Some of Brownsville’s most famous residents are no longer living. On Aug. 6, you can hear about a few of them while strolling past their favorite haunts during the family-friendly Brownsville Ghost Walk.
Local residents will portray Nemacolin Castle owner Jacob Bowman and a Civil War soldier who refuses to retreat from a house in the 300 block of Front Street. At another of the 13 stops, the owner of a bed-and-breakfast in the 500 block of Market Street will introduce the mischievous spirit known as Charlie. Thought to be the ghost of a shipbuilder who lived in the house, Charlie changed the chimes of a 200-year-old grandfather clock for a visit by a paranormal group from California University of Pennsylvania, among other pranks.
At a cemetery on Church Street, you’ll hear the tale of three men who claimed to be nephews of George Washington. They stayed at a Brownsville hotel for three months in 1818, waiting for boats to transport them and dozens of slaves to Kentucky. All three died of typhus along with 15 slaves and were buried near Christ Church.
The 90-minute tour begins at 9 p.m. next Saturday at Brownsville Fire Co. 1, 520 Market St., 15417. The cost is $7 per person and proceeds benefit the Northside Beautification Committee. Flashlights and walking shoes are recommended. Information: 724-880-6528.
— Kevin Kirkland, Post-Gazette
First Published: July 29, 2016, 2:28 p.m.
