Two Girls One Ghost: Episode 321 - The Ouija Board Murder of Clothilde Marchand

Hosts: Corinne Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga
Release Date: May 11, 2025
Podcast Description: Two Girls One Ghost delves into the supernatural with meticulously researched and listener-submitted tales. In this episode, Corinne and Sabrina unravel the chilling true story of the Ouija Board Murder of Clothilde Marchand, set against the backdrop of 1930s Buffalo, New York.

1. Introduction to the Story

Timestamp: [02:40]

Corinne opens the episode with an intriguing premise: "Today we are going to travel back in time to 1930s Buffalo, New York, where the infamous Ouija board murder took place." She teases listeners with the promise of a story rich in supernatural elements, betrayal, and tragedy, emphasizing that the true horror lies in human actions rather than the paranormal.

2. Historical and Social Context

Timestamp: [05:03 - 07:34]

Corinne sets the stage by describing Buffalo in the 1930s—a city grappling with the Great Depression. The population was a melting pot of immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Poland seeking prosperity. Concurrently, the Seneca Nation faced systemic dismantling due to colonization and broken treaties. The Seneca, known as the "keepers of the western door," were being marginalized, a theme that becomes pivotal in the unfolding story.

3. Introducing Key Characters

Timestamp: [07:35 - 09:44]

• Nancy Bowen: A 66-year-old Seneca healer and herbalist, respected in her community. Nancy's marriage to Charlie Bowen, a man nicknamed "Sassafras" for his herbal trades, exemplified a harmonious blend of indigenous and urban cultures.

• Lila Jimerson: A 45-year-old schoolteacher educated in white schools, leading a dual cultural life between the reservation and the city. Lila is deeply involved with Henri Marchand, Clotilde's husband.

• Charlie Bowen: Nancy's husband, whose sudden death in 1929 becomes the catalyst for the ensuing drama.

• Clotilde Marchand: A French immigrant and wife of Henri Marchand, portrayed initially as a victim but later unveiled as a central antagonist.

4. The Ouija Board Sessions and Revelation

Timestamp: [10:50 - 14:27]

Grieving the unexpected death of her husband, Nancy turns to Lila for spiritual guidance. Despite traditional Seneca practices not involving Ouija boards, the popularity of these boards in the 1930s influences their decision to use one. During a seance, Nancy pleads for her husband's presence, leading to alarming messages: "B E Y O N D beyond," followed by "T H E Y K I L L E D M E" ([16:10]).

Sabrina remarks, "Oh, my God. Nancy could not believe it," highlighting the shock and fear induced by the Ouija board's messages. Nancy deduces that her husband was murdered, not by natural causes, and that the perpetrator is a woman named Clotilde who resides on Riley Street in Buffalo ([17:17]).

5. Confrontation and Murder

Timestamp: [24:44 - 28:34]

Fueled by the Ouija board's revelation and a corroborating letter from a Mrs. Dooley accusing Clotilde of witchcraft and jealousy-driven murder, Nancy decides to confront Clotilde. On March 6, 1930, armed with a hammer, Nancy approaches Clotilde at 576 Riley Street. The confrontation escalates tragically: "Nancy then chloroformed Clotilde Marchand and beat her to death with the hammer" ([28:12]).

6. Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Timestamp: [28:34 - 37:20]

Both Nancy and Lila are arrested for the murder. During the trial, it emerges that Lila exploited Nancy's grief to execute her own vendetta against Clotilde. Lila, romantically involved with Henri Marchand, used Nancy's spiritual vulnerability to manipulate her into committing murder. Henri, portrayed as a manipulative and unethical artist, emerges as a significant yet initially overlooked figure in the case.

Corinne notes, "Justice was not served," as Nancy is sentenced to time served and released, while Lila is acquitted due to insufficient evidence of direct involvement ([35:12]).

7. Media Sensationalism and Cultural Stereotyping

Timestamp: [37:03 - 43:18]

The media sensationalizes the case, focusing on the Ouija board and witchcraft, thus reinforcing negative stereotypes about Native women and the Seneca tribe. Headlines like "Pagan rites of 500 years ago still Practiced" and "Indian Models Trial for Witch Murder" reveal the pervasive bias and lack of empathy towards indigenous communities. Corinne emphasizes, "The real horror was not supernatural. It was human. Specifically, it was man."

8. Henri Marchand’s Exploitation and Downfall

Timestamp: [37:20 - 39:48]

Henri Marchand, Clotilde's husband, is revealed as a sexual predator who manipulated and exploited Native American women, including Lila. His unethical relationships and lack of accountability further compound the tragedy. Corinne expresses disdain, stating, "He was never prosecuted and lived a secluded, quiet life with his child bride until he died in 1952."

9. Aftermath and Legacy

Timestamp: [40:56 - 43:18]

Artist Marie Watt revisits Nancy Bowen's story through a poignant art project, placing Nancy’s narrative within the broader context of systemic racism and trauma. This modern reflection honors both Clotilde Marchand and Nancy Bowen as victims, advocating for a reevaluation of historical injustices and the portrayal of marginalized communities.

10. Reflections on Spiritual Manipulation

Timestamp: [44:54 - 48:44]

Corinne and Sabrina discuss the darker side of spiritual practices, highlighting how individuals like Lila manipulated spiritual communication for personal gain, leading to tragic outcomes. They caution listeners about the prevalence of fraudulent psychics and mediums who exploit vulnerable individuals, urging due diligence and skepticism when seeking spiritual guidance.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Corinne: "This is Two Girls One Ghost. And we are your ghostesses." ([03:08])

• Sabrina: "And this is very appropriate is a tombstone that says, here lies my last fuck." ([03:13])

• Corinne: "The Ouija board murder is no exception." ([07:36])

• Corinne: "Nancy Bowen was taken into custody and questioned, where she immediately confessed to the murder." ([28:10])

• Corinne: "The real horror was not supernatural. It was human. Specifically, it was man." ([37:22])

• Sabrina: "Men are bad. It's just like the same type of guy exists in every single generation." ([32:52])

• Corinne: "Witchcraft didn't work so good, so she, Clotilde, decided to kill Charlie." ([20:58])

• Corinne: "No, you have to kill her herself." ([28:19])

Conclusion

In this deeply engaging episode, Corinne and Sabrina unravel a complex tale where grief, manipulation, and cultural prejudices intertwine, leading to a tragic murder that echoes beyond its time. By shedding light on hidden injustices and the exploitation of spiritual practices, Two Girls One Ghost not only entertains but also provokes critical reflection on historical narratives and the enduring impact of systemic biases.

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