Just how much of a role do ghosts play in the history of Boone County? More than one might think according to Bridget Striker, the Local History Coordinator for Boone County Public Library.
At a recent meeting of the Florence Rotary Club, Striker explained that the town of Petersburg is built on top of many Native American graves. In the early 1600’s this site was a Native American village. The people buried their dead next to their homes. Human remains have been found in an archeological dig and also as people plowed gardens or dug wells. Maybe this can explain stories passed down about an American Indian seen in a basement and about folks hearing drums in the middle of the night.
Striker went on to tell stories about three well known haunted houses in the county, two in Petersburg and one in Burlington. There is the JC Jenkins House built in 1861 where tragedy has struck the families living there. Stories have been told more recently of unexplained electricity outages and of folks hearing steps in upper floors.
At the AB Parker House, built in 1886, there are issues of a dining room closet door opening by itself and marbles rolling out, of pictures falling off the wall, and of a strong smell of cherry tobacco where no one is smoking.
Stories have been told about an unknown woman, dressed in 1940’s clothing coming down the stairs and then disappearing at the Renaker House, which is now owned by the County and houses the County Attorney’s Office. There are also reports of an overwhelming smell of flowers at times and of cigar smoke at other times in the building.
The staff in the Local History Department in the Main Library on Burlington Pike is poised to help anyone interested in delving into our county’s paranormal places. Drawing on stories told about haunted homes and by using the comprehensive collection of Boone County historical information, one can find photos and documentation about haunted houses in Florence, Petersburg, and Burlington.
The Library will be sponsoring Ghost Walks in those three towns during the month of October. These are night-time lantern walks with stories of haunting, murder and mayhem. Paranormal investigators will be on hand to answer questions and to show evidence from their investigations. These walks are free but because space is limited, registration is required. For more information or to participate in a ghost walk go to the www.bcpl.org web site or phone the library at (859) 342-2665, x8131to register. The dates are Oct. 6 for Florence, Oct. 20 – Petersburg, and Oct. 22 – Burlington.
For information about weekly meetings, guest speakers and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president, at amoynahan@insightbb.com or (859) 802-0242. Visit the group’s web site at www.florencerotary.org . Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.
