Twenty-one years ago, Al Hunter, and his lovely bride Rhonda took some people on a tour of historic Irvington on a ghost and history walking tour. What is arguably the most haunted neighborhood in the midwest, Irvington has been the home base for a lot of interesting characters — along with some truly scary people who did some pretty awful things — since it was established in 1870. As a history teacher, Al loved telling the stories of the east side neighborhood, and the spooky season seemed like the best time to do it. Over the years, the crowds have gotten bigger, and volunteers have been added to keep everything running smoothly. When the weather is good, Irvingtonians can expect to see over 200 people walking through the streets, listening to the tales where they happened.
Al commented that many of the people who go on the tour are younger than the tour itself. “About a third or half of the crowds now were born after we started doing this.”
The Irvington Ghost Tour brings in people from all over to the area, plus people who live in the neighborhood and are curious about its history. Al noted that many on the tour come from the counties around Marion, particularly Hamilton County. He is especially proud of the attention the tours bring to the many businesses in the commercial district as well as the residences. This year, he spoke with the owners of the new Smash’d Burger spot on Johnson, who has graciously agreed to stay open late to accommodate people who want a bite to eat after the tour.
After the tour, people can come to Playground Productions, 5529 Bonna Ave. #10, for after-tour psychic readings given by readers from the Magick Candle. Proceeds go to help out Gaia Works and their pantry that feeds seniors and others in need in the community.
This year, the Irvington Ghost Tour begins Friday, Oct. 6 and will be held every Friday and Saturday throughout October. Tours begin at 7 p.m. at the corner of Johnson Ave. and East Washington St. Tickets are $20 (cash only) per person. Kemba Credit Union has donated mini-flashlights, and there will be swag for tour-goers. However, the guide books are no longer available, due to huge cost increases in printing. Proceeds from the tour are donated back into the Irvington community. Advance ticket sales are available at the Magick Candle, 6125 E. Washington St. Call 317-357-1101 for more information.
The tour is about a mile and half long over sidewalks that are sometimes broken or uneven. Please be prepared for weather, as the tours are rain or shine. There are no refunds. Expect about two hours of walking in the dark, so bring a flashlight. There is no smoking, eating, or drinking allowed while on the tour.
The Irvington Ghost Tour is about 90 percent history and 10 percent ghost stories. No one will leap out from the bushes to frighten you, but some of the stories will definitely give you the chills. Irvington has been home to artists, writers, and leaders, but it is also where serial killer H.H. Holmes committed one of his last murders, where the Grand Dragon of the Indiana KKK wielded power (and lost it), and where a young punk named John Dillinger practiced his robbery skills. This year, Al has added a new stop at the original site of the H.H. Holmes house and is taking a different route from last year.
