So even with Halloween over I had to squeeze in one last post!
Those of you that keep up with my endeavors over the last couple years have likely read of my many adventures in the world of living history. One place I have done quite a bit with is the Depreciation Lands Museum in Allison Park, PA.
Over the years, living history and reenacting has become a great part of my life, being interwoven into my musical and writing endeavors. Of course, I love history and learning of those that came before us, for we can learn much from our predecessors. And oftentimes, what we may uncover can be surprising and even might oppose what we are typically told.
In addition to discovering new uncharted territory in the realm of those that came before us, I also have been able to explore more options when it comes to my fictional, non-fiction, and songwriting. I was also given opportunity to explore its haunted history. You see, along with being a haven for folks wishing for a journey into the past and walk into a world not their own, the museum is also home to a specter known as The Deacon.
Now the story of The Deacon dates back to 1973 when an old, deserted church not at all far from the museum was being fixed up after Hampton Township bought the property. Workers claimed to see sightings of a tall old man dressed in a long black coat and dark trousers appear briefly before vanishing into the air. The man appeared as someone from another era, perhaps 18th century. He appeared so often that workers decided to officially name him. Thus, he was christened The Deacon.
Now those who might be having second thoughts of visiting the Depreciation Lands Museum due to risks of encountering a malevolent spirit, never fear. Those claim to have encountered The Deacon speak of him being rather helpful, even seeming to be glad about having the church fixed up, even if it is merely for show. While this ghost has never spoken to ones he appears to, his actions seem to confirm that he harbors no ill will toward any of the living.
His first known time helping someone who was working on restoring the church was when a woman was attempting to replace one of the windows. As she struggled with squaring up the frames for a snug fit, she saw The Deacon watching her out of the corner of her eye. Whenever she turned to face him, he vanished.
Exasperated and frustrated over her disappearing spectator, she stated, "Don't just stand there. The least you can do is help me out!"
Right after that, her knife was able to cut into the wood perfectly, allowing the window to slide right into place.
Other incidents involve a young man standing on a ladder painting the frame around the stairwell. Eyewitnesses say that his ladder slipped about halfway off the wall, only to pop back up and save him from what might other wise have been a fatal fall. Those present believe that The Deacon was the one responsible for saving the young worker.
Despite his helpfulness though, he can be on the gruff side. There is also a report of how an electrician stormed out frustrated when the light switch he turned on kept getting turned off. And yes, no other live human was in the room with him. But overall, The Deacon seems to be an overall friendly spectator willing to step in and help out those working to preserve his building.
The Depreciation Lands Museum is open to the public between the months of May and October. While their 2018 season has ended, there are still some events taking place throughout the winter and early spring, so check their calendar to see what they've got going on. :)
Bibliography:
Ghosts Stories of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County by Beth E. Trapani and Charles J. Adams III
Pensylvania Haunts & History: http://hauntsandhistory.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-deacon.html
Those of you that keep up with my endeavors over the last couple years have likely read of my many adventures in the world of living history. One place I have done quite a bit with is the Depreciation Lands Museum in Allison Park, PA.
Over the years, living history and reenacting has become a great part of my life, being interwoven into my musical and writing endeavors. Of course, I love history and learning of those that came before us, for we can learn much from our predecessors. And oftentimes, what we may uncover can be surprising and even might oppose what we are typically told.
In addition to discovering new uncharted territory in the realm of those that came before us, I also have been able to explore more options when it comes to my fictional, non-fiction, and songwriting. I was also given opportunity to explore its haunted history. You see, along with being a haven for folks wishing for a journey into the past and walk into a world not their own, the museum is also home to a specter known as The Deacon.
Now the story of The Deacon dates back to 1973 when an old, deserted church not at all far from the museum was being fixed up after Hampton Township bought the property. Workers claimed to see sightings of a tall old man dressed in a long black coat and dark trousers appear briefly before vanishing into the air. The man appeared as someone from another era, perhaps 18th century. He appeared so often that workers decided to officially name him. Thus, he was christened The Deacon.
Now those who might be having second thoughts of visiting the Depreciation Lands Museum due to risks of encountering a malevolent spirit, never fear. Those claim to have encountered The Deacon speak of him being rather helpful, even seeming to be glad about having the church fixed up, even if it is merely for show. While this ghost has never spoken to ones he appears to, his actions seem to confirm that he harbors no ill will toward any of the living.
His first known time helping someone who was working on restoring the church was when a woman was attempting to replace one of the windows. As she struggled with squaring up the frames for a snug fit, she saw The Deacon watching her out of the corner of her eye. Whenever she turned to face him, he vanished.
Exasperated and frustrated over her disappearing spectator, she stated, "Don't just stand there. The least you can do is help me out!"
Right after that, her knife was able to cut into the wood perfectly, allowing the window to slide right into place.
Other incidents involve a young man standing on a ladder painting the frame around the stairwell. Eyewitnesses say that his ladder slipped about halfway off the wall, only to pop back up and save him from what might other wise have been a fatal fall. Those present believe that The Deacon was the one responsible for saving the young worker.
Despite his helpfulness though, he can be on the gruff side. There is also a report of how an electrician stormed out frustrated when the light switch he turned on kept getting turned off. And yes, no other live human was in the room with him. But overall, The Deacon seems to be an overall friendly spectator willing to step in and help out those working to preserve his building.
The Depreciation Lands Museum is open to the public between the months of May and October. While their 2018 season has ended, there are still some events taking place throughout the winter and early spring, so check their calendar to see what they've got going on. :)
Bibliography:
Ghosts Stories of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County by Beth E. Trapani and Charles J. Adams III
Pensylvania Haunts & History: http://hauntsandhistory.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-deacon.html
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Thank you for reading! Go on a five day journey through time with me and receive a song or mystical story each day!
Begin your journey here:
WEBSITE: http://tiffanyapan.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/tiffanyapanmusic
ANTIQUITY & ILLUSION SHOP: https://antiquityillusion.bigcartelcom/
BANDCAMP: http://tiffanyapan.bandcamp.com
OTHER MUSICAL PROJECTS:
WAYWARD COMPANIONS: http://wayward-companions.com
PITTSBURGH HISTORICAL MUSIC SOCIETY: http://pittsburghhistoricalmusicsociety.org
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