In this episode, we talk to author, paranormal investigator, and historian, Sylvia Shults. Sylvia is one of the foremost authorities on the history of The Peoria State Hospital. We discuss the hospitals history and haunting as well as its most famous residents, Rhoda Derry and A. Manual Bookbinder. Then we move on to our discussion about the darker side of Christmas in her new book, The Spirits Of Christmas: The Dark Side Of The Holidays. These include strange games, unusual customs, and stories of the macabre. Check out Sylvia's blog and podcast at sylviashults.wordpress.com Send us your encounters with the paranormal to smokeandmirrorspod@gmail.com Like and Follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/smokeandmirrorspod/ Remember to Subscribe, Rate, and Review to help us grow! Spreaker: https://goo.gl/W4eCqb Iheart Radio: https://goo.gl/SrWcLm Itunes: https://goo.gl/7jfFG8 Stitcher: https://goo.gl/cxfp3A Player FM: https://goo.gl/znTBQA TuneIn Radio: http://tun.in/piEML Music by Myuuji and LaurenFlaudingMusic