Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Henry County Heritage Trust shares local ghost stories
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT – Representatives of Henry County Heritage Trust sent a shiver down the spine of all who attended their frightful program on the “Ghosts & Witches of Henry County” Saturday, Oct. 18.
Organizer Pat White said this was the first year the historical society had ever organized an event focusing on the ghost stories, spooky lore, and other unusual happenings at the area’s landmarks. This also marked the final program of the museum’s season that runs from Monday through October.
Last year when the members of Henry County Heritage Trust were meeting to discuss their lineup of events for 2025, they were looking at doing two per month. When it came to October, they figured a Halloween-themed program would be appropriate. Committee member Joel Garretson piped up to say that he had some good ghost stories about the old historic farmhouse he lives in, which ended up being a major focus of Saturday’s program.
White said she thought of a few “strange happenings” at places such as the Harlan Lincoln House and the legend of the Witch of Merrimac. Lynn Ellsworth was also enlisted to share stories she knew about.
“We had a great crowd, over 50, which is good for us,” White said. “It was a little something different, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We’ve already decided we’ll do it again next year.”
White said this was the first year Henry County Heritage Trust has held so many programs, a concerted effort by the group to bring more people to the Henry County Museum and James Van Allen House. In the past, the group hosted one event every four or six weeks, but now it’s doing two per month.
The museum is open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays from May through October, and by appointment.
