'Youngstown Haunting' is Saturday

Capping off a successful season, the Youngstown Heritage Tours and Tourism Committee reports its final walk for 2015 - the second annual "Youngstown Haunting" - will take place Saturday, Oct. 10.

Last year's cemetery tour and ghost talk was so successful that reservations are required for this year's event. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Universal Cemetery at Church and Second streets. Local guides will take visitors on a tour of the cemetery and introduce them to some of its more famous residents.

The evening continues with a "Haunted History" program at 7:30 p.m. at the Ontario House (aka Stone Jug), 358 Main St. Heritage Tour members note the Ontario House, a local inn and drinking establishment since 1840, has been rumored over the years to be home to some of Youngstown's ghosts.

"With so many homes dating between 1820 and 1900, there's no shortage of ghosts in Youngstown," member Karen Noonan said.

Sensible walking shoes and a flashlight are recommended for the cemetery tour. Both events are appropriate for children ages 10 and older. All tours are free; a voluntary donation goes to support the efforts of the Youngstown Heritage Tours and Tourism Committee. In the event of rain, the cemetery walk will be cancelled.

For reservations, contact the Town of Porter Historical Society at 716-745-1271, or email the YHTTC at [email protected]. Include your name, telephone number, the number attending and if you are registering for both events.