Bowling Green Uncovers Dark History with Halloween Tours
This Halloween season, Bowling Green is opening its doors to the past, revealing the city’s rich history that dates back to the 1700s. However, not all stories from this charming city reflect the peaceful side of history. Some reveal a darker narrative filled with tales of crime, murder, and intrigue. To highlight these lesser-known stories, Unseen Bowling Green and the Historic Rail Park are offering walking tours that dive into the city’s mysterious and often chilling past.
Unearthing the Past
Sam “The Spade” Holmes, a tour guide and local history enthusiast, leads the tours and shares captivating stories about Bowling Green’s history. “You probably heard the old phrase ‘If these walls could talk, what would they say?’ Well, I’m doing some of the talking for the walls as we go from building to building,” Holmes explained. He discusses intriguing facts and tales collected over the years, exploring notable buildings and a once-bustling railroad that connected downtown Bowling Green to the nearby Barren River.
As October approaches and Halloween nears, the focus turns toward stories of violence and crime. Holmes notes, “This being October and getting close to Halloween, murders and misdemeanors kind of go hand in hand.” He believes that while these stories may reveal some dark chapters of the city’s past, they are also fascinating and shed light on the history of Bowling Green.
Murders and Misdemeanors Tour
One of the highlights of the tour is the Murders and Misdemeanors excursion. This tour covers everything from a murder that occurred in a laundromat that is no longer in operation to tales of bootleggers who used the networks of caves beneath downtown Bowling Green. These caves provided cover during a time when the city was notorious as Little Chicago due to its criminal activities.
In addition to these tales, there is a compelling story about Morris Jewelers Store, which experienced an eerie incident after being robbed in the 1980s. The story goes that the store’s alarm system would mysteriously go off every night at midnight. “They couldn’t figure out why. They thought for sure it had to be a ghost,” Holmes recounted. After investigating the system and adjusting the timing for the printer that printed receipts, the store never again heard the alarm go off or encountered the alleged ghost.
Tour Options and Dates
The Halloween walking tours offer three unique experiences: Murders and Misdemeanors, The Real Housewives of Bowling Green, and Pauline Tabor’s XXX Tour. These tours give both residents and visitors a chance to explore the intriguing and dark aspects of Bowling Green’s past.
The tours are available on selected dates leading up to Halloween, giving everyone ample opportunity to join in on the spooky fun. For those interested in participating and learning more about these sinister stories, additional information and scheduling details can be found on the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
Conclusion
As the city gears up for Halloween, the welcome tours certainly provide a unique twist to the traditional Halloween festivities. Exploration through the streets of Bowling Green reveals hidden histories and ghostly tales that are as captivating as they are chilling. Whether you’re a history buff, a local, or just curious, the walking tours promise an engaging and thrilling insight into the darker side of the city’s history.
