That time of year is coming again...when we trudge off to local state parks to enjoy a respite from the summer heat.
State Parks can be great places for adventures. They have places to walk. They often have camping or picnicking spots. And, they sometimes have swimming holes.
Some of them might be great places to find ghosts.
Ghosts?
That's right. According to local lore (sources below), there are several state parks in Massachusetts that are supposedly haunted.
Dracut State Forest (supposedly is the home of a Native American ghost and ghost children)
Harold Park State Park (there is a claim that there are phantom footsteps in this park)
Maudslay State Park (many sites suggest this is haunted and ghosts can be seen here, including the ghost of a murdered family)
October Mountain State Forest (is said to be the home of ghosts, as well as a potential Bigfoot).
Check out these sources to learn more.
http://ghostlyworld.wordpress.com/tag/dracut-state-forest/
http://historyofmassachusetts.org/maudslay-park-in-newburyport-mass/
http://www.theshadowlands.net/places/massachusetts.htm
MASS MYSTERIES WEBSITE: This website is dedicated to the history and mysteries of Massachusetts. Established in 2012, it seeks to provide entertaining and informative stories about Massachusetts.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
John Hancock's Hand
Here has - perhaps - the most important signature in American history. Will one fell swoop of a pen - and an enormous sense of self - John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence hoping the King of England would firmly recognize his opinion of the monarch's laws and decisions toward America.
It is no mystery that Hancock wanted his signature seen. However, what has come of this famous hand...or at least one of his hands....is a mystery.
According to local lore, Hancock's hand is no longer buried with him (in fact, both are claimed to be gone). Now, no one can seem to confirm this rumor, but it has persisted for quite awhile.
Now why would a person want Hancock's hand. Perhaps it is because his hands wrote the most famous signature in America. While few people suggest this as the possibility, perhaps the grave robber was a history buff.
However, a more likely reason is at play. It appears Hancock was buried with multiple rings on his hands. The rings - valuable - were the most likely lure for the grave robbers. Disturbingly, according to lore, when the robbers were not able to easily lift the rings from his hands, they (or he/she if it was somehow a solo act), simply cut the hands off.
Investigating the rumor does prove problematic. Hancock's marker is clear in the Granary Burying Ground is clear. In fact, his original marker was replaced in the 19th century because it, too, was stolen. However, there are two problems with this particularly burying ground. First, multiple bodies were often placed in the same vicinity (or even spot) with each other - a common occurrence for Burying Grounds. Secondly, it appears during some construction of the burying ground, Hancock's remains simply disappeared.
So it appears the Hancock remains a mystery in the afterlife as in his life.
Want to learn more. Check it out:
Freedom Trail Guide
New England Folklore Blog
Wikianswers
It is no mystery that Hancock wanted his signature seen. However, what has come of this famous hand...or at least one of his hands....is a mystery.
According to local lore, Hancock's hand is no longer buried with him (in fact, both are claimed to be gone). Now, no one can seem to confirm this rumor, but it has persisted for quite awhile.
Now why would a person want Hancock's hand. Perhaps it is because his hands wrote the most famous signature in America. While few people suggest this as the possibility, perhaps the grave robber was a history buff.
However, a more likely reason is at play. It appears Hancock was buried with multiple rings on his hands. The rings - valuable - were the most likely lure for the grave robbers. Disturbingly, according to lore, when the robbers were not able to easily lift the rings from his hands, they (or he/she if it was somehow a solo act), simply cut the hands off.
Investigating the rumor does prove problematic. Hancock's marker is clear in the Granary Burying Ground is clear. In fact, his original marker was replaced in the 19th century because it, too, was stolen. However, there are two problems with this particularly burying ground. First, multiple bodies were often placed in the same vicinity (or even spot) with each other - a common occurrence for Burying Grounds. Secondly, it appears during some construction of the burying ground, Hancock's remains simply disappeared.
So it appears the Hancock remains a mystery in the afterlife as in his life.
Want to learn more. Check it out:
Freedom Trail Guide
New England Folklore Blog
Wikianswers
Sunday, March 30, 2014
October Mountain
October Mountain is a location in western Massachusetts. It is the largest state forest in the state. Set in the heart of the Berkshires, it is a popular tourist destination. It earned its name from Herman Meliville - the author of Moby Dick fame - who noticed the fiery leaves on the mountain during the height of the fall leaf-peeping season.
The mountain may be an interesting place to visit, but it is also shrouded in local mystery. It is the home of three distinct mysteries.
Ghosts
First, according to legend, there are two ghosts that are thought to roam the woods. The first ghost is said to be a man wandering the woods, carrying a lantern, with a dog at his side. The ghost is thought to be that of a hunter. Many people have dubbed the ghost "Old Man Whitney" over time, a tribute to the millionaire William C. Whitney, who built a "cottage" for his son on the land and helped preserve the land to be used as a park. Although any ghost that roams the region is likely not Whitney - it started to appear long after his death - the reports still connect to his name.
A second ghost is also thought to wander the woods. A ghost of a girl, near a deep cemetery, is also seen from time to time. The girl is often thought to be humming and seen wearing a white dress. Some gave speculated that the girl's name is Anna, because the only headstone belonging to a young girl is that of a girl named Anna.
Creatures
The region is also said to be the home of different creatures. The first, odd creature, is said to be "devils" of some sort. These devils are horned creatures that are seen from time to time in the woods...and may appear out of nowhere. While "wood devil" stories have been long told in New England, this particular story could have a logical explanation. Goats were brought to the area (William C. Whitney is thought to have brought some) and perhaps some have roamed wild.
The most commonly reported creature in the region is bigfoot. Several different reports have placed the legendary creature on the mountain. In the 1980s, two different reports had been made about possible encounters between hikers on the mountain and the creature. One report - reported by a people traveling by car in the region - mentioned that the creature as six to seven feet tall and had red eyes. The eyes did appear to glow, thought that may have been the affect of headlights reflected on it. The Bigfoot Field Research Organization also received a report in 1989 about a hiker who saw such a creature stacking rocks and wood. The was large with red hair. The hiker studied the creature for a while as it appeared to be digging for insects. The hiker also pointed out that the creature seemed to have a human like face.
A third creature has been spotted in the area recently - the legendary eastern panther. There is no proof of this creature so far...but reports of the creature have increased.
UFOs
Strange lights and objects have also been spotted over the mountain. Such reports are more esoteric, but still objects have been seen near and above the mountain.
Check out these links for more
BFRO
Bizarre Berkshires
Boston Globe article
Mysterious Hills
October Mountain Whitney Estate
The mountain may be an interesting place to visit, but it is also shrouded in local mystery. It is the home of three distinct mysteries.
Ghosts
First, according to legend, there are two ghosts that are thought to roam the woods. The first ghost is said to be a man wandering the woods, carrying a lantern, with a dog at his side. The ghost is thought to be that of a hunter. Many people have dubbed the ghost "Old Man Whitney" over time, a tribute to the millionaire William C. Whitney, who built a "cottage" for his son on the land and helped preserve the land to be used as a park. Although any ghost that roams the region is likely not Whitney - it started to appear long after his death - the reports still connect to his name.
A second ghost is also thought to wander the woods. A ghost of a girl, near a deep cemetery, is also seen from time to time. The girl is often thought to be humming and seen wearing a white dress. Some gave speculated that the girl's name is Anna, because the only headstone belonging to a young girl is that of a girl named Anna.
Creatures
The region is also said to be the home of different creatures. The first, odd creature, is said to be "devils" of some sort. These devils are horned creatures that are seen from time to time in the woods...and may appear out of nowhere. While "wood devil" stories have been long told in New England, this particular story could have a logical explanation. Goats were brought to the area (William C. Whitney is thought to have brought some) and perhaps some have roamed wild.
The most commonly reported creature in the region is bigfoot. Several different reports have placed the legendary creature on the mountain. In the 1980s, two different reports had been made about possible encounters between hikers on the mountain and the creature. One report - reported by a people traveling by car in the region - mentioned that the creature as six to seven feet tall and had red eyes. The eyes did appear to glow, thought that may have been the affect of headlights reflected on it. The Bigfoot Field Research Organization also received a report in 1989 about a hiker who saw such a creature stacking rocks and wood. The was large with red hair. The hiker studied the creature for a while as it appeared to be digging for insects. The hiker also pointed out that the creature seemed to have a human like face.
A third creature has been spotted in the area recently - the legendary eastern panther. There is no proof of this creature so far...but reports of the creature have increased.
UFOs
Strange lights and objects have also been spotted over the mountain. Such reports are more esoteric, but still objects have been seen near and above the mountain.
Check out these links for more
BFRO
Bizarre Berkshires
Boston Globe article
Mysterious Hills
October Mountain Whitney Estate
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Beware the Hockomock Swamp
For those of you who don't know, the Hockomock Swamp is one of the most bizarre regions of Massachusetts. Located in southeastern Massachusetts, in the region that famed cryptozoologist, Loren Coleman dubbed "The Bridgewater Triangle," the swamp truly is spooky beyond belief.
Although I have only been on the outskirts of the swamp, my father spent his teen years in the region and knew about the swamp well. He always mentioned that the swamp was rather known as a mysterious place. He spoke about local legends of the region and said that there were spots in the swamp that were considered to have quicksand. He also suggested that it was not a place to hang out...so he avoided it.
What is so mysterious about the region? Well, first of all, it probably has a lot of spiritual energy. It was a region that Native Americans knew about. The colonists actually pursued Metacomet - better known as King Phillip - into the region during the waning days of King Phillip's War. That is where he is believed to have died.
What is in this region. Depending on legends, it is the home of:
Large snakes
An alligator
Pukwudgies (spotted as recently as 2012)
Mysterious lights
A native American ghost on a canoe
The ghost of a redheaded hitchiker
A large, hairy, bigfoot like creature (spotted in the 1970s)
A large bird, often considered a thunderbird, which was even spotted by police
UFO sightings, including a sighting by two radio reporters.
Want to learn more about this place....check out these links
Bridgewater Triangle documentary link
Paranormal Encyclopedia link
AOL Patch article
Although I have only been on the outskirts of the swamp, my father spent his teen years in the region and knew about the swamp well. He always mentioned that the swamp was rather known as a mysterious place. He spoke about local legends of the region and said that there were spots in the swamp that were considered to have quicksand. He also suggested that it was not a place to hang out...so he avoided it.
What is so mysterious about the region? Well, first of all, it probably has a lot of spiritual energy. It was a region that Native Americans knew about. The colonists actually pursued Metacomet - better known as King Phillip - into the region during the waning days of King Phillip's War. That is where he is believed to have died.
What is in this region. Depending on legends, it is the home of:
Large snakes
An alligator
Pukwudgies (spotted as recently as 2012)
Mysterious lights
A native American ghost on a canoe
The ghost of a redheaded hitchiker
A large, hairy, bigfoot like creature (spotted in the 1970s)
A large bird, often considered a thunderbird, which was even spotted by police
UFO sightings, including a sighting by two radio reporters.
Want to learn more about this place....check out these links
Bridgewater Triangle documentary link
Paranormal Encyclopedia link
AOL Patch article
Sunday, January 26, 2014
The Pirates of Lynn Woods
For those of you who have never heard of it, the Lynn Woods has long been synonymous with mysteries. While any large, wooded area might account for such detail, this particular stretch of woods is wrought with many mysteries.
One of the most interesting stories of this legendary area is about pirates who may - or may not have - frequented the shores. In colonial days, because the land was well mapped and dotted with coves and crags in the coastline, it was common for pirates to visit the region (New England would eventually pass harsh laws that sent most of them packing).
Well, according to many sources, in 1658, one such pirate ship appeared on the horizon off the coast of Lynn. The ship was probably worried because British naval ships were in the area, or in fact, it may have been chased by them. So, four men lowered a rowboat with treasure in town, and rowed to shore.
They found a small river in present day Saugus and rowed up the river. According to legend, the pirates docked close to the site of the Saugus Iron Works and looked for a person with supplies. They left a "no questions asked" note, seeking a person to drop supplies off in a secluded region with the promise for silver.
One resident agreed - and most legends say he was paid - and the pirates made a camp at a spot that is known to this day as Pirates Glen. They buried the treasure temporarily - as many pirates did in those days - with plans to come back and properly hide it. The foursome most likely went in separate directions to meet at the boat. However, three of the pirates were capture by British soldiers who were in hot pursuit.
However, tale tells of a fourth pirate named Thomas Veal. who eluded the noose and escaped. He eventually was forced to live in Lynn, where local residents accepted him, and he became a cobbler of sorts. It is believed that Tom made his home near a cave in the Lynn Woods and reburied his treasure there. Undoubtedly, this is the type of story that has been retold and embellished over the years.
In time, an earthquake rocked the region. More than likely this occurred in 1663, when local histories of Plymouth, Lynn, and Salem speak of an earthquake that hit the region and toppled chimneys. The cave, the treasure, and perhaps Thomas Veal himself were trapped in the cave, because he and his treasure were never heard of again.
Multiple attempts have been made to find that treasure in the past at the site known as Dungeon Rock. In the mid 1800s, a man named Hiram Marble invested much time and energy into the site. According to Marble, in an era of spirtualism, the ghost of Veal himself told Marble where to look. However, Veal may have been mistaken or Marble confused....because the treasure was never found. In time, the site became the property of Lynn...which is what Marble wished.
To learn more visit these two sites:
Friends of the Lynn Woods: Dungeon Rock
USGS Earthquakes in Masssachusetts
One of the most interesting stories of this legendary area is about pirates who may - or may not have - frequented the shores. In colonial days, because the land was well mapped and dotted with coves and crags in the coastline, it was common for pirates to visit the region (New England would eventually pass harsh laws that sent most of them packing).
Well, according to many sources, in 1658, one such pirate ship appeared on the horizon off the coast of Lynn. The ship was probably worried because British naval ships were in the area, or in fact, it may have been chased by them. So, four men lowered a rowboat with treasure in town, and rowed to shore.
They found a small river in present day Saugus and rowed up the river. According to legend, the pirates docked close to the site of the Saugus Iron Works and looked for a person with supplies. They left a "no questions asked" note, seeking a person to drop supplies off in a secluded region with the promise for silver.
One resident agreed - and most legends say he was paid - and the pirates made a camp at a spot that is known to this day as Pirates Glen. They buried the treasure temporarily - as many pirates did in those days - with plans to come back and properly hide it. The foursome most likely went in separate directions to meet at the boat. However, three of the pirates were capture by British soldiers who were in hot pursuit.
However, tale tells of a fourth pirate named Thomas Veal. who eluded the noose and escaped. He eventually was forced to live in Lynn, where local residents accepted him, and he became a cobbler of sorts. It is believed that Tom made his home near a cave in the Lynn Woods and reburied his treasure there. Undoubtedly, this is the type of story that has been retold and embellished over the years.
In time, an earthquake rocked the region. More than likely this occurred in 1663, when local histories of Plymouth, Lynn, and Salem speak of an earthquake that hit the region and toppled chimneys. The cave, the treasure, and perhaps Thomas Veal himself were trapped in the cave, because he and his treasure were never heard of again.
Multiple attempts have been made to find that treasure in the past at the site known as Dungeon Rock. In the mid 1800s, a man named Hiram Marble invested much time and energy into the site. According to Marble, in an era of spirtualism, the ghost of Veal himself told Marble where to look. However, Veal may have been mistaken or Marble confused....because the treasure was never found. In time, the site became the property of Lynn...which is what Marble wished.
To learn more visit these two sites:
Friends of the Lynn Woods: Dungeon Rock
USGS Earthquakes in Masssachusetts
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year
Happy New Year Mystery goers.
Here comes another wonderful year full of new mysteries. The year ended on a unique note, with a UFO flap and fireballs seen in Massachusetts. Here's hoping there are interesting mysteries awaiting us this year.
Here's wishing all a wonderful and enjoyable new year.
Here comes another wonderful year full of new mysteries. The year ended on a unique note, with a UFO flap and fireballs seen in Massachusetts. Here's hoping there are interesting mysteries awaiting us this year.
Here's wishing all a wonderful and enjoyable new year.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
UFO Flap over Natick
Natick, Massachusetts is considered the home of many things. It is called the home of Champions. It is the home of the some of the first major league baseballs. It was the home of one of the first English Christianized Native American communities.
This year, it also seems to be home of a recent UFO flap. In the past sixth months, several witnesses have reported seeing unidentified objects in the air over the area.
A brief report of the encounters are in these two spots.
January incident
July incident
Interesting, considering that Natick is not typically the home of many UFO reports. Having lived in Natick and frequenting it often, I have seen strange things in the sky. Most I have been able to explain, although there was a rather peculiar changing cloud that I saw once when I was young - probably caused by some type of upper air turbulence.
Over the years there have been several reports of unusual lights in the sky. There was one report in the early 1990s of a large light hovering over Route 9 that many people saw. Similar reports happened in the late 1980s (including some blimps that were mistaken as UFOS). And, in 1977, there was a light that followed at least one car through Natick as well.
Is there any reason for this flap? Could be. Natick is home to the famous army lab, so if there were visitors from space checking out a place, Natick would probably be a landmark to explore. The Marlboro airport is not too far a way. So, more than likely, there are natural explanations for strange lights over the Metrowest town.
Still, if you are in Natick this summer, keep your eyes on the skies.
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