October means Halloween, and Halloween means ghosts … the scariest part of the entire month. However, for some reason, it is more fun to chase this thrill than it is to run from it.
Like many, I enjoy the chilling feeling that comes as a result of listening to or reading about ghost stories. However, it seems to be even more interesting when the stories originate from our own hometowns.
‘The Airport Monster’ in Panguitch
In Panguitch, ghost stories are not scarce and each contains its own unique background. My favorite one is related to a figure that isn’t even described as a ghost, but a monster instead — “The Airport Monster.”
Many locals claim that if you are daring enough, you must follow these steps in order to see him. Start by driving to the airport late at night and parking your car near the locked gate. Turn off your car and headlights and walk along the fenceline to the left of your vehicle. Every so often, look back at your vehicle and observe.
Once you have reached a certain point and looked back once more, you will be taken off guard by the large, dark figure gradually closing the space between itself and your vehicle. It is now that you must run, racing the large creature back to your car.
If you beat it, chances are your car will not start on the first turn. This will send you into a panic, but be sure that it doesn’t slow you down … because you’re running out of time. When your car finally starts, leave immediately. Be sure not to look in the rearview as you speed away, or his mangled face will remain in your memory forever.
Virginia Loomis’ Ghost on SUU Campus
Like Panguitch, Cedar has its own fair share of ghost stories — four of which are right on the University campus. The most interesting one tells the story of Virginia Loomis. Virginia was murdered by her boyfriend, Steven Farr, on Cedar Breaks in 1898. He left her blood and body lying on a boulder before fleeing town — never to be seen again.
Virginia Loomis’ body was found when a construction crew was seeking materials to build Old Main, a building on SUU’s campus. The exact boulder she was lying on was used to build the structure, which led to claims that her ghost resided within its walls. Later, this building caught fire and was nearly destroyed completely.
SUU.edu explains that the university then hired Jeorde Speare, professor of parapsychology, to investigate those claims in relation to the recent fire, and he came to this conclusion: “the enraged Virginia was finally able to exact revenge when Steven Farr returned to Cedar City as a janitor. On his first day of work he was allegedly lighting the old coal furnace in Old Main’s basement when something caused the furnace door to slam shut on his arm. He burned to death, unable to wrench free, becoming the human torch that burned Old Main to the ground in 1948. Some witnesses claimed to have seen Virginia laughing in the flames as her murderer received his punishment.” Upon his search of the debris, Dr. Speare found a human skeleton in the burnt remains.
Disclaimer
Though reading about and even looking for ghosts, like the Airport Monster or Virginia Loomis’ Ghost, undoubtedly brings a thrill that can’t be found anywhere else, I encourage everyone to remember to be safe this Halloween and abide by the laws set forth to protect us.
– by Hailee Eyre (18) Panguitch/Cedar City
Feature image caption: The entrance to the Panguitch Airport. Courtesy Leo W., Yelp.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.