Ghosts of Monongahela: Historical society’s annual candlelight walks return

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Every October, people all over the world share ghostly tales of lives and occurrences gone by in recognition of the Halloween season.
The case is no different in Monongahela, where the historical society is holding its annual Candlelight Ghostwalk 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 18 and 19.
The event, planned by Monongahela Area Historical Society members Carol Frye and Susan Bowers— both self-proclaimed scaredy cats—has been sharing eerie tales of Mon City’s lore for the past 21 years.
“The walk this year will follow our standard format,” Frye said. “We will take guests on a stroll through the historic district of Monongahela. Along the way, people will get to see the many Victorian homes in town and hear the history of those homes, as well as the history of the city.”
She said many of the ghost stories that will be shared come from current and former homeowners of those Victorian houses.
“The stories we will share tell tales of events that happened to people in town and in the houses,” Frye said. “I don’t want to give too much away because we want to keep people guessing but these people who shared these stories truly believe what they have seen. Many of the tales have been passed down to us from prominent citizens of Monongahela.”
Frye said the historical society “has no intention to scare anyone.”
“Nothing will jump out and scare you on purpose,” she said. “We leave you being scared up to your own imagination.”
She said the Candlelight Ghostwalk is similar to ghost tours that she and Bowers have taken in Gettysburg, Colonial Williamsburg and the historic district of Charleston, S.C.
“People who lived in those Victorian-style homes say they have seen a lot of things in the houses that they can’t explain, but again, I don’t want to give too much away,” Frye said. “A lot of these houses date back to the late 1800s. Who is to say what did or did not happen there.”
She said there may be chances for people to see historic artifacts on the walk.
“One family in one of the older houses has a flag that was left behind by a previous resident and they always share that they think that flag is linked to some things they have experienced and some stories they have to tell,” Frye said.
She said the event is typically “very popular.”
“We have people come from all over to take the tour,” Frye said. “One lady from Pittsburgh just reserved a ticket, but it is really amazing to see because people love the walk. They come back year after year. We have one man who has come back every year for 21 years just because he loves to hear the stories.”
Frye said the walk, which will be held rain or shine, takes around an hour and a half to complete and is “on level ground for the most part.”
Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased by calling 724-258-6432 or 724-258-2377 or visiting https://mahs.ticketleap.com/monongahela-area-historical-society-candlelight-ghostwalk/details. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event.
Those going on the walk are asked to assemble at the Longwell House, 711 W. Main St., Monongahela, across from Chess Park at 7:15 p.m. The walk begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.
Frye said people going on the tour will get to tour the Longwell House, which is the new home of the society’s office, before and after the tour. Guests can also visit the society’s gift shop.
In keeping with putting attention on the Longwell House, guests will hear the story of Capt. Longwell, who built his house in Mon City in 1772.