South Florida’s Most Haunted Places

Fall 2019 (Florida Coast Magazine) – “The lawn is pressed by unseen feet, and ghosts return gently at twilight, gently go at dawn. The sad intangible who grieve and yearn…” by T.S. Eliot

The Yesteryear Village

(West Palm Beach)  The Yesteryear Village is a unique place to visit in Palm Beach County. From a distance, it resembles a nuclear test village from the 1950s. Positioned on nine acres of land, the village consists of homes, old buildings, and Florida artifacts dating before 1940.

One of these buildings is the Riddle House, which was transported to the village for preservation and its historical value. Built in 1905, it was initially the home of the first city manager of West Palm Beach, Karl Riddle. It was later the home of the gatekeeper of the Woodlawn Cemetery in West Palm Beach. Finally, before being moved to Yesteryear Village, it was used as a dorm for Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Workmen who transported the house to Yesteryear Village, as well as the Yesteryear volunteers, have reported being pushed, had their hair pulled, witnessed lights flicker on and off when the house was empty, and have seen apparitions of people walking in front of windows.

It is rumored that moving the house angered the spirits. The story goes that a local handyman (Joseph) came looking for work at the Riddle House and was offered a job by the owner Karl Riddle. Joseph apparently had financial and domestic problems, and one day it proved too much for him, and he hanged himself in the attic. After Joseph’s suicide, Karl reported in his diary of strange mysterious occurrences in the house.

If this is not scary enough, then check out a creepy interview starring ghost-hunter Barry Cochrane for the television show, Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. The ghost hunter spends time at the house and whether its truth or exaggeration, there is something a little disturbing lingering right here in West Palm Beach’s Yesteryear Village.

If wanting to experience the Yesteryear village under extra spooky circumstances, visit Spookyville, held from October 18 – 20, 25 – 27, and October 31, or History and Haunts where visitors will have a unique and intimate guided tour in addition to the access of paranormal equipment. For further details and to find out information on activities, including Trick or Treat for kids under 10, please visit www.southfloridafair.com

Jonathan Dickinson State Park 

(Hobe Sound)  Jonathan Dickinson State Park, located in Martin County, attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s a popular place to hike, kayak, and observe Florida’s amazing wildlife amongst the mangroves and swamps. Camping is also a popular past-time at the park, with people falling asleep surrounded by nature and the great outdoors. There is, however, another reason that one may hear a bump in the night—something even more disturbing than an alligator out for a midnight stroll.

There have been numerous reports of baffling incidences and some visitors are pointing the finger at the once famous zoo keeper and land settler, Trapper Nelson. In the 1930s, Trapper spent his time on the swap-covered land and was referred to by the locals as “The Wildman of the Loxahatchee.” He was well-known as a trapper of animals, selling their fur or alligator skin. In the 1940s, Trapper expanded his repertoire and opened a zoo. This zoo proved extremely popular with out-of-towners coming to watch Trapper’s interaction with the local wildlife, which included wrestling alligators.

The locals however were reported to be annoyed at Trapper’s antics. In the 1960s, his zoo was shut down due to financial issues after which Trapper shut himself away from society.

In 1968 Trapper Nelson was found dead from what was reported as a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.” There were, however, many that believed he was murdered either by a group of locals, his brother, or someone that was after the land. With people claiming Trapper’s death was not fully investigated, his land-dwelling was purchased by the state and his homestead was protected soon after this death.

There have also been rumors that Trapper haunts the park trying to tell people how he really died. There have been reports of something steering people way from Indian burial grounds. Female visitors have experienced unexplained whispers in their ears and taps on their backsides, with others saying they had a strange feeling that they were being watched when they were in fact on their own in the middle of the park.

Whatever the reason for these strange experiences, one thing is for sure—the park is a beautiful, mystical stretch of land. If Trapper’s spirit is still hanging around, one should not be surprised.

Colony Hotel & Cabana Club 

(Delray Beach)  The Colony Hotel and Cabana Club in Delray Beach, is one of the most treasured pieces of historical architecture in Palm Beach County. Built in 1926 by Martin Luther Hampton, the hotel resembles that of a Mediterranean mansion. Keeping many of its original features, the hotel still has its staff-operated elevator and original telephone switchboard.

Purchased in 1935 by George and Agnes Boughton, they renamed it The Colony Hotel (not to be confused with Palm Beach’s Colony Hotel). Then, in 1949, ocean-front property was added with private cabanas and a saltwater pool, and it became known as the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club.

There have been reports of guests experiencing “unexplained occurrences.” The cynic among us will excuse this misconception, due to the hotel’s long history, but the odd creek of a floor board, the rumbling of old pipes, and a general feeling of history oozing from every nook and cranny may give some a peculiar feeling. Certain guests have reported seeing shadowy figures standing close to the check-in desk, while others say they thought they inexplicably heard the sound of gunshots late at night.

There is an unconfirmed story that many years ago, the hotel was owned by a couple who were shot to death by a guest who refused to pay for their room. Whether this is based on fact or fiction, this hotel is a must-visit. As Autumn approaches and we dream of cooler nights, visit the hotel, pull up a chair by one of the old fireplaces, order a heart warming beverage, and tell spooky stores in a historical, yet beautiful setting. Who knows, maybe there will be more than one spirit in attendance that night.