Podcast Summary: Spooked – "Skagway - Classic"

Release Date: August 1, 2025
Hosted by Glynn Washington

Introduction to Skagway’s Haunting Legacy

In the "Skagway - Classic" episode of Spooked, host Glynn Washington takes listeners on a chilling journey to Skagway, Alaska—a town steeped in gold rush history and notorious for its supernatural tales. Washington sets the stage by highlighting Skagway's isolation and frigid climate, emphasizing the necessity of preparedness in such a harsh environment.

"From Snap Judgment's underground lair. You're listening to Spooked... Cold cold. And when you have to be that cold, what you better have is a plan."
— Glynn Washington [00:01]

Corey Giacomazzi’s First Encounters

Corey Giacomazzi, a long-time resident of Skagway, shares her initial experiences upon moving to the town. Initially planning a short summer stay, Corey's perception shifts as she begins to sense unseen presences.

"I could have been making it up, who knows? But it happened enough times that it was definitely not being made up."
— Corey Giacomazzi [04:00]

Corey describes an unsettling feeling of being watched while getting ready in the morning, leading to the first apparition during a late-night conversation with her roommate.

"I looked and there's this ethereal person... There was a ghost in my room."
— Corey Giacomazzi [05:20]

The Appearance of Frances

In a deeply personal encounter, Corey and her roommate witness the apparition of a young woman named Frances. This spectral figure appears calmly in their shared bedroom, offering a sense of understanding rather than fear.

"She wasn't a terrifying presence. She was just like this simple girl. She didn't leave the room."
— Corey Giacomazzi [06:38]

To uncover Frances's identity, Corey consults a local who reveals that Frances was associated with a children's home in the 1950s. This connection provides a backdrop to Frances's lingering presence in Skagway.

"I used to live here when it was a kid's home back in the 50s... She was responsible for him."
— Corey Giacomazzi [07:52]

Lydia’s Haunting at the Red Onion Saloon

Corey’s paranormal experiences deepen when she begins working at the historic Red Onion Saloon, a former Gold Rush brothel. Here, the most active ghost is Lydia, a woman who tragically hung herself in the establishment.

"When I started working at the Red Onion Saloon, everybody knows that it's haunted."
— Corey Giacomazzi [11:47]

Billy Clem, a seasoned bartender and tour guide at the Red Onion, recounts her first direct encounter with Lydia’s spirit. During a Fourth of July event, Billy witnesses Lydia hanging from a noose, marking a pivotal moment in understanding the saloon's haunted reputation.

"I saw her hanging from the ceiling. I got really scared... that's Lydia."
— Billy Clem [16:18]

Uncovering Lydia’s Story

Through diligent research, Corey and Billy uncover the tragic history of Lydia. Old newspapers and archival materials reveal that Lydia was a "good time girl"—a term used euphemistically for prostitutes of that era. Contracting a debilitating disease, likely syphilis, Lydia faced societal rejection, leading her to take her own life.

"She had something that was going on, like pneumonia or tuberculosis... Lydia took her own life."
— Corey Giacomazzi [21:08]

This discovery humanizes Lydia, transforming her from a mere ghostly presence into a symbol of the forgotten women of Skagway's tumultuous past.

Transforming Fear into Respect

Acknowledging Lydia's story changes the dynamic between the living and the dead. Corey adopts a respectful approach, greeting Lydia daily, which fosters a more harmonious coexistence.

"Saying hi to her every day makes her much more pleasant to work with."
— Corey Giacomazzi [22:18]

Billy shares an instance where Lydia intervened during a violent altercation in the saloon, attributing the sudden peace to her protective spirit.

"I was thinking to myself, thanks a lot, Lydia. I needed that."
— Billy Clem [21:49]

This mutual respect not only eases the unsettling experiences but also honors the legacy of Skagway's historical figures.

The Legacy of Skagway’s Spirits

Corey reflects on the enduring presence of spirits like Lydia and Frances in Skagway, attributing the town’s numerous hauntings to its history as a gateway to unfulfilled dreams during the Gold Rush.

"This was the place that people came to realize their dreams... If they didn't have the money... they were stuck here."
— Corey Giacomazzi [25:00]

The economic hardships and unachieved aspirations of the past have left an indelible mark, ensuring that the spirits of those who couldn't leave remain tethered to Skagway.

Conclusion

"Skagway - Classic" delves deep into the ghostly narratives that permeate this Alaskan town. Through Corey Giacomazzi and Billy Clem's personal experiences, listeners gain insight into the historical and emotional layers that contribute to Skagway's haunted reputation. The episode underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the stories of those who came before, ensuring their memories linger respectfully within the town's icy embrace.

Notable Quotes:

• "I could have been making it up, who knows? But it happened enough times that it was definitely not being made up." — Corey Giacomazzi [04:00]

• "I saw her hanging from the ceiling. I got really scared... that's Lydia." — Billy Clem [16:18]

• "Saying hi to her every day makes her much more pleasant to work with." — Corey Giacomazzi [22:18]

• "This was the place that people came to realize their dreams... If they didn't have the money... they were stuck here." — Corey Giacomazzi [25:00]

For those intrigued by the spectral tales of Skagway and other supernatural stories, Spooked continues to explore the unknown with captivating firsthand accounts every Friday.