Demented Mitten Tours, LLC

25/10/2023

Don't let your chance to do a mini-walking version of our tours pass you buy! This is our first tour since the plague that shall not be named!

A Nightmare Off Elm Street is just a few days away! Tickets to our very first "A Haunting History of REO Town" tour are selling out quickly, so get yours before it's too late!

This is a walking tour, and will take place rain or shine. Meet at Deadtime Stories ten minutes before the start of the tour. Tours will take place at 1pm and 6pm. (Total area walked is only about a half mile, length of the tour will depend largely on participation- as this is our first time doing it, we just don't know how long it will take!)

Purchase tickets to the 1pm show here: https://www.deadtimestoriesbooks.com/product/haunting-history-of-reo-town-1-00pm-tour/2426

Purchase tickets to the 6pm show here: https://www.deadtimestoriesbooks.com/product/haunting-history-of-reo-town-6-00pm-tour/2427

17/11/2022

THANK YOU for voting us your favorite Haunted Attraction for the third year in a row! We certainly feel undeserving of such an honor, given that we've not done a tour since COVID began. But we're hoping to roar back to life in the spring!

23/10/2022

THANK YOU SO MUCH for voting us into the TOP FIVE for Best Haunted Attraction in this year's Top of the Town! We know we've been MIA since COVID began, so it means a lot to us that we're still on your mind! (We're hoping to get back to business in the spring!)

If you've got a bit of time, we'd love your support for our other ventures as well! Voting ends Nov 1st.

https://lansingcitypulse.secondstreetapp.com/og/4e6985db-ffc6-408b-ba14-f8baec007143/gallery/351041161

21/09/2022

It's that time of year again! The first round of Top of the Town voting is on now through Oct 4th! We are honored to be nominated in several categories. Please take a few minutes to vote for us and all of your other local faves!

Vote here: https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/tott2022

24/06/2022

Today feels like an important day to remind everyone of this bit of Michigan history.

***Trigger Warning/Content Warning x1000***

Downtown Grand Ledge is about as picturesque as a small town can get. The flag-lined bridge that stretches over the Grand River, the small businesses in charming vintage buildings, the century old homes, the little league baseball field under the bridge. It's a city that celebrates tradition and rich history. But it hides a dark past, including the shocking case of the demented Dr. Howell.

On March 25, 1925, a sheriff's deputy was called to the Odd Fellows Hall on Bridge Street. There was a pack of aggressive dogs out behind the building, and neighbors were frightened. But it wasn't the dogs they needed to fear. The young officer was horrified to find that the source of the dogs' frenzy was the partially cremated body of a newborn baby. In shock, he rushed the baby to the town coroner and called for backup. The coroner determined that the baby was roughly a week old at the time of its death, and had been dead about 48 hours. The townsfolk couldn't believe it when the news broke- someone had murdered an infant, burned its body, and dumped it behind a building in the busy downtown area. It was a shocking crime for such a small, quiet community. But the terror was just beginning.

Five days later, on March 30th, two young boys playing at the Grand Ledge city dump found the body of a second infant, dead less than 24 hours, wrapped in the Sunday comics from the local newspaper. What was at first being investigated as an isolated incident quickly became something else entirely. There was a baby slayer in Grand Ledge. Police suspected that someone in the area was offering a for-hire service to "take care of" unwanted babies, and feared that more young bodies would be found. They zeroed in on a suspect almost immediately.

Dr. Maurice Howell of Lansing was no stranger to authorities. Six months before the dead babies turned up in Grand Ledge, Dr. Howell was charged with manslaughter for the death of 17 year old Ida Druce, who died at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing following complications from an illegal abortion. On her deathbed, she named Dr. Howell as the man who'd performed the surgery. Just weeks later, Dr. Howell was arrested in his Downtown Lansing office for furnishing illegal liquor (1920s = prohibition). He was found in possession of moonshine, whiskey, and co***ne. During this time, he was also under federal investigation for illegally selling narcotics.

Less than a month after the murdered babies were found, and with both cases still unsolved, three teenage girls were admitted to Sparrow Hospital during a one week time frame, all suffering from complications of illegal abortions. Dr. Howell had performed all of the surgeries. He was arrested, and was therefore already behind bars when the mother of one of the dead babies came forward. 16-year-old Flossie Corlow and her mother admitted to authorities that they paid Dr. Howell a sum of $25 to perform an abortion for Flossie, who was newly married. But the young girl was further along than originally thought, and when the baby was delivered, it was alive. Dr. Howell offered to "take care of things." (For an additional charge, of course.)

Banned from practicing medicine at Sparrow Hospital and expelled from the Ingham County Medical Society, it is believed that Dr. Howell began performing back alley abortions and disposing of unwanted infants for quick cash to fuel his drug addiction. He preyed upon desperate young girls and their helpless babies, and is believed to be responsible for dozens of unreported deaths.

Dr. Howell was charged with manslaughter for the deaths of Ida Druce and Flossie Corlow's baby. He was charged with multiple counts of "performing an illegal operation" for his life-threatening abortions. And he was indicted in federal court on narcotics charges. He was also suspected in the death of the unidentified baby whose burned body was found behind the Odd Fellows Hall, and of performing countless other illegal abortions and infanticides. In October 1925, he was convicted and sentenced to six months to one year in prison. SIX MONTHS TO ONE YEAR. He died in May 1932 after a lengthy, excruciating illness, during which both of his legs were amputated. (Yay, karma!) His gruesome legacy died with him. But the trauma he inflicted on the Grand Ledge community lasted a lifetime for his victims.

29/03/2022

Be on the lookout!

An Endangered Missing Advisory has been issued for Ayverie and Rosie Buford, ages 3 and 2.

04/01/2022

While it remains to be seen what 2022 holds for Demented Mitten Tours, this is one thing you can mark down on your calendars!

BIG NEWS! We are SO excited to announce our special guest for this year's festival!

Over the past 40 years, close to a dozen actors have portrayed Jason Voorhees on the big screen, but there is only one original. And he's coming to FOO '22 this September!

Please welcome Ari Lehman, THE FIRST JASON, to A Festival of Oddities! Come meet a true legend in the horror film industry, get his autograph, purchase limited edition merch, take a photo with him, and...(there's more, we just can't share the details quite yet.)

You may remember that Ari's appearance was originally scheduled for our 2020 festival, but we all know how 2020 turned out. We are so grateful that Ari was willing to reschedule, and will be joining us this year. Tell your friends! Make your plans! You don't want to miss this one.

23/11/2021

Michigan has a dark history when it comes to Thanksgiving.

10/11/2021

THANK YOU to everyone who voted for Demented Mitten Tours in this year's Top of the Town. We are thrilled to be your #1 haunted attraction for the second year in a row! Now let's get this dang virus under control so we can get back to business and earn the loyalty you all keep showing us. Thanks again!

31/10/2021

Two years ago today, we embarked on what would be our last tour for quite a while, although we didn't know it at the time. We're hoping to get back to business by Spring 2022. If you've been on a tour with us, you know that we're in very close quarters on our bus, for 3-4 hours at a time. Until that's safe to do again, we'll just all have to be patient. We miss you, though!

27/10/2021

18/10/2021

It's time for the final round of voting in this year's Top of the Town, and we're thrilled to have made the top five in a couple of categories, even though we're still on hiatus. (Thanks, COVID.)

Please vote for us for:

Hangout: Best Haunted Attraction
Hangout: Best Hangout for Students

Deadtime Stories made the top five in several categories, and would be so grateful fornyour vote:

Shopping: Best Local Bookstore
Services: Most Trustworthy Business
Hangout: Best Solo Hangout
Hangout: Best Non-Bar/Movie Date Night
Whatever: Best Business With a Pet
Whatever: Best Eye Candy Building

While voting, please give some of our other ventures a nod as well!

Shopping: Best Giftshop- The Screamatorium
Whatever: Best Podcast- So Dead
Whatever: Best Festival/Event- Festival of Oddities
Whatever: Best Art Festival- Festival of Oddities

Voting ends soon, so don't wait! 🖤

13/09/2021

It's that time of year again! Time for Mid-Michigan to vote for the Top of the Town! This is such a great way to recognize local businesses for accomplishments both big and small. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to cast some votes. You don't have to vote in every category, but it'd be a lot cooler if you did!

Scream Queen Productions is honored to be nominated in several categories this year. Please consider us for best podcast, best bookstore, best festival, best gift shop, best haunted attraction, and anywhere else you see us nominated!

Also, the amazing Erica Jo Photography who took the photos for Haunted Lansing and The Cereal Killer Chronicles is up for Best Services: Photographers.

And former So Dead co-host Dani Fairman is nominated under Best People: Realtors.

Get to voting! We appreciate you! https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/tott2020

10/09/2021

Please take a second to vote Demented Mitten Tours for Best Haunted Attraction in the first round of this year's Top of the Town competition! If you've got a few seconds, we've got some other suggestions!

Best Bookshop (in the "Best Shopping" category): Deadtime Stories: True Crime and Other Books
Best Gift Shop (in the "Best Shopping" category): The Screamatorium
Best Local Podcast (in the "Best Whatever" category): So Dead
Best Local Art Festival (in the "Best Whatever" category): A Festival of Oddities
Best Local Event/Festival (in the "Best Whatever" category): A Festival of Oddities

Thank you all so much!

Check it out now!

09/09/2021

You only get one shot! (Well, three shots, technically.) Contact Stimson Hospital for more info!

Update: November and October are almost full.

Luna is packed and ready to investigate the paranormal. Will you join her?

Tickets to the following public investigations are available under the Events tab. These will be the LAST public events for 2021. Do not miss out!

Here is your opportunity to investigate this historic location on your own (equipment will be available for your use). Tickets $40.

September 24
October 29
November 5

26/08/2021

Come join us in Charlotte next weekend!

20/08/2021

If you've ever been on a tour, chances are you've crossed paths with the Sturgills, owners of the haunted Stimson Hospital. Earlier this week, they lost their home, all of their belongings, and several of their pets in a devastating house fire. The Sturgills do SO much for the local history and paranormal communities, now it's time for us to help them in their time of need. Please donate if you're able, and if not, please share.

On 8/18/2021, the Sturgill family suffered a devastating loss when their house burned down.… Jenn Carpenter needs your support for Help The Sturgills Rebuild

26/07/2021

IT'S ALIIIIIIVE! The Cereal Killer Chronicles is NOW AVAILABLE for purchase! If you spot the book out in the wild at a local shop, PLEASE snap a pic and tell us where you found it!

If you're in the Lansing area, grab an autographed copy at Deadtime Stories: True Crime and Other Books! (Open Wed-Sat 11-7, Sunday 11-5.)

If Lansing's too far of a trek, please check with your local indie bookstore. If they don't have it, they may be able to order it, and might even be able to ship it to ya!

If those avenues don't work for you, the book is available on Amazon. If you buy it there, PLEASE leave a review!

15/06/2021

Have you been to Michigan's true crime bookshop yet, located in Lansing's REO Town? If it's not the only true crime themed book and gift shop out there, it's one of a very few. Check it out!

A true crime book and gift shop!

11/06/2021

BIG NEWS, 517!

This just in from our pal Rod Sadler, Author - parole has been DENIED for East Lansing serial killer Donald Gene Miller!

21/05/2021

Coming soon to the 517!

Alright, alright, alright! Time for that BIG NEWS we've been alluding to for the past couple of weeks. We love our new home in REO Town so much that we're expanding! Yes, already!

The opportunity arose to expand into the suite adjacent to ours, and we snapped it up faster than an alligator snaps up raw hot dogs in the dark. (Have you ever fed a swamp full of alligators hot dogs by flashlight? We have. It was weird. Florida, amirite?)

We are VERY excited to announce our newest venture, right next door to Deadtime Stories at 1134 S. Washington Ave: THE SCREAMATORIUM. For your convenience, there will be an interior pass-through between Deadtime Stories and The Screamatorium. What can you expect to find at REO Town's newest retail establishment? More of the fun, weird, nostalgic gifts and treats you've come to love Deadtime Stories for, plus a whole lot more! We're expanding our sweets and treats section, and possibly even adding a little something frozen.

We are aiming to open at the beginning of July, but will keep you updated as things progress! In anticipation of shifting displays around and rearranging, we'll be running some sales this weekend- select new and used books, bookmarks, mugs, prints and more, 25-50% off!

We'll see you soon at the new location, and until then, we'll be holding down the fort at 1132 S. Washington for all of your true crime needs and wants. We're open Wed-Sat 11-7, Sundays 11-5.

Logo by local artist Scream Prints.

07/04/2021

19-year-old Helen Bishop was a newlywed and mother-to-be returning home to Dowagiac, Michigan when she boarded the RMS Titanic as a first class passenger on April 10, 1912.

During their four month honeymoon, Helen and her new husband visited a fortune teller in Egypt, where Helen was foretold a grim fate. She was told that she would survive a shipwreck and an earthquake before an automobile accident would end her life.

Helen Bishop was the very first passenger loaded into a lifeboat when Titanic began to sink, but her prophecy would not let her go. Helen, like many other survivors, would go on to become a victim of the infamous Titanic Curse.

As the 108th anniversary of Titanic's doomed maiden voyage approaches, learn more about Helen and the 69 other passengers bound for Michigan. Only 26 survived the sinking, and even fewer survived the Titanic Curse. Episode 50 of So Dead Podcast: The Unthinkable, is available wherever you get your podcasts.

06/04/2021

2021 UPDATE: We've been holding off on announcements, because we so hoped to have good news to give regarding our 2021 schedule. While restrictions continue to ease and the COVID situation continues to improve, we have made the tough decision to cancel the 2021 season out of an abundance of caution. At this point, we are planning to resume tours in the spring of 2022, but that is subject to change.

We can't resume the tours until we can safely put 30+ strangers on a charter bus together for several hours at a time, and we're just not there yet. As soon as we start booking tours again, you'll be the first to know.

For those with gift certificates- those will be valid for one year from the date the tours resume, whenever that may be.

In the meantime, you can read about many of the locations on our tours in the book Haunted Lansing, or listen to stories about Michigan hauntings and true crime on So Dead Podcast. You can stop in to visit us at Deadtime Stories: True Crime and Other Books in REO Town for all kinds of Mitten weirdness. And you can catch us at A Festival of Oddities on Labor Day weekend.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We are just as frustrated with the lack of spooky tours in Mid-Michigan as you are. We'll see you soon.

17/03/2021

Something wicked this way comes...

Deadtime Stories: True Crime & Other Books will open its doors on March 27 in a 600-square-foot storefront on South Washington Avenue in Lansing.