Ghosts of the Past: Avoca’s Ghost

In this series, I take a look at some historical accounts of ghostly encounters published in newspapers.  In this edition, we look at a spectral figure that terrorised the town of Avoca.  Let’s follow the story through a series of newspaper articles.

Reports initially started to surface in 1922 of a white ghostly figure haunting residents of Avoca.

AVOCA.

A “GHOST” SCARE

ln the quiet little hamlet of Homebush Lower a “ghost” has arisen, which has created a great scare A, tall white figure appears at night, and ladies and children have been frightened by the “ghost,” which has been very’ busy of late. Some years ago considerable excitement was caused at Avoca by the pranks of a hoodlum who covered himself with a white sheet and went forth on dark nights. Of course his ‘reign of terror” was shortlived, and there is no doubt that the latest visitation will be promptly dealt with, as special measures are to be taken to “lay the ghost”

10th June 1922 The Ballarat Star

In traditional folklore and literature, “laying the ghost” involves banishing a ghost from the earthly realm.  In these times, it had a more morbid meaning.  Much like the preceding events in Avoca being caused by humans dressed in sheets, many locals aware of this type of prank would take matters into their own hands.  Ghost Hunting involved looking for ghosts using very different kinds of equipment from what we use today.  It often involved weapons in an attempt to scare the offenders into revealing themselves.

In short, to lay a ghost means to put an end to something.

While the town was ‘terrorised’ by this ghost, one fateful night brought national attention to the hauntings.

AN AVOCA “GHOST”

The appearance of a ghost’ on the lonely, slopes of Glenlogie, near Amphitheatre, has caused some consternation. Two youths, Clement Neil and James Gray, were getting some straw from a stack at night when an ‘apparition’ appeared out of the gloom. The lads bolted, and arrived home in an excited state. Messrs. E. Gray and A. Preston set out with a gun, but their search was futile. On the following night Mr. A. P. Joseph was astounded at witnessing an extraordinary sights. He described it as being “something white, about; 2 feet high at first but rising to a height of about 10 feet.’ The ‘ghost’ seemed to disappear among some ferns in the hills. Mr. Joseph investigated, but he found nothing. He expresses the opinion that the phenomenon is due to a vapor rising from the ground as there are springs at the spot, and the water is constantly running. 

Friday 18th May 1923 The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express

Mr Joseph continued his search.  He would be surprised to find his theory on rising vapours was not in fact the cause of the haunting.

The ghost reveals herself

In his final investigation, the ghost revealed her true identity to Mr Joseph.

CATCHING A GHOST.

Avoca, a small country town in Victoria, has been terrified of late by a “ghost.” A resident, Mr. A. F. Joseph, now avers that armed with a magazine rifle he waited on several nights in a bank of fern where the “ghost” usually appeared. For several nights there was no appearance of the “unearthly” visitor, but on Sunday his patience was rewarded.  A white object showed itself, he fired four shots, and a feminine voice screamed out; “For God’s sake, don’t shoot me.” He ceased firing, and went toward the white object. None of the Bullets had reached it. He came upon a young woman, who was weeping bitterly. After rebuking her for her foolishness, Mr. Joseph got the’ woman to show, how she prepared the “ghost” stunt. She showed him a piece of wood ‘upon which she had fastened a white nightdress. This she showed from behind the fern, and having frightened various folk she dropped the stick and disappeared among the ferns.

16th June 1923 Daily Mercury

The hauntings continue

It seems this was not the end of the saga in Avoca as new claims started to surface in 1936.  A real ghost this time?  We can only guess…..

Amphitheatre’s Ghost

AVOCA, Sunday. – Several people at Amphitheatre declare that they have seen a ghost In the vicinity during the last few weeks. A girl was chased by the “spectre” while returning home from work at night. A strict vigil is now being kept by residents, who declare that the thing has gone beyond a joke.

1 Jun 1936 The Argus

Shooting the ghost

This is not the only occasion where an alleged haunting has ended in a shooting.  Check out my article Shooting the Ghost to read about the Bayne Street Ghost of Bendigo and a Shooting at the Melbourne Titles Office.