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According to legend, author Mark Twain once called Alton a "dismal little river town," largely thanks to the dark history that the city had already endured prior to its heyday as a thriving river port. From those days, through the early 1900s, Alton saw more than its share of death, disease, disaster, violence, murder and even the scars of the Civil War. Now, come see how the events of the past ha

ve created the hauntings of what is now being called "one of the most haunted small towns in America." The Alton Hauntings Tour is an entertaining, often spine-tingling trip back into the history and hauntings of the city. Called the "most authentic" in the region, the tour was personally created by author Troy Taylor and based on his book, Haunted Alton!

In 1849, on a plantation in Georgia, a boy named Thomas Wiggins was born, a child who seemed destined to be forgotten by...
05/05/2025

In 1849, on a plantation in Georgia, a boy named Thomas Wiggins was born, a child who seemed destined to be forgotten by history. Later known as Blind Tom, his birth occurred in an era when being blind meant being deemed useless in the harsh, enslaved South. His early life was filled with rejection as he could not work in the fields, and his owner even considered disposing of him. However, fate had other plans for Tom, who was destined to defy all expectations.

From a young age, Tom developed an obsessive fascination with sound. While other children played or worked, he would spend hours listening to the wind in the trees, the drip of rain, or the creaking of the house’s wooden beams. One day, at the age of four, Tom discovered a piano in his owner’s home, and to everyone’s surprise, he sat down and began to play. Though he had never received a single lesson, he imitated the melodies he heard with an accuracy that amazed those around him. His owner, recognizing Tom’s extraordinary gift, trained him with music teachers and began showcasing him as a natural prodigy.

Blind Tom soon became a sensation, performing across the United States and Europe. His ability to replicate complex pieces of music after hearing them just once, including works by Beethoven and Chopin, was unmatched. He could also mimic any sound he heard, from birdsong to the rumble of a storm. Despite his fame, Tom’s life was never truly his own. His earnings were controlled by his owner, and Tom, with a childlike mind possibly due to what would now be recognized as autism, never fully understood the exploitation he faced. Blind Tom’s legacy endures today, inspiring artists like Elton John, who wrote *The Ballad of Blind Tom* in his honor. Though his name may not be as famous as other musical geniuses, his story remains a testament to the power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wounded Soldier Lay Motionless in the Battlefield—Then His K9 Dog Did Something No One Could BelieveIn the pitch-black d...
05/04/2025

Wounded Soldier Lay Motionless in the Battlefield—Then His K9 Dog Did Something No One Could Believe
In the pitch-black darkness of the Afghan mountains, Sergeant Logan Reeves and his K9 partner, Ghost, moved stealthily through treacherous terrain. The night was moonless, and the wind whispered ominously through narrow canyons. Their mission was reconnaissance—dangerous, unpredictable, yet routine for Logan and Ghost, who operated seamlessly, communicating without words.

Suddenly, the silence shattered into chaos. Gunfire erupted from the cliffs above, bullets raining down. A searing pain tore through Logan’s side as he was struck below his vest. He staggered and plunged twenty feet down a rocky slope, landing heavily among jagged stones. His radio destroyed, bleeding and immobilized, Logan lay helpless.

Above, Ghost searched frantically, his sharp eyes and sensitive nose desperately seeking his fallen handler. Ignoring his training to remain and defend, Ghost’s instincts guided him to Logan’s scent. Climbing precariously down the rocky cliffside, he found Logan, breathing faintly. Ghost pressed against him, willing him back to consciousness. But Logan remained motionless.

Determined, Ghost made a critical decision. He bit and tore away a piece of Logan’s bloodied uniform and sprinted toward their distant base, racing tirelessly through enemy territory. Through bursts of gunfire, past minefields and smoldering wreckage, Ghost ran—a silent shadow carrying a message of survival.

Ghost’s journey home was not his first trial of courage. Years earlier, as a promising young military dog, his career had abruptly ended during a training accident. Severely injured and traumatized, Ghost became timid, labeled “unfit.” Meanwhile, Sergeant Logan Reeves was grappling with his own invisible wounds after a devastating deployment where he’d lost comrades, battling nightmares and relentless guilt.
Logan met Ghost at a military rehabilitation program. While others saw a fearful, unstable dog, Logan saw a reflection of his own hidden pain. “Have you ever lost someone?” Logan whispered. Ghost’s unwavering gaze provided the answer Logan needed. He chose Ghost as his partner, naming him for the quiet, reassuring presence that never left his side.

Together, they embarked on a shared journey of healing. Logan patiently retrained Ghost, rebuilding his confidence and trust, while Ghost sensed Logan’s emotional struggles, comforting him through countless sleepless nights. Over time, their bond deepened into an unspoken partnership, seamless and profound.

Now, Ghost was Logan’s last hope. Reaching their base, exhausted and wounded, Ghost stumbled toward Captain Delgado, dropping Logan’s bloodied uniform at his feet. Incredibly, he scratched urgently at a strategic map, pinpointing Logan’s location with unmistakable clarity. “He’s not pointing out a threat,” a handler explained, “he’s pointing out his handler.”

A rescue team quickly assembled, led entirely by the wounded yet relentless dog. Ghost guided them safely, expertly detecting hidden explosives, clearing paths until they found Logan, barely alive but still breathing, clutching tightly the torn harness from Ghost’s uniform.
During the tense helicopter evacuation, Logan’s heart stopped. Amid the panic, Ghost calmly climbed onto the stretcher, pressing his head gently against Logan’s chest. Miraculously, Logan’s heart resumed beating, stabilized by the unwavering presence of his loyal companion.

At the military hospital, Ghost remained vigilantly outside Logan’s intensive care room, refusing food and rest for days. When Logan finally opened his eyes, his first words were for Ghost, who had not once left his post. Their reunion was silent, profound, a testament to an unbreakable bond.

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and unwavering devotion, Ghost received the Guardian Beyond Orders Medal, an unprecedented honor awarded not for combat prowess but for courage beyond any command. At the ceremony, Logan spoke movingly of how Ghost had not only saved his life but helped heal wounds deeper than any physical injury.

Eventually discharged, Logan and Ghost settled in the peaceful Colorado foothills, founding “Ghost Walks,” a sanctuary offering veterans and rescue dogs a place to heal in quiet companionship. Ghost became a silent beacon of hope, instinctively comforting veterans overwhelmed by trauma. His mere presence conveyed understanding without judgment, healing without words.

Years passed gently at Ghost Walks. Ghost aged, his steps slower, but his quiet strength unwavering. One serene autumn morning, Logan sat beside his loyal friend beneath an ancient oak, hand resting gently on Ghost’s silvered fur. “You were never a ghost,” Logan whispered softly, “you were the light I couldn’t see.”

Ghost’s gentle tail wagged once, and in that perfect moment, the scars of war faded, leaving only the enduring peace they had found together. Ghost was never merely a military dog; he was a guardian, a healer, and the quiet heartbeat that reminded everyone they were never alone.

His story, their story, became an enduring legacy, proof that even in darkness, love quietly prevails, carried softly on four brave paws.

My parents have been married for 75 years but few have noticed. Most of their friends have died. I contacted 6 local new...
05/01/2025

My parents have been married for 75 years but few have noticed. Most of their friends have died. I contacted 6 local news stations and the Union Tribune newspaper giving details so they could do a story on their lives. Not one response from anyone. I think living into your 90's and staying married 75 years is quite an accomplishment. If you agree, please like and share my post. I want to show them people do care."

Credit Eileen Atkinson

Just moments after this image was captured, SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was snatched into the jaws of the orca pictu...
05/01/2025

Just moments after this image was captured, SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was snatched into the jaws of the orca pictured here and brutally killed. Her body was then thrashed about over the course of 45 minutes while the horrified crowd helplessly looked on.

The autopsy report said that Brancheau died from drowning and blunt force trauma. Her spinal cord was severed, and she had sustained fractures to her jawbone, ribs, and a cervical vertebra. Her scalp was completely torn off from her head, and her left elbow and left knee had been dislocated.

19-year-old Austin Dennison just took his 89 year old great grandma, Delores, to the senior prom because she didn't get ...
04/30/2025

19-year-old Austin Dennison just took his 89 year old great grandma, Delores, to the senior prom because she didn't get to go when she was younger! They went to dinner, took photos, danced, and got a standing ovation from the other students! Austin who is an Eagle Scout, a volunteer firefighter, played football, baseball, and basketball and played in the school band, says "I respect my elders greatly. They have a great influence on my life. To be able to sit down and talk to them and learn from them and their experiences is a great thing." Thumbs up to Austin! This is an outstanding young man..!

Our hearts break with every one that does not make it. A local gentleman saw this fawn stumble into the road and collaps...
04/30/2025

Our hearts break with every one that does not make it. A local gentleman saw this fawn stumble into the road and collapse and rushed it to us but it was deceased on arrival. It had been hit by a car and had internal bleeding. A sad start to fawn season. Fly high little one. Your life mattered.

Thank you to the three cars who stopped to help our Michigan wildlife.

“This guy's name is Tay, he goes to Greenwood high school. Yesterday when I walked into the gym to get ready for lunch T...
04/28/2025

“This guy's name is Tay, he goes to Greenwood high school. Yesterday when I walked into the gym to get ready for lunch Tay asked me what size shoe I wear and I said '9, why?' and he said 'alright tomorrow I want you to show up at this exact spot, ok' and I said 'alright man.'
Today when I went into the gym there was a small crowd of students around Tay who had a footlocker bag, when he saw me come in he pulled out a Jordan shoe box and he opened it and it had retro 1 jordans, and then he handed them to me saying 'here you go man these are yours', at first I didn't know what he was talking about, but then he told his friends to put my book bag somewhere, while he laced my shoes, when they were on I asked him 'I don't understand why are you giving me these', when he said 'I heard people have been bullying you, so I wanted to get you these to make you feel better', and when he said that I hugged him and I almost cried, and I cannot thank him enough, and then he said 'and if anybody is bullying you, you let me know alright", and I said 'thank you so much.'

Credit: bateta93 via Instagram.

I would like to take the time to introduce everyone to miss Parham. she is a 2 month old beautiful baby girl. last night...
04/28/2025

I would like to take the time to introduce everyone to miss Parham. she is a 2 month old beautiful baby girl. last night I was dispatched to a residence to a child choking, it was this beautiful little princess. she was turning blue and fading fast.. mom and dad tried cpr with no luck and when I arrived she was not breathing. the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY touched me and I knew what to do. I did reverse cpr and was able to suck the cereal out of her throat and she began breathing again. she smiled at me for a second and then starting crying which was music to my ears. out of my 25 years being a cop this is my greatest and most profound accomplishment and it made every second of those 25 years worth it all. I am forever humbled and changed by this. little miss Parham will forever be a part of my life...
Credit: Kenneth Knox ( respect 🫡)

“Well,” said the Queen to the little bear, “where do you go from here?”“I’m not sure, Your Majesty,” Paddington Bear ans...
04/28/2025

“Well,” said the Queen to the little bear, “where do you go from here?”
“I’m not sure, Your Majesty,” Paddington Bear answered softly, a tear in his eye. “You see, the Browns have all grown up and gone their separate ways. I’m now homeless, as I have nowhere else to stay.”
The Queen’s face softened with a smile. “Well, my little friend, this simply won’t do at all. I too am all alone. Why don’t you move into my palace? I’m sure we’ll have a ball!”
Paddington’s eyes widened as he asked, “Will there be marmalade, dear Queen?”
“Of course,” she replied with a wink. “The biggest spread of sandwiches you’ve ever seen. And cups of tea, with crockery you can drop—and I will never, ever mind.”
With a grateful heart, the little bear smiled. “Your Majesty, I accept your offer. You are very, very kind.”
❤️✨

This photo of a stray dog has touched thousands of people...In Marseille, a bus driver did what many wouldn't dare: he l...
04/27/2025

This photo of a stray dog has touched thousands of people...
In Marseille, a bus driver did what many wouldn't dare: he let this dog board, alone, drenched in the rain, without asking for anything in return.

Throughout the journey, the dog remained calm, silently watching the world scroll by behind the window. Then, upon reaching "his" station, he descended as if he knew the way.

The driver didn't chase him. He simply offered her shelter, a moment of respite on a cold day.

I don't know this man but I want to thank him. For his goodness sake. For her heart. Because sometimes, true humanity doesn’t make noise — it acts.

My mom did not sleep. She felt exhausted. She was irritable, grumpy, and bitter. She was always sick until one day, sudd...
04/26/2025

My mom did not sleep. She felt exhausted. She was irritable, grumpy, and bitter. She was always sick until one day, suddenly, she changed.

One day my dad said to her:

- I've been looking for a job for three months and I haven't found anything, I'm going to have a few beers with friends.

My mom replied:

- It's okay.

My brother said to her:

- Mom, I'm doing poorly in all subjects at the University.

My mom replied:

- Okay, you will recover, and if you don't, well, you repeat the semester, but you pay the tuition.

My sister said to her:

- Mom, I smashed the car.

My mom replied:

- Okay daughter, take it to the car shop & find out how to pay and while they fix it, get around by bus or subway.

Her daughter-in-law said to her:

- Mother-in-law, I came to spend a few months with you.

My mom replied:

- Okay, settle in the living room couch and look for some blankets in the closet.

All of us gathered worried to see these reactions coming from Mom.

We suspected that she had gone to the doctor and that she was prescribed some pills called "I don't give a damn”... Perhaps she was overdosing on these!

We then proposed to do an "intervention" with w/my mother to remove her from any possible addiction she had to some anti-tantrum medication.

But then ... she gathered us around her and my mom explained:

"It took me a long time to realize that each person is responsible for their life. It took me years to discover that my anguish, anxiety, depression, courage, insomnia & my stress, do not solve your problems but aggravate mine.

I am not responsible for the actions of anyone & it’s not my job to provide happiness but I am responsible for the reactions I express to that.

Therefore, I came to the conclusion that my duty to myself is to remain calm and let each one of you solve what corresponds to you.

I have taken courses in yoga, meditation, miracles, human development, mental hygiene, vibration, and neurolinguistic programming, and in all of them, I found a common denominator in them all...

I can only control myself, you have all the necessary resources to solve your own problems despite how hard they may be. My job is to pray for you, love on you, and encourage you but it’s up to YOU to solve them & find your happiness.

I can only give you my advice if you ask me & it depends on you to follow it or not. There are consequences, good or bad, to your decisions and YOU have to live them.

So from now on, I cease to be the receptacle of your responsibilities, the sack of your guilt, the laundress of your remorse, the advocate of your faults, the wall of your lamentations, the depositary of your duties, who should solve your problems or spare a tire every time to fulfill your responsibilities.

From now on, I declare all independent and self-sufficient adults.

Everyone at my mom's house was speechless.

From that day on, the family began to function better because everyone in the house knew exactly what it was that they needed to do.



For some of us, this is hard because we've grown up being caregivers and feeling responsible for others. As moms & wives, we are fixers of all things. We never want our loved ones to go through difficult things or to struggle. We want everyone to be happy.

But, the sooner we take that responsibility off of our shoulders & onto each loved one, the better we are preparing them to be responsible.

We are not here on earth to be everything to everyone. Stop putting that pressure on yourself.

Much Love,

Charlyn.

Address

301 E Broadway
Alton, IL
62002

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Alton Hauntings Tours

According to legend, author Mark Twain once called Alton a "dismal little river town," largely thanks to the dark history that the city had already endured prior to its heyday as a thriving river port. From those days, through the early 1900s, Alton saw more than its share of death, disease, disaster, violence, murder and even the scars of the Civil War. Now, come see how the events of the past have created the hauntings of what is now being called "one of the most haunted small towns in America." The Alton Hauntings Tour is an entertaining, often spine-tingling trip back into the history and hauntings of the city. Called the "most authentic" in the region, the tour was personally created by author Troy Taylor and based on his book, Haunted Alton! We offer our History and Hauntings Walking Tours in the spring, summer and fall * Autumn season bus tours * Autumn season Dinner and Spirits Walking Tours * and Ghosts of the River Road Dinner Tours with Troy Taylor all year around! Check out the schedule on our home page at http://altonhauntings.com