How Fear Of The Undead Changed Jewett City Forever

Some of Connecticut's most overlooked places are also home to stories too strange, dark, and disturbing to be forgotten. Deep in Griswold, in the quiet village of Jewett City, one such tale took shape in the mid-1800s — one that involves mysterious deaths, fear of the undead, and the kind of community response you don’t expect from small-town New England.

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This wasn’t a Halloween prank, or a legend passed down in whispers. This was a real panic that led to actual graves being dug up and bodies burned in public view. The people of Jewett City weren’t just scared of death — they believed it was rising from the ground to claim the living. The Ray family was at the center of it all, and what happened to them is now remembered as one of America’s most compelling vampire scares. Let’s take a look at what really happened, and why some still believe it wasn’t just a medical misunderstanding.

Real-Life Vampire Scare Shook Connecticut In The 1800s

In 1854, panic swept through Jewett City when members of the Ray family began dying from a wasting disease known as “consumption.” But some locals believed it was something more sinister. The fear of vampires led to a series of disturbing rituals — and possibly even prevented more deaths. Here’s how one Connecticut town became a hotspot for vampire lore.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

I love writing about stories like this because I genuinely enjoy digging into the research, reading everyone’s take, and then making up my own mind. And I’ve made it up. If I ever see a vampire, I’m running faster than Usain Bolt. Yes, I’ve got bad knees — but trust me, the pain will be no match for my desire not to spend eternity wearing robes and staying up all night. What am I, a pimp? Cosmo Kramer in a Broadway rental? Nah son, I'm on the run.

Connecticut’s Creepiest Legend: The Black Dog of the Hanging Hills

This is the story of Connecticut’s most infamous supernatural creature—the Black Dog of the Hanging Hills. This isn’t just another ghost story; it’s a tale with tragic deaths, creepy sightings, and a very real fear that still lingers today. You’ll read about strange encounters, unlucky hikers, and one terrifying legend that’s followed people for generations. By the end of it, you might just say to hell with the Meriden Hills for good.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Dudleytown, CT: The Ghost Town That Guards Its Secrets

What you’re about to read is a journey — my journey — into the mysteries of Dudleytown, the so-called “Village of the Damned.”

You’ll get the history, the legends, the frustrating investigations, and the eerie encounters. This isn’t just a ghost story. It’s about land ownership, mysterious incidents, government secrecy, and a community reluctant to talk. It’s curiosity pushing against walls of silence. So, buckle up — Dudleytown’s story is far stranger than you might expect.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Best Stand-Up Comedy Shows In Connecticut This Summer - 2025

If there was ever a time we could all use a good laugh, it’s now. Comedy has this cool way of bringing people together—no matter where you're from or what you believe. So why not take a break, have some fun, and check out some of the best live comedy coming to Connecticut this summer?

Below is a list of shows I’m especially excited about. “Best” is obviously subjective, but these are the ones I feel confident recommending based on what these comics have done. That said, there’s a lot more out there—so if you're curious, click the venue links and explore even more.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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