Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 18 No 3 - 1999 10

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume 18, Number 3
Date: October 1999
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), delves into various paranormal accounts and research activities. Founded in 1978, the GRS publishes this newsletter in February, June, and October, edited by Dale D. Kaczmarek, President.

Ghost Research Society Information

The GRS is a membership organization focused on researching ghosts, hauntings, and life after death. It offers various membership levels, including Regular ($20/year), Sustaining ($25/year), and Contributing ($30/year), each with different benefits such as newsletter subscriptions, discounts, photo analysis services, and newspaper clipping services. The organization is also seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors.

Back issues of the newsletter are available for purchase. The GRS actively seeks submissions of photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, personal encounters, and anecdotes, promising credit and a free issue to contributors. All submitted materials become the property of the GRS.

Current Chain of Command

The leadership of the GRS is listed, with Dale D. Kaczmarek serving as President & Editor, Tom Perrott as Area Research Director, and Lee Holloway, Maurice Schwalm, and Richard Senate as Regular Columnists.

Editor's Page

Dale D. Kaczmarek, the editor, shares his experiences from research trips to New Jersey and New York, thanking Randy Liebeck, New Jersey State Coordinator, for his assistance. He recounts visiting various reportedly haunted locations, including Shades of Death Road, Ghost Lake, Bernardsville Public Library, The Spy House, and sites in Manhattan. He also mentions the book "New York City Ghosts" which is reviewed in this edition.

Kaczmarek announces that his book, "Windy City Ghosts," is nearing publication by Ingram Publishing and is expected in Spring. He also thanks contributors Jim Gracz, Maggie Cooper, Dennis Hauck, Linda Haluska, Timothy Dennehy, and Mark Gordon for their work on photographs, footage, clippings, and information.

He reports a significant increase in website traffic to www.ghostresearch.org, with over 20,578 hits in the first three days of September. Kaczmarek also mentions ongoing website updates and plans to add new links, photographs, and stories.

Membership and Media Features

The newsletter welcomes new Patron Members (Phil Driscoll, Brandon Kutka, Jeff Vollmer), a new Contributing Member (Frank Spaziante III), and new Sustaining Members (Karen Rasco, Christina Wallbruch). Donna Boonstra is thanked for upgrading to a Lifetime Membership. The GRS and Dale Kaczmarek are slated to be featured in several television specials around Halloween, including a one-hour segment on the Discovery Channel and a segment called "Top Ten" on TLC featuring GRS archives. Popular Mechanics for Kids will air footage of the Joplin ghost light in a segment called "Spook Out."

Research Trip to Richmond, Virginia

Lee Holloway recounts a research trip to a horse farm in Richmond, Virginia, investigating reports of phantom horses, sounds, and other phenomena. The investigation was hampered by mysterious car malfunctions. The team set up G.E.I.S.T. equipment and night vision cameras. While orbs and unusual sounds were detected, no visual phenomena were observed. The farm is located near a Civil War battle site and unmarked cemeteries. A follow-up investigation is possible.

Encounters at Evergreen Cemetery

This section, authored by Lee Holloway, details several reported paranormal encounters at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Ugly Angel

The cemetery, originally part of the Palermo Plantation, contains numerous graves, including a "memorial garden" and modern crypts. A notable monument is the "ugly angel," a grotesque Gabriel marking the grave of Bette Hightower. An apparition of a woman has been seen near this monument on at least two occasions. Barbara Wimberley recounts seeing the apparition as a child with her grandmother. She describes the figure as "definitely female" and "all shiny," with a bright light behind it. Years later, after her brother's death, Barbara saw the same apparition again, describing it as "shimmery-like." She believes these apparitions appear to comfort those who are grieving, offering a sense of life after death.

A Lady in Violet

In the older section of the cemetery, a lady dressed in violet has been reported. Mary Frances Hilliard saw this apparition in the 1940s while visiting with her aunt, uncle, and cousin. She described the woman as wearing an old-fashioned violet dress and a black hat with a plume. While Mary Frances was fascinated, her aunt became hysterical, especially after her grandfather mentioned that seeing the ghost meant a death in the family within days. Tragically, Aunt Lavenia's father died shortly after.

Tomb of the Unknown

This section describes the apparition of a man seen standing in the doorway of an unmarked mausoleum in the old section of the cemetery. Vicki Wallace relates a story from her high school creative writing class in 1969, where a classmate named Betty wrote about meeting a ghost lover named Thaddeus at this specific mausoleum. Betty's detailed description allowed Vicki and her friends to locate the tomb. Years later, in 1995, Vicki and her future step-daughter visited the cemetery and Tina, her step-daughter, pointed out a man standing at the door of the same unmarked tomb, confirming Betty's story.

Hawaiian Haunts: A Visitor's Survival Guide

Authored by Richard Senate, this article provides guidelines for visitors to Hawaii to avoid incurring curses or negative supernatural consequences by respecting ancient Hawaiian taboos.

1. Don't belittle the Ancient Gods: The old Gods are considered important aspects of Hawaiian culture, and incurring their wrath can lead to misfortune, as exemplified by a boy who tossed stones at a statue and later injured himself.
2. Respect the ancient Holy Places: Stone mounds, considered sacred temples, should not be touched or removed, as doing so can invoke a curse. Visitors have reported feeling invisible hands or experiencing chills and whispers.
3. Respect the sacred roads: Certain highways are considered sacred and are rumored to be haunted by ancient warriors. Carrying pork on these roads at night is particularly taboo and can lead to accidents and car malfunctions. Examples include Saddle Back Road and a road on Molokai haunted by a headless horseman.
4. Never disturb Lava Rocks: Lava rocks are sacred to the goddess Pele, and removing them is believed to bring ill luck and disasters.
5. Never mistreat a strange old woman: Hawaiians believe Pele can assume the form of an elderly woman, and insulting her can lead to severe consequences, including volcanic activity.
6. Don't touch bones: Ancient Hawaiians believed spirits were contained in bones, and disturbing ancient burial sites is considered dangerous.
7. Salt and Ti plant are sacred: These can be used as amulets to ward off evil spirits and negative forces.
8. Ancient battlefields should be treated with respect: These sites are sacred, and spirits of warriors may wander them after dark.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on paranormal investigations, ghost sightings, and folklore from various regions. The GRS promotes research, membership, and the sharing of personal experiences within the paranormal community. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into the unexplained, encouraging readers to contribute their findings and experiences while respecting cultural beliefs and historical sites, particularly evident in the Hawaiian section. The publication aims to inform and engage its readership on a wide range of supernatural phenomena.

This issue of Ghost Trackers Newsletter, dated July 1999, focuses on hauntings and paranormal experiences, with a prominent cover story on "Haunted Hawaii: The Ghostly Warrior of Pali Nuuanu" by Richard Senate. The newsletter is published by GRS and appears to be a US-based publication.

Haunted Hawaii: The Ghostly Warrior of Pali Nuuanu

Richard Senate recounts a visit to the Pali Nuuanu in Hawaii, where the tour bus driver shared legends of the "White Lady" and a historical battle in 1795. King Kamehameha invaded Oahu and defeated warriors were pushed over the cliffs, their skeletons reportedly seen at the foot of the Pali. The ghosts of these warriors are said to refight the battle on full moon nights. The White Lady guards the area and strongly dislikes pork, with the driver hinting that bringing pork could lead to accidents. The windy conditions at the overlook are described as incredible, with winds strong enough to blow people off the cliffs.

Senate also interviews a resident, Mrs. P., who confirmed the legend of the White Lady. She and a friend tested the legend by taking pork to the Pali at midnight, resulting in their car breaking down and going off the road. A Hawaiian tow truck driver explained that many had challenged the gods and faced consequences.

Amityville, Kansas

Maurice Schwalm contributes an account of a haunting in Olathe, Kansas, in a duplex described as previously being a cow pasture. The new tenants experienced unusual occurrences, including hardware being unscrewed, water faucets flowing when the water wasn't on, and rude responses from the real estate company. The husband recorded tomtoms on a tape, a friend felt something grab her ankle, and a minister performed a blessing without apparent effect. The tenants felt the presence of Indians, dreamt of them, and heard them, despite not seeing them. Indian decorative motifs were used in the house. The wife experienced visions of an Indian woman and a contemporary white woman, feeling a symbiotic relationship with two spirits who did not wish her well.

The narrative continues with the wife's impressions of spirits and visions of a sea of eyes, relating to a place of the dead and a tribe that feared water spirits. She describes an Indian woman being swept away in a creek and a white woman being killed in her bath, noting a bond of sympathy between them. The burial ground was present, guarded by "devil dogs."

This Olde House

An anonymous author recounts experiences in their old house, purchased in 1973. The house, a Queen Anne style built in 1903, was undergoing restoration. The first "unexplainable" occurrence involved a voice calling the husband's name from behind him while the author was in the cellar. Later, the author found the bed in a prepared room rumpled and the pillow indented, suggesting a sleeper. The author was delighted to have a "haunted" house. After moving their bedroom to the sitting room, the author experienced a visitation from a slender woman with piled hair, wearing a loose-fitting, colorless dress, whose face was plain and expressionless. The author felt absolute terror and called out for "Mother? Mother?" The figure glided and seemed to pass through the bed's footboard before dissolving. The author sensed its presence again but chose not to look. The sitting room was redecorated, and nothing had disturbed them since.

In 1981, the author investigated the house's background and spoke with relatives of the builder. A surviving daughter mentioned her sister Gertrude died in South Dakota giving birth, and the son was sent to Ohio. Gertrude's grandfather was a depot sergeant, and the boy later worked for the railroad, dying in a freak accident. The author wonders if Gertrude was wearing the same dress seen in a picture during the visitation.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers submitted accounts and questions:

• Sandy B. from Denver is seeking assistance with a weird light appearing on her ceiling, possibly related to nearby high voltage towers, and wants a local contact to investigate.
• Karrie moved into a new home and is experiencing unexplained happenings, including broken items, moved objects, and lights turning on/off. Her daughter has exhibited strange behavior, and Karrie believes there are angry and vindictive spirits.
• Enrico Villanueva writes on behalf of his sister, Missi, in Old Town Whittier, California. Their daughter Sarah complains about a man in her bedroom, and the family is seeking information on someone in California who can help.
• An anonymous writer from London, Ontario, Canada, describes their apartment as possibly the most haunted house, with old people seen in meetings and a figure called the "Hall Guy." They are a private investigator and want to know how to record these ghosts.
• Denise, also from London, Ontario, Canada, shares experiences of a friend who moved into an apartment in May 1999. The friend's cat howls, items go missing, there are strong feces smells, and reddish-brown stains appeared on her hands and feet overnight.
• Tammy B. from Colorado Springs, Colorado, reports unusual happenings in their six-year-old home, including stools on the counter, pictures hung upside down, doors locking, and office chairs moved. The happenings seem to focus on her husband's office, with his desk moved and an old baby picture placed on his chair.

Opinion Polls

This section features comments from subscribers Jim Graczyk and Marjorie A.E. Cook. Graczyk suggests a question and answer section and mentions GRS events. Cook enjoys seeing representations of ghosts and haunted sites, offers freelance artwork, and inquires about a ghosthunter's handbook. She praises the newsletter for its focus on hauntings and not cluttering content with UFOs or Fortean phenomena.

Editor Dale Kaczmarek responds that new columns depend on reader input and that he has not produced a handbook but recommends Troy Taylor's "Ghosthunters Handbook." He reiterates that Ghost Trackers Newsletter strictly publishes articles on ghosts, hauntings, and poltergeists, declining other material. Kaczmarek announces the discontinuation of the "Opinion Polls" column due to low response rates and states that future polls will be available only to local GRS members. He invites comments, questions, or criticisms to be sent to his attention.

Spirit Photography Page

This page presents a photograph taken at Robinson Woods Indian Burial Grounds in Norridge, Illinois, showing "wisps of smokey material" near a monument. The editor comments on a large ball of white light in a window in another submitted picture, suggesting it could be a reflection or clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are hauntings, ghost stories, and unexplained phenomena reported by readers. The editorial stance, as articulated by Dale Kaczmarek, is a strict focus on ghosts, hauntings, and poltergeists, with a deliberate exclusion of UFOs and New Age topics. The newsletter aims to provide well-written and interesting articles on these subjects, encouraging reader interaction through letters and, formerly, opinion polls.

This document presents a "Book Reviews" section, likely from a magazine focused on paranormal topics, UFOs, and the unexplained. The content consists of reviews of various books and one videotape, all centered around ghosts, hauntings, and related folklore across different regions of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Book Reviews

Maine Ghosts & Legends: 24 Encounters With the Supernatural

Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this small, softbound book by Thomas A. Verde is praised for its easy-to-read format and its focus on Maine's supernatural tales. Verde, a freelance writer and reporter, is commended for his research and for compiling the first book of its kind on the subject. The reviewer found the book immensely enjoyable and recommended it for anyone interested in ghost stories, rating it a 6 out of 10.

Haunted Sussex Today

Andrew Green's softbound book, "Haunted Sussex Today," is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. Green, an established British ghost researcher, is noted for his prolific output. The book is described as lavishly illustrated with many pictures, some taken by fellow researcher Tom Perrott. The stories are alphabetically listed by town, making it easy for travelers. Kaczmarek rated it a 6 out of 10, recommending it highly.

New York City Ghost Stories

Charles J. Adams III's "New York City Ghost Stories" is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. The reviewer notes that Adams has produced another fine book, unique in its sole focus on New York City ghosts. Kaczmarek mentions visiting several locations from the book, including Fire Station No. 2 in Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park, and a former home of Edgar Allan Poe. He highlights the book's instrumental role in directing and detailing hauntings and recommends it, rating it a 7 out of 10.

Ghosts and Haunted Houses of Maryland

Trish Gallagher's "Ghosts and Haunted Houses of Maryland" is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This collection features authentic homes and historic buildings with ghost stories. The author is noted for protecting the privacy of residents by changing names and omitting locations, which the reviewer feels hinders ghostbusters and researchers. Illustrations are present but not actual pictures. Notable mentions include the Frenchtown Tavern and Point Lookout, which is described as the most haunted location in the book. Kaczmarek rated it a 5 out of 10, finding it worth reading despite its brevity.

Haunted Ohio IV

Chris Woodyard's "Haunted Ohio IV" is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. This is the fourth installment in a series about Ohio's haunted sites. Woodyard is described as a respected author and researcher in Ohio. Kaczmarek recounts a personal experience of being shown haunted sites by Woodyard. The book provides addresses and phone numbers for public locations, making it a good tour book. Kaczmarek rates it a 7 out of 10 and anticipates a "Haunted Ohio V."

Dark Harvest: The Compleat Haunted Decatur

Troy Taylor's "Dark Harvest: The Compleat Haunted Decatur" is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. Taylor is lauded for his accurate and highly researched work. The book is described as a masterwork, covering the history of Decatur alongside its ghostly aspects, legends, and "things that go bump in the night." The photographs are noted as being great and often unique. The input from parapsychologist Frank Ward, referred to as the 'grandfather' of modern ghosthunters, is highlighted. A Midwest Travel Guide is also included. Kaczmarek rates it a 9 out of 10, calling it "not to be passed up by any means."

Ghost Quest 98 Videotape

This videotape, produced by Ghost Seeker Society and Movie-Mix Productions, is reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek. The video follows the founder of the Ghost Seeker Society across the northwest, using digital cameras and night vision. While some captured phenomena might have natural explanations, much of it is described as amazing and deserving of attention. Kaczmarek encourages readers to purchase the tape, rating it a 7 out of 10.

Classifieds and Other Listings

Weird New Jersey

"Weird New Jersey" is a publication released twice a year by Weird NJ Inc., available at various locations in New Jersey or by mail order and online. It is described as a fascinating publication devoted to weird, obscure, ghostly, and strange items in and around New Jersey.

CATALYST

CATALYST is presented as the New Age Directory, an extensive resource for New Age/Metaphysical networking newsletters, publications, book reports, and unique products from the U.S. and overseas. It is available for $7.95 plus $2.00 postage/handling.

STRANGE MAGAZINE

"STRANGE MAGAZINE" is described as a credible magazine exploring unexplained phenomena with in-depth investigations and weird world news. It is published twice yearly and is praised for its level-headed, open-minded, and entertaining style. A four-issue subscription costs $19.75 in the US, with different rates for the UK and foreign countries.

ANNUAL GRS BOOK SALE!!!

This section announces a book sale with paperbacks starting at $1 and hardcovers at $3 and up. It also mentions back issues of out-of-print paranormal publications, Ghost Trackers Newsletters, ghost-related fiction paperbacks, UFO collections, audio and video tapes, and back issues of discontinued publications like "Witchcraft and Paganism," "Astrology," "UFOlogy," and "The."

Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Psychic Directories

These directories are available, and interested parties are directed to write or email [email protected] for a back list.

GRS CAPS and T-shirts/Sweatshirts

Merchandise from the Ghost Research Society is advertised, including white baseball caps with black embroidered logos ($15.00 plus shipping) and T-shirts/sweatshirts with Ghost Research Society or Excursions Into The Unknown logos. T-shirts are $12.00 and sweatshirts are $15.00, with an additional $3.50 for priority shipping.

"pinning In The Light" Art & Poetry

A listing for "pinning In The Light" art & poetry is provided with an address in Las Vegas, NV. A sample costs $3.00, and a subscription is $18.00 per year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly ghosts, hauntings, and the paranormal, with a strong emphasis on book and media reviews. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic engagement with the subject matter, as evidenced by the positive and detailed reviews provided by Dale Kaczmarek and others. The publication seems to cater to an audience interested in researching and exploring supernatural phenomena, providing resources like directories and merchandise alongside reviews.