They Said It Was Haunted
Copyright © 2005, The Ladd School.com - Written by Ladd Curator

There have been quite a few stories on the Internet alleging ghostly encounters at the former Ladd Center. The manifestations described are numerous: Some people report inexplicably malfunctioning electronic devices, such as cameras and car radios gone haywire; others claim their cars will mysteriously stall upon their arrival or departure.

Outside, strange sounds are said to call out from the surrounding wood, and tales tell of shadows that creep around the grounds at night. There are even several accounts of a “phantom car” that makes its rounds about the premises. Many report “bad vibes” and ominous or foreboding feelings when approaching the derelict buildings.

Inside, the air is said to be patchy, and cold, and tressapassers are almost invariably haunted by a menagerie of sounds – from footsteps, to knocking on the walls, to whispering, to voices speaking, crying, and even screaming. Some claim to have been touched or struck by phantom hands, or solid objects, while others report being confronted by apparitions. Children are often the subject of these ghostly appearances.

Most of these stories circulate about the Infirmary and Childrens Hospital, while a few accounts are told of the recently established Exeter Job Corps, which partly occupies the old school building. Much of the former school building’s exterior remained intact during renovations, and continue to stand today, serving the Academy. Interestingly, a part of this building once sheltered the Ladd School Auditorium – which also served as a chapel for religious ceremonies.

Whether or not the Ladd School is actually haunted is a matter of speculation – and so, of opinion. Naturally, some accounts seem – and likely are – embellished, or exaggerated, while other accounts seem frankly absurd, or purely fictitious. Whatever the case, it is factually all hearsay, and so we can therefore only rely on our own wits to decide the truth for ourselves.

So are those “orbs” in your photographs ghosts, or mosquitoes caught in the light of your cameras flashbulb?

Well, you decide.

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