Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 06 No 3 - 1987 10

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: VOL. 6 NO. 3
Date: OCTOBER 1987
Publisher: GHOST RESEARCH SOCIETY
Location: Oak Lawn, IL, USA

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter presents a collection of paranormal accounts, with a particular focus on hauntings and personal psychic experiences. The cover features a Halloween theme with pumpkins and the message "HAPPY HALLOWEEN."

Editors Page

The editor welcomes readers to the new, slimmer format of the newsletter, explaining that printing on both sides of the paper has been implemented to keep costs down and avoid raising subscription rates. While the issue may appear smaller, the amount of material remains the same. The editor thanks various individuals for their contributions, including those who provided clippings, strange/psychic photographs, and articles/stories. Special thanks are given to Tom Perrott for his book collections. The editor also introduces the first three contributing members: Joyce Hall, Rosalie Pavon, and Jon Mullin, who will receive a newspaper clipping service. An invitation is extended for readers to become more actively involved with the GRS in various roles such as State Coordinator, Field Investigator, or Area Research Director. The newsletter is also seeking artists to design future covers, offering recognition and a free issue to selected artists. The deadline for a contest for a GRS motto or catchy phrase has been extended to the next issue.

GHOST RESEARCH SOCIETY Updates

The editor shares personal updates, including interviews on WALE-AM radio and articles in "Friends of Chevrolet Magazine" and "Inside Chicago." Several lectures are scheduled around Chicago and at the Westmont Public Library. A talk on Spirit Photography is planned for "Fortfest," sponsored by the International Fortean Organization, which will also feature UFO expert John Keel and a bus tour of haunted Washington, D.C. The Fortfest is scheduled for October 10-11, 1987. The society has gained 7 new members and received 10 renewals. The editor also mentions attending three lectures/events: the Mind Center in Skokie, Illinois; the 24th Annual UFO Conference in Burbank, California; and the 3rd AA-EVP Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. During these travels, the editor met notable figures in the field, including John Keel, Brad Steiger, Martin Ebon, Joseph Jockman, Eric Moseley, Hal Starr, Stanton Freidman, and William Moore, author of "The Roswell Incident." A visit to the Winchester Mystery House in California and a workshop/field trip to the Edgar Allan Poe house, Winchester Church, and catacombs in Baltimore are also mentioned. Infrared photographs taken during the Baltimore trip revealed large areas of white, potentially indicating energy or spirits invisible to the naked eye, which will be further analyzed.

"Fortean Times" Newsletter

The newsletter "Fortean Times," published by Robert J.M. Rickard, is reviewed. It is described as a quarterly publication packed with strange, unusual, and Fortean phenomena, costing $12 for 4 issues and $24 for 8 issues. Subscriptions can be sent to Fortean Times, 96 Mansfield Rd., London, NW3 2HX, England.

Excursion Into The Unknown

Information is provided about "The Excursion Into The Unknown" tours, which will include a buffet-style dinner at a locally haunted restaurant on October 30th & 31st. Forms for reservation are included with the newsletter.

SOME CLASSICAL BRITISH HAUNTINGS

By Tom Perrott

This article explores various haunted locations in Great Britain, suggesting that the country possesses more haunted sites per square acre than any other. The author posits that this is due to the inhabitants' pride in their heritage, with many stories dating back to antiquity. While well-known sites like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle are acknowledged, the article focuses on less famous locations.

Melrose Abbey: Located in the Border country between England and Scotland, the ruins of Melrose Abbey are associated with feelings of cold and unease near the tomb of Michael Scott. The ghost of a monk, described as slithering along the ground, is also reported.

Levens Hall: This Elizabethan mansion in Cumbria is said to be haunted by various phantoms, including a Lady in grey, a Lady in pink, a Black Dog, a phantom Coachman with a female passenger, and a gypsy girl.

Rochford Town Hall Office: A recent report in "Psychic News" details the ghost of an old man dressed in dark suit, with a beard and long moustache. Previously, a BBC employee's wife reported seeing the ghost, and workmen had seen a cloaked figure. It's believed an elderly man died on the premises.

New Ship Inn, Rochford: Around 1950, a former landlady and her husband reported hearing strange footsteps and encountering soft resistance in their bathroom.

Castle House, Buckingham: This building was believed to be haunted by a Jesuit priest who ministered to Katherine of Aragon. In 1908, a Priest's Hole was discovered above the entrance to the Great Parlour, containing a skeleton.

Thorpe Hall: A stately mansion near Louth, Lincolnshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a beautiful Spanish girl in a green dress, who committed suicide after falling in love with a married owner in 1596.

The author acknowledges that many alleged phantoms might be explained by natural phenomena like thermal currents or "rats in the wainscot." However, he argues that these stories represent folk memories and should not be dismissed by psychical researchers.

Submitted by: Tom Perrott, 93 The Avenue, Muswell Hill, London, N10 2QG, United Kingdom.

GHOSTS OF FELLS POINT!

Researched By Mystic Press

Fells Point is described as an area rich in history, culture, and waterfront activities, but also known for mysterious deaths and unusual occurrences, including a vibrant spirit world. Residents and visitors often encounter phenomena that make them question their senses.

The Tower Building: On the corner of Broadway and Eastern, a building with a tower is noted for a pale yellow light seen in its windows on chilly nights. A tall, dark figure carrying a candle is said to move between windows, appearing to watch for enemy invasions, reminiscent of its use as a lookout post during the Revolutionary War. The ghost is described with a pig-tail, a historical hairstyle.

Shakespeare Street: A large stone on Shakespeare Street off Broadway, marked with the names of the Fell family, is believed to be their graveyard. Reports mention a man dressed in 1700-1800s attire seen walking the waterfront and streets, surveying the area as if guarding his property.

Haunted Houses: Numerous stories of ghosts and supernatural occurrences within Fells Point are shared. One account describes a friend finding a dusty attic with old furniture, a child's items, and a skeleton in a small bed, accompanied by the sound of a child crying at night. Another account details the discovery of two skeletons dressed in old clothing when replacing floorboards in a house, followed by eerie scratching sounds from under the boards. A house in the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, which remains unoccupied, is reported to have a vision that would appear at night, ask "Why are you in my house?", and then vanish after being confronted.

The Whistling Oyster Tavern: Located at 807 S. Broadway, this tavern is reported to have ghosts, including two white men and a black man, who have been seen by the owner and customers.

Vacant Building and Pier: Off Thames and Bond, a large vacant building and pier are associated with reported voices and the sighting of a woman dressed in late 1700s attire on misty nights. Sounds of men and ships' sails have also been heard, along with faint images of people and ships.

USS Constellation: Although not in Fells Point, the USS Constellation in the Inner Harbor is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former crew. Strange creaking sounds, mens' voices, and the flapping of canvas are reported, and it is said that no one dares to sleep aboard the ship at night.

Apparition of a Brother: A young Englishwoman in India reported seeing her brother, an airman, standing in her room on March 19, 1917. She later learned that her brother's plane had been shot down in France on that exact date.

Ghostly Warnings: The article notes that apparitions sometimes deliver warnings. One case describes a spirit appearing at a hospital window to indicate "no" to a survivor of a plane crash, preventing him from going to a tavern that subsequently caught fire, leading to the survivor's death.

Conclusion: The article concludes that while ghost stories are difficult to validate, ghosts do in fact exist.

Submitted by: John Kurluk, c/o Mystic Press, PO Box 6186, Baltimore, Md. 21231.

MY INVISIBLE PARTNER

By Rev. Maria D'Andrea

Reverend Maria D'Andrea discusses the tangible energy of spirits and their ability to assist humans. She recounts a case where a spirit helped detectives solve a murder by providing visual information of the crime scene, including the location (New York City bar) and the perpetrators' escape in a blue van to Kentucky. The spirit's presence and energy helped authorities apprehend the three individuals involved.

The author emphasizes that spirits try to communicate through energy and presence, and individuals have the free will to choose whether to engage with them. She advises asking spirits if they are positive and commanding negative ones to leave. The article concludes by stating that all beings are made of energy and can help one another on various levels.

Submitted by: Rev. Maria D'Andrea, PO Box 7365, Freeport, NY. 11520. Information on psychic development and health workshops is available.

A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER

By June Francis

June Francis recounts her encounters with the spirit of her deceased husband, who was killed in a motorcycle accident. The night after his death, she awoke to find his figure standing by her bed, appearing solid and perplexed. He vanished after peering at her. Several days later, she felt his presence and a feeling of joy in the living room. He appeared again later, looking lifelike and concerned.

Francis also describes a strange coincidence: she had a feeling her car was wrong, and upon receiving a bill, it was for a "Mr. Francis on Heather Road" for a carburetor, not the steering wheel issue she had. She wonders if her husband was trying to confirm her experiences or alert her to the car problem.

She notes her own calmness during these encounters, suggesting an altered state of mind might have made her more open. A subsequent, less striking occurrence involved feeling the couch depress as if someone sat down while she was watching a scary movie.

Submitted by: June Francis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter strongly emphasizes the reality and impact of paranormal phenomena, particularly hauntings and spirit communication. The articles present a range of experiences, from historical hauntings in Britain and local legends in Fells Point to personal encounters with spirits and deceased loved ones. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a belief in the existence of ghosts and spirits, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of evidence. The newsletter actively encourages reader participation and engagement with the Ghost Research Society, positioning itself as a platform for sharing and exploring the unexplained.

This issue of The Path of Roodmas, identified as issue number 10, focuses on paranormal experiences, ghost stories, and occult interests. The cover prominently features "THE PATH OF ROODMAS" with a tagline encouraging readers to "Take the first step on your Journey to the Universe." The price for an introductory book and sample newsletter is $1.00.

Personal Accounts of the Paranormal

The issue begins with a personal account from June Francis of Roslyn, Pennsylvania, a member of GRS. She describes several unusual experiences, including a cat that disappeared and reappeared, a disembodied voice saying "I love you," and a sensation of passing through an energy field that felt warm and tingly. She also recounts an incident where she lost control of a wheelbarrow, and the rocks spread in a perfect circle around her, leaving her unhurt. Francis notes that she has not had any recent sightings since her husband passed away 10 years prior, but believes in eventual reunion on another plane of reality.

The Haunted Bookstore: Old Mill Haunted by Young Woman

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the legend of Anna Currier, a young woman said to haunt Watson's Mill in Manotick, Ontario, Canada. The article, submitted by the Canadian Press on March 9, 1985, details the mill's history, built in 1860 by Joseph Merrill Currier and Moss Kent Dickinson. Anna Crosby married Joseph Merrill Currier about a year after the mill opened. Tragically, during a tour of the mill on their first anniversary, Anna's skirt was caught by a spinning shaft, leading to her death. Patricia Shotton, a heritage technician for the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, confirms that visitors are often interested in the ghost story, with some children even asking about bloodstains.

Occult Interests Bother Princess Diana

Another article, dated January 9, 1985, from the Toronto Canadian Press, discusses Prince Charles's alleged interest in the occult. According to British gossip columnist Nigel Dempster, Charles is involved in astral projection, seances, and spiritualism, and has reportedly tried to communicate with his late uncle, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, through Ouija boards and seances. Dempster suggests that Charles has become a believer after experiencing "a vision" and has become a vegetarian, virtually quitting hunting. Princess Diana is quoted as being worried and believing Charles has "gone a little potty (nuts)". The article also mentions Canada's former prime minister Mackenzie King, who reportedly saw visions and communicated with the dead.

Opinion Polls and Reader Feedback

The "Opinion Polls" section features feedback from readers. Susan Zabel of Groton, Connecticut, suggests readers submit personal encounters with spirits. Debra Munn of Powell, Wyoming, calls for better editing and clearer grammar. Jon Mullin of Dallas, Texas, praises the newsletter but suggests focusing more exclusively on ghosts, reflecting an objective viewpoint, and including more 'how to' articles. Ron White of Suwanee, Georgia, requests articles on how to be a ghost hunter, including research methods, communication techniques, and whether it's a viable career. He also urges the newsletter to expand its coverage beyond the Chicagoland area to include stories from around the country and abroad, and to include a section on parapsychological educational centers.

Editors' Notes and Future Content

The editors acknowledge the reader feedback and state their intention to include "how to" articles in future issues, covering topics like Spirit Photography, Ghost Researching, and choosing a psychic/medium. They also request members to submit their own articles and "how to" columns. Research data collection will include past history of residence, medical background, patterns of events, and witness accounts, all to be entered into a computer. The editors encourage spirits to move on through trance-mediums or clairvoyants but do not suggest they go "to the light," as they believe they also appear as lights to spirits. They emphasize the benefit of working in teams for ghost hunting, noting that it can eventually become a full-time career but is currently more of a hobby due to insufficient income. The newsletter also features directories of parapsychological organizations, occult publications, astrology, witchcraft, UFOs, and a Psychic Directory. The publication has expanded its reach by including contributors from England and Canada.

Book Reviews

Dale Kaczmarek, President, provides reviews for two books:

• Amazing Discoveries of Physical & Spiritual Life After Death by Rod Edwards: Rated 2 out of 10. Kaczmarek finds that only 20 out of 143 pages are devoted to spirit photography, with most photos being attributed to light reflections or poor film processing. The rest of the book focuses on Edwards's personal life and mystical experiences. Kaczmarek does not recommend it.
• The Ghostly Register by Arthur Myers: Rated 9 out of 10. This is described as an excellent state-by-state guide to haunted locations, including descriptions, history, identity of ghosts, witnesses, and best times to visit. It also includes a section on "Need Help With Your Ghost?" listing individuals and organizations to contact. Kaczmarek highly recommends it for researchers and travelers.

Classifieds

The classified section offers a variety of services and publications:

• Free newsletter and used book list from Antony Egan.
• Publications from BAKER STREET PUBLICATIONS, including The Vampire Journal and Haunted Journal.
• AMERICAN FORUM, a reader-written newsletter, and GHOSTBUSTERS magazine.
• NEW METAPHYSICAL MAGAZINE, featuring articles on crystals, herbs, Wicce, past-life regression, and Tarot.
• Services from MILTON KRAMER, an E.S.P. expert, predictor, and advisor.
• MARFA MYSTERY LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS available from James Crocker.
• MINI EXAMINER for biorhythm character analysis from Irene Stephenson.
• METAPHYSICS OF HEALTH AND HEALING manuscript from Dr. B. Palacio.
• PSYCHIC/OCCULT Friendship Club with a free monthly newsletter.
• Information from ANCIENT TRUTH REVEALED.
• THE META REPORT, a New Age newsletter.
• VAMPIRE ESOTERIC ENCOUNTERS, an introduction service.
• Donations for Felix the fire dog-hero.
• RUNES, hand-carved characters from ANNWYN TRADESMAN.
• SOURCEFINDER newsletter featuring resources, books, articles, and reviews.

A Hero is Buried There!

This section tells the story of FELIX, a ladder-climbing Fire Dog who was buried in a forest preserve in New York. Felix was known for never missing a fire call and saving lives. A sculptor, Michael Froding, is working on a statue of Felix, and contributions are being requested for the FELIX MEMORIAL FUND.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are paranormal experiences, ghost lore, and occult interests. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of personal accounts. The publication aims to provide information and resources for those interested in the supernatural and metaphysical, while also maintaining a practical approach to research and investigation. There is a clear emphasis on personal experiences and the exploration of spiritual and psychic phenomena.