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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 28, 1997)
Family Fun Shop 603 E. 13th, Eugene ▼ 345-0032 ▼ DAY OF THE DEAD HEADQUARTERS We have the largest selection of Day of the Dead T-Shirts, Folk Art, Pins, Mini Cottins & Skeleton Ornaments. Plus, Wrestler Masks & Serapes RIO Trading 545 Willamette 302-1243 Open 11-6/M'Sat A Cs E ktok until oi mm V////////A I PRESEmS I —^— Opens Oct* 24 Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien Directed by Joe ZingO Late-Nites - Oct. 24,25,31 & Nov. 1, 7,8,14 & 15 at 11:30 pm SPECIAL HALLOWEEN SHOWS!!! Fri. & Sat. at 8 pm, Oct 31 & Nov. 1,1997 Get Your Tickets Early! 'Playing lo Sell-Out Audiences!! Run Extended!! Call for Added Dates in Nov. _ Beyond the gravefj Ghost may haunt South Eugene High School Creaking footsteps and flu cti lati) ig lights lead to ghost legend By Kristen Sheley Freelance Reporter Some people love their school so much they can’tbearto leave — even afterlhey die. Such would seem to he the case at South Eu gene High School. The school, built in the ear ly 1950s, has what many believe to be a ghost lurking in the auditorium. Reports dating back to the early 1970s tell of lights mysteriously switching on and off, fun ny noises like footsteps on the catwalk and sightings of someone hanging around the the ater after it had been locked up for the night. Many believe that it is Robert Turnbull Grankey’s spirit who haunts the theater. Short ly before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 1958, 16-year-old Grankey was changing lights in the auditorium. It was pretty routine work, but what happened next was far from routine. As Grankey, a sophomore, was crossing ap proximately six feet from one catwalk to an other on two-by-six-inch beams, he lost his footing, crashed through the plaster ceiling of the auditorium and fell 55 feet, according to a Register-Guard article. Thirty students were present in the audito rium and witnessed the fatal slip. Grankey was killed almost instantly from a broken neck and severe head injuries. So great was the impact from the fall that the two chairs on which Grankey landed — Row G, Seats 10 and 11 — remained dented from the accident until they were removed during remodeling in 1994. Joe Zingo, South Eugene’s drama teacher for the past 14 years, has had his share of strange experiences in the theater. “Our lights always go off and on,” he said. “And [the ghost] doesn't like heavy metal mu sic. He'll turn the music or lights off then." Rut Zingo takes it all in striae: “Every the ater has a ghost.” Mysterious noises, such as strange creaking and footsteps, have also been reported, usually emanating from the catwalk where Grankey took his last steps. Once, a custodian heard a piano playing in the locked theater after hours. Some claim to have heard their names called by an eerie voice in the empty auditorium. A variety of students and faculty over the years have reported seeing someone sitting in the old balcony or standing at the back of the locked auditorium. But when they check, no one is there. And no one can get in or out with out a key. During remodeling in 1994, history nearly repeated itself when a workman fell through the ceiling of the auditorium and landed on the seats. Unlike Grankey, however, the work COURTESY PHOTO This photograph, originally taken for a school brochure, may hare captured the image of the infamous ghost. Imperfections in the photo were left intact for accuracy and validity. man lived, sunering only a broken toot. Some claim it was the ghost who helped save his life. Recently, a couple of students were taking photographs of the auditorium for a brochure to promote the theater. The catwalk was one of the last places to be photographed, and one of those present for the photo shoot, senior An drew Leung, admits they were rushed. The pictures were developed quickly and, in the snapshot of the catwalk, something strange showed up. “We didn’t see or feel anything at the time,” he insists. “I swear we didn’t stage it.” Could this be the ghost of South Eugene High? Or merely a photographic flaw? By Le ung’s own admission, the picture and negative were developed in a hurry. It would be easy to dismiss the picture as the result of a human er ror. Nevertheless, rumors of the ghost persist. “Every Halloween," Zingo chuckled, “people ask about this.” COURTESY PHOTO Here, the ghostly image is magnified. Is it a photographic flaw, or the real thing? Tired of Renting • •• Why rent when you can own? For details call UO alumna and ; Real Estate Specialist Charlotte O'Ryan at 684-6432 Downtown Office 201 E. 13th Ave. • 484-2011 i uCOUGILL HANSEN iINC.. REALTORS 782 BLAIR BLVD. (NEXT TO TACO LOCO, ART OF GLASS AND BAGEL BAKERY) COME IN AND SEE //alloween stuff for everyone! Used Clothing for Men, Women, and children! Also, other items to buy, sell or trade! Great lights for your parties or just for hanging around vour house! 338-0340 Hope to see you all soon!!!