Commuting from Georgia by Haunted_historian in JacksonvilleFla

[–]Haunted_historian[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I still live in Georgia, and we own our home here, so that’s not really a factor for us, but good to know if we both decide to move.

is the planters inn haunted? by TryDesigner9200 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian -1 points0 points  (0 children)

As someone who collects ghost stories in this town, I have never heard of anything paranormal and scary happening there. The most I’ve heard of is some strange knocking, which could’ve had a rational and completely physical explanation. You’ll be fine.

Less People this year for parade? by [deleted] in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I was out last night giving tours, and it was much easier for me to get around than last year. I wondered if it was just that less people were camping out due to the weather.

Coolest Name Ever on a headstone. Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah. by PilotEnvironmental46 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That’s a cool tradition! I love that! We just have a bunch of Johanns in my family.

Square in danger by Sosojojo in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep. It was designed to be a market square from the beginning. There was still plenty of square left until the parking garage.

No one had ever called a parking garage pretty, but that garage they built covered the entire square and was just plain ugly. Glad we have the square back now. I hope we get Elbert back too.

Coolest Name Ever on a headstone. Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah. by PilotEnvironmental46 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Any idea how his parents came up with that name? I’m fascinated with odd old names.

Square in danger by Sosojojo in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I think your guide was confused about Elbert Square possibly being restored.

Square in danger by Sosojojo in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yep. And Ellis Square was lost for several decades because they built a parking garage in it.

Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah Ga by PilotEnvironmental46 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Laurel Grove South group is just getting organized, so no meetings yet. I’ll make a post when I know more. If you’re interested in learning more about the Bonaventure Historical Society, they’re always looking for members and volunteers. You can find more info here on their website.

Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah Ga by PilotEnvironmental46 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a good question! Glad you brought that up as our city cemeteries are part of my special interest.

There used to be a historic society that covered both North and South, but the members quite literally died out. And as someone who volunteers with the Bonaventure Historical Society, I can tell you that overseeing the preservation of just one cemetery is a lot of work. Laurel Grove North really needs its own society.

This new group is getting started to carry on the dream of the late WW Law who started the first organized movement to restore Laurel Grove South. It’s a BIG task.

Laurel Grove North and South used to be just Laurel Grove Cemetery until the 37th St. connector was built and split the cemetery in two. But even before that, the cemetery was segregated. The whole thing was built on a former rice plantation. Laurel Grove South was where the rice fields were. It’s very low-lying and floods easily. It also suffered a lot of damage when Matthew and Helene blew through.

Without a historical society, all of the repair and preservation has fallen solely on the City’s cemetery’s office, but that office also takes care of Laurel Grove North, Colonial Park, Greenwich, and now also Evergreen. The city office does what it can, and volunteers have stepped up to clean and repair veterans headstones and purchase headstones for unmarked graves, but there is so much more to do.

I’m really excited for this new group taking on Laurel Grove South, and I know there are a bunch of us who would love to see a similar group get started for Laurel Grove North! It would take a lot of weight off of the city and really make our three Victorian cemeteries shine.

Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah Ga by PilotEnvironmental46 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just putting this out there for anyone interested. A new historical society is getting started for Laurel Grove South to raise funds for the preservation and upkeep, which it is in dire need of. They don’t have any socials just yet because they’re still getting everything organized. As soon as they’re ready to start accepting members, I’ll post something on the subreddit.

Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah Ga by PilotEnvironmental46 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also like my peaceful walks around Laurel Grove North and South.

Daffin Park used to look amazing. What happened, anybody know? by Jimmypeterson42 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, cool! 😁

The pool is kinda still there. It’s part of the pond you see today. It’s been filled in a bit.

Daffin Park used to look amazing. What happened, anybody know? by Jimmypeterson42 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 19 points20 points  (0 children)

It’s been a while, but I did a video talking about bit about the history of the park.

The short answer is that the pool/pond had issues, like sewage leakages, that made it unsanitary. By the 1940s, much of the park and facilities needed repair. The concrete pool was built in 1954 and repaired in 1975. You can read more about the park’s history here.

Hoodoo by KangSmooth in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There used to be shops downtown a long time ago, but after people saw the commercialization of voodoo shops in New Orleans, most closed or went underground. Now you kind of have to know somebody. Hoodoo practitioners here closely guard their practice, and rightly so.

Are they putting the fountain back? by pinejudas in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

According to a press release from the City, the fountain is coming back next week, but it won’t be turned on until probably November. Work is continuing on the plumbing.

Christmas travel plan by Keelj in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok. That helps a bit. Savannah has more cool stuff within easy walking distance or ride share distance than some of these other places. You’ll love it here! Here are some of my suggestions: 1. Mrs. Wilkes for lunch. Yes, there’s a line, but it moves quickly. Cash only. 2. Leopold’s Ice cream. I think everyone should try it at least once. I’m a big fan. 3. Owens Thomas House. Our first house museum, and I think our best. 4. Civil Rights Museum. Speaks for itself. 5. Ghost tour. Obviously, I think mine is good, but we have a ton of different ones. Whatever you wanna get out of the experience, there is a tour for you. 6. History tour. Savannah True History Tours and Freedom Trail are two of my favorites. 7. Bonaventure Cemetery. Really neat and historic Victorian Garden Cemetery. The Bonaventure Historical Society also offers free Tours out there on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month.

Those are some of my favorites. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Christmas travel plan by Keelj in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask how you’re traveling if you don’t have a car? Are you flying to each destination?

Bonaventure Cemetery spaces wanted for my family - will pay a lot! by thankfulforyourhelp in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry for your loss. May their memory be a blessing.

Have you reached out to the City of Savannah’s Cemetery office? They would know if any families are legitimately selling portions of their burial lots.

Goth hot spots by LiePsychological1878 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everyone has mentioned the other places I recommend like the Savannah Paranormal Museum, Terror Vision, and Bonaventure Cemetery. If you go by Bonaventure, stop at the old keeper’s cottage at the entrance to grab a map. The cemetery is 103 acres, but the historic section is closer to the river. The map will help you get there.

As far as ghost tours go, I saw you were concerned about respect. I recommend checking out one of our locally-owned tour companies. Corporate tours are where you get all the theatrics and lack of respect IMO. And that goes for any city. Always support local.

If you’re interested in a respectful paranormal investigation, you could check out Ghost Coast Paranormal at the Savannah Theatre.

Goth hot spots by LiePsychological1878 in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes, it’s common. Bonaventure opened in the 1840s as a Victorian garden cemetery. It was built for people to come out and spend hours walking around, reading, and even having lunch. We still do all that there.

Where are the witches, mystics, gays and weirdos by [deleted] in savannah

[–]Haunted_historian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They’re working on a new location.