Many of Niagara University Students have lived in Clet, one of NU's many residence halls on campus. Legend says that the spirit of a former NU student that died in a fire haunts the halls of Clet, causing unnatural occurrences that several students have reported to community advisors about. Is there a ghost lurking Clet? Here is the story.
Niagara's iconic Clet hall was built in 1860 when Niagara, or known back then as Our Lady Of Angels, was in its youth stages. Thomas Hopkins was a student from Brooklyn studying at Niagara University while it was still a new school. One day, a fire broke out in 1864, just four years after the completion of Clet Hall. Hopkins was reportedly seen pleading for help, screaming out of an upper story window before being engulfed in the flames.
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Since that tragic day, many students have claimed that they have witnessed the paranormal occur at Clet. There were several reports about doors being opened and closed by themselves, lights turning on and off, and even faucets being turned on and off. These stories went on for 150 years, and they still are being told about today.
Today, Clet serves as a residence hall for hundreds of Niagara Students, as well as a dining service and a shortcut to Leary Theatre. Many people have tried to figure out the answer to these paranormal events with video cameras and audio recordings, but none have been truly 100 percent successful. Even three years ago, students from a media class during the summer academy at Niagara slept in Clet. Four students set up cameras from their class to watch the halls while they slept. After looking at about eight hours of footage, nothing was found.
Do you think that Thomas Hopkins lurks in Clet? Many students will tell you their experiences while others stay skeptical. Whatever the case, try not to go into Clet at night alone...
