Murder, Mayhem & Oddities

Investigate the dark side of St. Johns. From the 1903 arsenic poisoning sisters to the 1910 Riot and the eugenics movement, this tour uncovers the gritty history and a couple of haunted locations.

Reveal The Dark Secrets

Image from of a couple just married. Text under photo: Photograph of Mrs. Martin L. Bowers and husband she is accused of having poisoned. The next row is smaller text and cut off An attorney of Portland is to aid Mrs. Martha Bowers and her sister Mrs. Sutton. In their defense against the charge of poisoning — Martha Bowers with her third husband

Trial sketch. Two wealthy women in seal skin in for ground on woman appears to be wiping away tears. There are jail bars, two me one the lover looks like a poor dandy, with a well dressed man might be the lawyer — Trial sketch of two of St Johns’ elite behind bars.

Mug Shot Martha Bowers (Byars) Nov. 2 1905 Age 42 LIFE Oregon Murder San Francisco — Mugshot of Martha Bowers

Murder, Mayhem, & Oddities Walking Tour

Experience St. Johns’ paranormal and criminal heritage as we discuss the history left out of history books. Visit locations where restless spirits reside on this steep walking tour. Learn cautionary tales of Elizabeth Huff Byars’ murderous daughters, Thelma A. Taylor’s ghost, the theater poltergeist, the Doppelganger, and the local eugenists’ Better Baby Contest. Uncover jaw dropping mysteries and gain insights into the perplexing past. Our ghost tours are not for the faint of heart or those under the age of 12.

Start & End Location: Cathedral Park Sign (N Edison & N Pittsburg)
Length of Tour: 90 minutes
Distance: 1.5 miles
Accessibility: Steep Grades
Schedule: Check Calendar 3rd Saturday of the Month time adjusted for season (additional dates and times by request)
Trigger Warning Not Suitable for Children

Ages 12+: $32

Reservations required

Book Tour Now

Why is this not taught in history classes?

US classrooms often overlook topics like the American eugenics movement and “better baby” contests because they constitute a dark, uncomfortable period of history. St. Johns entered their children in “beauty” contests linked closely to Progressive Era racism and mainstream science. The topic is often skipped because it highlights how US institutions—science, government, and medicine—colluded to violate human rights through forced sterilizations.

The 1910 St. Johns riot and the broader history of Asian Indian immigrants are frequently omitted from US classrooms due to a combination of localized historical focus, lack of national curriculum standards, and a historical narrative that has traditionally marginalized non-European minority experiences.

Things that go bump in the night…

Reporter Access

Murder is pointing to her body. Not a high quality photo out of respect to modern view of the paper letting a report see a young girls body. This is cropped from the front page of the Oregonian — *Oregonian* Confessed killer takes cops to shallow grave August 17, 1949

Trial

Stop Demolishing

Historic Highlights

St. Johns Bridge: This historic bridge completed in 1931 is a symbol of the neighborhood and offers stunning views of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.
Cathedral Park: A beautiful park located directly below the St. Johns Bridge. It features a boat ramp, a dog off-leash area, a hiking trail, and a natural habitat wetland sanctuary.
St. Johns Twin Cinemas: opened as the Venetian Theater, 1926. The vaudeville ghost haunted the previous theater structure and with an astral presence for over a 100 years. He has settled by all accounts less than peacefully into the new theater.
Content Advisory: This tour includes images and stories involving religion, racism, rape, riots, prostitution, kidnapping, murder, adultery, missing children, suicide, death, grief, loss and malevolent spirits. Some material may be distressing or inappropriate for younger or sensitive guests. If you are easily triggered or disturbed by these topics, please proceed with caution. Ages 12+ only.