The spirit of Mary Hull is said to cause odd occurrences at the Tulsa Garden Center’s south arboretum. Tulsa World file
Correction: Most sources connect the Sparky urban legend to the Freedmen Cemetery, located adjacent to Calvary Cemetery, or to Post Oak Cemetery in Sand Springs.
Many Tulsans are aware of the most notable haunted places around town, according to popular legend.
We know, for instance, that the ghost of Thomas Gilcrease roams the grounds of Gilcrease Museum; we are pretty sure the ghost of Bob Wills likes to hang around Cain's Ballroom, where some folks also have spotted a mysterious Lady in Red; and the ghost of Enrico Caruso will visit the Brady Theater now and then.
Those are well-known stories. Here are five that might not have hit your ghostly radar. In the days leading up to Halloween, check them out if you dare, but remember to respect no-trespassing signs.
I did not check any facts. What would be the fun in that?
1. Calvary Cemetery
9101 S. Harvard Ave.
This was a popular "parking" spot for some generations of Tulsa teens, at least those brave enough to go there at night. Most didn't even know the real name of the cemetery. It was always Sparky's. Sparky is said to be a headless man who does not take a cotton to uninvited guests.
2. Tulsa Garden Center
2435 S. Peoria Ave.
As the story goes, J. Arthur Hull purchased the Travis mansion in 1923, and soon after his wife, Mary, died from an illness and her body was laid out for viewing in the south arboretum. Her spirit is said to cause odd occurrences in the room, which stays cool all year despite its large windows.
3. Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
161st East Avenue (3.8 miles north of Interstate 44)
According to paranormal writings, a schoolgirl's body was found near what is known as Kara's Bridge in 1976, and the sound of a young girl laughing has been reported there ever since.
4. Easton Street near Yale Avenue
All accounts refer to this as Easton Place, but lacking such a street in Tulsa, we'll go with Easton Street. Supposedly, between the hours of 2-4 a.m. in the fall, the ghost of a young boy can be seen running down the street, and some report hearing him scream. Perhaps not coincidentally, this is near Rose Hill Cemetery.
5. Spotlight Theater
1381 Riverside Drive
Some have heard footsteps coming from the costume room when no one was supposed to be in there. It also is said there is something chilling about strange scratch marks on a wall in the basement.
