Saturday Top 10: Butte Hauntings

This week in honor of the Halloween (I know it was two days ago, but I'm campaigning to make it Halloween year-round)  I decided I'd show you 10 supposedly haunted places in my hometown.

Butte has always been known for its supernatural activity because of it's many historic buildings (and mines) which have been home to deaths, disappearances, and even murders.

1. Dumas Brothel (East Mercury St.)

The Dumas is probably the most famous haunted place in Butte. An active brothel all the way until 1982, this place obviously has some stories. The most famous is that of Elenore Knot, a madam at the Dumas until 1955, when she committed suicide after waiting for a lover who never came. To this day, people claim to see her ghost wandering the brothel's halls. It's pretty dang creepy walking by there. I took a tour once when I was younger and I don't remember it much, but sometimes when I walk by there on my way home from school I get a chill or hear weird static in my headphones. 

The Dumas was the longest running brothel in Butte's red light district, and one of the few still standing today. If you are interested, I would highly recommend checking out it's website, http://www.thedumasbrothel.com/.

2. Phoenix Building (Park St.)

I don't have a super interesting story about the Phoenix Building, but it's definitely a creepy place. The first two floors are home now to a few art galleries and a men's clothing store, but the rest of the floors are deserted. The bizarre thing is that on there is a bunch of office furniture everywhere up there, almost in pristine condition and well-organized, but super old. It's like everyone disappeared all at once!

3. Butte Courthouse (Granite St.)

Butte was originally intended to house the state capitol so the city built this big gorgeous building for the state legislature. Helena ended up becoming Montana's capitol, so it's just the city courthouse now. A much smaller courthouse used to stand here and it housed the gallows where hundreds were hung. Even after they tore down the old courthouse and built this one, people claimed to have seen apparitions and poltergeists, especially in the basement.

4. Silver Bow Center (Granite St.)

The Silver Bow Center (Formerly the Butte Millionaire's Club) is right next to the Butte Courthouse. It is one of the most expensive buildings in Butte, with a Tiffany glass awning, a gorgeous tile fireplace in the foyer, and beautiful woodwork throughout the interior. It's said that the building is haunted by a 9 year old boy who died decades ago. I have spent the night there a few times with the Montana History Club and although I have never seen said boy, the president of the club a few years ago claims that she spoke to him when she was picking up a key to the building.

5. Mother Lode Theater (Park St.)

In Butte's heyday it had about 15 theaters, but today the Mother Lode is one of the only ones left standing, and the only one still in use. I used to do plays here and sometimes we would have to rehearse on the top floor, which is a super old, run-down ballroom with splintery floors (side note- I once played a part where I was barefoot for the entire play. Needless to say, it was not fun to rehearse up there). One year they had a haunted house up there and now there are random (hopefully fake) bloodstains all over the walls. Also, there are tons of weird props like disembodied mannequin parts hanging around the balcony above the dance floor. I have no stories about it actually being haunted, but either way it is very creepy!

6. Clark Mansion (Broadway St.)

This Mansion was the home of illustrious copper king William Clark one of the most influential men in the state and mining mogul. It is now an art gallery and studio. Maggie and I used to take bellydancing classes in the attic of the house, and our teacher would tell us stories of the hauntings here, namely about a 16 year old boy who died in the house and hangs around in the attic all the time. And then we would work on our belly rolling. (Don't judge!) I was always on-edge and paranoid there and I often felt chills or saw something out of the corner of my eye.

7. Old YMCA (Park Street)

This building used to be a YMCA, and then it was a swimming school thing (which I attended when I was little) and then it was the center for arts in Butte. Maggie and I used to take art classes there on the third floor, and we would heart things all the time, like people coming and going from studios when nobody was supposed to be in the building and the sounds of people running in the old gym. Also, there is a super creepy old elevator that was "operational" (I use that term loosely) and our art teacher used to herd us up to the 3rd floor in it and it would randomly stop and the lights would flicker and it was very traumatizing. I think it definitely contributed to my current fear of elevators.

8. Metals Bank (E. Park St.)

The Metals Bank was originally a bank (obviously) and has since been converted to a restaurant with a few apartments above it. Maggie and I had an actual paranormal (or at least inexplicable) experience here! We were about ten and eleven years old, respectively, and we (along with my mom) were helping our artist friend get some paintings from her studio on the second highest floor. As I mentioned, I have a phobia of elevators so I made Maggie take the stairs with me. We were walking down and we stopped on a deserted floor because we thought we heard something. We heard the sound of footsteps and a click as if somebody was unlocking a door down the hall. As soon as the door started to open an ear-splitting alarm went off. I was sure it was a burglar alarm and so we ran down the stairs as fast as we could. The sound got louder and louder until we reached the lobby and met my mom and her friend. They didn't seem worried, but we yelled over the alarm asking why it was going off. They looked very confused and asked what we were talking about. We looked around and nobody was reacting to the alarm. We realized that nobody else could hear it. My mom and her friend embarrassedly herded us out of the building, apologizing to the huge group of people who stopped to stare at us screaming our heads off. As we walked away from the building the sound faded as if the alarm was still going off inside and Maggie and I looked at each other and, at the same time, asked, "You heard that too, right?"

9. Old Town Hall (Broadway St.)

The most interesting thing about this building is actually in the basement. (Although Evel Knievel, a Butte native, once blew up the men's bathroom on the second floor) Under the City Hall was the old jail, where tons of local legends spent the night, as evident by their names carved into the walls. Fun fact: Robert Knievel actually got his stage name here after serving time with a man named William Knofel. One of the guards remarked that "Evil Knievel" and "Awful Knofel" were both in that night and the name stuck. 

The jail closed soon after a man committed suicide there and inmates claimed to have seen his ghost in the holding cells and around the shower area. Now you can take tours there and it is definitely a chilling experience!

10. Old St. James Hospital

 This place gives me the creeps to even write about. It might very well be the most haunted place in town! It was Butte's hospital until the 50s (I think?) and after multiple attempts to reuse it as housing, offices, etc. it was abandoned. When it was converted into apartments, tenants claimed to hear random hospital sounds and see doctor rushing around the halls at night. That apartment endeavor barely lasted two years.

My history teacher, Mr.Burgman, told our class a very creepy story about his experience there when he was a kid. Long story short, he accidentally walked into the abandoned building thinking it was a doctor's office. He saw that the first floor was totally deserted, but he heard something on the second floor so he went up to check it out. He reached a busy hospital wing and talked to some nuns who tried to help him find the doctor he was looking for. When none of them had heard of the doctor he thanked them and left. Later he went back with his mother, who didn't believe that he had spoken to someone in there, and found the second floor to be the same as the first, completely deserted. Twenty years later he was looking at an exhibit about old hospitals and found a picture of the St.James hospital from 1931 with the same nun that he saw that day staring right at him.


So there are 10 creeeeeepy places in Butte! Whether you believe in this stuff or not, it's kind of fun to hear stories about odd and bizarre happenings. Butte is full of weird stuff like this, and I barely just scratched the surface, so if you are interested I would definitely consider looking into other paranormal stuff here!

Also, I apologize for all of this Halloween stuff coming so late. Last week ended up being really really busy, especially with Ghost Walk stuff (more on that coming soon!)

Anyways, I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and I wish you a great end of fall!

(Not) Saturday Top 10: Spooooky Halloween Movies

The best day of the year is just around the corner! So to celebrate, here's a roundup of ten Halloween movies that will get you in the spirit of the season in no particular order (I tried not to give any spoilers!):

1.Beetlejuice (1988)


This is probably in my top 15 favorite movies. I just love anything out of the ordinary. The more bizarre the better!

This Tim Burton movie is so fun and unusual. And not scary! (I'm not a horror movie person) If you watch any Halloween movies this year, you have to watch this one.













2.Hocus Pocus (1993)

This one's probably on the list because I'm so nostalgic about watching it when I was younger. Also, the whole witchcraft thing, although kind of watered-down in this movie, is very intriguing to me.

I would recommend watching this one if you are babysitting a smaller kid in the near future. They will love it, and I bet you will enjoy it too. But you don't have to use a kid as an excuse to watch it- I just had a movie night with some friends where we watched a ton of kids Halloween movies without shame.








3.Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Another Tim Burton movie! I actually hadn't seen this one until last week, and I quite liked it. It's very dark and may not end as cheerfully as you would like, but its bittersweet story combined with super interesting visuals makes it really cool to see. I love the way they put together the fictional town that it takes place in, with each house a different easter-egg color and a perfectly mown lawn in front.












4.Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

It's a cult classic! Again, I love the utter bizarreness (is that a word?) of this movie, right down to the convoluted, barely-there plot. But fair warning, this ISN'T one you should watch with kids! It has a very strong message about sexuality and I think it's pretty cool. I really want to go to a performance of it and throw rice, toast, etc...














5.Practical Magic (1998)

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are witches! I really love the whole idea and aesthetic of this move, with the beautiful house and the laid-back, 90s style long skirts and crop tops. Again, the witchcraft theme is very intriguing.

This is more of a Halloween chick-flick. I watched it with my girlfriends at the aforementioned movie night.












6.It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

Probably every kid (and adult?) in the country has probably seen this movie at some point. It's the sweetest Halloween story out there! I always root for Linus to find the Great Pumpkin and feel a little sad when he wakes up in the pumpkin patch the next morning.














7.The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

More Tim Burton! This time with an animated adventure. I can't really tell if this should be a Halloween or Christmas movie, so I just watch it twice. Since Halloween is my favorite holiday, it puts a nice spooky twist on the Christmas season.















8.Ghostbusters (1984)

I love watching Ghostbusters any time of the year! But it's especially relevant during Halloween because, you know, the whole ghost thing. My friend Rachel and I went as Ghostbusters for Halloween once! Unfortunately, I couldn't find a picture to put here. Just imagine two cute little 9-year-olds wearing painting coveralls and cereal-box backpacks with pvc ray guns.













9. Labyrinth (1986)

Labyrinth is one of my favorite movies of all-time! I remember watching it with my siblings when we were little. Don't tell her I told you, but Maggie used to have a huge crush on Jareth (and the actual David Bowie!)


One day I will create a bunch of Labyrinth costumes and they will be wonderful. I just have to get around to it...








10.The Craft (1996)

I just watched this movie last night with my friend Sowmya. I really liked the creepy witchcraft stuff in it. Moral of the movie: If you can use witchcraft to get rich and make people love you, don't get too power hungry! Also, listen to the nice lady in the Wiccan store.

This movie is definitely thrilling and fun to watch really late at night if you're a horror movie lightweight like me. Also, it's great style inspiration. I love the gothic all-black look with some dark red lipstick.

Also- if you've seen this, do you remember in one of the last scenes in the bathroom the paper towel dispenser thingy says "Gustav Klimt"? It's quite mysterious and cryptic. Was Klimt a witch or something?!? Let me know what you think.





So there you have it, 10 movies to get you in the Halloween mindset. Make sure that you have the proper movie-watching snacks in order to do this right. Gummy candy, popcorn, and Redvines are always good, but you can also get a little more festive and try some spooooky recipes (Martha Stewart always has something up her sleeve) Let me know in a comment below what you think of any of these, or if you have an addition to the list!!


P.S.-Sorry this was posted so late. Yesterday was busier than I expected!

Saturday Top 10: Crafting Essentials

Here's a list of 10 tools and supplies I use regularly for crafting and sewing. You probably have some of these things lying around your house already, and you don't even know that they are magical crafting tools that may one day save your life! (or at least help you make a cozy for your toaster)


10: A power drill

Not just for woodworkers! I use this all the time for making books, putting together costume-y type masks and such, or sometimes just to punch a hole in some paper (I'm addicted to the power)

9: Mod Podge

Ah Mod Podge, a crafter's best friend. It's the best thing ever to use for decoupage or papier machet! It comes in lots of different finishes and textures for any project. They just came out with a product called Dimensional Magic that is supposed to make kind of a resin finish on jewelry projects. I must try it!!

8: Sewing Pins

Okay, so this one seems kind of obvious but I put it in because when I first started sewing I never used pins. It was crazy! I was just kind of lazy and would just position things as I fed them through the sewing machine, and my seams would always come out awkward and lopsided. When I started using pins my projects began to look a lot more polished and usable. They can also be useful for non-sewing projects!

7: Glitter!

I have taken to carrying around a little vial of glitter with me, just in case of emergencies. Glitter is the best thing ever. Use it liberally (but be careful-it is very hard to clean up!).

6: E-6000 Glue

This glue is the mother of all super glues. It is so very strong, and it dries kind of like a rubber. Not only is it useful for crafting, it is also good for fixing broken craft-y things so you can continue to use them. I recently used it to fix my tripod and now it's working like a charm!

5:Hot Glue Gun

A hot glue gun is a staple in every crafter's tool box. It is useful for so many things! Use it to make a hat for a costume! Or make some sweet magnets out of buttons and vintage jewelry! Or this sweet mask! The possibilities are endless.

4: A Seam Ripper

A huge part of learning anything is making mistakes. Learning to sew is no exception! I use my seam ripper almost every time I make something. Going back and fixing a mistake or making something look better is the best way to learn!

3: Fabric Scissors

It's crazy what a difference a good pair of scissors makes in sewing. Lines look cleaner and straighter, and it's a lot easier to cut pieces from a pattern. These ones are spring-loaded, making cutting fabric easier and faster. Remember to use your sewing scissors on fabric only! They will get dull very quickly of you use them for paper or anything else.

2: Carpenter's Square

This is basically a ruler with a right angle in it. It is the most helpful thing, I tell you!  It has increments on every side, making it easy to measure at any angle. A carpenter's square is good for cutting paper to make cards, cutting fabric, or actually doing some carpentry! I would highly recommend investing in one if you don't have one already, but first check to see if you have one lying around at home! I found mine in my basement with a bunch of woodworking stuff and so I stole it. I have two sizes,  12" x 8" and 2' by 10". If you don't have one at home, you can find one at your local hardware store.

1: X-Acto Knife

I use my X-Acto knife for everything. Need to cut 100 2x3 cards? Or a stencil for a tee-shirt? Lost your seam ripper? Can't open that stupid headphone package? (seriously though-why are those things so hard to open?!?) An X-Acto knife is exactly what you need. I have two, one with a standard #11 blade and one with a #10 blade for cutting curves. I also have a #16 and a #17 for scraping paint or scoring, but I really only use them on occasion. I pretty much stick with the standard blade for most projects.

I didn't put my sewing machine in this list because it's kind of a gimmie, but if you wanted to know I have a Singer Scholastic model. It's the best working machine I've ever had, and I have no significant complaints! It doesn't have a lot of fancy stitches or embroidery options, but I wouldn't  really use those anyway. It's very simple to operate and holds up on heavier fabrics. It's relatively inexpensive, so I would recommend it for anyone looking to start sewing!

Stay tuned for some cool Haloween-related stuff coming up! If you have any requests for a post (like a specific costume DIY) let me know in a comment!

Saturday Top 10: TheFlyingOkapi School Supply List

Today we have a list of the required school supplies for TheFlyingOkapi class of 2014 (or whatever year you graduated or plan to graduate!)

Most of these things appear to be completely pointless, but they will be a big help in making this year not only bearable, but maybe even fun. So get some paper and a number 2 pencil and start taking notes!

My backpack is the Kelty "Tannen". I really like all of the fancy pockets it has. It easily fits everything I need!

Ipod and Panasonic RPHJE120R Earbuds

I have a 160 GB IPod Classic. It is so great! I never have to worry about not having enough memory, it's durable, and it's user friendly! Also, you don't have to be a technological genius to operate it.

My Ipod is definitely essential for making it thorough the school day. I like listening to it while I do work in math (it helps me concentrate) but not in Literature or Chemistry- It gets too distracting! I also listen to it while I'm walking to school. I usually listen to Stuff You Should Know on my way to class. It's a cool a podcast full of very interesting facts!

I love these Panasonic earbuds. I saw them ranked on CNET among a bunch of super expensive ones

(like $100-200!) And I figured I would give them a try, since they were only $6 on Amazon. I am not disappointed! They sound great and Maggie has had the same pair for over a year, so I think they'll last a while! I embroidery thread-ed them to keep them from tangling and to make them pretty!

Sketchbook

I find that during the school year, I'm not completely submerged in arts and creativity (instead of going out and sketching I have to calculate molar masses and such - blegh)
so it is important to keep a sketchbook around so I can jump on any chance to get some drawing in. This one is kind of boring (and slightly nibbled on by my dog) but it works!

Note-Always write your name and phone number on the inside cover of your sketchbook. If you lose it all the time like me, it really helps!



















Graphing Calculator

     This one is a little bit more like something you would actually find on a school supply list- but bear with me! It has been so helpful for me to have my own graphing calculator for my math and science classes. The school generally has enough for students to use in class, but it makes a difference when you can actually take it home to work on homework!
     I have a TI-84 Plus. It works well for me, but I know some of my friends like the Silver Edition better. I don't really know the difference. Mine is tricked out with a Lisa Frank kitten sticker, so...

"Everything Folder"

I've always found that it's really helpful to have a folder that you can throw random sheets in when you don't really know where to put them. It also means that you don't have to bring an entire binder home for an assignment. Just throw in the papers and notes you need and you know exactly where they are.























Colored Pens

Even if your teachers don't allow you to turn in work done in color, this is a great way to make your personal notes or work more interesting. It's just one of those things that brightens my day!

Homework/Life Planner

If you are anything like me, you have to write things down or you will automatically forget them. A planner is absolutely essential for me to keep my life together.
This one is just the basic, school-issued homework planner, but I decorated it with some scrap paper and a kitten sticker. (Have you noticed the kitten trend yet? I would highly recommend adding some kitten paraphernalia to your daily routine)





Write everything down! Homework, club meetings, test dates, deadlines, ideas for ice cream flavors, EVERYTHING! It will really help keep you organized an on the right track. I like to draw a circle next to each homework assignment and then check them off as they are completed. If I don't finish an assignment that night, I draw a little arrow in the circle, transferring it to the next day.

Kleenex

I think it's important to carry tissues around all the time, especially during cold season! Not only are they useful for blowing your nose and such, they are also essential for making paper flowers in government class during those long lectures about the legislative branch.

I found these cool skull patterned ones at the drugstore. Nobody will want to mess with you if you blow your nose with one of these babies.




















C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

You might as well call this the magical goop of the heavens. It can be used for lips, cuticles, dry skin, or facial glitter adhesive. And it smells like roses. I have had this same tin of the stuff for 5 years, and I'm still not out. A little goes a long way! It's especially helpful in the winter months when your skin gets super dry. I take it skiing with me every weekend in the winter, hence the beaten up tin. You can find it at Bath and Body Works.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, people! It's important to drink lots of water during the day, and carrying a bottle around insures that you are getting enough water. If you aren't a huge water drinker, you can make flavored water with powdered flavorings, a splash of fruit juice, or some fresh berries.

As you can probably tell, I've had this bottle for a very long time. When it was brand-new, I made the mistake of taking it rock climbing and it hasn't been the same since. It leaks a little and I should probably get rid of it, but I'm attached! Would you be able to get rid of a bottle that looks like such a fighter- I mean just look at that inspiring message!













Lisa Frank Stickers

Does anyone else miss when you used to get a sticker on your paper for a job well done?
Now you can still give yourself a pat on the back with these amazing rainbow-glittery-kitten-unicorn-dolphin-holywood bear treasures. I found these on Amazon and they were a little pricey (like $15) but so worth it. I am so nostalgic about Lisa Frank stuff. It's like a visual representation of the inside of a little kid's brain, full of butterflies and clouds and completely saturated with happiness. I've been using these on my school supplies (as you may have noticed) and pretty much sticking them anywhere I can, including onto people that seem too grumpy. Just because we are forced to go to school and fill our heads with non-unicorn related knowledge doesn't mean we can't bring a little of it with us.

Bonus List Item: A Positive Attitude!
It sounds cheesy, but attitude really does make all the difference. Come into each day with the mindset that you are there to learn and make yourself into a well-rounded human being. Excessive stress is just that: excessive. Focus on what you can do to stay positive and remember, it gets better! (or so I've heard-and I believe it!)

Also-remember to be kind. Sometimes there's not enough kindness going around the school, so make a point to leave a little happiness behind wherever you go. Talk to a new student, help a someone in a younger grade, or smile at a stranger. It will make you happier too!

Top 10 Things I've Thrifted

     Today I thought I would do a little post about the top 10 things I have found at the thrift store/ garage sales. In no particular order, here they are!

Light cotton peacoat- $2

I love wearing this coat thingy in the fall when it's not quite cold enough for an actual jacket. It looks great layered with button up shirts and light sewaters.

Magical cosmic shoes- 25 Cents

I love these shoes so much! Unfortunately I can't wear them out any more because they are incredibly worn out, like, the soles have almost completely fallen off... But they are still near and dear to my heart because they were one of my first finds at my favorite thrift store.

Black brocade formal dress- $25

I think this might be my favorite dress ever. I found it at a garage sale/dress swap thing a week before prom in my Sophmore year. I love it so much, I'm definitely wearing it for another formal!

Acid wash duffle bag- $1

This little vintage 80s bag is perfect for overnight trips and such. It's pretty heavy-duty, with quality denim and leather details. It reminds me of the movie Fame!

Vintage Tommy Hilfiger denim jacket: $1

I love finding high-quality stuff for super cheap. I tricked out this jacket with some studs, iron-ons, and old Girl Scout badges. It definitely has a strong feminist vibe:

Studded lion purse- 50 cents

Some people find this bag to be too gaudy and kitschy, but I love it! I found the same one in white also, but it seems to have gotten lost in the abyss of my closet.

Porcelain unicorn collection- $7 total (?)

This is one of those things that some people will just never understand... I'm not sure I completely understand it either! I just love finding these little guys and giving them a good home.

My Fiddle! - $40

I was super excited when I found this at a garage sale- and only $40?!? It wasn't in perfect shape and it didn't have a bow, but a few repairs and it was good to go! I love its finish and I'm no expert, but I think it sounds pretty good! (at least when I have been practicing!)

Dooney and Bourke hard satchel- $20

You probably saw this in a previous post. It made the top 10 because I've been using it nonstop since I found it!

Gem Sweater collection- priceless

This is another one of those things that very few people on this planet will understand. About 5 years ago, Threadbanger posted a video that changed my life. I was introduced to the most interesting person I have found on the internet so far, Leslie Hall. Among other glorious things, Leslie is a proud collector of Gem Sweaters, possibly the most flashy and magnificent thing to come out of the 80s. She has over 400 gem sweaters, salvaged from thrift stores, garage sales, and dumpsters. They are all on display in her mobile museum, a trailer which I believe is not currently transportable. It is my dream to one day visit the museum and have a lengthy chat with Leslie about the deeper meaning behind these sequined treasures. For now, I can only build my own collection and wear these sweaters proudly (with my gold pants, of course).


I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know how you like the top 10 format. I'm thinking o fmaking it a weekly thing.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!