King Opera House Ghost Hunt, Van Buren, Arkansas
Our ghost hunt at this historic opera house will take you back in time to the Victorian era. Join Haunted Rooms America as we explore the darkness of this incredibly haunted building.
Event time: 8PM – 2AM
King Opera House
A HISTORIC VENUE HAUNTED BY THE GHOST OF A MURDERED ACTOR!
Located on Main Street in the heart of Van Buren’s Historic District, the King Opera House has been entertaining the local community for over 140 years.
Stories of the paranormal goings-on here have lasted nearly as long, with reports going back to the early 1900s.
Built in 1880, during the height of the Victorian era, the King Opera House welcomed many notable performers, such as Jenny Lind (The Swedish Nightingale), William Jennings Bryan, and Arkansas’ own Bob Burns.
From the mid-1890s through to the early 1930s, the Opera House would regularly put on weekly runs of Vaudeville shows, one of which was a show that had Charles Tolson as the lead.
It’s Tolson’s ghost that still haunts the opera house to this day, roaming the location of his last ever performance.
The Murder
Charles Tolson was a young talented actor and the owner of the Tolson Stock Company, a traveling acting troupe that had been performing their Vaudeville act at the King Opera House for a week at the end of September 1903.
Tolson caught the eye of a 17-year-old girl called Allye (Allie) Parchman, who had dreams of leaving the small-town life behind, and saw Tolson as her ticket there.
Due to leave with his troupe from the Frisco Train Depot on Oct 4, 1903, Allye’s father, Dr. Parchman, received word from a local salesman name C.G. Murray, that Allye would be at the depot with Tolson at 7:45 AM, and their plan was to elope.
Dr. Parchman, who had been waiting inside the depot waiting room, caught sight of Tolson and called out his name followed by, “I want to see you”. As soon as Tolson turned, Dr. Parchman fired his first shot from his 44 caliber revolver, missing Tolson who had started to run from the gunfire.
Parchman let off another shot, this time striking his back, just above his hip, which hit him with such force that it turned him around to face Parchman once more. Taking one last shot, Parchman fired at Tolson’s chest. Luckily it hit a pocket watch, but the bullet’s force knocked him to the ground.
Tolson was critically injured and was put on the arriving train to Fort Smith, where he was admitted to Belle Point Hospital in Fort Smith, and where he would die the following day, Oct 5, 1903.
Conspiracy
Some people believe Allye had indeed fallen for Tolson, and she did have intentions of leaving with him. However, the truth is a little blurry.
Allye may have had intentions of leaving town and her oppressive father. In fact, notes were found in her purse relaying the fact. However, the reality is she wasn’t at the station when Tolson was shot, and Tolson was a happily married man, to a lady who was part of his acting troupe.
To add to the intrigue, the local salesman named C.G. Murray who had relayed this information to Dr. Parchman, actually had eyes for Allye himself and could have staged the whole thing knowing what could happen.
The Hauntings
The ghost of Charles Tolson is believed to be the main spirit attached to King Opera House, the last venue he performed at before he was brutally murdered by Dr. Parchman.
Former employees of the opera house have reported several strange occurrences. One of which was the constant feeling of being watched when they were supposedly alone.
One director of the Young Actor’s Guild, which used to perform at the opera house, says they closed up one night, turning off all the lights, only to return the next day and all the lights were switched back on.
Others have witnessed the ghost of Tolson in full form, dressed in a long black Victorian coat and top hat, and a cape.
Is Charles the cause for all the activity here, or are there more spirits that frequent this historic opera house? Do you dare find out?
What’s Included?
Your ghost hunt at The King Opera House includes the following:
- Ghost Hunting Vigils,
- Structured Vigils,
- Ghost Hunt with experienced Ghost Hunting Team,
- Use of our traditional and state-of-the-art paranormal equipment which includes, trigger objects and EMF Meters, and more,
- Private time to explore this location and to undertake your very own private vigils,
- Unlimited refreshments are available throughout the night including Soft Drinks, and Bottled Water.
- Selection of snacks.
Event Details
What’s Included?
- Paranormal investigation class for beginners (separate workshop for returning guests),
- Tour of the location,
- A full night of ghost hunting with the Haunted Rooms America team,
- Use of our traditional and state-of-the-art paranormal equipment,
- Free time to investigate at the end of the night,
- Snacks and refreshments provided at intervals throughout the night.
Event Location: 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956
Event Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Meet up at the location at the earliest 7:30 PM. There is ample parking available at the venue itself.
What to Bring?
Please bring with you a form of photo ID, and a printed off booking confirmation email (or show this on your phone).
We will be providing you with paranormal equipment to use, however, we will need something of value per group to hold onto as collateral (phone, car keys, watch, etc.)
We will be providing snacks and drinks at intervals throughout the night.
And of course, bring your phone/camera with you, the more pictures we have the better chance we have of capturing something!
Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!
FAQ
What Should I Expect on a Ghost Hunt?
Become a paranormal investigator for the night like the TV stars of Most haunted, ghost adventures or TAPS Ghost hunters.
Use some of the specialized equipment and be guided by experienced paranormal investigators who will share their knowledge, techniques and experiences of hunting for ghosts or spirits.
Feel free to bring along any of your own equipment including but not limited to EVP recorders, flashlights, cameras or video cameras.
Bring extra clothing as in some parts old buildings may get cold but please refrain from wearing clothing that can cause distracting sounds. Many old buildings have a story to tell and we will supply them to you along with of course the ghost stories.
There will be breaks and light refreshments are provided.
We are not out to try and convince the world of the existence of an afterlife. That’s for you to decide.
We can be Sceptical and logical yet open to other beliefs and prayers of protection will be carried out.
We do not perform tricks and will not be running around with sheets on our heads!
You will be with like-minded people looking for the answer “is there really an afterlife”?
However much we try unfortunately we can’t guarantee that members of the spirit world will make their presence known but we can at least guarantee that you will experience a fun and interesting night.
Do I receive an actual ticket?
The event is ticketless. Your proof of booking is your booking confirmation email.  You will also receive an email with important information prior to your event, usually the week of.
Is there any age limit of who can attend these events?
The age limit is 18 years and over.
Will there be a Medium at the event?
All events listed on Haunted Rooms are hosted by experienced Hosts and Professional Psychic/Clairvoyant Mediums. However sometimes a Medium(s) may not always be present – but as usual, you will be in very safe hands with our experienced Hosts who have a wealth of knowledge and are fully trained in all aspects of professional public ghost hunting events and experience nights.
Can I sleep at an event?
Unless it is otherwise stated, events don’t include sleepover.
Will I see a Ghost?
Unfortunately, the activity will not just happen on command, however using the various experiments and experienced hosts on the events, everything will be done to offer the best chance of spiritual activity.
Nearby Accommodation
Reviews
Rating
Just finished our VIP overnight at Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah! Ms. Venita and Julie were the absolute best! They both made sure we knew what we were doing with equipment, and gave us a fantastic guided tour and explained the history so well. Venita especially made an impression on my group. She is super friendly and definitely knows what she's doing. Can't wait to see her again! I wouldn't want anyone else!
My dad, my sister-in-law, and I stayed at The Metropolitan for a paranormal investigation, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of history — but what made our stay exceptional was the incredible staff, Julie and Venita. These two amazing women went above and beyond the entire time we were there. They walked us through all the investigation equipment, helped guide us throughout the night, and made us feel completely comfortable and right at home. Their hospitality was top-notch — from the snacks and drinks they provided to the delicious hot chocolate they made for us during our late-night exploring. Their kindness, patience, and passion for what they do turned our stay into something truly special. If you’re looking for a place filled with charm, comfort, and staff who genuinely care, The Metropolitan Hotel is the perfect choice. Our overnight stay exceeded every expectation. Highly recommend! I wouldn't want anyone else to tour with!! 👻✨🍫
My son and I went to belles grove plantation and it was the best time! We enjoyed everything! Miss V was great! We got a few pictures of something in the windows and I actually started crying which I NEVER would let my son see me cry! It was kinda spooky but awesome at the same time! The team is great and I highly recommend going on one of their tours! Thank u all for a great experience
I had an amazing experience with Haunted Rooms America at the Belle Grove Plantation in King George, VA. The staff was very informative and helpful explaining the various pieces of equipment.
We had such a great experience at the Metropolitan Hotel in Paducah Kentucky. 10/10 would recommend.
Super fun evening! would definitely recommend doing anything they are offering.
The staff was really knowledgeable about the location. Our group had a lot of fun trying the equipment. It's an experience I'll never forget! Thank you to David and his crew for an amazing night.
KY and Haunted Rooms America is amazing. KY was extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions we had when we attended the Haunted tour at the old st.james hospital in Butte,MT. I am looking forward to hopefully being able to join this amazing group and getting to work these events.