Ghost guide: some former residents have not left

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Several local residents and visitors learned on Friday that any possibility of paranormal activity in the downtown area is likely related to tragic events.

Mount Airy Museum of Regional History ghost tour guide Vicky Town told those on the tour that while some might consider these haunting entities ghosts, she respectfully calls them “permanent residents who never left.”

Town, a traveling storyteller by trade, brought accounts of former residents’ lives to life during a balmy night amidst downtown lights and music on Friday.

At each street turn, the audience latched onto her words.

With each stop, Town both forcefully and delicately relayed accounts of painful and tragic local occurrences.

The events often happened in the same areas where folks today still enjoy family, food, beverage and entertainment.

In response to the stories, some on the tour grimaced, others asked questions, some kept curiously quiet, but alert, others shed a tear or two.

A few relayed confirmation about their own personal experiences. A communication Town called valuable to the story telling tradition.

“Each tour, I keep collecting information.” Then, Town said she prays a lot once she gets home, often in response to the intensity of the tours.

Author of the ghost tour script, Mark Brown said, “I wrote in a down-home style.” He said a flickering lantern has been part of the script from the beginning.

Brown said through experience he has learned when a story warrants a second look.

“Things happen that you know just doesn’t feel right,” said Brown.

As a result, scripts change and are flexible. Each variation depends on which professional story telling guide leads the tour, said Brown.

Museum Guest Administrator Nancy Davis said tour feedback has been “very good.” Some patrons send in photos of their personal experience after the tour, said Davis.

The Regional History Museum Ghost tour is in its third season. The museum is said to be haunted by some, including staff. This year’s tour added the fire engine room.

A local resident for more than 40 years, Dr. Steve Yokeley confirmed after the tour that he believes some of the paranormal accounts. In particular those spoken about at the Old North State Winery ring truest to him, he said.

“I have heard several people say they have seen ghosts here before,” said Yokeley.

Before the tour started the Yokeleys expressed an interest in hearing for themselves about the possibility of any supernatural cultural influences. Their guests from Asheboro said they were also interested and looking forward to the tour.

Residents and visitors alike stated afterwards that they enjoyed the historical framework and learning about the “local” supernatural activity.

The tour is based on a 75-25 ratio percentage of history and ghost phenomenon.

Town “did a great job” and is “a great storyteller,” said several patrons upon the tour conclusion on Friday.

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