It's finally summer. The sun's out (well, for the moment. The dark clouds to the west may bring that to a screeching halt momentarily), it's hot, and for the next several weeks, I don't have to worry about classes.
So, I can focus on my real passion: the paranormal. I've been emailing like crazy, in an amateur attempt to get in contact with a real paranormal investigation group. I just reeeealllly want to go a legitimate investigation that includes a little more than a couple digital cameras and a cheap digital voice recorder.
I've heard back from a couple of groups, most recently Missouri Ozark Paranormal Society (MOPS), based in Camdenton, MO. Their next investigation is going to be Wilson Cemetery in Lebanon, which you may recognize from an earlier post of mine. I'm unbelievably excited about the possibility of investigating with this group!
I'll keep you updated on any news!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wondering about Windyville
About a week ago, I went with my friends Courtney and Whitley to a little town called Windyville. The town isn't home to much; it's basically the intersection of two country highways, a couple rundown buildings, and a few houses. But it may be most known for being home to the national headquarters of the School of Metaphysics. Yeah, national headquarters.
The School of Metaphysics isn't something I know much about, but it's gotten kind of a bad reputation around here. Most dismiss it as a cult or something, but I don't know for sure what exactly it is. Apparently they offer tours of their premisis, and as intriguing as it seems, I probably won't ever work up the nerve to participate.
Besides the School, Windyville has somewhat of a reputation for being a haunted and abandoned town. Courtney, Whitley and I have visited several times, mostly out of curiosity. Friends of friends had supposedly had run-ins with School of Metaphysics members, and been chased back to Lebanon by a white pickup truck. I know that we've all felt it's a slightly creepy place. We've never caught any solid evidence of the paranormal, really, but last week, we did have a unique experience.
As we drove on the gravel road that passes the School of Metaphysics' land, we noticed that the barn on the opposite side of the road had a peacock in it. We all kind of laughed, but then we noticed what seemed to be the screams of multiple people some distance away. Our first thought was that it was something on the radio, but the radio was completely off. My next thought was the peacock, so I asked, "Do peacocks make that sound?" Apparently, they do not. The sound seemed to be coming from the land at the right side of the road. We were directly in front of the School's land, which was on our right.
I can't say for sure what the sounds were, but it did legitimately creep us out. We've never had anything like that happen, but I know I floored my Liberty to get us out of there.
The School of Metaphysics isn't something I know much about, but it's gotten kind of a bad reputation around here. Most dismiss it as a cult or something, but I don't know for sure what exactly it is. Apparently they offer tours of their premisis, and as intriguing as it seems, I probably won't ever work up the nerve to participate.
Besides the School, Windyville has somewhat of a reputation for being a haunted and abandoned town. Courtney, Whitley and I have visited several times, mostly out of curiosity. Friends of friends had supposedly had run-ins with School of Metaphysics members, and been chased back to Lebanon by a white pickup truck. I know that we've all felt it's a slightly creepy place. We've never caught any solid evidence of the paranormal, really, but last week, we did have a unique experience.
As we drove on the gravel road that passes the School of Metaphysics' land, we noticed that the barn on the opposite side of the road had a peacock in it. We all kind of laughed, but then we noticed what seemed to be the screams of multiple people some distance away. Our first thought was that it was something on the radio, but the radio was completely off. My next thought was the peacock, so I asked, "Do peacocks make that sound?" Apparently, they do not. The sound seemed to be coming from the land at the right side of the road. We were directly in front of the School's land, which was on our right.
I can't say for sure what the sounds were, but it did legitimately creep us out. We've never had anything like that happen, but I know I floored my Liberty to get us out of there.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Get me to Rhode Island!
If you're interested in the paranormal like I am, or just want to learn more about what it takes to do an investigation, The Atlantic Paranormal Society is offering a course called Paranormal 101. This course offers information about types of hauntings, how to assist clients, and other ways to fine-tune your ghost hunting skills. If I lived in Rhode Island, you know I would be the first in line for one of these classes! The next available course is May 16 from 11-3, and will be held at the TAPS office in Warwick, RI. The instructor is Kristyn Gartland, whom you may have seen on Ghost Hunters. The TAPS website has tons more info on upcoming courses!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Hollow Horror
A few years ago, my friends Courtney and Whitley and I went down to a place called Crybaby Hollow (or Holler, if you're a true Ozarkian) near Crocker, Missouri. We’d heard the legend that years ago, a young mother had lost her baby in the hollow during a storm, and could hear it crying, but couldn’t find it. Some say to this day you can still hear the baby’s cries if you stop along the road that passes through the hollow. Others say that if you stop your car in the hollow, small handprints show up on your windshield. Needless to say, we were psyched to check the place out.
Near the hollow, my friend Whitley’s grandparents have some land, and on it is an old house. Whitley told Courtney and me that creepy things had been known to happen in the house and surrounding area, like people repeatedly seeing and hearing a little girl, and a guy had been found dead in a nearby cave.
When we made it out to Crocker, Whitley’s grandpa told us stories of his experiences with the paranormal, and led us just before dusk down to the old house. We walked within maybe 300 yards of it, and her grandpa told us he would go no further, which took us by surprise. He made his way back to his own house after wishing us luck and telling us to be careful and not do anything stupid.
We approached the house, and it was in much worse condition than I had expected. It was dilapidated, and the roof looked about to fall in. In the nearby woods, the trees looked ominous, and daffodils were blooming. The whole place looked eerie at best.
We took pictures with our disposable cameras and explored the grounds as dusk fell. We pulled out our flashlights, including a crank light, and kept exploring. At one point, most of our flashlights died, even the crank light, while Whitley was cranking it. Thus, we decided to get the heck out of there. Once we were several feet away from the house, our lights worked again.
As we headed home, we stopped Whitley's Saturn in the hollow, and she shut off the engine. We sat almost motionless. We heard nothing. But when we got back home to Lebanon, it looked like there were a couple of small almost hand-looking prints on the back glass of the car....seriously.
Just a few weekends ago, Whitley and I were visiting, and she showed me for the first time the pictures from Crybaby Hollow. She had gotten them developed finally, after nearly four years. Before she showed me one picture in particular, she asked, “None of us went into the woods, right?” Of course we hadn’t; we were too chicken. Sure, we had taken pictures of the eerie trees, but certainly hadn’t gone very near them. This picture was of the trees, but there was a glowing figure in the photo as well. It looked like a blue-white shoulder and head peeking out from behind a tree. I was immediately intrigued and petrified.
Needless to say, I want to venture back to the Hollow, just to see what will happen. But, I’m kind of glad I never developed my photos from our excursion.
Just a sidenote: Once I get a copy of the pic, I'll definitely post it!
Near the hollow, my friend Whitley’s grandparents have some land, and on it is an old house. Whitley told Courtney and me that creepy things had been known to happen in the house and surrounding area, like people repeatedly seeing and hearing a little girl, and a guy had been found dead in a nearby cave.
When we made it out to Crocker, Whitley’s grandpa told us stories of his experiences with the paranormal, and led us just before dusk down to the old house. We walked within maybe 300 yards of it, and her grandpa told us he would go no further, which took us by surprise. He made his way back to his own house after wishing us luck and telling us to be careful and not do anything stupid.
We approached the house, and it was in much worse condition than I had expected. It was dilapidated, and the roof looked about to fall in. In the nearby woods, the trees looked ominous, and daffodils were blooming. The whole place looked eerie at best.
We took pictures with our disposable cameras and explored the grounds as dusk fell. We pulled out our flashlights, including a crank light, and kept exploring. At one point, most of our flashlights died, even the crank light, while Whitley was cranking it. Thus, we decided to get the heck out of there. Once we were several feet away from the house, our lights worked again.
As we headed home, we stopped Whitley's Saturn in the hollow, and she shut off the engine. We sat almost motionless. We heard nothing. But when we got back home to Lebanon, it looked like there were a couple of small almost hand-looking prints on the back glass of the car....seriously.
Just a few weekends ago, Whitley and I were visiting, and she showed me for the first time the pictures from Crybaby Hollow. She had gotten them developed finally, after nearly four years. Before she showed me one picture in particular, she asked, “None of us went into the woods, right?” Of course we hadn’t; we were too chicken. Sure, we had taken pictures of the eerie trees, but certainly hadn’t gone very near them. This picture was of the trees, but there was a glowing figure in the photo as well. It looked like a blue-white shoulder and head peeking out from behind a tree. I was immediately intrigued and petrified.
Needless to say, I want to venture back to the Hollow, just to see what will happen. But, I’m kind of glad I never developed my photos from our excursion.
Just a sidenote: Once I get a copy of the pic, I'll definitely post it!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
My big break! Hopefully...
This weekend, I found myself watching the most recent episode of Ghost Hunters as I put off my homework. As I watched Jason, Grant, and the crew investigate a Titanic exhibit in Georgia (I think it was Georgia, at least….) I noticed an advertisement at the bottom of the screen.
I immediately started screaming when I saw what it said, which was something to the effect of “Apply online to be a part of the next Ghost Hunters crew.” I literally ran to my computer and logged on to the Sci Fi channel's GH website and tracked down the scoop.
Apparently, the producers are looking for new ghost hunters to be in a series called Ghost Hunters: Next Generation. Sign me up!
I quickly and eagerly sent in my application, and am now crossing my fingers! I know they’re probably going to receive about a billion applications, and my chances are slim to none, but I’m still hoping that they’ll pick me! A girl can dream, right?
My ghost hunting mentors, Grant and Jason.
I immediately started screaming when I saw what it said, which was something to the effect of “Apply online to be a part of the next Ghost Hunters crew.” I literally ran to my computer and logged on to the Sci Fi channel's GH website and tracked down the scoop.
Apparently, the producers are looking for new ghost hunters to be in a series called Ghost Hunters: Next Generation. Sign me up!
I quickly and eagerly sent in my application, and am now crossing my fingers! I know they’re probably going to receive about a billion applications, and my chances are slim to none, but I’m still hoping that they’ll pick me! A girl can dream, right?
My ghost hunting mentors, Grant and Jason.Monday, April 13, 2009
Making grey jumpsuits kinda cool
Believe it or not, I watched Ghostbusters for the first time ever this weekend. I’m not sure how a girl born in the 80s and interested in the paranormal made it two decades without watching this film, but I did.
Many factors make this 1984 movie oh-so-memorable, and it’s impossible to pinpoint only one. First, there is the comedy of Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. The premise of parapsychologists losing their university grant and opening a ghost-disposal business opens a world of possibility for humor, which Murray and Aykroyd take full advantage of. Murray’s deadpan humor as Dr. Peter Venkman is perfection, and Aykroyd is a lovably goofy Dr. Ray Stantz.
Then, of course, there is the theme song. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, I guarantee you can answer the following question: “Who ya gonna call?”
Directed by Ivan Reitman and written by two of the movie’s stars, Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, this movie definitely has some memorable scenes. My faves include the sighting of the blobbish green ghost snacking on the food on a room service cart, and the part where the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is walking Godzilla-like down a Manhattan street. Of course the special effects--like the beams from the proton packs and the food-guzzling green ghost--look amazingly cheesy by today’s standards, but were cutting edge a couple decades ago.
Of course there are also a few objects that will forever be linked in my mind with the film, especially the grey jumpsuit/proton pack ensemble, white hearse-turned-ghostbusting vehicle, and the Ghostbusters logo (the red circle and slash, with the white ghost in the middle).
So, this movie doesn’t portray paranormal investigation realistically. Although it would be cool if I really could get a hold of a proton pack to capture ghosties…. But since the villain turns out to be a gigantic Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, this film is great in my book!
Many factors make this 1984 movie oh-so-memorable, and it’s impossible to pinpoint only one. First, there is the comedy of Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. The premise of parapsychologists losing their university grant and opening a ghost-disposal business opens a world of possibility for humor, which Murray and Aykroyd take full advantage of. Murray’s deadpan humor as Dr. Peter Venkman is perfection, and Aykroyd is a lovably goofy Dr. Ray Stantz.
Then, of course, there is the theme song. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, I guarantee you can answer the following question: “Who ya gonna call?”
Directed by Ivan Reitman and written by two of the movie’s stars, Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, this movie definitely has some memorable scenes. My faves include the sighting of the blobbish green ghost snacking on the food on a room service cart, and the part where the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is walking Godzilla-like down a Manhattan street. Of course the special effects--like the beams from the proton packs and the food-guzzling green ghost--look amazingly cheesy by today’s standards, but were cutting edge a couple decades ago.
Of course there are also a few objects that will forever be linked in my mind with the film, especially the grey jumpsuit/proton pack ensemble, white hearse-turned-ghostbusting vehicle, and the Ghostbusters logo (the red circle and slash, with the white ghost in the middle).
So, this movie doesn’t portray paranormal investigation realistically. Although it would be cool if I really could get a hold of a proton pack to capture ghosties…. But since the villain turns out to be a gigantic Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, this film is great in my book!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Leaving a light on
Joplin, Missouri has some claims to fame. It’s been mentioned in the script of The Music Man, on The Beverly Hillbillies, and it’s the filming location for Trick My Truck.
But it’s also been home to a unique legend for more than a century.
Now known as the Joplin Spook Light, a small “ball of fire” was first spotted by Indians traveling the Trail of Tears in 1836. In 1881, a publication titled The Ozark Spook Light made the first “official” report.
The Spook Light is still reportedly seen to this day, and is often described as an orange glowing ball ranging from the size of a baseball to the size of a basketball. It is said to spin or dance down the center of the road, hover above treetops, and then retreat. Others have said it appears to swing side to side, like a lantern being carried. Locals say that the time between 10 p.m. and midnight is prime Spook Light viewing time.
The light is said to be seen along a four-mile stretch of gravel road called Devil’s Promenade by many locals. Although it’s most widely known as the Joplin Spook Light, other nearby communities also lay claim to the enigma. Some in Quapaw, Oklahoma have claimed to have seen the light. The light is also known as the Hornet Spook Light; Hornet is a small community near Joplin.
For years, people have been trying to find out just what the Spook Light really is. Countless paranormal investigators, scientists, and even curious locals have gathered on the gravel road near Hornet to try to catch a glimpse. Even the Army Corps of Engineers has tried to find an explanation for the mysterious light.
Some theories have been presented to attempt to explain the light’s origin, such as escaping natural gas, reflections of car lights, and even rotting organic matter. Even atmospheric electrical charges have been offered as an explanation.
But local legends were used to explain the light years ago. One of the oldest legends tells of a Quapaw Indian woman who fell in love with a brave, but her father wouldn’t let her marry him. The two eloped, but were followed by warriors. They joined hands above the Spring River and leaped to their deaths. Legend has it that shortly after this event, the light began appearing, and was attributed to the lovers’ spirits.
Needless to say, I find the Spook Light incredibly interesting, and about a year and a half ago, I set out with a friend to try and catch a glimpse. We traveled all the way to Joplin, with directions we printed off the internet.
We eventually were led past the tiny town of Hornet, and to the four-mile stretch of road where the light is usually seen. We parked at a dip in the road, because our directions told us that was the best kind of place to see the light.
We quickly realized that we weren’t the only ones looking for the light. I guess I expected a desolate gravel road, with only my car searching for the Spook Light. But that’s not what we got. There were cars parked along both sides of the road, people standing out in the October chill with binoculars, and little kids running around with flashlights. A couple of times, I thought for a moment I saw something, but it was just a car coming over a hill maybe a mile away.
Although I didn’t get to actually see the Spook Light, I don’t think I can count it out as swamp gas or something. And I really want to get back out to Joplin and try spotting the Spook Light again sometime soon. If you’re ever in the area, it could be a fun adventure, and you can decide for yourself what the Spook Light might be.
But it’s also been home to a unique legend for more than a century.
Now known as the Joplin Spook Light, a small “ball of fire” was first spotted by Indians traveling the Trail of Tears in 1836. In 1881, a publication titled The Ozark Spook Light made the first “official” report.
The Spook Light is still reportedly seen to this day, and is often described as an orange glowing ball ranging from the size of a baseball to the size of a basketball. It is said to spin or dance down the center of the road, hover above treetops, and then retreat. Others have said it appears to swing side to side, like a lantern being carried. Locals say that the time between 10 p.m. and midnight is prime Spook Light viewing time.
The light is said to be seen along a four-mile stretch of gravel road called Devil’s Promenade by many locals. Although it’s most widely known as the Joplin Spook Light, other nearby communities also lay claim to the enigma. Some in Quapaw, Oklahoma have claimed to have seen the light. The light is also known as the Hornet Spook Light; Hornet is a small community near Joplin.
For years, people have been trying to find out just what the Spook Light really is. Countless paranormal investigators, scientists, and even curious locals have gathered on the gravel road near Hornet to try to catch a glimpse. Even the Army Corps of Engineers has tried to find an explanation for the mysterious light.
Some theories have been presented to attempt to explain the light’s origin, such as escaping natural gas, reflections of car lights, and even rotting organic matter. Even atmospheric electrical charges have been offered as an explanation.
But local legends were used to explain the light years ago. One of the oldest legends tells of a Quapaw Indian woman who fell in love with a brave, but her father wouldn’t let her marry him. The two eloped, but were followed by warriors. They joined hands above the Spring River and leaped to their deaths. Legend has it that shortly after this event, the light began appearing, and was attributed to the lovers’ spirits.
Needless to say, I find the Spook Light incredibly interesting, and about a year and a half ago, I set out with a friend to try and catch a glimpse. We traveled all the way to Joplin, with directions we printed off the internet.
We eventually were led past the tiny town of Hornet, and to the four-mile stretch of road where the light is usually seen. We parked at a dip in the road, because our directions told us that was the best kind of place to see the light.
We quickly realized that we weren’t the only ones looking for the light. I guess I expected a desolate gravel road, with only my car searching for the Spook Light. But that’s not what we got. There were cars parked along both sides of the road, people standing out in the October chill with binoculars, and little kids running around with flashlights. A couple of times, I thought for a moment I saw something, but it was just a car coming over a hill maybe a mile away.
Although I didn’t get to actually see the Spook Light, I don’t think I can count it out as swamp gas or something. And I really want to get back out to Joplin and try spotting the Spook Light again sometime soon. If you’re ever in the area, it could be a fun adventure, and you can decide for yourself what the Spook Light might be.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Crescent Hotel
So, I didn’t get to go on any exciting ghost hunting trips like I’d hoped to over spring break. (But I did head out to Wilson’s Cemetery with some buddies for old times’ sake!) Spring fever has fully taken hold of me, and I’m already looking forward to summertime. And as I think of vacation spots, haunted locations are sounding like a lot of fun.
And with money being pretty darn tight, I figure someplace nearby is the best of both worlds: vacation and thrift.
So, I’m thinking Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For most people, the main attractions of this town would be the cute shops and restaurants. But for me, it’s the hauntings.
The Crescent Hotel in particular is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Built between 1884 and 1886, the Crescent may have gotten its first ghost even before it opened its doors. During construction, a worker fell off the roof and his body landed in what is now room 218. Maybe that’s why room 218 is considered one of the most haunted rooms in the hotel. To this day there are reports of doors slamming in this room, and of apparitions.
The hotel had its ups and downs over the years, flourishing during some eras. In 1937, a quack named Norman Baker bought the hotel in hopes of turning it into a health resort. Baker had attempted to practice medicine before, and had been condemned by the American Medical Association for practicing with no license.
When he purchased the hotel, he remodeled it drastically. According to legend, he performed crazy experiments on the living and the dead, saying that he had a cure for cancer. Many of his “patients” died, but he is said to have hidden the bodies for weeks, until the bodies could be put in the incinerator. He may have even hidden bodies within the granite walls and tucked away jars of preserved body parts.
The hotel is still in operation and also has a spa. Guests and workers still claim to see apparitions and have run-ins with ghosts. The hotel is considered by some to be one of the most haunted places in the Ozarks, if not the nation, even bringing in the TAPS team a few years ago. Ghost tours of Eureka Springs and the Crescent are available, which I definitely want to check out!
And with money being pretty darn tight, I figure someplace nearby is the best of both worlds: vacation and thrift.
So, I’m thinking Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For most people, the main attractions of this town would be the cute shops and restaurants. But for me, it’s the hauntings.
The Crescent Hotel in particular is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Built between 1884 and 1886, the Crescent may have gotten its first ghost even before it opened its doors. During construction, a worker fell off the roof and his body landed in what is now room 218. Maybe that’s why room 218 is considered one of the most haunted rooms in the hotel. To this day there are reports of doors slamming in this room, and of apparitions.
The hotel had its ups and downs over the years, flourishing during some eras. In 1937, a quack named Norman Baker bought the hotel in hopes of turning it into a health resort. Baker had attempted to practice medicine before, and had been condemned by the American Medical Association for practicing with no license.
When he purchased the hotel, he remodeled it drastically. According to legend, he performed crazy experiments on the living and the dead, saying that he had a cure for cancer. Many of his “patients” died, but he is said to have hidden the bodies for weeks, until the bodies could be put in the incinerator. He may have even hidden bodies within the granite walls and tucked away jars of preserved body parts.
The hotel is still in operation and also has a spa. Guests and workers still claim to see apparitions and have run-ins with ghosts. The hotel is considered by some to be one of the most haunted places in the Ozarks, if not the nation, even bringing in the TAPS team a few years ago. Ghost tours of Eureka Springs and the Crescent are available, which I definitely want to check out!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Something Creepy in Cali
A couple of years ago, I watched this show on the Travel Channel called World's Creepiest Destinations. Of course, the show enthralled me, and I immediately wanted to hop a plane to any of the places mentioned. The show was pretty much a countdown of the top 10 creepy places on Earth, and the list included the likes of the Tower of London, New Orleans, and Salem, Massachusetts.
But the place that intrigued me the most was number 2: the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. If you think it sounds creepy, you're right.
Sarah Winchester (an heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune) started building the Victorian house in 1884, but didn't stop construction on it during her lifetime. Legend has it that Sarah had visited a fortune teller who told her that if she stopped building the home, the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles would come after her. Others say that after the deaths of her husband and daughter, she felt that ghosts were plaguing her.
So, to appease the spirits, Sarah sought the continuous noise of construction. For thirty-eight years, construction workers and craftsmen labored on the home. Work went on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It seems like a very expensive undertaking, but I guess her $20,000,000 inheritance helped out. There wasn't a master plan for the home, so it grew quite complex, and many rooms were remodeled more than once. Winchester's servants even needed maps just to navigate the home.
The home is called the Mystery House simply because it's such an oddity. The 160-room mansion had elements that wouldn't have been found in other homes of the time, such as modern heating and sewage systems, working elevators, and nearly fifty fireplaces. But on top of these fairly practical additions to the home, there are some elements that are just plain weird. There are staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open to blank walls, windows in the floor, and a recurrence of the number thirteen (13 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 13 panes of glass in some windows...). Some of these structural oddities could have been simply design error, or maybe Mrs. Winchester was trying to confuse the ghosties.
Sarah Winchester died in 1922, and construction stopped on that day. The home is now a historical landmark in California, and operates as a museum. Guided tours are available, and participants are guided through 110 of the rooms. This is definitely a place I can't wait to check out for myself someday!
But the place that intrigued me the most was number 2: the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. If you think it sounds creepy, you're right.
Sarah Winchester (an heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune) started building the Victorian house in 1884, but didn't stop construction on it during her lifetime. Legend has it that Sarah had visited a fortune teller who told her that if she stopped building the home, the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles would come after her. Others say that after the deaths of her husband and daughter, she felt that ghosts were plaguing her.
So, to appease the spirits, Sarah sought the continuous noise of construction. For thirty-eight years, construction workers and craftsmen labored on the home. Work went on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It seems like a very expensive undertaking, but I guess her $20,000,000 inheritance helped out. There wasn't a master plan for the home, so it grew quite complex, and many rooms were remodeled more than once. Winchester's servants even needed maps just to navigate the home.
The home is called the Mystery House simply because it's such an oddity. The 160-room mansion had elements that wouldn't have been found in other homes of the time, such as modern heating and sewage systems, working elevators, and nearly fifty fireplaces. But on top of these fairly practical additions to the home, there are some elements that are just plain weird. There are staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open to blank walls, windows in the floor, and a recurrence of the number thirteen (13 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 13 panes of glass in some windows...). Some of these structural oddities could have been simply design error, or maybe Mrs. Winchester was trying to confuse the ghosties.
Sarah Winchester died in 1922, and construction stopped on that day. The home is now a historical landmark in California, and operates as a museum. Guided tours are available, and participants are guided through 110 of the rooms. This is definitely a place I can't wait to check out for myself someday!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hometown Haunts
I’ve had a fascination with haunted places all my life. I’ve watched countless episodes of Ghost Hunters, and there’s no telling how many different countdowns of the world’s scariest places I’ve watched. Each location seems so different and interesting, and I can’t help but make mental notes to try to visit them if I get the chance. (Be on the lookout for my own personal list of the haunted places I hope to visit!)
Growing up, the places on television seemed so exotic, far away, and unreachable. So I looked to my hometown for enough haunts to whet my appetite. A few friends and I would go out to the most ‘haunted’ places we could find, and we would do our own mini-investigation. We’d take pictures, use a tape recorder to try to catch EVPs….and usually one of us would get spooked and we’d drive away quickly. But, hey, at least we tried, right?
There aren’t really all that many super-haunted locations in and around Lebanon, MO, at least as far as I know. But here are some of the most legendary ones that my friends and I used to explore:
Lonesome Hill Cemetery: I know, I know. Cemeteries are kind of a lame thing to “investigate.” But, hey, when I was in high school, everyone and their brother had heard the creepy stories about this place, and wanted to check it out. This was one of the first supposedly-haunted places I ever visited, and I was proud of myself for not being too scared. There is a large gate at the front, which is kind of intimidating. Some say they’ve parked their car just inside the gate, only to find that it wouldn’t start again until they pushed it off of the cemetery property. Plus, the large, somewhat-rusty archway is a bit spooky, too.
It’s a fairly large old cemetery, basically just a stone’s throw from I-44. It’s surrounded by woods, and people have told stories about seeing strange mists come out from behind trees. There’s one section of the cemetery, at the very back, that is said to be the final resting place of some witches. There are a few grave stones that are separated from the rest by a black chain, and these are supposedly ones where witches are buried. According to myth, it’s bad luck to unhook the chain.
A couple of pics I took while at Wilson Cemetery. Those "orbs" in the first pic?
Just dust, most likely.
The Conway Mansion: Okay, so that’s just what we called it. But it’s an interesting little place. It’s just outside of Conway, MO, and it’s pretty much just a large old farmhouse, but many people claim to have spotted ghosties there. Granted, those people were probably trespassing, and in all likelihood drunk. I’ve never seen anything there, but I may try to look up the history of the property in more depth at some point.
Decaturville Mansion: This one was also a little hard to find. It’s between Lebanon and Camdenton, located a couple miles off of the main highway on a gravel road. I’ve only seen it in daylight, but it’s a bit spooky. It’s a rickety-looking old home, and has slave quarters. It was owned by a couple of sisters, according to legend, and is just one of those places I didn’t feel comfortable being near.
Crybaby Hollow: This area near Crocker is said to be haunted by the spirit of a crying baby. Other versions of the legend say it’s haunted by the ghost of a mother who lost her child. It’s basically just a valley on a narrow country road, and there is a small bridge. Some say that if you park your car on the bridge and put it in neutral, the car will rock and maybe get small handprints on it. We tried this, but honestly didn’t experience anything. The spookiest thing was that just after we put it in neutral, a car popped over the hill behind us.
Maybe these locations aren’t exactly brimming with paranormal activity. In all likelihood, their relative seclusion and slight creepiness is why so many legends came about. But, I spent countless hours at these places with my friends, and they kept my passion for the paranormal ignited. I’d like to think that maybe someday, even after I’ve investigated legitimately haunted places, the memories of my hometown haunts will still be with me.
Growing up, the places on television seemed so exotic, far away, and unreachable. So I looked to my hometown for enough haunts to whet my appetite. A few friends and I would go out to the most ‘haunted’ places we could find, and we would do our own mini-investigation. We’d take pictures, use a tape recorder to try to catch EVPs….and usually one of us would get spooked and we’d drive away quickly. But, hey, at least we tried, right?
There aren’t really all that many super-haunted locations in and around Lebanon, MO, at least as far as I know. But here are some of the most legendary ones that my friends and I used to explore:
Lonesome Hill Cemetery: I know, I know. Cemeteries are kind of a lame thing to “investigate.” But, hey, when I was in high school, everyone and their brother had heard the creepy stories about this place, and wanted to check it out. This was one of the first supposedly-haunted places I ever visited, and I was proud of myself for not being too scared. There is a large gate at the front, which is kind of intimidating. Some say they’ve parked their car just inside the gate, only to find that it wouldn’t start again until they pushed it off of the cemetery property. Plus, the large, somewhat-rusty archway is a bit spooky, too.
It’s a fairly large old cemetery, basically just a stone’s throw from I-44. It’s surrounded by woods, and people have told stories about seeing strange mists come out from behind trees. There’s one section of the cemetery, at the very back, that is said to be the final resting place of some witches. There are a few grave stones that are separated from the rest by a black chain, and these are supposedly ones where witches are buried. According to myth, it’s bad luck to unhook the chain.
Wilson Cemetery: This one was very difficult for us to find. It took us probably three or four months of on-again off-again researching to find the actual location. We had heard many people talking about scary things happening out there (like mists coming out of the woods, strange voices, etc.) so we naturally wanted to find it. It’s a good distance outside of town, and it takes about twenty minutes of driving on a maze of dirt roads to actually get there. It’s definitely a creepy place—it’s basically an abandoned family plot dating back to the mid-1800s—but I’m not convinced it’s haunted. It doesn’t really seem to have a caretaker, so the grass is often higher than the grave markers. Plus, it’s in the middle of nowhere, so maybe that’s why the legends have grown.
A couple of pics I took while at Wilson Cemetery. Those "orbs" in the first pic? Just dust, most likely.
The Conway Mansion: Okay, so that’s just what we called it. But it’s an interesting little place. It’s just outside of Conway, MO, and it’s pretty much just a large old farmhouse, but many people claim to have spotted ghosties there. Granted, those people were probably trespassing, and in all likelihood drunk. I’ve never seen anything there, but I may try to look up the history of the property in more depth at some point.
Decaturville Mansion: This one was also a little hard to find. It’s between Lebanon and Camdenton, located a couple miles off of the main highway on a gravel road. I’ve only seen it in daylight, but it’s a bit spooky. It’s a rickety-looking old home, and has slave quarters. It was owned by a couple of sisters, according to legend, and is just one of those places I didn’t feel comfortable being near.
Crybaby Hollow: This area near Crocker is said to be haunted by the spirit of a crying baby. Other versions of the legend say it’s haunted by the ghost of a mother who lost her child. It’s basically just a valley on a narrow country road, and there is a small bridge. Some say that if you park your car on the bridge and put it in neutral, the car will rock and maybe get small handprints on it. We tried this, but honestly didn’t experience anything. The spookiest thing was that just after we put it in neutral, a car popped over the hill behind us.
Maybe these locations aren’t exactly brimming with paranormal activity. In all likelihood, their relative seclusion and slight creepiness is why so many legends came about. But, I spent countless hours at these places with my friends, and they kept my passion for the paranormal ignited. I’d like to think that maybe someday, even after I’ve investigated legitimately haunted places, the memories of my hometown haunts will still be with me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tools of the Trade
For a paranormal researcher, good equipment is a must. Good equipment means a better chance of capturing reliable evidence. And reliable evidence is necessary to prove or even disprove a potential haunting. Here is a list of basic equipment that any ghost hunter should have, plus some fancy-dancy pieces of equipment that I’m drooling over.
Notebook and pen/pencil: Never underestimate the power of old-school equipment. This is good for keeping track of personal experiences that you can’t capture on film, and for recording equipment readings.
Measuring tape: This allows you to get a feel for room dimensions and distances relating to any paranormal sightings you may experience.
Flashlight: LED lights are my personal fave. Be sure to pack plenty of extra batteries, because there’s nothing less useful than a dead flashlight. Plus, some say that paranormal activity has the potential to drain batteries, as the spirits may pull energy from the surroundings to manifest. It’s not a proven fact, but a few spare batteries don’t take up much room. Better safe than sorry! Or you could just go for a crank-light…
Digital camera: I use a Canon, which takes some good pictures. I’m sure some investigators use fancier cameras, but most any digital camera will do. Some researchers prefer 35 mm cameras over digital, because digital photos are easier to tamper with. If you go digital, spare batteries are always a good idea!
Camcorder: I don’t have one, so I tend to use the video feature on my digital camera if I need to. But camcorders are great for capturing extended periods of the investigation, and make it easy to review evidence once the investigation aspect is over.
Digital recorder: These are much easier to deal with than tape recorders, and produce less machine-created background noise. Digital recorders are often used to capture EVPs, and can also be useful in documenting events of the investigation. (I personally use a really cute and tiny Sony one.)
Digital thermometer: Temperature changes (especially dramatic cooling) can be associated with paranormal activity. Digital thermometers help monitor such changes, and can help identify “cold spots” associated with manifestations. Besides being easier to read than traditional mercury thermometers, digital ones are more accurate. This is on my wish list…
EMF meter: This, too, is on my wish list. EMF meters measure Electromagnetic Frequency. A high EMF reading can be associated with paranormal activity, or more natural causes like power lines or electrical equipment. By finding a location’s “baseline” reading, it’s easier to find potentially natural causes, or watch for possibly paranormal spikes.
Thermal camcorder: Besides the really cool tie-dye-looking effect, these ultra-spiffy cameras capture temperature changes visually. These make it easy to see cold spots, because different temperatures register as different colors on the screen. These can be super-expensive, but I would totally buy one if I weren’t a poor college kid.
These are just some bare-bones pieces of equipment, but are commonly used in paranormal investigations. You may already have some of these things lying around, so preparing for an investigation really isn’t all that difficult! Happy hunting!
Notebook and pen/pencil: Never underestimate the power of old-school equipment. This is good for keeping track of personal experiences that you can’t capture on film, and for recording equipment readings.
Measuring tape: This allows you to get a feel for room dimensions and distances relating to any paranormal sightings you may experience.
Flashlight: LED lights are my personal fave. Be sure to pack plenty of extra batteries, because there’s nothing less useful than a dead flashlight. Plus, some say that paranormal activity has the potential to drain batteries, as the spirits may pull energy from the surroundings to manifest. It’s not a proven fact, but a few spare batteries don’t take up much room. Better safe than sorry! Or you could just go for a crank-light…
Digital camera: I use a Canon, which takes some good pictures. I’m sure some investigators use fancier cameras, but most any digital camera will do. Some researchers prefer 35 mm cameras over digital, because digital photos are easier to tamper with. If you go digital, spare batteries are always a good idea!
Camcorder: I don’t have one, so I tend to use the video feature on my digital camera if I need to. But camcorders are great for capturing extended periods of the investigation, and make it easy to review evidence once the investigation aspect is over.
Digital recorder: These are much easier to deal with than tape recorders, and produce less machine-created background noise. Digital recorders are often used to capture EVPs, and can also be useful in documenting events of the investigation. (I personally use a really cute and tiny Sony one.)
Digital thermometer: Temperature changes (especially dramatic cooling) can be associated with paranormal activity. Digital thermometers help monitor such changes, and can help identify “cold spots” associated with manifestations. Besides being easier to read than traditional mercury thermometers, digital ones are more accurate. This is on my wish list…
EMF meter: This, too, is on my wish list. EMF meters measure Electromagnetic Frequency. A high EMF reading can be associated with paranormal activity, or more natural causes like power lines or electrical equipment. By finding a location’s “baseline” reading, it’s easier to find potentially natural causes, or watch for possibly paranormal spikes.
Thermal camcorder: Besides the really cool tie-dye-looking effect, these ultra-spiffy cameras capture temperature changes visually. These make it easy to see cold spots, because different temperatures register as different colors on the screen. These can be super-expensive, but I would totally buy one if I weren’t a poor college kid.
These are just some bare-bones pieces of equipment, but are commonly used in paranormal investigations. You may already have some of these things lying around, so preparing for an investigation really isn’t all that difficult! Happy hunting!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Terminology
Spring break is around the corner, and to be honest, I hope to squeeze in some ghost hunting adventures. You may be wondering just what it is that a ghost hunter (or paranormal investigator, for professionalism’s sake) is really looking for or may accidentally find.
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Ghost Hunters, you probably have a good feel for some paranormal jargon, but here’s a brief intro into some common paranormal terms. Visit The Atlantic Paranormal Society for some more glossary terms, tips, and other information.
Anomaly: Occurrence or condition outside of normal experience. Basically, lots of experiences out in the field can’t be completely understood as fully normal or paranormal. Things like unexplained smells, touches, or feelings while in the field are anomalies.
Apparition: Manifestation of some quasi-physical entity. Though commonly reported, apparitions are tricky to catch on camera. So, capturing one on film is like the Holy Grail of paranormal investigation. But be wary of photos/videos claiming to feature an apparition: due to the relative ease of tampering with video and digital evidence, hoaxes are abundant.
Debunking: Dismissing or explaining a so-called paranormal event or experience as something normal or at least physically explainable.
Entity: Disembodied “consciousness” which may be referred to as a ghost, presence, apparition, or even demon (if obviously resentful or malicious).
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon): Disembodied “voices” or other sounds imprinted on recording equipment. EVPs can be captured on tape recorders, but for less static and clearer sound, a digital recorder is an investigator’s best friend. EVPs are relatively hard to find, and take a lot of patience in order to sift through possibly hours of silence.
Floating Orb: Usually a whitish or even bluish spherical image that appears inexplicably on film or other photographic equipment. Again, be wary of “orb evidence,” as it’s easy for amateurs to mistake things like dust particles or even bugs that happen to show up in photos as orbs. If you find an “orb” in one of your own photos, is it perfectly round, and quite crisp-looking? Congratulations, you probably caught a dust speck on film. If it’s a little uneven, mist-like, or a tad smeary-looking, you may have a legitimate orb.
Haunting: Ghostly presence or manifestation attached to a specific place or person. Hauntings are divided into four basic types--Intelligent, Poltergeist, Residual, and Demonic. (For more explanation of the distinctions between these hauntings, TAPS and ProofParanormal have great information!)
Materialization: A ghost or apparition forming visually. (This is something I haven't experienced, but would love to!)
Matrixing: Natural human tendency for the mind to "fill in the blanks" or interpret visual, audio, or other sensory information as familiar. Matrixing could be responsible for less-than-stellar paranormal "evidence" like people seeing images of a face or something in a random picture, or for seeing faces (other than their own) in mirrors.
So, this is by no means an exhaustive list or anything, just some of the terms I personally find interesting. Learning about these terms can help you understand what's easily misconstrued as paranormal, and help you appreciate the occurrences that may very well be paranormal. As an investigator, the key is to know what is considered good, legitimate evidence, and what is easily debunked.
I encourage you to get out there and dive into the world of paranormal research, even if you just start out surfing the web for famous cases or definitions. Have fun, and happy hunting!
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Ghost Hunters, you probably have a good feel for some paranormal jargon, but here’s a brief intro into some common paranormal terms. Visit The Atlantic Paranormal Society for some more glossary terms, tips, and other information.
Anomaly: Occurrence or condition outside of normal experience. Basically, lots of experiences out in the field can’t be completely understood as fully normal or paranormal. Things like unexplained smells, touches, or feelings while in the field are anomalies.
Apparition: Manifestation of some quasi-physical entity. Though commonly reported, apparitions are tricky to catch on camera. So, capturing one on film is like the Holy Grail of paranormal investigation. But be wary of photos/videos claiming to feature an apparition: due to the relative ease of tampering with video and digital evidence, hoaxes are abundant.
Debunking: Dismissing or explaining a so-called paranormal event or experience as something normal or at least physically explainable.
Entity: Disembodied “consciousness” which may be referred to as a ghost, presence, apparition, or even demon (if obviously resentful or malicious).
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon): Disembodied “voices” or other sounds imprinted on recording equipment. EVPs can be captured on tape recorders, but for less static and clearer sound, a digital recorder is an investigator’s best friend. EVPs are relatively hard to find, and take a lot of patience in order to sift through possibly hours of silence.
Floating Orb: Usually a whitish or even bluish spherical image that appears inexplicably on film or other photographic equipment. Again, be wary of “orb evidence,” as it’s easy for amateurs to mistake things like dust particles or even bugs that happen to show up in photos as orbs. If you find an “orb” in one of your own photos, is it perfectly round, and quite crisp-looking? Congratulations, you probably caught a dust speck on film. If it’s a little uneven, mist-like, or a tad smeary-looking, you may have a legitimate orb.
Haunting: Ghostly presence or manifestation attached to a specific place or person. Hauntings are divided into four basic types--Intelligent, Poltergeist, Residual, and Demonic. (For more explanation of the distinctions between these hauntings, TAPS and ProofParanormal have great information!)
Materialization: A ghost or apparition forming visually. (This is something I haven't experienced, but would love to!)
Matrixing: Natural human tendency for the mind to "fill in the blanks" or interpret visual, audio, or other sensory information as familiar. Matrixing could be responsible for less-than-stellar paranormal "evidence" like people seeing images of a face or something in a random picture, or for seeing faces (other than their own) in mirrors.
So, this is by no means an exhaustive list or anything, just some of the terms I personally find interesting. Learning about these terms can help you understand what's easily misconstrued as paranormal, and help you appreciate the occurrences that may very well be paranormal. As an investigator, the key is to know what is considered good, legitimate evidence, and what is easily debunked.
I encourage you to get out there and dive into the world of paranormal research, even if you just start out surfing the web for famous cases or definitions. Have fun, and happy hunting!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Springfield Haunts
It's really not all that surprising that a town that's been around since 1838 may have a few haunted spots. So, as promised, here is a quick rundown of some said-to-be-haunted Springfield, MO locales:
Landers Theater - Springfield Little Theater: Built in 1909 on Walnut Street, this historic theater is known as one of the most haunted spots in Springfield. Some say that there are over 100 spirits roaming about, including that of a janitor who died in an early twentieth-century fire. The janitor is often seen pacing on the balcony. Rumor has it that a baby was accidentally dropped from an upper balcony, and actors occasionally see the ghost of the baby.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield: Some visitors say they've seen apparitions of Confederate soldiers while visiting the battlefield, which was the site of a bloody Civil War battle in 1861, Also, some claim to hear noises like cannons and guns, or what sounds like soldiers walking and talking in the woods.
University Plaza Hotel: The spot at 333 South John Q. Hammons Parkway where University Plaza now stands was once part of a large plantation owned by a decorated Civil War hero. University Plaza employees sometimes see an older man dressed in black roaming the hallways, and believe he may be the owner of the plantation. "The Colonel," as the man in black is called, is often seen roaming the ballroom and back hallways in the hours between midnight and 4 a.m.
Phelps Grove Park bridge: Just off of National on Bennett, at the third bridge in the park, the apparition of a woman in a white wedding dress is sometimes seen. Called "the bride under the bridge," she's thought to be the ghost of a woman who was killed on her wedding day.
Here are some links to the websites of a few of these locations. Happy ghost hunting!
landerstheatre.org
wilsonscreek.com
upspringfield.com
Landers Theater - Springfield Little Theater: Built in 1909 on Walnut Street, this historic theater is known as one of the most haunted spots in Springfield. Some say that there are over 100 spirits roaming about, including that of a janitor who died in an early twentieth-century fire. The janitor is often seen pacing on the balcony. Rumor has it that a baby was accidentally dropped from an upper balcony, and actors occasionally see the ghost of the baby.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield: Some visitors say they've seen apparitions of Confederate soldiers while visiting the battlefield, which was the site of a bloody Civil War battle in 1861, Also, some claim to hear noises like cannons and guns, or what sounds like soldiers walking and talking in the woods.
University Plaza Hotel: The spot at 333 South John Q. Hammons Parkway where University Plaza now stands was once part of a large plantation owned by a decorated Civil War hero. University Plaza employees sometimes see an older man dressed in black roaming the hallways, and believe he may be the owner of the plantation. "The Colonel," as the man in black is called, is often seen roaming the ballroom and back hallways in the hours between midnight and 4 a.m.
Phelps Grove Park bridge: Just off of National on Bennett, at the third bridge in the park, the apparition of a woman in a white wedding dress is sometimes seen. Called "the bride under the bridge," she's thought to be the ghost of a woman who was killed on her wedding day.
Here are some links to the websites of a few of these locations. Happy ghost hunting!
landerstheatre.org
wilsonscreek.com
upspringfield.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Haunting: Drury Edition
Dorky as it may sound, when I was checking into colleges a few years ago, "haunted" surroundings ranked right up there with a great academic program and community atmosphere. Lucky for me, Drury's campus--and Springfield in general--is crawling with alleged hauntings. So, I'm going to give a brief rundown of spooky places: a Who's Who of Hauntings, if you will.
Today, I'll focus on campus hauntings because, let's face it, most of my time is spent on Drury's campus. After hearing the tales attached to certain buildings, and experiencing those places for myself, I've gotten a good feel for what's considered haunted around here.
First of all, there is Wallace Hall, one of three residence halls. It's also the oldest one, dating back to 1925. There are stories of the basement being haunted, possibly by a girl who committed suicide down there. The basement is, in fact, quite creepy. But haunted? Maybe, maybe not. Then again, I never lived in Wallace. My heart goes out to all those residents who have to pump quarters into the basement's washing machines, though.
Next, there is Smith Hall, another residence hall, and the one I lived in when I first came to DU. As the story goes, the hall sits where some Victorian homes used to stand. Years ago, one of the houses burned to the ground, and a small girl was killed in the fire. Legend has it that she might have lived if she hadn't remained in the home to try to find her beloved teddy bear. During my time in Smith, some girls who lived in the west wing of the second floor constantly had trouble with their teddy bears ending up in different places around the room, and their unplugged radios turning on by themselves. Maybe the little girl is still roaming around....
Sunderland field, now home to lacrosse games and frisbee tossing, is supposedly built upon a sacred Native American burial ground. Personally, the creepiest thing I've seen on the field is mid-winter sunbathers.
Clara Thompson Hall, home to campus and community musical performances, as well as Convocation series, is rumored to be inhabited by a ghost who likes to play the piano. No one seems to know who the ghost might be, but shadow-like apparitions are said to be seen, and doors seem to close on their own sometimes.
Wilhoit Theater, in the Breech building, is said to be home to a spirit named "Bob." Flickering lights are sometimes noticed. Strangely enough, the theater is named for Bob Wilhoit....
Hopefully, this gives you a little more information about another side of Drury's campus. If possible, I hope to add to this list.
Join me next week for the stories behind some off-campus haunts!
Today, I'll focus on campus hauntings because, let's face it, most of my time is spent on Drury's campus. After hearing the tales attached to certain buildings, and experiencing those places for myself, I've gotten a good feel for what's considered haunted around here.
First of all, there is Wallace Hall, one of three residence halls. It's also the oldest one, dating back to 1925. There are stories of the basement being haunted, possibly by a girl who committed suicide down there. The basement is, in fact, quite creepy. But haunted? Maybe, maybe not. Then again, I never lived in Wallace. My heart goes out to all those residents who have to pump quarters into the basement's washing machines, though.
Next, there is Smith Hall, another residence hall, and the one I lived in when I first came to DU. As the story goes, the hall sits where some Victorian homes used to stand. Years ago, one of the houses burned to the ground, and a small girl was killed in the fire. Legend has it that she might have lived if she hadn't remained in the home to try to find her beloved teddy bear. During my time in Smith, some girls who lived in the west wing of the second floor constantly had trouble with their teddy bears ending up in different places around the room, and their unplugged radios turning on by themselves. Maybe the little girl is still roaming around....
Sunderland field, now home to lacrosse games and frisbee tossing, is supposedly built upon a sacred Native American burial ground. Personally, the creepiest thing I've seen on the field is mid-winter sunbathers.
Clara Thompson Hall, home to campus and community musical performances, as well as Convocation series, is rumored to be inhabited by a ghost who likes to play the piano. No one seems to know who the ghost might be, but shadow-like apparitions are said to be seen, and doors seem to close on their own sometimes.
Wilhoit Theater, in the Breech building, is said to be home to a spirit named "Bob." Flickering lights are sometimes noticed. Strangely enough, the theater is named for Bob Wilhoit....
Hopefully, this gives you a little more information about another side of Drury's campus. If possible, I hope to add to this list.
Join me next week for the stories behind some off-campus haunts!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hello
My name is Millie and I'm a Writing/English major at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. I've always been interested in anything paranormal: ghosts, hauntings, UFO stories....you name it. Some people find that kind of stuff creepy, but I love learning about it. My favorite TV shows are the ones on the History Channel or Sci-Fi that deal with unexplained things. I also love visiting places that are rumored to be haunted, and researching the stories behind them. Over the next several weeks, I'll be giving some info about local haunts and hopefully also doing some investigations.
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