Post by Joanna on Oct 9, 2015 22:01:06 GMT -5
Anoka Ghost Tours & Book Signings
ANOKA, Minn. – During the duskily veiled hours of the evening, June Anderson leads the curious on tours through the darkened streets of Anoka, regaling them with tales of ghostly scenes and encounters, sometimes eliciting never-before-told tales of paranormal encounters experienced by others along the way. As Ghost Tour docent for the Anoka County Historical Society and a contributing writer, penning stories of Anoka’s “past life” in history columns for the Anoka County Union-Herald, Anderson has read and researched dozens of reports of ghost sightings and other hauntings. She’s even tagged along on paranormal investigations of some of Anoka’s aged and storied buildings.
“I consider myself a researcher, investigating, reading, hearing tales, attending paranormal investigations,” Anderson said. “I must admit, however, I have never seen a ghost. But do I believe in ghosts? ‘I know not what the truth may be. I tell the tale that’s told to me,’” she added, quoting the Gristogram, a tabloid published long ago. “These are hypotheses right now. The metaphysical is beyond religious belief, beyond scientific realm. This is a whole new field of thought, and I think we will be exploring more in the future, and we now have the tools to do that.”
Anderson recently explored “new dimensions” as she took part in a paranormal tour of Ireland’s haunted castles, a tour led by Dave Schrader, host of Darkness Radio and author of the book The Other Side. Before traveling to that far away land, however, Anderson attended a paranormal investigation that took place in the Anoka Masonic Lodge, located on 3rd Avenue. Her experience inspired her to write and publish The Haunting of the Anoka Masonic Lodge in which she chronicles accounts people shared with her concerning unexplainable encounters in the Lodge and the Colonial Hall (above) next door, a building that currently houses The Big White House antique shop. Her book begins with “Ghostly Theories 101,” a chapter to help the reader understand paranormal activity. Also included are descriptions of the various tools used to record and explain supernatural phenomena and, of course, tales told of spirited encounters from the mysterious beyond.
Throughout the month of October, Anderson will facilitate conversations and offer book signings at the following locations.
• Sunday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m., Big White House, Anoka.
• Monday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, Fridley.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m., Anoka County Historical Society, Anoka.
• Thursday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m., Coon Rapids Senior Center, Coon Rapids.
To register for one of these events, call 763-767-6473. A $3 registration fee will be deducted from the $15 cost of The Haunting of Anoka Masonic Lodge. To order a copy of the book, visit GrannyGirlPress.com or purchase a copy at one of the book signings.
Ghost Tours of Anoka. Ghosts of Anoka walking tours are offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October. Tours begin at 7 and 7:30 p.m. and at the Anoka County History Center and Library (2135 3rd Avenue). A costumed tour guide leads tours through downtown Anoka. The tour route is approximately 1 mile long and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for children (age 6-17) and $7 for members of the Anoka County Historical Society. Reservations are required. Register online (AnokaCountyHistory.org) or by calling the History Center at 763-421–0600.
Source: Sue Austreng, ABC Newspapers, October 9, 2015.