Haunted Ohio: The Olde Jaol Steakhouse Tavern in Wooster

 

Olde Jaol Restaurant - Photo from the Tavern's Facebook Page

The Olde Jaol Steakhouse offers the fine dining experience visitors and locals want on special occasions. You'll find a diverse menu filled with unique and classic dishes. Whether you choose to sit outside on the patio or inside, it's easy to see why this is a favorite in Wooster. Before you head to the restaurant, find out more about history and ghosts.

During the 1860s, the Wayne County Prison System wanted to create a unique jail that would set it apart from other county systems. Drawing on inspiration from a building in Cincinnati and with help from a local architect, construction began around 1864 after the system approved the plans. Though similar to a Cincinnati jail, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Jail would offer a new ventilation system to give inmates fresh air as well as improved security measures to keep corrections officers safe.

John B. France – who was the active sheriff at the time – oversaw the construction. He wanted to ensure every step followed the plans and wishes of his department. From 1865 through 1977, it served as the Third Jaol of Wayne County. James Frost was the last of the 22 sheriffs to oversee the old jail before he moved on to the Wayne County Justice Center, which boasted more modern amenities.

While other towns may simply let buildings like the old jail rot away or even tear them down, Wooster is quite protective of its history. Mayor Robert Anderson led a group of history buffs in their efforts in the late 70s to save what they called the Ye Olde Jaol. This led to the building getting a new lease on life and becoming a historic landmark.

Though some stores and businesses came and went over the years, Mr. Bills Restaurant was the most popular. When a new owner took over the property, he transformed the old jail into the Olde Jaol Steakhouse Tavern. Locals often call it the Old Jaol Restaurant. It's now not only a great restaurant, but it's also one of the region's most haunted places.

Legend says the ghost is the man who was the last inmate executed in Wayne County. John Callahan and a group of friends visited the Wayne County Fairgrounds back in 1879. On the warm October second night, spirits were high. Callahan exchanged words with John Tormie, one of the community's prominent members. Though Tormie was well known and had friends in high places, Callahan was just two generations from his Irish roots. When the violent altercation between the two men was over, Tormie was dead.

The public tide quickly turned against Callahan. While some called for his immediate execution, others were also immigrants and called for his safety. In total, roughly 2,000 locals requested the Ohio Governor either pardon him or order a stay of execution, claiming he didn't have the right to the fair trial in Wooster Callahan deserved.

Callahan allegedly lived in the basement inside a private cell, keeping him far removed from the hateful public. Though the Governor did order a stay, it only lasted for 100 days. The sheriff's men took just three days to build the gallows where they led Callahan on December 3, 1880. Callahan became both the last and the first man executed in Wooster, taking his last breaths during his public hanging. Thousands of people came out for the event, marking a dark spot in Ohio's history.

The cell block where Callahan lived is now haunted by his ghost. Legend says he spent his last three days listening to the sounds of workers constructing the gallows and worrying about what would happen. Now used for fine dining, the former cell block led to some diners having unusual and even spooky experiences.

Visitors claim to feel a dark and heavy feeling while eating at the restaurant. Others report seeing the lights flicker and even shut off for no reason. As soon as an employee comes close, the lights begin working again. The dining area has a phone that connects to the bar. On more than a few occasions, bartenders received calls from that phone and heard no one on the other line. Calls also come through when the dining area is empty.

Women have even more encounters with the ghost, especially young and pretty women. They often feel someone staring at them or hovering just behind them when no one is there. A few women reported feeling someone brush them or touch their hair, too.

With men, Callahan is more of a prankster. It's likely he misses some of the creature comforts of life and hates seeing men waste those same comforts. If Callahan believes a diner takes too long to drink a beer, he'll knock the glass over. He's also known to move phones and anything else left on tables.

If you hope to encounter the ghost of Olde Jaol Tavern, plan a visit early in the morning when the restaurant opens or late at night before it closes. This is when he's the most active.

The Olde Jaol Steakhouse Tavern is at 215 N. Walnut St. in Wooster, Ohio.