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American Legends
Supernatural Lore of Pennsylvania: Ghosts, Monsters and Miracles
Passed down over generations, Keystone State legends and lore provide both thrilling stories and dire warnings.
Strange creatures and tales of the supernatural thrive in Pennsylvania, from ghostly children who linger by their graves to werewolves that ambush nighttime travelers. Phantom trains chug down the now removed rails of the P&LE Railroad line on the Great Allegheny Passage. A wild ape boy is said to roam the Chester swamps, while the weeping Squonk wanders the hemlock-shrouded hills of central Pennsylvania, lamenting his hideousness. On dark nights, the ghosts of Betty Knox and her Union soldier beau still search for each other at Dunbar Creek. Join Thomas White and company as they go in search of the truth behind the legends of supernatural Pennsylvania.
Strange creatures and tales of the supernatural thrive in Pennsylvania, from ghostly children who linger by their graves to werewolves that ambush nighttime travelers. Phantom trains chug down the now removed rails of the P&LE Railroad line on the Great Allegheny Passage. A wild ape boy is said to roam the Chester swamps, while the weeping Squonk wanders the hemlock-shrouded hills of central Pennsylvania, lamenting his hideousness. On dark nights, the ghosts of Betty Knox and her Union soldier beau still search for each other at Dunbar Creek. Join Thomas White and company as they go in search of the truth behind the legends of supernatural Pennsylvania.
160 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2014
111 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Thomas White
10 books12 followersThomas White is the university archivist and curator of special collections in the Gumberg Library at Duquesne University. He is also an adjunct lecturer in Duquesne's History Department and an adjunct professor of history at La Roche College. White received a master's degree in public history from Duquesne University. Besides the folklore and history of Pennsylvania, his areas of interest include public history and American cultural history. He is the author of Legends and Lore of Western Pennsylvania, Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania, Ghosts of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Forgotten Tales of Pittsburgh and Forgotten Tales of Philadelphia (co-authored with Edward White), all published by The History Press.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 30, 2024
History and Legend
This is not a story of modern ghost hunting so there was not much in the way of actual sightings, however there was at least some hearsay regarding the many apparitions contained within these pages.
Honestly, for anyone interested in Pennsylvania’s history, the accompanying narrative regarding the times of certain “ occurrences” is an interesting plus to these supposed ghost stories. I confess to having difficulty finishing this book as I had hoping for more alluring tales of horror. After deciding to finish books I previously abandoned, I found myself caught up in the historical references of times gone by. There are even stories about the lore of local cryptids at the end, so I gave this a four star review for the research done on these stories.
This is not a story of modern ghost hunting so there was not much in the way of actual sightings, however there was at least some hearsay regarding the many apparitions contained within these pages.
Honestly, for anyone interested in Pennsylvania’s history, the accompanying narrative regarding the times of certain “ occurrences” is an interesting plus to these supposed ghost stories. I confess to having difficulty finishing this book as I had hoping for more alluring tales of horror. After deciding to finish books I previously abandoned, I found myself caught up in the historical references of times gone by. There are even stories about the lore of local cryptids at the end, so I gave this a four star review for the research done on these stories.
October 18, 2014
I was looking for actual ghost stories of Pennsylvania to enjoy, but this book, while well written and extremely well researched, did not include the 'lore' I was expecting. to me, it was more debunking at points then actual story, and left me wanting to know more of the legends themselves. I was also disappointed as most of the information came from western Penn and not as much from Central or Eastern.
October 1, 2024
Decent book by a local author. Lots of factual recounts if information, the book kinda did make me rethink ghosts because some of the recounts were pretty excessive. The likelihood someone from the area has never seen a ghost while another has had 6+ experiences is pretty unlikely imo. However I think that's more people lying or embellishment than an issue with the author.
November 7, 2015
This is cute little book. Quick read. The pieces are generally well written and have some references which is important. Some are written by knowledgable folklorists and includes stories I'd not heard before. I enjoyed it.
July 7, 2020
Very interesting and informative work. I really liked the explanation about women at the beginning of the book 😉
January 25, 2018
As a longtime fan of scary stories, urban legends and sociology, this book's focus on three hundred years of Pennsylvania lore was perfect for me. Some of the stories will be certain to stick with me for a long time, like the Pig Lady of Beaver and the Lost Children of the Allegheny... others, like the Waynesburg mausoleum, have images that will remain a permanent fixture in my gallery of spooky images.
September 17, 2022
Reading about various legends and myths should be interesting, but I found this book to be rather dull. In an effort to not be over sensational, most of the magic was leeched from the stories.
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July 6, 2024"The mind needs monsters. Monsters embody all that is dangerous and horrible in the human imagination."
- David D. Gilmore
A short essay collection, detailing folklore common to the Pennsylvania region. This is a good starting point for people looking to expand their knowledge of the state, but if you're hoping for something in-depth, I recommend looking elsewhere.
Some of the highlights were Slag Pile Annie, the Squonk, and Mining Miracles. Sadly, the focus of the collection is VERY narrow, mainly dealing with Dutch-German myths and influences.
Many (especially in the Ghost section) preface their story with a note about how Ghost stories are often passed on as a way to preserve history or warn of danger, and while this is a salient point for any folklore researcher or paranormal investigator, I'm not sure the sentiment needed reiterated quite so often. I would have also preferred to have the stories read more like... stories.
Anyway, I don't want to be too hard on this collection. I bought it specifically because it was short and I wanted something regional to peruse before bed or between longer works. Most of the essays include a bibliography, so this could be a good resource to uh... find other resources?
December 9, 2019
Book was not what I was expecting
I chose to read this book because I thought it was going to be a collection of stories from the Keystone state. This book really was nothing like it as in the author offered some stories but most of the book was almost like his research and explanations into the lore of the state. One example of this will be about Werewolves and Witches, it was interesting but I was expecting something more as in actual stories. You may still find the book a decent read but just don't expect stories of Ghosts and Monsters.
I chose to read this book because I thought it was going to be a collection of stories from the Keystone state. This book really was nothing like it as in the author offered some stories but most of the book was almost like his research and explanations into the lore of the state. One example of this will be about Werewolves and Witches, it was interesting but I was expecting something more as in actual stories. You may still find the book a decent read but just don't expect stories of Ghosts and Monsters.
February 12, 2021
Why is it that the ebooks that seem to be about interesting topics just do not seem to have a writer that can convey the spooky or interesting with making it boring. Is it the specific cases that they are discussing or their writing skills. While I appreciate the non-sensational writing on these topics, dull just does not do it.
January 4, 2019
A good primer of Pennsylvania folk beliefs
Here is a perfect place to begin your study of the strange folklore to be found in the Keystone state. A quick read which will lead you to more source material both in and off the web.
Well worth your time.
Here is a perfect place to begin your study of the strange folklore to be found in the Keystone state. A quick read which will lead you to more source material both in and off the web.
Well worth your time.
June 4, 2018
Interesting read. I enjoy learning more about where I live. Ghost stories have always been a favorite.
March 5, 2019
What an amazing read! Very spooky.
September 2, 2019
Interesting!
Being a born and lifelong Pennsylvanian I find these types of stories very interesting..I would like to read more of Thomas Whites stories of the supernatural in Pa!
Being a born and lifelong Pennsylvanian I find these types of stories very interesting..I would like to read more of Thomas Whites stories of the supernatural in Pa!
July 27, 2020
3.5 Stars.
Interesting in some parts, a bit dry in others, but that probably is to be expected in a compilation.
Interesting in some parts, a bit dry in others, but that probably is to be expected in a compilation.
September 1, 2023
It's a pretty good book interesting stories that involve Pennsylvania and the legends/lore related to the state.
April 1, 2024
A great primer on Pennsylvania lore.
October 17, 2024
Pennsylvanian here, and it’s always interesting to see peoples own takes and stories about creepy stories from here!
July 8, 2020
Great stories and research
These tales are well researched and as accurate as they can be.where discrepancies are found in conflicting accounts, the authors, and editor Thomas White, give both sides took the story and let you make your own conclusions. I enjoyed the layout, and the variety of authors made this even more fun to read. They are also family friendly and non violent, reading them as a family through the month of October like an advent would be a fun activity for Pennsylvania families!
These tales are well researched and as accurate as they can be.where discrepancies are found in conflicting accounts, the authors, and editor Thomas White, give both sides took the story and let you make your own conclusions. I enjoyed the layout, and the variety of authors made this even more fun to read. They are also family friendly and non violent, reading them as a family through the month of October like an advent would be a fun activity for Pennsylvania families!
November 4, 2015
Pennsylvania is land or state deeply entrenched with the supernatural. Founded by William Penn, the state was open to followers of all faiths and many people came from Europe to settle there. Coming from places like Ireland, Scottland, Deutschland etc. these people brought with them not only material goods but also many folkloric beliefs. This produced in some cases a folkloric religion and in other a set of legends.
Penn state is home to many supernatural oddities, some like ghosts can be found elsewhere while others like the squonk are found only in Pennsylvania. THE state is home to ladies in white, ghosts, werewolves, sea serpents and and perhaps a few others. Pennsylvania is also the home of some spiritual practices as well. Most noted are thee practices of pow wow, more properly called brucheria, and it is the home to a practice called letters from heaven.
Letters from heaven were sup[posedly letters from saints, angels or even Jesus Christ himself, usually filled with biblical phrases and quote it is meant to ward off negative things like illness and lawsuits. Pow wow is a faith healing where in the healer will put hands on and quote from the bible in order to effect a cure or remedy. Sometimes they even write out a charm. For more information one should read "LOng Lost Friend" by George Hohman. A drive through the Pennsylvania Dutch country one will see Hex signs painted all over their barns.
In Pennsylvania the supernatural reaches out in a variety of ways. It could be someone having a dream about where two lost children maybe found after wandering away from home. It could be miners chancing upon illustration etch in mine wall which depict scenes . Mess with those illustration and you are courting disaster. Some miner trapped inside a mine reported seeing every strange sight. Were wolves wil wander about sometimes attacking livestock and sometimes attacking people. When werewolves are shot often times later in the day one will hear about a person who was injured in the same area the werewolf was shot. Ghosts will haunt mines after they were killed with burning slag. Ape people live in the forest. Squonks ugly dog like creature though harmless will turn into a puddle of tears in order to avoid capture . Ghosts will haunt libraries searching for lost lovers and seeking vengeance from wrongs committed while alive on this planet.
Editor Thomas White has done a good job collecting work from a variety of contributors. He offers good explanations about the historical aspect of each phenomena talked about and the essays have sources for further reading and research on the back of each essay. quick easy read and very informative. Very enjoyable .
Penn state is home to many supernatural oddities, some like ghosts can be found elsewhere while others like the squonk are found only in Pennsylvania. THE state is home to ladies in white, ghosts, werewolves, sea serpents and and perhaps a few others. Pennsylvania is also the home of some spiritual practices as well. Most noted are thee practices of pow wow, more properly called brucheria, and it is the home to a practice called letters from heaven.
Letters from heaven were sup[posedly letters from saints, angels or even Jesus Christ himself, usually filled with biblical phrases and quote it is meant to ward off negative things like illness and lawsuits. Pow wow is a faith healing where in the healer will put hands on and quote from the bible in order to effect a cure or remedy. Sometimes they even write out a charm. For more information one should read "LOng Lost Friend" by George Hohman. A drive through the Pennsylvania Dutch country one will see Hex signs painted all over their barns.
In Pennsylvania the supernatural reaches out in a variety of ways. It could be someone having a dream about where two lost children maybe found after wandering away from home. It could be miners chancing upon illustration etch in mine wall which depict scenes . Mess with those illustration and you are courting disaster. Some miner trapped inside a mine reported seeing every strange sight. Were wolves wil wander about sometimes attacking livestock and sometimes attacking people. When werewolves are shot often times later in the day one will hear about a person who was injured in the same area the werewolf was shot. Ghosts will haunt mines after they were killed with burning slag. Ape people live in the forest. Squonks ugly dog like creature though harmless will turn into a puddle of tears in order to avoid capture . Ghosts will haunt libraries searching for lost lovers and seeking vengeance from wrongs committed while alive on this planet.
Editor Thomas White has done a good job collecting work from a variety of contributors. He offers good explanations about the historical aspect of each phenomena talked about and the essays have sources for further reading and research on the back of each essay. quick easy read and very informative. Very enjoyable .
February 5, 2016
Some interesting tidbits....
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews