Wanted: Your Real-Life Ghost Stories

The Kent Historical Society is asking area residents of Kent and neighboring cities including Cuyahoga Falls to share their tales of ghostly encounters and haunted buildings in Kent for an update of its popular booklet, “Haunting Tales from the Tree City.”

With Halloween just around the corner, the organization is again ready to grow its 41-page booklet, first published in 2007 by Kent Historical Society Press and last updated in 2009. It includes 30 tales of paranormal experiences as shared by local storytellers.

Apparently Kent has a bit of a reputation when it comes to haunting. The Spiritual Insight Ghost Hunting Team in Cuyahoga Falls regularly conducts ghost-hunting classes at The Kent Stage and The Pufferbelly Restaurant. 

Among the booklet's tales are stories about the spirits said to roam , the Erie Depot (), the Masonic Temple and . Other accounts tell of hauntings that took place in homes throughout Kent.

The historical society is not seeking fiction, but tales of “real” ghosts, spirits, hauntings, haunted houses and buildings in Kent. Those experiences need not be scary.

All stories received may be edited for spelling, punctuation and clarity. “For the most part, we try to keep the stories in the ‘spirit’ in which they were told,” said Sandy Halem, president of the Board of Trustees.

All names, email addresses and the addresses of private homes will remain anonymous. Those who do not want their real first name used with their story may provide an alias.

The deadline for submissions is midnight Sept. 20. Email submissions are preferred and can be sent to khs@kentohiohistory.org. Mail submissions can be sent to: Kent Historical Society, 237 E. Main St., Kent OH 44240.

The historical society’s third edition of “Haunting Tales from the Tree City” will be published in time for the Ghost Walk to be held in downtown Kent on Oct. 13 under the sponsorship of The Kent Stage. The booklet also will be sold at the society's and in its online store.