In this installment of our Haunted Boozy Places series, we’re covering a Tudor-style tavern on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Known today as Ashley’s Restaurant and Bar, the establishment first opened as Jack’s Tavern shortly after the Prohibition era. Folks have long reported paranormal experiences in the building. Lights will turn on and off. People will feel pushed on the stairs. And some have even reported seeing the apparitions of a young woman and a small girl.
Many believe the ghost of Ethel Allen, a fun-loving and independent 18 or 19-year-old who was killed nearby in 1934, haunts the building. In this episode, we explore Ethel’s story, her potential connection to the tavern and the many other supernatural goings on at the location.
But first, Zoey is here with her Something Southern: the legend of the Candy Lady.
Sources:
“‘I saw no one,'” by Malcolm Denemark, Florida TODAY, July 7, 1982; accessed via “Nation’s most haunted restaurant is found right here in Florida. Here’s why it’s so spooky” by Anthony Talcott, ClickOrlando.com (News 6), Oct. 20, 2023; updated Oct. 26, 2023.
“Fears and follies: ‘Sarah’ the stuff nightmares made of” by Billy Cox, Florida TODAY; accessed via “Nation’s most haunted restaurant is found right here in Florida. Here’s why it’s so spooky” by Anthony Talcott, ClickOrlando.com (News 6), Oct. 20, 2023; updated Oct. 26, 2023. (Unsure of date the newspaper article was originally published, but it was the second installment of the 1982 series on the tavern, then known as Gentleman Jim’s.)
https://www.floridahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/ashleys-restaurant.html (Comments titled “Experience” and “Mischief at Ashley’s”)
“Woman slain in Florida identified,” Statesville Record and Landmark, Nov. 26, 1934.
Something Southern sources:
“The Dark and Sinister Legend of The Candy Lady Clara Crane” by JE Mercedes, Medium, Aug. 28, 2022.
Haunted Hospitality Podcast 