Tales from the Mysterious Side

This museum opened up to the public on September 9, 1954.  It was the result of the work of Dr. Max Thorek who founded the International College of Surgeons (ICS) in 1935.  The museum was originally designed as a repository for the growing collection of historical surgical instrumentation, art, and books.  Dr. Max Thorek was also an internationally acclaimed amateur photographer and author of several books. This museum is housed in an old mansion that was owned by Eleanor Robinson Countiss to house her family.  Her father JK Robinson was an executive at the Diamond Match Company and he provided the home building fund for her.  The building was acquired by Dr. Max Thorek and the International College of Surgeons. There are many interesting displays inside the museum that are definitely worth the look.  A cab ride can be taken from the Ogilve or Union Station (about 15 minutes in light traffic) to visit.  Of particular interest to me were the trephined skulls from Peru.   It is my

The Chicago Cultural Center was completed in 1897 as Chicago's first central library.  It became a cultural center in 1991.  The landmark building is home to two fantastic stained-glass domes, art exhibits, performances, films, and more.  The Tiffany stained-glass dome is more well known.  When I went to visit, I asked to find the Tiffany dome but I was told by a lady that the dome on the 2nd floor was worth looking at even though it was less known.  I decided to check it out and to my surprise it was a dome room and ballroom dedicated to the Union Soldiers of the Civil War.  I was silent when I realized this because I am researching this time period extensively and had no idea what I was going to find upon my visit.  If I had not asked for directions to the 3rd floor dome of this particular lady, I would never have visited the 2nd floor dome to take in its full beauty and meaning.  I was silenced as this is just one of the many synchronicities I am experiencing right now in my lif

Broadway Antique Market (also known as BAM) is a wonderful place to visit on the North side of Chicago.  It has a large collection of mid-century (1950s/1960s) furniture and items, but it also has quite a few hidden treasures.  I found a Native American drum which I purchased and was very tempted to purchase some unique silver vintage jewelry.  This place is worth a visit or more to see what treasures await for you.  One of the owners wrote a book, which I did purchase and read, about his fascinating experiences in the vintage industry.  Some of the experiences include hauntings/paranormal activity associated with some of the items being sold as well as other unique experiences.  I recommend it. http://bamchicago.com/

A race of giants were found in the mounds when the early pioneers came to Lake County. Many were over 7 feet tall. They didn't leave much in the matter of records and their skeletons were falling apart. Who were they? We won't ever know until the Smithsonian is put in check and we are allowed to fully examine their DNA without interference. That day will be coming.  Here is the page from the book with the testimony. "Of the very early history of the region which now embraces Lake County but little can be written. The Mound Builders had occupied it and passed away, leaving no written language and but little even as tradition. They had erected their piles of earth, usually from the surface soil, and underneath them had deposited the remains of their dead, together with bits of pottery and a few rude implements of husbandry and warfare. The mounds were quite numerous along the rivers and in the vicinity of the inland lakes. That they were of great antiquity is evide

A very old cemetery with a lot of history in Chicago.

I am the first of the Ghost Ladies paranormal investigative team.  Will it grow?  We'll see.  I hope to build a team of talented female paranormal investigators.  Here is a quick visit to an iconic Chicago Cemetery known as Graceland Cemetery with over 150 years of history.  Enjoy!

It doesn't always have to be about a haunting.  Adventures are all around us.