Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 19 No 3 - 2000 10

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume 19, Number 3
Date: October 2000
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), was published in October 2000. The GRS was founded in 1978, and this newsletter began publication in September 1982, with this issue being the third of the year, following a February and June publication schedule.

Editorial Content

Editors Page

The "Editors Page" reflects on the past summer vacation and upcoming events. The editor mentions a personal struggle with a back injury that limited activities but expresses hope for a future IDET procedure. The page also highlights the success of the American Ghost Society conference held in Alton, Illinois, in July, praising its interactive workshops and lectures. The editor looks forward to the 2001 conference and recounts recent investigations of the Lemp Mansion in St. Louis and the McPike Mansion in Alton. While floating orbs were captured on Sony Nightvision cameras at both locations, significant evidence of ongoing hauntings was not obtained. The editor notes issues with internal power sources at McPike Mansion and the inability to use GEIST equipment at Lemp Mansion due to power limitations. Specific incidents mentioned include a doorknob being pulled from a hand and strange odors detected in both locations.

Ghost Research Society Updates

This section introduces new Patron member Christina Wallbruch and Contributing Member Henry Bailey, who is slated to become the Washington State Coordinator for the GRS. It notes the addition of one new member and six renewals since the last edition. Book sales for "Windy City Ghosts" are reported as successful, with multiple book signings and library lectures scheduled. The GRS website has been updated with new content, including "Anatomy of an Investigation" and information on new equipment. Information on "Excursions Into The Unknown" tours for October and November is also available on the website.

Dedicated to Friends

This edition is dedicated to two individuals: Dan McKee and Sarah Estep. Sarah Estep is recognized as the founding member of AA-EVP (American Association for Electronic Voice Phenomena), known for her work with EVP recording. Due to failing health, she has stepped down, and Tom and Lisa Butler are continuing her newsletter. Dan McKee, the Illinois State Coordinator for AA-EVP, is remembered as an expert in EVP analysis. His recent passing is noted with sadness.

The Use of Dowsing Rods in Psychic Investigations

Authored by Richard Senate, this article explores the effectiveness of dowsing rods in paranormal investigations. Senate argues that dowsing, using divining rods, has proven successful in locating 'psychic disturbances.' He details experiments conducted at the old Spanish Mission of La Purisima in Lompoc, California, where three independent teams consistently identified the same 'hits' on floor tiles, correlating with reported hauntings. Similar tests at Mission San Fernando in Mission Hills identified a specific archway in a corridor associated with the 'Cat Woman' apparition, which was later found to be the site of a hidden adobe wall. The article also describes the use of dowsing rods at GMT Studios in Culver City, California, to locate areas affected by psychic disturbances and to answer yes/no questions regarding the site's history, including a death during filming.

Senate concludes that while findings should be researched, they indicate that psychic ability is widespread and can be accessed through simple systems like dowsing. He calls for additional experiments to confirm dowsing's role in haunted site investigation and invites discussion on the topic.

A Civil War Farm House

Authored by Maurice Schwalm, this piece discusses the investigation of a haunted well behind an ante-bellum farm house. The haunting was linked not to soldiers but to the spirit of a young woman employed there when the house was used for prostitution. The woman was allegedly turned to stone and photographed in that form. Schwalm also touches upon the concept of 'Living UFOs' and the challenges of photographing invisible organic forms in the sky, suggesting they might exist on atmospheric substances and energies. He describes using infrared film and a Sniperscope to detect heat signatures, potentially from these 'space critters.' The article also briefly mentions psychic photography and its connection to the 'invisible' and 'Ghost Riders in the Sky.'

Reader's Stories

This section features personal accounts from readers. One reader recounts an investigation at Bachelor's Grove and describes persistent, odd occurrences in their home, including unexplained music, flowing balls of light, temperature changes, a physical assault, lights blowing out, a foul odor, and the apparition of an angry old man who vanished. Another reader shares an experience at a haunted well behind a farm house, linking the haunting to a young woman's spirit. The reader's current home, built in the late 1920s, is described as having an unchanged outhouse in the basement with unusual symbols, and the discovery of handmade shelves made from old Ouija boards in the basement closets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue emphasizes the practical application of paranormal investigation techniques, particularly dowsing rods, and the importance of documenting personal experiences. The Ghost Research Society actively promotes membership and engagement through its newsletter and website, encouraging contributions of articles, photos, and anecdotes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal phenomena, encouraging research and sharing of findings while maintaining a critical approach to evidence. The dedication to individuals like Sarah Estep and Dan McKee highlights the society's connection to the paranormal research community.

This issue of The Spectral Times, identified by its page numbering as part of a larger publication (pages -9- to -16-), focuses heavily on ghost stories and paranormal accounts. The primary feature article, "The Spectral Ladies of Flagler College" by Lee Holloway, details the hauntings associated with the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. The magazine also includes several reader-submitted accounts of unexplained phenomena and paranormal experiences, as well as reviews of paranormal videotapes and classified advertisements.

Reader Submissions

The issue begins with a letter from M. Heller, who describes their house as haunted after experiencing a door slamming and asks for recommendations for someone to investigate. Following this is an account from A. Manley, whose friend is experiencing strange occurrences, including a cat howling, missing items, a strong odor, and a scratch on her spine.

T. Bleck from Colorado Springs shares a series of unusual events in their home over several weeks, such as stools on the kitchen counter, pictures hung upside down, doors locking, and office chairs moved. The happenings seem to focus on her husband's office, with his desk being moved and an old baby picture placed on his chair.

Aeryn, an 18-year-old from Schaumburg, writes about hearing strange noises like babies crying and children laughing, and tapping on her window. She attributes this to the ashes of her two deceased younger brothers, who had Cerebral Palsy, being kept in her house, as her mother refused to bury them separately.

Mark, from the Internet, inquires about ghosts seen by Indonesian workers at his sushi business. He reports sightings of black ghosts, one of which allegedly choked a worker and caused an accident for his partner's brother in Flagstaff. The plant is located next to a cemetery.

J. Logan of Forest City, NC, describes a log cabin with paranormal activity that has been ongoing for over a year. After two cleansing rituals, the activity temporarily ceased but returned, suggesting a new set of ghosts or a vortex. He notes movements of objects, lights acting up, and a ghost speaking. He believes there are around 20 spirits, with about 6 being of an evil nature.

The Spectral Ladies of Flagler College

This feature article by Lee Holloway delves into the hauntings at Flagler College, formerly the grand Ponce de Leon Hotel built by Henry Morrison Flagler in St. Augustine, Florida. The hotel, opened in 1888, was known for its maritime theme and opulent interior, including the Tiffany Room with stained glass windows.

The Blue Lady

The Blue Lady is described as one of the hotel's spectral residents, often seen conversing with people. Old-timers recalled a lady who preferred pale blue lace dresses and white hats, who would sit at a particular table for tea and cakes but never a full meal. One story suggests she was the mistress of Clifton Ward, a friend of Flagler's. After being seduced by Ward, she became pregnant. When Ward's wife refused a divorce, the lady fell down the stairs to her death. Henry Flagler's journal mentions the tragic news of Cliff's lady friend, noting his strong feelings for her and the shame that she couldn't wait a few days longer. A card at her chosen table once read: "Reserved for our Lady in Blue and her Guest." Students still occasionally see and hear the Blue Lady, presumed to be weeping for her lost lover and unborn child.

The Lady in Black

The Lady in Black haunts the west wing of Flagler College. The most common explanation is that she was also the mistress of a married man who brought her to the hotel, registering her as a married woman to avoid issues with his wife. The mistress became pregnant and, unable to fasten her dresses, claimed her husband had died abroad. She would wear widow's weeds and walk the grounds or pace in the west observation tower. Her lover's visits became sporadic, and realizing he would not marry her, she tragically ended her life by hanging herself from the tower.

The White Lady

The White Lady is identified as Alice Flagler, Henry Flagler's second wife. After his first wife died, Alice, a nurse, married Flagler. She was known for her lavish parties, including the "Pearl Dance." The marriage was happy until around 1893 when Alice became obsessed with a Ouija board, believing she was destined to become the Czarina of Russia. This led to her being committed in 1895. After a brief return, she was committed again, diagnosed as hopelessly insane. Her spirit is said to stalk the hotel corridors, described as a petite, red-haired woman in Victorian attire. Students report encounters with Alice, particularly when using Ouija boards. Joanie Sutcliffe recounts a harrowing experience where she and friends saw a woman in a white dress during a Ouija session. Another student saw a "smoky form" outside her door and surmised it was Alice, possibly due to a Ouija board in her room.

Reviews

The ISPR Investigates Ghosts of Belgrave Hall

This review covers a 60-minute videotape from Dotted Line Entertainment and Flying Dog Productions. It documents an investigation into Belgrave Hall with Larry Montz (president of ISPR) and psychic Peter James. The video explores whether surveillance cameras recorded a genuine apparition or an elaborate hoax. The reviewer found the video entertaining but somewhat flat towards the end, particularly the explanation for the evidence. It was rated a 6 out of 10 by Dale Kaczmarek.

The McPike Mansion Hauntings

This review discusses a videotape from S.P.A. and Para-Vision, available from Sharyn Luedke. The video documents the haunted private home in Alton, Illinois, with historical information from the owners and documentation of hauntings by S.P.A. and Para-Vision. It mentions dark shadows, strange sounds, and floating orbs. The reviewer found it somewhat interesting but lacking in actual, irrefutable footage of paranormal phenomena, suggesting some 'orbs' could be bugs. It was rated a 4 out of 10 by Dale Kaczmarek.

Classifieds

The classified section includes advertisements for:

• Weird New Jersey: A publication released twice a year, available through mail order or online.
• CATALYST: A New Age Directory listing newsletters, publications, and products.
• ANNUAL GRS BOOK SALE: Offering discounted paperbacks and hardcovers, back issues of paranormal publications, UFO-related materials, and more from Ghost Research Society (GRS).
• GRS Merchandise: Baseball caps, T-shirts, and sweatshirts featuring the Ghost Research Society or "Excursions Into The Unknown" logos.
• THE GATE: A paranormal magazine offering sample copies.

Advertisements

An advertisement promotes "The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, Second Edition" by Rosemary Ellen Guiley, featuring over 500 A-to-Z entries on paranormal phenomena, hauntings, and research. It also lists other books by Rosemary Ellen Guiley, such as "The Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft" and "Atlas of the Mysterious in North America," available from Checkmark Books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are hauntings, ghosts, and paranormal investigations, with a particular focus on spectral ladies and historical locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various accounts and investigations within the paranormal field, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions while providing information on related resources and products. There is an emphasis on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, alongside reviews of media that attempt to document such phenomena.