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The Haunted Librarian

~ Researching, investigating, and writing about the paranormal.

The Haunted Librarian

Category Archives: Ghost Hunting

Household Gadgets for Paranormal Investigating: Electroscope

12 Saturday Sep 2020

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Gadgets, Ghost Education 101, Ghost Hunting, Paranormal Education

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Tags

Electroscope

Screenshots from Science Buddies.

You don’t need to purchase expensive gadgets to investigate. There are plenty of household items at your disposal that may generate better results. I learned of a few watching the Facebook Live Ghost Education 101 session with Philip Wyatt, as host, and Heather Leigh Landon, who presented “Non-Technical Paranormal Investigation Tools” last Tuesday. Here is a link to the presentation: https://www.facebook.com/101483755012255/videos/974627249720267. All of the panels are archived and accessible online. While I own quite a bit of the items mentioned, I did not own an electroscope; therefore, I made one!

From the YouTube creators Science Buddies, https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=wso0FqcnG7g&fbclid=IwAR3gm8kgYKUA0L3jsN4rGCE_TZXsgs5TLqtJIMGvgY3WU10bzoDc8oBqoRU&app=desktop, I learned how to create an electroscope from items I already owned. It was rather easy to make and more fun to experiment with.

The electroscope works on the static electricity theory whereby everyone produces static electricity. Although there is much discussion on whether a person who dies maintains her energy, the concept presumes that a ghost has energy and gives off that energy that can be measured with different paranormal tools. The electroscope measures these electrically charged ions that are not visible to the naked eye. The electroscope that I made measures the static electricity when the teardrop-shaped aluminum foil resist and pull apart.

Make your own with the following items:

  1. Metal uncoated hanger;
  2. Pliers;
  3. Straw;
  4. Pencil;
  5. Piece of cardboard;
  6. Scissors;
  7. Hot glue gun;
  8. Piece of aluminum foil;
  9. Glass jar;
  10. Tape.

Watch the short video from the link and create your own electroscope.

In order to test the theory, you will need a piece of Styrofoam and piece of wool. You will also need the remaining hanger from above. Rub the Styrofoam over the wool to create static electricity. Then bring the Styrofoam close to the curved metal without touching it. Notice how the aluminum foil pulls apart. It will be slight. Next, rub the Styrofoam over the piece of wool. Again, bring the Styrofoam close to the curved metal. The aluminum foil teardrops will close back together. Finally, rub the Styrofoam over the wool. This time touch the Styrofoam to the curved metal. The aluminum foil will noticeably pull apart. This is how static electricity works.

My homemade electroscope.

Of course, my homemade electroscope decided to work differently. The foil might be too thin. The teardrops move together. I had to take them out and flatten them more in order for them to hang together touching. Once I did that, bingo—it started to work! The flaps separate quickly. I didn’t even need the wool (I reside in Atlanta and don’t own any wool clothing). All I did was rub the Styrofoam on my cotton shorts.

In ghost hunting, the electroscope measures when a ghost passes by as the aluminum foil will separate and pull apart, showing that static electricity is near or touching the curved metal. The key is for no one to be walking or resting near the electroscope. This invalidates the experiment.

Once I begin investigating again, I will bring my homemade electroscope along to test out. I will keep you posted on any developments!

Abandoned Hayswood Hospital Escapes Demolition (Maybe?)

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Abandoned America, Ghost Hunting, Hospitals, Real Estate

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Abandoned in Kentucky, Hayswood Female Seminary, May V. Peale Wilson, Maysville, Rev. John S. Hays

Hayswood Hospital, then and now.

The flimsy “Dogman” attack at the abandoned Hayswood Hospital is making the Internet rounds. Skip the story. Instead, read about how a widow generously purchased and gifted the small town a hospital. The hospital’s history is more exciting.

With a population under 9,000 residents, Maysville is an example of quintessential small-town Americana. Maysville, Kentucky sits on the southern side of the Ohio River. The median income is $29,274 with a 22% poverty rate. On 4th Street overlooking the downtown, sits the abandoned Hayswood Hospital.

The main wooden building was built around 1842 by Dr. Joseph Taylor. By 1886, newspaper articles began soliciting female students for the private Hayswood Female Seminary, founded by Rev. John S. Hays, D.D. The school offered education in the arts, as well as, traditional subjects. Rev. Hays died in 1899 at the age of 67. However, the school continued in operation until 1907.

On August 8, 1907, “Hayswood” as it was informally known was auctioned for $6,200 and sold to widow Mrs. May V. Peale Wilson, who promptly deeded the property to a trust in order to open a town hospital. On December 2, 1907, the Hayswood Hospital informally opened. It was dubbed the “palace on the hill.”

By 1907, May Wilson was a widow who had the means to purchase property. Wilson did reside at the hospital. She advertised for a “white woman” to serve as a companion and cook. The “May Wilson” Hospital League was a women’s volunteer group. Mrs. Wilson died in 1909. She did not have any surviving children and bequeathed her fortune to various individuals and organizations. The hospital received an annual payment from the trust. In 1909, the hospital was re-dedicated as the Wilson Hospital. An oil painting was commissioned to hang within the hospital.

The trust ran the hospital from 1907-1915. The city took control of the hospital and saw it through an extensive renovation in 1925. Samuel Hannaford designed a brick building and added a 4th story due to anticipated volume. In 1981, the hospital was sold to the Nashville company Hospital Corporation of America, which ran it as the Maysville Hospital until February 9, 1983.

The hospital, abandoned and decaying, changed hands several times. First in 1994 for $42,000 to Ester Johnson of Classic Properties. Ms. Johnson sought to renovate the building and turn it into high-end apartments. The development never took off. Johnson lost the property to unpaid taxes in a tax sale.

Tax Ease Lien Servicing paid roughly $6,000 for the property in 2013. Still, the hospital sat abandoned but became a regular location for thrill seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. And, yes, all of them were trespassing with lots of them receiving citations.

Hope gripped the town in 2018 when Stitch Up Properties, LLC snatched the property for $50,000. However, it may be dashed as the local newspaper has not been able to contact anyone at the company to enquire about prospective development.

In the end, most people want to know if the hospital is haunted. It’s unstable and dangerous to explore. In addition to the falling debris, the hospital has a lot of asbestos, which hindered earlier developments since the cost to remove ran about $2 million dollars.

I’ve seen several blogs discussing these supposed haunting. However, they fall flat and lose credibility because the writers have their facts wrong. If someone can’t even research the location, then how can we believe he researched any hauntings?

Valdosta (GA) Ring Camera Footage Captures a Reflection–Not a Partial Manifestation

03 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Debunking the Debunked, Ghost Hunting, Hauntings, Paranormal, Videos

≈ Comments Off on Valdosta (GA) Ring Camera Footage Captures a Reflection–Not a Partial Manifestation

On February 20, 2020, a supposed Reddit user uploaded a video he claimed to be of his Valdosta, Georgia home’s Ring security camera, hanging in his carport, capturing a ghost manifesting in his driveway. The are several large holes in his assessment.

The video clip, with extensive editing to zoom in on the light source, was posted on YouTube and, expectedly, went viral. The video has received over 18,000 views. The online account, The Hidden Underbelly 2.0, boldly states that this is a “partial manifestation.” Case closed. However, it’s not a manifestation.

Debate continues on what was captured on the footage. The security camera is set up at the back of the carport, an open garage with side walls but not a closing garage door. Parked outside the carport are two vehicles: a truck and a car. A light source shifts from the truck, on the left, to the car, on the right. Some speculate that the “ghost” is jumping from truck to car. I did not see that. I saw a light source moving from the back of the truck across to the front of the car.

In the paranormal field, a manifestation is when an image is clearly discernable. A full body apparition’s manifestation would be where witnesses can clearly make out the figure. A partial manifestation is when parts of the body are clearly visible. These are sometimes called “semi-formed ghost.” The video does not show a partial manifestation of a ghost.

The “story” told by the Reddit user is that he was notified that the security camera was tripped. He reviewed the video and found the “image.” Generally, when a security camera is tripped, lights go on. Here, the lights were already on.

The camera’s placement is also problematic. The camera is affixed to the back wall of the carport. Carports are 20-21 feet deep. (The purpose is to house cars.) The camera displays out from the back wall and shows the side door to the house on the right. It also shows the two vehicles parked in front. They appear to be roughly 10 feet past the carport. According to Ring, the security camera’s motion detection zone is a range of 270 degrees side-to-side and 30 feet forward. The image is passed the front of the cars; therefore, out of range for the motion detector to go off.

When the motion sensor goes off, Ring may push a notification to the owner. Instead of walking to the door and looking outside, the owner loaded the video. This seems odd. It is easier to look out the window or open the door to see the culprit rather than watch the video. However, the owner may not be home. Then one would question why the lights are on.

We may never know what the homeowner was thinking. I cannot locate the supposed Reddit posting. None of the articles actually link to that initial post. Instead, everything is linked to the YouTube account, whose identity is unknown; however, he does answer questions as if he was the owner.

The carport was well lit. The cars reflected community lights. This is probably a case where the camera captured a car passing, someone walking his dog, or a cat heading home. (Personally, I think it’s a deer.) It should not be hailed as the definitive evidence of a “partial manifestation.” Because…It’s not.

Paranormal News for the Week of March 5th, 2018

06 Tuesday Mar 2018

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Extraterrestrial Life, Famous People, Ghost Hunting, Horror Movies, In the News, ParaNews, R.I.P., UFOs, Uncategorized

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Tags

esp--explorers of spirit phenomena, get out, jordan peele, michio kaku, squirrels in the forest = run

ESP Table

Paranormal News for the Week of March 5th, 2018

ParaNews:

  1. The paranormal community lost an important member last week when Dr. John “Doc” K. Head, co-founder of the paranormal investigation team ESP—Explorers of Spirit Phenomena unexpectedly died. Doc formed ESP in 2009 with a group of friends who possessed a genuine interest in the paranormal. Over the years, Doc and his team have made friends with experts in the community, as well as, those who have a part-time interest in knowing more. Please visit the ESP page, http://www.espexplorers.com/, to learn more about Doc. He will be missed. THL sends healing energy and loads of love to Terri and Tracy.

Dr.JKHead

  1. Jordan Peele made Oscar history—twice—last night by winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his hit movie Get Out (2017). It has taken 90 years for an African-American male to win in this category. However, more importantly, Peele won the Academy Award for a Horror film. This is the first time a screenwriter for a Horror film has taken home an Oscar. The Exorcist (1973) won in the category: Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium; The Silence of the Lambs (1991) won for Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published. Huge win for the Horror Genre! And also for Jordan!

JordanPeele
Poster2

 

  1. I will leave you with a teaser to a longer article I am writing. Theoretical physicist Rockstar Michio Kaku, Ph.D. has proffered an answer for when extraterrestrials land on earth. Dr. Kaku was asked what he suggested humans do if they encounter aliens. He said, “If you’re in the forest, do you go around talking to squirrel?” He likened humans to the squirrels. When aliens arrive, they will not be interested in meaningful conversations. No, Dr. Kaku warns, humans should “RUN!”

MichioKaku

Longer article is forthcoming.

Old South Pittsburg Hospital Offering Daytime Ghost Hunts

23 Friday Feb 2018

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Haunted Houses, Hauntings, Historic Places, Hospitals, Uncategorized

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Tags

daytime ghost hunts, osph

Logo

Old South Pittsburg Hospital Offering Daytime Ghost Hunts

Beginning on February 12, 2018, the people who run Old South Pittsburg Hospital (OSPH) will begin holding daytime ghost hunts. The price is $25 per person. Contact Stacey at 423.362.0089 to book your tickets.

The Old South Pittsburg Hospital opened in 1959. The 107-bed hospital is comprised of 68,000 square feet. The facility closed in 1980. Paranormal investigation teams are welcomed at the abandoned hospital. Archer Paranormal Investigations participated in a weekend hunt a few years ago. We captured great evidence from the Chapel and the third floor.

api-osph

The hospital in a short drive from Chattanooga. Check out their website for additional information: http://osphghosthunts.com/.

Stop Trashing the Woods!

09 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Uncategorized, Vandalism

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Tags

Dering Wood, Screaming Woods, Vandalism

DeringWood

Stop Trashing the Woods!

Legitimate ghost hunters respect property. They leave the location cleaner than when they arrived. Unfortunately, amateur hunters aren’t as courteous. In 2013, the historic LeBeau Plantation in Old Arabi, Louisiana burned down when stoned adventurers trespassed onto the property. Since 2012, the Woodland Trust for Dering Wood in Smarden, Kent has spent nearly £50,000 in security and trash collection. Ghost hunters are ruining the semi-natural park.

Woods are popular locations for ghost hunting, and Dering Wood is one of the most famous in England. Dering Wood is also known as the “Screaming Woods.” Investigators claim to hear piercing screams day and night. It’s also a favorite for paranormal television shows. People like camping out in the forest; however, they are making a mess.

One way to ruin a paranormal location is by vandalizing it. The trust spends a lot of money on something they shouldn’t have to. Instead, they could re-invest the money into the property that was saved from development. The damage has been deemed “unsustainable.” If that truly is the case, then park management may take drastic measures to keep everyone out. That would ruin the woods for all.

Importance of Research

04 Friday Aug 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in dragon, Dragon Con, Ghost Hunting, In the News, Investigations, Paranormal, Research, Uncategorized

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Dragon Con, heather dobson, jordan t duncan, larry flaxman, paranormal georgia investigations, research

Research--DC

Importance of Research

The Haunted Librarian joins Heather Dobson and Jordan T. Duncan of Paranormal Georgia Investigations (https://paranormalgeorgia.com/) and author Larry Flaxman (http://larryflaxman.com/) at Dragon Con 2017 as they discuss the importance of conducting research before, during, and after a paranormal investigation.

Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 3rd at 4 PM. Purchase tickets online at http://www.dragoncon.org/.

#18 on Top 50 Paranormal Blog & Websites for Paranormal Investigators

16 Sunday Jul 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Ghost Hunting, In the News, Paranormal, Top 50 Paranormal Blogs & Websites, Uncategorized

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awards, top 50, top 50 paranormal blogs & websites for paranormal investigators

unnamed

#18 on Top 50 Paranormal Blog & Websites for Paranormal Investigators

It’s nice to be recognized! Last week I was honored to receive an email from Anuj Agarwal informing me that I was listed on his “Top 50 Paranormal Blogs and Websites for Paranormal Investigators” at http://blog.feedspot.com/paranormal_blogs/. I’m at #18!

I’m thrilled at being listed amongst other paranormal bloggers like Week in Weird (#1 spot) who enjoy sharing stories, news, and everything paranormal. The listings vary from international ghost hunters to publishers in the specific genres. I’ve even found some new folks to follow. Check out the list!

 

 

Ghosts, Aliens, and Bigfoot: Rob Lowe Believes

28 Wednesday Jun 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Ghost Hunting, In the News, Reality TV, TV Reviews, Uncategorized

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a&e, preston castle, rob lowe, the lowe files

lowe-files-temp-key-s1-2560x1440

Ghosts, Aliens, and Bigfoot: Rob Lowe Believes

Quintessential 80s heartthrob has a new mission in life: To Believe. The Lowe Files debuts on A&E on August 2nd. The show features Rob Lowe and his two adult sons, Matthew and John Owen, as they search for the unknown. According to the Huffington Post article, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rob-lowe-bigfoot_us_595333bce4b0da2c731f9140, they may have found something.

Rob Lowe enters the paranormal reality TV market at a good time. Perennial favorites like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures have run their course. Ghost Hunters ended its run after 11 seasons last year, while Ghost Adventures is still airing new episodes; however, lead investigator Zak Bagans has segued his career into several spin-offs, most recently Ghost Adventures: Aftershocks. Other fan favorites like The Dead Files have shortened seasons to maximize viewership. Ghost Brothers entered its sophomore season investigating the over-exposed locations seen on Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. It’s time for a new angle.

Enter Rob Lowe.

Lowe erupted onto the cinema screen in 1983 as “Sodapop Curtis” in the S.E. Hinton adaptation The Outsiders. Although he was already working in television, Lowe found success with teen favorites Oxford Blues and St. Elmo’s Fire. His career has come full-circle as he has been steadily employed in the television industry since 1994. Now he is trying his hand at reality TV. He is joined by his sons in the 9 episode season run. Episode one features the trio at the haunted Preston Castle, former reformatory school located in Ione, California. The season finale questions the existence of a North American wood ape, the Ozark equivalent of Bigfoot. Tune into A&E at 10 PM Wednesday, August 2nd. Hopefully, Lowe will find new locations and fresh content. Otherwise, he may not make it to season 2.

View the trailer here: https://youtu.be/eqXZq-rKfew.

Ghost Brothers Returning on March 10, 2017

09 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Ghost Brothers, Ghost Hunting, Paranormal, Reality TV, Uncategorized

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Tags

friday night supernatural strand, Ghost Brothers, tlc

team

Ghost Brothers Returning on March 10, 2017

Destination America’s sweetheart paranormal show featuring three friends jumps channels to TLC, premiering on “Friday Night Supernatural Strand” on March 10, 2017.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ghost Brothers consists of Dalen Spratt, Juwan Mass, and Marcus Harvey. They’re bringing a unique sense of humor to “hit the most haunted places in America.” Ghost Brothers adds diversity to the paranormal lineup. What makes them unique is that they are African-American males hunting ghosts. This is a needed departure from the predominantly white male casts dominating the television genre. Paranormal investigators are a growing demographic that is becoming more diverse. This is welcomed news since the paranormal activity in the United States may include Native Americans, European explorers, Spanish Conquistadors, Civil War indentured slaves, and those of us with immigrant backgrounds.

While the inclusion of new team is exciting news, their locations are lackluster. There are so many supposedly haunted locations across the country, audiences are left wondering why they are investigating over-publicized spots. It’s a shame. In order for this show to break new ground, it must go to new places.

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The Haunted Librarian

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