Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 17 No 2 - 1998 06

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: VOLUME 17, NUMBER 2
Date: June 1998
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), is dated June 1998. The GRS was founded in 1978 by Martin V. Riccardo and the newsletter followed in September 1982. It is published and edited by Dale D. Kaczmarek, President, and is released in February, June, and October.

Organization and Membership

The Ghost Research Society is dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and researching paranormal phenomena, focusing on ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, and life after death. The organization is seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors. Various membership levels are available:

• Regular Membership ($20.00/year): Includes three newsletter issues, GRS button, membership card, discounts on GRS events and tours, free photo analysis, and discounts on new/used books.
• Sustaining Membership ($25.00/year): Includes all regular benefits plus the opportunity to help with ghost research and attend field excursions (Midwest members only, subject to interview).
• Contributing Membership ($30.00/year): Includes sustaining 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 of the newsletter are available for $5.00 per issue for members and $6.00 for non-members. Non-members must also pay postal charges.

Editorial Content and Contributions

The newsletter welcomes contributions such as photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, personal encounters, and anecdotes. All published material receives credit and the author receives a free issue. Articles and stories become the property of the GRS and require written permission for reprinting. Contributors wishing to have materials returned must include a SASE.

Editor's Page

Dale D. Kaczmarek, President & Editor, welcomes readers to the latest edition. He encourages visits to the official GRS website (www.ghostresearch.org) for comments and updates. He thanks contributors including Tom Perrott, Wilson Tucker, John Cachel, Michael Odahowski, Stanley Suho, and Troy Taylor. John Cachel is working on a detailed map of Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, with potential marketing plans to be announced.

Kaczmarek mentions continuing mini-meetings at his home in Oak Lawn for active members, featuring audio/visual presentations and open discussions. He also requests email addresses from members to improve communication and reduce postal costs. He shares that he is recovering from back surgery and thanks those who sent well wishes.

A point of concern is raised regarding active members who do not participate in GRS events, missing out on benefits. Members are reminded to request the By-Laws if they haven't received them. Photo identification badges have been completed and shipped with the June 1998 issue for those who submitted photos and applications.

The editor also notes that books, magazines, and videos from the annual book sale are still available and encourages readers to request a free list.

Ghost Research Society Activities and Events

The newsletter welcomes new Patron Members (Marjorie Cook, Adrian McGrath, Charles Cooper) and Contributing Members (Kenneth Neu, Maggie Cooper) and Sustaining Members (Richard Elkin, Mrs. Bobbie Kennedy). Eight new members have joined, and ten have renewed.

Dale D. Kaczmarek is compiling a directory of ghost tours across the United States, with a planned release in February 1999. He is also working on a directory of haunted locations, including cemeteries, sacred sites, and parks, also planned for February 1999.

Troy Taylor of the American Ghost Society is sponsoring the 1998 American Ghost Society National Conference in Decatur, Illinois, from August 7-9, 1998. The conference features speakers like Dennis William Hauck, Bob Schott, Donna Quinn, Alan Brown, Ursula Bielski, and Troy Taylor. Early bird registration is $50 until June 30th, with prices increasing to $65 after July 1st. Troy Taylor can be reached at 888-GHOSTLY, and the website is www.prairieghosts.com.

Dale D. Kaczmarek will be giving two lectures at the conference on spirit photography and ghost-busting techniques. The event also includes workshops, seminars, walking tours, late-night investigations, and bus tours of haunted Decatur.

Kaczmarek mentions completing his book, "Windy City Ghosts," while recuperating from an injury. The "Spring and Summer Excursions Into The Unknown" tours are ongoing with dates in June, July, August, and September 1998.

An correction is noted regarding the February 1998 issue's "Apparitional Encounter Report of the Farnsworth House," which was inadvertently credited to Dennis Hauck but was actually authored by Area Research Director John Lamb.

Letters to the Editor

C. Levenson of Howell, New Jersey recounts an ongoing experience concerning a woman who died in 1909. After visiting the woman's grave in 1989, Levenson experienced intense, detailed visions of her history, leaving them drained. Subsequent research confirmed details from an obituary. Further visits to the grave yielded more personal and unusual visions, leading Levenson to sites related to the woman's life. Levenson was also led to the woman's elderly child, who became uneasy when questioned. Levenson asks if they have psychic abilities and what their connection might be, seeking similar experiences from others.

The editor responds, suggesting Levenson has psychic abilities that allow them to tune into areas or past events, calling it a gift.

Mike Peterson writes after listening to the editor on the Art Bell Show. Peterson was intrigued and visited the GRS website, finding some ghost pictures unsettling, particularly one of an older woman and dog. Peterson, who identifies as having psychic abilities and has received offers for readings, explains that the ghost in the picture died unhappily in that house. Peterson also describes an incident where, while trying to call into the Art Bell show, their power flickered, the phone disconnected, and the show ended before they could speak. Peterson believes they had a profound impact on the editor, though unknowingly.

John Isom inquires if digital signal processing was used on image #6 to decipher writing on a T-shirt, suggesting it's effective for blurred images.

Daniel Herbison shares an experience that is not a ghost story but is related. While at a meeting, Herbison was shown a picture of a girl opening a present. After initially describing it normally, Herbison was asked to look again. On the fourth viewing, the TV in the background, previously blank, showed a smiling green demon. The picture was later destroyed because people were reacting negatively. Herbison asks if this type of event is common and if others have similar experiences or know where to find more such pictures.

The editor responds to Daniel Herbison, stating it's rare to hear of pictures changing so rapidly, though they have heard of pictures fading or disappearing over time. The editor recalls a story of a photograph where half the image disappeared, with the dividing line resembling fire.

Personal Experiences and Encounters

Teresa Fleming of Dublin, Eire (reprinted from Enigmas) shares her paranormal experiences. Her first psychic experience at age four involved seeing her deceased mother with an angel. At age 22, after moving into a new flat, unexplained events began: footsteps, dragging noises, a 'wizened' face, and a terrified cat that fled. The phenomena escalated, including lights turning on, phone calls with no one there, and the wardrobe door opening and the key disappearing. The ceiling fell in the bathroom, narrowly missing her. After five months, Fleming moved out, selling her belongings. She also mentions experiencing other unexplainable events over her 57 years, such as an electric kettle switching on by itself and a knitting needle falling.

America's Haunted Hotels

This section, by Richard Senate, lists several haunted hotels across America:

• Hotel Jerome, Aspen, Colorado: Haunted by a ghostly child in room 310.
• The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas: Haunted by the ghost of Sallie White, murdered in 1876, and a phantom maid.
• The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC: Rumored to be haunted by the ghost of President Calvin Coolidge, appearing annually on January 20th.
• The Don Cesar Beach Resort, St. Pete's Beach, Florida: Features a phantom couple, Thomas and Lucinda, in its plaza.
• Netherland Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio: Haunted by the 'Lady in Green' searching for her lost husband.
• The Wayside Inn, Middleton, Virginia: Reports ghostly figures of Civil War Veterans.
• Camberley's Martha Washington Inn, Abingdon, Virginia: Haunted by a phantom horse.
• The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Haunted by its builder, Mr. Charles Pfister, who checks on service quality.
• Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, California: Haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan, who was murdered in 1892.
• Radisson Suite Hotel, Ogden, Utah: Haunted by a woman from WWII in room 1106 and the elevator.
• The Mansion House, San Francisco, California: Haunted by Senator Chambers' wife, Claudia, who plays pranks.
• The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, California: Features the ghost of actor Montgomery Clift and rumors of Marilyn Monroe's ghost near the pool.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal paranormal experiences, haunted locations (specifically hotels), and the activities of the Ghost Research Society. The editorial stance, as expressed by Dale D. Kaczmarek, is one of active engagement with the paranormal, encouraging member participation, research, and the sharing of experiences. There is a clear emphasis on community building within the GRS, with calls for volunteers and active involvement in events. The newsletter also serves as a platform for members to share their stories and seek explanations for unexplained phenomena, with the editor offering insights and support. The publication also promotes GRS-organized events and resources, such as directories and conferences, positioning the GRS as a central hub for paranormal enthusiasts.

This issue of "GHOSTS, GHOSTS & MORE GHOSTS" from October 1997, Volume 13, Number 10, published by GRS Southern California Area Coordinator, features a cover headline about "Ghostly Special Effects in Old Town San Diego" by John J. Lamb. The magazine delves into various paranormal accounts and investigations from different locations.

Ghostly Special Effects in Old Town San Diego by John J. Lamb

John J. Lamb, GRS Southern California Area Coordinator, shares his experiences conducting nighttime walking tours in Old Town San Diego. He describes two main types of paranormal occurrences: the sporadic extinguishing of an exterior street lamp near La Casa de Estudillo, which he attributes to potential poltergeist activity within the adjoining Casa de Bandini, and sightings of apparitions at the Whaley House.

Lamb details nine instances since July 1997 where the street lamp shut off precisely when he was describing disruptions of lights within Casa de Bandini. While customers initially giggle, assuming it's a special effect, they become silent when Lamb admits he doesn't know the cause, suggesting it might be a malfunction or related to the 'Blue Room' in La Casa de Estudillo, known for apparitions and cold spots.

More significantly, Lamb recounts two sightings of specters in the south yard of the Whaley House within four days of each other. The first occurred on November 2, 1997 (All Soul's Day), where a group of seven customers witnessed a "misty human form" moving toward the house. The second incident, on November 5, 1997, involved a skeptical young man who, after initially scoffing at ghost stories, claimed to have seen the phantom dog, Dolly, the Whaley's Scottish Terrier, near some bushes. The skeptic's reaction and subsequent silence were noted by Lamb.

Lamb also mentions the passing of June Reading, the long-time curator of the Whaley House, who was supportive of ghost researchers. Old Town Ghost Tours is described as being located in San Diego, operating year-round with 90-minute tours covering about four city blocks, priced at $10 for adults and $8 for GRS members and children.

What's Waiting at the Top of the Stairs by Maurice Schwalm

This article, reprinted from the Kansas City Star on October 31, 1997, details an investigation into the alleged haunting of the Warner house in Kansas City by psychic investigator Maurice Schwalm. The house, built in 1868 by Major William Warner, a Civil War veteran and former mayor, was purchased by the YWCA in 1994.

Paulette Riley and Paula Eickhoff, YWCA employees, recount several unsettling experiences. Riley describes a recurring incident where a toilet brush disappeared from downstairs and reappeared on the empty third floor. Eickhoff reports that maintenance staff saw a shadowy figure of a man in a Civil War uniform at the top of the stairs. Employees have also reported hearing voices when no one is present, children playing on the stairs, and missing office items turning up on the third floor.

Maurice Schwalm, founder of the Mensa Occult Studies Group, examined the house with a compass. He noted that the compass needle pointed erratically, indicating a disruption of the magnetic field, which he associated with paranormal activity. Schwalm has investigated over 100 haunted houses since 1970 and is writing a book called "Mo-Kan Ghosts."

Verle Muhrer, from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, offers skepticism, suggesting natural explanations such as waking dreams, air drafts, animal noises, faulty electrical connections, or pranks. He emphasizes the importance of seeking natural explanations first.

Further incidents at the Warner house include a chain lock fastening itself from the inside, a cold breeze felt by an employee, and figures seen in the office. One employee, initially skeptical, became a believer after finding a pile of blank tape run through his adding machine. A photographer also reported wildly erratic readings from a light meter in the basement. A photo of the building's front revealed a strange image resembling eyes and a mouth in a window.

Ghostly Shorts

This section features several shorter accounts of paranormal experiences:

• Restoration Project Ghost: The author recounts moving into a three-story 1857 brick Victorian in August 1979 for restoration. During the work, a chandelier began flashing on and off. Later, while alone, the author heard distinct, heavy footsteps in the hallway, accompanied by an icy air, and the door to the parlor flew open. This was followed by a massive crash of shattering glass in the pre-dawn hours, though no cause was found.

• The Barefoot Boy: While painting, the author encountered a startled boy of about eight, clad in a grayish shirt and faded coveralls, with bare, wet feet. The boy picked up a lantern identical to one unearthed by the author's husband in the basement, and then began to fade away. A museum curator identified the lantern as a type of hanging oil lantern.

• The 1700 Home: A person renting a 1700, 13-room home experienced a turning doorknob, and later, a spectral figure in the attic. They also found a graveyard with family members who died young. The author's mother and the author heard the doorknob turning rapidly one night.

• The Typewriter Ghost: The author's family heard a typewriter operating late at night, only to find the typewriter stored in a corner. Later, while the author's father was home alone, he heard footsteps and upstairs doors slamming. In the attic, they found boxes moved and a Braille typewriter, which they learned belonged to a blind girl who once lived there.

• Upper Wolfsnare Manor: Previous curators reported a ghost seen by their daughter. The current residents also experienced tools mysteriously disappearing and reappearing in odd places.

• The Stern Ghost: One resident was observed by a young man looking sternly through an upstairs window, leading to the realization that the resident must have been a materialization of a ghost, especially since the resident was not wearing a white shirt as the ghost appeared to be.

• Civil War Garrison Ghost: A house near Norfolk and Princess Anne County, which served as a garrison for Union forces during the Civil War, is suspected of being haunted by a ghost related to guerilla skirmishes.

• The 1892 House Ghost: Neighborhood children and previous owners reported a ghost in an 1892 house. The author's youngest daughter claimed someone was moving her things, and the author's husband was tapped on the back. A 17-year-old boy described seeing an old man dressed in "old-fashioned clothes" sitting in the living room and measuring things with a ruler.

• Jessica Shaw's Encounters: Jessica Shaw recounts seeing a tall nun in grey who beckoned her and later banged on her door shouting for help. She also saw an old lady in black sitting on her bed in a new house. A medium confirmed the presence of a lady ghost. Later, her grandmother appeared in a blaze of light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of hauntings in historical buildings, the variety of spectral manifestations (from disembodied footsteps and cold spots to full apparitions of human and animal forms), and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics regarding the nature of these phenomena. The magazine presents a wide range of personal accounts, often from individuals who were initially doubtful but became convinced through direct experience. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration of paranormal claims, while also acknowledging the possibility of natural explanations, as highlighted by Verle Muhrer's comments.

This issue of WEIRD N.J., identified as issue #10 from 1998, presents itself as a guide to New Jersey's local legends and secrets, with a tagline proclaiming 'it's back...and it knows where you live!'. The magazine is published twice a year, in May and October, and offers a one-year subscription for $10.

Reader Submissions and Paranormal Accounts

The issue begins with a personal account from Jessica Shaw in Chesterfield, England, reprinted with permission, detailing a feeling of protection from a deceased relative and a fear of a neighbor. Following this is a reader's submission from Chris and Terri Payne of Woodbridge, NJ, who share a photograph taken at the Gettysburg battlefield. The photograph features a "smoke"-like formation on the wheel of a cannon, which they note was not present in other photos taken at the same time and place. The editor of WEIRD N.J. acknowledges the location's reputation as a haunted Civil War battlefield and assures that photographs are thoroughly analyzed, ruling out chemical flaws or bad film, and suggesting that spirits can linger in places of "untimely demise."

Book Reviews

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to book reviews, offering critical assessments of paranormal and ghost-related literature:

Ghost Stalkers Guide to Haunted Catalina by Richard Senate

Reviewed by John J. Lamb, Area Research Director for California, this book is praised for its direct prose and lack of "feigned spookiness." It combines fresh accounts with earlier reports, covering haunted sites across California, from the Whaley House to the lava beds. The review highlights the inclusion of historical data, conjecture on phenomena causes, and a reference guide to 101 haunted sites. It is recommended as an excellent addition to a research library.

Chicago Haunts by Ursula Bielski

This review, by Dale Kaczmarek, expresses disappointment with the book, calling it the first of its kind strictly devoted to Chicagoland haunts but falling short of expectations due to "serious mistakes" and lacking research. Kaczmarek, an expert on Chicago ghosts since 1975, points out inaccuracies in dates for sightings, particularly Resurrection Mary encounters, and misidentifies the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site. The review also notes the exclusion of reported encounters and the mistaken identification of Morton High School instead of Morton College. The author's approach is described as treating stories as fiction or folklore rather than real accounts.

Chicagoland Ghosts by Dylan Clearfield

Also reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is deemed "the worst of the two books on Chicago ghosts reviewed." Kaczmarek criticizes it as a "hastily assembled" and "poor attempt" lacking proper research and factual accuracy. Specific examples of inaccuracies include the height of the Maple Lake ghostlight, the number of people killed in a train wreck at Woodlawn Cemetery, and details of the Dillinger story. The review also points out errors in the Resurrection Mary reports and the limited coverage of significant sites like Jewish Waldheim Cemetery and Robinson Woods Indian Burial Grounds. The book is rated a 2 out of 10.

Children Of The Light by Cherie Sutherland

This book, reviewed by Malcolm Robinson, focuses on Near Death Experiences (NDEs) in children aged one to seventeen. Robinson describes it as a "most fascinating read" and "simply incredible," praising the "uncluttered minds" of the children for providing graphic and detailed accounts of their experiences on the "other side." The book is recommended for skeptics and those interested in the phenomenon.

Ghosts of Springfield by Troy Taylor

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is highly recommended for its "no nonsense approach" and "clear and vivid pictures." Taylor is commended for his "tireless research" and "sense for the spirits." The review highlights chapters on the haunting of the Springfield Theater Center and "The Haunted President." The book is rated an 8 out of 10.

Blue & Gray: Haunted Places of the Civil War III: Things That Go Bump in the Night

This special issue of Blue & Grey Magazine, reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, is devoted to haunted places, sites, and battlefields from the Civil War. It covers locations across several states, including specific encounters at Antietam, Wilmington, Gainesville, and Gettysburg. The review notes its "painstakingly researched and authenticated" content and recommends it for Civil War buffs, rating it an 8 out of 10.

Article: A True Critique of Nancy Robert's Georgia Ghosts

Written by Todd Womack, this piece critiques Nancy Robert's book "Georgia Ghosts." Womack, who identifies himself as a citizen of Georgia and a former resident of Savannah, argues that the book repeats "tired old ghost stories" that are "completely groundless or out and out lies." He specifically challenges two tales about the Pirate's House restaurant in Savannah, debunking the story of Captain Flint and questioning the details of the "Pirate's Tunnel." Womack also criticizes the inclusion of the Surrency House as a gimmick and notes the absence of the well-known south Georgia ghost light in Axson, while including the Screven Light, which has not been seen in years. The review suggests that the book's chapter titles, such as "Colonial Coast" and "Magnolia Midlands," are merely names of state tourism and commerce districts, implying the book is a "hodge-podge" meant to "relieve the unsuspecting tourist of his wallet."

Classifieds and Advertisements

The classified section includes advertisements for:

• CATALYST: A New Age Directory listing networking resources.
• A COLLECTION OF GRS APPEARANCES VIDEO: Featuring segments with Dale Kaczmarek.
• STRANGE MAGAZINE: A publication exploring unexplained phenomena.
• GRS CAPS: White baseball caps with embroidered Ghost Research Society logo.
• GRS and Excursions Into The Unknown T-shirts: Featuring official logos.
• ANNUAL GRS BOOK SALE: Offering discounted books, back issues, and UFO collections.

Additionally, there is an advertisement for a DOWSING SCHOOL AND CONFERENCE in Matteson, Illinois.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ghosts, haunted locations, and paranormal investigations, with a particular focus on book reviews and critiques. The magazine appears to maintain a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of Nancy Roberts' book and the careful analysis of submitted photographs. There is an emphasis on research and factual accuracy, with reviewers often providing ratings based on these criteria. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting paranormal-related merchandise and events.