Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, Harding University boasts a rich history. But beneath its modern facade lies a whisper of the past, a story of tragedy and a campus ghost known as “Gertie Sue.”
Galloway’s Golden Age
Harding’s story begins with Galloway College, a Methodist Episcopal women’s institution established in the late 1800s. Flourishing during its peak, Galloway was renowned as a premier educational center for young women in the South. The curriculum offered a well-rounded education, encompassing practical skills like homemaking and secretarial training, alongside artistic pursuits like music and art.
A Sudden Tragedy
However, a dark shadow fell upon Galloway sometime before 1934. A beloved student named Gertrude, affectionately called “Gertie Sue,” met a tragic demise. Details remain shrouded in mystery, but reports tell of a young woman found lifeless at the bottom of an elevator shaft. The incident sent shockwaves through the close-knit campus community.
Unexplained Mystery
The cause of Gertie Sue’s death remains a puzzle. Accounts vary, some suggesting a late-night return from a social gathering, while others hint at a shadowy figure disappearing down the stairs after a bloodcurdling scream. The official investigation ruled it an accident, but the lack of a concrete explanation fueled whispers of foul play.
A College on the Brink
The tragedy dealt a heavy blow to Galloway’s reputation. Fear gripped parents, leading to a significant decline in enrollment. The college struggled financially, unable to recover from the loss of its vibrant student body.
The Ghost of Gertie Sue
Even after Galloway’s closure, whispers of Gertie Sue persisted. Years later, with the bricks repurposed for Harding’s Music Building, students reported unsettling encounters. Some claimed to see a young woman in a white gown combing her hair near the elevator shaft, while others recounted footsteps echoing in the building after hours.
A Spectral Legacy
Today, Harding University students still speak of Gertie Sue. Sightings occur regularly along the path connecting the old site to the Music Building, a path paved with the very bricks that once housed Galloway. Whether a figment of imagination or a genuine spectral presence, Gertie Sue’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of Harding’s history, a reminder of the college’s fascinating past.
