Listen "053 Old Joliet Prison"
Episode Synopsis
Is Joliet Prison Haunted?
Is Joliet Prison haunted? Pat and Rebecca explore another south suburban Chicago landmark with a haunted past – Joliet Prison. Over its 140+ year history, Joliet Prison housed thousands of inmates and has been used in several popular movies (Blues Brothers) and television shows (Prison Break, Empire). But is it haunted?
Questions Explored in this Episode
When did Joliet Prison open? Who are some of its famous inmates? What happened during the prison riot of 1975? Are there any ghost stories associated with the prison? What happens on paranormal tours of the prison? Are there ghosts that haunt this prison?
Vote on the Episode
Done listening? Go vote on what you think at ghostlypodcast.com/polls. #TeamBeliever #TeamSkeptic
Joliet Prison at Night Photo by Rebecca Rivers
Listener Mail and Questions
Listener mail is a ghost story about creepy doll and one that does not like fighting. Have a spooky story or question of your own (or someone you know)? Send your story or question to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 630-448-2138 and we might read or share it on the podcast. You could be on a future episode of Ghostly!
Ghost Story – Joliet Prison
Listen to Rebecca tell a ghost story inspired by her research into the stories told about Joliet Prison.
Joliet Prison 2nd Floor Window Photo by Rebecca Rivers
History of Joliet Prison
Pat covers some of the key highlights of the prison’s history. Throughout it’s history this building has seen a lot of inmates and a lot of change.
The Debate for Joliet Prison
Rebecca has some strong evidence to debate, including a sighting by Pat and Rebecca themselves while visiting the prison. There is also the ghost of Sausage King Adolph Luetgert’s wife and the singing ghost in the penitentiary cemetery. What will they rate each story?
A picture of the A.L. Sausage & Packing Company featured inside a company paperweight. Image Credit: Alchemy of Bones
Poll Results
Find out what listeners said for the Country House Restaurant episode – Is the Country House Restaurant haunted? Still need to listen to our previous episode? Check it out here.
Ghostly Book Club
Ghostly Book Club
Interested in joining our new Ghostly Book Club? If you want to read spooky books and talk about them with fellow Ghostly listeners, sign up at ghostlypodcast.com/book-club. Our first meeting is October 29th.
Ghostly Gear
Ghostly Face Masks and Ghostly Gear
New merchandise store right on our website at ghostlypodcast.com/store for all your Ghostly Gear! Several new items including Microclimate shirts! Also grab a Ghostly mask.
Done Listening to the Episode?
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Support Ghostly
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We want to hear from you! We want your ghost stories! Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GhostlyPodcast. NEW! Leave us a voicemail on Ghostly’s new haunt line: 630-448-2138.
Sources for this Week’s Episode
Joliet Prison Website: https://www.jolietprison.org/Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joliet_Correctional_CenterJoliet Area Historical Museum: https://www.jolietmuseum.org/schedule-tourPatch.com: https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/tormented-spirits-are-haunting-old-joliet-prison-ferak-columnChicago Mag: http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/October-2018/A-Night-Hunting-Ghosts-at-Joliet-Prison/Joliet Hauntings.com: https://www.joliethauntings.com/history-and-hauntingsTroy Taylor Books: http://troytaylorbooks.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-sausage-vat-murder.html
Additional Reading
Haunted Joliet Prison by Wendy Moxley Roehttps://amzn.to/3mYyQt9The Haunting of Joliet Prison by Usula Bielskihttps://amzn.to/2S40BSS
Music for this episode was performed by Michael RiversIntro: “III. Allegro moderato from Gargoyles” by Lowell LiebermannOutro: “Dream Images (Love-Death Music)” by George CrumbBumper: “Ghost Waltz” by Lowell Liebermann
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