If it is October, it must be time for ghost tours in downtown York. This year, the William C. Goodridge Freedom House & Underground Railroad Museum will be getting in on the fun, offering Downtown York Ghost Tours on Friday, October 26, 2007.

Tours kick-off at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and the cost is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Goodridge Freedom House. Currently under construction, this house museum will interpret the life of one of York’s most important residents.

Goodridge was born into slavery, apprenticed in York, and became one of the area’s most prominent citizens in the late 1820s through late 1850s. He owned several businesses and numerous properties throughout the city. He constructed the tallest building of its day on the northwest quadrant of Centre (Continental) Square. He started the Goodridge Reliance Line of Rail Cars. And he was an important part of the local Underground Railroad, serving as both a stationmaster and conductor.

For a preview of some of the stories you may hear on the tour, surf to www.hauntedyork.net.

Tours kick off at the Goodridge House at 123 East Philadelphia Street and limited parking will be available directly across the street at the C.S. Davidson parking lot. Tickets will be available that evening, but space is limited, so you may want to get your tickets ahead of time. Contact Carol Kauffman at Crispus Attucks at 717-848-3610 x230.

In a future post we’ll cover Goodridge and plans for his house.