Explore the haunted history of four of America’s eeriest cemeteries in this mega episode of The Strange History Podcast. From the Lady in White of Vale Cemetery to the weeping statue of Ida Bennett Bass in Oakland, the spectral twisters of Forest Park Lawndale, and the Oak of Whispers at Goodleburg Cemetery, uncover chilling tales, paranormal sightings, and eerie local legends. Join host Amy as she weaves history, humor, and ghostly stories into a spine-tingling journey across haunted grounds. Perfect for history buffs, ghost hunters, and anyone curious about the paranormal.
Like and Subscribe:
Apple
Spotify
IHeart
Audible
Like and Subscribe:
Apple
Spotify
IHeart
Audible
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, my curious history buffs and ghost chasers alike. Welcome
to the Strange History Podcast, where the past isn't just
a story, It's a live sometimes moaning, sometimes mischievous, and
occasionally wandering around cemeteries at night. I'm your host, Amy,
and today we're exploring four of America's eeriest cemeteries. Veil
(00:22):
Cemetery in the Adirondacks, Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Forest Park,
Lawndale in Houston, and Gudelberg Cemetery in South Wales, New York.
Keep your lanterns lit, your wits sharp, and maybe don't
wear your best shoes. They might get tugged on by
invisible hands. Veil Cemetery, Shroon Lake, New York. Veil Cemetery
(00:43):
in Shroon Lake is like stepping into a postcard by day,
but as the sun sets it becomes a stage for spirits.
Established in eighteen eleven, it is home to early settlers,
including the enigmatic doctor Albert Speaker. His medical experiments or
alleged crimes are said to have created a lingering, supernatural presence.
(01:06):
Locals whisper that doctor Speaker's spirit patrols the cemetery, muttering
about treatments gone awry, still checking on patients who haven't
even asked for his services. The Lady in White is
Veil's most famous specter. Witnesses describe her gliding across the
misty grounds, white gown fluttering, sometimes carrying what appears to
(01:27):
be a small bundle the baby, whose cries are often
heard near the pond. One visitor reported following her for
nearly ten minutes before she simply disappeared into the mist,
leaving only the faint scent of lavender and old pine.
Others claim the wind carries whispers of don't forget me,
or perhaps who left the picnic basket here? It's hard
(01:50):
to tell. With ghosts, Veil also has its share of
humorously eerie anecdotes. One night, a group of teenage ghost
hunters claimed they were startled by a shit shadowy figure
that poked its head out from behind a tree, only
to reveal itself as a local raccoon in a rather
convincing white sheet someone had left behind. Vale seems to
(02:11):
enjoy a good prank, reminding us that even spirits have
a sense of humor, and in two thousand and three,
when a ghost hunter tragically lost their life on the grounds.
Locals insisted it was not a haunting, but just karma
for wearing sneakers on wet grass. Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.
Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's grand historical tapestry, dating back to
(02:35):
eighteen fifty. It is home to soldiers, politicians, socialites, and
a fair share of mischief makers from beyond the grave.
The cemetery hosts Civil War ghosts, including soldiers standing at
attention long after their battalions have vanished. Visitors report hearing
footsteps on gravel paths and names being called as if
(02:57):
for role call. The best pranksters of Oakland, apparently are
the Confederate soldiers, who enjoy inexplicably locking gates behind unsuspecting tourists.
Ida Bennett Bass adds a Gothic flare. Her statue reportedly
weeps red tears on moonlit nights. Some visitors swear they've
(03:18):
seen her head tilt as if to judge their choice
of flashlight or their pronunciation of Atlanta. Other ghostly tales
include the famous Phantom Gardener, an unseen presence that rearranges
flower pots and leaves small bouquets on neglected graves. Historians
speculate the gardener could be a benevolent spirit or a
(03:39):
very committed ghost prankster. Oakland also boasts humorous hauntings. One
visitor reported being followed by a ghostly puppy that vanished
when they tried to pat it. Another claimed that spirits
insisted they play an impromptu game of hide and seek
around the mausoleum. Because apparently ghosts have a very particular
sense of fun, whether it's soldiers, statues or poultergeists, Oakland
(04:04):
Cemetery reminds us that history can be serious, but ghosts
not so much. Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Texas. Forest
Park Lawndale Cemetery opened in nineteen o four, hosting Houston
legends like sharpshooter Joe Bowman and Senator Lloyd Benson. Visitors
(04:24):
have reported shadowy figures, strange voices, and Poultergeist activity, making
it a hot spot for paranormal enthusiasts. One famous tale
involves a disembodied voice whispering don't step on the cracks
as someone walked through the cemetery at night, perhaps the
ghostly equivalent of a sidewalk superstition. The cemetery has also
(04:46):
been the site of strange humorous occurrences. Ghost hunters describe
encountering invisible hands that pat's shoulders or poke fun shaking
a flashlight as if to say, is that the best
you've got. In twenty twenty four, a burglary stirred unease
when earns, including that of a stillborn girl, were stolen.
(05:09):
Some locals joke that the spirits were more annoyed about
the poor taste of the thieves than about the break
in itself. Beyond these tragedies, Forest Park has lighter legends.
One ghost is said to appear only on windy nights,
twirling around like a spectral line dancer, making visitors question
whether they're experiencing a haunting or an early Texas hoedown.
(05:33):
Whether frightening or humorous, Forest Park Lawndale reminds us that
spirits have personalities and some are just here for a
bit of fun. Guttelberg Cemetery, South Wales, New York. Finally,
Guttelberg Cemetery, nestled in South Wales, is steeped in eerie charm.
Established in eighteen eleven, it remained active until nineteen twenty
(05:57):
seven and has been linked with doctor Albert Speaker, whose
dark medical history reportedly fueled much of the hauntings. Doctor
Speaker was a surgeon who was well known for his sloppy,
botched abortions. He lived next to the cemetery and hid
the bodies of the women and fetuses in the lake
behind his house, which is still there. That's not creepy
(06:17):
at all. Visitors frequently report seeing a lady in white
drifting silently near the rear pond, sometimes carrying the cries
of an unseen infant. Some say she's searching, Others claim
she's just gossiping with passing shadows. Folks, it's not a
haunted cemetery without a lady in white, is it. Gudelberg
(06:37):
also hosts the Oak of Whispers, a gnarled tree said
to murmur secrets of the departed. People visiting alone report
feeling chills, as if the tree is telling them be
careful or do my laundry first. One paranormal group caught
what looked like a miniature parade of translucent figures circling
(06:58):
the oldest tombstones, perhaps a ghostly pta meeting. Real tragedy
took place at the cemetery in June of two thousand
and three, when a paranormal investigator from Western New York
was killed by an oncoming car late at night. The
road the cemetery lies on does not have adequate lighting
and features blind spots, Yet Gutelberg continues to draw curiosity
(07:21):
seekers and ghost hunters. Some report colored orbs floating along
the paths, shadows moving against logic, and once an invisible
entity supposedly rearranging gravestones in a straight line, only for
them to mysteriously return to their original positions by morning.
Locals jokingly call it the tidiest cemetery in New York
(07:44):
thanks to the afterlife. So there you have it, friends,
A spectral road trip from the Adirondacks to Atlanta, down
to Houston, and back up to Upstate New York. Vale,
Oakland Forest Park, Lawndale, and Goudelberg four cemeteries, countless stories
and spirits that range from tragic to mischievous. Some hauntings
(08:08):
will chill you, some will make you laugh, and some
will just poke your shoes when you least expect it. Remember,
history isn't always quiet. Sometimes it whispers, sometimes it moans,
and sometimes it rearranges your flower pots, keep your lanterns lit,
your curiosity sharp, and if you ever visit these cemeteries
(08:28):
at night, maybe tip your lady in white. She has
a sense of humor and she appreciates good manners. Thank you,
dear listeners, for joining me on this haunted adventure. Don't
forget to subscribe for more strange histories, eerie tales, and
ghostly giggles. Until next time, stay curious, stay brave, and
remember the past is never truly gone. It's just waiting
(08:51):
for you to notice it.
Hello, my curious history buffs and ghost chasers alike. Welcome
to the Strange History Podcast, where the past isn't just
a story, It's a live sometimes moaning, sometimes mischievous, and
occasionally wandering around cemeteries at night. I'm your host, Amy,
and today we're exploring four of America's eeriest cemeteries. Veil
(00:22):
Cemetery in the Adirondacks, Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Forest Park,
Lawndale in Houston, and Gudelberg Cemetery in South Wales, New York.
Keep your lanterns lit, your wits sharp, and maybe don't
wear your best shoes. They might get tugged on by
invisible hands. Veil Cemetery, Shroon Lake, New York. Veil Cemetery
(00:43):
in Shroon Lake is like stepping into a postcard by day,
but as the sun sets it becomes a stage for spirits.
Established in eighteen eleven, it is home to early settlers,
including the enigmatic doctor Albert Speaker. His medical experiments or
alleged crimes are said to have created a lingering, supernatural presence.
(01:06):
Locals whisper that doctor Speaker's spirit patrols the cemetery, muttering
about treatments gone awry, still checking on patients who haven't
even asked for his services. The Lady in White is
Veil's most famous specter. Witnesses describe her gliding across the
misty grounds, white gown fluttering, sometimes carrying what appears to
(01:27):
be a small bundle the baby, whose cries are often
heard near the pond. One visitor reported following her for
nearly ten minutes before she simply disappeared into the mist,
leaving only the faint scent of lavender and old pine.
Others claim the wind carries whispers of don't forget me,
or perhaps who left the picnic basket here? It's hard
(01:50):
to tell. With ghosts, Veil also has its share of
humorously eerie anecdotes. One night, a group of teenage ghost
hunters claimed they were startled by a shit shadowy figure
that poked its head out from behind a tree, only
to reveal itself as a local raccoon in a rather
convincing white sheet someone had left behind. Vale seems to
(02:11):
enjoy a good prank, reminding us that even spirits have
a sense of humor, and in two thousand and three,
when a ghost hunter tragically lost their life on the grounds.
Locals insisted it was not a haunting, but just karma
for wearing sneakers on wet grass. Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.
Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's grand historical tapestry, dating back to
(02:35):
eighteen fifty. It is home to soldiers, politicians, socialites, and
a fair share of mischief makers from beyond the grave.
The cemetery hosts Civil War ghosts, including soldiers standing at
attention long after their battalions have vanished. Visitors report hearing
footsteps on gravel paths and names being called as if
(02:57):
for role call. The best pranksters of Oakland, apparently are
the Confederate soldiers, who enjoy inexplicably locking gates behind unsuspecting tourists.
Ida Bennett Bass adds a Gothic flare. Her statue reportedly
weeps red tears on moonlit nights. Some visitors swear they've
(03:18):
seen her head tilt as if to judge their choice
of flashlight or their pronunciation of Atlanta. Other ghostly tales
include the famous Phantom Gardener, an unseen presence that rearranges
flower pots and leaves small bouquets on neglected graves. Historians
speculate the gardener could be a benevolent spirit or a
(03:39):
very committed ghost prankster. Oakland also boasts humorous hauntings. One
visitor reported being followed by a ghostly puppy that vanished
when they tried to pat it. Another claimed that spirits
insisted they play an impromptu game of hide and seek
around the mausoleum. Because apparently ghosts have a very particular
sense of fun, whether it's soldiers, statues or poultergeists, Oakland
(04:04):
Cemetery reminds us that history can be serious, but ghosts
not so much. Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Texas. Forest
Park Lawndale Cemetery opened in nineteen o four, hosting Houston
legends like sharpshooter Joe Bowman and Senator Lloyd Benson. Visitors
(04:24):
have reported shadowy figures, strange voices, and Poultergeist activity, making
it a hot spot for paranormal enthusiasts. One famous tale
involves a disembodied voice whispering don't step on the cracks
as someone walked through the cemetery at night, perhaps the
ghostly equivalent of a sidewalk superstition. The cemetery has also
(04:46):
been the site of strange humorous occurrences. Ghost hunters describe
encountering invisible hands that pat's shoulders or poke fun shaking
a flashlight as if to say, is that the best
you've got. In twenty twenty four, a burglary stirred unease
when earns, including that of a stillborn girl, were stolen.
(05:09):
Some locals joke that the spirits were more annoyed about
the poor taste of the thieves than about the break
in itself. Beyond these tragedies, Forest Park has lighter legends.
One ghost is said to appear only on windy nights,
twirling around like a spectral line dancer, making visitors question
whether they're experiencing a haunting or an early Texas hoedown.
(05:33):
Whether frightening or humorous, Forest Park Lawndale reminds us that
spirits have personalities and some are just here for a
bit of fun. Guttelberg Cemetery, South Wales, New York. Finally,
Guttelberg Cemetery, nestled in South Wales, is steeped in eerie charm.
Established in eighteen eleven, it remained active until nineteen twenty
(05:57):
seven and has been linked with doctor Albert Speaker, whose
dark medical history reportedly fueled much of the hauntings. Doctor
Speaker was a surgeon who was well known for his sloppy,
botched abortions. He lived next to the cemetery and hid
the bodies of the women and fetuses in the lake
behind his house, which is still there. That's not creepy
(06:17):
at all. Visitors frequently report seeing a lady in white
drifting silently near the rear pond, sometimes carrying the cries
of an unseen infant. Some say she's searching, Others claim
she's just gossiping with passing shadows. Folks, it's not a
haunted cemetery without a lady in white, is it. Gudelberg
(06:37):
also hosts the Oak of Whispers, a gnarled tree said
to murmur secrets of the departed. People visiting alone report
feeling chills, as if the tree is telling them be
careful or do my laundry first. One paranormal group caught
what looked like a miniature parade of translucent figures circling
(06:58):
the oldest tombstones, perhaps a ghostly pta meeting. Real tragedy
took place at the cemetery in June of two thousand
and three, when a paranormal investigator from Western New York
was killed by an oncoming car late at night. The
road the cemetery lies on does not have adequate lighting
and features blind spots, Yet Gutelberg continues to draw curiosity
(07:21):
seekers and ghost hunters. Some report colored orbs floating along
the paths, shadows moving against logic, and once an invisible
entity supposedly rearranging gravestones in a straight line, only for
them to mysteriously return to their original positions by morning.
Locals jokingly call it the tidiest cemetery in New York
(07:44):
thanks to the afterlife. So there you have it, friends,
A spectral road trip from the Adirondacks to Atlanta, down
to Houston, and back up to Upstate New York. Vale,
Oakland Forest Park, Lawndale, and Goudelberg four cemeteries, countless stories
and spirits that range from tragic to mischievous. Some hauntings
(08:08):
will chill you, some will make you laugh, and some
will just poke your shoes when you least expect it. Remember,
history isn't always quiet. Sometimes it whispers, sometimes it moans,
and sometimes it rearranges your flower pots, keep your lanterns lit,
your curiosity sharp, and if you ever visit these cemeteries
(08:28):
at night, maybe tip your lady in white. She has
a sense of humor and she appreciates good manners. Thank you,
dear listeners, for joining me on this haunted adventure. Don't
forget to subscribe for more strange histories, eerie tales, and
ghostly giggles. Until next time, stay curious, stay brave, and
remember the past is never truly gone. It's just waiting
(08:51):
for you to notice it.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.