Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Billy Banjos Bus Tour




Boarding Banjo Billy’s bus is unlike boarding any other. Upon setting foot inside you realize no seat is alike, and there is not a bad seat on the bus. Well, only if you count the lonely saddle that is saved for the bravest soul. An array of fluorescent couches, recliners and padded chairs take over what was once traditional seating.

After choosing a cushy chair we drove away as the tin roof on the hillbilly looking bus rattled away. We stopped at landmarks, mansions and cemeteries to hear stories of the local haunts. I couldn’t tell you if the ghosts really exist, but I can tell you the stories are gripping.

When we pulled up to Colorado’s Capitol Building, I was thinking of the stain glass, gold dome and large white pillars. On hearing of the haunted happenings in the underground tunnels below the Capitol, my perspective of this location has broadened to include a much deeper level.

The scariest story was that of the Croke Patterson Mansion, which extends beyond creaky floorboards and daunting sounds. The owner was so disturbed that after his first night in the house he never returned. Since then, the mansion has served many types of businesses but all have been driven away by paranormal activities within. Currently, the yard displays a “for sale” sign that could possibly remain as long as the house stands.

After hearing some disturbing Denver tales, I came to find that I really hope some of this history doesn’t repeat itself.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Carri! Thanks so much for writing about the bus. If you liked the Croke Patterson story, there's one more thing you should know that we don't tell on the bus. Ed McGovern (the guy who was hired to remove bodies from Cheeseman Park) was also a tennant there. It appears, for a brief time, he used it to store those broken corpses adding to the inherent creepiness. One way or another, Croke Patterson seems to draw and produce a lot of eerie things. It's my favorite too!

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