Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 12 No 3 - 1993 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue Date: October 1993
Volume: 12
Issue: 3

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), delves into various paranormal investigations and reported phenomena. Founded in 1978 by Martin V. Riccardo, the GRS is edited by Dale D. Kaczmarek, who also serves as President. The publication is released in February, June, and October.

Ghost Research Society Information

The GRS is a membership organization dedicated to the study of the paranormal, particularly ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, and life after death. Various membership levels are available, including Regular ($12.00/year), Sustaining ($17.00/year), and Contributing Memberships, each offering different benefits such as newsletter subscriptions, discounts on events, and photo analysis services. The organization is also seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors.

Back issues of the newsletter are available for purchase. The GRS actively seeks photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, personal encounters, and anecdotes for publication, with full credit given to contributors. All submitted materials become the property of the GRS.

The "Current Chain of Command" lists Dale D. Kaczmarek as President & Editor, Martin V. Riccardo as Founder, and Tom Perrott as Area Research Director. Regular columnists include Richard Senate, Tom Perrott, and Maurice Schwalm.

Inquiries and subscriptions should be directed to the Ghost Research Society, c/o Dale D. Kaczmarek, PO Box 205, Oak Lawn, IL. 60454-0205.

Editors Page

Dale D. Kaczmarek, the editor, notes a busy period with ghost tours and lectures scheduled for various park districts and libraries. He mentions an upcoming article in the Chicago Tribune. He expresses gratitude to contributors such as Tom Perrott, F.S. Miller, Jackie Rhame, and Jeanne Youngson. The newsletter welcomes 12 new members and 14 renewals, listing new Patron, Contributing, and Sustaining members. The next bi-monthly meeting is scheduled for November 27, 1993, at 1 pm in the Oak Lawn Public Library. Kaczmarek also highlights "These Celestial Times," a quarterly publication covering ETs, UFOs, and other topics, and is working on a special interest directory focused on ghost movies.

Featured Articles and Investigations

Field Excursions and Haunted House Investigations

Dale D. Kaczmarek details several field excursions and haunted house investigations conducted by the GRS. These include visits to:

• Mount Carmel Cemetery: Investigated the grave of Julia Buccola Peta, known for her preserved body after exhumation. Reports include strange lights, a woman in white, and a scent of roses. They also visited the grave of Alphonse Capone and noted a revolving tombstone.
• Queen of Heaven Cemetery: Explored the Our Lady of Angels Fire Shrine, where some report feeling burning sensations and smelling smoke, and a cross where sightings of the Blessed Virgin have been reported.
• Holy Sepulchre Cemetery: Investigated the gravesite of Mary Alice Quinn, with reports of her apparition and a scent of roses. They also visited the resting place of the Grimes sisters and Mayor Daley.
• Bachelor's Grove Cemetery: A brief visit due to severe mosquito infestation.
• Schaumburg Haunted House Investigation: Kaczmarek is involved in an ongoing investigation of a haunted house, which is a subject of the "Joe Who" show on WLUP AM1000.

The LuAnn Case (Augusta, Kansas)

This case involves a house built over an Indian burial ground where strange phenomena have occurred for over 13 years, persisting through seven moves. Reported incidents include moving remote control cars, pounding noises, strange shadows, disappearing objects, and toiletries falling. A particularly alarming event involved the china rattling and an odor of rotten eggs. Investigators have documented strange images, including a vertical shaft of light on ultraviolet film, and strange white lights on camcorder footage. The family has moved again to Schaumburg and is experiencing a growing phenomena, including a visual apparition of a man, prompting further investigation.

"It Happened One Night In Devon" by Tom Perrott

Tom Perrott recounts a case from Essex, UK, involving a couple who experienced a strange encounter in their hotel room in a Victorian seaside resort in Devon in November 1992. While Mr. Smith was retrieving his camera, he felt a presence in the room. Later, Mrs. Smith reported a man in her bed who spoke to her with an accent. Hotel staff mentioned hearing voices and seeing a tall slim man in black. Despite the unsettling experience, the couple intends to revisit the hotel.

"Alleged Haunting In Sauchie Central Scotland" by Malcolm Robinson

This article continues the investigation into ghostly manifestations in a block of three houses in Sauchie, Scotland, following up on a previous report. SPI (Society for Paranormal Investigation) and members of the Alloa Christian Spiritualist Church visited the houses on February 16, 1993. During a prayer session, a medium felt extreme heaviness and heat, and voices were perceived. Upstairs, in Michelle's room, a medium felt the room become warmer. A lady then reported Carol being pushed off a bench by an unseen force. Psychic healing was administered. Later, Eleanor Power experienced a trance-like state, speaking in a strange voice about people named Lawrence and Elona, and a hole. Investigators visited old mine shafts nearby, considering a possible connection to a past plague. A Stirling medium, Mrs. Jean Glenn, visited the home of Carol Harrison, picking up strong impressions. On February 18, investigators spent the night in the house but experienced nothing unusual. The article concludes that the phenomena eventually died down, but it's difficult to ascertain if they stopped entirely with new tenants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ghost Trackers Newsletter strongly emphasizes the ongoing nature of paranormal research and investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into reported phenomena, with a focus on documenting personal experiences and conducting investigations. The publication serves as a platform for sharing case studies, personal accounts, and research findings from both the United States and the United Kingdom. Themes of hauntings, spectral apparitions, poltergeist activity, and unexplained occurrences in various locations are central. The newsletter also highlights the importance of membership and community within the paranormal research field, encouraging reader participation and contributions.

Title: The Haunted Radio
Issue: 11
Volume: 4
Date: April 1993
Publisher: Strange Magazine
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Strange Magazine delves into a variety of paranormal phenomena, with a focus on hauntings, unexplained events, and mysterious occurrences.

The Haunted Radio

This article by Maurice Schwalm introduces the concept of a 'psitron,' defined as something that can play an unplugged radio and create images. The author recounts an investigation into a haunted house where a clock-radio, unplugged and with unlit tubes, began playing music at full blast. The phenomenon persisted even after the power was disconnected and controls were manipulated. Photos taken during the event revealed shadow forms, including a man-like figure. The author suggests that PSI (psi) might be propagated as a wave or particle, and that visual experiences could be a molecular-level effect. The article posits that a periodic effect directly on the speaker or its activating coil could be a non-electrical way of rectifying radio frequency pulses, stimulating the visual cortex to create ordered phosphenes, akin to psychic vision of spirits or spirit photography.

The Mysteries of The Missions

Richard Senate contributes a series of tales concerning the twenty-one missions of California, exploring their mysterious and rumored haunted aspects. Among the accounts are:

• The Lost Bells of Santa Isabel: The branch mission's two bells, purchased in 1818 and rumored to be cast with gold, were stolen in the 1920s, with legends suggesting they were hidden by local Indians.
• The Ghosts of Mission San Juan Capistrano: Tales of ghosts date back to an 1812 earthquake that destroyed the church. A phantom 'lady in white' is said to wander the ruins, and a 'black shrouded woman' has been reported.
• Santa Barbara's Mysterious Painting: An odd mural uncovered in 1929, depicting a cross and pennants, is interpreted by some as a symbol of the burden placed on Indians by the church and state, possibly related to the 1824 revolt.
• The Treasure of San Miguel: While known for its murals, legends speak of a hidden treasure concealed by John Reed, an Englishman who operated the mission as an inn during the Gold Rush before being murdered in 1849.
• The Headless Horsewoman of San Antonio: On moonlit nights, a ghost of a woman murdered by her husband is said to ride, seeking her lost head.
• The Phantom Messenger of San Carlos: The apparition of a mounted man in a Spanish officer's attire is seen riding towards Monterey, believed to be a messenger killed by Indians.
• Psychic Archaeology: At San Fernando Mission: This section details an investigation using dowsing rods at the Mission San Fernando. While no ghost or massacre evidence was found, dowsing rods reacted strongly at the 16th archway of the convento building, indicating the location of a previously unknown wall. This suggests that psychic traces of past structures can be detected.

Ghostly Odds And Ends

This section features personal accounts of paranormal experiences:

• Michele D. Fehr recounts twelve years of paranormal events in a Hellertown, Pennsylvania house, including an unseen presence urging her to jump from a window and a lightning bolt striking near her. She also mentions a minister's wife who sensed strong evil in the house.
• Hirai Yoshihisa describes experiencing flashes of light and a heartbeat phenomenon on November 3, 1988, followed by other paranormal events. The author believes they have psychic powers and is seeking partners for investigation.
• Bill Fuller shares the legend of Sheriff Seth Bullock haunting the Bullock Hotel in Deadwood, South Dakota. It is believed Seth Bullock warned a psychic medium, Sandy Bullock, about trouble in 1993 and revealed his friend was Teddy Roosevelt.

Press Release: Invisible Ink Catalog

Kestrel Publications is releasing a new catalog called "Invisible Ink: Books on Ghosts & Hauntings," founded by Chris Woodyard. The catalog aims to connect authors of ghost stories with readers worldwide, featuring over 200 books, including ancient folktales and modern "true" ghost stories, with coverage extending beyond the U.S. to include Great Britain and Japan. It also includes sections for children's books and classic fictional ghost tales.

Opinion Polls

This section presents reader feedback and requests:

• Doug Blevins desires more frequent publication and access to back issues.
• Dale Sizemore requests the mention of EVP (electronic voice phenomena) messages captured during haunted house investigations.
• Greg Dietz prefers factually oriented stories over uncritical ones.
• Robert Stoebe wants more first-hand encounters, investigations, and listings of planned trips.
• Eloise Breton requests more photographs and current stories, with the editors noting limitations in image quality due to scanning capabilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of hauntings, ghosts, unexplained phenomena, and psychic experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these subjects, presenting a mix of documented cases, historical accounts, and personal testimonies. The magazine encourages reader participation through opinion polls and submissions, indicating a community-driven approach to exploring the paranormal. There is a clear interest in historical mysteries, particularly those associated with California's missions, and a willingness to investigate even seemingly unusual phenomena like the 'haunted radio'.

This document appears to be a collection of book reviews from a publication focused on paranormal phenomena, likely a newsletter or magazine. The reviews cover a variety of books on ghosts, hauntings, and related subjects, with a particular emphasis on regional folklore and historical accounts. The publication date is not explicitly stated for the entire issue, but the books reviewed range from 1969 to 1992, with the primary review of 'South Carolina Ghost Tales' referencing its original printing in 1969.

Book Reviews

South Carolina Ghost Tales

This review, written by Mike Shannon, discusses 'South Carolina Ghost Tales' compiled by Nell S. Graydon. The book, originally printed in 1969, is described as a regional ghost story collection encompassing the entire state of South Carolina. Many stories are presented as folklore passed down through generations. Examples include "The Screaming Boy" from Murrell's Inlet, about a young man who drowned while hunting stone crabs, and the tale of a mausoleum door that won't stay shut, possibly due to a girl buried alive in the 1850s. The review also mentions stories from Hilton Head Island, such as "Baynard Hall" involving an apparitional funeral coach, and "Who Was The Lady In Blue" about a lighthouse haunting. The reviewer rates the book a 7 out of 10, commending Graydon for preserving these stories.

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits (Spencer & Spencer)

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book by John & Anne Spencer is described as a fine collection of spooky stories with numerous pictures. It is divided into sections on "Ghostbusting: The 'Science' of Investigating Ghosts," "Encyclopedia of Ghost Reports," and "The Practice of Investigating Ghosts." The latter section categorizes reports by haunted objects, ghosts with messages, omens of death, and phantom hitchhikers, among others. The review notes that the book includes a fine cross-reference, bibliography, and recommended reading, rating it a 7 out of 10.

Haunted History

Dale Kaczmarek also reviews "Haunted History" by Rich Rainey. This book covers hauntings throughout history, from King Arthur and Charlemagne to Edgar Allen Poe. The reviewer found some stories new and others repeated from previous readings, but praised the research and documentation. Chapters include "Lunatic Legions," "Vampire General," and "The Haunted Highlander." Kaczmarek found the book somewhat hard to read at points but engaging, rating it a 4 out of 10, suggesting a lower price point would be more appropriate.

Graveyard: True Hauntings From an Old New England Cemetery

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book by Ed & Lorraine Warren with Robert David Chase documents incidents at Union Cemetery and other Connecticut graveyards. The review highlights the sheer amount of material and personal encounters, noting that the book includes photographs, some of which are described as 'psychic ones.' The reviewer rates it a 6 out of 10.

Ghosts Of Gettysburg (Nesbitt)

Mark Nesbitt's two publications, "Ghosts Of Gettysburg" and "More Ghosts Of Gettysburg," are reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. These books focus on spooky stories and hauntings associated with the Gettysburg town and battlefield. The reviewer found the first volume more interesting, noting its psychic photographs and the inclusion of specific sites like Devil's Den and Spangler's Spring. Both volumes are described as readable and interesting, with Volume One rated an 8 and Volume Two a 6 out of 10.

Ghost: Stories of Woodlawn Plantation

Judy McElhaney's "Ghost: Stories of Woodlawn Plantation" is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. The reviewer found the book's price of $8.95 high for the content, which includes only one real picture of a ghost and the rest being artwork and sketches. The stories are described as interesting, but the reviewer suggests the price should be halved. It is rated a 4 out of 10.

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits (Guiley)

Rosemary Ellen Guiley's "The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits" is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This book is presented as a true encyclopedia, listing entries from A-Z, including individuals, organizations, subjects, and paranormal cases. The reviewer considers it the best encyclopedia of its kind, highly recommending it for researchers and rating it a 10 out of 10, despite its price of around $25.

Advertisements and Classifieds

The latter part of the document contains advertisements for various paranormal and New Age-related resources. These include catalogs for "BRINCADEIRAS TOKENS OF ENCHANTMENT," "The Journal of the International Fortean Organization" general index, "PSYCHIC PATHWAYS NEWSLETTER," "THE EAGLE'S SPIRIT" newsletter, "JOIN THE COUNT DRACULA FAN CLUB," and "VOICES FROM SPIRIT MAGAZINE." There is also an advertisement for "YR REVIEW" which covers ghosts, UFOs, and parapsychology. Additionally, advertisements for "NEW MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES: THE BUSINESS & TRADE DIRECTORY FOR THE NEW AGE/METAPHYSICAL MARKETPLACE" and "Parapsychology New Age And The Occult - A Source Encyclopedia" are present, along with an advertisement for "THE GHOST" life-size ghost figures from Freeborn Art.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly ghost stories, folklore, hauntings, and paranormal investigations. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews, is one of appreciation for the preservation of such stories and the documentation of paranormal phenomena. The reviewers generally provide ratings and critical assessments of the books, indicating a desire to inform readers about the quality and content of paranormal literature. There is also a notable presence of New Age and metaphysical resources advertised, suggesting a broader interest in related topics within the publication's readership.