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October 24, 2012

NSU tours highlight spooky history

By TEDDYE SNELL Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — Northeastern State University’s Seminary Hall has a long and storied history, providing education – and at one time, lodging – to students.

But not all of that history is light-hearted, as evidenced by claims of sightings of ghosts and other wraiths over time.

NSU’s Graduate Student Association is again conducting “Haunted Seminary Tours,” Friday and Saturday evenings in October, as part of its annual fundraising efforts.

The tours highlight the history and haunting of one of the oldest institutions of higher learning west of the Mississippi. The primary legend centers on Florence Wilson, who was principal of the Cherokee National Female Seminary for 26 years – and who may still be around in some form to this day.

According to legend, Wilson had a troubled love life. The love affair between Flo and the institution that later became NSU, and her love lost during the Civil War, are the focus of the tour, along with many other reported stories culminated throughout the building's rich history.

None of the theatrics are staged, according to tour guides. In 2006, a participant took photos showing “eerie orbs of light.” This was also the year several teams of ghost hunters took part in the tours.

“It’s a lantern-lit tour,” said Jaquetta Shade, vice president of GSA. “We turn all of the lights out in Seminary Hall and lead participants around by lantern, telling about the history and the spookier side of things that went on in the building.”

Shade indicated the tours have been well-received over the past three weekends, despite some inclement weather.

 

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Poll

Where do you think bicycle trails are most needed in Cherokee County?

In the downtown corridor.
Not downtown, because it would be too congested, but on peripheral streets, like Bluff, Downing and College, and Muskogee but not downtown.
On the rural highways mainly in recreational areas, like Highways 10 and 82.
Only in special areas, like parks.
I do not think Cherokee County needs any (or more) bike trails.
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