Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 10 No 3 - 1991 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue Date: October 1991
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Publisher: Ghost Research Society
Editor: Dale D. Kaczmarek

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society, focuses on various paranormal investigations and activities undertaken by its members. The cover features a striking image of a Viking warrior and the headline "A Viking Haunting," which is also the title of a featured article.

Editors Page

Dale D. Kaczmarek, President and Editor, reflects on an eventful year, including numerous newspaper interviews and an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show with Research Director Howard Heim, discussing ghosts. He recounts his participation in a lecture series in Lincoln, Nebraska, titled "Exploring Unexplained Mysteries III," where he spoke on spirit photography and met experts like William Roll (poltergeists), Stanton Friedmann (UFOs), and Larry Arnold (spontaneous human combustion).

Kaczmarek announces an upcoming membership fee increase of $2.00 starting in January 1992, bringing the regular membership to $12.00. This increase is attributed to rising postal fees, printing costs, and investment in new computer equipment and desktop publishing programs. He encourages members to renew or upgrade their memberships at the old rates before the increase.

The editor thanks several individuals for providing clippings and material, including David Wemple, Tom Perrott, June Francis, Brenda Bolton, Wanda Bloomfield, Rose-Marie Boller, and Richard Locke. Special thanks are given to Mr. & Mrs. John Kindorf and Dorothy Bush for unusual psychic photographs, and to Tom Perrott for a continuous supply of material.

The newsletter reports 18 new members and 11 renewals since the last issue. New Contributing Members include D. Douglas Graham, Patricia Thorpe, Julia Coleman, and Jeanne McCauley. New Sustaining Members are Michelle Bradford, Roman Klepczarek, Veronica Mitros, Judy Huff, Mari Huff, Paulette Stanek, and Bob Joseph. The recent increase in memberships is partly credited to a Chicago Tribune article by Anita Gold.

Finally, the editor introduces "Ecto-1," a new publication accepting submissions of fiction, art, and poetry, with inquiries directed to Shelia Paulson in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ghost Research Society Activities

This section details the activities of the Ghost Research Society, focusing on field excursions and special investigations conducted during the summer months.

Field Excursion 1: Southern Illinois and Watseka

The first excursion targeted "Red Lantern Road" in southern Illinois, investigating reports of a ghost-light often described as a haggard old ghostly woman with a red lantern. The team conducted experiments with a spotlight and visited railroad tracks near Chatsworth, the site of an 1887 train wreck where psychic Irene Hughes had previously picked up impressions. They also visited a cemetery near Watseka known for a visual effect resembling a running man, which the author attributes to reflections off tombstones. A psychic member named Jan reported a "psychic pull" at the train wreck site, but no extraordinary photographs were taken. The author concludes that the "Red Lantern Road" lights are likely car lights magnified by the darkness and terrain, but does not entirely dismiss the possibility of other phenomena.

Field Excursion 2: Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Chicago

The second excursion took place at Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, described as Chicago's most haunted location. The goal was to have participants identify and photograph anything unusual. Members were given maps and instructed to mark areas where they encountered visual, audible, sensory, or olfactory phenomena. The transparencies were later compared to a master map, revealing several locations with reported psychic activity, particularly near a hole in the fence by the lagoon, the southwest corner of the fence, and the west end of the cemetery. Photography results were not yet available at the time of printing but were to be discussed at a later meeting and in the February 1992 issue.

The newsletter is planning future excursions and special investigations, possibly including an overnight stay in a haunted location. Members interested in more active research are encouraged to upgrade to Sustaining Status. Bi-monthly meetings are held at the Oaklawn Public Library, with the next scheduled for November 16th.

The Society is seeking Field Investigators, Area Research Directors, and State Coordinators.

London Ghost Tour

Author: Tom Perrott

Tom Perrott, a member of the London Earth Mysteries Circle, devised a haunted London walk for members and shares the route for readers. The approximately two-hour tour is best experienced on a Sunday when the city is quieter.

Route and Reported Hauntings:

• St. Paul's Underground Station & Cathedral: The tour begins here, moving to the Cathedral and the All Souls Chapel. An elderly priest ghost is reportedly seen here, sometimes disappearing through walls. Strange noises have also been heard in the adjoining Deanery.
• St. James, Garlickhythe: Located near the Cathedral, this church was closed during the visit. Previously, the embalmed body of a former Lord Mayor, known as Jimmy Garlick, was displayed. A shrouded figure was reportedly seen here during World War II.
• Greyfriars Churchyard: Once a monastery, this site is believed to be haunted by a family of ghosts, including a phantom black dog and the ghosts of Elisabeth Barton and Lady Alice Hungerford.
• Amen Court: Near the former Newgate prison, a dark figure resembling Jack Shepherd has been seen crawling on a wall, re-enacting his escape.
• Fleet Street: The former "Street of Adventure" has several points of interest, including Prince Henry's Room and the haunted Wig and Pen Club, where inexplicable footsteps are heard.
• Adelphi Theater: Said to be haunted by the ghost of William Terriss, a Victorian actor murdered in 1897.
• Lyceum Theater: A story is told of a wife who saw a lady in the stalls with a severed head, and years later, confronted a portrait of the "severed head man" in Yorkshire, whose family once owned the land.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn: Frequented by Dr. Samuel Johnson and literary figures.
• Smithfield Area: Once a site of burnings during the reign of Mary I, where agonized screams of martyrs are said to be heard.
• Cock Lane: Known for a 18th-century poltergeist case later exposed as fraudulent.
• St. Bartholomew the Great Church: A 12th-century church where a monkish figure, believed to be the founder Rahere, is seen emerging from the Vicar's Vestry.

The author notes that while the group did not see any ghosts during their tour, participants walked through centuries of history, both factual and spiritual.

A Viking Haunting

Author: Maurice Schwalm
Copyright: 1991

This article details an investigation into a 13-year-old female who reportedly levitates, "speaks in tongues," and experiences convulsive trance states accompanied by intense knocking sounds. An investigative team was assembled, including a psychiatrist, a Catholic Deacon (charismatic exorcist), and several psychics.

Initial Impressions and Photography

Initial impressions suggested an aggressive male presence linked to the mother, possibly related to her research into the Thulebund, a cult of Aryan supremacy. Photography was used to evaluate the case. A comparison was made between a photo of the girl's deceased grandfather (who lived in Norway during WWII) and a discarnate image, showing identical features. The suspicion of an ancestor's influence was not communicated to the family.

The first photographs taken at the home indicated a "field disturbance," showing overexposed, steamy shots despite appropriate settings. The camera was checked and found to be functioning correctly. Inexplicably, trees appeared green in the photos, which is contrary to how Ektachrome infrared film should register green vegetation (as red). An infrared-focused shot of the same window yielded negative results, but vague forms were captured, including a face resembling the father, "Viking statuary," and a distorted wig stand.

Deliverance Prayers and Photographic Findings

During a subsequent session with the full team, the exorcist performed spontaneous deliverance prayers. No physical phenomena occurred during the prayers, but photographs taken afterward included an "ectoplasmic figurine with furry edges" near the child's groin and a "fleshy fold" around her thumb, described as characteristic of male genitalia.

Professional Evaluations

The psychiatrist evaluated the situation as a "folie à deux" (shared delusion) and recommended joint therapy. The Deacon believed it was a religious problem stemming from the mother's disassociation from church activities.

Subsequent Events and Final Photographs

The following day, a candy dish spontaneously shattered, and a stove burner turned itself on. A house blessing ceremony was arranged, taped, and photographed, but no physical phenomena were observed. Exterior photographs taken after the blessing showed clear, crisp color values, contrasting with earlier distortions. The final shot captured a "filmy horned serpent" extending from the house to a fence, with its tail entwined around a flange. This image contained, in cameo, flesh tones and mustache details resembling the grandfather's face.

There are no further reports of activity in the house.

Advertisements

• TOTAL ECLIPSE! Illustrated Journal of the Occult, Bizarre and Unusual: Offers subscriptions and sample copies. Contact PO Box 1055, Suisun City, CA 94585.
• INNER EYE Metaphysical Bookstore: Offers books, crystals, tapes, and jewelry related to astrology, tarot, enlightenment, and more. Located at 419 Crescent, Lombard, IL.
• THE EAGLE'S SPIRIT: Northwest's Holistic Newsletter focusing on spiritual, psychic, and metaphysical news. Subscriptions available. Contact 917½ 6th St., Clarkston, WA 99403.
• Pan-Am Indians: Offers a free sample copy of a 16-page Indian tabloid newspaper covering news, history, humor, magic, and resources. Contact Pan-Am Indians, Nocatee, FL 33861-0244.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Ghost Trackers Newsletter consistently focuses on empirical investigation and reporting of paranormal phenomena, particularly hauntings and ghost sightings. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet cautious, seeking evidence and detailed accounts from members and the public. The publication encourages active participation and research, offering various membership levels to facilitate this. There is a clear emphasis on documenting experiences through photography and personal testimony, while also acknowledging the need for professional evaluation, as seen in the "A Viking Haunting" case. The newsletter also serves as a platform for promoting related publications and services within the paranormal community.

This issue of an unnamed magazine, dated "Copyright 1991," features a collection of articles exploring various aspects of hauntings and the paranormal. The primary focus is on the nature and longevity of hauntings, with contributions from Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Rev. Speaker Gerald Polley, Bob Barraco, and W. Ritchie Benedict. The magazine appears to be dedicated to exploring unexplained phenomena with a mix of personal accounts, historical legends, and theoretical discussions.

Article 1: Questions On The Nature Of Some Hauntings by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Rosemary Ellen Guiley's article delves into the intriguing question of why some hauntings persist for centuries while others fade quickly. She uses the example of a friend, Jim, who purchased a large Victorian house in Astoria, Oregon. Initially haunted, the "hauntedness" of Jim's house diminished as he renovated it. Jim's theory is that hauntings are not ghosts but "psychic impressions" imbued in the house by past inhabitants. As he stamped his own personality on the house through renovation, he superimposed his own "stronger vibrations" over the existing ones. Guiley considers this theory in light of persistent hauntings and suggests that extreme emotional events, like violent crime, might create stronger, more lasting impressions. She also posits that cultural expectations and the "collective unconscious," as described by psychiatrist Carl G. Jung, play a role. She contrasts the UK, where "old" has value and the past is reinforced by ancient structures, with the US, where "new" is prioritized and families move frequently, leading to shorter cultural roots. Guiley suggests that in the UK, haunting vibrations may draw strength from the collective unconscious, while in the US, they tend to be pushed into the background, with exceptions for historical landmarks.

Article 2: Mistress Of The Mist by Rev. Speaker Gerald Polley

Rev. Gerald Polley shares a story he heard from Margaret Carpenter, an unofficial historian in Owl's Harbor, Maine. The tale concerns Sarah, the wife of Captain Jonathan Fox, who sailed on a ship named "The Mistress Of The Mist." After her husband left on a long voyage and was never heard from again, Sarah spent forty years scanning the harbor from the house's widow's walk for his return. After she could no longer climb the stairs, her daughter continued the vigil for over ten years. Eventually, both mother and daughter were found dead in their beds, having succumbed to coal gas from an aging furnace. Polley recounts how a young fisherman later reported seeing a ship and men leading a captain and two young women to shore, suggesting a connection to the lost "four master." Margaret Carpenter, who was eighty-four years old, believed that seeing the "widow" meant someone was going to die, but that they would have a peaceful passage.

Article 3: Different Types Of Ghosts by Bob Barraco

Bob Barraco's article critiques Rev. Polley's categorization of ghosts as simply "good" and "bad." Barraco proposes a more scientific approach, outlining the three categories identified by modern parapsychologists: 1. Apparitions, 2. Hauntings, and 3. Poltergeists.

• Apparitions: These are described as a part of a person's personality that remains in the physical world after death, capable of interacting intelligently. They may not realize they are dead or may be confused. Hans Holzer is quoted as saying ghosts are like "psychotics in the flesh," unable to fully understand their predicament and kept in place by emotional ties.
• Hauntings: These usually involve an apparition but one that is unable to interact with the physical world or acknowledge presence. Barraco suggests these are recordings of past events, possibly imprinted by an electromagnetic field and replayed by our own psychic abilities. The intensity of emotions during the original event is key to the strength of the recorded image.
• Poltergeists: These are described as "noisy ghosts" and are characterized by objects moving, appliances turning on/off, and unusual sounds. While historically attributed to spirits, Barraco states that investigations suggest most poltergeist events are caused by a living person, a phenomenon termed "recurrent spontaneous psycho-kinesis" (RSPK). He notes that RSPK is often observed in children around fourteen, particularly females, and may be linked to subconscious psycho-kinetic energies emitted during adolescent stress. Barraco emphasizes that poltergeists can be frightening due to their lack of patterns.

Barraco concludes that while bad ghosts might exist, they are rare, and the hype surrounding them is unwarranted. He advocates for objective investigation by parapsychologists.

Article 4: Experiences At The Myrtles Plantation

This section compiles several accounts related to the supposedly haunted Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana. The author's sister and a friend had plans to stay overnight, and a friend shared a story of his wife feeling an intense, icy cold draft and goosebumps while touring an old plantation, possibly The Myrtles.

The author and her sister stayed at The Myrtles in the "Peach room" in early Fall 1990. While they had a peaceful night, the author noted an "oppressive atmosphere" in the hallway, a feeling of sadness or gloom that she felt each time she walked there. Her sister later confessed to feeling the same "creepy feeling" in the hallway without having discussed it previously.

Other stories shared by a former resident of St. Francisville include:

• A lady on a tour saw the reflection of a woman in antebellum attire in a mirror, but no one in costume was present.
• Two college students heard sounds of a party downstairs while staying overnight. The noise stopped when they approached the stairs, resumed when they returned to their room, and stopped again when they went downstairs a second time.
• A physicist staying at the plantation awoke to see a "black form" move across the room and into a wall, prompting him to leave immediately.

The manager and owner of The Myrtles also shared stories, though the author notes they might have been for publicity. These include tales of blood appearing on the gallery during rain, disembodied voices, and a ghostly overseer chasing away tourists. The manager also described a strange mirror in the dining room where markings appeared after a previous owner's wife and two children were supposedly poisoned by a slave.

The current owner, who was trying to sell the property, reported seeing a "huge black form" at the foot of his bed. He mentioned that a previous owner had tried to dismiss the ghost stories, but he himself had seen an apparition of an old lady by the carriage house. Other visitors reported flashing lights, a gruff voice in the hallway, icy cold walls, and the sensation of someone sitting on their legs.

Article 5: The Haunted Bookstore by W. Ritchie Benedict

W. Ritchie Benedict reports on a case from Ngaani, Ghana, concerning "soul-eating" witches. Twenty-four years prior to the report (around 1966), a 72-year-old woman named Naakole Baatimbe was accused of killing and devouring a relative's child. Despite the child being alive, she was convicted at a witch doctor's shrine and sentenced to life banishment in the "witch's village" of Ngaani. At 96, Baatimbe is described as a desolate cripple still serving her sentence. She maintains her innocence, stating she never killed anyone. Benedict explains that traditional Ghanaian belief holds that witches' spirits can leave their bodies at night to eat a victim's soul, even if the victim is unharmed. The power to confirm or quash such charges rests with the magic of the fetish shrine. Baatimbe was given a concoction, fell into a trance, and was subsequently forbidden to return to her village. The village of Ngaani houses over a thousand women similarly punished as "witches."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature, causes, and longevity of hauntings, the classification of paranormal phenomena, and the impact of cultural beliefs on these experiences. The magazine presents a balanced approach, featuring personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and theoretical discussions from various authors. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal, encouraging readers to consider different explanations beyond simple superstition or dogmatic skepticism, and to remain open to phenomena that are not yet fully understood.

This document is an issue of the "TOUCHSTONE NEWSLETTER", identified by the page number "19" and "20" through "26" visible on the scanned pages. It covers a range of topics related to the paranormal, including witchcraft, ghosts, UFOs, and other unexplained phenomena. The content consists of articles, reader submissions, and numerous book reviews.

Witchcraft in Ghana

The newsletter begins with a report on witchcraft in Ngaani, a village in Ghana with a population of 2,500, 90% of whom are female. The village chief and witch doctor, Tinko Sebe, states that children are stigmatized by their relationship to "witches" and often prefer to forgo formal education to stay within their community. The article describes an aura of communality and solidarity within these communities, where new exiles are helped to settle in. Another "witches' village" in Kukoo has a population of 600, with a school headed by Rabiatu Damba. Damba notes that many women claim to be in these villages because they are hated in their home villages, not because they are witches. The article explains that witchcraft in Ghana is associated with negative occurrences, and a witch is considered anti-social, envious, and malicious, believed to cause death, ill luck, sterility, accidents, drunkenness, illness, financial losses, and disasters. This leads to the belief that witches belong to secret religious cults with nocturnal meetings. The submission is credited to W. Ritchie Benedict of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Readers Page

The "Readers Page" features correspondence from readers. Rose-Marie Boller of New York City comments on the small size of photographs in a previous issue, suggesting they should be larger and better printed for ghost photographs. She expresses a desire to see ghosts but has been aware of their presence. Rev. Speaker Gerald Polley thanks the publication for featuring his "John Cobb" article and shares a story about "Sand Creek," a site of an alleged Indian massacre where sounds of battle and screams are still heard. He argues that UFO phenomena are related to ghosts, citing sightings of "ghost planes and dirigibles" and the phantom DC-10 in Chicago. He also mentions the upcoming opening of The National UFO Museum in Reno, Nevada, in 1991, which will serve as an archive, repository, bookstore, and resource center.

Book Reviews

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to book reviews, covering various titles related to the paranormal:

• The Black Hope Horror by Ben Williams, Jean Williams, and John Bruce Shoemaker: This book details strange events experienced by the Williams family in their Texas home, built over a forgotten cemetery. The reviewer rates it 8 out of 10.
• The Ghostly Gazetteer by Arthur Myers: This book is described as a state-by-state log of haunted locations. While considered better than Myers' previous work, "Ghosts Of The Rich and Famous," the reviewer notes issues with photo quality and obscure directions to locations. It is rated as better in context and style than "The Ghosts Of The Rich and Famous."
• Ghosts Of The Air by Martin Caidin: This book covers ghost reports by pilots, phantom planes, Bermuda Triangle incidents, and UFO reports. The reviewer initially found it boring due to excessive detail but came to respect Caidin's thoroughness in presenting well-documented cases. Caidin is working on a second volume and requests reports.
• Gold Rush Ghosts by Nancy Bradley and Vincent Gaddis: This book explores California ghost stories, including tales from Sutter's Mill, Bell's General Store, a pioneer cemetery, and haunted highways. It is rated a middle 8.
• More Great Southern Mysteries by E. Randall Floyd: This book covers a wide range of unexplained mysteries, including demons, voodoo, and encounters with the unknown. It features stories like the Okefenokee lost maidens, the Bell Witch, and Edgar Cayce. The reviewer rates it an 8.
• A Storyteller's Ghost Stories: Tale From Nebraska and Iowa by Duane Hutchinson: This book compiles "real" ghost stories gathered from storytellers and their audiences. The reviewer finds it an interesting addition to a collection of regional ghost books and rates it a 5.
• Resurrection Mary: A Ghost Story by Kenan Heise: This book examines the legends and encounters of Chicago's famous ghost, "Resurrection Mary." It reads like a detective novel and focuses on a famous encounter at Resurrection Cemetery, also touching on other famous cases. It is rated a 4.
• Strange Dorset Stories by Barney Camfield, David Foot, Theresa Murphy, Tom Perrott, David Young, Felicity Young, and Michael Williams: This book contains strange tales from Dorset, England, with illustrations and author biographies. The reviewer finds the stories enjoyable and readable, noting that English ghost stories are fascinating. It may be difficult to find in the U.S. and is rated a 7.

All book reviews are credited to Dale Kaczmarek.

Classifieds and Advertisements

The "Classified" section includes advertisements and subscription information for various publications and services:

• VOICES FROM SPIRIT Magazine: Offers spirit interviews and articles, with a donation requested for subscription.
• ARIES INC.: Presents books on topics such as haunted house investigation, aura, healing, psychometry, ESP, and Ouija boards.
• The Journal of the International Fortean Organization: Announces the availability of a General Index for INFO Journals (1967-1986).
• PSYCHIC PATHWAYS: A bi-monthly newsletter offering news and features for a diverse readership.
• COSMIC CURRENT NEWS: Published quarterly, it provides information on Religion, Metaphysics, Psychic Phenomena, and UFOlogy. Editor Albert Rainey emphasizes the interconnectedness of these subjects, citing crop circles and alien abduction as examples. He shares a personal experience with alien presence during meditation that made him reconsider the reality of alien abduction.
• EXCURSIONS INTO THE UNKNOWN: Offers bus tours of legendary haunted locations in the Chicago area.
• STRANGE MAGAZINE: Advertises its latest issue (#7), featuring articles on UFOs, psychic phenomena, crop circles, and interviews. Subscription details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone Newsletter are witchcraft, ghosts, UFOs, and other paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various perspectives and evidence, particularly through book reviews and reader submissions. The newsletter aims to cover "all positive 'new age' topics" and encourages reader participation. There is a clear interest in well-documented cases and phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, as evidenced by the detailed book reviews and the discussion of UFOlogy and witchcraft.