Is USU Eastern Haunted?
There are many spine-tingling tales about two buildings here at USU Eastern that will have you turning your head, checking under your desk, and making you wonder if more things happened in the building than that of taking a test.
Witches, goblins, and ghouls alike, Halloween is just around the corner on a cold October’s night. The moon will rise high and stretch shadows on the street, and eerie traditions will come around to creep. Spine-tingling tales and the unthinkable thrill of the unknown. There are many spine-tingling tales about two buildings here at USU Eastern that will have you turning your head, checking under your desk, and making you wonder if more things happened in the building than that of taking a test.
The first building that might send shivers down your spine is the Geary Event Center. The GEC is the oldest building on USU Eastern’s campus. The building was finished in 1961, but has since gone under a $6 million dollar renovation. According to the USU Eastern website, “Known as the jewel of Eastern Utah, the Geary Event Center was named for Professor Elmo Geary, as he was the driving force in getting the Geary Event Center built. Professor Geary taught speech, debate, and theater from 1951 until his death in 1961, but his legacy, the program and the building continue to be a vital part of USU Eastern and its culture”.
I had the chance to talk with Zoe Wagstaff, a student in the theater department at Eastern, who had many interesting things to say about the potential hauntings of the Geary Theatre. “The theater department’s club (Elmo Club) was named after Elmo Geary – the picture you see in the main room inside the GEC is Geary himself” Wagstaff stated. “A good amount of people on campus announce, “Hi Elmo!” whenever they walk down the stairs in the Geary so as to not be haunted while they are in the rooms.” Wagsttaff also mentioned that former professor, Dr. Corey Ewan had supernatural experiences dating back to the 1970’s inside of the GEC.
The second building on campus that is believed to be haunted is the West Instructional Building. Before the building served as classrooms and offices it was known as Price Hospital. The hospital had moments of joyous births – including my parents, healing of illness and the sadness of many deaths. Many people believe that WIB is now haunted by the patients that tragically passed away in the hospital. Not only are the ghosts of the past in the hospital, but the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum Bone Lab is also in the basement. Many people also believe that dinosaurs roamed the hallowed halls of the WIB.
With Hallowen coming up in a week, it’s time to reflect on this haunted tale that will make you say “Eek!” Watch your back running down the halls in the WIB and respect Mr. Geary’s theater when you visit him. Happy Halloween Eastern, enjoy the thrilling tales that our hallowed halls have to offer.
