Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 19 No 2 - 2000 06

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Number 2
Volume: 19
Date: June 2000
Publisher: Ghost Research Society
Type: Official Paranormal Publication

Main Content: Haunted Lighthouses of Maine

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter is dedicated to exploring the paranormal phenomena associated with lighthouses along the coast of Maine. The article, submitted by GRS member Lee Holloway, details numerous haunted lighthouses, drawing on historical accounts, local folklore, and reports from lighthouse keepers and investigators.

Cape Neddick Light (Nubble)

While the lighthouse itself is not considered haunted, the surrounding area near Cape Neddick Light is associated with a tragic event in 1842. The ship *Isidore* wrecked off the coast, with only one survivor, Thomas King, who had a premonition of the disaster. To this day, the ghost of the *Isidore* and its crew are sometimes seen on stormy nights.

Boon Island Light

Maine's tallest lighthouse, Boon Island Light, is said to be haunted by multiple spirits. One prominent story involves a young bride who, driven mad by grief after her husband drowned during a severe storm, eventually died of exposure. Another tale recounts the *Nottingham Galley* wreck in 1710, where survivors resorted to cannibalism, and their spirits may still linger.

Wood Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse is reportedly haunted by Howard Hobbs, who committed suicide there after a murder in 1896. Keepers have reported hearing moaning sounds and disembodied voices, and one keeper became so disturbed that he left the island and took his own life.

Sequin Island Light

Considered one of Maine's best-known haunted lighthouses, Sequin Island Light is associated with a murder and suicide in the 1800s. The keeper's wife, driven to madness by isolation and the destruction of her piano, was killed by her husband, who then committed suicide. The phantom of a mad piano player, an old light keeper known as “Old Captain,” and a young girl in a plaid pinafore are said to haunt the island.

Hendricks Head Light

Located at the mouth of the Sheepscot River, this lighthouse is associated with a survivor of a shipwreck in 1871, a baby girl who was adopted by the keeper. Another story tells of a mysterious woman who appeared in Southport in 1945 and was found dead on the beach near the lighthouse, her ghost described as young, beautiful, and "glowing white."

Ram Island Light

This lighthouse has a pair of ghosts: a helpful old man who appears to build fires and a "protective spirit," a woman in white who has been seen waving a lighted torch and has warned boaters away from dangerous rocks.

Pemaquid Point Light

Located in a spectacular but treacherous area, Pemaquid Point Light is said to be haunted by the spirits of those lost to the ocean's fury. The keeper's dwelling is haunted by a lady with fiery red hair.

Monhegan Island Light

This lighthouse is haunted by a "meanspirited spirit" of an old woman who committed suicide from the cliffs. The ghost is said to target people who have contemplated suicide and has a tendency to place her hands on people's shoulders.

Owl's Head Light

Haunted by a former keeper who makes his presence known by turning down the thermostat and leaving footprints. Another spirit, the "Little Lady," is said to have a calming effect.

Winter Harbor Light

Though no longer functioning as a lighthouse, the current owners report experiencing phenomena such as "unseen callers" and knocks at the door.

Prospect Harbor Light

Located at the Naval Satellite Operations Center, this lighthouse is said to be haunted by restless spirits, including a statue of an old sea captain that reportedly moves. Apparitions of two children who drowned nearby are also seen.

Ghost Research Society Updates and Information

The newsletter also provides information about the Ghost Research Society (GRS), including its founding in 1978, its mission to research the paranormal, and its publication schedule. Membership details are provided, outlining the benefits of regular, sustaining, contributing, multi-year, patron, and lifetime memberships. The cost of back issues is also listed.

The GRS is actively seeking donations of used or new equipment and electrical supplies, as they are not federally funded and operate solely on out-of-pocket expenses, supplemented by tour profits and merchandise sales.

Dale D. Kaczmarek, President and Editor, mentions his recent book signings for "Windy City Ghosts" and his appearance on WBBM-TV. He also thanks individuals for their contributions, including John Cachel for photographs and video tapes of the haunted McPike Mansion, Stan Suho for donating an infrared spotlight, Mary Tormey and Tom Perrott for newspaper clippings, and Marge Podrazik for typing casework.

The GRS is also involved in local investigations and is looking for new officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the prevalence of paranormal activity and ghost stories associated with lighthouses, particularly in Maine. The editorial stance, as reflected in the content and the GRS's mission, is one of serious investigation and documentation of paranormal phenomena. The newsletter encourages reader participation through submissions and donations, emphasizing the society's commitment to exploring the unknown and maintaining an active presence in the paranormal community.

This issue of "The Haunted Caves of Hastings" by Richard Senate and Maurice Schwalm, published in 1996, delves into various haunted locations, primarily focusing on reported paranormal encounters and historical accounts. The magazine features detailed narratives of ghostly sightings, unexplained phenomena, and investigations into alleged hauntings.

The Haunted Caves of Hastings

The first section, authored by Richard Senate, details an investigation into the "Smuggler's Caves" located in the cliffs above Hastings, England. Senate recounts his visit with his companion, Debbie, to this complex of underground caverns, historically used by smugglers. Upon entering, Senate felt an immediate sense of unease, which Debbie also experienced. The caves, which were adapted for tourism in the late 18th century, feature displays of smugglers and coast guardsmen. A key element of the caves' lore is the tale of a ghostly drummer, allegedly murdered and forever drumming in the caverns, a story Senate suggests was spread by smugglers to deter intruders. Debbie, however, sensed the presence of more than one ghost. During their exploration, while alone in a chamber, they heard distinct footsteps that seemed to move past them, and later, in a room called "the chapel," they witnessed a shadow in the shape of a woman in a long dress that moved and vanished. The man at the gift shop informed them that such occurrences were commonplace and often ignored by staff. A local ghost hunter, John Williams, had even spent a night there and recorded unexplained sounds.

The Crescent Hotel

Maurice Schwalm contributes an article about the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a structure built in 1886. Despite its seemingly impersonal origin as a resort hotel, it is reported to be haunted. Specific areas of activity include the laundry room, the dining room, and particularly Room 218. The hotel is also noted for its history as a cancer hospital operated by Dr. Norman Baker from 1937 to 1940, who was later convicted of mail fraud. Schwalm describes how guests in Room 218 have experienced the bed overturning by itself. The room is now only rented when the hotel is fully booked. Staff also report mists that form and float around the room, and problems in the adjacent laundry room, such as flickering lights and moving laundry carts. The article mentions Michael, a Swedish stone mason who died during construction and is said to haunt the area he built, unable to pass through the walls he constructed.

Apparitional Encounter Report: La Casa de Estudillo (Report #96-001)

This section details an encounter at La Casa de Estudillo, a historic adobe building in Old Town State Park, San Diego, California. The witness, a White Female Adult, approximately 22 years old and a California State Park employee, requested anonymity due to supervisors discouraging discussion of paranormal phenomena. She reported that about a week prior, while working alone, she saw a human figure emerge from a chapel door and enter a corridor. The figure was described as wearing a red robe and was only visible for a short time. The witness experienced a cold sensation, like being inside a refrigerator, after entering the room where the figure disappeared. She later learned from co-workers that the house was commonly known to be haunted, with reports of cold spots, spectral faces, shadowy figures, and voices. The witness, a fundamentalist Christian, believed the apparition was demonic in origin, as her faith does not recognize ghosts. The report notes that the witness was intelligent and earnest, but also anxious due to her beliefs and fear of repercussions from her supervisors.

Apparitional Encounter Report: La Casa de Estudillo (Report #96-002)

This report details a separate incident at La Casa de Estudillo, involving a Black Female Adult State Park employee, approximately 20-25 years old. This witness also requested anonymity, citing similar reasons regarding supervisor discouragement. She reported that while working alone, she saw a framed photograph on a desk begin to move, lean forward, and fall face down. She stated there was no wind, seismic activity, or other discernible cause, and she was the closest person to the desk. She dismissed the possibility of a passing truck or train. The investigator examined the photograph and its frame, finding no evidence of lubricants or anomalies that could explain the movement. The report suggests that the witness may have been influenced by the "spooky" atmosphere preceding Halloween or overheard information about hauntings, but the investigator ultimately finds her account credible due to her demeanor and the lack of apparent gain from fabricating the story.

Observations and Conclusions

The reports from La Casa de Estudillo are noted as being uncorroborated, relying solely on the witness's account. The value of the report is limited by the lack of other witnesses and the witness's potential unawareness of existing ghost stories associated with the location, despite it being common knowledge among employees. The investigator also notes that the witness's interview occurred shortly before Halloween, a time when local newspapers often publish articles on hauntings, potentially influencing perceptions. However, the investigator concludes that the witness's account is likely truthful, given her earnestness and the potential negative consequences of fabricating a story.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of haunted locations, the recounting of personal paranormal experiences, and the investigation of alleged ghostly phenomena. The magazine presents a stance that acknowledges and investigates paranormal claims, featuring detailed witness testimonies and historical context for the reported hauntings. The editorial approach appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the unexplained, while also considering potential mundane explanations and the psychological factors that might influence perceptions of paranormal events.

This issue of UFO magazine, spanning pages 19 through 26, focuses on a variety of paranormal phenomena, ghost stories, and related media reviews. The content includes detailed case studies, reader submissions, and professional reviews of books and videos.

Article: San Diego Incident Analysis

Pages 19-20 present an analysis of an incident in San Diego where a photograph allegedly moved on its own. The author, John J. Lamb, investigates the possibility of a sudden wind burst, specifically 'Santa Ana' winds, as a cause. While the witness did not recall wind, meteorological records confirm the presence of such winds. The article discusses how the wind could have been funneled down a corridor to affect the photograph. It also touches upon the possibility of misinterpretation and the witness's anxiety. The case is classified as a single witness encounter of doubtful paranormal origin.

Reader's Stories

Pages 21-22 feature reader submissions detailing personal paranormal experiences:

• Justin from the Internet describes a house in Wisconsin used as a hunting house, which has a cold atmosphere, strange smells, and unusual things upstairs, including a diary mentioning a son obsessed with knives and carving into walls.
• Heather Behnke from the Internet recounts buying a house where a woman suddenly died, and she is now experiencing a ghost that pushes down bedcovers, causing her significant fear. She also mentions smoky images in photographs taken in the dining room.
• Anonymous from the Internet describes a house with a 'black hole' effect that consumes time and is seeking advice on strange happenings.
• Kathy Hels from the Internet writes about strange happenings in her home, including a 'black hole' effect, and is seeking advice, admitting to being a skeptic but confident something unusual is occurring.

Spirit Photography Page

Page 23 showcases reader-submitted images related to spirit photography:

• Lisa from the Internet shares images taken on a mountain top at Olympus in Turkey, noting two unexplainable images.
• Doug shares an image taken in dense woods during daylight, questioning if it's a light leak or something else, noting that other negatives on the roll were fine. He mentions walking through the woods and 'talking' to spirits.

Reviews

Pages 24-25 contain reviews of paranormal-themed media:

• Ghost Waters by George C. Steitz: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this video production covers stories related to waterways, including a haunted hill, a floating showboat, a Civil War fort, a remote beach, a dungeon, and a haunted river boat. It is rated 7/10.
• The Light At the End of the Road: The Joplin Spook Light by John Carpenter with Ted Phillips: Also reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this video investigates a mysterious blazing light source on a gravel road near the Oklahoma-Missouri border. It features UFO researcher Ted Phillips and psychiatric therapist John Carpenter. It is rated 8/10.
• Real Ghosthunters (Michael Hoff Productions): Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this documentary explores evidence of life after death, documenting ectoplasmic clouds, floating balls of light, and cold spots. It is rated 9/10.
• Air Ion Counter by Bill Lee (AlphaLab, Inc.): Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this device is presented as a substantial improvement for measuring ions, useful for ghost hunters. It is rated 6/10.

Classifieds

Page 26 features classified advertisements:

• Weird New Jersey: A publication about weird, obscure, and ghostly items in and around New Jersey.
• CATALYST: A New Age Directory listing newsletters, publications, and products.
• STRANGE MAGAZINE: A magazine exploring unexplained phenomena and weird world news.
• GRS CAPS & T-shirts/Sweatshirts: Merchandise from the Ghost Research Society.
• Windy City Ghosts: A book available from GRS.
• Advertisements for Chicago and Northwest Indiana Psychic Directories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghost sightings, haunted locations, unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of paranormal activity. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance, presenting various accounts and evidence without outright debunking, while also offering critical analysis and reviews of related media. The inclusion of reader submissions suggests an engagement with the community's experiences. The reviews are generally positive, recommending the featured media for those interested in the paranormal.