If you’re a new visitor to Dayton, Ohio, you can probably feel the history we have here. There was the great flood of 1913 which is considered the most devastating natural disaster in Ohio and there was the blizzard of ’78 which was the worst winter storm in Ohio’s history. But it’s not just natural disasters that hold dear memories in this place. We also have hundreds of old buildings and sites out here that hold more history than you can even imagine. Some also say that these places are still haunted by those who inhabited them. Do you believe?
1. Wright Patterson Air Force Base
According to witnesses, there are three buildings in the AFB that are haunted. The oldest building at Wright Patt, the Arnold House, is said to be the place where most paranormal activity occurs. Building 70 has been said to be haunted by a little old woman while Building 219 is supposedly haunted by a ghostly boy. Other reports on the base include people claiming to have seen full body apparitions, hearing people walking only to find that no one is there, and some said that shadowy figures have appeared.
2. Wright Patterson Air Force Museum
There was supposedly a young Vietnamese boy who died in one of the air force’s helicopters. Some workers at the museum have claimed to have seen him walking around the place at night. Another apparent haunting is by a man who was the pilot of a Nazi fighter plane who allegedly crashed and died. The plane has been restored and some witnesses have said to seen him waving out to visitors.
3. Dayton Heart Hospital
It has been said that the elevators in this building operate themselves. Many visitors and patients have claimed to have heard moans and groans coming from down the hall. Sometimes doors have opened and closed while they were locked. There are many “cold spots” in this hospital and some say this is due to paranormal activity.
4. Sinclair Community College (Blair Hall)
I, myself, have been to Blair Hall and have not witnessed any activity that I would consider “strange”. According to legend (it could be a bluff), the area that this building was built on was once Dayton’s hanging field. Apparently this is where they hanged thieves and cattle rustlers. They say that in Blair Hall, many have felt people tugging on them, or sense the feeling of being smothered or feeling like there is something heavy on your chest. Staff would hear people laughing even when they were alone. There was similar activity with the elevators in Blair Hall as the Dayton Heart Hospital. Elevator doors would open and close on their own. On occasion, some hear meowing and talking and sometimes the big doors in the cafeteria slam shut with no logical explaination.
5. The Victoria Theater
I have also been here on a field trip when I was in elementary school. I remember the place making me feel rather eerie, but I thought nothing of it. The place is apparently haunted by a woman who was an actress in the 1920’s. She mysteriously disappeared and the strange happenings started when they began redesigning the theater. Many have claimed to have seen her or smelled her rose perfume. At times, lights go on and off and strange noises are heard.
6. Woodland Cemetery
This is by far the scariest place that I’ve heard of (I’ve never been) here in Dayton. There are many reasons why I don’t go, for I am very supersticious. From what I’ve heard, there is a tombstone there that is the statue of a woman. It is said that if you look directly into her eyes, you or someone in your family will pass away within a month (or is it a week?). There is also said to be a young girl who walks around and sits on her tombstone and weeps. Her tombstone apparently glows at night. The girl is said to be wearing tennis shoes, a sweatshirt, and jeans. They say that you wouldn’t be able to tell she is a ghost because she looks clear and real just like anyone else. She will not respond to you if you try to speak to her.
If you visit any of these places, be sure to ask for permission from the owner first (if you see a sign prohibiting you entering). Tresspassing is an offense punishable by law. If you do end up checking these places out, be sure to let others know where you are going, and be safe. Don’t get too scared!
