Classification: Ethereal Entities

Temporal Range: 1930s to present

Geographic Range: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Diet: A sneaky sip from the flask hidden in her purse

Horde: Hauntings

At the side of the roads near Resurrection Cemetery in Chicago (41.758151945995756, -87.82741043224745), Resurrection Mary waits to catch a ride. Dressed in a party dress, a shawl, and clutching a small purse, she looks like she’s just had the perfect night on the town. But beware if you pull over to offer her a ride because she’ll likely vanish before you have the chance to ask her name.

First spotted in Chicago in the 1930s, Mary is one of the original hitchhiking ghosts. Early stories suggest that she may have been killed in a car accident after a night out dancing in 1934, but no substantial evidence has ever confirmed this. She haunts the roads around Resurrection Cemetery but has also been spotted in clubs and dancehalls, occasionally offering a few lucky souls a dance. Her dance partners often realize something is wrong when they take her hand and it’s as cold as ice.

If you choose to approach, dress your best, bring her flowers, and brush up on the Lindy Hop. But don’t expect her to let you drive her home, she’ll be gone before you reach the end of the street.