Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 08 No 1 - 1989 02

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Volume: 8
Issue: 1
Date: February 1989
Publisher: GRS (Ghost Research Society)

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, dated February 1989, is the first issue of Volume 8. It features a variety of articles on paranormal phenomena, including hauntings, psychic experiences, and astral projection. The cover is a black and white illustration with the title prominently displayed, along with the volume, issue, and date.

Editors Page

The editors page opens with holiday greetings and a wish to maintain the holiday spirit. The editor expresses gratitude to numerous individuals for their contributions, including psychic photographs, clippings, and Christmas cards. Special thanks are given for donations. The editor highlights the success of the 'Excursions Into The Unknown' tours, noting that many participants had direct experiences. A specific instance at Hull House is mentioned, where a photograph captured a strange bluish mist on the interior staircase, which was not visible to the naked eye. The editor also announces plans for a two-week tour of haunted England in late September, covering London and the South and West Country.

Ghost Research Society News

This section announces upcoming psychic fairs scheduled for April 1st ('Springfest') and September 30th, 1989, both to be held at the North Riverside VFW Hall in North Riverside, USA. These events will feature readings, mini-lectures, book tables, and opportunities to meet interesting people. Information is provided to contact Martin Riccardo for further details. There is also a mention of a potential Fortean lecture conference, also sponsored by Mr. Riccardo, though details are tentative. The society has welcomed five new members and received renewals from fourteen existing members. New contributing members include Genna Dillworth and Shirley Flamm, while Phyllis Butcher and Antony Egan are new sustaining members. Contributing members receive a free newsclipping service. The newsletter also highlights 'Oddysey', the official newsletter of ParaNet Alpha, a BBS for computer enthusiasts, noting its Premier edition released in December 1988 contained articles on ghosts, the Shroud, UFOs, debunking, and an interview with Philip Klass. Contact information for ParaNet Alpha is provided. The section concludes with a positive quote from Tom Crowe of Chicago about a tour experience, specifically mentioning a cold spot at 'That Steak Joynt'.

Halloween at The Grenadier

This article, written by Tom Perrott, details the history and reported hauntings of 'The Grenadier' pub in London. The pub, originally called 'The Guardsman', was built about 170 years ago and was frequented by King George IV. It served as an Officers' Mess during the Napoleonic Wars. A key incident involved a young subaltern accused of cheating during a card game, who was beaten and died in the cellar. Since then, manifestations have occurred, peaking around the anniversary of his death. These include strange shadows, a customer reporting seeing a soldier in period costume, and a former licensee's son witnessing a dark shape on the landing. A later customer saw a figure on the stairway. The article also mentions a landlord, Geoffrey Bernerd, who experienced strange knockings, moved objects, and lights turning on and off. A retired Chief Superintendent from Scotland Yard reported seeing a figure and smelling cigarette smoke. A barman, Fred Westwood, recounted being struck on the head by a military busby and incidents of beer supplies being cut off and bottles smashing. A cellarman claimed to have been grabbed by an unseen hand. The cellar is noted for containing the remains of a secret passage connecting to Apsley House. The article describes a radio broadcast investigation at The Grenadier on Halloween night, involving a producer, a physicist, and two mediums. The mediums detected strong psychic activity in the bathroom and experienced pain in the cellar, which the author infers might be related to the historical account of the young officer's head wounds. The article emphasizes the importance of looking for natural solutions in investigations before concluding paranormal activity. The author also reflects on investigating cases for lonely old ladies, suggesting their experiences might stem from fertile imaginations and mental anguish.

Ghost Haunts Witch Museum

Written by Bob Barraco, this article investigates claims about hauntings at the Witch Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The author addresses an article from 'The Sun' that described a visitor's terrifying experiences, including eerie howling and objects flying through the air, attributing them to spirits of those burned at the stake. Barraco states that 90% of the article is embellishment, but confirms the Witch Museum is haunted. The building was originally a church built in 1844, later damaged by fires, and rebuilt to house the Salem Witch Museum in 1972. The museum features a dramatization of the 1600s witch trials. The haunting primarily occurs in a room that was once a library. Former employees reported sightings of a black cloaked apparition moving silently and disappearing through the door, and also seen lurking near the mannequins. The author clarifies that no one was burned at the stake as witches; instead, a man was crushed to death by stones for confessing to witchcraft.

Journey to Another Plane

This article by Rev. Maria D'Andrea explores the concept of astral projection. It defines astral projection as the experience of having two bodies: an ethereal (astral) body and a physical body, with the astral body being the true self. The two are connected by an endless silver cord. The article explains that astral projection can be a conscious or unconscious effort, often occurring during trauma or sudden death. For conscious projection, it advises finding a comfortable position, relaxing progressively, and visualizing a destination. Sensations of being pulled or rising are described. The author warns against stopping to look at spirits encountered during projection, as it can be dangerous and lead to disorientation. The astral plane is described as a real place where clairvoyants and occultists work, and where the Akashic records are found. The article stresses that if one gets scared, they will automatically return to their physical body. It concludes by stating that astral projection can be controlled and is a controversial topic, encouraging those interested to explore it further through books and libraries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the paranormal, with a focus on hauntings and spectral encounters in specific locations like 'The Grenadier' pub and the 'Salem Witch Museum'. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, encouraging a search for natural explanations before resorting to paranormal conclusions, as highlighted in the article on 'The Grenadier'. There is also an interest in psychic phenomena and altered states of consciousness, as evidenced by the article on astral projection. The newsletter serves as a platform for sharing personal experiences, reporting on investigations, and disseminating information about paranormal events and related societies.

Title: THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP
Issue Date: February 20th, 1987
Content Focus: Paranormal phenomena, ghost stories, and book reviews.

Articles

Priest Prays to Calm Oxford "Ghosts"

This article reports on ghostly experiences at Magdalen College in Oxford, England, which has a reputation for being haunted. Since an archaeological dig began six months prior in the foundations of the 13th Century Hospital of St. John the Baptist, numerous strange occurrences have been reported. Rev. Jeffrey John, Anglican Dean of Divinity at Magdalen, performed a blessing to calm the presences. Students have reported seeing figures, feeling ghostly presences, hearing footsteps, and singing from empty rooms. Cartriona Oliphant, a language student, described feeling a strong physical presence leaning over her and sensing other figures whispering before the phenomena stopped. Edward Shaw and Mark Aldwinkle reported seeing a darkly clad figure crawling across the carpet. Paul Sinclair heard singing, loud footsteps, and furniture being moved from the room above. Ian Burrow, director of the Oxford Archeological Unit, stated that no burials were found, but usual items like pottery, belt buckles, and a piece of dagger were discovered.

Vampire Link Baffles Cops

This news brief from July 8th, 1987, in Newport News, Virginia, details a man who vanished in June 1987, leaving behind a blood-spattered apartment littered with human organs. The case is linked to a rare disease associated with the centuries-old myth of the vampire. Police are investigating whether Charles William Brownell was a victim or perpetrator. An investigator noted the case "changes by the day." Brownell reportedly suffered from porphyria, a disease affecting heme production, which has been linked to the vampire myth by biochemist David Dolphin.

"Vampire" Rumors Spook Kids

This report from March 2nd, 1988, in Panama City, Florida, describes how a girl's suicide note, vowing to return to school as a vampire, caused nearly 225 students to stay home from Everitt Middle School. Principal David Creel attempted to reassure students, but about a quarter of the school's 900 students were absent. Creel suggested some students used it as an excuse to stay home.

Sights, Sounds Haunt Edgar Sites

Written by Terry A. Green, this article explores local hauntings in Edgar County, Illinois. Lee Hamilton, director of the Edgar County Historical Society, recalls two strange stories. The first, from 1905, involved a house where an 11-year-old girl died after being struck by lightning. After the family moved, people reported seeing strange lights moving within the house, which Hamilton attributes to reflections rather than ghosts. The second story concerns the Thompson house, which burned down. Hamilton recounts stories of a ghostly woman, believed to be Sarah Hanks (Abraham Lincoln's aunt), haunting the area. He also shares an anecdote about his father and a friend seeking refuge in the house during a storm and being told a legend of someone walking the house at night.

Opinion Polls

This section features letters from readers commenting on the magazine's content.

• George Hansen of Cranbury, New Jersey, suggests listing and citing more journals, books, and magazines, and questions the purpose and effectiveness of "Ghost Trackers Newsletter" compared to other periodicals. He also asks about the ad rate.
• Susan Vannieuwenhaven of Green Bay, Wisconsin, suggests including more pictures and artwork to increase reader interest.
• Glen Leininger of Mason City, Illinois, appreciates ghost stories, particularly those from 75-100 years ago, and believes many untold stories exist.
• Dr. Michael Denis Michaelson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, praises the newsletter but warns about the dangers of the Jack and Janet Smurl case, stating that the Amityville Horror was a hoax and the Warrens were exposed as frauds, advising readers to "Let the buyer beware!"

Book Reviews

What You Should Know About Ghosts - But Were Afraid To Ask by Norma Edwards

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is criticized for the constant repetition of the name F. R. "Nick" Nocerino. The reviewer disagrees with the author's belief that there are no negative spirits, citing personal experience investigating negative or Demonic spirits. The reviewer also advises against using the Ouija board and participating in uncontrolled seances, emphasizing the need for professional guidance. While finding the book well-written and having faith in Nocerino's work, the reviewer rates it 5 out of 10.

Ghosts Of The Rich And Famous by Arthur Myers

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is considered a disappointment compared to Myers' previous work, "The Ghostly Register." The reviewer feels the book falls short of expectations, particularly in its inclusion of channelers and healers towards the end, making the title misleading. It is rated 3 out of 10.

Haunted England (Royal Spirits, Castle Ghosts, Phantom Coaches & Wailing Ghouls) by Terrence Whitaker

Reviewed by W. Ritchie Benedict, this book is praised for updating old sightings with new encounters from the 1960s and 1970s. It highlights the Grey Lady of Levens Hall and the phenomenon of phantom hitchhikers, including a story of an old lady seen in a London underground station and a chilling encounter on the A38 motorway. The review notes the book's detailed chapters on various types of hauntings, such as haunted castles and phantom nuns. It also discusses peculiar British phenomena like resident skulls and mentions the sounds of phantom armies heard by two women in England and Dunkirk, suggesting a possible electromagnetic disturbance. The reviewer finds the book to be well done, convincing, and a cut above average.

Classifieds

This section contains advertisements for various paranormal-related books, newsletters, and services:

• Excalibur Books: Offers out-of-print and unusual books on ghosts.
• PSYCHIC PRESS: A newspaper that entertains and teaches, also offering a Singles' Registry for the Metaphysically Minded.
• Antony Egan: Offers a free newsletter and list of used books on occult, metaphysical, and religious subjects.
• MARPA: Sells color photographs of the Marfa Mystery Lights.
• PSYCHIC/OCCULT Friendship Club: Offers a free monthly newsletter and information.
• Felix Memorial Fund: Accepting donations for a fire dog hero.
• PSYCHIC PATHWAYS: A bi-monthly newsletter for consumers interested in quality of life and knowledgeable topics.
• COSMIC NEWS: A New Age publication featuring the Metaphysical Ministry of William Alexander Oribello.
• Norma Edwards: Promotes her book "What You Should Know About Ghosts - But Were Afraid To Ask," detailing her experiences with a paranormal "occupied" house investigated by F.R. "Nick" Nocerino.
• Diamond Publishing Co.: Offers books including "The Vampire Journal," "Haunted Journal," and "The Collinsport Record."
• Baker Street Publications: Offers fanzines and other publications.
• TIME TRAVEL, Levitation, Invisibility Reports: Offers a catalog of related videos.
• Specialist Knowledge Services: Offers research, publications, literary & book marketing, and consultancy services.

Back Cover Advertisement

"IS DEATH A LIVING ENTITY?"

This advertisement promotes "THE BOOK OF AZRAEL: An Intimate Encounter with the Angel of Death" by Leilah Wendell from WESTGATE PRESS. It describes the book as a "true story" about an ancient spirit and a "divine dance macabre." It is available for prepublication order at $8.95 postpaid, with the first 500 copies signed by the author. Orders also receive a free copy of "THE BOOK OF INFINITE POSSIBILITIES."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are hauntings, ghost sightings, and paranormal experiences, with a particular focus on historical accounts and contemporary reports from various locations. The magazine also delves into the myth of vampires and related phenomena, as well as reviewing books on these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on paranormal claims and investigations, while also offering critical perspectives, particularly in the book reviews and opinion polls, where skepticism and warnings about potential hoaxes are present. The inclusion of classified ads and services further indicates a focus on engaging with a readership interested in the supernatural and occult.

This document is a single page from what appears to be a publication from the Center for Bigfoot Studies, dated 1988. The primary focus is the promotion and description of a book titled "Big Footnotes: A Comprehensive Bibliography Concerning Bigfoot, The Abominable Snowmen And Related Beings." The page includes a coupon for ordering the book.

"Big Footnotes" Book Promotion

The central theme is the introduction of "Big Footnotes," presented as a significant resource for anyone interested in Bigfoot and related phenomena. The text emphasizes that this is the first time such a comprehensive bibliographic compilation of references has been made available. The book is described as containing "thirteen chapters of methodically arranged entries" that are "international in scope."

The description highlights the exhaustive nature of the research within the book, covering references from books, magazines, journals, newspapers, bulletins, encyclopedias, television, radio, records, tapes, comics, and miscellaneous publications. It is positioned as an essential tool for researchers, with a place for notes and a backmatter section.

Expert Endorsements and Perspectives

The text includes quotes from notable figures in the field. Anthropologist Doctor Vladimir Markotic is cited for his view that the study of these beings is valid, even if they don't exist, because they are part of world folklore. He states, "It is not of cardinal importance if such beings exist or not, because even if they do not exist, they are part of folklore all around the world and, therefore, provide legitimate reason for study and examination."

Anthropologist Dr. Grover S. Krantz is also quoted, describing "Big Footnotes" as looking "very comprehensive and potentially useful for any serious scholar who is doing Big foot research." This endorsement underscores the academic value and utility of the book.

Questioning Established Facts

The article touches upon the nature of "facts" and how they can be challenged. It uses the example of the height of Mount Everest, noting how a previously accepted measurement was found to be incorrect upon re-examination, with K2 being taller. This serves as an analogy for how even "established facts" about cryptids might be subject to scrutiny and re-evaluation.

Ordering Information

A significant portion of the page is dedicated to a coupon for ordering "Big Footnotes." The book is priced at $14 per copy, with an additional $2 for postage and handling. California residents are subject to a 6% sales tax. The coupon requests the buyer's name, organization, address, and payment details, with checks or money orders to be made payable to the Center for Bigfoot Studies. The mailing address for orders is provided as: CENTER FOR BIGFOOT STUDIES, 10926 MILANO AVENUE, NORWALK, CA 90650. Delivery is estimated to take 6 to 8 weeks.

Copyright and Publication Details

The copyright notice indicates that the material is copyrighted in 1988 by the Center for Bigfoot Studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are cryptozoology, specifically Bigfoot and related entities, and the importance of comprehensive documentation and research in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, scholarly investigation into these subjects, validating their study through folklore and expert opinion, and providing essential research tools like bibliographies. The publication actively encourages engagement and research by offering this foundational resource for sale.