Most Ohioans know the community of Mason for one claim to fame -- the destination of summer thrill seekers, Kings Island.  But for those more keen on local history, it’s also known for a haunting, unsolved murder.  The building in which it occurred, at 101 E. Main Street downtown, stands yet today.  Claims of eerie disembodied sounds and full-bodied apparitions are now commonplace.     On Apr. 12, 1901, an elderly recluse was found murdered in her own bed, her head caved in.  Her husband, the man found at the scene, wore clothes sopping wet with blood.  He wo ..read more

Most of us come to Hocking Hills, Ohio’s most treasured park, for its rugged beauty.  With scenes unlike anywhere else in the state, newcomers are often stunned by towering rock formations and plunging waterfalls.  It’s no wonder this place draws so many year after year.   One lesser known landmark off the beaten path has intrigued and terrified locals for more than a century.  Death Hole, a deceivingly peaceful spot on Scott’s Creek in Logan, has laid claim to unsuspecting victims for more than a century.     It’s said the spirits of those who died here, linger ..read more

Just in time for the holiday season... An Ohio Folklore Christmas Classic Around the holidays, most Ohioans are wrapping presents, baking cookies and decorating the tree. One ancient holiday tradition often gets left out, however. It’s the ritual of sharing ghost stories around the winter solstice. It’s that darkest time of year when the veil between the dead and the living is at its thinnest.   Come hear the forgotten story of a Shawnee Chief, whose ghost appears on Christmas Eve, in the woods where he was murdered by a group of white men. Come hear the legends of the settlers who firs ..read more

In honor of Women's History Month, take another listen to the episode devoted to one of Ohio's most revered daughters, Annie Oakley. When we Ohioans think of Annie Oakley, we think of a petite woman in fringed leather, staring down the barrel of a long gun, at a target soon to be decimated.  Her fame lives on a century after her death.  She’s the subject of musicals, movies and countless books. We’re well aware of her sharpshooting skills, the likes of which haven’t been seen since.  However, few of us have any idea of the remarkable history that led her to develop such superh ..read more

For our second rebroadcasted episode, come listen to Ohio Folklore's most downloaded tale, the legendary Ohio State Reformatory. Most Ohioans know well the venerable institution called Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.  It served as the backdrop for the 1994 seminal film, The Shawshank Redemption.  Had the movie been shot elsewhere, the state would have demolished this historic structure.  How fitting that this movie's message is one of redemption and hope against all odds.  It resonates deep within us. Tourists from all over the world come to visit this remarkabl ..read more

In honor of Black History month, come hear one of Ohio Folklore most downloaded episodes, Ripley, Terminus of the Underground Railroad.   Most of us have heard tell of the Underground Railroad, the secretive movement that spirited enslaved peoples northward, toward freedom.  Yet few Ohioans know of the integral role of one tiny town on the bank of the Ohio River. Meet Ripley, Ohio.  History has dubbed this quaint village a "terminus of the Underground Railroad." Come hear intriguing stories of a secret society of abolitionists who aided those seeking freedom.  And most ..read more

For decades, unsuspecting motorists have encountered a ghostly figure looking for a ride at the intersection of highways 222 and 125 in Clermont County. Sometimes he's thumbing from the side of the road, other times he's standing in the center of it. Sightings of the Faceless Hitchhiker have accumulated through the years. Come hear the most spine-tingling tales and the historical data that offers tantalizing insights on just what or who this is all about.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe to Ohio Folklore on your chosen podcast platform. You can find Ohio Folklore at ..read more

Sometimes spirits seem to linger in the most public of places. Toledo's downtown Spaghetti Warehouse is one such location. The claims of paranormal activity there have lasted for decades. Come hear the eerie claims of hauntings in this fine Italian dining establishment. Then, discover Toledo's little known history with beer manufacturing, the mafia and 19th century contractors.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on your podcast platform. You can also find Ohio Folklore at ohiofolklore.comfacebook.com/ohiofolkloreAnd as always, keep wondering ..read more

Kenyon College is Ohio's oldest and perhaps most hauntingly beautiful private liberal arts college. Its history is deep, and it's perplexing stories are many. In this first part of a two-part series, we delve into only one of Kenyon's many legends. Stuart Pierson was an eager but awkward teenager in 1905. He'd always had trouble making friends, and decided to pledge his father's fraternity in hopes of finding acceptance. There was no way he could have known that that choice would lead to his death...the circumstances of which remain unsolved even today. Come hear the legendary Ohio story that ..read more

When it comes to ghost stories, there’s nothing more cliché than a haunting in a cemetery. This episode focuses on two cemeteries outside the small town of McClure, Ohio. They're known as Olive Branch Cemetery (Carrie's Grave) and Crybaby Hill. These strange places hold truths that have been lost to time. Join us as we take a trip behind the ghost stories. You never know what you'll discover when you take a closer look...Find Ohio Folklore on Facebook at facebook.com/ohiofolklore ..read more