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More Haunted Fun in Stumptown

As the leaves change and the sun sets over the West Hills a little earlier in the day, your friendly neighborhood Geek’s attention once again turns toward the creepy and paranormal. Well, when I'm not scouring the dusty back issue bins for Neil Adams issues of Batman, I'm poking around old buildings listening for things that go bump in the night. As many readers have requested... Volume 2 of haunted Portland:

Brews, Movies, and the Undead - The Baghdad Theatre: Built in 1921 by Universal Studios, the Baghdad Theatre is one of the last of the grand old Vaudevillian theatres not torn down in the name of jammed pack multiplexes. Unknown to most of the patrons who visit the theatre at 3702 SE Hawthorne on a daily basis, a ghost resides in the lesser known and never used screen behind the main theatre. The story goes that on a cold Christmas Eve, a distraught projectionist wrapped a rope around his neck and hung himself. Although some employees like to scare rookies with a hanging dummy, even they can't explain the strange sounds and electrical problems that often plague that area of the theatre. However, if you really want to hear a frightful tale, ask any longtime employee about the backstage basement. Although strapped for storage space, the backstage basement is still avoided by most of the workers. Doors that lead nowhere, lights that refuse to work and the unearthly cold keeps all out...

A Ghostly Tale - Powell's Books: I guess if I had founded the world’s largest used bookstores I wouldn't want to leave either. Walter Powell, the founder of Portland’s most famous bookstore, is said to wander the aisles just outside Rose Room. For reasons unknown, Tuesday nights is Walter’s favorite night and he can often be seen near the drinking fountain. However, you can still pay your respects at any hour of the day. Simply say a few words as you pass the book sculpture outside the northwest door. The ashen remains of Walter reside within, but don't let creep you out. They used to sit in the rare book room, behind the counter of course.

A Centennial Spirit - The Fairmount Apartments: Built in 1905 as part of the Lewis and Clark Centennial Celebration, the Fairmount Apartments is the last building still standing as a reminder of that celebration. Once a grand hotel, the Fairmount has been converted into apartment living for residents within Northwest Portland. Considered one of the most haunted locations within the city, residents do their best to live in harmony with the spirits of the Fairmount Apartments. A fair warning to anyone who chooses to live with in the century old building: Try to secure an upper apartment. Not only is the view better, but the spirits are a tad more friendly as many residents and visitors have complained about the malevolent, even violent ghosts that wander the lower halls of the Fairmount Apartments.

Real Haunts with the Fake Ones - The Old Regal Tigard Cinemas: I know I already mentioned the spirits that wander the halls and rooms of the old Regal Cinema, now home to the excellent 13thDoor. However, the Pacific Paranormal Research Society has recently posted images, video, and some extremely creepy EVP taken during their weekend ghost tours. Although over for the year, I am certain they will be back next year and you can, perhaps, have your own ghostly encounter with the spirit world. Just watch your back, as a few of the spirits within the old theatre are not very cordial and; there is at least one displaced body that enjoys shutting doors behind you. Enjoy!