Was it just a coincidence that this tour's guide, Ted, shares his name with several infamous and nefarious other Teds? "Ted" Theodore Bundy, "Ted" Kaczynski, "Ted"Levine. Well, this Ted wasn't a serial killer, but this actor did play "Buffalo Bill" in "Silence of the Lambs..."
Anyway, our Ted, of Grim Philly's "Serial Killers and Cemetery Tour" was outstanding! A professional educator and self proclaimed serial killerphile in real life, he also gives an informative, entertaining and highly imaginative tour in his spare time, talking about Philly's mass murderers, haunted houses and churches. WARNING: If you are offended by bad language, explicit sexual references and gory recounts of murders, I would not take this tour. Or put your hand over your ears. Ted will give you warning before he lets loose. But if you are interested in serial killers to begin with, being uncomfortable with bad language would be enigmatic. Ted did warn our group at the beginning of the tour about the language, and being professional, before he let lose with any expletives or ribald stories, he carefully made sure no young children were nearby. Numerous times. As this was a walking tour, other tourists were always close by, but Ted make sure they were not subjected to questionable language. Ted was a combination of teacher, tour guide and "blue" stand up comedian. And even thought we had a very large group, Ted's intimate talk made the group seem smaller, making frequent eye contact with the members of our group.
As we traveled the streets, it was obvious Ted had spent a lot of time learning and researching Philadelphia's "grim" history, as his presentation was polished, well thought out and all the guests learned something new. For example, Ted explained why flowers are sent to funerals, the history of "wakes," where the terms "living room" and "funeral parlor" originated and many other tidbits associated with the subject of death. A tour within a tour was also presented by Bob, from Christ Church, burial ground of Ben Franklin and other famous people from American history. Bob also provided our group with historical medical facts, and stories about the very old cemetery. I was so interested by his his talk and the notable people buried there, I returned went back the next day. Bob also passed around a treatment from early medicine. Not to spoil the story, but they were alive .
I have taken other "Grim Philly" tours, is very evident that management takes pride in providing their guests with outstanding guides and amazing history. Listening to Ted's detailed and descriptive accounting of some of the horrible crimes committed by these killers, one can almost imagine themselves along side the suffering victims. Well done, Ted! If you are interested in learning about the seedier and more macabre side of some of the denizens of Philadelphia, then ANY of the "Grim Philly" tours are not to be missed! This tour ends at a bar, but I didn't partake, but I'm sure it too was impressive. It begins right across from the Liberty Bell at the Information Center, but ends someplace else. Ted makes sure you know how to get back, so no worries. The tour is outdoors, so pay careful attention to the weather! Dress properly! Have fun!
Glenn J