By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor
HAMILTON - Historic preservation advocates are calling on some ghosts to help them raise funds.
Hamilton's Ghost Walks are coming back this October, sponsored by the Dayton Lane Historic Area..
The Dayton Lane district is the setting for a one-hour guided tour by residents who will discuss ghosts, ghouls and legends of the neighborhood.
"At the end of the tour each week, one of the street's Victorian homes will be open for visitors to feel the presence of ghostly activity," said Thomas Nye, president of the historic area. "Visitors will also have the opportunity for personal readings with well-known spiritual consultant Victor Paruta."
More than 600 people attended the inaugural event in 2003. Organizers expect 900 visitors this year.
Meanwhile, the Biennial Progressive Dinner returns on Oct. 23. The event began in 2000 as a celebration of 25 years of historic preservation work in the historic area.
Guests will visit three Dayton Lane homes for appetizers, dinner and dessert.
This year, owners of the historic Shuler, Benninghofen and J.E. Wright homes will host 150 guests. Paruta also will be on hand to offer personal readings.
Organizers hope to raise $20,000 from the two events. Proceeds will go for creation of the Sherry Corbett Memorial Fountain in Campbell Avenue Park. Corbett, a Miami University professor and Dayton Lane preservationist, was shot and killed in the district by a tenant of hers two years ago.
If You Go
Ghost Walk Tours leave every half hour between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, 16 and 30. Reservations are $15 per person and recommended.
