Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 08 No 3 - 1989 10

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 3
Date: October 1989
Publisher: GRS

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, dated October 1989, is filled with paranormal accounts, investigations, and reviews, reflecting the growing interest in the unexplained during that era. The cover prominently features a photograph of a cemetery with a circled anomaly, hinting at the spectral content within.

Editors Page

The editors page sets a festive tone with the approaching Halloween, announcing a 'Current Events Page' and a 'fascinating lecture workshop' by the editor, promising previously unreleased material and incredible video footage. The editor expresses gratitude to contributors, including Tom Perrott for book reviews and overseas clippings, Bevy Jaegers for her new book 'Ghost Hunting: Professional Haunted House Investigation', and G. Mangiacopra for photographs and information. The page also welcomes Maurice Schwalm as a new regular contributor, whose article is featured in this issue and whose photograph is on the cover, highlighting a "strange yellowish-green light in the cemetery near one of the tombstones." The editor notes the addition of 7 new members and 8 renewals, and laments the lack of sufficient returns for the Opinion Poll section, urging readers to send theirs back. The page also mentions AA-EVP News, a quarterly newsletter published by Sarah Estep, founder of the American Association Electronic Voice Phenomena, which deals with electronic taping of voices and has member reports.

Ghost Research Society News

This section announces the opening of a new occult bookstore called "Alternatives" located at 2364 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill, Illinois, offering crystals, jewelry, incense, and various New Age items. The grand opening was on August 26-27. The section also highlights the upcoming book "True Tales of the Unknown: The Uninvited" by Sharon Jarvis, due in October 1989, which includes articles by various researchers, including the most comprehensive study of Bachelor's Grove Cemetery compiled by any researcher. The book is published by Bantam Books. For those having trouble locating it or wishing for an autographed copy, Dale Kaczmarek offers signed copies for $4.75, including postage. The Ghost Research Society (GRS) also offers new and used books for sale to members and provides a book search service for any book related to the occult or UFOs. They are actively seeking new regular columnists and personal encounters or psychic photographs for publication, offering full credit and a free issue.

The Gate: A Paranormal Publication

'THE GATE' is described as an entrance into the world of the paranormal, containing factual articles and scientific and occult newsclippings. A sample copy can be obtained for $1.25 from P.O. Box 43518, Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143.

A Psychic Miscellany by Tom Perrott

Tom Perrott shares his thoughts on psychic phenomena, starting with an account of June Francis' experience at Hever Castle in Kent, a former home of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Hever Castle, now owned by the Astor family, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who crosses a bridge over the River Eden on Christmas Eve. A seance held by Canon Pakenham Walsh reportedly contacted Anne's spirit. Another ghost, an unknown farmer robbed of his gold, is also said to haunt the castle. Perrott discusses how ancient buildings can exude an atmosphere that psychically inclined individuals can sense, and how prior knowledge of a place's history can influence one's experience. He recounts a visit to Hughenden Manor, Benjamin Disraeli's former home, where a companion claimed to see the figure of a "dandified Jew." Perrott then shares a personal experience involving a psychometry lecture where he correctly guessed the contents of a parcel to be related to the Middle East and religious significance, containing a book of matches with a pyramid and sphinx, spent matches, and frankincense, used by the lecturer to reproduce an ancient Egyptian Fire Ritual. He concludes that while skepticism is healthy, some inexplicable events must be attributed to more than mere chance.

An Exercise in Photographic Discrimination: The Haunted Cemetery at Stull, Kansas by Maurice Schwalm

Maurice Schwalm investigates the haunted cemetery at Stull, Kansas, known for legends of demonic werewolves, vampires, and Satanic proxies, with reported vandalism and poltergeistic damage. The historical basis for these legends, involving a stable boy killing a mayor in the 1850s, is debunked as the cemetery was plotted in 1867 and Stull was an unincorporated village without a mayor. The article notes that covens regard the cemetery as sacred and conduct rites there. Schwalm details his own photographic findings from 1986, where a Polaroid SX-70 camera captured a "distinct golden glow" around a cemetery marker and a "werewolf-like boy standing in a cemetery tree," possibly holding out a mask. He suggests this figure could be identifiable as the "werewolf ghost" described by Peter Haining in his 'Dictionary of Ghost Lore.' Schwalm, born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1928, is an independent legal investigator and freelance psychic writer and lecturer.

Maurice Schwalm's Background

This section provides biographical details for Maurice Schwalm, including his education (University of Missouri at Kansas City, Bachelor of Arts in History), employment (Independent Legal Investigator and Claims Adjuster; Free-lance Psychic Writer and Lecturer), and publications (columnist for Mension, articles in various journals, and anthology contributions). His professional memberships include the American Society for Psychical Research and the Academy of Religion and Psychical Research. His family life is briefly mentioned, noting his wife Ann and his father's business. Schwalm has been reporting on haunted houses in the Kansas City metropolitan area since 1970, investigating numerous locations. He has made over 100 public appearances and received significant media coverage. He was also a talk show host for KCMO-AM Radio. He announces his intention to become a regular contributor to the Ghost Trackers Newsletter.

Haunted Ohio by Dale Kaczmarek

Dale Kaczmarek recounts his trip to Ohio in June, searching for strange and paranormal phenomena. He visited Miamisburg Mound, one of the largest conical burial mounds in eastern North America, noting its dimensions and a partial excavation in 1869 that indicated burials. He then visited the Stetson House in Waynesville, believed to be haunted by several individuals, including John Stetson and Lila Benham. The house has a history of broken mirrors and visual apparitions. Kaczmarek also visited Serpent Mound in Adams County, the largest effigy mound in the United States, attributed to the Adena people. He describes the mound's construction and the challenges posed by thunderstorms during his visit. He then explored Leo Petroglyph in Jackson County, featuring prehistoric Indian inscriptions and rock paintings. His evening was spent in Columbus, followed by a visit to Newark Earthworks, used by the Hopewell Indians. Kaczmarek was guided by Stefan Horvath, a former GRS member, and they dined at the haunted Buxton Inn in Granville. The Buxton Inn, built in 1812, is reportedly haunted by Major Buxton and Ethel "Bonnie" Bounell, the "Lady in Blue." Kaczmarek notes that guests often complain of restless nights and a strange atmosphere in some rooms. He also visited the grave of Mary Jane in Mansfield, a site associated with a curse and popular among teenagers, despite its overgrown and remote location. He concludes that the area provided a better understanding of how urban folktales originate. He mentions other potential sites like the oil drum in Fostoria with a face of Jesus, indicating a desire for a future trip to explore more haunted locations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around haunted locations, ghost sightings, psychic experiences, and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting accounts and investigations without necessarily endorsing them as factual, but acknowledging the possibility of inexplicable phenomena. The newsletter actively encourages reader participation through contributions and opinion polls, fostering a community of paranormal enthusiasts. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and sharing personal encounters and historical accounts related to the supernatural.

This document appears to be a collection of pages from a magazine focused on paranormal, occult, and esoteric topics. The pages include event listings, book reviews, and advertisements for related publications and services. The content spans from September to November 1989, with some advertisements referencing earlier publications or ongoing series.

Current Events Page

The 'CURRENT EVENTS PAGE' lists several upcoming events:

• ANCIENT EGYPT PSYCHIC FESTIVAL: Scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 1989, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the North Riverside VFW Hall, North Riverside, Illinois. Admission is $3 and includes all lectures. Scheduled lectures cover topics such as "Atlantis in Egypt," "Egypt, Atlantis, and the Great Pyramid," and "Ancient Egypt's Relevance for Today." It is sponsored by the Suburban Psychic Club.
• FORTFEST 1989: To be held on November 11-12, 1989, at the Tysons Westpark Hotel in McLean, Virginia. Lectures begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Speakers include Gary Mangiacopra (International Society of Cryptozoology), Dr. David Hufford (author of 'The Terror That Comes In The Night'), Danny Gordan (broadcaster), and Larry Bryant (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy). A Sunday buffet breakfast and seminar are followed by a tour of Haunted Virginia.
• THE INS AND OUTS OF GHOSTHUNTING: An intensive lecture seminar by Dale Kaczmarek, President of Ghost Research Society, on Saturday, November 18, 1989, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Advanced Hypnosis Center in North Riverside, Illinois. The cost is $18 per person with phone reservations required. The lecture includes slides, audio, video, and experimentation.
• PSYCHIC FAIRS: Hosted by Rev. Maria D'Andrea, these occur each Sunday. Current fairs and locations mentioned are: September 17 & November 12 at the Grand Royal Hotel, Hempstead, Long Island; October 1st at Adria Motor Inn, Bayside, Queens; and October 8th at Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Jamaica, Queens.
• EXCURSIONS INTO THE UNKNOWN: This organization will present a variety of special interest tours, including two buffet tours, with approximately 70% of this year's tours being different from the previous year. Contact: Dale Kaczmarek.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed by Tom Perrott and Dale Kaczmarek:

• England's Ghostly Heritage by Terence Whitaker: Published by Robert Hale, this book is described as a comprehensive look at the psychic area, with chapters on various hauntings and new accounts of inexplicable happenings. The reviewer notes the lack of a bibliography but praises its readability and its addition to the library of anyone interested in England's mysterious world.
• Haunted Nottinghamshire by Len Moakes: Published by J.H. Hall & Sons Ltd., this book is part of the Nottinghamshire Heritage Series. It covers local hauntings and is of interest as the author is a Member of the Nottingham Psychical Research Group. It details hauntings in Nottinghamshire, including those associated with Sherwood Forest and Newstead Abbey.
• Strange Sheffield. Legends, Folklore and Mysteries of Hallamshire by David Clarke and Rob Wilson: Published by A.S.S.A.P., this book delves into traditional spectres and modern hauntings in the Sheffield area. It is praised for its painstaking research.
• Haunted USA by Dolores Riccio & Joan Bingham: Published by Pocket Books, this guide book covers haunted locations across the United States, broken down by geographic regions. The reviewer cautions against playing with Ouija boards and discusses the use of infrared film, noting that a green glow on slides might not accurately represent the color of the walls.
• Bizarre America by Gerry Hunt: Published by Berkley Books, this book covers Fortean phenomena such as little green men, Bigfoot, and miracles. The reviewer finds the stories fascinating but notes that much of the material has been covered before in other books, and the writing style lacks impressive illustrations.

Advertisements and Publications

Various advertisements and listings for publications and services are included:

• PSYCHIC PRESS: A newspaper described as entertaining and educational, with subscription and sample information provided.
• Free newsletter and list of used books: Available from Antony Egan, covering occult, metaphysical, and religious subjects.
• MARFA MYSTERY LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS: Available in color, with details on conditions and Texas inlay. Various sizes and prices are offered.
• PSYCHIC/OCCULT Friendship Club: Offers a free monthly newsletter and information for those interested in psychics, the occult, and UFOs.
• Felix Memorial Fund: Donations are requested for Felix the fire dog-hero.
• PSYCHIC PATHWAYS: A bi-monthly newsletter focused on advertising, news, and features for consumers interested in quality of life and knowledgeable topics.
• BAKER STREET PUBLICATIONS: Offers fanzines and publications like 'The Vampire Journal' and 'Haunted Journal.'
• INTUITIVE EXPLORATIONS: A New Age/Metaphysical publication covering Tarot, Astrology, Numerology, Psychic Development, Reincarnation, and more. Subscription rates for US, Canadian, and Overseas are listed.
• NORMA EDWARDS WRITES: Advertises a book titled "What You Should Know About Ghosts... But Were Afraid To Ask," based on the author's paranormal experiences.
• F.R. "Nick" Nocerino: Advertises a hardcover book researched by him, described as highly intriguing.
• VOICES FROM SPIRIT MAGAZINE: Offers interviews, articles, and advertisements. A donation is requested for bi-monthly issues.
• The Journal of the International Fortean Organization: Announces the availability of a General Index (Issues 1-50) and offers back issues of the INFO Journal.
• PERSONALIZED NATAL CHART: An advertisement for custom-designed natal charts on shirts, with ordering instructions and pricing.
• THE ASTROLOGY OF GENIUS: Advertises a book by Roy Tate, revised annually, focusing on midpoints/outer planets and vocational guidance.
• Excursions Into The Unknown: Legendary tours of haunted areas, with contact information for Dale Kaczmarek.
• "SUCCESS - IT'S IN THE CAN": Advertises a personal planning booklet and motivational subliminal cassette tape for goal setting and achievement.
• THE BOOK OF AZRAEL: Advertises a new book by Leilah Wendell, described as an intimate encounter with the Angel of Death, offering a special prepublication price and a free accompanying book.
• BIG FOOTNOTES: Advertises a comprehensive bibliography concerning Bigfoot, The Abominable Snowmen, and Related Beings, with ordering information from the Center for Bigfoot Studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of pages are the paranormal, the supernatural, and the esoteric. There is a strong focus on hauntings, ghosts, UFOs, psychic phenomena, and Fortean topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of these subjects, with a clear interest in providing information on events, books, and resources within these fields. The reviews are generally informative, offering both praise and constructive criticism, while the advertisements promote a wide range of related materials and services.