Whether it is beneath the city or in the basement of Shipstad Hall, tales of haunts lurk about
By Julius Calasicas
The City of Roses has no short supply of paranormal activity.
Portland-based author, Chuck Palahniuk, has an entire chapter dedicated to spooks and ghouls in his popular guide to the city, "Fugitives and Refugees." Dozens of Web sites make claims to various haunted areas known to send shivers down Oregonians' spines.
UP supposedly houses at least two undead figures, and word has it that the very land which our institution rests on was once a Native American burial ground. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the stories that fuel fear in the living are kept alive by narrations and late night expeditions.
Shanghai Tunnels
Like a subterranean spider web, the Shanghai tunnels were once a network of underground passages used to drug and kidnap able-bodied men who were then sold to work as sailors for no pay. From Old Town/Chinatown to downtown, Portland to the Waterfront Park, trapdoors can be found at The Matador Bar, Orpheum Theater and various hotels and restaurants. Michael Jones has been conducting tunnel tours for more than 40 years.
"I first visited the tunnels when I was 7 years old," Jones said. "People have claimed to hear strange noises, seen apparitions, and have felt taps on their shoulders."
Jones believes that a few nonliving entities live in the tunnels, including the unfortunate ghost of a prostitute thrown into its depths to die.
For more information on the tunnels call (503) 622-4798 or visit www.shanghaitunnels.info.
The bluff
When priests would walk the bluff for their morning prayers, Frank Houston, who owned the Southwest portion called the "Melvin Track," now more commonly known as The Commons, would shout at the black-robed men with a fist in the air. "You old, black crows!" Houston jeered at the Holy Cross members.
Houston was not a fan of the Catholic faith and refused to sell his track to the university until his last breath in the 1930s. Although his wife finally sold the land, rumor has it that the unsettled spirit of Houston still paces the line where his fence once stood.
The university's archive has a photo of a mysterious man in the reflection of the left entrance of the Terrace Room. Tales of moving objects and strange noises in the basement of The Commons still circulate to this day.
Waldschmidt Hall
In 1923, Waldschmidt Hall was known as West Hall, The Beacon was the Columbiad, and the University of Portland was called Columbia University. One name, however, still remains the same: Paul Hillgen, who has been known to frequent the university's buildings.
On Sept. 15, 1923, Hillgen decided to take a swim in the Willamette River on the first day of school. He never set a living foot on land again. His classmates mourned his death and even included a poem in the school paper in memory of the youth's life.
It is said that a wet figure holding luggage can be seen in the stairways of Waldschmidt and Christie Hall. Supposedly the fourth floor lights of Waldschmidt are left on at night or else the ghost of Hillgen will flip the switch himself.
North Portland Library
"The man upstairs" is a dark figure that first appeared on monitors in 1990. When employees at the North Portland Library went to investigate the person on the second floor meeting room - which is kept locked up unless its use is requested - not a living soul was found in the Carnegie-styled building.
Located near McMenamins Chapel Pub (which was once the Little Chapel of the Chimes funeral home), the North Portland Library serves the community with books, Internet access and unearthly activity.
"The hand driers in the upstairs bathroom are always turning on. They've been changed and switched many times," said Anita, a long time librarian that works at the circulation desk. "It's really weird. No doubt some ghosts are present here."
The North Portland Library is located at 512 N. Killingsworth St.
The Money Tree
Local folklore has it that buried below the "Old Dead Money Tree" on the corner of North Mississippi and Killingsworth is the secret stash of the late Ed Black. The story has it that Black lived in a van all his life until he was found dead with a bullet in his head. The tree, which is now fenced up, was allegedly the spot where Black hid his money and treasured belongings beneath the rocks and dirt. His posthumous person has been said to be found in the early morning hours beneath the leafless tree.
