Ethan Knightchilde brings ghost stories of the west to Niwot

A full house listened to Ethan Knightchilde tell ghost stories of the old west at the Left Hand Grange Oct. 25. The presentation, titled "Tales of the Haunted West," was part of the 5-part Now & Then Lecture Series, sponsored by the Niwot Historical Society, and was the last presentation of the 2023 series.

Knightchilde recounted his exploration of various ghost towns in Colorado, Oregon, Arizona and beyond, reading excerpts from his book, "Ghosts of the West: Tales and Legends from the Bonanza Trail," published in 2019. He also offered audience members a view of photos from the book.

Approximately 80 people attended the lecture, giving the author and filmmaker their undivided attention for 90 minutes. Knightchllde entertained questions after the lecture. Knightchilde recounted in several instances feeling a presence in the ghost towns, many of which have completely disappeared from the landscape.

One encounter led him into the woods, where he came upon a cabin, and felt a presence near him that unnerved him so much that he did not take photos.