The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 3: Peppi the ghost

 The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – 

Part 3: Peppi the Ghost.

Stanley Grammar School 1897 [SLSA: B 16781]

There are always local legends about buildings that become derelict in small country towns, the former Stanley Grammar School is no exception. It is claimed that the stairway that allowed boys access to the male dormitory on the first floor, was narrow and very steep.
Legend states that one small boy either fell or was pushed down the staircase, dying from his injuries (there is no record I can find for this). It is alleged this boy, dubbed ‘Peppi’ haunts the old school.

There have been claims by witnesses to Peppi’s haunting of hearing a small boy crying out in pain, sometimes he calls for help, sounding as if he is in great pain. Other witnesses state that the cry for help is more of a plea, than one of pain, like Peppi is lost, or alone, and pleading for someone to help him. One former owner of the building claimed to have heard Peppi but never saw the ghost.
 

According to Geraldine Pearce, in the book, Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, by Gordon de L. Marshall, the only witness to sight Peppi is Michelle Dohnt, who, ‘thought she saw the vague outline of a small boy at the dormitory window.’[1]

 

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024.

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[1] Gordon de L. Marshall, ' WATERVALE: Stanley Grammar School,' Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, (2012) p. 288.