Episode 104: Are curses real, or are they just stories we tell ourselves? In this episode of Slice of the Paranormal, the team dives into some of the most famous, bizarre, and creepy curses in history! Each team member researched two curses and brought their stories to the table, leading to a discussion filled with strange deaths, unexplained events, paranormal legends, and some seriously unsettling coincidences.

We explore legendary stories including the President's Curse, the Poltergeist Curse, the Bell Witch Curse, the Billy Goat Curse, Lake Lanier, and the mysterious Crying Boy paintings. But are these truly supernatural curses, or are they simply a series of strange coincidences and tragic events? Join our crew as we dig into the history, legends, and paranormal stories behind these infamous curses and try to answer one big question: Are curses actually real?

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse?wprov=sfti1#Sports

Haunted Presidents by Charles A. Stansfield Jr. 2010

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_Tippecanoe?wprov=sfti1#Commentary

https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/the-poltergeist-curse-its-heeere

Curse of the Billygoat?

https://youtu.be/Sx1QdrTdcjs?is=BZQoMDvlZbxj3NjN

https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-the-Curse-of-the-Billy-Goat

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Billy_Goat?wprov=sfti1#In_popular_culture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Witch?wprov=sfti1#Selected_bibliography

Society for American Baseball Research (SABR)

Billy Goat Tavern

Tennessee Encyclopedia

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Tennessee State Museum

Martin Van Buren Ingram - An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch

#HauntedHistory #ParanormalStories #UnexplainedMysteries

Episode 103: John Brown lived and traveled through several states, leaving behind a trail of history, controversy, and, according to local legends, paranormal activity. The Slice Team tracked down several important John Brown historical sites in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to try to get a better sense of the man behind the legend and investigate the stories of his ghost. Most people know that John Brown led the ill-fated 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, was captured and executed, and that his body now lies moldering in his grave. But far fewer people know the stories of how John Brown's ghost is said to appear at several locations connected to his life and death. For this paranormal investigation, we visited John Brown's Tannery in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the site where Brown and his followers planned their raid in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and the site of John Brown's execution in Charles Town, West Virginia. Can one person really haunt multiple locations hundreds of miles apart? Is there a connection between the John Brown ghost stories reported at these historic sites, or are they simply legends that have grown over time? Join Slice of the Paranormal as we explore the history, haunted legends, ghost stories, and paranormal activity surrounding John Brown and some of the most important John Brown locations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We'll delve into the stories, examine the history, and let you know what we think.

Sources:

Cursed in Pennsylvania by Mark Nesbitt and Patty

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline-john-browns-life/

Franklin County Ghosts by Athena Varounis 2009

A Guide to Haunted West Virginia by Walter Gravenda and Mike Shoemaker 2001

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangerfield_Newby?wprov=sfti1#Letter_from_Harriet_Newby wesclark.com/jw/newby.html

Ghosts of Harpers Ferry, 1976, by Stephen D. Brown

https://uncoveringpa.com/john-brown-

https://www.franklinhistorical.org

https://fcfreepresspa.com/7-facts-you-might-not-know-about-the-john-brown-house-in-chambersburg/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAREkE1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEepfnTlw_u9unPxfh1XIIGJ0VqWAI3hacojsMh21Dovhq1v8q-DWQjc6MWWoA_aem_IDieOMhVDvnF3I6Ad5jv7w

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brown_House_(Chambersburg,_Pennsylvania)?wprov=sfti1#History_and_architectural_features

Sites:

John Brown Tannery

https://www.johnbrownheritagecc.org/the-john-brown-tannery-site

John Brown House

https://www.franklinhistorical.org

John Brown Fort

https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/john-brown-fort.htm

Gibson Todd House 515 S Samuel St, Charles Town, WV 25414

Episode 102: Slice of the Paranormal checks out Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, exploring the haunted history, ghost stories, and paranormal legends surrounding one of Pennsylvania's most historic universities. Penn State was founded during the Civil War era, and its earliest ghost is said to have helped build Old Main. But this ghost wasn't a man—it was a pack mule. "Old Coaly" lived on campus for nearly 30 years and died in 1893, yet according to Penn State folklore, his spirit may still roam the university. Stories claim that his distinctive braying has been heard echoing through dark basements, while others say Old Coaly has been seen around campus long after his death. Old Coaly isn't the only ghost associated with Penn State University. Former university president George Atherton and his wife are also said to haunt the campus. Atherton's grave sits just outside Schwab Auditorium, another location surrounded by paranormal stories and campus lore. We also explore the story of a student who reportedly died during an 1860s blizzard. A path leading toward the Old Botany Building became associated with repeated sightings of his ghost and was eventually known among students as the "Ghost Walk." Join us as we investigate these haunted Penn State stories and more with our special guest Holly Faust. Holly was a member of the Paranormal Research Society (P.R.S.), which gained national attention when Ryan Buell's hit television series Paranormal State brought the group into the spotlight. Holly is an author, esoteric minister, psychic medium, healer, and fellow podcaster behind Deadtime Tales. She is not only a personal friend, but also a fantastic local resource when it comes to Pennsylvania paranormal history, ghost stories, and the unexplained. So sit back, enjoy the lore, and join Slice of the Paranormal as we search for Old Coaly, explore the haunted history of Penn State, and pick Holly's brain about the ghosts and paranormal activity said to linger around State College, Pennsylvania.

Sources: Haunted Pennsylvania by Mark Nesbitt and Patty A Wilson 2006

The Pennsylvania Ghost Guide Volume 1 by Patty A Wilson 2000

The Big Book of Pennsylvania Ghost Stories by Mark Nesbitt and Patty A Wilson 2008

The Daily Collegian "Ghosts Haunt Atherton Hall," December 8, 1997

The Daily Collegian "Haunted Penn State Legends Include Haunting Tales Of Partee Stacks, Old Botany And Schwab," October 30, 2003 & "The Ghosts That Haunt Us," Spooky Pennsylvania by S.E. Schlosser 2020

https://onwardstate.com/2021/10/29/paranormal-research-society-investigates-ghosts-on-campus/ https://discover.psu.edu/organization/paranormal-research-society-at-penn-state Holly Faust https://linktr.ee/thetreepathapothecary?fbclid=IwRlRTSATz0SlwZG9mBWZkaWQWUM31vEbSHPC4Jgh6LrneD9euPLv6yGV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6YYWs8D0yV027H3O4hvKp3KMr11XFQWGTVGZhpS838ZK2SRK30z4YkGqoh7w_aem_ZVC9cEV3CU8SsFAllWdFlQ https://hollyfaust.com Deadtime Tales: https://youtube.com/@DeadTimeHollyF?si=LdvW9_V-7u-Vh4Yk

Episode 101: Slice of the Paranormal heads to Asbury Park, New Jersey, to check out the boardwalk where God likes to play Skeeball… well, at least in the Kevin Smith movie "Dogma" he does! While in this famous New Jersey coastal town, we figured we would hit up some haunted sites in Asbury Park. First, we check out the Paramount Theatre, which is said to be haunted by people who died in a tragic ship fire and are still seen wandering the halls and taking in a show to this day. We also explore the Stephen Crane House, where "The Red Badge of Courage" author grew up. The home once had seances held by his Spiritualist mother and is said to still have some spirits lingering about. Full bodied apparitions, cold spots, and unexplained voices have all reportedly been heard within these walls. And to ensure we maintain our 100% success rate in finding spirits, we head over to the Wonder Bar to see if Tillie will wink at us like it's claimed he has for others! Join the Slice Team as we explore the haunted history and paranormal activity of Asbury Park, New Jersey, from the Paramount Theatre and Stephen Crane House to the legendary Wonder Bar and Tillie! Sources: https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-cities/the-most-haunted-places-in-asbury-park/ https://wobm.com/asburys-paramount-convention-hall-haunted-you-decide-audio/ https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/new-jersey/haunted-and-historic-place-nj https://thelocalgirl.com/jerseyshore/ghost-stories-stephen-crane-jersey-shore-history/ https://www.aphistoricalsociety.org/history/welcome-to-the-stephen-crane-house/ Sites: Paramount Theatre https://apboardwalk.com/portfolio/convention-hall/ Stephen Crane House https://www.aphistoricalsociety.org/history/welcome-to-the-stephen-crane-house/ Wonder Bar https://wonderbarasburypark.com

Episode 100: The Slice team leaves the studio and hits the road to record our first-ever live, on-location episode for our 100th show. We traveled to the historic Tillie Pierce House Inn at 301 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, one of the most fascinating and reportedly haunted locations connected to the Battle of Gettysburg. With Breckenridge Street at our backs, we tell the story of Jennie Wade, who walked these very streets on July 1, 1863, after leaving her home to help care for her sister's newborn child. Just two days later, Jennie would become the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. The weight of history surrounds us as we sit in the very home where Tillie Pierce watched Confederate soldiers ride up and down Baltimore Street. This is the same house she returned to on July 7, 1863, covered in the blood of wounded soldiers and the grime of war. Forever changed by the horrors she witnessed, Tillie's story remains one of Gettysburg's most powerful Civil War accounts. The house itself has a long history. Soldiers once occupied its rooms, and Tillie's parents would spend the rest of their lives here. Today, paranormal investigators report strange activity throughout the building. Visitors have heard disembodied voices, unexplained sighs in empty rooms, and footsteps echoing through the halls. The inn is even said to be home to a ghost cat, while some investigators claim that Sam Wade, Jennie Wade's younger brother, has responded to questions in the dining room, which once served as the Pierce family butcher shop. Before we could barely set our equipment down, the spirits of the house seemed eager to make their presence known. Between the rich Civil War history, reported ghost sightings, and our own unexplained experiences, this became an investigation and podcast recording we'll never forget. If you've ever wanted to experience one of Gettysburg's most haunted locations for yourself, you can spend the night at the Tillie Pierce House Inn. After all, it's a room with a boo. Sources: The Haunted Tillie Pierce House by Johlene Spooky Riley At Gettysburg, Or What A Girl Saw And Heard Of The Battle. By Matilda "Tillie" Pierce Mark Nesbitt (Ghosts of Gettysburg Book 7) https://www.pahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/tillie-pierce-house-inn.html Site: https://tilliepierce.com

Episode 99: The Slice Team heads to Columbia, Pennsylvania, in search of Rick Fisher! Rick has given talks about the Albatwitch, had an encounter with the creature, organizes the Columbia Albatwitch Harvest Festival, and is a treasure trove of ghostly lore and Pennsylvania folklore! There is no better person to talk to when you have a backpack of apples and you are going Albatwitch Hunting at Chickies Rock! Before we trek through the woods, Rick shares his Albatwitch sighting and we commence on our journey to the rock cliff at Chickies Rock, a legendary location filled with stories of cryptids, ghosts, phantom drumming, witches, and paranormal activity. Could the Albatwitch really be hiding in the woods around Chickies Rock? We even leave an apple offering to Lancaster County's official cryptid! Join the Slice Team as we go Albatwitch hunting in Pennsylvania and explore the legends, ghost stories, cryptid encounters, and strange history surrounding Chickies Rock and Columbia, Pennsylvania. Sources: Ghosts of the River Towns by Rick Fisher 2006 Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania by Thomas White 2009 Appalachian Cryptids and Creatures by David J Hardie 2025 (Signed) Uncharted Lancaster by Adam Zurn 2025 Ghosthunting Pennsylvania by Rosemary Ellen Guiley 2009 Haunted Lancaster County Pennsylvania by Dorothy Burtz Fiedel 1994 The Big Book of Pennsylvania Ghost Stories by Mark Nesbitt and Patty A Wilson 2008 Cursed in Pennsylvania by Mark Nesbitt and Patty Columbia Albatwitch Harvest Festival https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCcYyCnYS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Episode 98: The Slice of the Paranormal team visits Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, in honor of its 100th celebration year. Instead of cotton candy, we are searching for cobwebs, ghost stories, haunted history, and paranormal lore at one of America's most beloved amusement parks.

Knoebels is filled with history, including incredible artifacts dating back to the 1870s in the Carousel Museum. According to a former employee, it may also be home to a ghost or two. Ride the legendary Grand Carousel, still reach for the famous brass ring, and listen as the beautiful 1888 organ fills the park with music just as it has for generations.

We also explore the dark history of the animatronic bears that once entertained children but have since inspired creepy horror games and movies. The Slice team investigates the ghost stories surrounding the classic Haunted Mansion dark ride and even takes a trip through the Black Diamond haunted mine ride, where you'll travel through the legendary ghost town of Centralia, Pennsylvania.

Join us as we explore this award winning amusement park, uncover its haunted legends, separate fact from fiction, and search for the ghosts that may still wander these historic grounds.

We dedicate this episode to Richard "Dick" Knoebel, who passed away shortly after our visit. For those who may not know, Dick Knoebel served as President Emeritus of Knoebels and devoted decades of his life to making the park what it is today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Knoebels family. His dedication, passion, and vision helped transform Knoebels into one of America's true hidden gems and one of the most beloved family owned amusement parks in the country.

If you enjoy haunted amusement parks, paranormal investigations, ghost stories, haunted rides, Pennsylvania history, abandoned attractions, dark rides, urban legends, and unexplained mysteries, be sure to subscribe to Slice of the Paranormal for more adventures.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knoebels_Amusement_Resort?wprov=sfti1#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Nights_at_Freddy's?wprov=sfti1#Legacy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_E._Cheese?wprov=sfti1#Legacy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Aurora,_Colorado_shooting?wprov=sfti1#Legal_proceedings
https://fox56.com/news/local/richard-dick-knoebel-longtime-leader-of-knoebels-amusement-resort-dies-at-87
https://abc7ny.com/amp/videoClip/15064726/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JoFxnRJwf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://fb.watch/Iub47xAtGx/?


Site:
https://knoebels.com

Episode 97: Slice of the Paranormal had to check out the haunted legends of Marietta, Pennsylvania on the advice of our friend Rick Fisher. This historic river town is packed with ghost stories, haunted locations, eerie folklore, and one of Pennsylvania's strangest werewolf legends.

Our first stop was the Railroad House Inn, one of the most haunted places in Marietta. The inn is said to be haunted by a former owner, former guests, and a mysterious woman searching for love. Sadly, it was closed when we arrived, so we could not grab any spirits there. Instead, we headed down the street to Shanks Tavern.

Shanks Tavern has some great food and is filled with ghosts. Visitors and staff have reported seeing headless figures entering the bar, hearing ghostly laughter, spotting a woman dressed in black looking out an upstairs window, and even smelling the scent of perfume with no one around.

Before leaving this historic Pennsylvania river town, we stopped at the legendary Hans Graf Cemetery. Local folklore says Hans Graf was bitten by a werewolf, and many believe a ghostly white werewolf can still be seen and heard at this cemetery. To explore this hidden God's Acre, you have to climb over the old stone wall. Just remember the local warning. Do not walk around the cemetery seven times, or the legend says you will die!

If you enjoy haunted places, ghost hunting, paranormal investigations, Pennsylvania ghost stories, haunted taverns, haunted hotels, haunted cemeteries, urban legends, werewolf legends, and unexplained mysteries, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Slice of the Paranormal for more haunted locations, paranormal investigations, ghost stories, cryptids, UFOs, historic mysteries, and unexplained phenomena from across the United States.

Sources:
Ghosthunting Pennsylvania by Rosemary Ellen Guiley 2009
Boos and Brews by Patty A Wilson and Scott Crownover 2002
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Ghosts Legends and Lore by Charles J Adams III 1994
Ghosts of the River Towns by Rick Fisher 2006
Haunted Lancaster County Pennsylvania by Dorothy Burtz Fiedel 1994
https://unchartedlancaster.com/tales-from-the-taproom-the-spectral-legacy-of-shanks-tavern/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMPYV1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr8cHcAEwDRv_VxtU4DZJGQfKpiHZ8fEGkU2lHfo0FZTYdnqtftw9qqKLEYQ_aem_2VxhE5_0vw0mFm58zs0lzA
The Haunting of Pennsylvania's Churches and Cemeteries by Ed Kelemen 2019
Strange Knocks Magazine 1st Issue
Strange Knocks Magazine April 2025

Sites:
Railroad House Inn- https://www.railroadhouseinn.com
Shanks Tavern- https://shankstavern.com
Hans Graf Cemetery- next to 1698 Old River Rd, Marietta, PA 17547

#MariettaPA #HauntedPennsylvania #GhostHunt #Paranormal #RailroadHouseInn #ShanksTavern #HansGrafCemetery #Werewolf #GhostStories #HauntedPlaces #ParanormalInvestigation #PennsylvaniaGhosts #UrbanLegends #HauntedTavern #SliceOfTheParanormal