Hauntings around Delaware County are not commonly talked about. In fact, many people are not aware of how common the paranormal around here actually is. Areas such as the Strand Theater and the Historical Jail park are just a few examples of big hotspots for ghostly encounters.
The Strand Theater
The Strand Theater in downtown Delaware is one of the oldest buildings in the county, standing at 101 years old. Even back when the theater was still young, the paranormal was present and active in the theater.
One of the most recognized ghosts is named Rodney. He is described as a peaceful and helpful spirit. Rodney supposedly passed away in a house fire, but his spirit has continued to live on in the Strand.
Rodney’s cousin later came to the Strand and confirmed that it felt like his presence was there. Rodney has been seen by staff walking around the theater, though he usually likes to sit in one of the theater rooms to watch movies.
Another one of the ghosts is Cynthia “Cindy” Johnson. She is one of the previous owners of the Strand Theater back when it was in its early ages of operation. Cindy passed away from breast cancer while she was in Greece.
However, despite being so far away, her spirit still chose to return to the theater.
Now, her spirit haunts the Strand and has been known to be quite the attention seeker. She has been known to tap people on the shoulder and create sudden bursts of cold air that scare the staff and guests. Though, her spirit doesn’t seem to be malevolent, instead just looking for attention from the guests at her theater.
The third ghost is referred to as the Vaudeville Ghost. Not much is known about this ghost, just that it usually resides behind the main stage by the dressing rooms. This ghost likes to scare people by randomly appearing as an apparition or by moving objects.
Blue Limestone Park
Blue Limestone Park has been the location of spooky legends ranging from ghost stories and murder cases to cult activity. With all the rumors swirling around, dark energy is bound to collect, which can spawn many ghosts and lots of paranormal activity.
One place in the park that is said to have the most paranormal activity is a tunnel that the Delaware Run flows through, located behind the main quarry. Not only is this tunnel said to be the site of certain cult activity, but it is considered the site that brings uneasiness to guests during the day as well. It is said that visitors often encounter disembodied voices, sudden temperature drops, and the heavy feeling of being watched by something.
Besides the supposed cult activity, one of the possible big contributors to the paranormal energy at this location is a railroad crash in 1927 that killed every passenger on board. Many parkgoers have reported seeing glowing apparitions near the crash site.
The Arts Castle
In the 1800s, George W. Campbell had a house built on the land where the Arts Castle rests today. Due to the odd design that resembles a castle, the house was nicknamed “Delaware’s Castle.”
Later, it was purchased by Ohio Wesleyan University and became its Fine Arts Department. Eventually, it was sold again to Delaware County itself and renamed to “Delaware County Arts Cultural Center” or more commonly known as the Arts Castle.
Since the Arts Castle has such a long history, it is only fitting that a bit of the paranormal would find its way there. In fact, a specific ghost resides in the building and is seen by many. She is described as an elderly woman in Victorian Era attire and she is usually seen standing at the entrance or in a window, watching.
It is said that there are many other ghosts in the building, though they haven’t been specifically identified. Many people claim to have encountered knocking, bursts of cold air, and even the piano playing by itself.
One thing most people agree on is that the ghosts at the Arts Castle aren’t evil. In fact, the spirits are rather playful and try to be helpful.
Delaware County Historical Jail
The Delaware County Historical Jail held prisoners up until 1988 when it was bought by Delaware County and turned into a small museum by the Historical Society. The jail still has many of the same features from when it was active, including functioning jail cells. However, just because there are no current prisoners, doesn’t mean the spirits of past prisoners aren’t there.
Separate from the jail cells, there are two bedrooms on the second floor. These bedrooms are said to be haunted by James and Matilda, young ghosts who stick together to cause mischief. They are often seen running through the rooms upstairs and are associated with objects moving and unidentified noises all through the second level of the jail.
Around the first floor of the jail, three other ghosts wander. Paula is one of the older ghosts who seems to look after the children’s ghosts upstairs. Current staff think Paula is a kind, and protective spirit.
The other ghost is unnamed but is referred to as a tall, shadow figure. It is associated with a lot of paranormal activity like whistling, disembodied voices, tapping, and knocking. This ghost has also reportedly shown up on a thermal camera as a dark, cold spot of air.
The third spirit is named Sherrie who is said to be a book keeper and, like Paula, is very protective of the kid ghosts.
“We actually found out about her through a spirit box session where she identified herself,” lead investigator of the Tri-C Ghost Hunters Jason Gornichec said.
Around the jail cells, there is one ghost known by many as Scott. Scott is said to spend most of his time in Cell 6, perhaps where he stayed when he was alive. Scott’s spirit is described as having a big personality and also he likes to have fun.
“In one of our investigations, we had a few guests go into the cells,” Gornichec said. “When one of them went into Scott’s cell, she had her hair pulled.”
Lastly, in the basement of the jail is another spirit. This spirit is often inactive but has proved its existence by showing up as a white, misty figure on a full spectrum camera.
Perkins Observatory
Hirum Perkins created the Perkins Observatory so he could better teach his classes. However, he died at age 91 in 1924, before he got to see the completed building.
Since, stories have been told about how Perkins’ ghost haunts the building. People claim to have heard disembodied moans and whistles along with creaks and the sounds of furniture moving. Additionally, people have felt like they are being watched by something unknown when inside the building.
A popular story about the ghost is that of how late at night, some people see apparitions in 1920s clothing sitting on the furniture in the observatory. It is said that they are Perkins and his students, replaying those days when class was in session for them.
The paranormal stretches all throughout Delaware County and if you look hard enough, you might just see a spirit causing some mischief. Check out some of these places yourself, but brace yourself for whatever, or whoever, you might encounter along the way.
