Hauntology Man Page: 9

                                
we're paying attention there's plenty that ought to disrupt our calm. It's no
use hiding though. The consequences and aftermath of history don't go
away just because we want them to."
On a warm evening in early May, the sun has just gone down on
Denton Square. Pretty typical. A line of shops on all four sides and, at the
center, an old courthouse in the middle. Shaun, smoking a cigarette and
sitting on a park bench, casually interacts with the passing pedestrians. As
they wait for the crosswalks, Shaun points out the tombstone that's on the
opposite side of the street, maybe 200 feet away. Most haven't noticed it
before. "Who," they ask, "is buried there?"
Prior to the beginning of the ghost tour, a few informal responses from
the tour participants. They talk about the reasons for going on the tour.
They say things like, "I'm here tonight because I've always wanted to see a
ghost."
"One of my favorite professors," says Shaun, "told me never confused
the facts of the story with the truth of the tale. Even if it's John who is really
buried here, that fact shouldn't change the truth of his tale. Most of all, the
John B. Denton is haunting because he's another celebrated historical figure
that might have hurt more people than he helped."
A group of ten or so has followed Shaun to the peculiar, inconspicuous
tombstone. Shaun and his group share the courthouse lawn with a young
couple flirting in the grass. On the courthouse steps, ornery teenagers shove

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