Let's Talk Paranormal! Part Two: Local Legends and Haunts

  When I got into Paranormal Investigating, the first thing I did was look into local legends and haunts.  So, I consulted my local library and found some books that deal with local legends and haunts.  My first read, "The Jersey Devil," took me into the Pine Barrens where I live.  Here's the story about this long-standing New Jersey legend. 

  A woman by the name of "Mother Leeds" was a supposed witch who, while giving birth to her 13th child and she screamed out "Let it be the devil."  And she gave birth to a son named Lucas.  It was either immediately or soon after that Lucas developed into a devil-like creature and soon flew off.  And here is where the legend begins.  The legend stayed within the state until 1909 when sightings of the Jersey Devil began to explode and, to this day, this is still the most well-known spree of sightings. 

  For further information, I recommend "The Jersey Devil" by James F. McCloy and Ray Miller, Jr. 

The Jersey Devil

  Another location that I have gone to, but have not had the chance to investigate formally, was one that I had been going to for years, but never knew to be haunted.  That place is Arthur's Tavern in Hoboken, New Jersey.  While famous for their steaks and good times, here in lies a classic case of a haunting.  One story is that a distraught waitress, full of grief and wanting to end her life where her friends and not her family would find her body, hung herself from the top floor where a spiral staircase is located. 

  In addition to "The Woman in White," there is also the apparition of an ugly, bearded man with a scowling look upon his face that has been seen on the second floor by the employees and managers.  The vision of this spectre was so scary that a dishwasher quit over this. 

  For more information on New Jersey haunts, I recommend "New Jersey Haunts" by Elias Zwillenberg.

New Jersey Haunts

  This is why it is key to investigate locally before you investigate other legendary haunted locations.  It is very, very essential to start out small before you "Go Big" in a sense.  And remember:  Research, Research, RESEARCH!  It is very essential that you study up and do all the proper research prior to an investigation.  Consult your local library and do accurate fact checking prior to investigating. 

  Keep an eye out next Monday for the next "Let's Talk Paranormal!"  Subject to be decided.