Jerome Ghost Walk 2007

Jerome Ghost Walk
by Amanda Arnold

Some people in Jerome say that those who live here are just those returning to their homes of a past life. This idea may or may not be true, but on October 13, 2007, the Jerome Historical Society will celebrate the spirits of Jerome with the 5th Annual Ghost Walk.

During the evening of the Ghost Walk, participants will enjoy “Our Spirits are Among You” in the company of such historic area citizens and visitors as Dora Helen Cook, Carmen Aros, and Madame Annette Devine portrayed by actors from Jerome and Yavapai College.

This year, guides will lead participants through Jerome where actors will perform four different tragedies, including a gun shoot-out featuring Jerome’s present-day police chief Allen Muma. Actual historic events inspired the scripts for the scenes, and the volunteer writers researched documented jury inquests for the stories.

“The Ghost Walk is historically based and quite accurate with some poetic license,” says Ronne Roope, Archivist for the Jerome Historical Society.

The only story not based on a jury inquest is the interpretation of the then world-famous Madame Annette Devine of Washington D.C.

On July 4, 1904, people from throughout the region scheduled an appointment with Madame Devine because of her renowned reputation as the “greatest scientific and physical palmist in the world.” The fact that Madame Divine predicted the death of President McKinley in 1901, contributed greatly to her successful sessions in room one of the Connor Hotel.
Not so pleasant is the tale of the mysterious suicide of mother of four, Dora Helen Cook. Peggy Hicks, (who wrote the script for the act and who serves as a volunteer for the Jerome Historical Society) explains that on April 23, 1936, Fred Cook found his wife’s lifeless body with a self-inflicted bullet wound. Apparently, Mrs. Cook suffered headaches and many thought of her as mentally ill. Mrs. Cook did visit a chiropractor in Phoenix, and following several x-rays, the doctor did proclaim that Mrs. Cook was indeed in “bad shape.”

The jury inquest did not find any criminal action, but the suicide remains a tragic mystery.
All of the scenes will be portrayed among one of Jerome’s historic buildings, and the inquest of Mrs. Cook will occur in the bottom of the Bartlett Hotel.

This year, meet at Spook Hall for the 5th Annual Ghost Walk for one of the three walks beginning at 5:00 P.M., 6:30 P.M. and at 8:00 P.M. Remember, call before the event to purchase tickets because space is limited to 600 people. Ticket prices are $10 before October 1st and $12 afterwards, children ages 7-12 are $5, while those under 7 are free.

The Jerome Historical Society welcomes all ages to participate, but with parental direction. Although the theme of “Our Spirits are Among You” is positive, some stories are spooky and traumatic.

Because of Jerome’s moderate to difficult terrain, strongly consider sturdy footwear. Also, with the questionable terrain, many steps and historic architecture, unfortunately the Ghost Walk is not handicapped accessible.

Several shops will keep their doors open later and the fine restaurants of Jerome will be open in addition to refreshments for sale at Spook Hall.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, contact Rochelle Garcia at 928.634.1066.