Listener Discretion is advised.

Dive deep into the chilling true story of the Circleville Letters - one of Ohio’s most disturbing unsolved mysteries. For nearly 20 years, anonymous letters terrorized the small town of Circleville, Ohio, exposing dark secrets, threatening lives, and tearing apart a community.

This comprehensive investigation covers the mysterious death of Ron Gillispie, the shocking booby trap that nearly killed school bus driver Mary Gillispie, and the controversial conviction of Paul Freshour - who may have been wrongly imprisoned while the real letter writer remained free. Explore the twisted tale of anonymous harassment, small-town paranoia, and a case that remains unsolved to this day.

**What We’ll Cover:**

- The complete timeline of the Circleville Letters from 1976-1994

- Details of Ron Gillispie’s suspicious death in 1977

- How the booby trap nearly killed Mary Gillispie in 1983

- Why Paul Freshour’s conviction is controversial

- Evidence the letters continued while Freshour was in prison

- Top suspects and theories in this unsolved case

- Why this case remains one of America’s strangest mysteries

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

Primary Sources

**CBS News / 48 Hours**

- “The Circleville Letters: You’ve Got Hate Mail” (May 2024)

- “Has the Anonymous Author of the Infamous Circleville Letters Been Unmasked?” (May 2024)

- Erin Moriarty investigation and interviews

- Crime Junkie Podcast

- “INFAMOUS: Circleville Letters” episode (January 2025)

- Whatever Remains Podcast**

- Host: Marie Mayhew

- Comprehensive multi-episode series on the Circleville Letters

Secondary Sources

**All That’s Interesting**

- “Inside The Eerie Mystery Of The Circleville Letters That Terrorized An Ohio Town For Nearly 20 Years” (2025)

**Columbus Navigator**

- “Small Town, Big Secrets: The Chilling Circleville Letter Mystery That Stunned Ohio” (October 2024)

**Mental Floss**

- “Unknown Sender: The Mystery of the Circleville Letters” (2021)

**Unsolved Mysteries Wiki**

- Detailed case documentation and episode information

**Vocal Media / Criminal**

- Multiple investigative articles on the case

Court Documents & Official Records

- State of Ohio v. Paul L. Freshour (1983) - Pickaway County Common Pleas Court

- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation reports

- Pickaway County Sheriff’s Department records

- Ron Gillispie death investigation files

Additional Resources

**Books:**

- “The Circleville Letters: A True Story of Small-Town Terror” by Erin Moriarty (2023)

**TV/Media:**

- Unsolved Mysteries (Season 7, Episode 6, 1993)

- 48 Hours on Paramount+ - “The Circleville Letters”

For More Information

Visit the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office or Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for official case information. This case remains unsolved and tips are still accepted.

**Case Status:** Unsolved

**Location:** Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio

**Time Period:** 1976-1994

**Victim:** Multiple residents of Circleville, Ohio

**Convicted:** Paul Freshour (attempted murder only, 1984)

*All information presented is based on publicly available sources, court records, and investigative journalism. No claims are made regarding the guilt or innocence of any individuals mentioned.*

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WARNING: This Episode contains highly graphic content, is not suitable for children. Listener discretion is advised!

This week we’re diving deep into the absolutely terrifying history of Danvers State Hospital in Massachusetts - the real-life inspiration behind Arkham Asylum. We’re talking Gothic architecture, lobotomy horrors, patient mistreatment, and some of the most documented paranormal activity in American history.

From Dr. Walter Freeman’s brutal ice-pick procedures to modern-day hauntings that’ll make your skin crawl, this abandoned asylum’s dark secrets will blow your mind.

Join me as we explore the Salem witch trial connections, underground tunnel mysteries, urban explorer encounters, and why this demolished mental institution continues to be one of the most haunted places in New England. Trust me, this true ghost story will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the supernatural.

EPISODE REFERENCES & RESOURCES

Historical Sources:

• Massachusetts State Archives - Danvers State Hospital Patient Records

• “Danvers State Hospital: A History” by the Danvers Historical Society

• National Archives - Mental Health Treatment Documentation (1878-1992)

• “My Lobotomy” by Howard Dully (Freeman lobotomy survivor account)

Paranormal Research:

• New England Paranormal Research Society Investigation Files (2003-2004)

• “The Stone Tape Theory” by T.C. Lethbridge

• Dr. Michael Persinger’s Electromagnetic Field Studies

• Christopher Payne’s “Asylum: Inside the Closed World of State Mental Hospitals”

Additional Reading:

• “The Lobotomist” by Jack El-Hai (Biography of Walter Freeman)

• “Ghosts of Danvers” by Sam Baltrusis

• H.P. Lovecraft’s References to Arkham Sanitarium

• Salem Witch Trials Historical Connection - Hathorne Family Records

Documentary Resources:

• “Danvers State Hospital: The Real Arkham” (2018)

• Various urban exploration video documentation (pre-demolition)

• Local news archives covering hospital closure and demolition (1992-2006)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1961, suburban housewife Joan Risch vanished from her Massachusetts home, leaving behind a blood-soaked kitchen and two young children.

But when investigators discovered she’d been secretly researching murders and disappearances for months, the case took a shocking turn. Did Joan become the victim of a brutal crime, or did she pull off one of history’s most elaborate disappearing acts?

This deep dive explores the mysterious case that’s baffled investigators for over 60 years, examining the evidence for staged disappearance, murder, and everything in between. Join us for a compelling look at one of New England’s most controversial cold cases.

## REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

**Primary Sources:**

- Lincoln Police Department Case Files (1961)

- The Boston Globe Archives (1961-1996)

- The Fence Viewer Newspaper (1961)

**Key Resources:**

- “Into Thin Air: What is the Likeliest Explanation for the Disappearance of Joan Risch?” - Medium

- Wikipedia: “Disappearance of Joan Risch”

- Lincoln Public Library Checkout Records (1961)

- Original Police Investigation Documents (PDF archives)

**Additional Reading:**

- “Gone Girl - Joan Risch” - Morbidology

- Various True Crime Podcasts and Documentaries featuring the case

- Contemporary newspaper accounts from Boston-area publications

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever met a ghost so committed to his job that he’s been showing up for work for over a century? Meet Eddie, the paranormal brewery worker haunting Appleton, Wisconsin’s Stone Arch Brewpub. This week we dive deep into the twisted 160-year history of the “Between the Locks” building - from devastating fires & mysterious deaths to a German immigrant’s brewing empire that couldn’t stay dead.

We’re talking professional paranormal investigations, shadow figures caught on camera, & a ghost who literally corrected investigators when they got his name wrong. Plus, the Stone Tape Theory that might explain how human trauma gets burned into building foundations, Harry Houdini’s hometown paranormal scene, & why Eddie might be the most polite poltergeist in the Midwest.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the documented evidence from this haunted brewery will make you question everything you know about the afterlife… & employee retention policies.

DISCLAIMER:

*This episode is for entertainment purposes. While based on documented reports & historical records, paranormal claims cannot be scientifically verified. Please drink responsibly if visiting the brewery, and be respectful of private property and business operations.*

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

- Stone Arch Brewpub Official Website: stonearchbrewpub.com

- We Are Green Bay News Report (October 31, 2017) - “Top 3 Haunted Buildings in Appleton”

- Oshkosh Beer Blog - “The George Walter Brewing Company - Brewers of Adler Brau Beer” by Brian Zenefski

- **Outagamie County Historical Records** - Anton Fischer Brewery founding (1858)

- **George Walter Brewing Company Records** - Business operations (1876-1974)

- **Appleton Historical Society** - Between the Locks building transformation

- **Professional Paranormal Investigation Results** - Video evidence of shadow manipulation

- **Employee Testimonials** - Stone Arch Brewpub staff experiences

- **Steven Lonsway Interviews** - Co-owner statements on paranormal activity

- **“Haunted Wisconsin” by Linda S. Godfrey** - Regional ghost stories and investigations

- **Wisconsin Haunted Houses Database** - Comprehensive haunted location listings

- **The Stone Tape Theory Research** - Scientific explanations for residual hauntings

- **Houdini Historical Center** - Harry Houdini paranormal connections

- **Zuelke Building** - Irving Zuelke ghost sightings

- **Riverside Cemetery** - Kate Blood tombstone legends

- **Victorian Grand Opera House** - Percy Keene employee ghost

- **Appleton Haunted History & Mystery Tour** - 90-minute downtown walking tour

- **Spooks and Spirits Tours** - Professional paranormal

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Share your thoughts or send a request

*WARNING: This episode discusses suicide and mental health crises. Listener discretion advised.*

Deep in the Connecticut wilderness lies the abandoned ruins of what might be America’s most cursed settlement. Dudleytown was founded in the 1740s by families carrying a supposed generational curse from Tudor England - and for nearly a century, tragedy after tragedy struck its residents until the entire community was abandoned to the forest.

In this episode, we dive deep into the dark history of this notorious ghost town, from the political executions that allegedly cursed the Dudley family line, to the mysterious deaths, disappearances, and psychological breakdowns that plagued the settlement’s residents. We’ll explore the documented accounts of colonial-era hauntings, the modern paranormal investigations that captured ghostly figures on film, and the reason why this Connecticut forest has been completely closed to the public for over 50 years.

Was Dudleytown the victim of a supernatural curse, or just a failed settlement whose tragic history spawned one of New England’s most persistent ghost stories? The evidence suggests the answer might be more disturbing than either explanation alone.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

-Cornwall Historical Society Archives - Original settlement records and land deeds

- CT State Library - Colonial census data and death records for Litchfield Cty

- Reverend Samuel Peters’ Journal (1760s-1780s) - Contemporary observations of Dudleytown residents

- Yale University Manuscripts & Archives - Dr. William Clarke’s 1928 psychological study

- Dudley family genealogical records, English Historical Society

- Thomas Griffis land purchase records, 1747

- Cornwall town meeting minutes regarding the “abandoned settlement” (1830-1850)

- Hartford Courant archives - 1892 hiker incident reports

- Environmental Psychology and Anomalous Locations - Dr. Sarah Chen, Journal of Environmental Psychology, 1994

- Robert Chen Photography Collection - Mystic Seaport Museum archives (1934 Dudleytown expedition)

- Dark Entry Forest Association records and incident reports (1969-present)

- CT State Police records of trespassing incidents and psychiatric emergencies

-Cursed Places of CT - David Phillips, 1971

- Ghost Towns of New England- various authors, CT Historical Society, 1985

- The Dudley Curse: Fact or Fiction? - New England Folklore Quarterly, Vol. 23, 1967

- Abandoned Settlements of the Litchfield Hills - Robert Morrison, University of CT Press, 1989

- Paul Morrison paranormal investigation report, *Anomalous Phenomena Quarterly*, 1988

- UConn student incident documentation, university

Hello to all my fellow wanderers of the weird... the curious collectors of the uncanny... the strange and unusual souls who feel most at home in the shadows. Welcome to Creepy Shit.

Each week, I'll take you on a journey through genuinely haunted locations where the veil wears thin, unravel forgotten folklore that explains why that cold spot won't leave your bedroom corner, and share the essential knowledge.

No bullshit, no over-dramatic whispers, just the authentically creepy stories and spiritual survival skills you crave. Think of this as your paranormal field guide – equal parts campfire tales, cultural history, and "what to do when that shadow in the hallway definitely isn't your coat rack."

So come on, strange and unusual friends. Let's explore the unexplained together. New episodes weekly – for those who know the night has always held more truth than the day.

Follow on Instagram @creepy_shit_podcast for haunting images, paranormal evidence, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the research behind each episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Share your thoughts or send a request

Step inside America’s most notorious haunted house, where documented historical atrocities created a supernatural legacy that spans nearly two centuries. The LaLaurie Mansion at 1140 Royal Street in New Orleans isn’t just haunted—it’s a monument to human evil so profound that it seems to have permanently scarred reality itself.

Discover the documented evidence behind 150+ years of unexplained phenomena: why security systems malfunction, why delivery drivers refuse to approach the door, and why this mansion has earned its reputation as the most haunted house in America. We’ll separate historical fact from folklore embellishment, revealing that the truth is far more disturbing than any ghost story.

This isn’t just another haunted house tale—it’s a deep dive into how extreme human evil can leave permanent marks on the physical world, creating a location so saturated with malevolent energy that it continues to impact lives nearly two centuries later.

**WARNING: This episode contains detailed discussions of historical torture, murder, and slavery-era atrocities that some listeners may find disturbing.**

**RATING:** Mature (16+) for historical violence and disturbing content

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

Historical Documents:

- *The New Orleans Bee*, April 11, 1834 (eyewitness fire accounts)

- *Louisiana Gazette*, November 12, 1823 (Dufilho pharmacy advertisement)

- William Cullen Bryant’s travel journal, 1834 (shipboard encounter with LaLaurie)

- Orleans Parish property records, 1831-present

- New Orleans funeral registers, 1830-1834

**Academic Sources:**

- Martineau, Harriet. *Retrospect of Western Travel* (1838)

- Long, Carolyn Morrow. *Madame LaLaurie, Mistress of the Haunted House* (University Press of Florida, 2012)

- Miles, Tiya. “Madame LaLaurie: French Quarter Fiend” in *Tales from the Haunted South* (University of North Carolina Press, 2015)

**Archival Collections:**

- The Historic New Orleans Collection

- Louisiana State Museum archives

- New Orleans Public Library Louisiana Division

- Notarial Archives Research Center

**Contemporary Accounts:**

- New Orleans Historical Society records

- BlackPast.org historical documentation

- 64 Parishes magazine archival research

- Louisiana state licensing board records

**Modern Documentation:**

- Orleans Parish property transfer records

- New Orleans city planning commission reports

- Published interviews with Nicolas Cage (2009-2012)

- Security company incident reports (publicly available records)

Hello to all my fellow wanderers of the weird... the curious collectors of the uncanny... the strange and unusual souls who feel most at home in the shadows. Welcome to Creepy Shit.

Each week, I'll take you on a journey through genuinely haunted locations where the veil wears thin, unravel forgotten folklore that explains why that cold spot won't leave your bedroom corner, and share the essential knowledge.

No bullshit, no over-dramatic whispers, just the authentically creepy stories and spiritual survival skills you crave. Think of this as your paranormal field guide – equal parts campfire tales, cultural history, and "what to do when that shadow in the hallway definitely isn't your coat rack."

So come on, strange and unusual friends. Let's explore the unexplained together. New episodes weekly – for those who know the night has always held more truth than the day.

Follow on Instagram @creepy_shit_podcast for haunting images, paranormal evidence, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the research behind each episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Share your thoughts or send a request

We’re back with another spine-tingling bonus episode that’s going to blow your minds! Fresh off Monday’s cemetery deep-dive, we’re staying in that beautifully dark headspace to chat about something absolutely incredible - author Gina Black and her fascinating book “Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries” available on Amazon .

This bonus episode is the perfect companion piece to our cemetery exploration because, let’s be real, the vibes are immaculate. We’re diving deep into Gina’s expertise as a seasoned explorer who has traveled the world researching cemeteries, unraveling the mysteries of their symbolism Amazon . If you’ve ever wandered through a graveyard wondering what those intricate carvings, symbols, and designs actually mean, this episode is your new obsession.

Gina’s book is the ultimate guide to understanding the meanings behind the designs and etchings in headstones, plus the artwork on mausoleums and monuments RSS.com . We’re talking about decoding secrets etched in weathered stone monuments overlooked by time, from majestic iron gates to lavish mausoleums Amazon .

Whether you’re a cemetery enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who gets fascinated by hidden meanings and symbolism, this episode hits different. Gina guides us on an illuminating journey into the past, unveiling extraordinary insight that weaves a deeper connection to our ancestors and breathing new life into the enduring legacy of these sacred stone gardens

For More with Gina be sure to follow her on instagram @shehaunts

Hello to all my fellow wanderers of the weird... the curious collectors of the uncanny... the strange and unusual souls who feel most at home in the shadows. Welcome to Creepy Shit.

Each week, I'll take you on a journey through genuinely haunted locations where the veil wears thin, unravel forgotten folklore that explains why that cold spot won't leave your bedroom corner, and share the essential knowledge.

No bullshit, no over-dramatic whispers, just the authentically creepy stories and spiritual survival skills you crave. Think of this as your paranormal field guide – equal parts campfire tales, cultural history, and "what to do when that shadow in the hallway definitely isn't your coat rack."

So come on, strange and unusual friends. Let's explore the unexplained together. New episodes weekly – for those who know the night has always held more truth than the day.

Follow on Instagram @creepy_shit_podcast for haunting images, paranormal evidence, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the research behind each episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Share your thoughts or send a request

Holy Sh--, you guys - this week we’re diving into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, and I’m not even kidding when I say this place will mess with your head. We’re talking about America’s most haunted graveyard, home to the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and literally hundreds of restless spirits who apparently missed the memo about staying dead.

I’m breaking down the wild history of this above-ground city of the dead - from why they had to build tombs instead of graves (spoiler: floating coffins are a real problem) to the fascinating life and afterlife of Marie Laveau, who’s been spotted wandering these marble corridors for over 140 years since her death. Plus, I’m sharing some absolutely spine-chilling documented encounters from tour guides, paranormal investigators, and regular people who’ve had their worldview completely shattered by what they experienced in those narrow pathways.

Whether you’re a true believer like me or a skeptic who thinks there’s a rational explanation for everything, these stories will have you questioning what you think you know about life, death, and what might exist in between. Trust me, after this episode, you’ll never look at cemeteries the same way again.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

Primary Historical Sources:

•“Marie Laveau: The Mysterious Voodoo Queen” - Marcus Christian Collection, University of New Orleans

•New Orleans Public Library Louisiana Division - Cemetery Records & Vital Statistics

•The Historic New Orleans Collection - Colonial Death Records (1789-1803)

•Archdiocese of New Orleans Cemetery Records (1995-present)

Key Research Materials:

•“Voodoo in New Orleans” by Robert Tallant

•“Marie Laveau: A Study of Powerful Female Leadership in Nineteenth-Century New Orleans” - Journal of Southern History

•University of Virginia Paranormal Research Division - St. Louis Cemetery Study (2021-2022)

•Save Our Cemeteries Foundation Historical Documentation

Notable Documentation:

•French Quarter Paranormal Investigations Case Files (2010-2023)

•New Orleans Tourism Board Incident Reports

•Digital EVP Archive - Louisiana Paranormal Research Society

•Photographic Evidence Collection - International Ghost Hunters Alliance

For Further Exploration:

•Save Our Cemeteries Foundation (official preservation organization)

•The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum

•New Orleans Voodoo Museum

•French Quarter Ghost & Spirits Tours (official cemetery tour operators)

Hello to all my fellow wanderers of the weird... the curious collectors of the uncanny... the strange and unusual souls who feel most at home in the shadows. Welcome to Creepy Shit.

Each week, I'll take you on a journey through genuinely haunted locations where the veil wears thin, unravel forgotten folklore that explains why that cold spot won't leave your bedroom corner, and share the essential knowledge.

No bullshit, no over-dramatic whispers, just the authentically creepy stories and spiritual survival skills you crave. Think of this as your paranormal field guide – equal parts campfire tales, cultural history, and "what to do when that shadow in the hallway definitely isn't your coat rack."

So come on, strange and unusual friends. Let's explore the unexplained together. New episodes weekly – for those who know the night has always held more truth than the day.

Follow on Instagram @creepy_shit_podcast for haunting images, paranormal evidence, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the research behind each episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.