Ghosts of The Crump Theatre

Columbus, Indiana, is truly a fantastic city. Nestled alongside the White River, Columbus, also called Athens of the Prairie, is known globally for its architectural significance and as the home of Cummins Engine Company. In 2008, National Geographic Traveler ranked Columbus 11th on its historic destinations list, describing it as “authentic, unique, and unspoiled.” That’s where we will agree to disagree, at least on the concept of this unique city being completely unspoiled.

Sir Winston Churchill was once quoted as saying, “First we shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us.” Although I appreciate his sentiment, in the name of progress and innovation, many buildings integral to a community’s soul must be offered up as a sacrifice to alter any town’s footprint and allow for “advancement.” And maybe the old buildings were not architecturally significant, but their importance to the community was undoubtedly there. This isn’t exclusively a Columbus, Indiana, problem, but an American one. It seems to be the American way — out with the old, in with the new — that’s my opinion. This nation has always exhibited a propensity for tearing down aged structures due to upkeep and expensive updates and replacing them with brand-new and shiny ones — it’s cheaper. I feel as if every time we do this and create something new, we lose a skosh of our heritage. Just look at Kenny Roger’s face in 1980 versus his mug in 2019 (R.I.P. Gambler). But I digress.

Columbus is an excellent example of this behavior. To craft Columbus’ identity as a mecca for architecture, many structures were erased for the “authentic, unique, and unspoiled” narrative we see today. I’m not saying it was all entirely unwarranted at times, but I often wonder about the stories of the men and women and their authentic and unique lives that wound up as rubble — lost. Demolition can make us forget so many amazing things. My stance is when the dust of progress is settled, and you find you have any historic structures remaining, you better preserve them and curate their stories. It seems some buildings do not want to be forgotten, which brings me to The Crump Theatre.

The 134-year-old Crump (with the front half of the building being 152 years old) is one of the oldest remaining structures in downtown Columbus. And boy, does it hold some history. That’s the beautiful thing about theaters; they were a centerpiece for people to gather for escapism — laughing, dreaming, crying, being frightened, and falling in love over the smell of buttery popcorn — everything that reminds us of the uniqueness of the human condition celebrated under one magical roof. That bond anchors togetherness and connectedness — it builds community. Something I feel we’ve lost over the past several years by just looking at the screens on our phones. Maybe we need a big screen and stage to remind us who we are. Perhaps we need a place to let the projector shine some wonder and allow us to gather in a space for architecturally significant experiences. Especially if the location still holds a seemingly alive past and is interactive enough to engage with you. Yes, I do mean haunted. Yes, I do mean ghosts, and I mean this most respectfully and fascinatingly.

The Crump has many layers to its historic shell. Its appearance has undergone many renovations over the years. Embedded within that density is a chronicle of colorful lives that impacted this beautiful building. There have been many ups and downs in The Crump’s history. Recently, it had been shut down for many years. But in 2019, the Columbus Capital Foundation turned the keys over to project manager Jess Schnepp. She and her team of volunteers have been able to get The Crump reopened. But there is still a lot of work to do and money to raise to get the theater up to its fullest potential. PARAHOLICS.COM has been cultivating a relationship with the theater to help establish exploring the paranormal as an avenue to help with fundraising. From flashlight ghost tours, and public and private investigations, to eventually hosting paranormal conferences — the paranormal community can be a significant asset to The Crump and honor the lives of the men and women who are a part of its story. So, are you ready to get into The Crump Theatre?

There’s been a long history of paranormal stories involving this building, and there have been many investigations in the past. But with it being shut down for such a long time and the limited access to the structure, how have the ghosts been? When I began my conversation with Jess and her team members, I wasn’t surprised to hear that throughout construction work, several people have had unexplainable experiences. The most notable are the reports of a lady wearing a black dress seen on the eastern staircase in the main lobby. The Lady in Black, as she’s been coined, has appeared so solid that workers have been confident that she was an actual person wearing a period-style dress. So that got me curious if I could find out who this lady could be. There have been other claims as well. A young boy has been seen — a large man in the Lady’s Lounge restroom upstairs. People have reported being touched. I have personally experienced this. I’ve heard disembodied voices, too.

For my investigation, I wanted to start at the beginning and slowly peel back the layers of time at this fantastic location and eventually work my way forward. A systematic approach like that might give me my best shot at uncovering The Lady in Black’s identity. And if you’re starting at the inception of this location, you must address the man who started it all, Civil War veteran and attorney Colonel John A. Keith.

I won’t go over every fascinating detail of Colonel Keith’s story. You’ll find much information in the timelines in this post. But know he built the front half of The Crump, which is comprised of what is now the lobby and second-floor mezzanine level. This original construction was known as Keith’s Arcade. And no, sadly, it wasn’t a place for pinball or Pac-Man. Throughout the years and renovations, many different renters occupied the Arcade section of the building even after it became The Crump Theatre — including the law office of Colonel Keith, apartment flats, a piano store, a barbershop, etc. One strange and notable tenant was the Indus Infirmary, which claimed to be able to cure every form of chronic disease, especially cancer. I can’t believe they went out of business. Just imagine the trauma that office brought into Keith’s Arcade alone. The front section of the building is indeed the oldest (1871), and the theater was built in 1889 onto the back of the arcade. Until the 1940s renovation, the entrance into the theater was just one doorway, and a hall would lead you back into the venue space.

Colonel Keith’s life was colorful and full of tragedy. It’s documented that he was a big drinker. At one point, he even shot a passenger on a train, believing he was under attack from an advancing enemy. He was later committed to the Central States Asylum for some time as he was ruled insane. At that point, he lost his building, and John Crump purchased it.

But alcoholism and PTSD weren’t the worst of Colonel Keith’s tragedies. It was the untimely and mysterious death of his only child, Mary (May) Dema Hill. May Dema’s death became known as The Zerega Mystery. May, against her father’s wishes, married Columbus native Edgar Hill. The couple adopted the identities of Zerega’s Spanish Troubadours and performed music all over Europe as a guitar and mandolin ensemble. They claimed to be from Madrid, Spain, and went under the aliases of Eduardo Zerega and Senorita Dema Terval. It was on May 6, 1896, that May checked herself into a New York Hotel under the name of Mrs. Everett of Boston and two days later committed suicide by gun — allegedly. After the authorities figured out her true identity, and it was discovered that days before her death, she changed her will to leave everything to her husband, and upon some bruising found on her body and witnesses coming forward alleging abuse, the Keith family sued and contested May’s will. Although the Keith family ultimately lost, it seems Edgar’s father was a very powerful man, and this defeat devastated Colonel Keith. It wasn’t until I saw the artist’s rendition of Mrs. Everett of Boston in the paper that I wondered, could May Dema Hill be The Lady in Black? Especially if she could be seeking the help of her father if her demise was unjust. She could be restless and want justice. Witnesses of The Lady in Black phenomenon see similarities when shown the artist’s rendering of Mrs. Everett from this newspaper clip.

Mrs. Everett of Boston, a.k.a. May Dema Hill

Why are theatres rumored to be haunted? Especially if you take away Ford’s Theatre, typically, they are not the scene of tragedy. One pervading theory is that the whole gambit of emotions displayed in a theater acts like a magnet that attracts disincarnate spectators from its past. But was there ever a death in The Crump? The official word is no. But I beg to differ. A news article from the October 11th, 1920, The Evening Republican reports Golda Coombs succumbing to gas fumes and drowning in her bathtub while her husband Earl was out. The report listed her as living in a Crump flat on Third Street. The official name of the apartments in The Crump Theatre was the Opera House Flats. Maybe the newspaper reporter was playing it loose. But the most telling sign to me is that the paper gives her funeral location as her residence, right above the M.E. Davis Piano Store. According to an old city directory, the store was located at 427 3rd Street, right in The Crump, placing the Coombs flat approximately in the Ladies Lounge on the second floor. Maybe Golda could be our Lady in Black?

I’m grateful for the historic buildings that Columbus has protected. There are undoubtedly so many more people to meet as we unravel the history of The Crump Theatre. Who knows what other gems we may uncover? Without The Crump still standing, we’d never get to know Colonel Keith or the Zerega Mystery. That’s the beauty of historical buildings. And that’s the gift that haunts, and ghosts, give — a glimpse into times that would be lost without them. They serve as reminders of how brief our existence is. They teach us that every moment is our chance to leave an indelible mark wherever we are. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a story that you, too, will want heard after you’re dead and gone and in a stunning place to tell it.

The Crump is finally back to lend a voice to help shape Columbus, Indiana.

— Evel Ogilville

P.S. — I highly recommend reviewing the historical information presented in this post, even before watching my videos. It’s best to approach any investigation with as accurate information as possible, especially if you plan to investigate The Crump yourself. It will help build a credible foundation for your findings with honor and respect for The Crump’s history if you have the facts.

The Crump Theatre

Paranormal Claims:

Tour Video:

The Crump Theatre Tour: History & High Strangeness

Video Investigation #1:

The Crump Theatre Investigation #1: Hunting The Haunts

Video Investigation #2:

The Crump Theatre Investigation #2: The Search For The Lady In Black

Video Investigation #3:

The Crump Investigation #3: The Curious Haunting of Colonel Keith

Request Your Own Investigation:

The Crump is offering paranormal investigations now as their calendar permits. Please follow their social media for opportunities for public or private investigations.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrumptheatre?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_crump_theatre?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_crump_theatre?_t=8gJvnjsBigg&_r=1

Email: thecrumptheatre@gmail.com

Historic Timelines:

1860 – Mercantile owner Isham Keith and sons establish hardware store at southeast corner of Third and Washington streets with Keith’s Hall, used for stage shows, in rear of second floor; credited as being first theater in town

1871/1874 – Isham’s son attorney and Civil War veteran Col. John A. Keith contracted (possibly with Isham) for two-story building on south side of Third Street to be constructed. Known as Keith’s Arcade because of architectural design of arches on façade. From 1871 to 1889, merchants and businessmen rented space in building, included newspaper, dining hall/restaurants, shops, medical/dental and law offices, including Keith’s

1872 – F.J. Crump opens opera house/hall at Fourth and Washington streets (has been mistaken for current Crump)

1873 – Keith advertises for “Keith’s Grand Distribution,” property raffle with Arcade Block worth $18,000 as second prize

1885 – Keith decides to build opera house on Third Street, making present entrance to Arcade entrance that to opera house, which will be built to the rear and over Arcade building

1887/1889 – Keith determined insane and taken to asylum. At the time he owed F.T. Crump $28,000. In order to satisfy debt, David Stobo, court-assigned guardian, had most of Keith’s property auctioned, and F.T. Crump purchased entire estate. Businessman son John Crump acquired Keith’s Arcade property for $6,000. Keith allowed to keep two rooms on second floor free of charge for two years

1889 – Crump buys adjoining lot next to arcade from Fred Donner and hires architect Charles Sparrell to add theatre to building. Arcade portion of building remodeled. Section under middle arch became entrance to theater. Ground-floor rooms on either side of entrance rented for business purposes. Rooms on second floor rented to day boarders. Words “Keith’s, Arcade, A. D. 1871” embedded within each arch at top of building removed and replaced with “Crump’s New Theatre.” Crump’s New Theatre opened as city’s “first true opera house.” Functioned as opera house and Vaudeville theater for about next about 30 years

1891 – John Crump buys Bissell Hotel property and remodels to include tunnel underneath Third Street to connect Belvedere Hotel to theater

1903 – Crump’s Theatre redecorating included new drop curtain and updated mechanics for moving large sceneries on stage. Auditorium repainted

1905/1913 – First movie reels shown at theater. Later second projector needed so longer motion pictures could be shown, which required substantial renovation to accommodate larger projection room. Crump died in 1920 before his plan to enlarge theater

1920 – First renovation of Crump Theatre. Crump’s heirs honor wishes for remodeling and updating. Movie projectors and movie screens installed and original Keith’s Arcade façade taken down. The Opera House Flats, two apartments on second floor, vacated and Clarence Howe Barber Shop and Columbus Realty businesses relocated. What had originally been two separate buildings (Keith’s Arcade and actual theater adjoining at rear) became one

1923 – Frank J. Rembusch leases theater

1929 – First all-talking movies shown at theater

1931 – Crump heirs sell theater to Louis Holwager, owner of Holwager’s Grand Opera House in Madison, which Crump had used as model for theater

1934 – Truman Rembusch’s Syndicated Theatres acquires rental lease for Crump. Second major renovation included new sound system and movie screen, more comfortable seating and new carpeting. Bottom of interior lobby walls lined with black glass tiles and aluminum frames for movie posters. Contest to change name of theater announced. Elsie Harris wins first prize of $25 with Von Ritz. Name never changed as community resisted loss of name of theater’s founder

1935 – New three-piece marquee and electric lights on exterior

1941 – Architect Alden Meranda completed third renovation that transformed building into current Art Deco design, which was more in alignment with other contemporary theaters. A vitrolite front was added. Five-foot letters spelling out “Crump” vertically attached and single-piece marquee running length of front installed. Hundreds of lightbulbs along horizontal marquee. Ticket booth relocated outside. Entrances and exits were placed on either side of the ticket booth. Main-floor lobby enlarged. Main restrooms were relocated to upstairs mezzanine. New light-activated water fountains installed

1941- Holwager dies. Crump again passes to heirs

1949 – Rembusch’s Syndicated Theatres buys Crump for $150,000

1950s-60s – Peak popularity

1978 or 79 – Smoke damage from fire next door, destroying many historic pieces

1987 – Margrat trust fund established by Rembusch for children seeks bids for demolition of theater

1989 – Vernon Jewell buys theater with purpose of saving from demolition

1994 – Columbus Capital Foundation purchases from Jewell. Save the Crump campaign begins

Colonel John A. Keith

Timeline

John’s Office was on the second floor of the Arcade

Col. John A. Keith (The Colonel, Col. J.A. Keith), prominent local attorney, property owner and Civil War hero, born in 1823, son of Isham and Diadema Keith.

1855 – Opened law office shortly after moving to Columbus; at time of war said to be leading criminal lawyer of Southern Indiana. Isham Keith, a Columbus merchant, and son Lt. Col. Isham Squire Keith, killed in Civil War, established local hardware store at southeast corner of Third and Washington streets with Keith’s Hall on second floor for stage shows (father also had mercantile business at northwest corner of intersection). Keiths later erected Keith’s Arcade with theater and offices and owned nearby downtown land and properties that become known as “Keithtown.”

1859 – J.A. Keith married childhood sweetheart Melissa “Littie” Crisler. Melissa died in 1861 shortly after birth of couple’s only child, May Dema. They were engaged for 13 years and married only 13 months before her death. Daughter raised largely by Keith’s parents and sister Diadema “Pink” Prather after bereft J.A. left for war shortly after wife’s funeral. Shot in shoulder in Civil War, which disabled him for life. Couldn’t raise arm to head and known to walk with gold-headed cane.

• Mysterious Death — Daughter May Keith Hill, a talented singer, married Edward Hill, also of Columbus, in 1880, purportedly to the objection of her father. Couple lived on East Coast working as music teacher and bookkeeper (allegedly at times destitute) and as traveling musicians in Europe, as the E.G. Hillers and often performing as “Senor and Senora Eduardo Zoriga/Zorega/Zorign” and Spanish Troubadours guitar and mandolin band. In 1896 May’s body was discovered in Colonnade Hotel in New York City, where she had traveled alone in “mysterious departure” from London and registered as “Mrs. Everett (of Boston).” Said to have been suicide by shooting. Edgar’s father, former congressman Ralph Hill, traveled to identify body and made arrangements for cremation. Keith and Prather sent telegrams protesting the cremation. Body transported to Columbus. Keith and family believed she had been murdered and contested her will that left majority of estate to husband, claiming it was executed under undue influence and when of unsound mind. Jury upheld will, and state Supreme Court rejected Keith’s appeal. At Columbus trial, witnesses testified May had been mistreated by husband and that she feared insanity. Prather traveled to New York to collect evidence and argued the apparent suicide note left by May that claimed fear of insanity and requested cremation as she had no family had not been written by her niece and questioned a bruise left under May’s breast. When questioned by reporters regarding May’s death, Edward only would say she “was acquaintance of his family.” In 1898 another will be produced that had left property to aunt Judith Keith and other relatives, but new lawsuit dismissed. Family said to have remained bitter against Hill. Death never solved/crime never proved. Several mentions of May having returned to city to visit her father before her death. Couple had visited during World’s Fair, allegedly when will in question was executed.

o Prather (May’s tenacious Aunt) said to have recounted at governor’s office that during this visit May had asked to visit mother’s grave in City Cemetery and weeping there, said, “Oh mamma, forgive me! If I have done anything that I ought not to do, I was driven to it.” (1957, Columbus Herald)

1871/1874 – Contracted (possibly with Isham) for two-story building on south side of Third Street to be constructed. Known as Keith’s Arcade because of architectural design of arches on façade. From 1871 to 1889, merchants and businessmen rented space in building, such as newspaper, dining hall/restaurants, shops, medical and dental offices, including advertised Indus Infirmary “practice in chronic diseases,” and law offices, including Keith’s.

“Col. Keith’s new brick block will soon be completed and ready for occupancy. It is a noble structure and an ornament to the place. But few communities possess such enterprising and public spirited citizens as the colonel. Long may he live.” (1871, The Republic)

1873 – Keith advertised for “Keith’s Grand Distribution,” apparent property raffle with Arcade Block worth $18,000 as second prize. Does not appear to have taken place.

Keith amassed much wealth, said to have been charitable “almost to a fault.”

1881 – While aboard train, Keith shot and injured fellow passenger, jumped from train and hid in woods. Said to have believed robbers on train or that back in war advancing on enemy and was suffering from mania resulting from excessive drinking.

1885 – Keith reportedly decided to build opera house on Third Street, making present entrance to Arcade entrance that to opera house, which will be built to the rear and over Arcade building.

1887/1889 – Keith frequently reported as ill. Taken to stateasylum in 1888, said not for first time, reported as appearing rational but soon “took to drink” and became demented.

January 1888 – Justices held inquest and found Keith to be insane and to be taken to asylum. At time owed F.T. Crump $28,000. In order to satisfy debt, David Stobo, Keith’s court-assigned guardian, had most of Keith’s property auctioned, and F.T. Crump purchased entire estate. Businessman son John Crump acquired Keith’s Arcade property for $6,000. Keith allowed to keep two rooms on second floor free of charge for two years.

September 1888 — Keith returned home “from Indianapolis greatly improved in health.”

Advertised legal practice in early 1890s. 1898 mention of sickness at his home from hay fever.

1910 — Keith died at age 78 of asthma and Bright’s Disease (kidney diseases) at Prather’s home. Buried in City Cemetery.

• Drummer boy for Keith’s regiment during Civil War returned to “have a last word with his old Colonel,” saying after he ran away from home at 14 and enlisted, Keith was both mother and father to him during war.

City Cemetery (Donner)

wife Melissa “Littie” Crisler Keith – 1835-1861

daughter Mary Dema “May” Keith Hill – 1861-1896 – (Prather side of monument = Diadema Frances “Pink” Keith Prather was John’s sister)

Keith was a Knight of Pythias. Did he attend the same lodge where I obtained the K. of P. skeleton?

May and Edgar Hill — Zerega’s Spanish Troubadours and the Zerega Mystery

Zerega’s Spanish Troubadours were a mandolin and guitar ensemble active at the end of the 19th century in England.They were directed by Eduardo Zerega, known in the mandolin world. Less well known is the untimely death of his wife in 1896 in New York, that was described in the newspapers of the day, as the “Zerega Mystery”. Zerega was the stage name of Edgar Hill and his wife May, Senorita Dema Terval. While the Zeregas promoted themselves as from Madrid, Spain, the Hills were born in Indiana, but moved to London shortly after they were married.

Eduardo Zerega was born Edgar E. Hill around 1860 in Columbus, Indiana, USA. On 21 April 1880 he married May D Keith in Bartholomew, Indiana. Because the marriage was opposed by her father, the couple left Columbus, and went to live in London. When visiting New York in 1896, the papers described him as “about five feet five inches in height, and strongly built”. For a time in England, Eduardo Zerego claimed to be a Spanish national, before confirming his American citizenship. He died in London on 22 July 1922

The Zerega Mystery
“Mrs Everett of Boston” who was later identified as Mrs E. E. Hill, Senorita Zerega.
On the 6th May 1896, a woman registered at the Colonnade Hotel, Lafayette Place, New York, as “Mrs Everett of Boston”. Two days later, she committed suicide by shooting herself with a revolver through the left ear.The suicide note read: “Hereditary insanity. Please cremate and pay landlord for damages, etc. Have no family, so beg that my wishes be observed”

There was soon speculation as to the identity of the woman, and there were suspicions (incorrectly) that she was a French woman called Louise Lansburg.But eventually she was identified from the manufacturer’s name on her gloves and a scrap of printed label, which led to “Mrs Everett” being identified as Mrs E. Zerega whose name appeared on the passenger manifest of the USS Saint Paul, and that she was Mrs Edgar E. Hill. A positive identification was made by her father-in-law ex-Judge Ralph Hill of Indianapolis.

Before she died, May had gone to a New York lawyer to ensure that $5,000 worth of property she owned in Indiana would be bequeathed to her husband. Four years after her death, her will was successfully contested by her aunt on the grounds of “unsoundness of mind”.