In this episode, Erin and Autumn explore the chilling story of the Ouija board murder that took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1930. The narrative unfolds around Nancy Bowen, a grieving widow who, after a seance, believes her husband was murdered by a witch named Clothilde Marchand. The episode delves into the murder, the subsequent trial, and the sensational media coverage that followed. The conversation then transitions to the haunting history of Northern State Hospital in Sedro Woolley, Washington, where the hosts discuss ghost stories and the lingering memories of those who suffered within its walls. The episode reflects on themes of grief, memory, and the impact of societal perceptions on marginalized communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Spooky Season

03:18 The Ouija Board Murder: A Grieving Widow's Descent

06:08 The Murder of Clotilde Merchand

11:09 The Trial and Media Sensationalism

17:00 The Aftermath and Societal Implications

25:42 The Haunting of Northern State Hospital

38:36 The Woman in White: A Tale of Loss

40:40 Remembering the Forgotten: Echoes of the Past

Keywords

Ouija board murder, Nancy Bowen, Clothilde Marchand, Buffalo history, Northern State Hospital, ghost stories, spooky season, true crime, indigenous history, mental health

Takeaways

The Ouija board murder highlights the intersection of grief and superstition.

Nancy Bowen's actions were driven by manipulation and emotional turmoil.

Media sensationalism played a significant role in shaping public perception of the trial.

The case reflects deep-seated prejudices against indigenous people.

Northern State Hospital's history reveals the dark side of mental health treatment.

Ghost stories often serve as a way to remember and honor the past.

The haunting of Northern State is tied to the memories of those who suffered there.

Community efforts have been made to restore the names of forgotten patients.

The episode emphasizes the importance of listening to marginalized voices.

Both stories illustrate how history can haunt the present.