Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 09 No 1 - 1990 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 1
Date: February 1990
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, dated February 1990, offers a variety of articles and reports on paranormal phenomena, historical hauntings, and related events.

Editors Page

The editors extend New Year wishes to the members and thank those who donated materials, including clippings from Tom Perrott, Stefan Horvath, and Madge Frazier. Special thanks are given to Tom Perrott for a psychic picture, F.S. Miller and Martin Riccardo for Halloween cards, and Paul Devereux for his book "Earth Light Revelation," for which the editor provided information on the Ozark Spooklight. The editor notes that the book will be reviewed in a future issue. The newsletter's print quality has been improved due to a recent computer upgrade, including a Tandy 1000 TL/2 computer, a 40 MB hard drive, and plans for a future laser printer. The organization has gained 15 new members and received 13 renewals since the last issue. The book "True Tales Of The Unknown: The Uninvited" sold well, and autographed copies are available for $3.95 plus postage. The newsletter also highlights "Elsewhen," the premiere issue of a publication from the Temporal Anomaly Research Association in Keizer, Oregon.

Ghost Research Society Membership and Events

The Ghost Research Society announces new Contributing Members: Genna Dillworth, Jan Szczelaszczyk, Sterling Eddings Jr., Phyllis Butcher, and Rosemary Ellen Guiley, who will also receive a newspaper clipping service. New Sustaining Members include Howard Heim, Jami Kennedy, Susan Houston, and Kimberly Barz-Cohen, who can assist with field investigations in the Chicagoland area. The society is seeking State Coordinators, Area Research Directors, and Field Investigators. Upcoming events include the Midwest Conference on UFOs sponsored by New Age Promotions (May 24-27, 1990) in Chicago and a Leprechaun Psychic Fair sponsored by Mystique Productions (March 17, 1990) in North Riverside. The First Great UFO / ET / Humanoids Visitors / Alien and Abduction Congress is scheduled for March 30-April 1, 1990, in Trenton, NJ. The newsletter plans to introduce new columns and writers by the June edition and aims to incorporate scanned images, better graphics, and more pictures with enhanced print quality.

ATHELHAMPTON HALL

By Tom Perrott

This article explores the history and reported hauntings of Athelhampton Hall, located near Dorchester in the village of Puddletown, England. The hall's origins date back to the 15th Century, with parts possibly extending to the time of King Athelstan. It was originally built in 1493 by Sir William Martyn and has been home to various prominent families, with the current owners being Lady Jennifer Cooke and her family. The architecture includes battlements, a picturesque porch, an Oriel Window, and imitation Tudor wings added in 1895 and 1920. The interior features original curved and molded timbers in the roof, and 15th and 16th Century paneling, screen, and gallery. The formal gardens are noted for their tasteful arrangement of walks, ponds, shrubs, and plants, as well as a 16th Century Dovehouse.

The article details several ghost stories associated with the hall. The "Martyn Ape" story involves a family crest depicting an ape and the alleged suicide of a Martyn heiress, with the specter of the ape reportedly seen on a secret staircase. A "Lady in Grey," dressed in period costume, has been seen by former staff, including a former housekeeper, Mrs. Chinchen. Reports also mention tapping sounds of a phantom cooper in the Wine Cellar, attributed to the late owner, Sir Robert Cooke. Another story concerns the alleged sighting of a spectral Monk, which was later discounted as originating from a priest relieving himself during a tour. Investigator Andrew Green reported hearing a cat's padding outside his study door, only to learn the cat had died and was buried in the garden. Before World War I, phantom duelists were reportedly seen in the Great Chamber, and sounds of clashing swords were heard. Headless men were also seen at the Dining Table.

Despite these tales, the article acknowledges that many noises could be attributed to natural causes such as expanding timbers, mice, underground streams, or nesting birds. Sir Robert Cooke himself shared an experience of his bedroom door opening unaided and the room being filled with blinding light. He famously stated, "I have no wish to disturb the Spirits and they don't worry me. Whatever they are I am very happy to live with them."

Sources consulted for the article include works by Andrew Green, A. Hippisley Coxe, R. Legg, M. Collier, T. Perrott, J. Wentworth Day, R. Christian, and Jo Draper.

THE FIRST SETTLER

By Maurice Schwalm

This piece recounts the history and alleged paranormal activity at a property in Kansas City, Missouri, located at Lot #189 in Morningside Park, which was formerly part of Hinkle's Grove. The site was once a landmark on the Santa Fe Trail and played a role in the Battle of Westport during the Civil War. A 52-acre tract, including Hinkle's Grove, was sold by Olive Hinkle to Cowherd Real Estate in 1911, with the original patent dating back to 1843. The area saw significant migration along the Santa Fe Trail until the railroad's completion in 1880.

A three-story frame house was built on the site in 1916 and has changed hands thirteen times. The current owner became aware of the house's history when he smelled smoke with no discernible source and later read in a local newspaper that the house had burned exactly forty years prior. He also noted that a hutch he placed in a corner was repeatedly found realigned in the morning, and keys that had been missing for a year were found in a cup on a top shelf.

During a dinner party, the topic of ghosts arose, and an attorney named Keith Larson challenged the ghost to "do something." Subsequently, the smoke alarm went off twice without being reset. Later, the owner's Timex electric watch stopped functioning entirely. During a television interview filmed on the premises, multiple retakes were required due to "electrical disturbances."

The Occult Studies Group reportedly obtained psychic impressions related to an unrecorded "first settler" of Hinkle's Grove: a teenage girl who died of cholera on the Santa Fe Trail. The article suggests that a record of this event might be forming.

THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP

By W. Ritchie Benedict

This section compiles several brief news reports on paranormal events from around the world:

• Russians Astonished by Ghost in Dormitory (October 11, 1988): A dormitory for women workers in Moscow is reportedly haunted by a ghost that steals boots and plays "Knock-Knock." Communication with the specter was established through a code system of knocks.
• Reincarnation Suicides Baffle Chinese Authorities (October 16, 1988): In a mountainous region of Jiangxi province, China, fifty-one young women, mostly teenagers, died in group suicides, believing they would be reincarnated as sophisticated city women. They despaired of their poverty and lack of education.
• Wayne Newton Buys Mansion Full of Ghosts (July 12, 1988): Singer Wayne Newton purchased a mansion in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, which is said to be haunted by ghosts that rock on the veranda or wander the halls.
• Loggers Face "Heavy Curse" (July 25, 1988): A man named Doug Peterson threatened to place a curse on the Stein Valley in British Columbia to save it from loggers, using medicine stones to bring misfortune.
• Virgin Mary Sightings Draws Crowd (March 13, 1989): In Tickfaw, Louisiana, an estimated 3,000 people gathered in a vegetable field hoping to see the Virgin Mary, inspired by the visions of a local pipefitter named Alfred Raimondo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghosts, hauntings, and unexplained phenomena, with a focus on historical locations like Athelhampton Hall and contemporary reports from various parts of the world. The Ghost Research Society appears to be a platform for sharing such accounts and promoting interest in the paranormal. The editorial stance is one of reporting and exploring these phenomena, encouraging member participation, and upgrading the newsletter's presentation to enhance reader experience. The inclusion of event announcements for UFO conferences and psychic fairs indicates a broad interest in unexplained and supernatural occurrences.

This document appears to be an issue of "The Journal of the International Fortean Organization," specifically covering content related to paranormal phenomena, with a focus on ghosts and hauntings. The issue date is indicated as 1989-1990, with the primary content likely from 1989. The publisher is INFO, and the country of publication is the USA. The original language is English.

Book Reviews

The majority of the content consists of book reviews.

A Gathering Of Ghosts by Robin Skelton & Jean Kozocari

Reviewed by W. Ritchie Benedict, this book is a collection of paranormal accounts, including a biography of a clergyman who performed exorcisms and a case involving a malevolent influence surrounding a Chinese statue. The authors, Skelton (an author of many books and founder of the Creative Writing Department at the University of Victoria) and Kozocari (who has a background in witchcraft and hauntings), are presented as knowledgeable in the supernatural. A particularly interesting case detailed is that of a house in British Columbia possibly haunted by the ghost of Sir Matthew Begbie, with phenomena such as drumming sounds, a 'green man' image, and animal sounds. The review notes that the book focuses on hauntings in Victoria, British Columbia, and provides valuable tips on psychic matters, exorcism, and defense against psychic attack. One house on St. David Street is mentioned as having a curse attached to it, draining the vitality of a male inhabitant.

The World's Greatest Ghosts by Nigel Blundell & Roger Boar

Reviewed by Jon Mullin, this book covers famous ghostly tales and legends from British sources, including the Flying Dutchman, Mary Celeste, Borley Rectory, the Tower of London, the Bell Witch, and the Bermuda Triangle. It also includes first-hand encounters with the supernatural by celebrities such as Vincent Price, Roger Moore, and Telly Savalas. The reviewer rates the book a 7 out of 10, regretting that it isn't longer and that some stories are brief or contemporary.

Haunted Houses of Michigan by K.N. Hoisington

Reviewed by Dr. M. D. Michaelson, this book contains seventeen stories about haunted houses in Michigan, detailing phenomena like fog, unseen voices, and terrifying faces. The reviewer rates it an 8 out of 10.

Haunted Odyssey – Ghostly Tales of the Mississippi Valley by Jim Longo

Reviewed by Dr. M. D. Michaelson, this book is a collection of ghost stories from the Mississippi Valley, gathered from local residents who sincerely believed them to be true. The reviewer's own house, described as "Minnesota's Most Haunted House," is featured, and the reviewer gives the book an 8 out of 10.

Photographing the Spirit World: Images From Beyond the Spectrum by Cyril Permutt

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book traces early episodes of spirit photography, discussing pioneers and presenting illustrations and spirit photographs. It notes that many are frauds or double-exposures, but others are considered classics. The reviewer rates it an 8 out of 10 for its value as a reference book on spirit photography.

Other Content

Opinion Polls

Several readers submitted opinions. Tim Rae suggested including cartoons and more artwork. Gloria Reiser expressed a desire for a monthly publication. Mark Perk of Chicago suggested more articles and investigative reports on Chicagoland hauntings, criticizing the potential for misuse of material by others. He also suggested a better balance between serious research and general information, and a desire for articles specifically for researchers.

Classifieds

• The classified section includes advertisements for:
• "Talk With Spirits" information.
• "Psychic Press" newspaper.
• A free newsletter and list of used occult and metaphysical books.
• "Psychic/Occult Friendship Club" with a free monthly newsletter.
• Donations to the Felix Memorial Fund.
• "Psychic Pathways" newsletter.
• "Intuitive Explorations" publication.
• "Voices From Spirit Magazine."
• The General Index for "The Journal of the International Fortean Organization."
• Information on ordering books from INFO.
• A National Catalog of Occult Bookstores.
• A lecture/seminar by Richard Leshuk on "Oddities, Enigmas, and the World of Charles Fort."

Product Lists

There are product listings from Aries Productions, Inc., featuring books by Beverly (Bevy) Jaegers and Ray Jaegers on topics such as ghost hunting, healing, aura, ESP, numerology, and mind power.

"Success - It's In The Can"

An advertisement for a product called "Success - It's In The Can," which includes a 131-page book and a subliminal cassette tape for goal setting and achievement.

Homecoming (Poem)

A poem titled "Homecoming" by William Humphries, describing a spectral encounter near a chapel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghosts, hauntings, spirit photography, and various aspects of the paranormal and occult. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting documented cases and reviews of literature on the subject. The inclusion of reader opinions and classified ads suggests an engagement with a community interested in these topics. The emphasis on detailed accounts and documented stories, as noted in the review of Jim Longo's book, indicates a preference for credible reporting over vague anecdotes.