Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 14 No 2 - 1995 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue Date: June 1995
Volume: 14
Issue: 2

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), offers a deep dive into various paranormal phenomena, historical hauntings, and updates on the society's activities. The cover features a sketch of a woman in a room, setting a tone for the supernatural content within.

Ghost Research Society Updates and Membership

The newsletter begins with an introduction to the Ghost Research Society, founded in 1978 by Martin V. Riccardo and published since September 1982. It is edited by Dale D. Kaczmarek, President of the GRS. The GRS is dedicated to researching ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, and life after death. Various membership levels are detailed, including Regular ($12.00/year), Sustaining ($17.00), and Contributing Memberships, each offering different benefits such as discounts, photo analysis, and newspaper clipping services. Multi-year, Patron, and Lifetime memberships are also available upon request. The publication also mentions the availability of back issues for purchase by members and non-members.

The "Current Chain of Command" lists key personnel: Dale D. Kaczmarek (President & Editor), Martin V. Riccardo (Founder of GRS), Tom Perrott (Area Research Dir.), Maurice Schwalm (Regular Columnist), and Richard Senate (Regular Columnist). Contact information for inquiries and subscriptions is provided, including a mailing address in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and phone numbers.

A new online connection to a BBS called "Caer Tuatha," run by member Jim Breece, is announced. This board is dedicated to Fortean phenomena and offers a forum for GRS members. Photo ID cards for Active Members are also mentioned as forthcoming.

The GRS is planning to acquire new equipment for investigations, including digital thermometers, LUX readers, thermal-vision cameras, and decibel meters. Upcoming meeting dates at the Oak Lawn Public Library are noted as being set after June 15th, with regular meetings typically held on the third Saturday of every other month.

Feature Articles

Periodic Ghosts Seek Revenge On California Town

This article, submitted by William Hauck, details the history of paranormal activity in Jamestown, California, focusing on the Willow Hotel. The town, a goldrush settlement, has a history marked by tragedy. The Willow Hotel, built in 1862 over a deserted mineshaft, has been the site of numerous incidents, including a devastating fire in 1896, a reported murder in the 1890s, suicides, and further fires in 1955, 1975, 1978, and 1985. The hotel itself was destroyed in 1985, though the restaurant and bar were rebuilt. The article notes a pattern of minor catastrophes occurring near October in decades ending in an eight, and more pronounced incidents on July 21st of every decade ending in a five. An investigation in October 1992 yielded evidence of ghostly activity, including a lightbulb that remained lit when electricity was off and a "warm" presence. Plans for an electromagnetic survey and a psychic visit are mentioned.

The Haunting Of Hunt House

Written by Mark Sceurman, this article recounts the experiences of Glenn and Jackie, who live in a haunted house in Sussex County, New Jersey. The house, built in 1835, has been home to the couple since 1961. They report hearing footsteps, thumps, and noises resembling radios and a baby crying. Their children have also experienced phenomena, including footsteps coming down walls and a ball of light appearing in a bedroom. The couple consulted with paranormal investigators The Warrens, who suggested that children, particularly girls entering puberty, can contribute to such phenomena by exuding energy. They also explained that residual energy can manifest as reflections of past events. The house has experienced several incidents, including a whirlwind of cold air, a hurricane lamp and oil painting being stacked upside down, and a bankbook reappearing after being misplaced. One particularly frightening experience involved a guttural voice speaking through Jackie and a physical assault by an unseen force that left a bruise. The activity seems to be linked to the change of seasons, and while it has lessened over time, the couple acknowledges that something significant is happening in their home.

Other Content

An "Editors page" reflects on the 13th anniversary of the newsletter and the challenges of producing a quality publication. The editor expresses hope to acquire a scanner and upgrade software to better incorporate images. The potential loss of their printer, Cycle Printers, is mentioned as a possible cause for subscription price increases. Thanks are extended to various individuals for contributing photographs, clippings, and items of interest.

New Sustaining Members (Frances Kermeen, Howard Hight, Gail Stambor) and Contributing Members (John Thompson, Gene England, Matt Muller) are welcomed. The newsletter also mentions "Promises & Disappointments," a booklet-sized publication devoted to strange and unusual topics, available for subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical hauntings, personal paranormal experiences, and the ongoing work of the Ghost Research Society. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of paranormal phenomena, encouraging reader contributions and providing a platform for sharing experiences and research findings. The GRS actively seeks members and researchers to expand its scope and capabilities.

Title: TOTAL ECLIPSE!
Subtitle: ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF THE OCCULT, BIZARRE AND UNUSUAL!
Issue: 9
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI)
Date: Undetermined, but content suggests 1990s.

This issue of Total Eclipse! magazine presents a collection of paranormal accounts, focusing on hauntings, ghost sightings, and unexplained phenomena. The content is drawn from various sources, including personal submissions and internet forums.

Featured Articles and Accounts

Article: Bodie: California's Haunted Ghost Town

This article, written by Richard Senate, explores the history and alleged hauntings of Bodie, a former gold mining town in central California, now a State Historic Park. Senate describes the town's wild past and its reputation as a 'ghost town' inhabited by wandering phantoms. He recounts stories from former State Park rangers and employees about ghostly apparitions, bizarre sounds, phantom footsteps, and the appearance of spectral figures in various buildings, including the Gregory House, Mendocini House, and Seller House. Senate shares his own experience visiting Bodie with a psychic, noting the eerie atmosphere and a strange encounter with a large black dog that vanished. He also describes a chilling cold spot in a building and the psychic's perception of a wandering spirit.

Article: Ghost Watcher

Authored by Rev. Speaker Linda J. Polley, this piece details a personal experience of ghost hunting in a haunted house in Hermon, Maine. The house, a three-story building, was reportedly haunted by the grandfather of the narrator's friend. The author and her friends spent a weekend there, experiencing unsettling phenomena such as cold spots, phantom footsteps, and a distinct feeling of being watched. The narrator recounts seeing the apparition of a man in a plaid flannel shirt and work boots on the landing outside her room. She also describes a mysterious pitchfork found outside the house and the destruction of photographs taken there, possibly by a local motorcycle gang. The article concludes with the news that the house later burned down, with arson suspected.

Tales From The Internet

This section features stories shared from internet newsgroups, specifically alt.folklore.ghost-stories. The stories are presented unedited, offering a raw look at online paranormal discussions.

#### Tale of the Cat: Four Tales of Cats and Hauntings from the Internet

This compilation includes several anecdotes about pets, particularly cats, that seem to remain connected to their owners after death.

• Mittens: A story about a family cat named Mittens whose distinct meow was heard after it was put to sleep, providing a comforting presence.
• White Cat: A tale of a white cat that was seen by guests sleeping on a chair, even though the family no longer owned a cat.
• Fluffy and Shadow: The narrator shares experiences with a black cat named Fluffy who mysteriously disappeared and later seemed to appear as a face and paws, and a dog named Shadow whose bark was heard after her death, along with a photograph showing a red haze and lines around Shadow's image.

#### Haunted Studio Apt. in Seattle

This account describes a haunted apartment in Seattle where furniture moved on its own, a woman's moaning was heard, and ghostly sightings of a white, floating robe occurred. The activity seemed to be linked to a former resident named Alice and her cats. The moaning and activity eventually faded.

#### Phantom Cats

This submission includes two experiences related to cats and the paranormal:

• Cat in Carrier: The author recounts feeling a presence in her car and seeing her cat in its carrier, even though the cat had been put to sleep the same day. This cat died a year later, coinciding with the author's miscarriage.
• Cat's Brush: The author describes feeling the distinct brush of a cat against her legs while in bed, but being unable to see any cat, suggesting the presence of a surviving cat or perhaps a spectral one.

#### Re: cats in my bed

This brief entry is a reply to a discussion about cats in bed, likely continuing the theme of pet hauntings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Total Eclipse! magazine consistently explores themes of the supernatural, focusing on hauntings, ghost sightings, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and interest in documenting paranormal experiences, whether they occur in historical locations, private residences, or are shared through online communities. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing anecdotal evidence and personal encounters with the unexplained, covering a range of topics from classic ghost stories to more contemporary accounts found on the internet.

This issue of "In The Spirit" magazine, dated October 30, 1994, and reprinted from Star Magazine, focuses on paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts and hauntings. The cover headline announces "WEIRD N.J. NEW ISSUE OUT NOW! BIGGER THAN EVER - 32 PAGES!", indicating a strong emphasis on regional paranormal oddities, specifically from New Jersey, alongside broader themes of the unexplained.

Personal Account: Nina's Experiences

The issue opens with a personal account from a contributor named Nina, detailing her first experiences with the paranormal in an apartment in Santa Barbara, California, between 1969 and 1978. Nina describes seeing a "gray long-haired cat" that would scoot around furniture or under objects, and feeling the unmistakable motions of a cat jumping onto her bed and curling up, complete with a purring vibration. She notes that she did own a cat, but it was black and white, and questions if this was feline jealousy. Beyond the cat, Nina also encountered another ghost: a tall, slim man with dark hair, wearing a gray sweater and tan slacks, who would lean against a dresser with arms folded, appearing lost in thought. The most unsettling experience for Nina was the "bathtub ghost," where she felt three hands working on her head while washing her hair. Additionally, a friend witnessed Nina seemingly in two places at once – folding something on her bed and then being at the stove – leading Nina to question if it was a doppelganger. She concludes that life "seems to abound in the unexplainable."

Investigating Hauntings with Maurice Schwalm

An article titled "In The Spirit" features Maurice Schwalm, a retired insurance claims supervisor and paranormal investigator from Kansas City, who has been investigating haunted buildings since 1970. Schwalm, who calls himself a "psychic investigator," has written about the "Southmoreland ghost triangle" and is published in books on the unknown. The article provides a straightforward guide for homeowners to identify potential hauntings in their own homes by "expos[ing] your psychic senses." Schwalm lists several common ghostly manifestations to look and listen for:

• Knocks, bumps, raps: Percussive phenomena, including slamming doors, rattling doorknobs, and sounds of turning locks and sliding deadbolts.
• Party sounds: Hearing the clatter of conversation and dishes as if a party is occurring.
• Arguing: Overhearing a heated conversation or screaming.
• Footsteps: Sounds of footfalls, often above the listener, mimicking a normal gait or a dragging foot, sometimes accompanied by dragging chains.
• Disappearing objects: Everyday items vanishing from their usual places and reappearing elsewhere.
• Electrical devices: Lights and appliances randomly turning on and off.
• Cold spots: Small areas, a few feet across, that are about 10 degrees colder than the surrounding air, possibly indicating where a ghost resides.
• Feeling a presence: A distinct feeling that another person is in the room, without seeing or hearing anything.
• Apparitions: The least frequent manifestation, requiring significant psychic power to organize matter into a form.

Schwalm explains that ghosts do not necessarily require old houses; hauntings can occur for various reasons, making diagnosis as difficult as in the medical realm. Common causes include unfinished business, overwhelming trauma leading to a psychic coma (e.g., suicides, sudden deaths), or ghosts misinterpreting present-day events as belonging to their era. Wealthy spirits may linger to protect their estates. While some hauntings are malignant, most are benign, often involving interactions between living and dead family members, particularly widowed individuals contacting a spouse. Schwalm advises ignoring hauntings as the best psychological method, suggesting that entities may go dormant if ignored, as "It's no fun to play if nobody's going to play with you."

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews, primarily focusing on ghost-related literature:

• The Journal of a Ghosthunter by Simon Marsden: Reviewed by Tom Perrott, Chairman of The Ghost Club. The reviewer praises Marsden's work for its content, format, and photography, noting his membership in The Ghost Club, founded in 1862. Marsden is described as a competent author and gifted photographer who creates a Gothic atmosphere of spectral mystery. The review highlights the refreshing nature of Marsden's well-documented approach to hauntings in various countries, contrasting it with the proliferation of mass-produced haunting books.

• Adobe Angels: The Ghosts Of Albuquerque by Antonio R. Garcez: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This is Garcez's second book on the subject, following his work on Santa Fe ghosts. Garcez, a long-time resident of New Mexico and collector of ghost stories, is well-suited to the topic. The book details haunted sites in Albuquerque, with blessings from state and local officials, and includes first-hand testimony and interviews. A notable story involves a waitress at the Maria Teresa Restaurant who saw a reflection of a woman in a mirror who was not physically present.

• 500 British Ghosts & Hauntings by Sarah Hapgood: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This guide covers ghost sites in England, Scotland, and Wales. However, the reviewer finds many stories lacking in content and authenticity, often being local gossip or hearsay. The short, one or two-line reports lack cross-references, making the information of limited use unless further researched. The reviewer rates the book a 4 out of 10, largely due to the foreword by Tom Perrott.

• Big Sky Ghosts: Eerie True Tales of Montana, Volume Two by Debra D. Munn: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This book is praised for its interesting and well-researched stories, illustrated with photographs of haunted locations and people. "Ghostly Garnet" and "Montana Ghost Lights" are mentioned, with "The Lonely Lady and Other Ghosts of Chico Hot Springs" highlighted as a particularly well-documented and haunted location. The reviewer rates it an 8 out of 10.

• Old Belfast Ghost Stories, Part One by Joe Baker: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This booklet details unique hauntings in Belfast and surrounding areas. A tragic story, "Jubbie The Tram Chaser," recounts the tale of a dog hit by a tram and its owner who later died of a broken heart, with reports of Jubbie's ghost still seen waiting for his master. The stories date from the 1800s or early 1900s. It is rated a 5 out of 10.

• World's Scariest "True" Ghost Stories by Margaret Rau: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This collection features short ghost stories, many of which are not commonly found elsewhere. "The Man In The Bowler Hat," about a ghost at Heathrow Airport seen since a 1948 plane crash, is highlighted. The book includes stories on ghost lights, violent ghosts, premonitions, and psychic events. It is rated a 5 out of 10.

• Hollywood Haunted: A Ghostly Tour of Filmland by Laurie Jacobson & Marc Wanamaker: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This book covers haunted theaters, movie studios, hotels, motels, and stars' homes in Hollywood. The reviewer, who visited Los Angeles, found the book useful for identifying sites of paranormal activity, though he did not personally witness any ghosts. He highly recommends this regional book for those interested in Hollywood and ghosts. It is rated a 7 out of 10.

Community and Advertising

The issue also includes information about the "CAER TUATHA BBS," an electronic bulletin board system dedicated to Fortean phenomena, the paranormal, and the mystical, offering message bases, e-mail, file libraries, and teleconferences. It serves as a connection for the Ghost Research Society (GRS). Additionally, there is an advertisement for "WEIRD N.J.", promoting its latest issue and subscription details, and a promotion for "THE WEIRD NJ BUS TOUR" on Channel 7.

Classified ads offer opportunities for writers and artists in various publications like "VOICES magazine," "THE EAGLE'S SPIRIT," and "THE GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER." There is also an advertisement for the "COUNT DRACULA FAN CLUB" and the "CATALYST" New Age Directory.

Finally, an advertisement for "MYTHORREAL COLLECTOR CARDS" promotes a complete set of 80 cards featuring "Real Stories, Places, Events, Monsters, and Researchers" with testimonials from notable figures in the unexplained field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghosts, hauntings, and various forms of paranormal activity, with a particular focus on personal experiences and book reviews of related literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of the unexplained, presenting both anecdotal evidence and researched accounts. The inclusion of regional paranormal guides (Weird NJ, Hollywood Haunted, Montana Ghosts, Belfast Ghosts, Albuquerque Ghosts) suggests an interest in localized phenomena. The magazine aims to inform and engage readers interested in supernatural occurrences, offering practical advice on identifying hauntings and reviewing relevant publications.

This document appears to be a promotional flyer or a section of a magazine, primarily advertising two distinct items: a supernatural attraction called "Rez Mary" and a series of video documentaries titled "The Monuments of Mars" by Richard C. Hoagland.

Rez Mary Promotion

The top section of the document features "R•S•R RECORDS" and "I.G.U. (INDEPENDENT CREATIVE UNIT PRODUCTIONS)" presenting "REZ MARY." The cover headline boldly proclaims, "CHICAGOLAND'S FAVORITE GHOST IS GONNA SCARE YA TO DEF!! IF YA DON'T KNOW, YA BETTA ASK SOMEBODY." An illustration depicts a ghostly figure in a graveyard setting. The item is available for $7.50 postpaid, with orders to be sent to Dale Kaczmarek at GRS, PO Box 205, Oak Lawn, IL, 60454-0205. Delivery is expected within 10 days. It is also noted as being available at "other Chicagoland Locations."

The Monuments of Mars Video Series

The second, larger section of the document is dedicated to promoting Richard C. Hoagland's "The Award Winning Series 'The Monuments of Mars,'" described as "the information our government does not want us to know!!!" It highlights that "THE FACE" and other ancient artifacts on Mars have been featured on TV shows like "Sightings," "Encounters," and "Unsolved Mysteries," and that "THE FACE" received an 11-page feature in Omni Magazine in December 1994.

Hoagland's Mars, Vol. 1: The NASA-Cydonia Briefings

This volume, priced at $24.95, features Richard C. Hoagland addressing NASA engineers and scientists at NASA's Lewis Research Center. It is presented as the original tape where Hoagland first outlined his findings on the "FACE" and surrounding complex in Cydonia, Mars, suggesting evidence of "extraordinary redundant mathematical design." The running time is 83 minutes.

Hoagland's Mars, Vol. 2: The UN Briefing, The Terrestrial Connection (Extended Version)

This program, priced at $34.95, records Hoagland's 1992 presentation to delegates and staff at the United Nations. It argues for a scientific case, using NASA data, that Earth and the Solar System have been visited by intelligence from other worlds. The presentation connects ancient structures on Mars with ruins on Earth. The extended version includes NASA "UFO" footage and has a running time of 115 minutes.

Hoagland's Mars, Vol. III: The Moon/Mars Connection

This special two-tape set, priced at $39.95, explores "Ancient alien bases on the moon!" and their implications. Based on research conducted over two years, Hoagland presents findings of alien artifacts on the moon, linking them to the mysterious "face" and other artifacts found on Mars. This volume won two EBE Awards: "Best UFO Long Form Documentary" and "People's Choice." The running time is 3 hours (2 tapes).

About Richard C. Hoagland

Richard C. Hoagland is identified as the author of "The Monuments of Mars" and a former science consultant to NASA and CBS News. For fifteen years, he has led an independent team investigating evidence of ancient alien cultures in our Solar System. He has appeared on television shows such as Larry King Live, GMA, and Sonya Live.

Ordering Information for Videos

Customers are asked to include $1.50 per tape for S & H. An offer is available to order all three volumes for $89.95 with no S & H charges. Orders can be placed by sending a check or money order to ODYSSEY ENT. & DIST. INC., 4631 N.W. 31st AVE. #120, FT. LAUD., FLA. 33309, or by calling (305) 777-4736.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document strongly promotes themes of unexplained phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, ancient alien civilizations, and government cover-ups regarding discoveries on Mars and the Moon. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of these theories, presenting them as "monumental discoveries" and information that "our government does not want us to know!!!" The promotion of "Rez Mary" aligns with a supernatural or paranormal interest, while the "Monuments of Mars" series caters to ufology and ancient astronaut theories.