With Culver-Stockton being 150 years old, there’s a lot of history and trauma from the past that still has a hold on these old buildings. With Halloween fast approaching, it’s only fitting to discuss the many spooky happenings that occur on “The Hill”. Here are a few stories and testimonies of students and faculty who have experienced something supernatural while here on “The Hill”.
As mentioned before, Culver-Stockton is over 150 years old, and with that comes a rich history dating back to the Civil War. If you didn’t already know, the campus was used as a base during the war, especially Henderson Hall. When the Confederate Army took control of the campus, they used the basement of Henderson Hall to house sick and injured soldiers.
Not too long ago, Culver-Stockton hosted an alumni event with a paranormal investigation team that went across the campus to see if there were any signs of supernatural activity. According to Carla Boren, Director of Advancement for Annual and Leadership Giving, “The paranormal readings showed the highest signs of activity in the lower level of Henderson.”
The people who probably experience the most paranormal activity would be the workers at our Physical Plant. “You get a cold chill when you go past the fourth floor of Johnson Hall,” said Melinda Shepherd, Facilities Officer Manager.
Shepherd is not the only one who has experienced supernatural or paranormal activity in Johnson. Peyton Armstrong, an undergraduate, claims that he gets “an eerie feeling in Johnson Hall,” and that the “lights tend to flicker.” So what if the lights flicker? That’s normal, you may say. We have a story that may change your mind.
Physical Plant employee Phil Meany claims that during World War I, a female student was attending Culver-Stockton while her boyfriend was fighting in the war. When she heard news of her lover’s death, she was so distraught that she hung herself in the attic of Johnson Hall and accidentally kicked over a lantern that caught the building on fire. Her ghost still haunts the fourth floor of Johnson, waiting for her lover’s return.
There is actual evidence that backs this claim. If you look at the rafters in Johnson Hall’s attic, you’ll see burn marks, suggesting that a fire did actually occur in the attic.
The last supernatural story we have is from Troy Seals, Director of Facilities. He also encountered something the previous summer when working in one of the fraternity houses.
“I heard people walking up on the third floor of Gerlach Hall, but when I went to check it out, there was no one there. No cars outside or anything.” Maybe it’s just an old house, or perhaps it’s a ghost, ghoul, or lost spirit walking the halls at Culver-Stockton.
So if you’re up for the challenge this Halloween, check out some of these haunted spots on campus that will send some chills down your spine and give you goosebumps for sure.
Missouri has been nicknamed the “Show-Me State.” It’s only fitting to have its fair share of skeptics, which is true with Meany.
“I’m from Missouri, you gotta show me the ghost,” said Meany.
So if anyone’s brave enough to check out these haunted locations, you’re in luck! On October 30th, Culver-Stockton’s Student Life is hosting the Gragg presentation and ghost hunt. If you’re interested, the event starts at 8 pm in Meaders Lounge, with the ghost hunt following after.
