October 2025 Newsletter (1) - Flipbook - Page 17
Blue lady
Lore
Most universities have ghost stories, and EKU definitely has its share of
hauntings and mysteries. The most famous of these spirits is that of the
Blue Lady. The Blue Lady, first spotted in the 1950s, supposedly haunts the
Pearl Buchanan Theatre of the Keen Johnson Building. People have
spotted a blue mist, heard singing, seen elevators moving on their own,
and heard pianos playing when no one else was around.
EKU Keen Johnson Building
The origins of this particular spirit
are debated. Some claim the Blue
Lady is an actress who committed
suicide and now haunts the
theatre. A 1973 story in the Eastern
Progress also describes the ghost
as an actress, but adds more to the
story. An Eastern actress, they
claim, performed in a Greek
tragedy where her character
committed suicide. The actress
poured her heart into the
performance and was emotionally
drained afterwards. Once she
Pearl Buchanan Theatre--Courtesy of EKU Archives
walked off stage, she was never
seen again but her spirit lingered. Pearl Buchanan circa 1950's--Courtesy of EKU Archives
Interestingly, the Blue Lady is not a vengeful ghost, even with her tragic stories.
Some stories of her describe a kind and benevolent presence. One story even
suggests she helped clean the theatre’s green room after a flood.
Holly, Jenny and Jackie Couture on behalf of Eastern Kentucky University. "The Blue Lady (Keen Johnson Building)."
Clio: Your Guide to History. October 18, 2018.
