The cottage had a reputation for being haunted by an old Indian, "Chief," for as long as any of us could remember. Whenever Jan played classical or easy listening music, her rocking chair would sway slightly, pipe tobacco odor would permeate the living room, and a soft glow filled the rocking chair.
When Jan would change the radio channel to rock or R&B, the rocking chair slowed to a stop, the pipe odor would fade away, and the the soft glow in the chair dimmed, then died.
About 25 years ago, the city condemned sections of "old town." Among the houses leveled for a new apartment complex was Chief's. No one was surprised to learn that Indian graves were discovered under some of the demolished homes..
Chief and the others were reburied in the "old cemetery," not far from the university and Presbyterian church. I like to think of old Chief enjoying his pipe while listening to college concerts, choir practices, and church services.
Copyright 15 March 1998 by Kate Rasmussen. All rights reserved.