Chicago: Pizzas, Hot Dogs and Ghosts
Bachelor's Grove infamous picture
From About.com
This photo was taken during an investigation of Bachelor’s Grove cemetery near Chicago by the Ghost Research Society (GRS). On August 10, 1991, several members of of the GRS were at the cemetery, a small, abandoned graveyard on the edge of the Rubio Woods Forest Preserve, near the suburb of Midlothian, Illinois. Reputed to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in the U.S., Bachelor’s Grove has been the site of well over 100 different reports of strange phenomena, including apparitions, unexplained sights and sounds, and even glowing balls of light.
GRS member Mari Huff was taking black and white photos with a high-speed infrared camera in an area where the group had experienced some anomalies with their ghost-hunting equipment. The cemetery was empty, except for the GRS members. When developed, this image emerged: what looks like a lonely-looking young woman dressed in white sitting on a tombstone. Parts of her body are partially transparent and the style of the dress seems to be out of date.
Other ghosts reportedly seen in Bachelor’s Grove include figures in monks’ clothes and the spirit of a glowing yellow man.
On the weekend of October 9-11 I will be taking a break from the hustle & bustle of daily life and heading to to Chicago. Chi-town. Just me and my cousin. We’ll be touring the city, eating and drinking as we wonder aimlessly through the windy city’s streets.
Now, I don’t know how much of an “aimless” time I want to have. There is one place I want to visit in that is close to Chicago. I’m talking about the Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery. Situated near the suburb of Midlothian, Illinois. The location of the infamous “Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove” picture.
This image exists in each and every paranormal book that I have in my library. It’s been circulated throughout the world and disputed throughout as well.
Not that I want to do any “ghost hunting“, because that’s not my style, but I feel like I should at least visit this major location that appears in any paranormal enthusiast’s map.
View Larger Map
Chicago is labeled as one of the most “haunted cities” of the U.S. I have no idea if that is true or not, since Ghost Tours are a big business nowadays…you can bet any city is “the most haunted”.
I like the history, urban legends and folklore of places. Every city or country I visit, I make sure to look up its history and legends. I don’t know how my cousin feels about going to a cemetery though, I can tell you one thing; if he does not want to take a trip to this place, then my ass is staying in the city. I don’t take road trips by myself. I think “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” ruined that for me.
So if any of you guys have been to Chicago, or are from there, I’d appreciate any tips on how to spend a good weekend there.
I keep hearing the ribs there are phenomenal (Keep in mind I don’t eat pork) 
Written by Javier Ortega - javier@ghosttheory.com
Get GhostTheory updates faster! sign up to our RSS Feeds or
add us on Twitter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fsd2M9GRU8
Check out this Unsolved Mysteries episode Javier about Resurrection Mary. This one really creeped me out as a kid.
Also, have a safe and fun trip!
BC,
Resurrection Mary! Of course, how could I forget that tale.
OK BC, you just convinced me to stay in the city limits. Last thing I want is seeing Mary following us around.
-Javier
Javier,
Try chicago’s own pizza, since they’re are still in competition with NYC for pizza domination, then after you fill up on pizza,make sure you drive slowly about 2am near the cemetary so you can give Mary a “lift” as if she needs one, make sure you wear a coat or two,she tends to draw in the cold while in the car,lol.
Better have a ton of money with you as Cook county is an expensive place. The merchandise tax alone will make you jump higher than seeing a ghost. Hopefully you don’t smoke, with tax name brands are over $8 a pack.
As for the Pizza, I’m not a fan as I’ve been spoiled by East Coast NY pizza most of my life. The sauce is different in the midwest too, very acidic which doesn’t help the roof of your mouth. The sauce is on top of the Chicago style.
Finally, if you hear people using the term “Chicagoland”, it refers to the entirety of Chicago and outlying suburbs. Frankly I hope to get out of here someday soon.
jbondo,
Thanks for the tips.
I don’t smoke, so that’s not a problem. I don’t buy souvenirs, so I think my money will go to the hotel, beers and food.
Oh yea, both my cousin and I are amateur photographers so we’ll be doing a lot of that.
NY pizza is my favorite, but I gotta try the “deep dish”.
-Javier
Deep dish is highly recommended, your cousin should know where to go to get the good stuff.
Gary,
No. My cousin lives in Northern California.
So we are both going to uncharted territory.
-Javier
Google baby! Google…:)
I live and work in Chicago and have been to Bachelor’s Grove. It’s beautiful, and over run with nature. We also had some weird stuff happen in pictures. People have kinda Blair-witched the place up–you will notice rock mounds, memorials, etc, but there are still old relics of home foundations, wells, and of course, the graves. It’s totally worth the drive.