I love, love, LOVE scary stories, and haunted anything. This year I thought I’d dig a little deeper into the Danville area’s haunted history. Much to my surprise, several places came up that have been explored by ghost hunters, authors, and general spooky enthusiasts.
Here’s what I found…
The Fischer Theater
158 N. Vermilion, Danville
217-213-6162
The Fischer Theater is a 19th-century opera house. It became known to be haunted when a person accidentally recorded strange sounds occurring in the projection room. It has also been investigated by the Springfield Ghost Society and they noted strange sounds and shadow figures. I do know that many locals also report an indescribable eerie feeling. Even if you never have a paranormal experience in the Fischer, it’s a beautiful historical site and well worth a visit.
Locust Grove Cemetery
9530 E County Rd 400 S, New Castle, IN
Located in Ambia, Indiana, it’s a short drive into the back roads of Indiana. Only about 12 miles from Danville, Hoopston and Rossville, it sits in the center of our area and isn’t really “near’ anything. People have reported sounds of an army cadence and marching being heard. Legend has it that Harrison’s ghostly men are re-creating the Battle of Tippecanoe. Several folks have stayed overnight there. I’ve checked it out and in the daylight, it seems like it’s old and scary. So, at night I’m certain the scare factor goes up. Definitely worth a stop!
Attica Public Library
305 S Perry St, Attica, IN
765-764-4194
Located in, you guessed it, Attica, Indiana. The Attica Public Library was built in 1905 and is still very much “alive” if you want to visit. In fact, according to Hauntedplaces.org, the employees of this library have heard strange noises including knocking, whistling, whispering, dragging sounds, and even the sounds of the toys in the children’s area moving by themselves after closing. The employees have also mentioned seeing figures watching them or shadows darting around. They have said that activity increases if there are people, be they employees or not, after closing time.
Allerton Mansion
515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL
217-333-3287
This place is cool, beautiful and so haunted (so they say)! This 1900’s Georgian Revival mansion in Monticello, Illinois, is open to the public and is said to be the home of several ghosts. The most common ghost of the mansion is known as ‘The Lady in White.’ A former guest of the mansion, she’s usually seen in the room where she stayed, by the pond on the grounds, often putting on her gloves and hat. She’s also thought to have been heard walking down the stairs.
Enjoy the season and get down with your scary self, it’s fun to get scared.
By: Tonya Salomon – Neuhoff Media Danville
You can listen to Tonya weekdays on 94.9 K-ROCK from 2pm – 7pm and D102 10am – 2pm (central time).