Haunted College Series - Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire

Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire started out as a small predominately girls' school. It was rumored to have come into existence to find dates for the men of nearby Dartmouth College. Besides the male staff there were approximately 10 men from the local community who attended school there.

Colgate Hall is a large brick building. It is located in the center of the campus and it the focal point of the college. Many students have reported seeing a man with a large brim hat and period clothing wandering around. Several have mistaken him for a member of the college theatrical society. When approached the man turns as if to talk to you and then just vanishes. He is rumored to have been an imported by the college to fill one of the male leads in a theatrical production. The most common theories as to why he remains seem to be either and ill-fated love affair or an accident killing him during production. It doesn't seem to matter whether it is night or day out. He appears in both. His visits seem to get more frequent during the opening of one of the college plays.

The tower above Colgate Hall seems to be another area of haunting. A young lady, all dressed in black, is seen. She makes her appearances during the late afternoon, when the sun is setting. More than a few students have reported trying to come within reach of her and she just seems to fade, as if evaporating right before their eyes. The story behind this ghostly haunting is a sad as the ghost herself.

Her name is either Beth or Elizabeth, depending on whom you are listening to. Her family sent her to Colby-Sawyer, even though they had a good name the families' finances was in ruin; a good marriage to a wealthy Dartmouth student would ensure Beth's family from total ruin. Colby-Sawyer offered a cheaper alternative to an Ivy League school.

Beth was far from beautiful. She was described as mournful looking. She rarely smiled and those who knew her said she seemed to find no pleasure in life, until she came to Colby-Sawyer. She discovered a love for books and learning. Her father, a stern man, kept reminding Beth her purpose was not to learn at college but only to find a suitable, rich husband. Beth started dressing in black, she made no friends and any boy that did express an interest in her was quickly dejected by her unhappy attitude. Despite her best efforts towards the end of her 2^nd year a young man called her father, asking his permission to court Beth. The young mans family was rich, newly so, but lacked any social connections. His parents felt a marriage to Beth would increase their social standing. Needless to say Beth's father was thrilled.

Beth pleaded and begged her father not to make her marry this boy. Her father was unmoved by her pleas. Beth did the only thing she felt she could. She jumped from the tower to her death.