Haunted Carbon County

Witches, goblins, and ghouls alike, Halloween is just around the corner on a cold October night. The moon will rise high, stretching shadows on the street, and eerie traditions will come around to creep—spine-tingling tales and the unthinkable thrill of the unknown.

Many students are spooked by two buildings here at USU Eastern that make you turn your head, check under your desk, and wonder if more things happened in the building than during 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 undergone a $6 million 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.” 

Zoe Wagstaff, a former student in the theater department at Eastern, 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.” Wagstaff also mentioned that former professor, Dr. Corey Ewan had supernatural experiences dating back to the 1970s 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 who 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. 

Carbon County:

If you ever venture up Spring Canyon in Helper, beware of the white Lady. Many people have claimed to have seen a white apparition of a woman who was crying for her family. It is believed that the White Lady lost her husband in a mining accident that led to her drowning her own child and taking her own life. 

The Helper Museum is known to be haunted by a woman who used to clean the building when it was a hotel. Many people believe that they have seen the woman wearing a dress on the third floor. Many people have also claimed to hear piano noises coming from the mining room. 

Lastly, the Helper Bowling Alley (Gateway Lanes) is considered one of the most haunted buildings in Carbon County. Many people believe they have heard voices, noticed objects moving on their own, and experienced rapid temperature changes. The famous TV show, ‘Ghost Adventures’, even came to investigate the reported activity at the Bowling Alley.  

With Halloween coming up soon, 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. Make sure to visit all the haunted places in Helper as well! Happy Halloween, Eastern! Enjoy the thrilling tales that our hallowed halls have to offer!