Morbid Podcast Episode 653: Spooky Lakes (Volume 2) - Detailed Summary

In Episode 653 of Morbid, hosted by Ash and Elena from the Morbid Network | Wondery, the duo delves deep into the eerie histories and supernatural tales surrounding some of America's most infamous lakes. Balancing intense true crime narratives with chilling folklore, Ash and Elena guide listeners through a journey of tragedy, mystery, and the unexplained phenomena that persist to this day.

1. Opening Banter: Burps and Office Drama ([02:02] - [07:51])

The episode opens with Ash humorously addressing her colleagues and friends about being bullied in the office due to her and Elena's frequent burping, setting a lighthearted yet twisted tone. This playful exchange not only showcases the hosts' chemistry but also prepares listeners for the blend of dark stories and comedic relief that characterizes the podcast.

Ash ([02:02]): "Today I'm being bullied in the office, everybody."

Elena ([04:03]): "She sounds like she's gonna vomit every time she burps. But we needed to say. We needed to really describe them. The reason is not like, oh, there's liquid involved. It's like, no, you're gonna throw up."

2. Grace Brown's Tragic Murder and Haunting at Big Moose Lake ([12:10] - [30:00])

Historical Context and The Crime

Ash and Elena recount the harrowing story of Grace Brown, a 20-year-old dairy farm girl from South Otselic, New York, who met a tragic end in 1906. Grace moved to Cortland to live with her sister and secured a job at the Gillette Skirt Factory, where she began a tumultuous affair with Chester Gillette, the owner's nephew.

Chester, portrayed as a manipulative and irresponsible man, initiated a secretive relationship with Grace despite dating other women openly. The relationship deteriorated when Grace became pregnant, leading Chester to plan a "romantic getaway" under the guise of marriage intentions.

Elena ([14:00]): "Chester had to keep her on a leash a bit because he was a guy who wanted to have his cake and eat it, too."

However, during the boat ride to Big Moose Lake, Chester brutally attacked Grace with a horn-handled umbrella and a tennis racket before throwing her into the lake, resulting in her death. Chester fled the scene but was later apprehended, convicted of first-degree murder, and executed in 1908.

Lingering Spirits and Hauntings

The tragic tale doesn't end with Grace's death. According to local legends and historical accounts, Grace's spirit remains trapped at Big Moose Lake. Witnesses have reported seeing a ghostly apparition of a glowing woman wandering the shores or appearing in the halls of the Big Moose Inn where Grace stayed. These sightings are often accompanied by an overwhelming sense of sadness and dread, suggesting Grace's inability to move on from her untimely death.

Elena ([30:00]): "People keep seeing Grace. I hate that she's stuck there."

Moreover, Grace's story has permeated popular culture, inspiring folk songs like the "Ballad of Big Moose Lake," movies such as A Place in the Sun, and various literary and operatic works.

3. Crater Lake: Legends, Plane Crashes, and Paranormal Activity ([35:12] - [68:40])

Formation and Mythological Origins

Transitioning to Oregon, Ash introduces Crater Lake National Park, home to America's deepest lake. The lake's formation is attributed to the colossal eruption of Mount Mazama over 7,700 years ago, which led to the creation of a caldera filled by rainwater and snowmelt.

The Klamath tribe's legends add a rich mythological layer to Crater Lake's history. The deity Lao, the God of the Underworld, fell in love with the tribe chief's daughter. When his intentions were rejected, Lao's rage triggered the volcanic eruption. The sky spirit Skell intervened, defeating Lao but leaving his head floating in the lake, a site believed to be haunted by his restless spirit.

Ash ([42:22]): "He had to keep her on a leash a bit because he was a guy who wanted to have his cake and eat it, too."

Plane Crashes and Mysterious Disappearances

Crater Lake's vast and deep waters have been the site of numerous plane crashes and unexplained disappearances. Notably:

• 1944 Grumman TBF Torpedo Bomber: During a World War II drill, one of the nine planes vanished without a trace, sparking theories ranging from government cover-ups to paranormal interference.

• 1975 Private Plane Crash: The wreckage of a private plane carrying pilot Dave Nun and two student pilots was found seven years later by a hiker, confirming initial suspicions of foul play after the family's foreboding premonitions and unexplained weather phenomena.

• 1945 Grumman Hellcat Fighter Plane: Ensign Frank Lupo's plane disappeared during a foggy flight, with remains only discovered decades later.

These incidents contribute to the lake's ominous reputation, with many believing that supernatural forces or curses are to blame for the persistent tragedies.

Paranormal Phenomena and Cryptids

Beyond human tragedies, Crater Lake is a hotspot for paranormal sightings and cryptid legends:

• Old Man of the Lake: Not a person, but a 30-foot mountain hemlock that inexplicably floats upright, believed by locals to control the weather. Attempts to restrain the "Old Man" resulted in sudden, violent weather changes, reinforcing his mythical status.

• Water Monsters (Wanster): Sightings of dragon-like creatures akin to Nessie have been reported multiple times. Witnesses describe seeing massive, serpentine shapes swimming beneath boats or emerging from the depths, instilling fear and fascination in equal measure.

• Phantom Island: An optical illusion where an island appears and disappears based on viewing angles and lighting, adding to the lake's mystique.

• Mysterious Fires and Apparitions: Rangers have encountered inexplicable campfires in restricted areas that vanish upon investigation. Ghostly apparitions of Grace Brown and other spirits are frequently reported, maintaining the lake's haunted legacy.

Elena ([61:16]): "Crater Lake is scary, guys."

Ash ([62:10]): "There have been at least two sightings of the monster. The Wanster."

Unsolved Murders and Modern Mysteries

The episode also touches upon unsolved murders near Crater Lake, such as the 1952 killings of Charles Culhane and Albert Jones on Annie Creek. The brutal execution-style murders remain unsolved, with clues pointing towards multiple perpetrators but no definitive conclusions. Modern investigators and enthusiasts continue to explore these cold cases, hoping to unearth new evidence or leads.

4. Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Eerie Tales ([68:28] - End)

Ash and Elena conclude the episode by expressing their fascination with Crater Lake's dark history and supernatural elements. They tease potential follow-up episodes exploring additional mysteries and plane crashes, inviting listeners to stay tuned for more haunting stories.

Ash ([68:03]): "The old man is on my side. We'll never hold him down."

Elena ([68:36]): "And we hope you keep listening."

Final Thoughts

Episode 653 of Morbid masterfully intertwines true crime with local legends, painting a comprehensive picture of how places like Big Moose Lake and Crater Lake become vessels for both historical tragedies and enduring supernatural lore. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Ash and Elena bring to life the haunting echoes that linger around these spooky lakes, leaving listeners both informed and spooked.