From toilet paper in trees to eagles flying over Jordan-Hare Stadium, many of our associations with the Loveliest Village on the Plains have to do with college football—and the exclusive Auburn traditions that it inspires. Come October, in addition to touchdowns and halftime shows, some of us are focused on a spookier concept that surrounds Auburn culture—the haunted. Believe it or not, specific locations in Auburn and the surrounding area have been reported to show signs of paranormal activity over the years, and with Halloween on the horizon, what better time to take a closer look at some of these haunted places in Auburn?
The Auburn University Chapel
Located on the corner of Thach and College Street, the chapel, built in 1851, is the oldest building on Auburn University’s campus. It was first used as a Presbyterian church and later as classrooms when the main college burned in 1887. During the Civil War, the chapel served as a hospital for injured soldiers, and one soldier—Sidney Grimlett—allegedly stuck around.
The Auburn Players took over the building in the 1920s, and that’s around the time when accounts of paranormal activity initiated. Props disappeared from sets, whistling and tapping was heard in the attic and audience members reported glowing orbs floating near actors during performances. Upon consulting an Ouija Board, the ghost allegedly confirmed his identity as Sidney Grimlett. Known for his love of sweets, students started leaving candy out for him prior to performances.
Telfair Peet Theatre
Built in 1972, the Auburn theatre department moved from the chapel to the new Telfair Peet Theatre on Samford Avenue, and it is said that the ghost of Sidney moved with them upon being invited by the students. The claim has been investigated by the Alabama Paranormal Research Team. During its investigation, the team took a bag of M&M’s into the theater and asked Sidney which colors he prefers, to which he responded “orange and blue,” via a K2 meter.
Students have reported loud banging, irons unplugging themselves, and seeing shadowy figures in the theatre’s halls and staircases.
Samford Hall
Before it was the iconic Samford Hall that we know today, the building at the heart of campus was called Old Main. Like the chapel, Old Main was also used as a hospital to house soldiers during the Civil War. Old Main burned down in 1887, and it was replaced by Samford Hall. It is said that the ghosts of some soldiers still occupy the area where Old Main once stood, including a guard who watches over Auburn from a post in the bell tower.
Spring Villa, Opelika
Worth mentioning in our account of haunted places in Auburn (and beyond) is Opelika’s Spring Villa Mansion. The antebellum home was once one of the nicest in the area. According to legend, the home’s original owner, Penn Yonge, was murdered in 1878 when a slave hid in a niche on the staircase and stabbed his master to death on the 13th step. Since then, people standing on the step have reported feeling sick and a feeling of being pushed. Paranormal researchers also believe the spirit of a little girl resides on the property. The Alabama Paranormal Research Team reportedly has audio recordings of children saying “Where is my mommy?” and another saying “Do you see me?” Investigators were able to confirm that some children drowned in a lake on the Spring Villa Property years after Yonge’s death there.
Six miles southeast of Opelika off Highway 148, Spring Villa is now part of a 350-acre park, which houses a picnic shelter, outdoor volleyball court, horseshoe pit, day camp ground, walking trails and more.
These are only a few of the better-known haunted places in Auburn, which provide us a window into the area’s past. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Alabama Spectral Investigators Haunted Auburn Walking Tour happening Oct. 13-14, Oct. 20-21, Oct. 27-28 and Oct. 30-31 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. starting on Toomer’s Corner!
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