Looking for spirits at the Old Jail

October is the month when ghost hunters flock to the locations where paranormal activity has been seen and heard.

In Wayne County there is no better place than the Museum of Wayne County History, where the old jail seems to be host to the spirits of criminals who died there. The museum is located on Butternut Street in Lyons.

'We have no doubt that the jails are haunted,' said Executive Director, Larry Ann Evans. 'The spirits don't stay locked up anymore. Just try to make coffee with your back turned to the kitchen. I have to look over my shoulder every two seconds, because it just feels like someone is standing right behind me!'

Last year, Rolling Hills Ghost Hunters set up their equipment, recorded unexplained voices and gave a presentation of their findings.

This year, the Wayne Area Ghost Society has made arrangements to investigate at night in the old jail, set up their equipment and see if they can capture some tangible piece of evidence that would show that spirits do exist in this realm, at least at the old jail and museum.

'They need to go in the barn too,' said Museum Manager, Mary Erle. A neighbor stopped her recently to say that lights have been seen in the museum and the barn at night.

One of those still trying to cross over may be the spirit of William Fee, the only man hanged right in the cell block of the jail in March 1860.

'Seems over 1000 people stood on the lawn, even thought there was a snow storm going on that day, and tickets were given to 100 people to come into the jail to see the hanging,' said Evans.

Founding members of the Wayne Area Ghost Society, Becky and Tom Sawtelle, contacted Evans about the paranormal activity at the jail and set up their equipment October 5.

Then on October 25 at 7 p.m., the group will present their findings at the October History at Night at the museum.

Paranormal fare continues October 26 and 27, when the museum resurrects the Haunted Jail from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.

In conjunction with these paranormal events, the high school photo exhibit, Necropolis Rising: Cemeteries of Wayne County will be open in the Changing Exhibition Room.

Call 946.4943 or check out the website, 

www.waynehistory.org

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