This week we explore the history and mystery of ‘The man they could not hang’. Michael “Mickey” or “Smitty” Smith lived in the Johnstown area. After killing a man, he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Then, he disappeared. Smitty was never heard from again. Before Incarceration Michael Smith had several nicknames, his most …
Eastern State Penitentiary is one of Philadelphia’s famous tourist attractions. The structure became a National Historic Landmark in 1965. ESP officially opened to the public for history tours in 1994. Read on to discover the history of this fascinating and spooky structure. Prison of the Past In 1787, during a meeting at Benjamin Franklin’s house, …
What better way to come back from our unexpected hiatus than a blog about Gettysburg and the start of spooky season! As our loyal readers know, we love visiting Gettysburg. Recently we took another trip back. Lightner Farmhouse B&B During this trip we stayed at the Lightner Farmhouse B&B. This building is listed on the …
This season’s last Dark Christmas Tradition delves into Frau Perchta. From goddess to witch, this Christmas figure covers a lot of ground. Most of the information for this post comes from The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch. Now, let’s find out what we need to know to avoid having our bellies slit open. …
Right now you are wondering what in the heck a Christmas pooper has to do with Christmas. One European Country has a unique tradition involving their nativity scenes. Have I piqued your curiosity? If so, keep reading. Brief History Sometime during the 18th century, a small figure began appearing in the nativity scene. In Catalonia, …
Every year homes across Scandinavia are visited by the Yule goat and the Nisse. Both visitors date back to ancient times. They have evolved and changed from their pagan roots to fit into a more Christian society. Let’s learn a bit about these Yuletide visitors. The Nisse These household spirits go by different names depending …
The Cresson Sanatorium turned Cresson State School and Hospital turned SCI Cresson has now turned over another new leaf as Big House Produce. The grounds have a long history, nearly 110 years. The land has seen sickness, death and violence over this time. This weekend we explored what is left of the buildings. Read on …
It’s October and the days are getting shorter. Leaves are falling from the trees. Halloween is around the corner. There is still time to enjoy some fall activities. Just beware of spectral dogs, ghosts and devils! Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes There are plenty of pumpkin patches around. Some are bigger and more commercial, while …
The Mari Llwyd is a strange tradition. Various versions of this tradition have been found around the British Isles. It is, however, a fading tradition. But what is a Mari Llwyd? Let’s find out. Origin No one is quite sure when or even where the custom of dressing up a horse skull began. Animal skulls …
Last week we learned about Gryla, an Icelandic witch who eats troublesome children. This post will cover her associates: the Yule Cat and the Yule Lads. Yule Cat Beginning in the autumn, the Yule Cat would spy on those preparing for the winter. Animals needed harvested and their meat smoked and stored. Wool sheared in …