Joshua Dowidat

Haunted Places: Orpheum Theatre

Hello Everyone,

The theatre we will visit this week goes back to the roaring twenties, or at least the end of the period, as we continue our journey through haunted places in Arizona. The Orpheum Theatre resides in the small very traffic friendly city of Phoenix, Arizona. Anybody who has been there will understand that.

Orpheum Theatre:

The Orpheum Theatre was built in 1929, or I should say completed. Like many large structures it takes some time to build them, in this case about two years. The original style of the theatre was for Vaudeville acts and it was built with the common Spanish architectural style that much of Southern and Central Arizona are famous for.

The theatre was renamed several times as new owners took possession of it over the years. After some years the building was falling apart and in need of repair. It was purchased in 1984 Continue reading →

Kachina Dolls

Hello Everyone,

 

The Kachina Dolls date back further than many think and were traditionally ceremonial tools. In the 19th century is when they became more well-known throughout the United States as they were made to sell and trade with settlers. Now although some of them have what kind of appears to be an eerie look to me, I decided to keep them out of my Eerie for Thoughts segment and write about them as something else.

 

Kachina Dolls:

 

To the Hopi they are known as Katsina Figures. Which were the traditional deities of the Hopi people who had control over the natural elements such as rain. They also had a large amount of control on society. From this they could bring prosperity and good harvest to the people that were part of the culture.

 

The Hopi Nations are prominently in Northeastern Arizona and that Continue reading →

Haunted Places: Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

Hello Everyone,

Another month has passed us by and to finish it up I am also finishing with my last haunted place in Arizona. At least for a while. This place holds a significant connection with me and my writings, maybe you’ll figure it out later. This place has gained popularity in folklore, history and modern day treasure hunting in the West. Of course, if you haven’t already guessed it by reading the title, I am talking about the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.

The Lost Dutchman:

To figure out the mystery behind the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine you probably have to know a little bit about the Lost Dutchman himself.

There are many tales claiming who the Lost Dutchman truly was but most people do believe he was in fact Dutch or German. The story that I feel holds the most weight is that the Lost Dutchman was a gentleman Continue reading →

Haunted Places: Vulture Mine

Hello Everyone,

As we continue through our session of haunted places in Arizona this one is a little different from the others. It is not a building or a cemetery but a place within the Earth. The haunted place is Vulture Mine in Wickenburg, AZ. The Gold mine to be more specific.

Wickenburg:

Named after Henry Wickenburg who was also the founder of the Vulture Mine, the town first started being established in 1863. Although some buildings and settlers with gold in their eyes already lived in the area that town did not take off until then. Much of the surrounding area is named after the first prospectors who ventured to the area as well.

The town is primarily in Maricopa County but a good portion of it lies within Yavapai Country also. With a bloody history from the start the town did help pave the way for grounding other Continue reading →

Haunted Places: The Copper Queen Hotel

Hello Everyone,

Got several more of these nice little haunted places in Arizona. This week I want to talk about another place that I had the pleasure of visiting and even spending the night at. Bisbee’s own haunted hotel, The Copper Queen Hotel.

Although Bisbee holds other haunted places among the old mining town of the west, this is the location that many hear about and perhaps the Oliver House.

Bisbee:

The town goes back to the old times of the Wild West and all its glory. The town was founded predominantly as a mining town, mainly copper, silver and gold. Established in 1880 the town still serves as a home for many residents. Now the Victorian style decor of much of the town and the famous mines serve more as a traveling destination for tourist and others seeking to grasp a little bit of the mining old west. In Continue reading →

Haunted Places: Yuma Territorial Prison

Hello Everyone,

I might have forgotten to mention that the haunted places I am currently doing all reside in Arizona. Maybe after a few more you might have guessed it for any of you who are locals. This week we are going to discuss another place that I have had the pleasure of visiting. The Yuma Territorial Prison.

A Good Location for a Prison:

Many of you familiar with the cities in Arizona, have most likely heard of Yuma. Bordering California it sits as far west as one can almost go in Arizona. Although many think of the sand dunes immediately when the think of Yuma there is other ecosystems there as well. Lush tributaries break off from the Colorado River providing good soil and water resources for farming.

Because of this water in the middle of such an arid climate the area could sustain life. And what better place Continue reading →

Haunted Places: Boot Hill

Hello Everyone,

As many of my southeastern Arizona followers know, Boot Hill is the famous cemetery just outside of Tombstone, Arizona. This cemetery is famous for its notable tombstones that share both humorous messages and also some eerie pasts.

What Boot Hill?

Well as it turns out, there are numerous “Boot Hill” cemeteries across the western parts of the United States of America. This is because it was a common saying for the burial grounds of gunfighters that were more prone to be living in these parts.

The term basically means that they died with their boots on.

Tombstone’s Boot Hill, a little History:

First off, the cemetery was not always in the location that we know it to be today. The cemetery was relocated to the current area in 1884 and is the resting place of over 250 people. This included everyone at the time. It could be the Continue reading →