October 16, 2009

Ghost Stories & Haunting Love...

Today is the Halloween blog party at A Fanciful Twist. For the party on my blog, I want you to stop a while and let me tell you some ghost stories and a haunted love story.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Charleston S.C. The city is intriguing and enchanting. You feel as though you are traveling back in time. I also had the pleasure of going on a "Haunted Graveyards" tour at 10pm with my husband. It was exciting and scary. Your blood got pumping as you walked through the cemeteries that have been there since the 17oo's.

We heard scary stories about ghosts who are often seen there. A story that has stuck with me was about a young girl who had influenza, was thought to have died, and was laid to rest in the family crypt but wasn't actually dead. She tried in vain to claw her way out of the crypt even using her relatives bones to boar out of the door. Only 10 years later when her brother died in the civil war did the family know the horror of what had happened. Here is the top of the family crypt...


and as the story was being told I moved away from the group to take some shots of the cemetery and side of the crypt. A strange shadowy figure seems to lurk in my photos. To me it looks like it's wearing an old pirate looking hat but then again it could be nothing. Right behind where I took this picture was the "hanging tree" for the pirates who were caught around the port town. Strange eh...


The night was eery and exciting. The Spanish moss that hung down from the trees, added a spooky feeling to the night. Not to mention when I looked back through my photos and saw what looks like an old scraggly man's profile and cloaked figure in the very right hand corner. Click on it to look closer. Maybe my eyes are just playing tricks on me. Or are they....


This headstone was from 1755. The rest were so beautiful in a creepy way.

Now this haunting love story leaves me with chills and a heavy heart. Having known the feeling of true, burning love, I can't help feel such sorrow and sadness for these two lovers.
When we had our little girl Annabelle, my grandmother who is in her 80's, read me a poem that I had not heard. It was called Annabelle Lee by Edgar Allen Poe.
Here it is in Poe's very own handwriting.
Please read it...

I thought it was beautiful but didn't quite understand it until I went on our cemetery tour. Here is our tour guide outside the cemetery where Annabelle Lee was buried, telling us this tale..

Edgar Allen Poe was a young man serving at Fort Moultrie in Charleston. He met his love Annabelle Lee and carried on a relationship in secret with her because her father disapproved of the relationship. She was "high society" in Charleston ( the kingdom by the sea) and her father didn't like her being in love with a lowly soldier. He secretly proposed to her and they planned their life together. She became ill and her father would not let Poe into the home even when it was apparent she was soon going to pass away. She did pass and Poe was banned from the wake and the funeral. The father was so hateful that he would not even erect a real headstone up for his daughter because he didn't want Poe to know exactly where she was actually buried.

Edgar Allen Poe was obviously destroyed by losing his true love and would go to the cemetery at night and would talk and cry over each and every grave, not knowing which contained his love, so that his tears would fall on her.

He was never the same and many say he became an alcoholic and so "dark" because of what happened to him and his Annabelle Lee by the "kingdom near the sea".


It is said that he roams this cemetery still in search of his Annabelle Lee. I think I may have caught him looking for her. If you look closely you can see my shadow taking this picture.
I was the last of the group trailing behind snapping pictures, so I know that no one was standing by me casting this shadow in the distance.

Maybe it is him, in search of his love...


To enter the giveaway for a special Halloween treat from me...

become a follower of this blog and leave a comment.

Have a Haunting Halloween!!!

xoxo Emily xoxo




79 comments:

Always, Hannah said...

I am now a follower. What a fun, yet sad trip to take. I would love to hear all the old stories.

Renee said...

Emily you have a fantastic blog Emily.

Renee xoxoxo

Pixie said...

Wow, so perfectly spooky! I've always wanted to visit Charleston. Thanks for the photos, I'm having ever so much fun visiting all the "parties" and finding new blogs.

Karin van Dam said...

Thank you for all those magical stories. I love reading them!

Julie Ranae said...

Spooooky stories...thanks for hosting a great party!

OldBoatGuy said...

It gave me chills! I've read most of Poe.

Chickenbells said...

Oh my.. What a very sad story indeed. I did not know of it at all...you're right, no wonder why his poetry is so very dark.

http://foolsewoode.blogspot.com/2009/10/historically-halloween-has-been-time.html

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

Scary, lovely... I really like Poe.


♥ Maria-Thérèse parties at www.afiori.com

Kristina P. said...

Charleston is so rich in history!

And I knew nothing about the Poe story. Very sad, and very cool at the same time.

mendytexas said...

Spooky and Fun! Thank you for letting me attend your party today!
:)mendy

Just A Girl said...

What a sad yet dreamy post. Many people were thought to be dead only to be buried alive. Did you know that way-back-when some people were buried with bells above their grave site...just in case.
Thanks for the lovely pics.

xoxo Cori

Melissa said...

What a fabulous Party Blog! Very erie

Melissa said...

What an spooky party! Very interesting and I love the gravestones. Have a wonderful Halloween!

Melissa

Anonymous said...

great pics! awesome posts, thanks so much for sharing! ~aimee

http://creativitaeblog.com/2009/10/17/halloween-a-hauntingly-magical-celebration/

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I loved all your ghost stories and pictures. I love going on ghost tours like these. You definitely got some interesting shots. Thanks for sharing this spooky time with us. Have a magical weekend! Twyla

Deborah said...

What great fun!!! I think I would have needed to wear Depends if I had gone on that tour! Fantastic photos. Do stop by my party and join Alice and Dead Bob. If you dare! **kisskiss** Deborah

Anonymous said...

Happy Party! :)
http://carolinescrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com/

SewPaperPaint said...

Wow! What an amazing visit this must have been! I live in SC and have never done so - shame! I've enjoyed your post. Happy partying!
http://autumnsantics.blogspot.com/2009/10/frightful-soiree.html
~Autumn Clark

Sueann said...

Great spooky party!! Loved the stories too...how clever you are!
Stop by my party soon!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Whisperings 13 said...

What an amazingly sad yet brilliant story! It explains so much!!
Thank you for the share!

Happy Hauntings!
Tracey

Her Art Nest said...

Awesome stories! I am a big ghost hunter....had one for only a short time knocking on our front door and windows. Dogs went nuts, but never a soul to be found. Talk about getting the serious creeps. I am now a follower, and would love to be part of your giveaway. Happy Halloween! Hugs, Nan

Lynn Stevens said...

great story and pics, looks so spooky! I'll be following you but I'm not a ghost! LOL

Unknown said...

I love the tutoral on the tombstones. Thanks so much. The story was great and if you love Poe, then go to my blog and check out my side bar. One of my favorite blogs is all about him and his stories.

Happy Halloween!!

Sarah said...

Fascinating post! Poor Poe and his lost love-what a sad tale. The tour sounds fascinating and spooky-a perfect combination.

Rainey J. Dillon said...

Greetings Deary! from ancient Ireland where the Banshees comb their long grey hair in the hope they'll be invited to a Hallowe'en Party like THIS!
You've conjured an enticing Party Post to beguile and keep us stay awhile!

Won't you drop by & enjoy some Tea & Cake & a little Witchy Warlock Movie...put up your stripy legs & leave the broomto de-smoke for a while!

WUGS (Witchy Hugs) & a wish...'May Magic Forever Soar Within Your Little Heart''

Must Fly Deary!

Rainey

www.thejosiebaggleycompany.blogspot.com

MJ Ornaments said...

Oh that was too interesting Emily! I loved your post. The headstones are really beautiful, and I enjoyed all your stories. Take care, Martha

Barbara said...

What a fun fun trip!!! I would have loved to be there with you. Hugs. Barb

Carolee said...

I've always wanted to visit Charleston - such a beautiful city! Love the cemetery photos, and the local legend about Poe's inspiration for Annabel Lee. :)

~ Carolee

Chrisy said...

So pleased to drop by and find out these ghoulish details! Thank you for your hospitality! Please come visit at my party for more treats....if you haven't flown in already!

jewelstreet said...

Definitely haunting. Glad to see I'm not the only one who likes truly old cemetaries.

Oh, and that one reminds me of a witch but maybe it's just because of all the ones I've seen today.

Happy Halloween!

Daniella said...

Great stories! I have chills!!

Oliva Ohlson said...

Oh, so sad! Thank you so much for sharing Poe's love story!

laterg8r said...

tried to click on follow but there is nothing there - will try again laterg8r :D

love your post, the poe story is cool :D

Lisa B. said...

What a treat!! I'm still a kid at heart, and get tickled hearing new ghost stories :) I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in enjoying old cemetery walks!

Gayla said...

A lovely post! We love autumn, don't we? http://www.oatmealandwhimsy.blogspot.com

I have taught Poe and that poem for years, but didn't know that chilling story... Hugs.

I am becoming a follower

Unknown said...

Passing by to say hi and look at your Haunting party post. Had a great time :)

When you get a chance come over to my blog to continue celebrating.

Vania

That Crazy Ajumma said...

Ooh,lots of spooky things going on!
I love the photos.
Happy Haunting!

LYNDY WARD said...

Greetings & Salutations, just flying by to see all your pretties & say hello.

Thought I'd leave my Halloween Party Extravaganza & Giveaway Link:
http://todaysgold.blogspot.com/2009/10/lady-lyndy-sorceress-of-light-halloween.html

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY...

Cosmic Blessings With Love & Joy, Lyndy

HopHopJingleBoo said...

oh the tour of the old cemetary was perfect ..i love visiting old cemetaries..

Patricia said...

I really enjoy celebrations such as these - your post is lovely !!! Happy Halloween and have a wonderful new week.

Pellie / Penny said...

Thank you so much -Cemetery tours are just the best. Poe is a real favorite of mine. So maybe someday I head out to Charleston to see this one up close and personal.
Got to fly. Hope you have a Happy Halloween.
Hugs,
Penny

Raissa Spatola said...

Neat story Emily so perfect for Halloween! Your site is so cool! Thank you for having us to your party!
Have a Spooktacular Halloween!
Raissa
RaissaStamps

Anonymous said...

Wonderful pictures! I also like the tornadoe ones. Were those crocheted cupcakes I saw over to the right?;)

Alexandra MacVean said...

What a great party you have going on here....spooky! That first tree sucked me into it all. Now...can I find my way back out and to my manor? I have guests waiting too!! :)

PS.......Harrington Manor's doors are now open for a enchanted, yet haunting evening...won't you and your guest drop by?....MUUUwahahahahaha!

AwtemNymf said...

Cool pics! I flew in from Vanessa's Magical Party!
I enjoyed my visit! <{:O)
Be Enchanted!

Kelly said...

This gave me chills...but in a good and sad way! Great post, lovely pics.

Happy Halloween, Kelly

Jackie said...

Fantastic party!You have a wonderful blog :)

I hope you have a frightfully good Halloween...hApPY hAunTinG!
http://www.chicscraps.blogspot.com/

Claudia said...

I have long been a follower of Edgar Allen Poe-- especially when i loved the DARK side as a teen.

What a great celebration! Please stop by and while they might be a bit on the slacking side, come see some of the cutest Witches on the planet! Would love for you to stop by if you have a moment.

http://www.dipityroad.com

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

ifthehatfitsbyjackie said...

Wickedly delightful Story, Partay and especially enjoyed your blog!
When your life seems like a tornado, take a deep breath and imagine yourself in the 'eye' of the storm. Gather your thoughts, Keep Calm and Carry On!

40sfemme said...

Ooooh! I've got chills! That's so romantically tragic about Poe. I'm amazed I've never heard that story.
I'm now a follower, and feel free to pop on over to my blog for more spookiness!

xx,
40sfemme

queen-of-nostalgia said...

Oooh, I loved the stories you tell! I have always wanted to do one of those graveyard tours...
I would love for you hop on your broom and fly over for a visit if you haven't already :) My party is here

Cheers!
Kristen

Amisha said...

I enjoyed your ghostly stories and pictures so much!

lori vliegen said...

you host a spook-tacular party!! great story!! :))

Decor To Adore said...

Your images are hauntingly bootiful! Everyone participating seems so creative.

Kristal said...

Oh, I just love ghost stories! And your trip to Charleston sounds fantastic! It has always been on my list of places to visit.
Your eyes are NOT playing tricks on you, there is more in your photos than the things you took pictures of! Wow, what a great party!

Happy Haunting!

Sylvia said...

Ohhh Thanks for the SC tour, very interesting and eerie...

shalynn said...

hey. i'm kara's cousin:) her favorite one actually! i'm loving the spooky stories. thanks girl!

Darci said...

You have quite a following, Miss Creative and Talented! I always love visiting your blog.

Annabelle said...

My favorite poet is Edgar Allan Poe and my favorite poem happens to be Annabel lee.
Named Anna by birth my hubby when we first met discovered my luv for Poe and discovered my favorite poem…out of the blue he just started calling me Annabelle. Now I sign all of my work by Annabelle although differently spelled.
I even made a digital self portrait entitled Annabelle lee.

Virginia (Poe’s wife) was one of the gals also thought to be the famous Annabel lee …
Poe was and always will be a very Dark Mysterious Fellow!
Thanks for the lovely haunting story!!!

Happy Hauntings and a Happy Halloween Too!!!
A Witch called Annabelle >^..^<

Unknown said...

Hi, Wonderful Halloween post! Happy Halloween to you!

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

Ooooooooooooooo, hauntingly spoooky, I love those stories!!! Buried alive is the scariest thought of all!!

Wonderful images tooooo!

Bwuahahahaaaaaaaa ~ thank you for being a delightful part of the festivities!!

Rhonda Roo said...

Oh my goodness, what a perfect post for the occasion! Charleston, aaah. My sister is sure she is destined to own a bakery there one day-I hope so!
She currently lives in Savannah and we have done our fair share of night time ghost tours there, it IS otherworldly...but i have to tell you the spookiest the one that really did give me chill bumps was in st augustine Fl...creepyyyyy
Cowboy said it unnerved him a little too!
Poor Poor Poe! Poor Poor Annabelle!
but what great stories...

Divaeva said...

Truely chilling...
October blessings!

rummage family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rummage family said...

SPOOOKY!I love it! That is my favorite part of Charleston, so much history...which then means so many ghost!

Deborah said...

Wow you certainly met a lot of ghosts. Poor Edgar and what a sad story about that young girl. It makes your blood run cold to imagine it.

Stella Dora von Swineburg said...

How delightful and scary!
Come over to my party and giveaway at
http://stelladorasdiary.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-bash-and-giveaway.html

Heather said...

Lovely, sad stories!

Please stop by my party and giveaway!!

http://littlebearries.blogspot.com/2009/10/come-in-come-in.html

Carapace said...

I love your writing style! Yes, I'll follow your blog!:D Even if I am too late to join in the giveaway...thanks for entering the party, so I could find you!

carapacenator(at)gmail.com

Heather said...

Oh my Emily!!! Poor Edgar and Annabelle Lee....did she ever get her headstone?

And the story about the little girl in the crypt made my heart go cold! poor little one....

Alyson | New England Living said...

WOW!! I love it! What cool stories. That tale of the "undead" girl is especially chilling. Makes you wonder how many people were laid to rest without actually being dead.

This post makes me really, really want to visit Charleston. I've always wanted to, but this is pushing me over the edge! Love it!

Candace said...

Fantastic story and what photos! Thanks so much for this "trip". I love Charleston and try to go once a year or so...

The banner is great!
Candace in Athens (EyeCandy)

The Haley Family said...

creeepy and cool at the same time! Awesome pictures!

LuLu Kellogg said...

Hi Emily~
Lovely posting and the pictures were wonderful. It is taking me a bit to get around to everyone from Vanessa's little party so please excuse my tardiness!

Happy Scary Day~
LuLu~*

Sandra Evertson said...

So Hauntingly romantic and beautiful!
Sandra Evertson

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

WOW this is so cool, and so is your blog! I went on a tour like this in Alexandria, VA and now I try to go on one anytime I visit a new city. They are spooky and fun! I agree with the beauty of old gvaestones. It's not morbid, it's history. It's amazing to be in places and imagine the world as it was centuries ago. =)

Emily Anne Carson said...

Fun! I'm Emily Anne, too! :)

The (Un)Experienced Mom said...

Hope you are doing well. Congrats again on the house!

I've got something for you over on my blog. :-)

Tamara
http://theunexperiencedmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-got-award-honestly.html

mary.liz said...

Awesome stories. What a neat place to visit. And fun pictures to illustrate too. So fun!