The Laff in the Dark Mannequin & William H. Mumler

Sinister Sisters

This week it's two terrifying tales about more than meets the eye!
First up, Lauren takes you on a ride through the uncanny valley with the “Laff in the Dark” mannequin at the The Pike amusement park. In the early ‘70s, children visiting the boardwalk in Long Beach, California noticed one of the mannequins in the funhouse attraction looked a little…off. But it wasn't until some years later, when a production crew from a popular TV series were shooting in the funhouse in 1976, something more was discovered beneath the surface. How did this grotesque mannequin end up as a set piece in the amusement park ride and where did it come from?! And what was the glow-in-the-dark paint it was covered in actually hiding?!
Next, Felicia profiles William H. Mumler - a spirit photographer from the 1800s. People took notice of Mumler’s photography when he developed a self-portrait that appeared to feature the ghost of who he claimed was his cousin that had been dead for 12 years! This portrait is believed by many in the paranormal world to be the first spirit photograph ever. But William had both famous clients and famous critics, including infamous flim flam man P.T. Barnum. Listen to hear more about his fascinating work!
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