Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 13 No 1 - 1994 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue: Volume 13, Number 1
Date: February 1994
Publisher: Ghost Research Society
Type: Official Paranormal Publication

Editorial and Society Information

The Ghost Trackers Newsletter is the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS). Founded in 1978, the GRS publication began in September 1982 and is published and edited by Dale D. Kaczmarek, President. It is released in February, June, and October.

The GRS is a membership organization dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and researching paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts, hauntings, and poltergeists. They are actively seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors.

• Membership Options:
• Regular Membership: $12.00/year, includes three newsletters, GRS button, membership card, discounts to GRS events, and FREE photo analysis service.
• Sustaining Membership: $17.00/year, includes all regular benefits plus assistance with ghost research and opportunities for field excursions (Midwest members only, subject to interview).
• Contributing Membership: $22.00/year, includes all above benefits plus a free newspaper clipping service for the subscriber's state or country.
• Multi-year, Patron, and Lifetime memberships are also available upon request.

Back Issues: Available for $4.00 per issue for members, $5.00 for non-members. Discounts for purchasing three issues.

Submissions: The GRS welcomes photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, personal encounters, and anecdotes for publication. Full credit is given, and published material becomes the property of the GRS. Items for return require a SASE.

• Current Chain of Command:
• President & Editor: Dale D. Kaczmarek
• Founder of GRS: Martin V. Riccardo
• Area Research Dir.: Tom Perrott
• Regular Columnists: Richard Senate, Tom Perrott, Maurice Schwalm

Contact Information: Ghost Research Society, c/o Dale D. Kaczmarek, PO Box 205, Oak Lawn, IL. 60454-0205. Phone: (708)425-5163.

Editors Page

The editor begins by commenting on the harsh Chicago weather and anticipation for spring. They express thanks to various individuals for Halloween and Christmas cards, and to numerous people for donations to the GRS, including ghost photographs, newspaper articles, computer text files, clippings, books, and a negative ion detector device. The editor also mentions an upcoming upgrade to their computer system, including a flatbed scanner for newsletter images. A recommendation is made for The Chicago Computer Exchange for computer purchases. The editor notes a significant rift within the International Fortean Organization, leading to the formation of a new newsletter called "Pebbles."

Ghost Research Society Meetings and Policies

Upcoming GRS meetings are scheduled for March 19th and May 21st, 1994, at the Oak Lawn Public Library. These meetings feature guest speakers, audio/visual presentations, and opinion polls. Attendance is required to maintain active membership status.

A new policy is instituted starting this year: members whose attendance at meetings and Field Excursions is below par will not be allowed to re-subscribe as active members. This policy aims to manage active membership to a maximum of 25 individuals to ensure event feasibility and fairness. The newsletter notes that 14 new members have joined and 13 have renewed since the last edition, listing new Patron and Contributing members.

Field Excursion Report

On December 11, 1993, a mini-excursion took place at White Cemetery in Barrington. Despite a no-show from some expected attendees, the group filmed the cemetery, noting that it was consecrated in 1820. Initial analysis of IR film suggested possible ghostly images, and several people reported feeling strange. Further analysis of video and still photographs is pending. A Special Investigation, including an overnight stay, is planned for March or April.

Article: Suggested Reasons Why Dorset Should Produce So Many Different Types of Ghost Stories

• Authored by Tom Perrott, this article explores the abundance of ghost stories originating from Dorset, England. Perrott posits several theories:
• Folk Memories: Ghost stories may be rooted in ancient, half-forgotten folk memories of past events, embellished through oral tradition.
• Fireside Entertainment: In the past, before mass media, people relied on storytelling for amusement, especially in isolated rural settings.
• Smuggling and Coastal Areas: Dorset's coastline, with its secluded bays, may have been used by smugglers who publicized haunted storehouses to protect contraband.
• Churches and Manor Houses: The presence of capacious crypts and cellars in these establishments could have accommodated resident ghosts.
• Superstition: In less developed areas like Dorset historically was, superstition and belief in the supernatural were common, leading people to attribute unexplained phenomena to supernatural causes rather than seeking rational explanations.

Perrott concludes that Dorset's historical associations and agricultural nature provided fertile ground for ghost stories, though he acknowledges that strange events can still occur.

Article: The Ghost With Three Graves

This article by Maurice Schwalm details the complex and controversial life of Fr. Henry David Jardine, born in West Canada in 1843. Jardine served a prison sentence, became an Episcopal priest, and died under mysterious circumstances. He founded a parish, St. Luke's hospital, an order of teaching nuns, and a parochial school, and attempted to establish an Episcopal college. Despite his accomplishments, his peers questioned his ordination. After his death, he gained international recognition as a martyr to the high church cause, leading to donations for a stained marble altar dedicated to him. He was also the subject of a best-selling novel, "The Chain." The article notes his contentious relationships, including suing the Kansas City Times and excommunicating its editor. Schwalm recounts personal photographic investigations at the church containing Jardine's altar, documenting various unusual phenomena including an ectoplasmic skull, an ectoplasmic egg, a crucifix appearing to have living hair, a strange stained glass window, a red dog, and a ball of infrared light. A review of church archives and newspaper records indicates he was tried on charges described by the diocese as "pimps, gamblers, and harlots." However, many documents related to his trial and the bishop's diary are missing.

Article: The Power Of Legends

Authored by Rev. Speaker Gerald A. Polley, this piece discusses legends associated with Jonathan Buck, a Revolutionary War hero and founder of Bucksport, Maine. A granite marker on his grave bears the imprint of a leg and foot. Two popular legends explain this: one attributes it to Buck's Puritan nature and a curse from a woman he sentenced to hang for witchcraft; the other links it to a heinous murder where a young woman's body was dismembered, with her leg never found, and a curse placed on the killer. Historical records reportedly deny these specific events occurring in Bucksport, and Mainers are noted for not participating in witchcraft persecutions. Buck himself is quoted as dismissing the legends.

The article then shifts to a personal anecdote about a friend named James, who recounts a frightening experience in a cemetery after a drunken argument. He claims to have been awakened by a withered man who warned him not to bear the curse of a woman's blood on his hands. James interpreted this as a sign to stop drinking and partying.

Advertisements and Publications

• ALIEN SCRIPTURE: A new magazine investigating contact with Non-Human Intelligences. Subscription details and pricing are provided.
• STRANGE Magazine: A bi-annual publication covering anomalous and unexplained phenomena. Subscription and back issue information is listed, along with a detailed index of past issues.
• Cosmic Current News: A publication involved in Psychic Phenomena, Metaphysics, and UFOlogy, published by the Ancient Truth Research Foundation. A sample issue is available.
• INFO (International Fortean Organization): Promotes a book titled "DEMONS, DOCTORS, AND ALIENS" which challenges claims made in witch trials, 19th-century medicine, and alien abduction fantasies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on paranormal investigation, ghost stories, and unexplained phenomena. The GRS appears to maintain a serious and methodical approach to research, as evidenced by their membership structure, field excursions, and the detailed reporting of cases. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into the paranormal, encouraging submissions and sharing findings with members. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and analyzing evidence, even if preliminary results are inconclusive (e.g., White Cemetery IR film analysis). The inclusion of historical cases and folklore suggests an interest in the roots and evolution of paranormal beliefs.

This issue of "The Journal of Paranormal Research" (Issue 11) presents a collection of diverse paranormal accounts, focusing on ghosts, hauntings, and unexplained phenomena. The articles, submitted by various individuals, span different geographical locations and time periods, offering personal testimonies and investigations into alleged supernatural occurrences.

"The Little Girl"

This article, submitted by Bruce Allen Sprinkle, recounts an incident near Deer Creek, Indiana. The story begins with the discovery of old tombstones belonging to John and Mariah Stewart. Shortly after, workers on a new bridge reported seeing a little girl dressed in black lace with a stuffed toy in the middle of the night. Despite a thorough search by the Cass and Carroll County Sheriff's Departments, no missing child was found. Later, a teenager reported seeing a bluish-white silhouette of a girl on the bridge. The story spread, causing traffic issues, but interest in the apparition has since diminished.

"Kona's Haunted Palace"

Authored by Richard Senate, this piece explores the haunted legends of Hawaii, focusing on the Hulihee Palace in Kona. The author recounts a story of a Native American woman with psychic gifts who encountered the ghost of a little boy at the palace. The author's own visit to the palace, despite it being closed, led to an invitation to tour the museum. While he felt a somber atmosphere, he did not personally witness any apparitions. However, a volunteer shared an anecdote about a unique cabinet commissioned by King David Kalakaua, which was later revealed to have the cabinet maker's name inscribed in Chinese and Hawaiian-English script, seemingly pointed out by a ghost.

"Ghostly Experiences"

This section, compiled by Malcolm Robinson, presents several accounts of ghostly encounters:

Mrs. Fox's Experiences (Lingwood Norwich, UK)

Mrs. Fox, who has an interest in unexplainable phenomena, recounts an incident where she saw the apparition of a young man she had previously cared for. The apparition smiled at her and then vanished. The next day, she learned that the young man had passed away that night. Mrs. Fox believes these apparitions are a sign of life after death and has witnessed others without fear.

Mr. Young's Experience (Invergowrie, Scotland)

Mr. Young shares an unusual case where he witnessed his deceased mother, wearing a red coat, and his young son entering their house. However, upon entering, no one was there. He later learned his mother passed away a year after this sighting. The article suggests the 'Doppleganger Effect' as a possible explanation, where individuals witness their own doubles.

Mrs. Eileen Pearson's Experience (Edinburgh, Scotland)

During a holiday in Ireland, Mrs. Pearson and her two children stayed at The Kerry Arms Hotel. She experienced a consistent tugging at her bedcovers and a scratching noise, which she initially attributed to a prank. Later, she discovered that the hotel and the street it was on had been the site of many murders, primarily of servants.

Mrs. Graham's Experience (Glascow, Scotland)

Mrs. Graham recounts seeing the apparition of her deceased grandmother in a house they were about to rent. She could see right through the apparition to the furniture behind it. She was frightened and ran to get her husband.

The Three Young Girls' Sighting (Fife, Scotland)

Three young girls driving home late at night reported seeing a small, pure white figure with a white face and thin limbs attempting to climb over a wall. The figure disappeared when the car's headlights shone on it. The article questions the practicality of a human joker in this scenario and notes that an aunt of one of the girls had reported seeing a similar apparition.

Mrs. Margaret Baxter's Experiences (Falkirk, Scotland)

Mrs. Baxter shares several unusual experiences, including predicting her mother's pregnancy when she was 12. She also recounts hearing distant flapping wings that sounded like they were right above her head, which coincided with her grandmother's death. Later, while staying with her parents, she saw a grey, foggy shape that she recognized as her deceased grandmother. In Germany, she experienced unexplained phenomena in her flat, such as misplaced items and lights turning on, attributing it to a presence nicknamed 'Flossie'. She also recounts a friend seeing a tall woman behind her in the flat, who vanished when she turned around.

Mrs. McEwan's Experience (Balnakeil, Scotland)

Mrs. McEwan obtained a photograph that appeared to show impressions of two ghostly human figures, an adult and a child, during a visit to Balnakeil, Scotland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghosts, hauntings, apparitions, and other paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting personal accounts and anecdotal evidence without necessarily offering definitive explanations. The articles suggest that some individuals may have a greater psychic ability to perceive such phenomena. The publication also includes advertisements for other paranormal journals, indicating a niche audience interested in these topics.

Title: TOTAL ECLIPSEI
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: 1993 Edition
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI)
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: THE ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF THE OCCULT, BIZARRE AND UNUSUAL!

Article: Ghostly Buildings and Paranormal Photography

The issue opens with an account of a photograph taken by Mrs. McEwan at Balnakeil beach, Scotland. She intended to capture a scenic view of the beach and sky but, upon developing the photograph, was surprised to see what appeared to be a gable-end of a house and another building to its right. These structures were not visible to the naked eye at the time the photograph was taken, with the nearest buildings being 20 to 30 yards away. The author posits that the camera may have penetrated into the past, suggesting that buildings might have existed there previously, though this is yet to be verified. The article highlights the camera as a valuable tool for proving paranormal phenomena, acknowledging that while photographs can be tampered with, many have stood the test of time, proving the existence of the unexplainable.

Two other examples of paranormal photography are presented. In June 1966, Gordon Carroll, a photographer, took pictures inside St. Mary's Woodford Church in England to record its architecture. Upon developing the pictures, he discovered a figure kneeling at the altar, which he had not seen while taking the photos. Similarly, in 1940, a local solicitor from Arundel, Sussex, photographed St. Nicholas's Church and, upon development, found a figure standing at the altar that was not visible to him during the photography session.

The author notes that Mrs. McEwan is aware of local history suggesting Balnakeil beach is haunted. The photograph taken three years prior has slightly faded. The article discusses the possibility of a double image due to camera shake but argues that sharply defined buildings would not result from developing flaws. The author expresses a personal opinion that Mrs. Molly McEwan is relating the facts honestly and is puzzled by the photograph's contents. The camera used by Mrs. McEwan also produced normal photographs on other holidays, with no waste or color issues.

Further examination of Mrs. McEwan's photograph under a strong light and magnifying glass revealed two forms: one slightly smaller in the front and a slightly taller, lop-sided form at the back. The author concludes that unseen images have appeared on finished photographic plates through unknown means.

The author then transitions to other incidents from his files concerning ghosts and the paranormal, emphasizing that many people share common experiences worldwide. He notes that while much has been written and speculated about ghosts, the phenomenon remains unresolved. The author asserts that ghosts cannot be said not to exist, as countless experiences have proven otherwise, and the data substantiating these claims is "overwhelming." He calls for serious attention to the paranormal and a positive solution to resolve this centuries-old mystery.

Book Reviews

1. Ghosts and How To See Them by Peter Underwood

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is described as the latest work by the President of the Ghost Club. It is illustrated with over 100 photographs of locations and alleged ghost pictures. The book is divided into chapters covering ghost existence, spotting differences, worldwide evidence, photographing ghosts, where and when they are seen, what to do if one is encountered, aids for ghost hunters, and a concluding chapter on 'A Problem For Science,' along with a list of organizations and books. The chapter on photographing ghosts is highlighted as particularly interesting, featuring many previously unseen photographs. The 'Practical Aids for the Ghost Hunter' chapter is noted for listing tools, from simple flour for detecting footprints to sophisticated electromagnetic field detectors. The reviewer found many of the ghost tales to be interesting, suggesting that England is a place where one frequently encounters ghosts, possibly due to a "folklore accepted" attitude. The book is rated 7 out of 10.

2. Big Sky Ghosts: Eerie True Tales of Montana, Volume One by Debra D. Munn

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is the first volume of regional ghost stories from Montana. The reviewer expresses a desire for more volumes due to the vastness of Montana and the potential for numerous haunted locations. Debra Munn is described as a long-standing member of the GRS and this is not her first book on regional ghost stories. The book presents stories in a no-nonsense frame of mind, with an emphasis on believability. A photograph near the end of the book shows a window of Butte's Cooper King Mansion with what appears to be a strange figure of an inverted sailing ship in the lower panes, which the photographer, Tony DiFronzo, could not explain naturally. One of the longest chapters covers the ghostly activity surrounding the Little Bighorn, referred to as 'Custer's Last Stand,' with reports from employees and visitors indicating it might be the most haunted national monument in the U.S. The reviewer found the book enjoyable and hard to put down, rating it 8 out of 10 and eagerly awaiting future volumes.

Advertisements and Submissions

Total Eclipsei Subscription: The journal is published five times a year by Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) and covers UFOs, poltergeists, hauntings, spiritualism, and life after death. Subscription details can be obtained by sending a large SAE to Malcolm Robinson at 41 The Braes, Tullibody, Clackmannanshire, Scotland FK10 2TT.

Weird NJ #4: This issue is available for $5.00 (check or M/O payable to Mark Sceurman) from Weird New Jersey, P.O. Box 1346, Bloomfield, N.J. 07003. Issue #4 includes articles on "The HUBCAP TREE," "THE NJ ALTAHA BUG," "STRANGE TUBES IN RED BANK," "GHOSTS, GHOSTS, GHOSTS," and many more.

• Classifieds:
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• PSYCHIC PATHWAYS NEWSLETTER: A bi-monthly publication on Metaphysical and New Age subjects. Subscriptions are $15 for one year and $25 for two years.
• THE EAGLE'S SPIRIT: A monthly newsletter seeking New Age writers, poets, and artists. Subscriptions are $10 per year.
• JOIN THE COUNT DRACULA FAN CLUB: Sample journal, Bites & Pieces or Letterzine, and membership information for $4.00.
• VOICES FROM SPIRIT MAGAZINE: Offers 6 bi-monthly issues for a $4.00 donation, along with FREE Tarot Card Readings, Curse Removals, and Good Luck Blessings.
• THE GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER: Seeking artists for artwork and cover designs, and submissions for articles. Accepted artwork will be featured with credit and free issues.
• CATALYST: A New Age Directory of networking newsletters, publications, and products. Available for $7.95 plus $2.00 postage/handling.

New Marketing Opportunities: A business and trade directory for the New Age/Metaphysical marketplace, 1993 Edition, available from First Editions for $89.95 plus shipping.

Parapsychology New Age And The Occult - A Source Encyclopedia: A 1993 edition, 536 pages, $24.95, containing over 10,000 hard-to-find sources and covering 62 topics from Astrology to Yoga. Available from Reference Press.

THE GHOST (Product): A life-size, lifelike, lightweight ghost figure made from realistic materials, designed to float and appear to defy gravity. Available for $45.00 plus shipping from Freeborn Art.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts and unexplained photographic evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, presenting cases and evidence for the reader to consider. There is a strong emphasis on the validity of personal experiences and the potential for technology, like cameras, to capture phenomena invisible to the human eye. The issue also promotes various New Age and metaphysical resources, suggesting a broad interest in the unexplained and alternative belief systems. The publication actively seeks submissions and encourages reader engagement.