Do you believe in ghosts? If you do, you’re not alone. Nearly 40% of Americans surveyed believe in ghosts, while another 20% are unsure. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, if you’re looking to get into the spooky season spirit, take some time to visit some of our favorite haunts in town.

Freedlander Theatre

According to legend, The College of Wooster’s Freedlander Theatre–the host of campus productions and home to the Ohio Light Opera–is haunted by the ghost of Effie Shoolroy. Effie, a supporter of the local arts, was married to Ross Kready Shoolroy, a College trustee. In honor of Effie’s love of the arts, Ross donated money to the College to establish the Effie Shoolroy Theatre, located within Freedlander. Effie died in December of 1974, three months before Freedlander Theatre’s dedication in March of 1975.

Strange activities reported in Freedlander Theatre include lights being turned on in empty rooms, doors being slammed, and strange rattling noises. Those who have encountered Effie agree that while her actions may be surprising and even unsettling, she is ultimately a benevolent ghost. Effie tends to become more active in the lead up to productions, so if you’re hoping to encounter a friendly ghost, you may as well catch a show while you’re there! You can find information about The College of Wooster Theatre and Dance productions here, and Ohio Light Opera shows here.

The Olde Jaol Tavern and Steakhouse

Many also believe the Olde Jaol Tavern and Steakhouse, which occupies the Third Jaol of Wayne County, built in 1865, is haunted by the ghost of John Callahan, the only person ever executed in Wayne County. Callahan, aged 22 at the time of his execution in December of 1880, was convicted of killing John Tormie during a brawl at the Wayne County Fair in 1879. Callahan served time prior to his execution in a basement cell in the Third Jaol, and his public execution occurred in the courtyard in front of the building.

Those who have experienced paranormal activities at the Olde Jaol report strange phone calls, the sound of banging on steel bars, and flickering lights, all of which tend to occur in the early morning or late evening hours. You can visit the Third Jaol–and have a delicious meal–by making reservations at the Olde Jaol Tavern and Steakhouse.

While we can’t guarantee that visiting either Freedlander Theatre or The Olde Jaol will result in a paranormal experience, we can guarantee that you’ll have a wonderful time experiencing two of Wooster’s most iconic locations. Whether you’re taking in a College play or dance concert or an OLO show, Freedlander Theatre is an intimate venue that puts on world-class productions, and the Olde Jaol provides an opportunity to eat gourmet food in a unique historical setting. With or without ghosts, they help keep life in Wooster interesting!