The following new story was published in College Topics, the predecessor to The Cavalier Daily, on Oct. 30, 1942.
With all the city resolutions and police orders against Hallowe'en pranks being issued over the state it would appear that the University was in for a very quiet October 31 this year. However, such is not the case as anyone who has been anywhere near No. 13 West Range will readily attest.
University officials have given up trying to lock the ghost out of Poe's room because the door just won't hold it back. As a result, when the door remains ajar at night, anything and anyone may pass in or out unhindered.
Residents of West Range have been hearing queer noises in the old Poe Room lately. They aren't just the "ooohs" and "ahs" of admiring spectators either because most of the eerie sounds have been heard late at night.
The fact that tomorrow night is Hallowe'en evening should be an open invitation to the more foolhardy and daring members of the student body to visit Room 13 and get the lowdown on the talkative Raven.
Less credulous students are sure to question the whispered rumors about Poe's room which are circulating. They will want to know just what proof there is that anything unusual has happened over there lately. In the interests of journalism we must point out that actually there is very little substantial proof that anything is amiss. However it has possibly struck the more observant Poe Room visitors that the two trunks in the room are in just the opposite position from where they were at the beginning of the term.
There has been no official notice lately about the moving of these old trunks if indeed they have been moved. All we can say is that we have seen them when they weren't where they are now. It was interesting to learn that possibly the Raven was rearranging furniture for his master. In connection with this we can definitely state that there is absolutely no factual basis for the rumor that there will be an open house for all gentlemen of the University in Room 13 tomorrow night.
But may we suggest to those who have no faith in the occult, that they take a few minutes out tomorrow night after the last chapel bell has tolled to stroll past Room 13? A squeaking bed spring can be a very interesting thing when no one is in the bed and the bed doesn't have any springs.
Last night, as TOPICS went to press, it was reported that a light was seen in Poe's room late in the evening by several students walking back from the library. Closer investigation revealed that the intruder or intruders had fled. They could not have left through the door because that was watched. The only other exit is the window which was open about six inches. Perhaps an engineer could tell us if that is enough room for one medium-sized Raven?
In line with our many policies, TOPICS does not feel it can take a stand in this controversy until more definitive information is available. But don't say we didn't warn you.
So if you happen to wander by Room 13 West Range tomorrow night and something whispers in your ear, "Nevermore," do one of two things; Either take a nice long walk about the University several times with an escort or pledge Alpha Beta Chi in a hurry.
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