Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 14 No 1 - 1995 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue: Volume 14, Number 1
Date: February 1995
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), provides a collection of articles detailing paranormal investigations and related activities. The GRS, founded in 1978, is dedicated to researching ghosts, hauntings, and life after death.

Membership and Subscriptions

The newsletter outlines various membership options for the Ghost Research Society, including Regular ($12.00/year), Sustaining ($17.00/year), and Contributing ($22.00/year) memberships, each offering different benefits such as the newsletter, discounts, and specialized services like newspaper clipping. Information is also provided for purchasing back issues.

Current Chain of Command

The editorial and organizational leadership is detailed, with Dale D. Kaczmarek serving as President & Editor, Martin V. Riccardo as Founder of GRS, and Tom Perrott as Area Research Director. Regular columnists include Tom Perrott, Maurice Schwalm, and Richard Senate.

Editors Page

The editor, Dale D. Kaczmarek, mentions recovering from shoulder surgery and expresses gratitude for get-well wishes. He thanks numerous individuals for donations of newspaper clippings, psychic photographs, and books, including "Poltergeist" by Harry Price and "Haunted Houses" by Charles Harper. New members are welcomed, and a new publication, "E.L.F. Infested Spaces," is highlighted.

GRS Activities and Media Exposure

Upcoming GRS meetings are scheduled for March 18th and May 20th, 1995, at the Oak Lawn Public Library. The GRS has had a busy year with "Excursions Into The Unknown" tours and significant media exposure, including features in various newspapers and appearances on numerous radio and television programs. The organization has also conducted investigations into alleged haunted houses, including one featured on a Sally Jesse Rafael show.

Featured Investigations

Ghosts of the Old Mill Tunnel

This article by William Hauck details a property in San Marion, California, situated above the Old Mill Tunnel. The site has a history of reported ghostly encounters, including a black-capped figure and a little girl apparition. An investigation is ongoing, with plans for a magnetospheric survey and research into historic archives.

Haunted Boat Lurks In Ventura Harbor

Richard Senate reports on an investigation of a motor cruiser in Ventura Harbor, formerly owned by Al Capone, which is believed to be haunted. The investigation involved a video crew from KEYT-TV and a psychic, Debbie, who sensed a violent male presence named Magerk. The boat's owner wishes to sell it due to a perceived curse.

The Haunting of St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Maurice Schwalm presents an abridged chronology of hauntings at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, dating back to its dedication in 1888. The log, updated since 1988, includes reports of cold spots, apparitions, unexplained noises, and a police investigation triggered by an inner door opening.

An Investigation Into A Haunted House In Stirling

Malcolm Robinson of SPI investigates a haunted house in Stirling, Scotland, for pensioner Elizabeth Harris. Mrs. Harris reported a voice predicting President Kennedy's assassination, a ghost walk, psychic manifestations, scratches on wallpaper, phantom ringing, and a 'ghost head of a man.' She also experienced a terrible stench and a male voice asking if she remembered him.

Other Content

The issue also includes a brief report on 26 more paranormal reports progressing up to June 1994, some with a menacing tone, and mentions the historical use of a tower as a mortuary. Subscription information for "Strange Magazine" is provided, listing various back issues and subscription rates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on paranormal phenomena, particularly hauntings and ghost investigations, as evidenced by the featured articles. The Ghost Research Society's stance appears to be one of active investigation and documentation of such events, encouraging public participation through memberships and submissions. There is also an interest in historical accounts and a broad approach to the paranormal, as indicated by the mention of "Fortean-based publication" and "strange phenomena."

This issue of TOTAL ECLIPSE! Illustrated Journal of the Occult, Bizarre and Unusual! focuses on a variety of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, including hauntings, psychic experiences, UFOs, and spiritual encounters. The magazine presents a mix of investigative reports, personal testimonies, and thematic articles.

Investigations and Personal Accounts

The Stirling Haunting

The lead article details the experiences of Mrs. Harris, who moved to Stirling, Scotland, in 1981 and found her psychic problems intensified. She reported hearing scratching noises, feeling a presence, and seeing 'expressionless faces.' These manifestations escalated, including visions of a red rose, a snake, and 'horrible tortured faces.' The article notes that her husband did not experience these phenomena, suggesting Mrs. Harris was a 'channel or focus.'

Later, before SPI (Society for Psychical Investigation) became involved, Mrs. Harris reported being touched and hearing voices, with her bedroom becoming the focal point. SPI investigators, including psychic medium Helen Walters and designer Billy Devlin, visited Mrs. Harris in June 1994. Walters sensed a strong spirit presence in the bedroom and reported seeing 'small red lights.' During the investigation, the author of the article experienced a distinct sensation of being touched on the back of his hand, which he described as a first-time experience.

'Dear Debbie' Column

This section features a letter from 'The Coachman,' who describes a swift, silent visitor—an orange, sphere-shaped light—that his wife witnessed in their new home. Psychic Debbie Christenson Senate responds, suggesting the wife might be psychic and that the location could have a history of a past building where a 'terrible event' occurred. She advises the letter writer to see a doctor, sensing he has not been taking his medication.

The Souls of Animals Live!

Reverend Speaker Gerald A. Polley shares his belief that animal souls survive death. He recounts instances where he psychically connected with animal spirits to relay messages, such as a man and his dog, and a parrot that belonged to a woman in his congregation. He asserts that animals that brought joy in life continue to do so in the spirit realm.

My Supernatural Experience

Ms. Lee Olson writes about a vision she had while visiting her son in California. She saw her mother, who was ill, appear healthy and happy in a vision of bright white light. Upon returning home, she learned her mother had passed away. Olson interprets this vision as a loving message from her mother before her death, stating she now has no fear of unexplained phenomena.

Distant Replay

William Humphries recounts an unusual experience at a football field in late October. While checking the scoreboard, the timer stopped, and the scoreboard displayed a tied game with six seconds left. The scene then materialized as a live game, with a field goal being kicked and the home team winning 17-14. Afterward, the field was empty and smooth, with the game ball found in the snow. Humphries speculates that fields absorb memories like tapes.

Bobby Mackey's Music World

This article details the alleged paranormal activity at Bobby Mackey's Music World in Wilder, Kentucky. The building, constructed in the 1850s, was formerly a slaughterhouse with a well used for rituals. It later became a nightclub with a history of violence, including mob murders. Since Bobby Mackey purchased the property in 1975, numerous witnesses, including employees and customers, have reported ghostly phenomena. One employee reportedly became possessed, requiring two exorcisms, and developed a strange, debilitating condition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly leans into the exploration of the supernatural, paranormal, and unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and investigation into phenomena that defy conventional explanation. Themes include hauntings, psychic abilities, spirit communication (both human and animal), and encounters with unexplained entities or lights. The magazine encourages readers to share their own experiences and presents these accounts as credible, even when they challenge rational understanding. The inclusion of the 'Dear Debbie' column and the personal testimonies suggests a commitment to exploring and documenting these unusual occurrences.

Publication Details

The magazine is titled TOTAL ECLIPSE! Illustrated Journal of the Occult, Bizarre and Unusual!. The issue number is 5, with a subscription price of $12.00 US for a year (6 issues). The submission details for the articles indicate a wide geographical spread, including Scotland, Kentucky, and various locations in the USA (New Jersey, Maine, Illinois).

The back cover features an advertisement for Weird N.J., promoting its new issue (#5) with a wide array of topics including haunted places, UFOs, and interviews, and offering subscriptions. It also promotes 'The Weird NJ Bus Tour' to be featured on Eyewitness News.

This issue of Psi Review, a publication focused on ghosts, UFOs, psychic phenomena, and parapsychology, delves into various paranormal topics. It includes articles, reports, and reviews of media related to the supernatural. The magazine is published by Florence A. Trouche Enterprises and offers sample copies for $5 in the U.S. and $7 internationally.

Bobby Mackey's Music World: A Haunted Site

The issue details the alleged hauntings at Bobby Mackey's Music World, a site described as one of the most haunted in America. An incident is recounted where an employee struggled with a figure described as a ghost, who was tall with a curled mustache, threw a metal garbage can, and attempted to smother the employee. The owner, Bobby Mackey, was sued not for injury liability, but for failing to take sufficient steps to rid his establishment of ghosts. A small claims judge dismissed the suit, stating that a ghost is outside the owner's realm of responsibility. Historically, strange occurrences at the site date back to the turn of the century. Recently, a large fissure opened up on the property during plans to build a new nightclub, making construction impossible. This fissure is linked to a well in the basement of the original building. The site has been investigated by parapsychologist William Roll, who recorded magnetic and thermal manifestations, and psychic Echo Bodine reported sightings of ghosts. Despite this, no effort has been made to rid the site of spirits, partly because Mackey reportedly does not believe the establishment is haunted.

Reviews of Paranormal Media and Tours

The magazine features several reviews of paranormal-themed content and experiences:

"The Other Side" TV Show

"The Other Side" is described as a relatively new, documentary-styled NBC-TV talk show hosted by Dr. Will Miller. It covers a wide range of paranormal, supernatural, and bizarre topics daily, including ghosts, UFOs, psychic healing, superstitions, witchcraft, and haunted houses. The show aims to be diverse and interesting, and the reviewer was invited as a guest to discuss the ghost of Resurrection Cemetery. The producers prefer not to air opposing viewpoints simultaneously to avoid being categorized with other daytime talk shows, focusing instead on irate feelings and confrontations. The show is praised for shining like a new star in the paranormal media landscape.

Grave Line Tours

"Grave Line Tours" in Hollywood, California, is presented as a "lively look at deathstyles of the rich and famous." The tour offers a "jaundiced-eye view of life in the past lane," exploring the seamier sites of Hollywood and focusing on scandals, dismissals, and famous funerals. The reviewer experienced a special private showing with owner Scott Michaels, visiting sites related to the deaths of George Reeves, Sharon Tate, John Belushi, and River Phoenix, as well as alleged hauntings of celebrity gravesites like Marilyn Monroe and Clifton Webb. The tour is rated 8 out of 10.

Ghosts Of Gettysburg Walking Tour

This walking tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, combines ghost stories with Civil War battlefields. The tour, initiated by author Mark Nesbitt, takes place at dusk and lasts about an hour and a half. It covers mostly homes and locations throughout Gettysburg. The reviewer found the tour to be both entertaining and scary, rating it a 7 out of 10. The cost is $6.00 per person, with children seven and under free.

Rez Mary Audio Recording

The issue reviews "Rez Mary," a song by Ron Randolph about Chicago's famous ghost, Resurrection Mary. The song, available on a cassette with other tracks, is described as funny, entertaining, and informative, telling the story of Resurrection Mary in rap verse. An instrumental version and other songs are also included. The cassette is rated 8 out of 10.

Opinion Polls

Several readers share their opinions on the publication. Lou Cutaia from Niles, Illinois, praises the current quality of the publication and hopes for increased contributions as membership grows. Mrs. Jo Johnson from Wilmington, Delaware, expresses satisfaction with her membership and suggests including material on Spiritualism, a glossary of occult terms, and a question-and-answer section. William Hauck of Sacramento, California, highlights book reviews and feature articles as strong points, noting it as the only periodical devoted exclusively to ghosts. Diane Laurent of Havertown, Pennsylvania, suggests including book reviews of fictional ghost stories.

Classifieds and Subscriptions

The magazine includes a classified section with advertisements for artwork, newsletters, fan clubs, and directories related to the New Age and paranormal genres. Advertisers include Plastic Bucket Communications, The Eagle's Spirit, Dracula Unlimited, Catalyst, and The Ghost Trackers Newsletter. A subscription offer for "ENIGMAS," a magazine published five times a year by Strange Phenomena Investigations, is also featured, covering topics like UFOs, poltergeists, and spiritualism.

Realm of the Vampire

An advertisement for "Realm of the Vampire" society offers full membership, including journals, newsletters, and a classified catalog, for $22 per year. They also offer single journal copies for $7.90. The society focuses on legends and historical evidence of vampires, gothic literature, and related topics, holding meetings in New Orleans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal investigations, with a focus on personal experiences, media reviews, and reader feedback. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal phenomena, providing a platform for diverse opinions and reviews within the ufology, parapsychology, and supernatural genres. The publication seems to cater to an audience interested in exploring the unexplained through various media and personal accounts.