The Apollo Theater’s Legacy – Part 1

When we visited the Smithsonian last summer, they had an exhibit about the Apollo Theater in Harlem. I was amazed at all the incredible talent that had performed in the theater over the years. The Apollo opened in 1934 and started its famous Wednesday “Amateur Night” to feature new gifted talent. Back in the day, if you weren’t talented enough, Howard “Sandman” Sims would use a cane, hook, or broom to get you off the stage after the audience began booing. It might have been a tough gig, but I am sure these people never had to worry about getting … Continue reading →

Scary Places: West Virginia State Penitentiary

What does a Gothic looking building and a state penitentiary add up to? Apparently, it equates to a place haunted by unhappy souls. Such is the case of the West Virginia State Penitentiary. There are plenty of “haunted” prisons, but West Virginia State is thought to be the most haunted. Modeled after a prison in Joliet, the Gothic Revival architecture made it look frightening alone when 250 inmates entered cells in 1876 when it opened. Although conditions of the prison may have been seen as decent enough at the turn of the 20th century, they quickly deteriorated. Eventually, the prison … Continue reading →

Scary Places: USS North Carolina

One of my favorite times of year is quickly approaching – Halloween! A couple of years ago, I did a series on haunted places in America in honor of the holiday and decided to do a few more this year. A few years back, my family and a friend of ours visited the USS North Carolina in its permanent location in Wilmington. The USS North Carolina was launched on June 13, 1940 during World War II. It was the first of the modern battleships and thus nicknamed “Showboat.” By 1942, she was in the Pacific helping protect aircraft carriers during … Continue reading →

Dennis Hopper Gets Hollywood Star

Actor Dennis Hopper got a much deserved star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. But, it was obvious to anyone that saw pictures taken at the event that the actor is in failing health. The gaunt actor, who is suffering from prostate cancer, had to be helped on stage by a friend. His right arm and eye were bandaged, something Hopper attributed to a fall outside his home. Hopper appeared on the Walk of Fame surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues Friday. A tour bus drove by during the ceremony, with the tour guide saying, “We love … Continue reading →

Spelling Family Home for Sale

If you happen to have $150 million lying around (come on, check those sofa cushions!), you can purchase a really lovely Los Angeles home. Aaron Spelling, known for such television hits as “Charlie’s Angels,” “Dynasty,” and “Beverly Hills 90210,” died in 2006 from a stroke at the age of 83. His widow Candy has now decided to put their lusciously extravagant house up for sale. She allowed her Wheaten Terrier Madison pick out the real estate agent for the job by seeing how the dog reacted. The job finally went to Sally Forster Jones, an agent for Coldwell Banker Previews … Continue reading →

California Fires Threaten Celebrity Homes

Once again, California wildfires are threatening homes. A fast growing fire started in Montecito, California, which is in the hills above Santa Barbara. Today, Oprah talked about the wildfires, which threaten her own neighborhood. Other celebrities who have homes in Montecito are Carol Burnett, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Costner, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Douglas, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Rob Lowe, Christopher Lloyd, and Steve Martin. Oprah said “All our prayers are with all the folks and neighbors in Santa Barbara. Hope you’re well today. And those of you who lost your homes, our hearts go out to you.” An Oprah rep said that currently, … Continue reading →

Scary Places: The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

When I mention the name “The Stanley Hotel,” you may think “But Libby, I’ve never heard of this place.” Perhaps not, but if you have ever seen the classic Kubrick/King horror The Shining, you have gotten a sense of The Stanley. (This file is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License) This hotel is a 138 room Georgian hotel located in Estes Park, Colorado. It was built in 1909 by Freelan O. Stanley (co-founder of Stanley Steamer), hence the name. Many famous people have stayed there – Theodore Roosevelt and John Philip Sousa just to name a few. But, perhaps … Continue reading →

Scary Places: The Orpheum Theater in Memphis, Tennessee

Since I am doing the “Scary Places” series, I figured I would toot my own hometown’s horn and talk about one of its scariest places, the Orpheum Theater in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Most Memphians are aware of the story of Mary. It is even said that she has a favorite seat – C-5. The Orpheum was built in 1890. However, that original building burnt to the ground in 1923. It was rebuilt and the “new” Orpheum was completed in 1928. It was after the rebuild that reports of a ghost named Mary started to surface. Mary is a little girl … Continue reading →

Scary Places: Union Cemetery in Easton, Connecticut

Okay, so you might expect a cemetery, especially at night, to be a bit spooky. But, some say that Union Cemetery in Easton, Connecticut is especially full of unexplained phenomena. The cemetery dates all the way back to the 1600s, so there is a lot of history there. Of course, the cemetery is closed after dark and the Easton Police regularly patrol it, but that doesn’t stop curiosity seekers from breaking the law. Visitors have reported taking photos of orbs, light rods, and ectoplasmic mists. There is one apparition, the White Lady, who many people have reported seeing over the … Continue reading →

Scary Places: RMS Queen Mary

While thinking about scary places, I remembered the RMS Queen Mary. When I think of the word “ocean liner,” usually something along the lines of the Love Boat comes to mind. But apparently, there are some disturbing happenings going on in the Queen Mary. The RMS Queen Mary sailed the North Atlantic for 31 years (1936 until 1967). Like the RMS Queen Elizabeth, her running mate, the Queen Mary helped transport troops during World War II. She was the third largest ocean liner in the world and at times, could carry as many as 16,000 men to war. In 1942, … Continue reading →