Right Around the River Blog

Rethinking My Halloween Costume

Post Date: 10-27-2010

It all started a few weeks ago when I stopped to ask a neighbor advice on what Halloween costume I should pick for the neighborhood party at Rocketts Landing. "I could dress up as something simple, like a ghost," I mentioned. "No one goes as a ghost anymore."

My neighbor suddenly became very serious. She informed me that I should not use the word "ghost" so lightly. "Here in Richmond, ghosts are not only responsible for what our City has become, they are still very active and involved citizens," she stated. I laughed. With a stoic expression, she advised that if I did not believe her, I should do my research.

Upon saying goodbye and reassuring her I would be careful about choosing a Halloween costume, I rushed back home to get on the computer. It did not take long for multiple stories to populate my screen. However, one link in particular stood out - The "Haunts of Richmond" - an entire company dedicated to educating Richmond residents and visitors about the haunted happenings that take place throughout downtown's Shockoe neighborhoods. I clicked on the link to find that this group of Richmond veterans provided guided, "haunting" tours. Immediately, I signed up for one of their excursions. I wanted to find out if my neighbor was telling the truth or just trying to scare me.

That next week, on a cold, rainy night, I walked to meet the Haunts of Richmond tour. A group of around thirty people gathered eagerly to begin the adventure. Our tour guide, Stephanie Riggsby, rounded the corner with an inquisitive look on her face and excitement in her stride. "Are you ready to begin?" she asked. In unison, we nodded yes, a little uncertain of the next hour of events.

The tour started inside The Tobacco Company in their spacious back parlor. I felt like I had just walked back into the 19th Century. Stephanie proceeded to tell us stories about mysterious happenings in the restaurant after hours, and how current residents complain about hearing laughter, music and horses, only to see nothing outside their windows. She also warned us about taking pictures along the tour. "Unrecognizable faces often appear in the photos."

Her stories and instructions gave me chills, and I have to admit, even in a large group, I was a little scared. While the stories were entertaining, they also taught me some unique things about Richmond's past, such as where the slaves' quarters were located during the Civil War or how Edgar Allen Poe used to (and still does) wander the streets looking for inspiration.

After the stories at the second and final stops, The Berkeley Hotel and Sine, I had to ask Stephanie how she learned all of these interesting tales. As a lifetime resident of Richmond, she fell in love with this part of the City and wanted to learn everything she could about its history. Along the way, she talked with historians and local business owners and found that many individuals had the same unique ghost stories to tell. She saw the interest for this type of information grow, and she recognized the importance of hosting tours for The Haunts of Richmond.

"It is a unique experience of education, entertainment and respect," Stephanie said. "Respect for the ones who have come before us and given us what we have today in these historical neighborhoods." After listening to her explanation, I was starting to understand what my neighbor was trying to tell me. Scary ghosts have helpedform the landscape, atmosphere and antique beauty of this part of the City. I could not help but embrace and respect this "haunted" culture.

I decided to rethink my Halloween costume. I will leave "being a ghost" to the actual spirits of Richmond, and dress as a pumpkin instead.