Ghosts of Carleton pt. 2

While digging through the deep blog archives, I stumbled across a fantastic blog from former CSA president Quinn Buhman on the potential homes of the Carleton ghosts. Unfortunately, Quinn takes a skeptical stance throughout the blog, expressing a lack of confidence in these ghost’s existence! Fret not – I do not have the same upperclassman wisdom and I am wholeheartedly confident in the existence of Carleton ghosts. We need not ask IF there are ghosts at Carleton, rather we must ask WHERE the ghosts of Carleton reside. I will expand upon Quinn’s locations, with a few of my own theories.

Farm House

My residence for next year, Farm House, is also my main theory for residential Carleton ghosts. Out at the outskirts of campus, Farm House has provided a space for agriculturally invested Carleton students since 1971. Farm House is one of the many communal interest houses here on campus, and it has a tendency to get a little crazy! With a particular love for bulk lentils and massive pig roast at the end of each year, it’s clear us farmies aren’t completely sane. The walls are covered in student artwork and the names of every past resident (or current farm ghost?), providing a welcoming home atmosphere but also the spirits of the past. I swear everytime I’m at Farm House a door will swing open or I’ll feel a mysterious cold breeze. After this year, the Farm residents will be moving across the yard to a new building in the Lilac Hill complex. Who knows if the ghosts will move to?

KRLX Studio

Home of Carleton’s 24/7 student-run radio station, the KRLX studio is a place for all of the musically inclined Carls. Being a 24/7 show, many first and second-year students are left with early morning radio times (shoutout to my show at 4 AM every Tuesday morning!) I love the early morning studio vibes, but I’m never truly myself at this time in the morning. There’s got to be something otherworldly going on when I’m listening to Phoebe Bridgers at 4 AM on a Tuesday, the ghosts must love Stranger in the Alps.

Chapel

I know, this one is low-hanging fruit, but I would be remiss to not include this campus landmark on my list. From folk singing to the annual Carleton wedding, the Chapel is always a hub of student activity. The chapel is, of course, also a hub of paranormal activity with the voices of mysterious singing students piercing through services and the seemingly endless path of hallways in the Chapel basement. Last time I was at a service, we heard the faint sounds of opera music – quite the talented musical ghost!

Bald Spot

Okay I know this one may be a bit of stretch, but hear me out! Every student begins their time at Carleton with a frisbee thrown into the middle of the Bald Spot – forever linking their Carleton spirit to this sacred spot. During the winter months, when the grounds are covered in snow, facilities put up two large ice rinks on the Bald Spot for Students to play broomball or skate around. People have a tendency to slip while rushing across the Bald Spot, some say it’s the ice but I have another theory…

George P. (he/him) is a first-year student interested in studying Geology, Religion, and Physics. George is a native of Western Massachusetts and can’t wait to explore everything Minnesota has to offer! George’s passions include Karls frisbee, flannels, CANOE trips, and root vegetables. George also serves as a Class of 2027 Representative and next summer he will be staying at Carleton to work as an intern on the Student Organic Farm.