A Haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma
Bristow, Oklahoma, a town steeped in history and charm, holds secrets beyond its picturesque landscapes and friendly atmosphere. While many associate the area with its Route 66 heritage and the echoes of the oil boom era, some whisper of another presence, a spectral undercurrent that manifests in unexplained occurrences and unsettling feelings. This is the story of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma, a tale woven from firsthand accounts and local lore, exploring the possibility that the past lingers in the present.
The most prominent of these accounts centers around a local convenience store, K’s Korner, situated just north of Bristow at the intersection of Highways 66 and 48. For employees of this establishment, the idea of ghostly encounters isn’t a matter of Halloween amusement; it’s a lived reality. They speak of unexplained events, strange noises, and a persistent feeling of being watched, all contributing to the belief that K’s Korner is more than just a place to grab a quick snack.
One former employee recounts a particularly unnerving experience during a nightly closing shift. While cleaning the restroom, the lights abruptly flickered off, plunging her into darkness. Almost simultaneously, the toilet flushed on its own. Overcome with fear, she fled the restroom and avoided it for weeks afterward. This incident, while seemingly minor, fueled the growing suspicion that something otherworldly resided within the store’s walls.
Further adding to the mystique of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma, other employees have reported similarly bizarre events. One employee, while cleaning the cappuccino machine, was startled when a Hostess Sno-ball was seemingly hurled across the room, landing at her feet. The distance between the snack rack and her location made it highly improbable that the Sno-ball could have simply fallen and landed where it did, leading her to believe that an unseen force was at play.
The employees of K’s Korner have developed a theory regarding the nature of the alleged haunting. They speculate that there may be more than one spirit present, each with a distinct personality. One is believed to be a playful jokester, responsible for the mischievous pranks and unexpected occurrences. The other, however, is perceived as a more malevolent presence, a source of unease and discomfort. This duality adds another layer of complexity to the narrative of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma.
In an attempt to validate these claims and uncover the truth behind the reported phenomena, Bristow resident Scott Lawrence, affiliated with the organization PROOF (an acronym for paranormal research organization), conducted an investigation at K’s Korner in November 2004. After hours, Lawrence and his team set up audio and visual equipment, hoping to capture evidence of paranormal activity.
Despite their efforts, the initial investigation yielded inconclusive results. Lawrence, a self-proclaimed skeptic, admitted that he didn’t believe there was anything truly supernatural present at the convenience store. He also acknowledged that a single visit is often insufficient to definitively determine the presence of spirits, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Intrigued by the possibility of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma, Lawrence delved into the history of the area surrounding K’s Korner in preparation for his investigation. His research uncovered a tragic tale of a young woman who, following an argument with her husband, was struck by a semi-truck while attempting to cross Old Highway 66, directly in front of the land now occupied by the store.
This discovery added a somber dimension to the narrative, suggesting a potential explanation for the reported paranormal activity. Lawrence also noted that he had heard reports of people seeing a young woman standing in the window of an abandoned house that was once owned by the woman who died in the accident. This account further solidified the possibility that the tragic event may have left a lingering imprint on the area, contributing to the story of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma.
Although Lawrence is no longer affiliated with PROOF, he continues to pursue freelance paranormal investigations and has expressed interest in revisiting K’s Korner to conduct further research. He acknowledges that the unexplained occurrences reported by the employees warrant further examination and that the possibility of a haunting cannot be completely dismissed.
Regardless of the inconclusive findings of formal investigations, the employees of K’s Korner remain steadfast in their belief that something unexplained is happening within the building. They consistently report unexplained noises, lights unexpectedly turning off, and radios switching on without human intervention. These persistent anomalies serve as constant reminders of the potential for a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma.
One former employee, in particular, refused to enter the kitchen area, citing a pervasive feeling of unease and dread. She described an inexplicable sensation of the hair on the back of her neck standing on end whenever she ventured into that part of the store, further reinforcing the notion that the building may harbor a supernatural presence.
Lawrence, despite his skepticism, acknowledges the power of human intuition when it comes to detecting paranormal activity. He suggests that feelings of unease and the sensation of one’s hair standing on end are often the most reliable indicators of a potential haunting, surpassing the capabilities of even the most sophisticated equipment.
"The uneasy feelings and hair standing up on your neck are the best tools to detect spirits," Lawrence stated. One employee emphatically agreed, stating, "There is definitely something there." This unwavering conviction, shared by multiple individuals who have worked at K’s Korner, serves as a compelling testament to the enduring mystery of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma.
Beyond K’s Korner, another location in Bristow is rumored to be haunted: the Frisco Depot. This historic building, now home to the Chamber of Commerce and the Bristow Historical Museum, is said to be guarded by a resident ghost affectionately known as "Charlie" by the museum staff.
The Frisco Depot, built in 1923, holds significant historical value for Bristow. The arrival of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad in 1898 played a crucial role in the town’s development, transforming it from a small settlement into a thriving community. The depot served as a vital transportation hub, connecting Bristow to the wider world.
In 2006, the Frisco Depot was investigated by members of OKPRI (Oklahoma Paranormal Research and Investigations). During the investigation, the group’s founder and psychic, Christy Selfridge, claimed to have made contact with the resident ghost, "Charlie." She described him as a sullen, middle-aged man with light brown hair, wearing denim overalls and a light-colored cap.
According to Selfridge, "Charlie" was pacing continually, observing the investigation with apparent displeasure. However, she emphasized that he was not a malevolent spirit but rather a protector of the depot, fiercely guarding its historical significance.
Selfridge also claimed to have picked up on two residual memories within the depot. Both involved couples arguing, one featuring a man leaving a woman who was begging him to stay, and the other depicting a man expressing anger while his wife attempted to calm him down. These residual memories suggest that the depot may have been the site of emotional events in the past, potentially contributing to its haunted reputation.
Adding another layer to the spectral tapestry of Bristow, local legend speaks of a lone cowboy spirit seen wandering through the stockyards. This spectral figure serves as a reminder of Bristow’s rich western heritage and the bygone era of cattle drives and open ranges.
Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the stories of a haunting in Bristow, Oklahoma offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history and enduring mysteries. From the unexplained occurrences at K’s Korner to the protective spirit of the Frisco Depot and the spectral cowboy of the stockyards, Bristow is a town where the past and present seem to intertwine, leaving room for the possibility that some stories never truly fade away.