Australia - Jack the Ripper's Resting Place

I know you're looking at that title and raising your eyebrows, but bear with me on this one.  I promise, it's gonna get good.  So, let's get on that plane and head out to Australia; the Outback, the Sunburned Land, the continent where everything wants to kill you.

Now, if you're like my mother and haven't heard of Jack the Ripper, or did hear about him and then blocked it out of your mind, then you're about to get the back story of one of the most infamous serial killers in all of history.

I will start this out with a disclaimer.  This one will go in to some gory detail, but I'll try to keep it a bit light.  However, in this instance, and with any that I write about serial killers, I like to mention the victims, as they are, sadly, often forgotten amongst the speculation and stories surrounding the perpetrator.  The other bit of disclaimer is that no one truly knows the Ripper's final resting place; this is simply the most widely believed story and it fits many minute details.

The Jack the Ripper story has held a grip on story tellers and conspiracy theorists since his killings began in 1888.  He was also know by other names, such as the Whitechapel Murderer, as well as 'Leather Apron', but most famously, he is Jack the Ripper.  That, by any circumstances, is the name he called himself in a taunting note to Scotland Yard's police.  Well, technically that letter was given to one George Lusk of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee; basically a really old fashioned neighborhood watch.  The letter was alongside the partial kidney of, what was widely believed, to be one of his victims, most likely Elizabeth Stride.  This would have been the third victim of the 'Canonical Five'.

The Five consisted of Mary Anne Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly.  The reason they received this title is that this are the five that are absolutely accredited to the Ripper.  The actual count could be upwards of 18 women, and at least one man.  No one knows the true count, but the Five are the ones that are considered his for sure victims.

All of them were beautiful young girls who quite probably would have been forgotten to history if they had been allowed to live their lives.  Unfortunately, they are remembered in this account, and thousands of others.  The first murder was August 31st and the last of the Canonical Five was November 9th. anyone who studies serial killers will know that this is an incredibly short cycle for a killer, both in volume of killings in a short period, and simple how quickly they started and ended.  The theories range from satanic ritual to mad doctor preforming experiments, to a lunatic who was loosed into the streets.

Very quickly, I'll mention that the last one is one of the least believed, as the cuts and incisions made were almost surgical in nature, and thus couldn't have been a deranged psycho who cut women apart.  In fact, the theory I prefer is that of a somewhat handsome man, with a charming demeanor who used his small wealth to lure women to their deaths.  The reason for this is that many of his victims were young ladies who were street workers, and they were often found miles from their normal areas.  As to this, it's quite possible that he owned a carriage and would offer them a ride from the cold and rain. A women wouldn't have gotten into a carriage with a man who came off as a creep.  Trust me, I know. I get ride offers way too often.

Anyway, back on track.  After the series of Whitechapel Murders ended in 1891, again, these were victims after the canonical five, there was a lot of speculation as to why the killings suddenly stopped.  There was no final ruling on what happened to the Ripper, but four theories include imprisonment, death, institutionalization, or emigration.  We are going with the last theory, as it makes sense.  And that's where we come to a name and face to this killer.  Frederick Bailey Deeming. Deeming was born on July 30th in 1853, making him in this late 20's when the killings happened, in Leicestershire, England.  He traveled often, even making it to South Africa for a time.  But he was known to be living in England during the time of the murders.  He was described to be a respectable man, with an at time violent nature, and was overly attentive towards women.  He was responsible for the murder of his first wife and four children, in Rainhill, England, and later the murder of his second wife in Melbourne, Australia.  He moved to Australia with his second wife in November of 1891, and then within a month had killed and buried her.

He was captured about three months later and sentenced to death by hanging on May 23rd of 1892.   I guess when criminals make up 70% of your population and police force, they really are going to get stuff done.  His final resting place is in Old Melbourne Gaol, Australia.  His death mask is on display there, as well as in Scotland Yard, under the plaque of Jack the Ripper, finalizing the fact that he was indeed their primary suspect.

If none of that seals the deal for you, he even had a motive.  He contracted syphilis from a prostitute, and apparently often remarked on how they should be taken off the streets.   Either way, believe as you will, but if you're willing to take a trip to the creepy side of town, then Australia is the way to go.  If you take the trip down under, just remember you may be breathing the same air that Deeming, the prime Jack the Ripper suspect, once breathed.  Good luck, and take lots of pictures!

Florida - The Clown Statue

If you have internet, you know about the 'killer clowns' running around the US, terrorizing neighborhoods and public areas.  And so in honor of that, I thought we'd delve a little into the history of terrifying clown urban legends.  If you have claurophobia, like I do, then I suggest reading this with one eye closed and every light in your house flipped to 'on'.  If said lights flicker, I recommend you stop reading this and start running.

My personal favorite on the creepy list is the Clown Statue. If you've heard it, then I'm sorry about the sleepless nights you've had, and if you haven't heard it... well then I'm sorry about the sleepless nights you're about to have.  First, let me explain that there isn't one particular incident or area where this story sprung from, however the closest I can tell is that it popped up in about 1990, in the area of West Palm Beach, Florida.  A woman, name withheld, was shot by an orange haired clown on her front door step.  From there sightings and rumors circulated for a few months.

So, what's the legend?  It starts out with a teenage girl who is house sitting for a rich family.  Many rooms are closed off, but she's told that while she stays there for the week, she may explore, and eat whatever food is in the fridge.  Well, the food runs out a bit quicker than she'd expected, doors are sometimes wide open, and some other odd things occur.

The girl is allowed to watch TV in any of the main rooms.  On about the third or fourth day, she decides to settle down into the very comfortable overstuffed lounge chair in the Master Bedroom.  She hasn't been in here before, and finds that she's rather uncomfortable here.  Part of this discomfort stems from the clown statue in the far corner of the room.  She calls the owners of the home, inquiring if she may be allowed to cover the statue up as she watches TV.  

The owners, with calm voices, instruct her to go downstairs to the garage, to retrieve a tarp.  As she opens the door to the garage they tell her to keep going out of the house.  She asks why, and they inform her that they do not own a clown statue and that she must immediately call the police.

There are many versions of this story, some involving children and the clown being a sex offender. But, in this story, all is well that ends well.  But this isn't the only clown related myth that circled the grapevine.  For instance, we all know much too well about John Wayne Gacy, who was a serial killer active in the mid 70's.  He was christened the 'Killer Clown', because he would often host parties where he would dress up as a clown.  

But let's go back even further.  The archetype of evil clowns doesn't stem from one particular story.  They're referenced all over, from 14th century stories of Jesters, to Edgar Allen Poe, in such writings as "Hop-Frog".  The trend continued with Stephen King's "IT" and has be reinvented by the TV show American Horror Story in their 4th season, Freak Show.  

What's going on now is a phenomena referenced by sociologists as 'Phantom Clowns'.  The first report of these widespread sightings occurred in Brookline, Massachusetts circa 1981. A child said that a man dressed as a clown attempted to lure him into his van.  From here, clown sightings spread like wildfire for a few months, before dying down until it again cropped up 4 years later in Phoenix, Arizona, then again in 1991 in West Orange, New Jersey.  Things didn't settle though, as another four years went by until 1995, in Honduras.  2008 started the sightings in Chicago, Illinois.   While most of the sightings are harmless, they are none the less scary and scarring to young children.  Some sightings however, are fatal.  So in light of recent sightings, I recommend that if you or your child sees a clown, do not engage it.  In a few months these reports will die down again, but for now, be vigilant and safe.

Nighttime Urban Legends - Bogeyman

Every. Single. Person. Has heard of the Bogeyman.   Some of us were scared pantsless that he'd take us in the night,  and others were afraid he was in our closest.   For me it was everything but the closet.  And my Bogeyman was actually a skeletal T-rex holding an old timey machine gun,  like Al Pacino.

But where did these stories originate? Honestly, there's no answer.  Or I suppose the best answer is everywhere.  From Germany to Southeast Asia to Africa, and probably there's even a version that penguins tell their chicks.  Even the entymology is so diverse, there really isn't a true origin of the word.  Personally,  my favorite is the German word: boggel-man.  This, quite simply, is a hobgoblin.

Obviously not every mythos is exactly the same, but they all involve a hunched over creature that preys on misbehaving children. Many an adult would scold a child who'd snuck from their bed that if they got up again, the bogeyman would get them.

So, if you're thinking about getting a midnight snack, just beware of a hobgoblin lurking in the shadows.

San Antonio Texas - The Alamo

Described as a quaint building, with an architecture that shows its age, the site of the Battle of the Alamo is truly one for the story books.  We've all heard the story of the Battle of the Alamo, where a few good soldiers held their walls until their dying breaths.  But how many of us have heard the legends and myths that surround this tomb.

As the fateful story goes, in 1836, Mexican leader Santa Ana surrendered to General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto.  What does this have to do with the Alamo? Well, as the leaders met and spoke their terms of agreement, a messenger rode out from Santa Ana's ranks, delivering the message to his men stationed outside of the Alamo. It read 'Destroy the Alamo'! One last victory for the Mexican assault.  But they were repulsed by the guardians of the Alamo. The men returned unsuccessful, screaming of ghostly apparitions carrying flaming swords.  Why? Because previously, Santa Ana's wave of invasion had already once defeated the men at the Alamo, killing every single person in the building.  It was a Catholic Mission, and blood painted its walls. The ghosts of those brave soldiers drove away the second attack that was meant to level their tomb.

Okay, so that's the real story right?  What's myth about a true historical event? Nothing.  You're absolutely right.  But remember, the most important thing you can do on a trip is to learn about the history of the place.  But the fun thing to do is learn about the ethereal phenomena that occurred as a result of this bloodletting.

Having lived in San Antonio myself, even having been treated at the Fort Sam Houston Military Hospital, it should come as no surprise that I've ventured to the Alamo myself.  Now, while I can't say that I can confirm the eerie noises, and blood freezing moans of pain that many others have encountered, I can verify that there is just something weird about the place.  You know where you are the moment you step on the grounds. It's spooky, to be honest, as there really shouldn't be a feeling of cold air and a shiver down your spine in the middle of July heat. Maybe if you have sunstroke, but otherwise, it's just not normal.

Every day, people go in and out, drive past it, or glance at the revered building as they hurry to their next destination.  And every day, people have their own experiences.  Some caretakers have said they can hear the ghostly clash of blades, and the pop of gunfire at night.  Others say that apparitions wander the halls.  Passerbys see odd flashes of light, like the explosion of musket fire from the roof top.  Whatever witnesses see, the legend holds.  That these soldiers will do in death, what they could not in life.  They will protect the Alamo from anyone who would mean to do it harm.  

If you plan to go to San Antonio, I would highly recommend seeing this piece of history for yourself, right after a trip down the River Walk.  But just remember, don't try to do the building harm, otherwise a ghostly solider may try and stop you. 

Virginia - Bunny Man Bridge

Our travel spot for today? Virginia.  Fairfax County, to be precise. Where I grew up for 15 years.  And let me tell you, it was a treat to grow up so close to this bridge.  It's the place that cops patrol on Halloween night, and kids run through the woods, telling each other to hush, while fumbling with flashlights.

Now, Fairfax County has a rich and beautiful history, much like the scenery around it.  It dates back to when the area was claimed for Lord Fairfax, an English aristocrat that was something to the power of something in line for the throne.  That's not really so important to the legend, but it's a fun little tidbit.  Anyhow, Lord Fairfax's influence caused an influx of wealthy individuals to flock to the area. That's the important part of this dip into history.

To be completely honest, Bunny Man Bridge is not a bridge at all.  It is, in fact, a train overpass called Colchester Overpass.  It was built in 1906 near a Civil War era railroad station, and it is still utilized today.  Not that I would be okay with taking a train over the pass, but I will say that the added danger of an occasional train flying close by overhead certainly adds to the thrills.

Now, what's the story? Well, there's two. The first is the story of a wild man who would roam the woods dressed as a hatchet wielding version of the Easter Bunny.  He'd find stragglers, one was even a student at the Air force Academy, and would harass them, and even threw his hatchet into a car window.  Not so scary.  But this is just a rip off of the true story.

In 1904 the Asylum Prison of Clifton, Virginia was shut down because of the growing number of wealthy and influential residents in the nearby area.  15 buses left the prison, only 14 arrived at their new location.  The 15th bus crashed, killing the driver and all but 10 of the inmates. Police found nine of the ten, but were unable to locate the final inmate, Douglas J. Grifon.

As the days went on, and the search parties grew less and less, the sightings of perfectly skinned and half eaten rabbits grew more and more.  They were found hanging from tree limbs, scattered in clearings, some even on the treeline of properties.  This would have of course been disturbing, but it only became more gruesome when the remains of a missing man, Marcus Wallster, was left hanging under the Colchester Overpass.  The remains were partially skinned, and hung like the lifeless bunnies that had been scattered throughout the forest.

After this incident, police efforts doubled, until finally they were able to catch him at the overpass.  He evaded police capture one last time by running in front of an oncoming train.  His remains were recovered, but at least two of the officers reported that they very clearly heard his maniacal laugh echo from the other side of the overpass.

The final part to this story is the reason that Grifon was committed to the asylum in the first place.  He massacred his family on Easter Sunday, and strung them up, just as he did to his bunny victims so many years later.

Just remember, if you ever venture into the woods of Colchester, don't go on Halloween, and turn tail and run if you see one too many dead bunnies.  Enjoy your adventure, and stay safe through your travels!

An Introduction to Traveling with Urban Legends

Obviously this blog isn't going to actually have the ability to take you to somewhere else, physically, in the world.  However, the goal is to take you there in spirit.  To feel as though you are actually being terrified in those locations, as opposed to the darkness of your room, with only the light of your screen to keep the Bogey Man away.

Once in a blue moon, a person is lucky to grow up in an area ripe with urban myths and legends.  I was one of these fortunate souls, who also happened to take a semester on the psychology behind urban legends.  And trust me, it's a fascinating few lectures.  But, these articles aren't to delve into the phenomena of the mind, but instead the phenomena of how an ordinary story, spot, or sound can become something otherworldly.

With these stories, you, the reader, will be taken from Virginia, to Ireland, to Australia and then to the Virgin Islands, and back again.

Let's start then, shall we?