Nestled in the heart of Crawford County, lies the eerie remnants of Pere Cheney. Pere Cheney was once a thriving lumber town that is now shrouded in ghostly tales and mysterious legends. Founded in 1874 by George Cheney, the village quickly grew into a bustling community. A land grant from the Michigan Central Railroad Company established a stop along the railroad. By the 1870s, Pere Cheney boasted a population of approximately 1,500 residents. There was a general store, sawmills, a hotel, and a post office. However, by 1917, this vibrant settlement had dwindled to a ghost town. The land was auctioned off, and its buildings were abandoned. What led to the demise of Pere Cheney, and why does it hold such a haunted reputation today?
The Rise and Fall of Pere Cheney
Pere Cheney’s origins as a lumber town saw it flourish rapidly. The town’s establishment around George Cheney’s sawmill and its strategic location along the railroad made it a prime spot for settlers and businesses. However, the town’s prosperity was short-lived. In 1893, a devastating outbreak of diphtheria swept through the village, claiming numerous lives. As the community struggled to recover, a series of fires broke out, likely caused by sparks from the mills, leaving much of the village in ruins.
Tragically, the disease struck again in 1897, further decimating the population. By 1901, only 25 residents remained, and by 1917, the number had dwindled to less than 20. The final blow came when the land was sold in a public auction, marking the official end of Pere Cheney as a populated settlement.
The Haunted Legacy
Today, all that remains of Pere Cheney is its cemetery, a site that has garnered a reputation for paranormal activity and ghostly legends. Among the numerous tales, the most famous is that of the witch who allegedly cursed the village. According to local folklore, a woman accused of witchcraft was banished to the woods surrounding Pere Cheney. In her anger, she is said to have cursed the village, a curse many believe led to the outbreaks of disease and the devastating fires.
The cemetery, which holds the graves of about 90 people, is central to these ghost stories. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, glowing orbs, and mysterious lights, as well as hearing disembodied voices and children’s laughter. Some have even found unexplained handprints on their cars after visiting the site. The only vegetation that grows in Pere Cheney is a type of moss, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the area.
Myths and Reality
The story of Pere Cheney is filled with myths and theories, some more believable than others. One popular belief is that the town was built on an old Native American burial ground, a trope often used to explain hauntings. While this theory is widely regarded as worn-our, it persists in the local lore.
Another version of the legend suggests that the supposed witch was a townswoman who became pregnant out of wedlock and was subsequently banished. In her rage and sorrow, she cursed the town, leading to its eventual downfall. Despite the dramatic nature of these stories, some elements can be traced back to historical events, such as the repeated outbreaks of disease and the destructive fires.
Modern-Day Pere Cheney
Despite its abandonment, Pere Cheney has not faded entirely from memory. It still appears on some maps, and the cemetery remains a point of interest for ghost hunters and curious visitors. However, the site has suffered from vandalism over the years, with many gravestones broken or stolen. Family members of the deceased have resorted to marking graves with rocks to preserve their memory.
The cemetery, owned and maintained by Beaver Creek Township, has seen efforts to restore it to its former state. In recent years, incidents such as a teenager digging up a grave and displaying a skull in his car window have only added to the town’s notorious reputation. Interestingly, that teenager later became the sheriff of Crawford County.
A Ghost Town’s Enduring Mystique
Pere Cheney’s story continues to captivate those interested in the paranormal and Michigan’s history. It is known as one of the most haunted places in the United States, second only to the legend of Bloody Mary in Indiana. This notoriety ensures that it remains a subject of fascination and speculation. The tales of witches, ghosts, and curses create an enduring mystique. The tangible remnants of the past draws people to this ghost town.
Located southeast of Grayling, Pere Cheney is accessible via a one-lane dirt track. This lonely track adds to the sense of foreboding as visitors approach the site. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the history and legends surrounding Pere Cheney offer a compelling glimpse into a bygone era and the enduring power of storytelling.
Reminder of the Past
Pere Cheney is a place where history and legend intertwine. A rich tapestry of tales that continue to intrigue and haunt those who seek out its story. From its rise as a lumber town to its fall into abandonment and its subsequent transformation into a ghost town, Pere Cheney remains a poignant reminder of the past and a symbol of the mysteries that still captivate our imaginations.
Learn more about the rich history of the Northeast Lower Peninsula.
