Travel and Places

The Enigmatic Entities of Indianapolis: Five More Frightening Phantoms


The Librarian of Lurid Lane

Location: An old, decommissioned library on Lurid Lane

Madeline was once a librarian who insisted on absolute silence. Now, she ensures the old library’s quiet persists. She’s seen floating between dusty shelves, shushing anyone who dares to break the silence.

One evening, a group of teenagers decided to explore the library for a dare. As Jasmine, the group’s brave leader, whispered about a potential escape route, a cold gust passed by. Suddenly, a spectral finger pressed against transparent lips, followed by a stern “Shush!” Echoing through the empty halls, Madeline’s ethereal voice sent them running, vowing never to set foot there again.

Reaction: Jasmine later said, “The place might be abandoned, but the librarian’s dedication to silence sure isn’t. We’ll stick to the living world for our adventures!”


The Floating Flautist of Fisherman’s Wharf

Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, Indianapolis

Hector, a gifted musician in life, never got to perform his final piece. On a quiet night, the haunting tune of a flute can be heard echoing over the water. Following the sound will lead you to a translucent figure floating above the water, passionately playing the flute.

Travis, a night fisherman, once made the mistake of mocking the unseen musician. A series of inexplicable splashes surrounded his boat, drenching him completely. When he finally looked up, Hector was floating right in front of him, playing an eerie lullaby.

Reaction: “Mock a ghostly musician, and you get a watery encore,” Travis remarked, still shivering from the cold. “It’s a performance I’ll never forget.”


Daisy’s Diner Despair

Location: A quaint 1950s-themed diner turned antique shop

In her prime, Daisy was the heart of her diner, serving the best pies in Indianapolis. However, Daisy’s Diner is now an antique shop, and she’s not pleased. Items rearrange themselves, especially if they’re placed on her favorite counter. And sometimes, the faint smell of fresh pie fills the air.

Elaine, an antique enthusiast, was examining a vintage jukebox when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she was met with an apparition in a classic diner uniform, holding a pie. The spectral figure seemed to gesture to where the jukebox sat, clearly indicating it was in the wrong spot.

Reaction: Elaine chuckled, “It’s her space, I get it. Next time, I’ll bring some whipped cream and hope she shares her pie!”


Samantha’s Swing-set Sorrow

Location: A forgotten playground at the edge of a suburban neighborhood

Samantha, a child spirit, can often be seen on moonlit nights, solemnly swinging on the rusted swings. A sense of deep sadness surrounds her, and it’s said she’s searching for her lost teddy bear.

John, a local resident, once approached the playground with his daughter’s lost teddy bear in hand. As he neared the swings, the air grew colder, and a soft voice whispered, “Mr. Snuggles?” When John handed over the bear, Samantha’s form shimmered with happiness, and she disappeared into the mist.

Reaction: “I never believed in ghost stories,” John mused, “But Samantha? She was just a child missing her teddy. Aren’t we all missing something?”


The Playful Prankster of Pike Plaza

Location: Pike Plaza, a bustling commercial center

Victor, a jovial spirit from the 1970s, haunts this plaza with mischief. Elevators move without being called, lights flicker, and people often find their shopping bags swapped with others. Victor is just looking for a laugh, and he’s found it in the living.

Lucy, during her weekly shopping spree, discovered a rubber chicken in place of her newly bought dress. Amidst her confusion, a hearty laughter echoed, and a transparent figure gave her a cheeky wink.

Reaction: With a smile, Lucy said, “A prank from the past in the heart of modern shopping? Makes you appreciate a simpler, sillier time. But I do want my dress back!”

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.