This is an excerpt from the latest edition of Georgia's Ghostly Getaways. It is available  at Kindle books. Check out my other books  at my website, KatysWorld

Athens, The Classic City

College towns seem to attract haunts. So do historic districts, Athens, with its eclectic mix of brash young college students and descendants of the legendary antebellum gentry, is a natural habitat of ghostly legends.

Athens double barraled cannon

The Hamilton-Phinizy-Segrest House on S. Milledge Ave is a perfect example of the marriage of two cultures. Built in 1859, it is now the home of Phi Mu Sorority. It is also the home of a long dead woman. Frequently, neighbors across the street called to say there was a woman on the roof. Residents would go out and look and she would be gone. Many people have seen her. One interesting incident occurred during summer classes several years ago. There were only four girls staying there. One stayed out a bit late one night and got locked out. She knocked and heard the lock click open. On entering, no one was there. She thought one of her sorority sisters had got up, opened the door and went back to bed. The next day, when she asked who had let her in, no one had. They had to assume it was their friendly ghostly resident. Sorority sisters believe it was Anna Powell, who died in the house grieving for her husband who committed suicide. At a certain time of day, a beam of sunlight cast a glowing cross upon the very spot where he died.

Athens is filled with friendly pubs that are popular with college students

Sorority houses must be very hospitable to ghosts. The Alpha Gamma Delta House AKA Thomas Carithers house at 530 S. Milledge Ave has its own spiritual sister, Susie. Susie’s father donated the house to the sorority in her honor. She was to be married in the house however, the groom failed to show up and the bereaved girl hung herself from a beam in the attic. The girls who live in the room directly under the spot all seem to become engaged or pinned during their tenure there. The house is worth seeing for its architectural value as well. It is shaped like a three-tiered wedding cake.

The university campus also has its resident ghost. Many students tell of seeing a man in Confederate uniform around Demosthenian Hall. He is believed to be Robert Toombs who had been dismissed from the college in his youth. Toombs led such a rambunctious life that he spawned many legends. He was a United States senator, cabinet member of the Confederate government and later a brigadier general. He fled to France after the war. He lived long and died peacefully in 1885, still refusing allegiance to the United States. There is also a story that after his expulsion in 1825, he returned during commencement ceremonies and spoke outside the chapel. His speech was so eloquent that everyone left the chapel to hear him speak under a large oak. The story, although so typical of his behavior, is untrue but the oak is still named Toombs Oak. He later served on the board of trustees.

The Lustrat House

Another campus building that hosts a ghost is Lustrat House, located on the old North Campus. Their resident spook here is a former English Department head, Major Charles Morris. The fact that he is usually spotted wearing a Confederate uniform makes him a bit more dashing. Lustrat Hall houses the university’s Office of Legal Affairs.

The Taylor-Grady House

The Taylor-Grady House, 640 Prince Ave., is worth a look for historical and architectural value as well as its ghostly gossip. The stately white house with its thirteen columns, representing the original thirteen colonies, was the home of Henry Grady. Grady was one of the chief supporters of the New South. He was managing editor of the Atlanta Constitution and used it as a forum to help heal the wounds of war. He fought for the rebuilding of the ruined southern economy. The university’s School of Journalism is named in his honor.

It is his father, Henry who moved the Gradys into the house but was called to fight for the South. He was killed and is said to roam the house looking for his family.

Much of the development Grady sought has occurred in Athens. One fine example is the Classic Center. The Classic Center facilities house a 2000 seat theater, convention and meeting rooms and, what else, its own ghost. The center is a blend of old and new. The old represented in part by Fire Hall Number 1.

The story goes that this firehouse was the workplace of an older fireman named Hiram Peeler. On February 22, 1928 when he was killed fighting a fire, he was 67 years old and had 47 years of service. Apparently he liked his job and didn’t want to leave. He probably still doesn’t. Security guards at the hall report strange noises where there shouldn’t be any and objects moved or overturned without any explanation.

Hiram is buried in the Oconee Hill Cemetery. Not surprisingly, there are stories of the residents frolicking on Halloween night. Supposedly, if you sit under the bridge then you will see a hunchback haunt drive a wagon and two horses through the cemetery. The cemetery sits just beside Sanford Stadium, where the UGA Bulldogs play so if you are watching a game you may get another surprise.

The Old Athens Cemetery also on UGA’s Campus, just up the hill from Oconee Hills. It has its resident spirit, a girl of about 12 who prowls at night.

Dexter Weaver at Weaver D's

There is plenty for the living to enjoy here as well. Athens is a double-barreled city. Like its famous Double-Barreled Cannon, Athens, Georgia is a city with two faces. Both of them are lots of fun for visitors. If you’re planning a vacation packed with wild nightlife, Athens is the place. If you’re looking for culture and natural beauty, Athens is the place. If you’re looking for a vibrant youthful city, Athens is the place. If you are looking for a rich historical legacy, Athens is the place. No matter what you want in a vacation, you will enjoy Athens.

Morton Theater

If you want to eat, drink and be merry, Athens offers lots of choices.  If you want to know more about Athens you need to read the book.

 
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