Cemetery Disappeared Poole Cemetery Mystery David McLaughlin (now deceased) had been trying to get people to listen to his story of the old family cemetery located at 976 Hixville Road where some of his ancestors are buried. A notarized statement written by David McLaughlin reads:
“The Poole Cemetery in Dartmouth, Massachusetts doesn’t have any headstones left in it. They were removed by the owner at the time Mr. Perry, this was during the mid 1930s. They were all removed at the same time. David McLaughlin’s mother Jennie McLaughlin went to the town many times while this was happening and it was not stopped. All of the stones were removed and were seen across the street at the Perry’s home in various places over the years. The one upright stone in the area looks like the fieldstone grave markers common to the Hixville neighborhood’s small family cemeteries.“They were behind the barn in front of the stone wall for a time. When they were turned over they looked like a nice stepping stone. They were used as stepping stones at doorways for the different sheds, barns, house or any place where you would need one. There was a walkway at the back/side door that was made with the headstones that later on was covered over with cement."
The Poole Cemetery was part of a 15-acre parcel of land, however the exact boundaries of the cemetery are unknown. A developer (Christian Farland Raynham MA) began construction of six (6) homes on this 15-acre parcel and the neighbors immediately voiced concern about the cemetery.
Using old maps from 1871 and 1895 it clearly showed a cemetery plot in this area. A copy of a 1930 deed clearly indicates one of the 15 acre parcel’s boundary runs “to the Poole Burial lot.” A hand-drawn map showing where the burial ground is located, near an old barn that was torn down as part of the housing construction. The project was put on hold, and the developer brought in ground-penetrating radar. Percolation test pits dug in the vicinity showed no evidence of grave sites, according to town officials who later cleared the construction plans. The project was allowed to resume.
Probate Records turned up a deed description of the land reserved for the burial ground from one-time owner Jacob Poole, citing distances from the road and adjoining stone walls on the property but the records don’t help to conclusively identify the exact location of the burial ground. No real progress has been made in the effort to recognize the site. As of January 2016 the old maps and other resources failed to pinpoint the exact location of the old cemetery, the town allowed the new homes to be constructed, The developer was notified by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, who investigates unmarked cemeteries, advising them “to take certain precautions” when building near the suspected grave sites. Disturbance of a burial ground could result in criminal prosecution if it was done knowingly.
During the construction period no remains were unearthed.
“The Poole Cemetery in Dartmouth, Massachusetts doesn’t have any headstones left in it. They were removed by the owner at the time Mr. Perry, this was during the mid 1930s. They were all removed at the same time. David McLaughlin’s mother Jennie McLaughlin went to the town many times while this was happening and it was not stopped. All of the stones were removed and were seen across the street at the Perry’s home in various places over the years. The one upright stone in the area looks like the fieldstone grave markers common to the Hixville neighborhood’s small family cemeteries.“They were behind the barn in front of the stone wall for a time. When they were turned over they looked like a nice stepping stone. They were used as stepping stones at doorways for the different sheds, barns, house or any place where you would need one. There was a walkway at the back/side door that was made with the headstones that later on was covered over with cement."
The Poole Cemetery was part of a 15-acre parcel of land, however the exact boundaries of the cemetery are unknown. A developer (Christian Farland Raynham MA) began construction of six (6) homes on this 15-acre parcel and the neighbors immediately voiced concern about the cemetery.
Using old maps from 1871 and 1895 it clearly showed a cemetery plot in this area. A copy of a 1930 deed clearly indicates one of the 15 acre parcel’s boundary runs “to the Poole Burial lot.” A hand-drawn map showing where the burial ground is located, near an old barn that was torn down as part of the housing construction. The project was put on hold, and the developer brought in ground-penetrating radar. Percolation test pits dug in the vicinity showed no evidence of grave sites, according to town officials who later cleared the construction plans. The project was allowed to resume.
Probate Records turned up a deed description of the land reserved for the burial ground from one-time owner Jacob Poole, citing distances from the road and adjoining stone walls on the property but the records don’t help to conclusively identify the exact location of the burial ground. No real progress has been made in the effort to recognize the site. As of January 2016 the old maps and other resources failed to pinpoint the exact location of the old cemetery, the town allowed the new homes to be constructed, The developer was notified by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, who investigates unmarked cemeteries, advising them “to take certain precautions” when building near the suspected grave sites. Disturbance of a burial ground could result in criminal prosecution if it was done knowingly.
During the construction period no remains were unearthed.
Paranormal Dartmouth Town Hall Mystery "Elmer M. Poole School"
Is Dartmouth Town Hall haunted? Many employees have claimed to hear footsteps walking along the corridor on the 3rd floor. Could moving the bodies play a role?
Background:
The Elmer M. Poole School opened in 1926 and served as the high school until 1955. In 1956 the Poole School was then used as the middle school until 1966, as the new Dartmouth Middle School (now Quinn Elementary) was being constructed. From 1966 to 1982 the Poole School was used as an overflow for the high school. In 1987 the Poole School then became the Dartmouth Town Hall. The wall clock that hung in the principals office, when in use as a high school, now hangs in the Select Board's meeting room.
Prior to the construction of the Poole School in 1926, the 80-acre parcel of land was occupied by the Dartmouth Almshouse, which provided charitable housing to those in need. Aid was typically limited to the elderly and disabled. The Almshouse ceased operation in 1917.
An early 1900s photo of the almshouse is hanging in the town clerk’s office shows a cemetery in front of the building. Archived town reports confirmed there was indeed a cemetery on the current Town Hall property.
Almshouse Cemetery
In 1917 Town meeting approved the removal of the seven (7) bodies buried on this property. The remains were moved to the South Dartmouth (Padanaram) Cemetery next to the maintenance shed. Those relocated were Winifred Harley (1916-1916), Priscilla (Clark) Weston (1845-1915), William Hanson (1879-1916), Hannah (Anthony) Gidley (1845-1915), Jonathan Reed (1809-1887), George H Kirby (1827-1887) and Jireh Russell (1805-1887).
Is Dartmouth Town Hall haunted? Many employees have claimed to hear footsteps walking along the corridor on the 3rd floor. Could moving the bodies play a role?
Background:
The Elmer M. Poole School opened in 1926 and served as the high school until 1955. In 1956 the Poole School was then used as the middle school until 1966, as the new Dartmouth Middle School (now Quinn Elementary) was being constructed. From 1966 to 1982 the Poole School was used as an overflow for the high school. In 1987 the Poole School then became the Dartmouth Town Hall. The wall clock that hung in the principals office, when in use as a high school, now hangs in the Select Board's meeting room.
Prior to the construction of the Poole School in 1926, the 80-acre parcel of land was occupied by the Dartmouth Almshouse, which provided charitable housing to those in need. Aid was typically limited to the elderly and disabled. The Almshouse ceased operation in 1917.
An early 1900s photo of the almshouse is hanging in the town clerk’s office shows a cemetery in front of the building. Archived town reports confirmed there was indeed a cemetery on the current Town Hall property.
Almshouse Cemetery
In 1917 Town meeting approved the removal of the seven (7) bodies buried on this property. The remains were moved to the South Dartmouth (Padanaram) Cemetery next to the maintenance shed. Those relocated were Winifred Harley (1916-1916), Priscilla (Clark) Weston (1845-1915), William Hanson (1879-1916), Hannah (Anthony) Gidley (1845-1915), Jonathan Reed (1809-1887), George H Kirby (1827-1887) and Jireh Russell (1805-1887).
Paranormal Hixville Fire Station Mystery Is it haunted? Many have reported a 4-year old roams the building, who allegedly died on the property. There is no evidence to support this story.
Some locals also claim a teacher's spirit remains and shadow figures are seen in the old classroom and front hallway. No evidence has been documented supporting this claim.
Background:
On November 2 1870 Clothier Pierce sold a parcel of land to the Town of Dartmouth for $150. It was stipulated in the deed the White Oak tree standing near the roadway (removed in 2018) was to remain on the lot and the fence must be maintained.
On June 6 1870 Ephraim & Susan Gidley sold a parcel of land to the Town of Dartmouth for $37.60. These two parcels together formed the site of the future school - Hixville School. An 1871 map of the Town of Dartmouth indicates a schoolhouse was now present on the site. A schoolhouse was constructed on the site in 1907, which replaced and earlier building that was condemned in 1906. The current building was constructed in 1922, and in 1939 was deemed obsolete and the students were moved to other schools, and the building remained empty.
On April 7 1959 the Town of Dartmouth sold the former schoolhouse to the First Christian Church. The deed indicates "The building shall be used by the church solely for church purposes." On April 2 1968 The First Christian Church sold the building back to the Town of Dartmouth. On June 10 1968 The Town of Dartmouth deeded the building to Dartmouth Fire District #3. The garage was added to house fire apparatus and Fire Station #2 was established.
* This is an active fire station, no trespassing *
Some locals also claim a teacher's spirit remains and shadow figures are seen in the old classroom and front hallway. No evidence has been documented supporting this claim.
Background:
On November 2 1870 Clothier Pierce sold a parcel of land to the Town of Dartmouth for $150. It was stipulated in the deed the White Oak tree standing near the roadway (removed in 2018) was to remain on the lot and the fence must be maintained.
On June 6 1870 Ephraim & Susan Gidley sold a parcel of land to the Town of Dartmouth for $37.60. These two parcels together formed the site of the future school - Hixville School. An 1871 map of the Town of Dartmouth indicates a schoolhouse was now present on the site. A schoolhouse was constructed on the site in 1907, which replaced and earlier building that was condemned in 1906. The current building was constructed in 1922, and in 1939 was deemed obsolete and the students were moved to other schools, and the building remained empty.
On April 7 1959 the Town of Dartmouth sold the former schoolhouse to the First Christian Church. The deed indicates "The building shall be used by the church solely for church purposes." On April 2 1968 The First Christian Church sold the building back to the Town of Dartmouth. On June 10 1968 The Town of Dartmouth deeded the building to Dartmouth Fire District #3. The garage was added to house fire apparatus and Fire Station #2 was established.
* This is an active fire station, no trespassing *
Paranormal Saint Mary's Cemetery 1854 Mystery Who's haunting the cemetery ? On occasion I've been contacted by people who made claims of seeing ghostly apparitions in the cemetery. These claims have come from two (2) different sections of the cemetery. Could it be from bodies being moved there?
Have you had any experiences or saw something unusual?
Background
Bishop Jean Cheverus took notice of the growing Irish-Catholic community in New Bedford and purchased land at the intersection of Allen and Dartmouth Street on March 3, 1821.
In 1822, Father Philip Lariscy, arrived and began raising funds to build a church on the lot purchased by Bishop Cheverus. His venture proved successful, and a 30 by 45 foot church was constructed costing $800. Bishop Cheverus would later return to dedicate the completed building.
Father Lariscy's successor, Father Robert D. Woodley would expand upon this original structure. There was a succession of about seven priests between Father Woodley and Father Thomas R. McNulty.
Father McNulty raised money and purchased a church from the Universalist Congregation at the corner of Fifth (Pleasant St.) and School Streets for $3,500, and named it after St. Mary. The original church was sold for $100 and, the new owner disassembled it and moved it across the street. The original lot it stood on, purchased by Bishop Cheverus, became a cemetery until 1849.
In 1854, Father McNulty's successor, Father Henry Henniss, closed the cemetery, prohibiting further burials, and sold the unused land.
In 1856 Father Henniss purchased seven (7) acres of land on the New Bedford–Dartmouth line for a cemetery. Father Henniss had the new cemetery graded, laid out and enclosed with a stonewall. On April 12 1856 undertook the stressful work of transferring the remains of those interred at the Allen Street churchyard to the new St. Mary’s Cemetery. The exact location, and the names of those moved is unknown. It's believed they were buried together in a mass grave.
Father Henniss (37) died unexpectedly on Sept. 21, 1859 from terminal illness and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Father Joseph P. Tallon (32), succeeded Father Henniss, he was the assistant to Father Henniss for two (2) years. He in 1864 and lies buried next Father Henniss in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Section 23 Ghostly Apparition
"Me AND my 16 year old daughter watched an apparition for about 2-3 minutes in St Mary’s cemetery this summer 2021. It was a headless mist walking and formed into a person but lost its legs. I haven’t been able to take a walk in the cemetery since but my daughter has which blows my mind. When we got back we were so amped up with adrenaline and my niece sleepover and asked if we got it on video? We were so stressed out that we didn’t even think to use her phone. It was the most exciting, unexpected situation we have ever experienced together. In the end, I’m glad it happened just wish I could walk in the cemetery again. It really is pretty and right next to our house The section we saw the apparition in was where Macomber Ave runs into the cemetery because Macomber is a dead end. The figure formed and walked behind the graves along the tree line from left to right and then continued walking into the cemetery. So if you were looking at the cemetery from the front gates the apparition was in the far back left corner and continued traveling along the back side to the right. I’ll never forget it as long as I live!'
Section 8 Ghostly Apparition
"One night we were walking down the road along section 8 and saw a fog or mist in the shape of a person move from behind one headstone and walk down the hill past a few more and then just vanished."
Another story shared was regarding a male who was found hanging from a tree in the 1980's.
"From what I remember, of the story, the police were looking for someone who had stole a purse from an old lady at Shaw's and ran into the cemetery. One of the officers jumped the wall and while searching thru the woods, bumped into the body hanging from a tree, this wasn't the person they were searching for."
Have you had any experiences or saw something unusual?
Background
Bishop Jean Cheverus took notice of the growing Irish-Catholic community in New Bedford and purchased land at the intersection of Allen and Dartmouth Street on March 3, 1821.
In 1822, Father Philip Lariscy, arrived and began raising funds to build a church on the lot purchased by Bishop Cheverus. His venture proved successful, and a 30 by 45 foot church was constructed costing $800. Bishop Cheverus would later return to dedicate the completed building.
Father Lariscy's successor, Father Robert D. Woodley would expand upon this original structure. There was a succession of about seven priests between Father Woodley and Father Thomas R. McNulty.
Father McNulty raised money and purchased a church from the Universalist Congregation at the corner of Fifth (Pleasant St.) and School Streets for $3,500, and named it after St. Mary. The original church was sold for $100 and, the new owner disassembled it and moved it across the street. The original lot it stood on, purchased by Bishop Cheverus, became a cemetery until 1849.
In 1854, Father McNulty's successor, Father Henry Henniss, closed the cemetery, prohibiting further burials, and sold the unused land.
In 1856 Father Henniss purchased seven (7) acres of land on the New Bedford–Dartmouth line for a cemetery. Father Henniss had the new cemetery graded, laid out and enclosed with a stonewall. On April 12 1856 undertook the stressful work of transferring the remains of those interred at the Allen Street churchyard to the new St. Mary’s Cemetery. The exact location, and the names of those moved is unknown. It's believed they were buried together in a mass grave.
Father Henniss (37) died unexpectedly on Sept. 21, 1859 from terminal illness and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Father Joseph P. Tallon (32), succeeded Father Henniss, he was the assistant to Father Henniss for two (2) years. He in 1864 and lies buried next Father Henniss in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Section 23 Ghostly Apparition
"Me AND my 16 year old daughter watched an apparition for about 2-3 minutes in St Mary’s cemetery this summer 2021. It was a headless mist walking and formed into a person but lost its legs. I haven’t been able to take a walk in the cemetery since but my daughter has which blows my mind. When we got back we were so amped up with adrenaline and my niece sleepover and asked if we got it on video? We were so stressed out that we didn’t even think to use her phone. It was the most exciting, unexpected situation we have ever experienced together. In the end, I’m glad it happened just wish I could walk in the cemetery again. It really is pretty and right next to our house The section we saw the apparition in was where Macomber Ave runs into the cemetery because Macomber is a dead end. The figure formed and walked behind the graves along the tree line from left to right and then continued walking into the cemetery. So if you were looking at the cemetery from the front gates the apparition was in the far back left corner and continued traveling along the back side to the right. I’ll never forget it as long as I live!'
Section 8 Ghostly Apparition
"One night we were walking down the road along section 8 and saw a fog or mist in the shape of a person move from behind one headstone and walk down the hill past a few more and then just vanished."
Another story shared was regarding a male who was found hanging from a tree in the 1980's.
"From what I remember, of the story, the police were looking for someone who had stole a purse from an old lady at Shaw's and ran into the cemetery. One of the officers jumped the wall and while searching thru the woods, bumped into the body hanging from a tree, this wasn't the person they were searching for."
Cemetery Disappeared Slave Burial Ground Mystery During a meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society held at Christian Endeavor Hall, Smith Mills on July 1 1905, an interesting discussion by Edward Tucker took place regarding a “Slave Burial Ground” at what is today Allen Street and Tucker Road. Tucker stated the gravestone stones were removed sometime after 1905. It is not known by who or when they were removed. It's also unknown many people were allegedly buried here.
Down the hillside, over the pastures towards the river, is a place but little known and almost never visited, and which a stranger at this day, in spite of careful landmarks and close scrutiny, would with great difficulty discover, namely, the slave burial ground. So completely has this interesting spot reverted to its natural condition, surrounded by no barrier and used year after year as a grazing spot for cattle, that we have to scan the ground closely for the external evidence of the graves which lie beneath our feet. But here they are, one row after another, giving us no clue other than their presence, as to the origin of this burial place, and the tradition that it was a last resting place for slaves. As year succeeds year the traces of this burial ground are disappearing, and eventually its distinguishing features will be lost. No visible memorial rises above them. No inscribed tablet furnishes a history of the names, the ages, and the origin of this apparently forgotten race. In whose service they lived and died, must to all intents and purposes remain unknown.
Down the hillside, over the pastures towards the river, is a place but little known and almost never visited, and which a stranger at this day, in spite of careful landmarks and close scrutiny, would with great difficulty discover, namely, the slave burial ground. So completely has this interesting spot reverted to its natural condition, surrounded by no barrier and used year after year as a grazing spot for cattle, that we have to scan the ground closely for the external evidence of the graves which lie beneath our feet. But here they are, one row after another, giving us no clue other than their presence, as to the origin of this burial place, and the tradition that it was a last resting place for slaves. As year succeeds year the traces of this burial ground are disappearing, and eventually its distinguishing features will be lost. No visible memorial rises above them. No inscribed tablet furnishes a history of the names, the ages, and the origin of this apparently forgotten race. In whose service they lived and died, must to all intents and purposes remain unknown.
UMASS-Dartmouth Mystery
According to legend, Paul Rudolph, the architect, was a devil worshiper and it was his love of Satan that led him to design the campus as a monument to his Dark Lord. Hoping to use it as a portal for him to rise up from Hell and walk the Earth.
The Campanile Tower at the center of the campus was supposed to be used to broadcast to all the demons around the globe that the boss was coming. The story goes that a distraught Paul Rudolph, jumped from the campanile on June 6, 1966—6/6/66—sometime between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. On the sixth day of any month, you can spot Rudolph’s glowing ghost standing atop the needle during those same hours.
Located outside of the Campus Center in the inner area of of the campus, are the famous "666" benches. These benches are supposedly proof-positive of Rudolph's devil worshiping.
The legend is more interesting than the truth. Paul Rudolph designed the campus in the Brutalist style that was just beginning to fall out of favor at the time it was designed. Rudolph used the same style when designing Boston City Hall and the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington, D.C. As for waiting at the campanile to get a glimpse of his ghost, you have a long wait. Paul Rudolph died on Aug 8 1997 in New York at the age of 78. His death was from cancer, not suicide, after years of exposure to asbestos.
According to legend, Paul Rudolph, the architect, was a devil worshiper and it was his love of Satan that led him to design the campus as a monument to his Dark Lord. Hoping to use it as a portal for him to rise up from Hell and walk the Earth.
The Campanile Tower at the center of the campus was supposed to be used to broadcast to all the demons around the globe that the boss was coming. The story goes that a distraught Paul Rudolph, jumped from the campanile on June 6, 1966—6/6/66—sometime between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. On the sixth day of any month, you can spot Rudolph’s glowing ghost standing atop the needle during those same hours.
Located outside of the Campus Center in the inner area of of the campus, are the famous "666" benches. These benches are supposedly proof-positive of Rudolph's devil worshiping.
The legend is more interesting than the truth. Paul Rudolph designed the campus in the Brutalist style that was just beginning to fall out of favor at the time it was designed. Rudolph used the same style when designing Boston City Hall and the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington, D.C. As for waiting at the campanile to get a glimpse of his ghost, you have a long wait. Paul Rudolph died on Aug 8 1997 in New York at the age of 78. His death was from cancer, not suicide, after years of exposure to asbestos.