The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 3: Peppi the ghost
Stanley GrammarSchool 1897 [SLSA: B 16781]
There are always local legends about buildings that become derelictin small country towns, the former Stanley Grammar School is no exception. Itis claimed that the stairway that allowed boys access to the male dormitory onthe 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 allegedthis boy, dubbed ‘Peppi’ haunts the old school.
There have been claims by witnesses to Peppi’s haunting of hearing a small boycrying out in pain, sometimes he calls for help, sounding as if he is in greatpain. Other witnesses state that the cry for help is more of a plea, than one ofpain, like Peppi is lost, or alone, and pleading for someone to help him. Oneformer owner of the building claimed to have heard Peppi but never saw theghost.
According to Geraldine Pearce, in the book, Ghostsand Hauntings of South Australia, by Gordon de L. Marshall, the onlywitness to sight Peppi is Michelle Dohnt, who, ‘thought she saw the vagueoutline of a small boy at the dormitory window.’
Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024.
Gordon de L. Marshall, ' WATERVALE: Stanley Grammar School,'Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, (2012) p. 288.
