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Our Ghosts by Jean-Pierre Vidrine of Tucson Ghost Tours

by Jean-Pierre Vidrine

Tucson has been around since 1775. That’s longer than the United States of America has been the United States of America. In all that time, Tucson has accumulated a lot of history. A lot of history means a lot of stories . . . including ghost stories. That’s where I come in. As a Ghost Host for the Tucson Ghost Tour, I excel at telling ghost stories. Think of me as a sort of Crypt Keeper, only a tad more handsome.

The fine folks at Breakout Studios on 4th Avenue have asked me to share some of my spooky yarns here. I’m sure you’ll understand that I don’t want to spoil any stories that I tell on my tour. Fortunately, though, Tucson has a lot more in the way of haunted locations than the nine or so buildings we do visit. There’s nothing to stop me from telling about them.

I thought I’d start with something a little close to the dance studio. No, dance students, you don’t have to worry. I haven’t found out about any hauntings in the studio. But, across the street is a place that most people would not be surprised to find out is haunted. Founded in 2004, the Surly Wench Pub is a big part of Tucson’s Goth scene with its black facade and ghoulish artwork inside. The pub is also host to burlesque acts.

The building’s history goes back a lot farther than 2004, however. Some people even still remember it as “Choo Choo’s” and “Night Train,” names it had under previous owners in the 1970s and ‘80s. Reportedly, certain previous owners were involved in the drug culture of the 70s, and they were known to throw wild parties.

Today, employees of the pub testify to seeing shadowy figures moving about the place. Some have even reported seeing glassware fly off the shelf. More than one person has said to have felt uneasy in the pub’s basement where, incidentally, there is an actual coffin.

A team of paranormal investigators reported strange audio evidence, cold spots, and even feeling touched. The team was still reluctant to commit to saying the pub was definitely haunted, though they’ve expressed interest in returning.

Now, my Ghost Tours are walking tours that take place downtown. One night, while driving to the Tour’s meeting spot, heavy rains and road closures forced me to take a detour from my usual route. This detour took me down North Granada Avenue. I was rather stuck by the nice buildings on that street. Even in the heavy rain, they were beautiful structures. Had I remembered the words of my Supreme Ghost Hostess, Renee, in her book Southern Arizona’s Most Haunted, I would have realized that I was very near another haunted Tucson location: The Manning House.

Construction began on the Manning House in 1907 by a man named Levi Howell Manning. This was after he served for two years as Tucson’s mayor. Before that, he had worked in the electricity industry. From the small fortune he made selling his interest in the electric company, Manning built the Santa Rita Hotel and helped bring the trolley to Tucson. By the way, the Santa Rita Hotel is (sort of) one of the stops on the Tucson Ghost Tour.

The house was the home for Manning and his somewhat large and extended family. Manning died in 1935. Since then, the house that bears his name has been through different renovations and different owners.

People have witnessed the apparition of a man pacing up and down the hallways holding a candlestick. More than one person is sure that this is the spirit of Levi Howell Manning himself. And, he’s not alone. The apparitions of a young girl and a gentleman have been seen having a leisurely stroll in front of the building.

The kitchen faucet and appliances being turned on and off by unseen hands have unnerved more than one individual. Possibly, though, no one was ever more unnerved in the house than one particular party guest who had gone to the restroom. While freshening up, she saw more than her own reflection in the mirror. She actually saw another face floating behind her. She outright vowed never to return to the Manning House.

If you liked these little histories and spooky tales, you can hear more. Go to Tucson Ghost Tour to make your reservation. This humble Ghost Host will gladly guide through haunted downtown Tucson.