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Shafter Lake: West Texas History, The Lady in White & The Hollow-Eyed Children
In this episode, we travel to the windswept plains of West Texas to explore the forgotten ghost town of Shafter Lake, a once-thriving community that nearly became the heart of Andrews County. What began as an ambitious boomtown in the early 1900s eventually faded into history after losing a bitter county-seat battle to Andrews, leaving behind little more than a cemetery, scattered ruins, and a collection of chilling legends.
We begin with the early history of Andrews County and the rise of Shafter Lake. Founded in 1907, the town quickly grew to a population of roughly 500 residents, boasting churches, businesses, hotels, and dreams of becoming the region's dominant settlement. But after losing the 1910 county-seat election to Andrews, the town's fortunes collapsed and residents gradually abandoned it.
Then we venture into the darker side of Shafter Lake folklore.
Featured Stories
The Lady in White
Local legend claims a mysterious woman dressed in white wanders the old cemetery grounds near the ghost town. Witnesses have reported seeing her silently moving among the graves, while others believe she is connected to the tragedy and decline that befell the community. Some versions of the legend suggest she has been seen for generations, appearing without warning before vanishing into the darkness.
Local legend claims a mysterious woman dressed in white wanders the old cemetery grounds near the ghost town. Witnesses have reported seeing her silently moving among the graves, while others believe she is connected to the tragedy and decline that befell the community. Some versions of the legend suggest she has been seen for generations, appearing without warning before vanishing into the darkness.
The Hollow-Eyed Children
One of the most disturbing stories associated with Shafter Lake centers on reports of ghostly children with empty eye sockets. According to local folklore, a devastating smallpox outbreak struck the isolated town in the early 1900s. Legends tell of a supposed herbal remedy that caused horrifying hallucinations, leading to tragedy among some residents. Paranormal tales claim the spirits of these children still roam the area, appearing after dark to unsuspecting visitors. While there is little historical evidence supporting the supernatural elements of the story, it has become one of West Texas's most enduring ghost legends.
One of the most disturbing stories associated with Shafter Lake centers on reports of ghostly children with empty eye sockets. According to local folklore, a devastating smallpox outbreak struck the isolated town in the early 1900s. Legends tell of a supposed herbal remedy that caused horrifying hallucinations, leading to tragedy among some residents. Paranormal tales claim the spirits of these children still roam the area, appearing after dark to unsuspecting visitors. While there is little historical evidence supporting the supernatural elements of the story, it has become one of West Texas's most enduring ghost legends.
Creators and Guests
JS
Host
Jasper Steele
Jasper Steele is a voice actor whose performances are as dynamic and multifaceted as his life experiences. With a background that spans from confronting wild predators to mastering the art of meditation, Jasper brings a unique depth and authenticity to every role he undertakes. An adventurer at heart, Jasper has faced mountain lions, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, sharks, dolphins, and octopuses. His ventures have taken him from the depths of the sea to the skies above, diving into ocean abysses and leaping from planes, embodying the very essence of thrill-seeking. Beyond his daring exploits, Jasper is a dedicated fitness trainer and nutrition coach, guiding himself through grueling 24-hour endurance races that challenges him to surpass his limits. Yet, amidst the chaos, he finds serenity through meditation and yoga, grounding himself and those around him. In the evolving landscape of voice acting, where AI and technology are reshaping the industry, Jasper stands out by embracing these changes while preserving the irreplaceable human touch. He leverages AI-driven tools to streamline his workflow, allowing him to focus on delivering unique human performances.
Host
Potato
Meet Potato — the background “talent” of Ghost or Bust, though “talent” might be generous. Sounding more like a disgruntled little pig than a bulldog, Potato provides a steady soundtrack of snorts, grunts, wheezes, and the occasional dramatic huff that somehow always lands at the perfect (or worst) moment. He may not hunt ghosts, and he definitely won’t protect you from them, but if there’s something strange in the background… Potato will be the first to panic about it.
What is Ghost or Bust?
Some places carry stories that refuse to disappear. Ghost or Bust investigates haunted locations and unexplained encounters using a structured, evidence-based approach. Each episode documents the investigation, explores possible explanations, and reviews the evidence before delivering the final verdict:
Ghost… or Bust.