Living in the gallows

November 3, 2010

in Cincinnati: my hometown,Stockholm,Swedish traditions

My Swedish instructor Gunilla is one of those in the know types of people. In the way of all good teachers, she always has unique insights about traditions, history and culture. Yesterday was no exception. In coming to my new apartment for class, she asked if I had been seeing any ghosts. As Halloween was just two days ago, I assumed she was referring to that. Instead she told us that the area by my charming cobblestone courtyard was used as a gallows to hang criminals in the 17th century, well before my apartment building was constructed in 1888. Needless to say, that bit of information was a shocker and now I’m trying to block that image from my mind. But I am happy to say that in our three nights of living here, we have not yet seen any ghosts! Hopefully there won’t be any screams either.

I’m beginning to wonder if I am drawn to homes with a past. When I purchased my house in Cincinnati, I was told at closing that it had been rented as a hideout for depression-era gangster John Dillinger. Interesting stuff.

{ 3 comments }

1 Maria November 3, 2010 at 22:48

Very exciting stuff!

2 admin November 4, 2010 at 22:04

Maria:
Or perhaps scary stuff?

3 Suellen November 10, 2010 at 20:40

what’s your address?

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