City records show that the Liberty Theatre was built on the site of an ancient graveyard of early settlers. One of the settlers was reported to be a witch who dabbled in the dark arts. She was quickly dispatched by the settlers and her body was buried outside the settlers graveyard under an old oak tree. It is believed her evil spirit has been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of several children and animals. But that is a rumor. A story concocted to keep children in line or the Oak Witch would surely make her way to you. Or is it real? When the Liberty theatre was being built, local contractors reported they were having trouble with the doors to the theatre sticking and no amount of strength could open them. On one occurence, several workers were trapped inside until a group of tree fellers axed the thick wooden doors in two while they hung on the hinges. Was this the work of the Oak Witch? Did she not want the contractors to continue building the theatre? In the latter part of October in 1927 a horrible tragic event killed more than 20 people in attendance that were watching a silent film in the Liberty Theatre. A lamp in the projector caught fire and the interior of the theatre was destroyed along with several well known North Bend residents. When the door was finally opend the charred bodies were all lined up at the door trying to exit but were unable. Did the Oak Witch keep the door closed while theatre goers were burned alive? Local authorities reported that the doors were sticking because of setttling in the soft ground. It is believed that those 20 souls still roam the theatre today closely watched by the evil spirit of the Oak Witch. During the remodel of the interior in 1928 workers reported strange happenings in the theatre and moving shadows, otherworldly laughs, screams and sounds. Most of the workers refused to return after hearing screams and whispers throughout their work day. Hundreds of pictures of resident ghosts taken by theatre workers and volunteers are tucked away in the Liberty vault. We have some of them available for your viewing here.
It is suggested on your tour through the theatre that you do not use mini-flashlights and cell phone back lights as it attracts the tortured souls to your location. For more tips on safely navigating the Haunted Theatre click here. Join us if you dare on October 29th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 30th from 7:00 PM to 10 PM and Halloween Night from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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