On an unusually warm day in April of 1936, Tupelo faced one of the deadliest storms in history. The entire town was affected, including the Lyric Theatre. One of Tupelo’s largest surviving buildings, the theater served as a meeting place for the injured and dying, which according to many, is the cause for the inexplicable occurrences that have taken place at the Lyric Theatre over the years.
On April 5, 1936, an F5 tornado that was 3 city blocks wide with wind speeds up to 300 mph struck the town of Tupelo with no warning.
Kip Gordon/YouTube According to some reports, the wind was so strong that it caused pine needles to become embedded in the trunks of trees.
The storm took hundreds of lives and left Tupelo in a state of utter devastation.
Kip Gordon/YouTube The final death toll was just over 200; however, the number is actually much higher since the names of African Americans weren’t reported. It is estimated that the storm claimed approximately 350 lives that day. The horrific tornado is still considered one of the worst in history.
The Lyric Theatre was one of two large buildings that survived the disaster, so it was transformed into a makeshift hospital.
Tupelo Community Theatre/Facebook
Numerous residents were brought to the theater to receive medical treatment.
Shannon McGee/Flickr
Doctors even performed surgeries in the theater, using popcorn poppers to sterilize surgical tools.
damian entwistle/Flickr The bodies of residents that died in the theater were temporarily stored in the building’s crawl spaces.
While it’s been years since the storm, its victims still linger in the historic theater.
the federation/Waymarking It is widely accepted that the Lyric Theatre is haunted by the ghosts of those who lost their lives within its walls.
One such ghost, who has been named Antoine by theater employees, is said to make his presence known by stealing keys and humming.
Tupelo Community Theatre/Facebook Antoine has also been heard walking around the theater and moving things around.
Want to learn the truth about Antoine and any other spirits that may be lurking around the theater? Visit the Lyric Theatre at 201 North Broadway in Tupelo. Still a fully-functioning theater, the Lyric features a variety of great shows. For more information, click here.
Kip Gordon/YouTube
According to some reports, the wind was so strong that it caused pine needles to become embedded in the trunks of trees.
The final death toll was just over 200; however, the number is actually much higher since the names of African Americans weren’t reported. It is estimated that the storm claimed approximately 350 lives that day. The horrific tornado is still considered one of the worst in history.
Tupelo Community Theatre/Facebook
Shannon McGee/Flickr
damian entwistle/Flickr
The bodies of residents that died in the theater were temporarily stored in the building’s crawl spaces.
the federation/Waymarking
It is widely accepted that the Lyric Theatre is haunted by the ghosts of those who lost their lives within its walls.
Antoine has also been heard walking around the theater and moving things around.
Check out more of the state’s theaters in “These 7 Theaters In Mississippi Will Give You An Unforgettable Viewing Experience.”
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