We are cheating a little bit and hopping across the Ohio River from Henderson to Evansville, Indiana to explore the haunted history of the Willard Library and learn more about the history and ghostly tales of this bastion of knowledge.
Established in 1885, the library was commissioned by a local businessman, Willard Carpenter, who wished to create a majestic space for the community to cherish literature and learning. With gothic revival architecture, the library possesses an enchanting beauty, complete with iron grills, arched windows, and a grand staircase. Yet, it is the stories of the spirts that truly captivate the imagination of those who enter its doors.
The most famous ghost associated with Willard Library is affectionately known as the “Grey Lady.” Sightings of this mysterious figure have been reported for decades. The first sighting of the Gray Lady was reported in the basement of the library in 1937 by a library custodian, who quit shortly after the encounter. Witnesses describe her as a translucent woman dressed in a long grey gown. Her presence is often felt in the library’s second-floor reading room, where visitors have noticed unexplained chills in the air and have claimed to see her wandering between the aisles of books. Some people say her appearance is accompanied by a strong scent of musky perfume. Others say they’ve witnessed water faucets and lights turning on and off. She’s also known to move books and furniture. The library received so many reports of sightings they installed web cams so people around the world can search for her.
So who is the Grey Lady? No one knows for sure who the Grey Lady is, but some believe it’s Carpenter’s daughter Louise. When Willard Carpenter died, he gave away the library. Louise Carpenter sued the library board in the 1890s, believing it was hers on the pretense that her father was not in a sound state of mind when he wrote his last will and testament. Louise Carpenter would go on to lose the case, and she is said to haunt the library in revenge. According to the Evansville Courier archives, Louise died in 1908 in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Other accounts suggests that the Grey Lady may be the spirit of a woman who was deeply connected to the library in its early days. Some theories propose she could have been a patron or even a member of the library staff who passed away, leaving behind a lasting impression in the form of her ghostly manifestations.
As the haunting lore of Willard Library continues to grow, the library has embraced its spooky reputation. Guided ghost tours are offered during the month of October, allowing attendees to delve into the chilling history that surrounds the space. These tours provide an opportunity to recount not only the tales of the Grey Lady but also the various legends that have arisen over the years, offering guests a unique blend of local history and ghostly anecdotes.
In addition to ghost tours, the library often hosts community events focused on local lore, inviting guests to share their own experiences and encounters. They have also leaned into merchandise featuring the Grey Lady. You can find t-shirts, mugs and lots of other items on the library’s website.
Overnight paranormal investigations are also offered. The library suggests a minimum donation of $250 for small groups, with larger contributions appreciated for bigger groups. You can find information for the overnight investigations on the library’s website.
Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the tales of the Willard Library serve as a reminder of the blurry line that exists between history and the supernatural. As you step through its halls, you might just feel the presence of those who came before, eager to share their stories. The whispers of the past linger in the air, ensuring that the legacy of the Grey Lady and the other spirits of Willard Library will continue to enthrall generations to come.
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