The Mysterious History and Lore of the Ghost Light
At Sinister Coffee and Creamery, we love coffee, ice cream, and a good paranormal investigation. You can read more about our investigations here. These are the things that define us, and brought this blog to you! Want to stay up to date on SINister Happenings? Join our email list featured at the bottom of this blog and get in on the haunted action!
The Haunting Glow of the Ghost Light at Sinister Coffee and Creamery
At Sinister Coffee and Creamery, the ghost light isn’t just a theater tradition—it’s a beacon of mystery, folklore, and paranormal intrigue. This eerie yet captivating light stays on after hours, illuminating whispers of unseen visitors and adding to the haunted atmosphere of this unique coffee shop.
Known for its paranormal-themed ambiance, Sinister Coffee and Creamery embraces the legends surrounding the ghost light. Some say it welcomes spirits for a late-night gathering, while others believe it wards off mischievous energy. Whether you're a coffee lover, a ghost hunter, or just curious about haunted places in Portland, this eerie yet inviting spot offers a perfect blend of history, mystery, and a damn good cup of coffee.
Visit Sinister Coffee and Creamery at our Portland location 301 SW Morrison to experience the ghost light's chilling glow for yourself—just don’t be surprised if you feel an unseen presence lingering nearby.
What Is a Ghost Light?
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a theatre after hours, your eyes may have been drawn to single, bare lightbulb standing alone in the center of the darkened stage. This is what’s called a ghost light, referring to a long-standing theater tradition that serves both practical and supernatural purposes.
The Practical Purpose: Safety First
On a basic level, the ghost light prevents accidents. Theaters are full of hidden obstacles as they are constantly in a state of recreation. Depending on the play being recounted there could be open trapdoors, loose cables, furniture and lighting set onstage and of course uneven flooring. Leaving a light on ensures that anyone entering after hours won’t trip in the darkness.
The Superstition: A Light for the Spirits
Beyond the scope of safety, the ghost light is at the heart of theatrical superstition. Many actors, theatre staff, and theatre enthusiasts believe that every theater has a ghost or two. The idea of who they may have been; former actors, stagehands, or patrons who never left, brings out as lively a conversation as one might imagine with a theatre as its backdrop. Some say the ghost light is intended keep spirits happy, giving them time to perform unseen. Others claim it wards off mischievous spirits who might otherwise cause havoc.
The Ghost Light in Folklore
Different theaters have their own versions of ghostly encounters. Some report flickering lights, strange sounds, or even full apparitions. Perhaps the most well known “ghost” of the theater, is David Belasco. The Belasco theater in New York, is said to be haunted by non-other than David Belasco himself. Nicknamed “the Bishop of Broadway”, David Belasco was well known and loved in the theater world. Shortly after his death, a spirit figure or apparition, was spotted in the theater and his spirit is felt there to this day. Whether these stories are real or the product of being alone in a space typically occupied by vibrant energy, they add to the mystique surrounding the ghost light’s purpose.
A Tradition That Endures
The ghost light is more than just a bulb on a stand—it’s a symbol of theater itself. Even during times of closure, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters kept their ghost lights burning as a promise that the show would go on. Our team at Sinister investigated many presumed haunted locations during and after the pandemic. One of our more notable investigations was at the Lakewood Theater in Lake Oswego Oregon. There is a clip below of part of our evidence found at that location, but to say we believe that spirits from the theater world stick around the theaters that used to be second homes, would be understated.
Tell us what you think! Email us if you have a haunted location or a ghost story to tell us! As always stay spooky out there and visit us at our flagship storefront in Portland Oregon!
Too Scared to Sleep? Get SINISTER Coffee! We got the perfect coffee to help you stay awake. Check out our Guatemalan organic roasts or our Peruvian roasts. Click the following link to check out our full line of Sinister coffee products you can buy online. Don't forget to check us out for ice cream during our time at the Portland farmer’s market pop-ups at PSU starting in April or visit us NOW in Downtown Portland at Sinister’s Flagship store!