Ghost Hunts USA Shutters
25 Tuesday Apr 2023
Posted Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours
in≈ Comments Off on Ghost Hunts USA Shutters
25 Tuesday Apr 2023
Posted Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours
in≈ Comments Off on Ghost Hunts USA Shutters
24 Tuesday Jan 2023
Posted Ghost Hunting, Ghost Stories, Ghost Tours
in≈ Comments Off on Amateur Exorcist Hickman Whittington’s Short Work
In 1938, 68-year-old Hickman Whittington placed an advertisement offering free, expenses billed, exorcisms. Over the Christmas holiday of 1937, Hickman had a divine revelation while re-reading the Bible. A man who hadn’t stepped inside a church in over 20 years, Hickman (“Hick” to his friends) professed to have found the exact passage that would exorcize dwellings from ghosts. His ad sought clients to test his theory. Over 300 people responded to the ad; however, he never actually performed the ritual. He was all talk with no action.
Hickman’s life was tragic. The 5th grade educated coal miner married Charity O. “Bedia” Bryant in 1898. He was 28 years-old; Bedia 16. They were divorced in May of 1929. On June 3, Hickman lay in wait for this ex-wife to saunter past. She was walking home with their children Wanda, 12, and Dave Edwards, 5, and George Curry, who was boarding with them and her new-found beau. Hickman jumped out and began shooting his pistol. Bedia ran. She was shot in her abdomen and shoulder. She continued to run.
Hickman cornered her and slashed her throat with a hawk-bill pruning knife. Young Wanda pleaded for her father to stop. George ran to the neighbors to telephone the police. He did not, however, seek to rescue Bedia. Within days, Hickman was charged with attempted murder.
Fast forward eleven years. No one knows the inspiration behind the ad. However, it was picked up and re-printed in several newspapers. Initially, Hickman claimed that he his ritual consisted of his reciting the Bible verse. That was it. Criticisms soon followed, and Hickman clarified saying he used the verse to engage the spirit to appear, then he would sit and talk with it. He never disclosed the Bible verse. He never really tested his theory, either.
On February 7, 1938, an article has Hickman changing his mind and wanting to try out the de-haunting ghost removal system at Crenshaw House, also known as the Old Slave House. He was out of his league with this location.
The Crenshaw House (Equality, Illinois) has a long, sinister history. Built by John Hart Crenshaw in 1738, the third-floor attic was used to illegally incarcerate freed African American slaves who were kidnapped and resold as slaves. John Crenshaw was an evil man. According to people, those evil deeds manifested into hauntings at the house.
The home became a tourist attraction in 1913 as a “thrilling experience.” (Is attraction even the appropriate word?) For some reason, Hickman became aware of the home and the supposed hauntings. He wanted to perform a whip cracking in addition to his ritual. Newspaper articles did not report whether or not Hickman was able to complete his ritual. It is fairly evident Hickman never investigated any other location.
By 1940, Hickman was an inmate at Anna State Hospital. He died on May 14, 1949.
Bedia’s fate wasn’t much better. There aren’t any public records that she married George Curry. She died shortly before Hickman on March 1, 1949.
Crenshaw House fared better. The State of Illinois purchased the home and 10 acres for $500,000 in December of 2000. On February 27, 2003, the state purchased the antiques from the estate, salvaging them from storage. Today, the homestead is part of the Reverse Underground Railroad. It is a “station.” The home requires extensive remodeling; it currently closed.
Hickman Whittington was a lone amateur. He was not affiliated with any organization. He was inexperienced. Hopefully, he never attempted this theory. It may have been early signs to his mental decline. His is a cautionary tale not to fabricate a ghost removal process. Leave it in the hands of those trained and skilled.
05 Thursday Jan 2023
Posted Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Haunted England
in≈ Comments Off on Haunted Purdy’s Pet Shop
Logging onto my Twitter, @HauntedLib, I saw a story from February 2022 about a haunted pet shop in Coventry, England. The story includes 2 video clips of items falling from shelves and one clip about a battery-operated vacuum that wouldn’t turn off. The clips were too good not to comment on.
Purdy’s Pet Shop opened in January 2020. The shop is adorable. They “believe in a world where every pet, or garden animals should get the best that their owners can give them.” Staff reported strange events beginning two months later. Customers mentioned tugs on clothing, pets appeared apprehensive in the store. The store mascot, Purdy the Border Terrier, sits and stares at empty space.
Owner Rebecca Harrington called in Hideous History Walking Tours, which held a séance to ascertain who or what was haunting the establishment. (The séance was for charity.) The group claims it is a male entity, former tenant in the building, who is upset that there are people in his space.
Hideous History is Coventry’s oldest paranormal guided tours. They offer 6 public guided tours and private tours. Their website, https://hideoushistory.co.uk/, has links to several stories of tours with video evidence.
The two clips of items falling from shelves do not appear to be staged. In one clip, Harrington is assisting a customer when a bag of treats falls from a shelf behind her. It does not appear that the bag was teetering on the shelf.
In the second clip, a toy falls from atop a shelf that looks to be overly stuffed. This may have been caused by having too many items packed together. Further, the shop is on a busy street. Vibrations from trucks may have caused the items to shift. Again, this does not appear to be staged.
The vacuum, or hoover as the British call them, may be easier to explain. Batteries are temperamental. Sometimes battery-activated devices start on their own. I’ve been this in investigations. What would be more convincing would have been if the batteries were removed and the vacuum turned on.
The videos are compelling to conduct further research. Anecdotal evidence should be logged, as well. Additional investigations would help legitimize the haunting. I hope they press on.
View the video clips here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub3wHFY2ePE.
13 Saturday Feb 2016
Posted Architecture, Breaking the News, Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Ghost Stories, Ghost Tours, Haunted Houses, In the News, New Orleans, Real Estate, The Haunted Librarian, Uncategorized
in≈ Comments Off on Historic—and Possibly Haunted—Garden District Mansion for Sale
Historic—and Possibly Haunted—Garden District Mansion for Sale
Located in the Garden District in New Orleans, the former Harris-Maginnis Mansion has hit the real estate market. Again. Currently operating as a bed and breakfast (B&B), the home can revert back to a private home and can be yours for the discounted price of $4.9 million.
Designed by the famous architect James H. Calrow in 1857, the house was built for the cotton broker Alexander Harris. Harris and his child bride, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Thompson, moved into the sprawling home in 1858. On July 19, 1896, Harris died from yellow fever. The young widow remarried and sold the home in 1879.
The next owners were John Henry Maginnis and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Tweed. [Note: Both women were called “Lizzie.”] Maginnis was a cotton baron. While vacationing at another residence, Maginnis was struck and killed by lightning on July 4, 1889—only 10 years after purchasing the home. Tweed held onto the property and willed it to her only daughter, Josephine, in 1921. Josephine and her husband split their time between New York City and Europe; therefore, Josephine gifted the 13,000 square foot home to the New Orleans chapter of the American Red Cross in 1939.
The American Red Cross used the home as a headquarters from 1939-1954. Dr. Clyde E. Crassons purchased the building and converted it back into a private residence.
The home has changed hands several times. Mr. and Mrs. Schreiber remodeled the home and converted it into a bed and breakfast. Hollie Vest, a Tina Turner impersonator, purchased the home in 2001.
Even more noteworthy is that the home has been listed for sale a lot. Like, a lot. It was listed in 2012 for $2.85 million. It sold in 2013 for $1.6 million. And now it is for sale again. Originally listed for $5.475 million, the sale price has been reduced to $4.9 million. The new owners can leave the home as an operating B&B or convert it back into a private home. I would not be surprised if the beautiful home reverts back. That seems to be the trend with historic properties.
Now known as the Magnolia Mansion, the home is not marketed as haunted. However, the B&B Website does provide some interesting stories and photographs of possible hauntings. Activity seemed to commence during the renovations. Another Website proffers that the ghosts are friendly. One tucks guests into bed at night while another child “plays” in the hallways. I don’t know if the home is haunted. I would love to investigate, though. Who knows? Maybe the next time I’m in the Crescent City!
06 Wednesday May 2015
Posted Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Para Scammers
inBeware the Scam Artist #ParaScammers
Earlier this week, I blogged about the unfortunate events that occurred during the “A Haunting in Tombstone” event. (See “Carol Malone Bombs in Tombstone” https://thehauntedlibrarian.com/2015/05/03/carol-malone-bombs-in-tombstone/) Well, actually, the non-event. Carol Malone scammed many, many people out of their money by promising an incredible paranormal event packed with guest speakers, vendors, and investigations. Ms. Malone showed up to disappointed crowds and ran for the hills—right after she was cited for failing to pay for services rendered. Unfortunately, Ms. Malone is not the only one who has illegally profited from the para community. It’s time for us to join in solidarity and to condemn these actions.
John Albrecht, Jr. penned an excellent article, http://www.examiner.com/article/carol-malone-aka-london-knight-scams-haunted-historic-town-arizona. I encourage you to read it. John also posted a YouTube video. It’s worth viewing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dE-KbISLJY#t=25.
Something positive did arise from this. Watch this segment and see how people made the best of the travesty and salvaged investigations. https://www.facebook.com/HuffParanormal/videos/vb.418566248207499/896034383794014/?type=2&theater
So what should you do? Spread the word. Keep people like Carol Malone out of our community. Do due diligence. There are some fabulous and credible entertainment companies out there. Support the community. And finally, associate with positive people. Let’s kick the negativity out of the paranormal community.
03 Sunday May 2015
Posted Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Scams, Special Events
inTags
asap entertainment, carol malone, connie williams-williams, haunting at sloss, haunting in tombstone, llc, london knight, ryan buell, tony wolf paw
Carol Malone Bombs in Tombstone
Fresh on the heels of last year’s Ryan Buell scandal, the paranormal community has been hit with another fiasco. Carol Malone, aka London Knight, has been promoting “A Haunting in Tombstone” for over six months. The 3-day event included paranormal investigations at some of the most active locations in Tombstone, Arizona. The initial talent listing was top-notch. VIP ticket holders would receive hotel accommodations at either The Larian Motel or the Tombstone Bordello, daily hot breakfast, dinner, entry into a Meet and Greet, and access to lots of old buildings. The event could have been outstanding. Unfortunately, the event was doomed from the start.
Rumors swirled after Malone’s Gadsden Hotel visit. Allegations volleyed across the Internet mostly via Facebook. Malone’s “A Haunting at Sloss” earlier this year did so-so with less than 10 people attending. Then there was all the stalker/court case/slander drama that consumed nearly every posting. Honestly, I was exhausted reading it all.
I purchased a VIP ticket back in October. Warning signs appeared shortly thereafter. I grew concerned that Tombstone wasn’t going to happen. I cancelled because I’m still recovering from last year’s battle with breast cancer and unsure if a cross-country trip would hinder my progress. Surprisingly, Malone did refund my money. However, many, many more people may not be so lucky.
Malone arrived in Tombstone Thursday ready to prove the critics wrong. She was unable to satisfy and make good on the event schedule. She failed to address the lack of paid rooms, abbreviated talent roster, and general low morale from a lot of attendees. People seemed lost, posting questions as to where they should go. This could have been avoided had Malone cancelled the event before people arrived.
Malone’s people continued to post the event was happening. They went so far as to slander anyone who said otherwise. Sadly, Malone could not cancel for she probably didn’t have the money to reimburse ticket purchasers. So her show had to go on.
Malone threatened one attendee that she would be arrested if she set foot in Tombstone. Connie Williams-Williams had already felt Malone’s wrath earlier in the week and was threatened with imprisonment by the Marshalls. Connie held a VIP ticket and was entitled to attend all of the events. Malone tried to have her removed from a venue, claiming she wasn’t invited.
Seems Connie salvaged some of the event. She worked with talent and set up gallery readings. She hosted other talent who were “guaranteed” accommodations only to arrive to none. By mid-day Saturday Connie had appeared on two radio shows: The Chat Room with Tony Wolf Paw (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tonywolfpaw) and Archer Paranormal Radio (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/archerpi/2015/05/02/api-gals-welcome-connie-williams-williams) discussing the event meltdown. By then things were deteriorating. Shortly after the Archer show, Malone cancelled the event page on Facebook and started unfriending her detractors.
The show ended Saturday evening when Malone was cited for theft of services and released. No fingerprints. No mug shot. Just a court date in two weeks.
Some good did come from this fiasco. Connie has teamed up with some other credible paranormal enthusiasts and formed ASAP Entertainment, LLC, https://www.facebook.com/pages/ASAP-EntertainmentLLC/374700822720906?pnref=story. Their mission: [T]o provide quality events with awesome talent and to host some of the best and most memorable events ever! ASAP Entertainment, LLC is dedicated to bringing you the very best in talent management and promotions.
Support those passionate about the paranormal community and have a proven track record. This tightknit community must stand up against those trying to exploit us. We aren’t suckers and we hate to be conned.
19 Sunday Apr 2015
Posted API Gals, Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Hospitals, Investigations, Paranormal, Paranormal Groups
in≈ Comments Off on Ghost Cop: Investigating with Stacey Jones
Tags
API Gals, archer paranormal investigations, ghost cop, hawkinsville state hospital, investigate with the API Gals, stacey jones, taylor memorial hospital
Ghost Cop: Investigating with Stacey Jones
People have been investigating paranormal activity for hundreds of years. Yes. Hundreds of years. Don’t let the expansion of cable networks and the influx of paranormal reality TV shows fool you. Likewise, there are people who have spent decades investigating. Further, some of these people like to share their tips, techniques, and antidotes with others. One such person is Stacey Jones, the nation’s leading paranormal investigator.
Stacey started investigating in 1984 while a police officer in New York. She founded the Central New York Ghost Hunters (CNYGH) and was lovingly christened the “Ghost Cop.” She has investigated over 1,000 haunted locations, has been featured on two A Haunting episodes, and has appeared on various paranormal reality TV shows. Her tale is cautionary; her teenage son attracted a nasty spirit on a seemingly benign cemetery investigation. It took 12 months to exorcize the demon from him. Her other stories are just as riveting.
She has since retired from the police force and team investigating. Instead, Stacey frequently shows up at public investigations and dives right in. She joined the Archer Paranormal Investigations team (API Gals) and some of our friends on our investigation at the Old Hawkinsville State Hospital, also known as Taylor Memorial Hospital. And we were thrilled to the point of giddy to share the evening with her.
Stacey brings over 30 years of experience and common sense to an investigation. She is a life-long researcher and reader of the paranormal, religion, and history. She knows a lot. I mean a lot. She is highly likeable and engaging. She treats everyone, living and dead, with the utmost of respect. She does not confront or threaten or yell. The only obscenities are aimed toward herself. While dumping some of her equipment into her folding chair, Stacey deftly balanced the chair with her coffee while proclaiming herself, “the laziest bitch investigator today.” Not quite! She is hardworking—listening, analyzing, and contemplating where the activity may originate from.
Some of our friends were investigating for the first time. Stacey patiently displayed her equipment, encouraging them to try them out. She provided tips and techniques. She took the group under her wing and started searching for evidence. On short breaks she entertained us with battle stories and commentary. She doesn’t namedrop. Nor is she boastful. Deep in her heart, Stacey is a teacher. She relishes explaining the how-tos and whys. I learned quite a bit!
Whenever possible, investigate with an authority. Paranormal “celebrities” have packed tour schedules. Check online for upcoming investigations. You will learn new investigation techniques. Stacey likes to holler, “Hello. I can’t see you.” Love that! What a great way to engage with a spirit? It’s non-threatening and allows them to come forward—if they so choose.
You will glean information. They bring different equipment, and you may get to test them out. We tested out the Bionic Ear. 2L Lisa immediately purchased the following morning.
They also reinforce techniques you may already utilize. For instance, Stacey doesn’t confront, she remains respectful, she thanks them, and she prays before and after an investigation. These are all things that the API Gals do. Guessing I’m going to be getting another folding chair to traipse across abandoned buildings and cemeteries so I can be like Stacey.
For more information on Stacey, please view her Website http://ghostcop.org/. I look forward to investigating again with Stacey. It was a wonderful experience. Even the torrential downpour couldn’t dampen our excitement. Just like 2L, I love me some Stacey Jones!
05 Thursday Mar 2015
Posted Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Hospitals, Investigations
inTags
API Gals, archer paranormal investigations, Ghost Hunting, hawkinsville state hospital, investigation
Hurry! Only 3 spots left for our investigation at Hawkinsville State Hospital, Friday, April 17th, 2015. Join the API Gals as we investigate the same abandoned hospital featured on Ghost Stalkers. Space is limited to 10 spots to reduce contamination. Learn from the pros.
04 Thursday Dec 2014
Posted Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours
inTags
amy bruni, ashmore estates, bobby mackeys music world, ghost stalkers, nick groff tour, strange escapes
Investigate with Nick Groff
Since leaving Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, Nick Groff has diversified and started touring. Nick is the Executive Producer and Creator of Destination America’s freshman paranormal offering Ghost Stalkers. The series ended its 6 episode run in November. Still no word on whether the show was picked up for a second season. But Nick is not resting on his laurels. NickGroffTour.com debuted online almost simultaneously as Travel Channel announced his departure.
Two locations are currently scheduled. On February 8, 2015, Nick will be investigating at the infamous Bobby Mackey’s Music World, in Wilder, Kentucky. Ticket sales are brisk. The only remaining options are general admission for $30 or the VIP ticket for $325. The VIP package is truly a celebrity ghost hunting experience. There will be lots of face time with Nick, a full-fledged investigation, plus a bunch of photo opportunities. The general ticket gets you into the Q&A sessions and a photo. There’s a wide range on these prices, so carefully weigh your options.
The second investigation will be held at the Ashmore Estates in Illinois. More ticket options are still available for the April 11, 2015, investigation. View www.nickgrofftour.com for more information as more locations will be added.
Public group tours are popular. Fans yearn for personal investigative experiences with paranormal celebrities. Face time is paramount, and people will pay. Ask Amy Bruni who has also started her own touring company called Strange Escapes, www.strange-escapes.com.
Small group investigations differ from conference sessions. Attendees can see how a paranormal investigator reacts in the field. Numbers are low, so that fewer people can have full access. Evidence is not guaranteed. However, I would venture to guess that the ability to walk side by side, shoulder to shoulder with a celebrity ghost hunter far outweighs the occasional anomalies.
Only adults age 18+ are able to participate in the investigations. However, children may attend the Q&A sessions.
Locations for Nick’s events are more well-known and supposedly haunted. Advertising claims “iconic haunted locations in America.” Seems Nick is off to a good start. Once he gets closer to the Greater Atlanta area, I will venture out and join in on the craze.
04 Thursday Sep 2014
Posted Books, Ghost Hunting, Ghost Tours, Hotels & Motels, Live Paranormal, Radio Show
in≈ Comments Off on Talking About Haunted Dalton
Tags
archer paranormal investigations, archer paranormal radio, dalton georgia, haunted dalton, landmark building
Tonight the API Gals are talking about their upcoming trip to Dalton, Georgia. My favorite stop will be the Landmark Building, formerly the Hotel Dalton.
Tune in tonight at 7 pm EST on http://www.liveparanormal.com.
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