Deena West Budd
The Haunted Villa Kathrine Castle of Quincy
Villa Kathrine, the lovely Moorish-like castle built on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Quincy, has such an interesting history that I am not surprised to find a few spirits involved in the legend as well.
Although I found quite a few articles about William George Metz, the man who built Villa Kathrine, at www...
The Legend of Momo, the Missouri Monster
Before the swampy land of southeastern Missouri was drained to become the rich farmland of today, sightings of an immense, hairy humanoid responsible for killing livestock, were reported often. After a hunter reported shooting at the black hairy beast, it disappeared for nearly thirty years.
Spirits of Stonecroft Manor in Hannibal at Peace
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Carolyn Williams at Stonecroft Manor in Hannibal a few years before her death in 2010. She was a delightful lady, and shared many of her life stories with me including the paranormal activity she and her mother experienced during the time they were renovating Stonecroft...
The Spirit of “Shippa” in Hannibal
The Gallery Salon at 220 South 5th Street next to the public library in Hannibal is owned by Stacy Roland Roach. She recently met with me to share the story of a spirit called “Shippa” first encountered there that seemed to attach itself to her daughter for a while.
Hannibal’s Favorite Urban Legend: Screaming Johnny’s
Anyone growing up in Hannibal during the late 1950's, 60's and 70’s has heard the tale of Screaming Johnny’s. According to the local legend, a young boy suffered a tragic death in the church building long ago, and his screams can still be heard coming from inside the abandoned Bear Creek Baptist Church late at night.
Carpet Bagger Antiques in Hannibal – Home to Unique Items and Lingering Spirits from the Past!
Carpet Bagger Antiques at 1408 Market Street in Hannibal is a fascinating place to spend a couple of hours on an idle afternoon, perusing an assorted array of antique furniture and items used by citizens of Hannibal in past years…possibly by our very own grandparents or great-grandparents. People have always loved their “stuff.” Is it possible that some of us are even reluctant to leave behind cer
The Haunted Block of Broadway in Hannibal
The Mary Ann Sweet Shop, once located at 613 Broadway in Hannibal, is still talked about to this day by those who were fortunate enough to experience their bittersweet hot fudge sundaes and other ice cream delights. Unfortunately, I did not have this privilege as I was born just a little too late. As a paranormal researcher, though, I did have the opportunity to learn about some of the spooky acti
Java Jive – A Comfortable Gathering Place for Locals, Tourists…and Spirits
Java Jive in downtown Hannibal is a favorite gathering spot for locals to talk about topics ranging from politics to the paranormal. Tourists in the Main Street area are also drawn to the relaxing ambience and tasteful décor of the building. I first heard about a haunting at this location during the time that it was part of Haydon’s Hardware, and the ghost lingering at the location was known to be
Spirits of a Different Sort…at Finn’s on North Main
Most of the buildings on North Main in Hannibal have existed since the town’s beginning. In addition to businesses offering butchering services, lumber, groceries and other sundries and necessities of the time, there were also many taverns, houses of prostitution and gambling halls lining both sides of the street. Is it any wonder that so many spirits have decided to linger on in such a lively are
Dining With the Departed at the Historic LaBinnah Bistro
The LaBinnah Bistro is located in an 1870 Victorian home at 207 N. 5th Street, part of Hannibal’s historic Millionaires’ Row. The restaurant is well-known for offering fine Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Many Hannibal residents are also aware that this location was where the respected businessman Amos J. Stillwell played euchre with his own murderer, Dr. Joseph C. Hearne, a few ho