Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Strange 1955 Ghost Train D.D.Teoli Jr. A.C.
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Harolds Old Time Radio delves into a supernatural tale set against the backdrop of Connecticut's eerie legends. Narrated by Walter Gibson, a renowned author and expert on the supernatural, the story intertwines elements of mystery, romance, and the unexplained, reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.
The Legend of the Ghost Train
[00:02] Walter Gibson sets the stage with a chilling introduction:
"The story you're about to hear is true. But strange."
He introduces listeners to the haunting legend of the Ghost Train, an apparition that once roamed Connecticut's backroads, particularly known for its white cars that shimmered mysteriously under the night sky.
Christmas Eve Ride
[01:22] Bill Boland continues the narrative, recounting a Christmas Eve in the early 1950s:
"At the turn of the century, a train ran through Connecticut which local residents dubbed the Ghost Train."
Tom Lacey, the protagonist, is driving through Connecticut's secluded roads to spend Christmas with his fiancée, Lucille Rutledge. Accompanied by his dozing friend, Bill Boland, and Bill's dog, Spangles, Tom is uneasy about the treacherous roads.
Encounter with the Mysterious Girl
[02:07] The tension mounts as Lucille hears sleigh bells but sees no sleigh:
"Hey, that sounds like a sleigh. Where is it? ... but there's no sign of the sleigh either in front of us or behind us."
Suddenly, they spot a girl standing by the road, appearing lost and seeking a ride. Tom offers her a ride to his house, claiming urgency as her father is ill. Despite Lucille's confusion about the location, Tom confidently directs her with precise instructions.
Suspicious Behavior and Concern
[04:17] After the girl is dropped off, Lucille notices something amiss:
"There's somebody waiting for you in the porch, I think, with a lantern."
Tom introduces her brother, Leonard, which raises Lucille’s suspicions. Her inquiries lead to an unsettling revelation about Tom's strange behavior since that Christmas Eve, where both Tom and Lucille recall hearing a woman's voice during the fateful drive.
Revelation of the Supernatural
[05:13] Lucille confronts Bill about Tom's unusual demeanor:
"I can't help wondering what's happened to Tom. Do you have any idea?"
Bill reveals that Tom has been acting out of character, prompting Lucille to piece together the mystery. She recalls hearing "a woman's voice" in Tom's car, aligning with the legend of a ghostly apparition.
[08:20] The climax unfolds as Tom admits:
"I'm psychic."
He explains that the girl he picked up was Ethel Wyman, a spirit from around 1900 who perished in a tragic accident involving the Ghost Train. She had been attempting to reach her ailing father, mimicking the events of that ill-fated Christmas Eve.
Historical Context and Unexplained Phenomena
[10:59] Tom divulges the history behind the haunting:
"Back around 1900, a girl named Ethel Wyman was hurrying down this hill in a sleigh, trying to reach her father's sick bed before he died. And she was struck and killed here by the train that used to run on this line."
The covered bridge and the left fork in the road, essential to the encounter, no longer exist, adding layers to the supernatural mystery. The Great Hollow Reservoir now occupies the land where Ethel met her tragic end.
Conclusion and Aftermath
[12:20] Bill Boland reflects on the inexplicable aspects:
"Before reaching Ethel Wyman's home, Tom had taken a left fork at the bottom of Long Hill, then crossed a covered bridge. Retracing that route in daylight, he found that neither the fork in the road nor the bridge existed."
The episode concludes with the lingering questions about the unresolved mystery and the spectral presence that continues to haunt the roads each Christmas.
Notable Quotes
- Walter Gibson [00:02]: "The story you're about to hear is true. But strange."
- Tom Lacey [00:26]: "She was a beautiful girl with eyes like nothing a man has ever seen before."
- Lucille Rutledge [05:22]: "Well, now he's not being himself at all. He's quiet and you know, that's not at all like Tom."
- Tom Lacey [08:20]: "I'm psychic."
- Lucille Rutledge [11:26]: "Yeah, and it was painted all white, wasn't it?"
- Bill Boland [12:20]: "The road hadn't improved a bit."
Final Thoughts
This episode masterfully blends storytelling with supernatural lore, transporting listeners to a bygone era where radio was the primary medium for such tales. Through vivid descriptions, engaging dialogues, and a well-paced revelation of events, Harold's Old Time Radio offers an immersive experience that captivates both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Listeners are left pondering the mysteries of the Ghost Train and the enduring legacy of Ethel Wyman's tragic story, making this episode a memorable addition to the series' repertoire of strange and true supernatural tales.