I happen to have a lot of creepy photos, my lovelies. I’m not going to analyze why that is at this moment, but I would say my best creepy photos are from a tour of the Preston School of Industry, also known as the Preston Castle, in Ione, California. Here’s a post I did about it a while back. A few commenters had suggested that my post was not completely accurate. For the record, that post was based on information learned from my tour guide. It’s quite positive she glossed over some things.
When pressed, our docent admitted that were many unexplained deaths that happened on the premises. The former reform school for boys is thought to be haunted and, whether it was the power of suggestion or not, I felt a presence. It so happens this castle, once a school for wards of the state, may be transformed into a college for extension classes and a culinary school. If I were to ever take classes there, it would not be after dark.
These pictures were taken in 2013 when it was owned by the state of California. It currently is under the ownership of the Preston Castle Foundation, so I have no idea what the place looks like now. When I took the tour, it was in need of serious repair.
I chose what I thought were my most creepy and played with a few filters for a spooky effect. How did I do?
Yes, you do see a hanging man on the right side of the photo. Don’t worry, it’s not real. It’s for a special Halloween sleepover. For a fee, you can spend the night!
Would you like to spend the night here?
The ghost was upstairs. True or not, the docent said that door opened and closed on its own.
This is the infirmary, the only area of the castle that was intact. We were told that patients were given care here on the floor with no anesthesia. This room felt spooky and strange.
Here’s the back of the castle.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour.
For more creepiness, visit the Weekly Photo Challenge site.
Thanks for the field trip!
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You’re welcome!
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Definitely some creepy shots. Which of course makes them awesome! It would be pretty interesting to spend the night there. But I’m such a cynic, a ghost could come up and kiss me on the cheek, and I’d still find a way to explain it away. 🙂
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Thanks, Carrie. You might be able to explain it away, but you will still feel it. Bwahaha!! I believe after going there. Who knows, maybe you’ll be good friends with the ghost.
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That would certainly give me some great writing fodder!
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Yes, definitely! Oh, what we do for our craft. Will it be worth the risk?
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Certainly!
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Of course!
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I’m with you there, Carrie. I’d love to spend the night and there’s nothing that I can imagine happening that would take away my skepticism about the whole ghost thing.
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Yeah, my skepticism is tough to turn off. But what good stories we might create from the atmosphere.
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One of my half-completed novels takes significant part in Ione, where this haunted manse is located. But none of my story occurs there. I think I need to change that. Although a ghost wouldn’t really fit the story line. Hmmm
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Next book, maybe…
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Maybe you weave one in! What do you know that your story takes place in Ione. What a coincidence!
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Ooh, I’m not sure about that! That’s when the ghosts come out you know. I’ve always believed. I bet this place would make a believer out of you, Mark.
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Only one way to find out. Halloween at the Preston Home for Wayward Boys here I come.
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It could be a great bonding experience with your kids! You should go for it since you’re not scared.
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I believe on ghost. It is a spooky place.
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It’s definitely feels spooky. Thanks for your comments.
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I believe, Amy. I went to a ghost tour at our old restore theater, and I saw lights on mirrors in photos that were not there in real life, and things banged and clanged at us in basement rooms, and a voice called out my name through a random scanner as we all huddled around it. No kidding!
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Wow, Mark. I didn’t have anything like that happen here. That’s crazy. Things happen in the basement. I had another creepy basement shot, but it was a little blurry. Lights on mirrors that weren’t there. That’s pretty spooky. Old theaters can that spooky feel already in a cool way. That place must have left quite an impression on you.
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It did, indeed. It’s famous for housing a ghost by the name of Clarissa. I think it’s got more spirits than that hanging around, Amy. The Ghost Hunter Stacy Jones brought them out, and a couple hundred people were witnesses that night. Spooky, indeed.
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Is this house on Ghost Hunters as well?
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No. It’s actually still a working theater for travelling Broadway plays, concerts and movies, Amy.
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Ooh, I wonder what goes on there. I bet it’s freaky and fun to perform there.
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I bet it is, Amy. Sharing the dressing rooms and you don’t know it. 😮
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You definitely succeeded with the creepy photos!
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com/beach-road-trip
BLOGLOVIN
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Thanks so much, Danika. Thanks for stopping by.
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Creepy is not the word… you really should weave a story around this place. Must be hundreds to tell.
There’s a face in the basement!
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Trent, after I saw this place, I really wanted to write something. There must be a ton of stories here and I don’t think they’re happy ones from the feel of the place. They did some medieval things, like the boys were sprayed with chemicals when they arrived in this room with a huge pool of water. Weird stuff. I wondered if I could make it historical fiction, but I’d be worried I’d get it wrong unless I could meet an expert. Anyway, I haven’t forgotten about it.
There’s a face in the basement? Really?!!! You must have the sight. 🙂
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Okay the chemical thing is just weird… why would they do that???
You know, historical fiction is still fiction. You have all the poetic license you need to tell the story you want.
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I guess to get rid of lice, etc. All of it is gruesome.
True, very true! It has the elements for a fascinating story.
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Creepiest picture is the second one. The hallway. I think it’s because it seems slightly askew. But there aint no ghosts there!!!!
I’d love to have a sleepover there. All the creaks and groans of the old building would drive people crazy!
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Well, I watched the Ghost Hunters special and, indeed, the ghost walked down that very hallway. I’m not kidding! The creeks and groans yeah, I’m not sure I could do it, but I probably would anyway. From the looks of their website, I think you can still sleepover. You should do it!
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Very creepy, and I like what you did with the photos! I agree with Trent – you should write a story about this, or someone who suffered there, or the horrors it once held. The possibilities are endless! It also looks like a great assignment for those Ghost Hunter guys on TV! I’m sure their gadgets would pick up paranormal activity in many places! Great post! xo
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Thanks, Kelly! The possibilities are endless. I wouldn’t even know where to begin, but the thought has definitely crossed my mind. From what I did learn about the place, I can tell you that people were not happy there, Kelly. Oh, this has been on Ghost Hunters. I watched it! Yeah, you should check it out. They do pick up on the ghost(s) there and Zach (is that his name?) has a strange experience that shakes him up. Glad you like it. xo
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So the ghosts have been confirmed! I will look it up online. That stuff really does kind of creep me out though – always thought it best to stay away from it, like ouija boards. I’ve heard that’s how you invite that stuff into your life! Yikes!
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Indeed, Kelly. If the Ghost Hunters say it’s true, it must be. I was convinced anyway. I think you can invite that stuff into your life. Hey, that would be a good story. 🙂
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Yep – there you go! 🙂
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Thanks to you! 🙂
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🙂
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Your talents never cease to amaze me.
What do you take your pictures with? Are you an avid photographer, or do you do it just for these challenges?
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Oh, you so sweet to say that. I’m just a hobbyist. I take lots of pictures with my iPhone. These weren’t even taken with the latest iPhone which has a much better camera on it, I’m told. I take lot of photos. So far, I’ve always had something for these challenges! Thanks, Samara. xox
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You and Mark (Exile) take such amazing pictures with your iPhones. My pictures suck unless I use filters. Do you?
Are you on Instagram?
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Well, I guess we should get something out of the hefty sum for the phone. I’m not on Instagram! Haven’t made it there yet. Maybe I’ll sign myself up. Good idea. Are you on there?
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Yes, I opened an account the day before I left for BlogHer. I was told its a great way to connect with everyone there, but I ended up texting people or tweeting.
You would love it. People will adore the beauty of your photos. You would probably put up a lot of pictures for the aesthetics. I just post stuff that reflects my personality.
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I’ll open an account and find you out there! I bet yours is really fun. I can see it being a useful creative outlet. I thought about it before but just haven’t gotten around to it. Thanks for the suggestion. Btw, I use filters for my photos sometimes. In these, I did. 🙂
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Are there filters on the IPhone 6? I have one, and have no clue.
On instagram, I tend to post myself in rock tee shirts, several times a week. That’s kind of my “thing.”
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There are a few filters on the iPhone6. Just go to Edit on a photo and they should come up.
Love it! That’s a cool “thing” to do. I look forward to it, Samara.
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But I usually use ipiccy. 🙂 More choices.
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I use Ipiccy for my post images. I never really use the filters. Are those the options with the names on them?
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Yes, those are filters!
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A perfect house for a scary film. The photos were outstanding.
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For a fee, you can shoot here. I’m betting people do. Thanks so much, John!
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A perfect location for mystery and possibilities. And you are welcome.
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Perfect, indeed, if you’re brave enough to do it. 🙂
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I’m so glad I’m reading this post in the morning, Amy, and not before bedtime! This place is very creepy indeed 🙂
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Me too, Dianne. Look at some of those beautiful flowers (and weeds!) you have. I’ve never seen such beautiful weeds. Thanks!
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These are great, especially that hallway!
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Thanks! That seems to be a favorite.
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That basement! No, no, no, no, and…no. That looks like the kind of place I would love to photograph. But I’d probably do it all over my shoulder as I ran the other direction!
I remember your original post about this place. It was creepy then. I love what you did with the pictures for this.
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Oh, I’m so pleased you remember it. It seems like yesterday but that was two years ago. What happened? I could be easily spooked in this place, Melanie. You are not alone in that. Thank you!
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Two years? Really! My how time flies when you’re reading good writing.
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Oh, you’re so sweet. Thank you!
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I remember that post … and these pics definitely capture a creepy place that had to be fascinating to visit … in the day time … on a tour …. with a group of people.
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Exactly, Frank. In the day time on a tour with lots of people! You got it. Thanks for remembering. 😉
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Deliciously creepy! Loved the first photo! 🙂
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Thanks so much! It was definitely one of the creepiest places I’ve ever been to.
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