Beneath Clarion County’s tranquil surface lies a tapestry of eerie tales and spine-chilling encounters that have intrigued locals and visitors alike. From haunted houses to ghostly apparitions roaming the woods, […]
Beneath Clarion County’s tranquil surface lies a tapestry of eerie tales and spine-chilling encounters that have intrigued locals and visitors alike. From haunted houses to ghostly apparitions roaming the woods, the stories of Clarion County beckon those with a penchant for the paranormal. Join us as we delve into the shadowy corners of this captivating county, exploring its most chilling encounters that will make you question what really lurks in the night.
A Haunting Tale from Knox, PA:
Visit Crybaby Cemetery if you dare, but remember: some legends are best left undisturbed.
The Legend
Crybaby Cemetery, also known as St. Luke’s Cemetery, has become synonymous with spectral tales of infantile sorrow. The legend that surrounds this cemetery centers on twin babies who were buried here after succumbing to a fever in the early 1900s. According to local lore, these twins were laid to rest in separate graves, a detail that purportedly fuels their restless spirits.
It is said that on nights when the full moon casts its light across the cemetery, visitors can hear the plaintive cries of the twin babies, longing to be reunited. The story goes further, suggesting that the gravestones themselves may exhibit paranormal phenomena, such as bleeding or inexplicable movement, during these moonlit nights.
Getting There
For those adventurous enough to seek out this ghostly site, the journey begins in the town of Knox. From there, take Route 208 West and head south on Atelberger Road. Continue past Hurlebrink Road and Old State Road. At Kropps Corners, where Beaver Hill Road intersects with Delo School Road (to the west) and Jefferson Furnace Road (to the east), Beaver Hill Road becomes Triangle Road. The cemetery is situated just beyond this intersection, immediately to the right of Triangle Road, nestled in the angle formed by Triangle Road and Delo School Road.
Coordinates
41.2385° N, 79.5455° W
The Ghostly Hart Chapel at PennWest Clarion University Campus:
Hart Chapel stands as a testament to the lingering spirits of the past. Visit if you dare, and you might just catch a glimpse of the ghostly presence that continues to haunt its hallowed halls.
The Legend
Hart Chapel’s history is as fascinating as its ghostly tales. Built in the early 20th century, the chapel has long been a site of various campus events and ceremonies. However, it is the spectral legends that have truly captured the imagination of the university community.
One of the most persistent stories involves a mysterious figure seen wandering the chapel’s corridors. Described as a spectral woman in vintage attire, she is often associated with a sense of melancholy and longing. Legend has it that she was a former student or perhaps a faculty member who met an untimely end, and her spirit is said to remain within the chapel’s walls, continuing to wander in search of something or someone.
Another notable legend is the occurrence of strange sounds. On quiet nights, particularly during twilight hours, some visitors have reported hearing faint whispers, footsteps, or even the sound of a piano playing, though the chapel’s piano is known to be silent and unused.
The chapel’s setting on the university campus, surrounded by lush greenery and historic buildings, adds to its enigmatic allure. The combination of its architectural beauty and the chilling legends creates a perfect atmosphere for those interested in the paranormal.
Getting There
Hart Chapel is located on the Clarion University campus, easily accessible to visitors and students alike. The campus is situated in the heart of Clarion, PA, and the chapel is prominently placed among the university’s historic buildings. To visit, simply enter the campus and follow the signs to the chapel, which is centrally located and hard to miss.
Coordinates
41.2112° N, 79.3861° W
The Phantom of the Sutton Ditz Museum
The Clarion Sutton Ditz Museum is steeped in history and legend. Now part of the Historical Society, it was originally owned by Thomas Sutton, who lived there for only three years before succumbing to typhoid fever in 1853. His young children also tragically passed away in the house, leaving a legacy of sorrow.
The Legend
One notable ghostly legend involves an eerie encounter that occurred in March 2015. Mary Lea Lucas, Executive Director of the Historical Society, while preparing for a special exhibit late at night, experienced a chilling event. The kitchen phone, used solely for outgoing calls to an alarm service, rang with an unusual, faint, and wavering tone. When answered, Mary Lea heard static and a child’s voice saying “mother” before the line went silent. This unsettling incident is believed to be connected to the tragic deaths of Thomas Sutton’s children, with some speculating that the ghost of young Thomas might still linger, trying to reach out. Beyond the ghost stories, the museum offers historical exhibits detailing the lives of past residents, artifacts from various eras, and insights into Clarion County’s history.
Getting There
The Clarion County Historical Society and the Sutton Ditz Museum are conveniently located in Clarion, PA. If you’re driving, you can reach them via I-80. From the highway, take Exit 64 for PA-68 W towards Clarion. Follow PA-68 W to Clarion and turn onto Wood St for the Historical Society or N 7th Ave for the Museum.
Coordinates
41.2148, -79.3862
As the shadows deepen and the whispers of the past echo through Clarion County, remember that every corner holds a story waiting to be uncovered—so keep your eyes and ears open, for you never know what might be lurking just out of sight.