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
My husband and I just toured the USS North Carolina Battleship this past Saturday. We had an AMAZING experience! Immediately booked another tour for the Bellamy Mansion and ordered paranormal equipment to use. Can’t wait til the next haunt!!!
We investigated the USS William A. Irvin in Duluth MN. It was a great experience, everyone was super friendly and helped whenever they could! if you are debating on signing up. Just do it! we had alot of fun!
Investigated Mortuary Manor in Toledo with my daughter. The guides were extremely knowledgeable about the equipment and different techniques to attempt to communicate with spirits. The owner was very very nice and was actively trying to help in any way he could. We had a very small group of 5 so we had the run of the place. It was a lot of fun and I definitely recommend to anyone interested in the paranormal. We definitely had some activity during the night. The experience made me want to try out other locations if I can. There were a few graduation parties going on in the area the night I was there so, I’d like to go back and see what I can find when it’s a little more quiet in the beginning of the night but it was a great experience!
Bought this as a gift to my brother. I went in not expecting much but had a great time at Valerie Hill winery. We caught some pretty cool stuff and he had a great Estes session. Highly recommend.
Everything was well organized and smooth. There was no gimmick, it started off as a quiet night paranormal wise, maybe because there was a long game of soccer going on right outside. Nothing to be done about that. Mid-Orange Correctional facility is now also part sports complex. The guides demonstrate tools used for investigating and even though the night started quiet, they didn’t hype up every little sound. They debunked sounds and explained what to look for. By 1am my husband and I ran into a group that came with their own equipment and had returned to a spot they had previously had activity. They welcomed us to join them and my EMF meter flew to red pretty steadily. They brought out the dowsing rod and it pointed at me directly so I was asked if I would hold it. I have never really understood how people don’t move the rods themselves. When I held it I realized there is a sleeve on the handle. So you’re not touching the rod. The rod was very responsive and corresponded with the EMF consistently for a few minutes. Anyway, what I liked most is it seems like the community cares. Everyone in the group checked in on my comfort. It was my favorite part of the night.
My son and I had a truly unforgettable experience at the Rock Island Roadhouse. The team that ran this event were all very knowledgeable of the history of the location as well as all of the equipment that they use. There were I think around 50 people total that attended and they broke us out into 4 separate groups. The first 4 hours of the night that were spent in the group setting taking turns with each team member didn't have much activity going on, however, once we were able to explore on our own the last 2 hours, we had some AMAZING activity! We even picked up what sounded like two whispering words in response to our questions! I highly recommend this group!
Did the Battleship North Carolina on April 3rd. I've already booked again for August. The hosts (Both physical and spiritual) were amazing. Recorded several EVP's throughout the night. Some very strong responses with dousing rods. Always skeptical about them, but there were strong responses, especially when we started talking to them like the military members they were. At one point I asked if they wished they had women on Battleships, he replied with a strong "Yes" and my Ghost Box replied with the word "Seductive". He really liked one of the young ladies with us. Turns out she was 18 and he was 20 when he died. Can't wait to do this again!
Just did a tour with this group on the Battleship North Carolina. Absolutely wonderful experience!! My husband and I will definitely be booking again. The leaders are super nice, respectful, and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend!!
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!