The old hospital in the town of Woodward in the northwest quadrant of Oklahoma has seen its share of tragedy over the years. Most of this tragedy is associated with Oklahoma's deadliest tornado on April 9, 1947 and includes the still outstanding open case of Joan Gay Croft, a little girl who was kidnapped during the chaos at the hospital that day. Long since abandoned for newer facilities, old Woodward Hospital remains active in its paranormal activity, echoing the shadows of its past in its dilapidated state.
The most common story associated with Woodward Hospital is that of a little girl who playfully haunts the building. People passing by have seen a young girl’s face peeking through the remaining windows, prompting them to enter and investigate. Inside, a shadow of a young child has been seen in the hallways accompanied with giggling, and it’s believed that this is the same girl that has been seen in the windows. At times the giggling is disembodied and other unexplainable noises have been heard throughout. She may be playing some sort of hide-and-seek game with visitors that venture inside. Most people do not believe this is the spirit of Joan Gay Croft. This child spirit appears to be older than four years of age, and it’s widely believed that Joan Gay was extradited far from the hospital. She may even still be alive.
Other unexplainable incidents have been reported in the old hospital as well. Strange flashing lights have been seen and other disembodied voices have been heard whispering throughout the decrepit walls. Paranormal teams that have investigated the structure have recorded strange temperature fluctuations, at times dropping more than ten degrees in just five minutes. Slamming doors and loud knocks have also been witnessed.
The old Woodward Hospital is an interesting piece of history, having survived the devastating tornado in 1947 and housing much of the ensuing chaos. Tragedy has accompanied it, but while a little girl was taken away from it in life, it seems one has been added to it in death. More information about the tragedies of Woodward and the haunting of the hospital can be found in the recently released book Ghosts and Legends of Oklahoma.
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