Local legends that refuse to die

What do you believe when it comes to folklore and old wives' tales? There is much to consider. Personally, I am the type of person that wants to try and experience it for myself before I can believe. That being said, let me share with you some local legends and folklore within the Keene area. I hope our readers, truly enjoy the following and that it may intrigue your imagination. Here we are, along Beaver Street in Keene. We are standing in front of Woodland Cemetery, taking in the beauty and silence beyond the cast-iron gates. While you walk among the stones, silence follows not far behind you. Within the gates of Woodland Cemetery, there are many stories and legends. First and foremost is this: Rumor has it that at certain times of the night, if you dare to venture into the cemetery after dark, you may witness a voiceless monk who will appear at the chapel. The chapel is located at the center or far end of the cemetery. The mysterious monk will walk from the chapel doors through the many older stones, and if you attempt to speak to or approach him, he will immediately disappear. Unfortunately, I have yet to witness this. There is another story that is sad, yet sweet. This second legend is about a young girl who is rumored to be buried in Woodland Cemetery. It is said that at any time of day or night, if she takes a liking to you, she will attempt to play hide-and-seek with you. She will giggle, tug on your shirt sleeve, then run away and hide behind the stones. She appears as a small shadowy figure, giggles, and runs away to hide in a new place. Last but never least, this is my favorite piece of folklore and has intrigued me. Upon approaching the chapel at any time of day, if you decide to swear or say a curse word, legend has it that there is a spirit of an older woman who will "wash your mouth out with soap." People have attempted this and have claimed that they actually had the sudden taste of soap in their mouth. So, I will say, be careful of what you say while near the chapel. Before I leave this article to our readers to take what you will and believe what you wish, let me share one last local legend with you. May we never forget Madame Sherri's Forest and what remains: the famous stone staircase and foundation. I have been to this location many times over the years. I have experienced enough at this location to understand why these stories continue to endure. Madame Sherri, born Antoinette Bramare in Paris, France, became one of the Monadnock Region's most colorful and eccentric figures. After a career in New York's fashion and theater world, she settled in Chesterfield and built the now-famous mansion whose stone staircase still stands in Madame Sherri Forest. Over the decades, the ruins have become the source of countless stories, legends and reports of paranormal activity. When Madame Antoinette Sherri passed away in 1965, as a ward of the state of Vermont, it is said her spirit returned to her once-bustling mansion, even though the mansion was badly burned down in 1963. As legend goes, Ms. Sherri still haunts what remains of her once beautiful mansion. People over the years have reported hearing eerie sounds and seeing shadow figures walking along the old stone staircase. There have also been reports of dark figures seen in the archway of the old stone foundation. Madame Sherri became known for hosting lavish parties at her mansion and for her larger-than-life personality. Stories about her extravagant lifestyle and the unusual castle she built in the woods helped turn the property into a source of fascination for generations of visitors. Over time, the history of the estate blended with local folklore, creating many of the stories that continue to surround the property today. I will say that, having been there during all hours of the day and night, I believe there is a strong spiritual energy here. I have personally heard eerie sounds, disembodied voices and the sound of someone digging. I do believe that this location is considered a "hot spot" for spiritual activity and energy. Thank you to our readers for reading and believing in the possibility of the afterlife.