Have you ever heard of the legend of a vampire grave in Colorado? If not, read on to find out about this strange and spooky tale.
Theodore “Fodor” Glava, a Transylvanian immigrant and coal miner who died in the midst of the flu epidemic that swept America after World War I. He was buried at Lafayette’s municipal cemetery on May 12th 1918 but is now remembered for his modest life as well as an extraordinary death–one which would go unsolved until years later.
The facts are sparse, but it’s still interesting. For example, that Mr. Fodor Glava is from Transylvania and died in December 1918 (though no one knows how). The headstone reads “Mr. Fodor Glava” which can be found just north of Lafayette Municipal Cemetery – you’ll know the grave when you see its name etched into a polished black marble stone with an intricately carved border trimming around the edges: “Transylvanian.”
It’s hard to believe that Mr. Glava of Transylvania was just a man, but his gravestone has helped spur local legends about him being a vampire who resides in Lafayette – at least for as long as the grave’s been around! Those legends started when it became odd seeing someone from Transylvania – home of Dracula and other vampires- buried in our small town Colorado cemetery; especially because he bought the plot himself on July 18th, 1911.
A mysterious grave with a strange history and even stranger symbols has been stirring up the townsfolk for years. The words on Glava’s marker appear to have been written in haste, by someone who was far from professional; it hasn’t helped that this is one of only two graves close enough to be considered “in the vicinity.” Locals say you can find him at night when he leaves his grave–that red roses grow around where his heart would’ve once rested during life too, though nobody knows why.
People living in Lafayette have long been creeped out by the grave, and kids – or adults – like to dare each other to stand near it. Adding fuel to the mystery are reports that people see a tall, thin man with dark hair sitting on top of an old gravestone while wearing black clothing. The former police chief even said he found a doll pinned through its heart lying next to this eerie place!
Is this really a vampire grave? We don’t know, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy the mystery. Visit Lafayette and see for yourself!
