Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 17 No 3 - 1998 10

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume 17, Number 3
Date: October 1998
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

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

Ghost Research Society Information

The Ghost Research Society is dedicated to the study of ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, and life after death. The organization offers various membership levels, including Regular ($20/year), Sustaining ($25/year), and Contributing ($30/year), each providing different benefits such as newsletter subscriptions, discounts, photo analysis, and newspaper clipping services. The society is also seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors. Back issues of the newsletter are available for purchase.

Editorial Content and Staff

Dale D. Kaczmarek serves as President & Editor, and Tom Perrott is the Area Research Director. The newsletter welcomes submissions of photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, and personal encounters, with full credit given to contributors. All published articles become the property of the GRS.

Editors' Page

The editors welcome readers to the Halloween edition, highlighting a busy summer of investigations, field excursions, and conferences. Special thanks are extended to Stacy McArdle, Monty McClennen, Chris Woodyard, Shelley Sykes, Tom Perrott, Todd Womack, Gary Hart, Linda Haluska, John Cachel, Aimee Price, Amy Redman, David Goodwin, and Matt Hucke for their contributions and assistance. The GRS website (www.ghostresearch.org) is being updated with a new section on fake photographs. A detailed map of Bachelor's Grove is also in development. The "Excursions Into The Unknown" bus tours are ongoing, with prices ranging from $28 to $35. Dale D. Kaczmarek notes a potential change in his Internet service provider from America Online to IBM.

Ghost Research Society News

New Patron Members welcomed include Thomas McNichols, Shannon Bates, Greg Maurer, Michelle & Meredith Moxley, and Scott Eaker. Sustaining member Steve McNichols contributed the cover design, and Lifetime Member Ray Ausby is also acknowledged. The society has added 7 new members and received renewals from 12 veteran members. Dale D. Kaczmarek thanks Troy Taylor of the American Ghost Society for inviting him to speak at a conference in Decatur, Illinois, praising the open sharing of techniques among researchers. He also mentions selling books, magazines, and T-shirts at the conference and notes that the ongoing book sale continues. A correction is made regarding a previous book review, clarifying that "Ghost Stalkers Guide to Haunted California" was reviewed, not "Ghost Stalkers Guide to Haunted Catalina".

Dedication to Greta Alexander

This issue is dedicated to the memory of famed psychic Greta Alexander, who passed away at age 66. Alexander attributed her psychic abilities, including visualizing the past and seeing the future, to a lightning strike during pregnancy. Tazewell County Coroner Robert Dubois, a friend of 25 years, described her as having a gift she used to help law enforcement and being humble about her abilities.

Feature Article: Fort George Island's Haunted 'Castle'

By Lee Holloway

The article details the history of a derelict mansion on Fort George Island, vaguely reminiscent of "Collinwood" from "Dark Shadows." Built in 1928 as a winter residence for St. Louis railroad tycoon Nettleton Neff, the house's design and construction were handled by mail. Tragically, Neff lost his wife and two children shortly after completion and never returned to the property. For years, the vacant residence was reportedly filled with "booming organ music" and surrounded by fog, even when other areas were clear. The Timuquan Indians believed mysterious lights in the area were spirits. The property was purchased by the Kenneth Merrill family in the 1930s, who also found the house to have a "spooky feeling." Essie Johnson's mother, Vera Chapman, who worked as a maid, described the house as always cold and dark, sensing someone watching her and hearing things. The Merrills abandoned the house in the 1950s. In 1969, Gerri and Antoine Betz purchased the house. Mrs. Betz, who ran for Florida Legislature, recalled experiencing strange occurrences, including a maid leaving abruptly, a heavy door slamming, a telephone ringing inexplicably, and a dramatic crash of dishes from a securely fastened cupboard, which terrified catering staff. The house was sold again in the early 1990s as part of a development project that fell through. The state of Florida eventually purchased the property, recognizing the island's historical significance and wildlife sanctuary status. The castle is now totally deserted, with residents believing it's only a matter of time before the phantom organ music returns.

Ghostly Shorts

This section presents personal accounts of paranormal experiences. One account describes a house purchased in 1977, featuring original architectural details. The owners began hearing footsteps on the third floor between 2:45 and 3:15 AM, which stopped and resumed periodically. Their dog refused to go to the third floor. Windows on the third floor were found open despite being secured. A son heard a cry for "help" in the second-floor bathroom. Another account details a high-pitched wail like a child's heard from the third floor, followed by the sound of furniture being dragged and the rhythmic sound of a toy drum. The owner's son experienced alarm clock hands spinning and a sensation of being entered. A child's voice was heard calling "Mom." Young visitors to the house often sensed a presence, with some feeling faint. Two previous owners also reported strange happenings, including breaking dishes. The house has been quieter since the third floor was finished in 1981, leading the owners to wonder if a spirit has been appeased or driven away.

The Ghosts of Robinson Woods

By Thomas D. McNichols

This article investigates Robinson Woods Indian Burial Ground in Chicago, described as one of the most haunted locations researched by the Offices of Paranormal Investigation. Robinson Woods is the final resting place of Chief Chee-Chee-Pin-Quay (Alexander Robinson), a Potawatomi, Chippewa, and Ottawa chief, buried alongside his wife Catherine (Chevalier) Robinson and other family members. Alexander Robinson, of mixed Ottawa and Scottish heritage, assisted in the escape from the Fort Dearborn Massacre and became a permanent resident of Chicago in 1814. He married Catherine Chevalier in 1826 and assumed the role of chief, his name changed to Chee-Chee-Pin-Quay, meaning Blinking Eye. In 1829, he was granted land at the Treaty of Prairie du Chien for his peacekeeping efforts and for saving lives. He received a lifetime annuity. Catherine died in 1860, and Alexander died in 1972. The Robinson homestead burned down in 1955, with his 89-year-old granddaughter Katherine Boettcher and others rescued. The property was later bought by the Cook County Forest Division. Indian burial grounds are traditionally considered haunted, and Robinson Woods is no exception. Since the early 1970s, reports of peculiar orbs and lights have been seen, primarily to the left of the rock marking Alexander Robinson's grave. These anomalous lights are often not visible to the naked eye but appear on developed film. Unexplainable sounds, such as Indian drums and wood chopping, have also been reported. An odd smell of violets is sometimes detected near the grave, even in winter. Researchers Steve and the author have investigated the site frequently, though they have not personally experienced the drums, chopping, or violet scent. They have obtained good photographic results, including a picture from September 1997 showing a white mist and EMF readings. On another occasion, they encountered high school students sitting by the rock late at night.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around hauntings, unexplained phenomena, and paranormal investigations, with a focus on specific locations like Fort George Island and Robinson Woods. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and documentation of reported paranormal events, encouraging reader submissions and providing a platform for sharing research and experiences within the paranormal community. The publication aims to inform and engage individuals interested in ghosts, hauntings, and related subjects.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated November 1997, Volume 12, Number 10, is published by Larry W. Howard and features a cover headline of "UFOs OVER THE WHITE HOUSE". The magazine delves into various paranormal topics, including hauntings, ghost phenomena, and UFO investigations.

Robinson Woods Indian Burial Ground

An article submitted by GRS member Thomas McNichols discusses the Robinson Woods Indian Burial Ground in Chicago, Illinois. McNichols reports on personal experiences and local accounts of paranormal activity, including sounds of drums, sightings of a man, and phantom smells. He believes the spirits are restless but not evil, attributing devil worship rumors to high school students. The Offices of Paranormal Investigation deem the location highly haunted and suitable for further study.

Spirited Exchanges: The Five Most Commonly Asked Questions on Ghost Tours

Written by John J. Lamb, Area Research Director for the GRS, this piece addresses common questions about ghosts and paranormal phenomena. Lamb categorizes people's beliefs about ghosts into four types: skeptics, Fundamentalist Christians, untutored believers, and New Agers. He discusses the nature of skepticism, the definition of ghosts as potentially earthbound spirits or energy patterns, and the telepathic nature of apparitions. Lamb also addresses the biblical perspective on ghosts, stating he has found no evidence of diabolic origins for ghost phenomena, and clarifies that he does not perform "soul rescue" missions.

The Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace

Richard Senate, a Special Consultant to the GRS, recounts a visit to Hampton Court Palace in England with Debbie. They experienced a chilling atmosphere and Debbie reported seeing a figure in white. Senate details the history of the palace, its association with Henry VIII and his wives Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Jane Seymour, whose ghosts are reportedly seen there. The article suggests visiting the palace during heavy rain to enhance paranormal experiences.

A Focus Distortion

Maurice Schwalm, an investigator, presents findings from a UFO landing site report. He describes the phenomena as an apparition of extra-terrestrial presences rather than a physical craft. Schwalm explores the concept of time bands and consciousness, suggesting that entities might exist within a broader temporal framework. He details observations from a photo roll, including self-luminous fields, a dancing blue light, and an inexplicable river. The article also touches upon reports of an eight-foot-tall hairy beast and associated sounds and lights near a quarry.

One Heck of a Ghostly Summer

Dale Kaczmarek, a GRS member, chronicles a summer of paranormal investigations and field excursions. He highlights a trip to the Crystal Lake/Woodstock area of Illinois with other GRS members, including Stacy McArdle, who runs the Traveling Paranormal Research Association website. The group visited the Woodstock Opera House, reportedly haunted by "Elvira," and the Tavern on the Square (formerly the jail and courthouse). They also investigated several local cemeteries, including Oakland Cemetery, where they encountered phenomena at the Buck Mausoleum, including disembodied screams, a glowing globe, and a black shadow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of paranormal phenomena, including hauntings, ghost sightings, and UFO encounters. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet analytical approach, presenting various accounts and theories while encouraging further research. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring the unexplained and challenging conventional skepticism, as evidenced by the discussions on the nature of belief and evidence.

This issue of Ghost Trackers Newsletter, dated Summer 1998, focuses on paranormal investigations and haunted locations, primarily featuring the work of the Ghost Research Society (GRS) and other affiliated groups. The content includes detailed accounts of visits to various reportedly haunted sites, reviews of books and videos related to the paranormal, and reader feedback.

Paranormal Investigations and Haunted Locations

The newsletter documents several investigations. The team visited Greenwood Cemetery, noting its founding in 1840 and the presence of a grave from 1838. Ann McQuinn, the first white woman in the county, is buried there, as are Civil War veterans. Strange mists and globes of light have been reported, along with EVP recordings and a 'human' scream.

Ostend Cemetery, originally 'Thompson's Burying Ground' consecrated in 1842, was also visited. Monty McClennen photographed a light globe, and mists have been captured on film, with equipment failures and crying sounds reported.

The Holcombville School, circa 1858, was investigated unofficially. A Ouija board session in 1990 reportedly involved self-moving planchette and sounds.

The George Washington Stickney Mansion at 1904 Cherry Valley Road in Crystal Lake, built in 1849 (or 1856), is described as possibly the most haunted home in the area. Its rounded corners were intended to prevent the devil from hiding. Stickney died in 1897 under unknown circumstances, with rumors of suicide or death in a corner. A recent break-in by vandals prevented the GRS group from entering the building, which is now City Hall.

Mt. Thabor Cemetery, settled in 1846, is described as eerie and photogenic. It was originally the site of North Barrens Church. A photograph allegedly shows a phantom tombstone. Voices have been heard, and much EVP has been recorded. A greenish mist was observed, and the cemetery once illuminated as if daylight.

The Hampton Historic Site in Towson, Maryland, is mentioned as haunted by a grey lady, with legends of crashing chandeliers as omens of death. The site is now administered by the National Park Service.

Gettysburg, described as the most haunted Civil War battlefield, is noted for phantom regiments and battlefield sounds. A cemetery near Gettysburg yielded reports of a dark silhouette walking along a fence.

In Dayton, Ohio, investigations included stops at a Masonic Temple and the Patterson Homestead, with reports of apparitions, moving objects, and poltergeist phenomena. The Franklin Castle in Cleveland is also cited as a haunted house.

An investigation into the 'Moody light' in Indiana is detailed. This light, believed by some to be the spirit of Farmer Moody, appears to be automobile headlights, though some witnesses claim close encounters with a figure carrying a lantern.

Book and Video Reviews

Dale Kaczmarek reviewed several books and videos:

• Twilight Visitors: Ghost Tales, Vol. One by Sharon A. Gill & Dave R. Oester (1995): A collection of short stories, described as somewhat dry and with fuzzy pictures. Rated 4/10.
• Where Have All The Ghosts Gone? by Alana Eyler (1997): A booklet of regional ghost stories, where names were changed to protect privacy. Rated 5/10.
• Ghosts and Legends of Frederick County by Timothy L. Cannon & Nancy F. Whitmore (1997): A more informative book than the previous one, covering haunted houses, folklore, the Civil War, and creatures. Rated 6/10.
• The Ghosts of Hampton collected by Anne Van Ness Merriam (1985): A short, fictional booklet about the history of the Ridgely family and hauntings at Hampton. Rated 5/10.
• America's Most Haunted by Bob Schott (1997-1998): A video tape featuring investigations at the Bell Witch Cave and 'Graveyard X,' with claims of apparitions and intense seances. Rated 9/10.
• An Unknown Encounter: A True Account of the Haunting of Jackie Hernandez by Barry Conrad (1997): An 81-minute documentary documenting a woman's claim of a violent haunting, with claims of strange rod-like structures and apparitions. Rated 8/10.
• Echo's Journey: The True Life Story of Echo Bodine (TQ Productions, 1998): A video tape about a psychic, found to be boring and dry despite some interesting parts. Rated 3/10.

Opinion Polls

Readers shared their thoughts and suggestions:

• Carlos Lopes requested more pictures with stories and a feature on the ghost of Anne Marie Twente.
• Mark Lacey suggested a section for newspaper clippings and a harder cover.
• Richard Elkin offered his artistic services and inquired about photo ID badges.
• Kaye Wagner commented on the fascinating nature of small paranormal events and criticized the newsletter's printing quality for photos, noting that color shots printed in black and white appear dark and useless.

The editor responded to Carlos Lopes, stating they would add more photographs and were unfamiliar with the Anne Marie Twente story.

Classifieds

The classified section includes advertisements for:

• CATALYST: A New Age Directory.
• STRANGE MAGAZINE: A publication exploring unexplained phenomena.
• ANNUAL GRS BOOK SALE: Offering discounted paperbacks and hardcovers, back issues of newsletters, and UFO collections.
• GRS CAPS: White baseball caps with embroidered Ghost Research Society logo.
• GRS and Excursions Into The Unknown T-shirts: Available with different logos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and investigation of paranormal phenomena, particularly hauntings and unexplained lights. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and sharing of experiences. The reviews of books and videos suggest a focus on visual evidence and firsthand accounts. The newsletter also seems to value the sharing of regional folklore and lesser-known paranormal events, as highlighted by Kaye Wagner's comment.