By Carolyn “CC” Cavallaro-Veltre
On July 21st, the Jolley Trolley and the Clearwater Historical Society hosted a kickoff for an exciting new attraction – the Jolley Trolley Haunted Clearwater Tour. Mike Helmstetter, CEO of the Clearwater Jolley Trolley and Allison Dolan, President of the Clearwater Historical Society served as spooky ghost hosts.
A number of members of the Bay Area Concierge Association and other hospitality ambassadors were present at the museum event and the Concierges and Guest Service providers enjoyed learning about the city’s local history so they could share with local residents and visitors.
The new tour is a fun and unique experience. During the ride, passengers listened to strange and twisted tales of the supernatural as told by Joshua Ginsberg, author of several books, including Secret Tampa Bay: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure.
The accompanying music was done by the gifted Charity Ann Brady. Both were in attendance and Charity performed as well.
The event also raised $500 for two causes: Headstones for two unmarked graves in Clearwater’s Municipal Cemetery, one being the resting place of Gertrude Warnick – the nurse who perished with the last patient she tried to save in the Littlefield Nursing Home fire in 1953, after bringing out many others. She rests alongside this patient that she died trying to rescue. In addition, the money raised will be used for the refurbishing project of the pipe organ in Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, which is also featured as background music during the Haunted Clearwater tour.
The Clearwater Jolley Trolley will be introducing even more educational tours in the near future.
To learn more, visit the following websites:
Clearwater Jolley Trolley: www.clearwaterjolleytrolley.com/tour-item/haunted-clearwater
Clearwater Historical Society: www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.org
Musician Charity Ann Brady: www.charityannbrady.com
Joshua Ginsberg: https://secrettampabay.com
Bay Area Concierge Association: www.bayareaconcierge.com
Photo Gallery
Related articles:
Experience the New Jolley Trolley Tour: Haunted Clearwater
Join the Fun with the Bay Area Concierge Association
Clearwater’s Haunted Places – Past and Present
Ride the Jolley Trolley on Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Historical Society Fish Fry
