I felt it is about time for me to right about another haunted place I visited in my life. I am an alum from Longwood University and just thinking about this in October I remembered one of my favorite things about the school. Dr. Jordan a leading Anthropological professor and Longwood University used to and I hope still carries on the tradition of telling the students and all who want to listen about the different haunts within Longwood’s Campus. He did this when I was there in an auditorium, I also was told he did it around a bonfire outside the art building. All the students loved to gather around and here of these tales and I am going to share them with you.
The Soldier
Just beyond Ruffner Hall there is a large statue of a confederate soldier standing in the middle of the street. The statue was placed there October 11, 19o0 and the legend goes that if the soldiers shadow appears on the building all is well at Longwood and Farmville, but if his shadow is gone he is no longer protecting the school but is guarding the Town of Farmville. His shadow has disappeared three times I believe and each time a tragedy occurred on campus. The latest case occurred in 2001. His shadow vanished for a moment and Ruffner caught on fire. The soldier did return to help the campus that day but his silhouette was engulfed in flames.
Wheeler Halls Window
As this legend goes there is a certain room with Wheeler Hall an all female dorm when I was going to school that a window within that building will never close. As the story goes a young lady wanted to sneak out one night to visit a boy she met at the all male school down the road, because at this time Longwood was only for female students. The student knew the Dorm Mother was on watch so she decided to sneak out of her window. While sneaking out, “Snap!” the window fell shut crushing her fingers causing her to fall to her death. Ever since that time I was told by students presiding in that room that the window never closes all the way it always opens just wide enough for some fingers to fit.
The 3 Year Old Boy
This tragedy took place in more recent years as well. There are two high-rise buildings within Longwood University that are used for a dorm. The building’s name are Frazier and Curry. When Curry was getting updated and rebuilt a lead man of the construction company brought his 3-year-old son to work with him. Along with his 3 year old son he brought a tricycle so he could ride around. The boy was riding and unfortunately the elevator door was open and the elevator was on the bottom floor of the building. The boy fell to his death that day in a sad accident, however his spirit lingers on. It is said if you ride the elevator from the top floor to the bottom without stopping that the little boys ghost will cry and you will see him sitting in the corner of the elevator.
The Knee Walker
The ghost that walks on his knees is closed to me because for most of my college career I lived in the Cunningham’s Building. This was my friends and my place of residence for most of our career. This ghost is located on the bottom floor of the S. Cunningham building which no longer exist due to the fact that it was demolished recently to be rebuilt. The ghost only comes to you late at night while wondering the halls. He appears as a shadow with a cowboy hat, suspenders, and a flannel shirt with long slacks. As he walks close to you, you will notice that he is walking on his knees. The reason is that when the dorm was built they raised the land a bit. This man walks towards you on the ground that was originally there not after it was raised.
The other story I have heard about N. Cunningham is that it was built on a grave. A student there for a project wanted to show his hobby off. It was paranormal investigations. He brought to class one day for the project an electronic voice phenomenon he caught while investigating outside of N. Cunningham. He says no one else was around when he recorder this EVP and you could hear some chanting and people talking with in the white noise of the digital recorder.
The Former President
Finally, I bring you to this. Entering Jarman auditorium for Dr. Jordan’s presentation a warning is placed. There is a single seat where a rose is placed. You are not allowed to sit there for it is the former Presidents seat which he watches all his students perform. If you sit there the lights will flicker and the sets may malfunction. So, allow the president to enjoy his show in peace and do not disturb him.
Longwood University has an enriched history with many tragedies as well as great events occurring during its existence. I did not get to visit this Halloween but I am sure that following in the traditions of Longwood University that this time of enlightenment about the paranormal is still explained many years later by Dr. Jordan who is far greater of a story teller than I, and maybe if you stop by you can hear the voices of the past as well.
My fellow classmates I ask of you two things. Please let me know if this tradition still exists within Longwood, and if you have had any experience or learned of any other haunting’s throughout Farmville and Longwood let me know so I may include it in the future. Thank you Lancers and carry on.
scarefirsttalklater 