Pam and Hal Bullock have opened the doors of their 1872 house, Griffin Eyrie, for historic home tours before, but those visitors rarely heard of the incidents the couple will share during the Ghosts and Legends Tour Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. Tales of fatal feuds, night wanderings, a “Harry Potter” door and books that refuse to stay on the shelf keep the Bullocks wondering what the spirits under their roof may do next.
Griffin Eyrie and other stops comprise a tour of history, mystery and imagination, with colorful characters that contribute to Columbus’ storied past. Through the years, the river town was a hub for trade, travel and conflict; it’s no wonder legends and ghosts abound. Stories of heartache and violence, love and dedication transcend time and will be told by “spirits” Cherri Golden, Keith Gaskin, Edwina Williams, Paige Canida-Greene, Melissa Duncan, Kim and Kevin Fobian, Spence Andrews and Mark Huerkamp.
The Ghosts and Legends Tour is presented by the Columbus Arts Council, Mississippi University for Women Center for Women’s Research and Public Policy, the MUW Department of Theatre and the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation.
Oh, the stories
Bridget Pieschel, director of MUW’s Center for Women’s Research and Public Policy, and her husband, Steve Pieschel, provided research and helped develop scripts for the six tour stops, based on the city’s rich past.
“I’m thrilled to be working again with the CVB and the Columbus Arts Council to create another community Ghosts and Legends Tour,” said Bridget Pieschel. “In Columbus’ history there are so many great stories about legendary visits, passionate conflicts over love, and suspected hauntings that we won’t run out of material for many years.”
The 2013 tour includes some favorite sites from previous years but adds new highlights that include a cemetery landmark, a chatty but ghostly W student from the 1920s, and the tale of a suave traveling salesman who kissed the wrong man’s wife.
“These tours are always fun, and we sincerely thank the actors, guides, homeowners and other volunteers who give their time to make this available to the community,” said Columbus Arts Council Executive Director Tina Sweeten.
CAC Program Manager Beverly Norris is working closely with the cast in coordinating the tours that will focus on Columbus’ Southside, reducing ride time between stops.
“A lot of people are donating their time and talents for this, so we hope everyone will come out to support them and learn a little more about the spirits and stories that help give Columbus so much character,” said Norris. She also thanked KK Norris of The Attic Vintage Clothing, the MUW Department of Theatre, Columbus Community Theatre and some of the actors for assistance with costuming.
How to go
Bus tours will depart from the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center at 300 Main St. Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Light refreshments will be served at the Welcome Center.
Advance tickets are strongly recommended in order to reserve a seat for your preferred tour night and time. Get them at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., or call 662-328-2787 Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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