Jacksonville Review – October 2023
What ghostly tales and phantoms hide behind the curtained windows of Jacksonville’s historical homes? Find out, if you dare, with a nighttime ride on a haunted trolley. This year’s haunted trollies have surprises galore for the unsuspecting rider. Two storylines run through the narrative—one true and one pure fiction, with special effects and apparitions in period attire. The first story is a true and disastrous tale of the last of the train robbers.
This October marks one hundred years since the three DeAutremont brothers, Hugh, Ray, and Roy staged the ill-fated Siskiyou Train Robbery. With Southern Pacific train number 13 as their target and Ashland’s tunnel 13 as the grizzly setting, their diabolical scheme did not go according to plan. Trolley riders will learn more and see the courthouse where the brothers’ trial eventually took place.
Rumors have arisen that the frustrated ghosts of the brothers have been seen skulking around dark corners in Jacksonville and may be plotting another attempt. From Thursday, October 26 through Monday, October 30, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce will be running five nights of haunted trollies full of eye witnesses to see if the rumors could possibly pan out.
The DeAutremont brothers aren’t the only grim ghosts haunting Jacksonville this season. Fictional tales of greed and avarice abound, causing restless souls to roam the streets at night.
Tickets can be purchased online at the jacksonvilleoregon.org website beginning October 1. They are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages ten and under. Children two and under ride for free when seated on a lap. Thirty minute rides begin at 6:30pm and run through 9:30pm. Be sure to wear layers. Pick-up and drop off is at the Visitor Information Center (185 N. Oregon St.) on the corner of C St and Oregon St.
For those concerned about bringing small children, lead trolley driver Brian Roberts assures us, “This tour is not about gore. It’s actually going to have a comical and light-hearted tone along with the ghosts. This year is truly going to be family-oriented.”
Everyone is encouraged to join in the spirit of fun and show up as resident period ghosts to haunt the streets. Come dressed as miners, saloon gals, cowboys, or in any period dress from the mid-1800s through the 1920s.
The Haunted Trolley is an annual event sponsored by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce with the help of many volunteers that generously donate their time. It is their top fundraiser event with funds used to operate the narrated trolley as well as other events throughout the year. Please consider volunteering, and join in the camaraderie. Email jacksonvillehauntedtrolley@gmail.com.
This is definitely one of the most popular events of the year so buy your tickets early and get ready for a frightful ride!