Many of us Boomers fondly remember growing up with the Andy Griffith Show. It was a Hallmark type town, not far from Bedford Falls, where everyone knew each other, took care of each other, and loved God, America and their families.
The town was based on Andy Griffith’s home town of Mt. Airy, NC. What many people may not know is the town, prior to being made into an Idyllic piece of Heaven, was known as “Little Chicago”. It seemed to have an unsavory element which, like all towns big or small, have their day. Moonshiners, jilted lovers, murders, and a surprising amount of Dynamite was used for revenge or intimidation. And, such a history, leaves tell-tale signs. Such as wandering spirits searching for redemption or justice.
Emily Morgan was raised in the mountains of Virginia near Mt. Airy. Today, she runs Mt. Airy Ghost Tours, working for the historical society. Emily grew up hearing about “Haints”, or ghosts, from her family who continued to give her advice on how to deal with the dead when she went to work at a haunted museum.
Following the tradition of Victorian England Christmases, grab a hot drink, and settle down as we spend Christmas Eve telling ghost stories about America’s favorite home town, Mayberry. Or, Little Chicago…..