Alexandria's Burning Bride | Encore Episode episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 3, 2025 · 25 MIN

Alexandria's Burning Bride | Encore Episode

from Southern Gothic · host Southern Gothic Media

It was a hot summer night in 1868 when Laura Schafer lit a kerosene lamp and stepped into the darkened hall of her family’s Alexandria home. The flame cracked. Her dress caught. And by the time her screams reached the street below, it was already too late. What should have been Laura’s wedding day became the date carved into her gravestone. And hours later, the man she was meant to marry—Charles Tennesson—met his own tragic fate. Today, the building at 107 North Fairfax Street is an ice cream parlor. But those who’ve worked there over the years tell a different story. A faint smell of smoke. Screams echoing down the staircase. A lamp that seems to move on its own. Some believe Laura Schafer never left the house where she died—and that she’s not alone. In this episode, we unravel one of Alexandria’s most enduring ghost stories, tracing the true events behind the legend of the Burning Bride. We’ll examine the historical record, explore how folklore reshaped Laura’s memory, and hear chilling reports from those who still feel something lingering behind the old brick walls. Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Into History: History Without Interruption⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SouthernGothicMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch Store:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pinterest:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SouthernGothicMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SouthernGothicMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SouthernGothicMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SoGoPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Advertise on this podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a hot summer night in 1868 when Laura Schafer lit a kerosene lamp and stepped into the darkened hall of her family’s Alexandria home. The flame cracked. Her dress caught. And by the time her screams reached the street below, it was already too late. What should have been Laura’s wedding day became the date carved into her gravestone. And hours later, the man she was meant to marry—Charles Tennesson—met his own tragic fate. Today, the building at 107 North Fairfax Street is an ice cream parlor. But those who’ve worked there over the years tell a different story. A faint smell of smoke. Screams echoing down the staircase. A lamp that seems to move on its own. Some believe Laura Schafer never left the house where she died—and that she’s not alone. In this episode, we unravel one of Alexandria’s most enduring ghost stories, tracing the true events behind the legend of the Burning Bride. We’ll examine the historical record, explore how folklore reshaped Laura’s memory, and hear chilling reports from those who still feel something lingering behind the old brick walls. Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Into History: History Without Interruption⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Southern Gothic Media: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SouthernGothicMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch Store:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pinterest:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SouthernGothicMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SouthernGothicMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SouthernGothicMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @SoGoPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Advertise on this podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOW PLAYING

Alexandria's Burning Bride | Encore Episode

0:00 25:52

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Fall of Rome Podcast Ibnul Jaif Farabi / Light Knot Studios What does the collapse of history's greatest superpower tell us about our own world? Was it barbarian invasions, economic decay, religious change, or a fatal cocktail of systemic failures? "Fall of Rome Podcast" delivers a compelling, daily narrative that dissects the epic unraveling of the Western Roman Empire, moving beyond simple myths to explore the complex, human-driven causes of one of history's most pivotal transformations.This show chronicles the dramatic centuries from the crisis of the third century to the final eclipse of imperial power in the West. Each concise episode tackles a specific event, theme, or figure: from the reforms of Diocletian and Constantine's conversion, to the Gothic migrations, the sacks of Rome, and the rise of barbarian kingdoms. We examine military decay, bureaucratic bloating, economic collapse, and the profound cultural shift from paganism to Christianity, weaving political drama with social and economic realities.Listeners will gain a nuanced, co 50ish & Fab: The Hot Flash Report KC Sonshine - Your Southern Sweet Tea with a Splash of BROOKLYN! Welcome to 50ish & Fab: The Hot Flash Report — the unapologetic, hilarious, and heart-to-heart podcast for women embracing the fabulousness of life after 50 (and ambitious 40-somethings dreaming of the good life!). Hosted by the witty and warm KC Sonshine, a Brooklyn girl with a little southern charm, this show dives into the messy, magical, and marvelous world of midlife women, menopause, dating, relationships, grandparenting, faith, and living your best life after 50. Because growing old gracefully is cute, but THRIVING after 50 is FABULOUS! Desert Air Nevada Public Radio Desert Air is the best of Desert Companion magazine for your ears — arts and culture coverage, thoughtful commentary, and creative nonfiction. This podcast provides a space for interviews and storytelling unlike any other, connecting Southern Nevadans with each other and their home. The MADE SOUTH Podcast Christopher Thomas A podcast about mostly Southern things, and some non-Southern things too. Hosted by professional Southern gentleman Christopher Thomas of MADE SOUTH and occasionally co-hosted by his way-too-pretty-and-smart-for-him wife Kimberly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Southern Gothic?

This episode is 25 minutes long.

When was this Southern Gothic episode published?

This episode was published on July 3, 2025.

What is this episode about?

It was a hot summer night in 1868 when Laura Schafer lit a kerosene lamp and stepped into the darkened hall of her family’s Alexandria home. The flame cracked. Her dress caught. And by the time her screams reached the street below, it was already...

Can I download this Southern Gothic episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!