When the west winds howl down the valley and a full moon creeps over the mountains illuminating the Clark Fork River, residents can feel the autumn air slipping into winter.  But at times, that chill in the air maybe something more unworldly, because some people believe spirits live among us.  

Tales of ghost sighting, mysterious sounds and creepy feelings can be heard in abundance from the local residents of Alberton.  Not surprising, since the town was incorporated in the early 1900’s and many of the old building remain in existence, allowing previous guests to hang around their old ‘haunts’.

In the elementary school, lunch ladies Resa Briscoe, Connie Dove and custodian Jane Moore, often hear mysterious footsteps creaking down the halls early in the morning and late at night.  Doors sometimes slam shut, and Dove once caught a glimpse of a figure passing by a doorway when the building was empty.  School lore says that it’s the ghost of Mrs. Davis, who taught at the school in the 60’s and 70’s.  “I’m not a believer in such things (as ghosts),” said Dove, “but when I hear the creak of steps walking down the hall and no one is there, it’s hard to ignore and not believe”.  Some students have also claimed that they have heard the sound of basketballs bouncing and footsteps in the darkened gym.

Another place where spirits seem to gather is The Sportsman Bar.  The bar sits across the street from the old train depot.  Back in the towns hay day, railroad, lumber, and mining workers would depart the train and head across the street for a drink.   Some of those patrons seem to have stayed.  According to bartender Kris Gregory many customers speak of seeing “Charlie”.  Described as a late 1800’s cowboy, dressed in a leather vest and cowboy hat.  His appearance is often accompanied by the sound of music.   Gregory also claims that an invisible hand once caressed her hair while she sat alone at the bar one afternoon.  No one else was in the place at the time.

Others have reported seeing a couple in their mid-40’s walking through the casino.  The woman dressed in black, the man in a suit and tie similar to something worn in the late 1800’s.  Another common occurrence is a man with a beard who sits at a keno machine.  Bar personnel tell of hearing the sound of a keno ticket being printed and footsteps walking to the bathroom when the bar is empty of customers.

Another popular ‘haunt’ used to be the Ghost Rails Inn Bed and Breakfast which burned down in December, 2012.  Apply named, it was rumored to be home to several apparitions.  Including “Bertha”, who resided in room 5.  Guests have reported in the hotel’s log book that someone sat on their bed, and others said that they were gently touched by “Bertha”.  In room 8, guests reported clothes and linens being tossed around and scattered across the floor.  

These are just a few of the tales that are whispered among the residents of this seemingly live ‘ghost town’.   With Halloween coming up on October 31st, trick-or-treaters need to be careful and beware.  When the west winds howl and the moon rises high into the autumn night, the ghost they think is a fellow trick-or-treater, may actually be real!