Haunted Akron, Ohio - The Eerie Side of Town

Ghostly babies crying in the night, footsteps in the night, ghostly figures that appear and then are gone. We all love to retell these stories of things that go bump in the night. Some swear they're true. For others, they're just stories told around the campfire to scare little children. Every town has their stories, and Akron, Ohio is no different.

From haunted schools and theaters, to "Cry Baby Bridge", Akron is full of tales of spirits who refuse to leave.

The Akron Civic Theater

Built in 1929 on the bank of the Ohio Erie Canal, the Akron Civic Theater has provided entertainment to the Akron Area for over 75 years. However, most guests are unaware of the spirits that lurk backstage.

One of the more popular stories is of Fred, a janitor who worked for the theater when it was first built by Marcus Loew. Fred died in the theater while working, but Fred didn't let that stop him from tending to his duties. Fred especially likes to appear during the many high school proms that are hosted by the theater. When young would-be vandals try to work their mischief on the theater, Fred has a habit of making his presence know, and protecting the place that has been his home.

Another story is of a well-dressed actor who appears to various cast and crew back stage. Apparently he was never told that his show is over. He has also been seen by guests and employees in the balcony area of the theater.

Outside the theater, there have been reports of a woman crying at the side of the Erie Canal. The theory is that it is a woman who committed suicide in the canal in the days before the theater was built.
The University of Akron

The University of Akron is located in down town Akron. As it has grown over the years, it has purchased the surrounding land. Rumor has it that one of the pieces of property it built on was once a cemetery. As any ghost story lover will tell you, it's never a good idea to disturb the dead. Several buildings that are owned by the University, especially the older buildings, have stories of troubled spirits that visit the students at night.