A Ghostly Cry for Justice in Dixmont
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
What happened in Dixmont, Maine, in 1854 that led to a haunting?
In 1854, a traveling peddler was murdered by a farmer named George Smith in Dixmont, Maine. The farmer clubbed the peddler over the head, stole his money, and hid the body in the basement. This brutal act is believed to have caused the haunting of the house.
Why did the haunting in Dixmont gain attention in 1905?
The haunting gained attention in 1905 because unexplained phenomena, such as dripping sounds, footsteps, and the sensation of someone being dragged down the stairs, were reported by locals. A reporter from the Bangor Daily News investigated the house, and the story was widely covered.
What evidence suggests the peddler's body was hidden in the house?
Locals and the reporter discovered a suspicious brick wall in the basement that appeared to be added after the original construction. It was rumored that the peddler's body was hidden behind this wall, which was likely a vault built by the farmer to conceal the crime.
What happened to the witnesses of the 1854 murder?
Two witnesses to the murder met tragic fates. One was found mysteriously drowned in a pond over a thousand miles away, and the other was shot dead outside his home by an unknown assailant. Neither killer was ever caught.
Why is the Dixmont haunting considered a cry for justice?
The haunting is considered a cry for justice because the ghostly activity, such as the sounds of dripping blood and dragging, seems to replay the events of the peddler's murder. The spirit is believed to be seeking recognition and retribution for the crime that was never officially solved.
What makes small towns like Dixmont particularly eerie for such stories?
Small towns like Dixmont amplify the eeriness of such stories because residents often trust their neighbors and feel a sense of safety. Discovering that a brutal murder occurred in such a close-knit community challenges their perception of security and raises questions about hidden secrets.
How did the reporter from the Bangor Daily News experience the haunting?
The reporter experienced the haunting firsthand by hearing unexplained dripping sounds, footsteps on the stairs, and the sensation of someone being dragged down the stairs. These phenomena occurred despite no visible presence, leaving the reporter and others deeply unsettled.
What is the significance of the 1905 Bangor Daily News article?
The 1905 Bangor Daily News article is significant because it documented the haunting and the murder of the peddler, providing a historical record of the events. It also included a photo of the haunted house, which remains a key piece of evidence for the story.
Why was the farmer's name in the story fabricated?
The farmer's name was fabricated because the original 1905 article did not mention it. The hosts of the podcast created a name for storytelling purposes to avoid implicating any real individuals or families in the crime.
What challenges did traveling peddlers face in the 19th century?
Traveling peddlers in the 19th century faced significant dangers, including theft, violence, and murder. They often carried large sums of money and sought lodging from strangers, making them vulnerable to exploitation and harm.
- Unsolved 1854 murder of a peddler
- Haunted house with unexplained phenomena
- 1905 Bangor Daily News article detailing the haunting
- Possible witnesses met with untimely deaths
Shownotes Transcript