn what draws them...what has drawn so many.Lastly, hear the tragic tale of a supposed resident ghost, the spirit of a young man who was executed in the very electric chair now on display.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

In honor of Black History month, come hear one of Ohio Folklore most downloaded episodes, Ripley, Terminus of the Underground Railroad.  Most of us have heard tell of the Underground Railroad, the secretive movement that spirited enslaved peoples northward, toward freedom.  Yet few Ohioans know of the integral role of one tiny town on the bank of the Ohio River.Meet Ripley, Ohio.  History has dubbed this quaint village a "terminus of the Underground Railroad."Come hear intriguing stories of a secret society of abolitionists who aided those seeking freedom.  And most compelling of them all, hear the daring tales of one John Parker, a former slave who risked life, limb and his very freedom to rescue desperate souls waiting on Kentucky's banks.To them, Ohio was a promised land...If you enjoy this episode please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

OSU's main campus in Columbus is known for many things.  It's the home of world class sports teams.  It's the home of a public institution compared to ivy league universities for its excellence in higher education. Few know that it's also said to be home to a host of spirits who've lingered long after their earthly demise. Come hear the tale of the most spotted ghost on campus, The Pink Lady of Mirror Lake.  She's been seen gliding over the landmark's surface for many decades.  She's known to haunt nearby Pomerene Hall.  Rumor has it, her husband, a professor, took his own life at this place, more than a century ago. Historical records bear that out.  But that ain't even the half of it. Come hear what this lore has to teach us about our own faulty assumptions. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Werewolves are the stuff of nightmares and of 1960's horror films.  Werewolves aren't the subject of documented Ohio sightings, chronicled in newspaper articles, right? Few Ohioans have heard the account of the half wolf/half human creature that once terrorized the small city of Defiance, Ohio in 1972.  The tale itself, had almost faded into obscurity.   Until now. Come hear the insights of one cryptid researcher, Lyle Blackburn, who has devoted his life to chronicling tales of unknown creatures spotted across the country.  Turns out, he has a lot to say about this case's yet unexplained events. It's a folktale in the making. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering… Special thanks to author and researcher Lyle Blackburn for his contributions to today's episode.  You can find his website here: http://www.lyleblackburn.com/ 

Ohio has no shortage of lore attached to prisons.  Our most famous haunted correctional facility, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, tends to hog the spotlight when it comes to legendary Ohio prisons.  However, one institution in the southeastern corner, is often overlooked.   The Boys Industrial School, known today as the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, harbors a unique past.  Its revolutionary influence on our juvenile justice system remains today.  And, it appears, the spirits of those who once lived and worked there, remain as well.  Come hear the tale of one former corrections officer, Mr. Nathan White, and his unexplained encounters while working in the location's original buildings. It seems some spirits were never released. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Insane asylums evoke images of straight jackets and padded cells.  There, deranged and forgotten souls were doomed to a life of isolation and anguish.  It's no wonder that these structures are steeped in tales of ghostly sightings.  Perhaps some tortured spirits were never discharged.  Many of us claim to have encountered them. The Athens Lunatic Asylum, known today as The Ridges, is a case in point. Come hear the tales of two locals with unique insights and unusual experiences of their own.  One, Mr. Steve “Tebes” Caul spent his childhood living there with his psychiatrist father and family.  The other, Mr. Matt Box, recalled summers working the grounds around the looming structure.  Their personal memories add depth to our understanding of this storied place. Come learn of an effort to identify the names of those former patients who rest in graves adjacent to the property.  Click here to connect with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and their worthy cause to restore and engrave broken headstones: https://namiathensohio.org/get-involved/the-ridges-cemeteries/    If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:  Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Museums are known for holding all sorts of important objects.  Some museums, however, hold something not usually visible… something of the spiritual realm.  These places are fertile grounds for folklore to take root. Such is the case with the United State Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. Come hear the personal experiences of famed author of Ohio ghost tales, Ms. Chris Woodyard.  Her renowned 5-part series, Haunted Ohio, introduced many Ohioans to folktales which spring forth from our backyards.  In today's episode, she offers keen insights into the ghostly sightings at the largest military aviation museum in the world. Come hear the heart wrenching true tale of a group of men, who gave all they had in support of our freedom.  Many believe their spirits can still be found near parts of the wreckage of their WWII B-24D bomber. We owe all veterans and active military members a debt of service.  Let us remember their sacrifices as we approach Veterans Day on November 11. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…  A special thanks to author Chris Woodyard for her participation in today's episode.  You can find her extensive collection of ghostly tales at her website here: http://hauntedohiobooks.com/ 

Come hear an Ohio folktale that springs forth from true crime history.  The spirits of those murdered, and the murderess herself, is said to linger in this unassuming, modest farmhouse. It still stands in a state park.  You can walk up to the stoop for yourself and peek in the windows.  Perhaps the souls of those lost there yearn to have their story heard.   In 1896, Ceely Rose was a developmentally disabled young woman.  While her mind was underdeveloped, her heart craved the love of a romantic partner.  She wanted a family of her own, just as others her age were acquiring.   She would have it at any cost. Come hear the tales of one writer, Mr. Mark Sebastian Jordan, and his nearly lifelong interest in the story.  It inspired him to write a play and book on the subject.  It's inspired countless others to ponder the meaning of this history, and the hauntings which continue, 125 years later. It seems Ceely is still looking for love… If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can find Ohio Folklore at  Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always keep wondering… Special thanks to Mark Sebastian Jordan for his contributions to today's episode.  His book The Ceely Rose Murders at Malabar Farm can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Ceely-Rose-Murders-Malabar-Crime/dp/1467146188/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?dchild=1&keywords=celia+rose+murders+mark+sebastian+jordan&qid=1633270527&sr=8-1-fkmr3

Bridges represent so much to us.  They make the impassable, passable.  They connect us to the wider world.  Yet in folklore terms, bridges are magnets for ghosts.  Countless “crybaby bridges” dot the landscape of our great state.  We share and reshare tales of disembodied voices and misty shapes rising over the water.   So you might think this episode is just another trite tale of a haunted bridge.  Thank again.   Come hear the tale of the Bloody Bridge near St. Mary's.  This legendary story has been published in local newspapers for more than 160 years.  It's been written into a high school musical.  This wrenching narrative, a love triangle turned lethal, has captured the imaginations of Ohioans for generations.   Locals believe the tortured spirits of those lost, remain.  They erected a plaque, set in stone, to proclaim a history still very much alive.  Special thanks to Ms. Alysia Hatfield and Mr. Warren Bowery for their personal insights on the subject. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can find Ohio Folklore at  Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering… Covert Affair - Film Noire by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100795 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Many Ohio folktales spring forth from darkened woods.  The claim is that wild territories harbor menacing creatures lying in wait.  Kirtland's legend of the Melonheads is no exception.  Rumors abound of small, childlike humanoids with bulbous heads and jagged teeth.  Unsuspecting motorists, left disabled on the side of country roads, are said to fall victim to their predatory attacks. It seems some cryptids aren't shy at all. But that's not all that's strange about Kirtland's reputation.  Come hear the true story of a cult, born of religious zealotry.  One former group of local residents found themselves ensnared by a very real evil force.  The consequences proved deadly.  Their impacts are felt yet today. Come explore these fiendish phenomena, real and imaginary, and what they have to teach us about ourselves. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Among Ohio's many tourist destinations, the Piatt Castles situated in Logan County are truly treasured.  Their native limestone blocks and intricately painted ceilings transport visitors to another time.  Some come for the history, some come for the aesthetics.  Few expect to have the kind of deep experience that leaves a person altered. Come hear the tale from the museum's director, Ms. Margaret Piatt.  A descendant of the original owner, she offers an inside view of the historic space.  Yet more than that, she shares the personal story of how she's developed a fuller appreciation for the land on which it sits. Come hear the compelling legend attached to one unassuming boulder located near the property.  On separating fact from fiction, we come to learn a bit more of who we were, and perhaps who we might yet become.   Native tribes were forced from this region a long time ago.  Along with them, let's not lose the truth of their struggles, their hopes, their wisdom. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering… Plan your visit to the Piatt Castle, Mac-A-Cheek by clicking here: https://piattcastle.org/ 

Cincinnati's Music Hall, a venerable art institution known for wowing audiences with beauty and talent, is also a known for its other-worldly reputation.  Patrons and staff alike have sighted ghosts for more than 150 years.  All this has cemented the building's role in Ohio's folkloric history. Come hear the tale of one veteran paranormal investigator, Mr. Dan Schneider, who captured his most dramatic unexplained experience there in the fabled freight elevator. Come hear the tales of the site's macabre history, dating back long before its original construction.  One piece of its tragic history stands out among the rest, a manmade explosion killing scores.  Their unidentified graves remain beneath the building's foundations. Perhaps the spirts linger there for the heavenly music wafting through its halls.  Come linger yourself and discover the hold this place has on both the living and the dead. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:  Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…  Special thanks to Dan Schneider, of Ohio Gothic.  This Facebook group can be found at facebook.com/ohiogothic

The crown jewel of professional golf in Ohio is the Memorial Tournament, held every spring at Dublin’s Muirfield Village Golf Club.  This renown course, designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, has long been rumored “cursed.”  More often than not, it seems, this storied contest suffers inclement weather, the kind of which leads to delays and shortened holes.  Is there any truth to this lore?  The allegation is that the spirit of long dead Chief Leatherlips of the Wyandotte Nation is not happy about the course’s location near his grave.  It’s said that he commands the heavens each year to plague the tournament once again.As is true with most Ohio Folklore episodes, the history behind the legend is more telling and profound than any supernatural claims.  Come hear the tale of one man, a Native leader, who inspired not only his people, but White settlers alike.  His example guides us yet today.  More than any golf game, or the weather on any given day in May, what matters is our integrity.  He died for his.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

Feeling weary of our never-ending pandemic lives?  The fatigue was well known to our ancestors, who suffered infectious diseases with even less knowledge and fewer treatments than we have available today.The tiny town of Gilboa, Ohio in Putnam County holds key information as to how just one small community confronted the unseen microbe causing Cholera, an intestinal illness leading to dehydration and death.  Come hear the tales of one ordinary 19th century cemetery said to contain a mass grave of child victims of the disease.  Hear the story of one local resident, Nancy Kline, and the disembodied words she heard while investigating the place.Come hear the historic and epic tale of one immigrant physician, Dr. Gustavus Thatye, and his valiant attempts to save those who couldn’t flee the village.  He gave all he had, including his life, in support of the country to which he didn’t yet belong.Our fight against infectious disease has been going on for ages.  Come learn what the spirits of yesteryear have to teach us.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...To make a generous donation to the Gofundme account which raises funds for Dr. Thatye’s new tombstone, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tombstone-for-dr-gustavus-thatye      

Pretty Boy Floyd.  It’s a name you’ve no doubt heard.  Perhaps you know him as the depression-era outlaw, whose reputation for bank heists is as legendary now as it ever was.  We count him among historic bandits who’ve inspired a rare kind of admiration. Did you know, however, that this notorious criminal met his demise in Columbiana County?  The controversial details surrounding his death remain unresolved today.  Perhaps that’s why his troubled spirit is known to roam the field where he was gunned down. Come hear the story of one man, Mr. Michael Kishbucher, author of Legends & Lore of Little Beaver Creek.  Not only is he an avid folklorist, but he’s a native of Columbiana County with unique family ties to this legendary story. Whatever you once thought of Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd, you won’t think the same about him again.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform.  You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering… To purchase Legends & Lore of Little Beaver Creek, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Legends-Little-Beaver-Creek-American/dp/1467142301 

The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a maritime tragedy known to many. The sinking of this mighty Great Lakes freighter in November, 1975, remains fresh in our memories. The reason, however, is more personal than some Ohioans know. For many of our friends and neighbors, this disaster wasn’t just about a legendary ship lost at sea. This calamity meant the loss of fellow Ohioans -- fathers, brothers, friends and husbands. Half of the Fitz’s crew called Ohio home. Come hear the little-known life stories of some of these Ohioans, who lost their lives beneath Superior’s waves. Come hear the tales of loss and grief which remain. But, most of all, come learn why this legend still calls us to ride the waves fate brings. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

One monument to an era gone by once laid hidden in the overgrown hills of Ohio’s Vinton County. Thanks to the efforts of countless local enthusiasts and state ODNR officials, this antiquated railway tunnel is now easily reached. In fact, it’s handicap accessible. All who dare can now visit the Moonville Tunnel. However, it’s not just the living who answer its beckoning call. Claims of ghostly apparitions at this desolate location began in the late 1800’s, and persist yet today. With the multitude of violent rail deaths that have been documented through the years, it’s no real surprise that perhaps some lost souls are still waiting for the next train. Come hear the story of Mr. Rich Dahn, historian for the Moonville Rail Trail Association. He’s been visiting the site for more than 40 years, and still can’t get enough. Come hear the ghostly tales and the documented history of this legendary spot left yet untouched by modern civilization. Come aboard this episode revealing a sparkling jewel of Ohio’s railway folklore. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at: Ohiofolkore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering… Special thanks to The Rarely Herd for their permission in using their song “Moonville Brakeman” as part of today’s episode. Find them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/The-Rarely-Herd-113910075327852/ To learn more about the Moonville Rail Trail Association, click here: https://vintoncountytravel.com/parks-and-recreation/moonville-rail-trail/.

Most of us think of Port Clinton as a summer tourist destination. Indeed, it is. And yet, it's so much more.Few know of the haunted structure that sits on the corner of Madison and Perry Streets. The Island House Hotel is a rumored home for lost spirits, including a famous mobster, sheriff and orphaned immigrant turned proprietor. They make their presence known to staff and guests alike. Come hear the tale of a ghost hunter and founding member of Haunted Toledo. Christopher Tillman shares the story of an investigation of the historic structure. The hotel’s staff was eager to welcome his team and share their stories. Beneath the claims of ghost sightings lies Prohibition Era history that deserves a good telling. So sit back, raise a whiskey sour and soak in the knowledge of how it all came to be. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at: ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Many Ohioans have claimed to spot something unexplainable in the skies above us. Tales of mysterious flying objects seem as numerous as the stars themselves. It's easy to brush off such claims from individuals. However, when dozens of citizens and police officers report the seeing the same strange object, it's time to reconsider...Come hear the true tale of one unusually warm evening in December, 1994. Many residents of Trumbell County would never forget the life-changing events of that night. Their experiences would be documented in recorded calls to the 911 dispatch center.Come hear the radio traffic which crackled with excitement, as one officer after another spotted something bright in the night sky. Most eerie of all, it hovered in silence. No engine, no propellers. Perhaps we're not alone after all.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

All the wonders that come from our own Glass City (from Mud Hens baseball to Tony Packo's famous hot dogs) were once destined to spring forth from Michigan (gasp!) soil. That's correct, by all rights legal and geographical, the city of Toledo and lands due west were once deemed within the borders of the fledging territory of Michigan.Then came along Benjamin Franklin Stickney, a savvy politician and land speculator. After working to keep the peace in the wilds of northeast Indiana, he heard tell of a little canal project which was sure to open shipping lanes from Toledo to Ft. Wayne. And the meddling began...Come hear the story of one author, Mr. Kenneth Dickson, who unearthed intriguing details of how one man's drive toward personal success led Ohio to take arms against neighboring Michiganders.This is one rivalry that existed long before football. Some hard feelings remain.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...For more information on Kenneth Dickson's book, search Benjamin Franklin Stickney and the Maumee Valley

Most Ohioans know well the venerable institution called Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. It served as the backdrop for the 1994 seminal film, The Shawshank Redemption. Had the movie been shot elsewhere, the state would have demolished this historic structure. How fitting that this movie's message is one of redemption and hope against all odds. It resonates deep within us.Tourists from all over the world come to visit this remarkable place. Some come for the history. Some come for the pop culture influence. Yet many come to fill their curious minds and hearts. They seek to know what lurks in the shadows, what hides behind iron bars.Come hear the tales of three individuals with unique knowledge of the place. Hear the paranormal experiences of a tour guide, a ghost hunter and a volunteer. Come learn what draws them...what has drawn so many.Lastly, hear the tragic tale of a supposed resident ghost, the spirit of a young man who was executed in the very electric chair now on display. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

The legend of the Mothman stands unique among Ohio’s folktales. It’s a shared piece of lore with neighboring West Virginia. The story has drawn thousands, literally. Every year, hordes of tourists descend on this rural spot along the Ohio River. They pay homage to the winged beast, known to all as a harbinger of doom. Most of us think we know the story. Perhaps we’ve read the book, or seen the movie. Turns out, we don’t know the half of it. Come hear the tale from a local himself, retired private investigator, Mr. Eddie Jenkins. Come learn the truth of this centuries old legend that began long before falling bridges. It seems there’s been something mysterious in the skies above Appalachia for a very long time, indeed. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at: ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

When we Ohioans think of Annie Oakley, we think of a petite woman in fringed leather, staring down the barrel of a long gun, at a target soon to be decimated. As one of Ohio’s most celebrated daughters, Annie Oakley’s fame lives on a century after her death. She’s the subject of musicals, movies and countless books. We’re well aware of her sharpshooting skills, the likes of which haven’t been seen since. However, few of us have any idea of the remarkable history that led her to develop such superhuman abilities. Come hear the tale of Annie’s early life, growing up in Darke County, in a time of scarcity, loss and immense adversity. Sometimes that’s the very thing that brings forth greatness that lasts centuries. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. Ohio Folklore can be found at: fhiofolklore.comFacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Many Columbus residents and visitors enjoy a day trip to North Market, the sprawling food hall that's every foodie's dream. This downtown landmark has existed since 1876. Few realize the hidden lore beneath this storied location. Below cement and asphalt lie the remains of the city's founding citizens. The Old North Graveyard, the city's original public burial ground, remains hidden under the bustle of the living.Come hear the tale of one ghostly apparition known to still roam the corner of Park and Vine Streets. This specter is no ordinary soul. In his day, he was known as John Kerr, an Irish immigrant and city mayor. His remains still rest beneath North Market itself. His spirit is anything but restful. Come hear the experience of one Ryan Weller, Columbus archaeologist, who excavated the site during a sewer project in 2001. You won't believe what he uncovered. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

Most of us have heard tell of the Underground Railroad, the secretive movement that spirited enslaved peoples northward, toward freedom. Yet few Ohioans know of the integral role of one tiny town on the bank of the Ohio River.Meet Ripley, Ohio. History has dubbed this quaint village a "terminus of the Underground Railroad."Come hear intriguing stories of a secret society of abolitionists who aided those seeking freedom. And most compelling of them all, hear the daring tales of one John Parker, a former slave who risked life, limb and his very freedom to rescue desperate souls waiting on Kentucky's banks. To them, Ohio was a promised land...If you enjoy this episode please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

Some folktales are well worn in, like an old pair of sneakers. We've heard the stories so many times, they become part of our cultural history.But sometimes you're just lucky enough to get in on the ground floor. Come hear one legendary story in the making.South Main School was established in 1890 in Bowling Green. In recent decades, locals have whispered of strange goings on within the dormant elementary school's walls. Claims of disembodied giggles, fleeting shadows and even full bodied apparitions are now revealed.Today, you can schedule your own investigation of the place. But before you do, hear new, compelling true histories of spirits who take residence there.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...Book your investigation at South Main School here: https://hauntedsouthmainschool.wordpress.com/book-now/

When we think of history in Ohio, most of us consider the past two to three hundred years. Few know that one location in Ohio's southern hills holds prehistoric secrets that have yet to be explained. The Serpent Mound of Adams County.Come hear the tale of the world's largest effigy mound, here in our backyard. One local Ohioan and resident expert, Ms. Beth Jenkins, shares her personal connection to the place, as well as the knowledge she's gained in her role as the History Preservation Manager for the memorial itself.This remarkable piece of earthen art stirs wonder in many. It stirs questions of both earthly and spiritual realms. Come consider what the ancients are trying to tell us...If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

Few historical accounts of Ohio UFO sightings are more compelling than what has become known as the Coyne Incident. It was a cloudless October night in 1973 when an Army Reserve helicopter in the skies about Mansfield nearly collided with an unknown craft. The four military men aboard would soon tell the world what they encountered. It was an account later recognized during an assembly of the United Nations. It seems that for a time, the whole world wanted to know just what happened in our little corner of the planet. .Perhaps it's happening still. Come hear the tale for yourself.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

Come hear the latest episode of Ohio Folklore!Few Ohioans know the tale of the Ashtabula Train Disaster. When it happened on December 29, 1876, it was the worst train accident in US history. Today, a monument in Chestnut Grove Cemetery stands testimony to the horrors of that night, which have burned in Ashtabula’s history for more than a century. But the cemetery holds more than memories. It holds more than the remains of those lost to the tragedy. Many claim it holds restless spirits who still roam, desperate for some kind of explanation. Come hear the tale of one couple who claims to have encountered one such spirit whose possible role in the accident remains a question today. Come encounter a mystery of tortured souls longing for an explanation. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can find Ohio Folklore at: ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

For more than a century, residents and visitors to Ohio’s Ottawa County have witnessed unexplained balls of light rushing toward them while parked on rickety old bridges. Many know the phenomenon as the legend of Elmore Ghost Rider… the glowing spirit of a local man who lost his head in a motorcycle accident.Few understand the larger context behind this legendary story. Come hear the truth. Come hear the history of supernatural claims which pre-date the alleged ghost rider tale. Something’s been afoot in Ottawa County long before motorcycles even existed. Come hear the details for yourself. If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.com facebook.com/ohiofolklore.And as always, keep wondering…

Few Ohioans know the tale of Rogues Hollow, a small tract of wilderness in coal territory. It became known for its lawlessness and unbridled violence during the 19th century. Its history provokes scenes reminiscent of the Wild West. All this, here in our own backyard.Come hear the story of one Ohio Folklore listener who claims to have encountered a full-bodied apparition there, at Chidester Mill. This replica of an original 1828 structure remains today, and is open to the public during the summer months. It seems someone, however, stays all year round, guarding the place.Don’t say I didn’t warn you.You never know what you’ll encounter in these hills.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

Utopia exists. Not just as a concept, or some philosophical idea. No, Utopia is a tiny speck of a town off the northern bank of the Ohio River.Come learn the intriguing story of how this little village has drawn philosophers, dreamers, religious devotees and venture economists. But was Utopia ever truly utopic? You betcha. For a while anyway…If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

Long before the Civil War, in the quiet darkness of moonless nights, lonesome fiddle music could be heard wafting over the surface of the Ohio River. The source of the melody was unknown to some. But to others, it brought the promise of freedom and the protection of one pledged to shelter them.Still today, many claim to hear this music. Unsuspecting hikers and passersby also report seeing a shining green light, resembling a handheld lantern. Both emanate from a historic cemetery situated on the northern bank of the Ohio River. Come hear the Legend of the Fiddler’s Green. It’s the tale of one Henry Darby, a 19th century man of high standing in the Cincinnati community. He was a rumored clandestine supporter of runaway slaves. His reputation is still debated today. Is it true? Did he guide freedom-seekers across the Ohio River with his music?Come decide for yourself.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. Your can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

Come hear the latest episode of Ohio Folklore! Around the holidays, most Ohioans are wrapping presents, baking cookies and decorating the tree. One ancient holiday tradition often gets left out, however. It’s the ritual of sharing ghost stories around the winter solstice. It’s that darkest time of year when the veil between the dead and the living is at its thinnest.Come hear the forgotten story of a Shawnee Chief, whose ghost appears on Christmas Eve, in the woods where he was murdered by a group of white men. Come hear the legends of the settlers who first lived there, and their descendants whose larger-than-life reputations remain today.Come pull a chair up by the fireplace and settle on in for a night of mystery and wonder. Sleep tight.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always…keep wondering…

Egypt Valley is a state park unlike any other in Ohio. Many who’ve visited for the first time compare its beauty to the wilds of Yellowstone. The attraction this place has for so many is clear. But what’s often unexpected, is an eerie tension that hangs in the air. Some claim to have seen spirits who’ve lingered there for more than a century. One legendary story of the 1869 murder of a 13 year-old Louiza Fox, turns out to be true. She’s buried there, and her tombstone proclaims of her murder.Come hear Louiza’s tale, and decide for yourself whether her murderer got what he deserved.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

The legend of Gore Orphanage is a story many Ohioans already know. None have heard it told quite like this.Come hear the truth. Come learn the origins of this mystic place in rural Lorain County. Come discover the allure this location has for more than a century.Come find what it means to connect with forces larger than yourself.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

Not many Ohioans have heard of the Ohio Penitentiary, a storied prison once located in downtown Columbus. Through is nearly 150 years in operation, its riots, infectious epidemics and a catastrophic fire took the lives of countless prisoners. That might account for the ghostly screams often heard throughout the neighborhood, which is now called the Arena District.Come hear tales from local tour guides who are so familiar with the folklore, they’ve given ghost tours of the area. Come hear the grisly history of what once passed as a state “correctional” facility. Even though the sprawling structure was torn down in 1998, it seems some prisoners never gained their freedom. Are they doomed to roam the streets forever?If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering…

Climb aboard the USS Sachem, a once glorious yacht built in 1902, now decaying off the southern bank of the Ohio River. When a group of kayakers discovered her in 2009, they had no idea of the tales she held. Only when she was properly identified did we come to understand the role she played in some of our nation’s most epic eras.Come hear the story of one Henry Dorfman, a kayaker who first encountered her after wandering down an ordinary tributary. Come hear the astonishing century’s worth of history she has sailed through. The Sachem remains there in Taylor Creek, quiet but resolute. Knowing her story will change you.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolklore And as always, keep wondering…

Ron Tammen, a Miami University sophomore, vanished from his dorm room one cold April night in 1953. Although he'd never be seen or heard from again, his ghost would take residence and be spotted by countless students. The secrets surrounding Ron's disappearance remain. Come hear the facts of what can be known, and the most likely explanation for what may have happened to him.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

The ghostly reputation of a turreted residence on Cleveland's west side has haunted Ohioans for more than a century. The stories that surround Franklin Castle are a mix of fact and fiction. Did a murderous father kill his children within its walls? Were a group bootleggers gunned down there?Come hear the tales of disembodied voices and full-bodied apparitions that have appeared to those who dare to enter.If you enjoy this episode, please rate review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...

The legend of the Faceless Hitchhiker in Clermont County is more than popular, it's renowned. Ohio Folklore's first episode on the subject garnered so much interest that a follow-up was required. If you haven't already listened to that episode, do so now before proceeding.In this episode, we hear the riveting first hand account of Mr. Tracy Callahan, former Ohio State Patrol officer. His encounters with the spectral figure were unexpected, unbidden and still unexplained. Come hear for yourself.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can find Ohio Folklore at:ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering...