For the sixth year in a row, ghosts and goblins will rule the streets of Old Louisville. Residents in Victorian garb will roam the neighborhood, stopping to tell tales of the haunted souls from a bygone era. And visitors will be given a glimpse of Louisville history unlike any they've ever seen.
It's the Victorian Ghost Walk, the annual event that showcases one of the nation's grandest Victorian neighborhoods...and one of the most haunted!
Inspired by David Domine's Ghosts of Old Louisville books, the tour will take participants through the neighborhoods of Old Louisville, led by costumed guides. They will roam down gas-lit streets and alleys, allowed to visit several of the mansions, while the guides and interpreters share stories of the legends and ghosts of the period. Mr. Domine will even lead several of the tours himself!
This is an event that is truly unique to Louisville, and is a must, not only for history buffs, but for anyone that loves the halloween season.
Behind the scenes
The Victorian Ghost Walk is sponsored by The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council, and the West St. Catherine Neighborhood Association. Joan Stewart, Chairman of the OLNA, and an actor in the tour, sounds like a kid at Christmas (pardon the mixed-holiday metaphor) as she talks about the event, and shares one of the tales that will be told.
"There's the story of Tom Turner," she tells. "He lost the love of his life, and he was found hanging from a tree."
She wants to stress that this is a neighborhood effort, and invites the residents to dress in Victorian costumes and walk the streets during the tours.
The production is directed by Ronald Lew Harris, a respected director and actor in New York City for 30 years who now resides in Louisville.
David Domine is considered to be the expert on the hauntings of Old Louisville. His works include Ghosts of Old Louisville, Phantoms of Old Louisville and Haunts of Old Louisville. He also has books on the food of the region, including Splash of Bourbon. Check out his Amazon.com site HERE.
The when and where
The event takes place on October 29, 30 and 31. Tours form every 15 minutes at the Old Louisville Information Center at 1340 South Fourth St., starting at 6:00pm. The final tour departs at 7:30.
Sites on the tour include Central Park, Floral Terrace, Fountain Court, Millionaire's Row, and The Conrad-Caldwell House on St. James Court. Advance tickets can be purchased for $20, or $25 on the day of the tour.
For more info, or to purchase tickets, call 502-635-5244.
