THE HAUNTED HILL

photo courtesy Stonehillblogs.org

by Kate Diggin & Alyssa Small
For years there have been rumors of paranormal activity on Stonehill campus. Many students claim to have heard strange voices or seen unusual occurrences. While some of these legends may not be true, there is evidence to support them.
Every year on the night of November 6th, students claim to see a blue-green fog emerging from the pond on campus. As the haunting mist clears, it is said that the ghost of Fred Ames is seen struggling to get out of the cockpit of a plane. In 1932, Fred crashed his private plane. Although it was first believed that he crashed in the Stonehill pond, he actually crashed near the Blue Hills in Randolph. Stonehill was used as a landing strip for the Ames family plane. Therefore it is reasonable that his ghost would haunt Stonehill.
Stonehill gossip commonly claims that another Ames family member died on campus. Ever noticed how there is no pool here at Stonehill? There used to be a pool where Alumni Hall now stands. On one hand, people say the pool was closed down for maintenance reasons, but others believe it was because of the supposed death of Mary Blair either in the pool or the pond. Although this was proven untrue (Mary lived to be 74) it is possible someone else might have drowned on campus.
PCC students have varied opinions on these legends. Fay Heffernan, a first year student, says she "doesn't think it's haunted, but I like to believe in fun stories." However, others strongly believe in the presence of ghosts. Second-year Scarlett does believe in the ghosts and says she once saw someone's lanyard disappear. Aqua Floor leader Ms. Matthews also believes in these spirits. "I think it is true but the ghosts are friendly," Ms. Matthews says, "they like messing with us non-harmfully. They might move someone's lanyard but not take it."
Students have also seen glitchy computers and strange shadows. They have heard weird noises and smelt chlorine around campus as well. Although these stories may just be rumors, students still fear the campus ghost.