The Spirit of Auburn Traditional Cache
mtn-man: If you can fix or verify this cache it can be easily unarchived as long as it conforms to the guidelines. For now I am going to archive it. Feel free to contact me through my profile linked below if you fix it.
NOTE: If you have any questions, do not reply to the archive note email. Click on the link to go to the cache page and click on my name in the archive log at the bottom of the page. You can then send me an email regarding the cache. Please send me a link to the cache in question so I will know which cache it is regarding.
Thanks for your understanding,
mtn-man
Geocaching.com Volunteer Reviewer
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http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=bc877f93-1fa3-43a3-9ef2-7b2446d08578
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(small)
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The Auburn University Chapel, constructed in 1851, is the oldest building still on its original site and is still used by the University. The Chapel is also the oldest public structure in the town of Auburn and has had a colorful past. It was used as a house of worship for the Presbyterian and Episcopal communities. It has also served as a Civil War hospital, a civic center, YMCA headquarters, and a USO. In 1887, when the Main building burned at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, the college used the Chapel for classrooms. Auburn University acquired this property in the early 1900's. For forty years it served as the playhouse for the Department of Theater. It has now come full circle and again serves the Auburn University community.
But, the Chapel is said to be haunted. The story begins in the 1850s when a young Englishman, Sydney Grimlett, arrived in the United States to support the Southern cause before the outbreak of the Civil War. Sydney, a noted adventurer and one who often flirted with danger, volunteered for the 6th Virginia Cavalry, where he was made captain. In 1864, his unit was assigned to block Gen. William Sherman's infamous "March to the Sea." It was on this raid that the loyal Sydney was shot in the left leg. After being hit, Sydney continued his journey until he reached the nearest Confederate outpost - the University Chapel on the corner of College Street and Thach Avenue. While in the hospital, Sydney developed gangrene. In an attempt to save his life, doctors amputated his leg, but he bled to death. Since Sydney came to this country alone, he had no family here, and no one to return to in England, he was buried in Auburn's Pine Hill Cemetery with his fellow Confederate soldiers. Sydney's passing and spirit, remained unknown until the Auburn Players, the University's theatrical group, relocated from the attic theater of Samford Hall to the University Chapel in 1926. Supposedly, Sydney's spirit was called upon when the Players presented an English play that made his heart long for his homeland. When Sydney's ghost began appearing at the chapel, whistling could be heard in the attic, the restless tapping of one foot could be heard from above, scenery would miraculously be moved, and an eerie overhead light was sometimes produced. Reportedly, people’s right foot shoes would tend to go missing. Sydney followed the Auburn Players when they relocated, but since then, Sydney has returned to reside in the Chapel.
This cache is placed in honor of Sydney, the Spirit of Auburn. If you get a chance, leave him some Reese’s Pieces! They are his favorite!
Parking is limited. Do not park behind the chapel between 7am-5pm on weekdays. You can park on College Street at one of the meters at any time.
Also, the Chapel is open to the public from 8am-5pm on weekdays. Feel free to walk in and take a look for Sydney. He loves company!
Additional Hints
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