Tug Hill Annie was born as Anna Joan Machowski in 1917, and she is the subject of a popular ghost legend in these parts. By her twenties she found herself married to a man called Alfred with four children, but she wasn’t happy, and took to drink. One night in 1954, while on a wine run, she was killed and decapitated in a car accident. Since then, a female ghost has occasionally been seen walking along Sears Pond Road. Over the years, the ghost has acquired the nickname Tug Hill Annie.
Tug Hill Annie
The Village Casino
The Village Casino is a teen dance hall rumored to be haunted by the ghost of former teenaged chef Jordan Basile, who died in an explosion due to a malfunctioning oven. The ghost makes himself known by causing food to disappear and dancers to trip over nothing on the dance floor. His apparition is said to be seen every two years on August 16, the anniversary of his death, cooking lobster.
Hotel Lenhart
Hotel Lenhart, which dates back to 1880s, was rebuilt in 1890 after a fire and partially restored again in 1941, after another fire. An unknown haunt is said to reside in the building, opening and closing doors and tugging at the hair of visitors.
Gurnsey Hollow Cemetery
Gurnsey Hollow Cemetery has gravesites that date back to the 1800s and a tragic story to boot. Legend has it that long ago, a mentally handicapped girl, age 7, was stoned to death here by a gang of townsfolk. The reason for the witch hunt is unknown. Her body is said to be buried here, and materializes as an apparition, orbs, or phantom moans. The ghosts of a lady in white and a boy also have been seen here, and are believed to protect the little girl.
Dewittville Cemetery - Poor House Cemetery
Dewittville Cemetery, aka Poor House Cemetery, was a place to bury the poor folks who were housed here and passed away. The cemetery was in use between 1833 and 1918, although grave markers weren’t used until 1869. The cemetery, barn and woods are said to be full of spirits who manifest as glowing orbs and unexplained noises.
SUNY Fredonia - Igoe Hall
SUNY Fredonia State College’s Igoe Hall is said to be haunted by a former student named Jimmy Igoe, the hall’s namesake, who drowned in Lake Erie on a fishing trip. He is said to slam doors, change TV channels, and tinker with lights, water faucets, and the elevators. The hall was built after Jimmy’s death, and students petitioned to have the hall named in his memory.
The Anvil Inn
The Anvil Inn, formerly an 1840s blacksmith shop, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who turns the lights and the music on and off and drops bottles on the floor.
Bayside Cemetery
At the historic Jewish Bayside Cemetery, witnesses describe strange things that happen in the night: a feeling of being watched, the odor of decay, and even apparitions. However, reports say the cemetery is closed daily at 4 p.m. due to rampant vandalization.
Waterman Theatre
At Waterman Theatre in Tyler Hall, haunts are said to leave bloody handprints, dance onstage, turn the lights on and off, speak to each other in human voices, and rehearse plays.
Oriskany Battlefield
Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, where the Revolutionary War Battle of Oriskany was fought in 1777, is believed to be haunted by spirits who lived during the site’s trying times. Employees say a bad smell comes from the woods where the British slew Gen. Herkimer’s advance party. Also, there is a men’s restroom door in the visitors center that is occasionally slammed shut by a shadowy figure. Lights, orbs, musket fire and screams are also said to be heard in the vicinity.
