This video marks my first real-world session using the IDC-2K Reverse Reaper, conducted at Stepp Cemetery—a location I know well, and one that has earned every ounce of its reputation.

The IDC-2K Reverse Reaper was custom-built by Jay W Prather and Austin Maynard, two builders who don’t just assemble ghost boxes—they design serious ITC (Instrumental TransCommunication) research tools. I challenged them to create a compact, travel-ready system capable of multiple experimental configurations while remaining compliant with TSA restrictions.

They delivered—cleanly.

This isn’t a novelty device or an off-the-shelf toy. The Reverse Reaper is modular, adaptable, and intentionally designed for controlled experimentation, including reverse-speech operation to reduce contamination and challenge pareidolia. In short, it tightens the conditions and forces better listening.

What surprised me most wasn’t the location—it was how quickly the session stabilized. New devices usually take time to settle in. This one felt responsive almost immediately.

The video goes deeper than gear. It touches on mindset, protection, and why ITC isn’t really about “ghosts” at all. It’s about intelligence, interaction, and the patterns that emerge when conditions are handled responsibly.

If you want the full historical context of Stepp Cemetery—minus the internet nonsense—check the links in the video description, including A Requiem for Baby Lester. The real weight of this place has far more to do with human behavior than fabricated legends.

This article is just a doorway.

Watch the video. Listen carefully.

More work, research, and field sessions can always be found at Paraholics.com.

— Evel Ogilville

It wasn’t just any book that fell.

It was The Exorcist—facedown, off the display shelf at Viewpoint Books—the beloved indie bookstore in Columbus, Indiana. And it didn’t fall quietly. The book launched itself just at the edge of her vision—but clearly enough to catch both the attention of her and an employee standing at the register nearby. The moment was strange enough that Beth Stroh, the bookstore’s owner, messaged me immediately. Her text led to another full-blown paranormal investigation of the shop.

Watch the Investigation: The Exorcist Incident at Viewpoint Books!

A coincidence? Maybe. But that’s never quite how it feels when it’s that book.

What followed was a series of events that seemed to flirt with something deeper than residual energy: a strange timing, a provocative gesture, and a communication session where intelligent voices—through a method known as Instrumental Trans-Communication (ITC)—responded to our questions with uncanny precision. One voice, when asked why the book had been knocked down, replied:

“Dirty book.”

Another? “Bowdern.”

It’s a name you rarely hear—unless you’ve studied Father William Bowdern, the Jesuit priest who led the real-life exorcisms that inspired The Exorcist.

The book’s fall, the ITC responses, and the quiet current running through the bookstore’s basement all seemed to converge on not just a haunting—it felt like an answer shaped by awareness.

But rather than letting this strange encounter be reduced to a spooky story, let’s widen the lens. Exorcism is one of humanity’s oldest rituals. It’s been a source of mystery, power, and fear across cultures for thousands of years. Catholicism may have codified the rite, but the impulse to drive out unwanted forces—whether spirits, demons, or madness—is far older and far more universal.

So this isn’t just about a book. Or even a ghost. It’s about what happens when we try to name, fight, and understand the forces we can’t see—those that exist just beyond the veil of ordinary perception. And what it might mean when they talk back.

The Modern Obsession with Possession

Despite being rooted in ancient ritual, the concept of possession has never been more alive in popular culture. Films like The Exorcist (1973) didn’t just terrify a generation—they redefined how the Western world imagines spiritual intrusion. They gave evil a voice, a face, and a cinematic vocabulary: spinning heads, guttural growls, bodies flung by invisible hands.

But long before Regan MacNeil crawled backward down a staircase, the idea that a spirit could inhabit a body—take over the mind, bend the will—was embedded deep in the global human story. The difference now is the frame.

Possession has become entertainment.

We binge demonic thrillers and share “possessed girl on the subway” clips on social media. Exorcism is a meme, a genre, a punchline. Paranormal TV shows dangle it as the final boss—proof that a location has crossed from spooky to serious. Even some ghost hunters now stage dramatic confrontations that resemble low-budget reenactments of The Rite.

But what’s often missing in this spectacle is nuance. The idea that possession might be symbolic, psychological, or culturally specific is often ignored in favor of fear-mongering. And worse, the rise of this obsession often sidelines the voices of those who live in spiritual traditions where spirit influence is real—but not always sinister.

There’s a hunger in our culture to believe in demons—just as much as there’s a hunger to mock the idea. And maybe that’s because the idea of being overtaken speaks to something primal. Something unspoken in our age of overstimulation, fractured attention, and identity crisis.

Possession, in this modern context, isn’t just about ghosts.

It’s about what owns us.

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The Catholic Rite and Its Roots

If possession is the wound, then exorcism is the attempted cure—or, at least, the ritual intervention. And in the West, no tradition has shaped our collective imagination of exorcism more than the Catholic Church.

The Roman Catholic rite of exorcism isn’t medieval pageantry or Hollywood spectacle. It’s a carefully delineated process—codified, updated, and tightly controlled. First formalized in the Rituale Romanum of 1614, the Church’s rite requires strict discernment before any ceremony is approved. Mental illness must be ruled out. Psychological evaluations are expected. And even then, only specially trained priests, operating with explicit episcopal permission, are authorized to perform the rite. (While cultural traditions view possession spiritually, modern medicine often interprets similar symptoms as mental health conditions—consult professionals accordingly.)

In the 20th century, very few Catholic exorcisms were publicly acknowledged—until the case of Robbie Mannheim (a pseudonym for Ronald Edwin Hunkeler) captured the attention of Jesuit circles in the late 1940s (Allen, 2021). His alleged possession and subsequent exorcisms at the hands of Father William Bowdern in St. Louis became the seed for William Peter Blatty’s novel The Exorcist (Blatty, 2011).

Ironically, the Church never intended for this case to be publicized. Father Bowdern and his assistants kept extensive notes, but the records were sealed. Blatty learned of the case years later through academic sources and clergy contacts—not official disclosure.

The Catholic Church walks a strange line. On one hand, it’s cautious to avoid fueling hysteria or validating superstition. On the other, it continues to appoint exorcists around the world, acknowledging that spiritual affliction can be real—and that evil, however we define it, sometimes requires confrontation.

But even here, within one of the most rigid institutions in human history, the definition of possession is far from settled. Is the exorcist battling a literal demon? A manifestation of trauma? A psychosomatic archetype? Or some mix of all three?

The ritual may be standardized. The mystery remains.

Global Rites of Expulsion

The Catholic rite of exorcism, while widely known in the West, is but one thread in a vast global network of traditions that seek to restore spiritual and energetic balance when it is believed to be disrupted. Nearly every culture has developed its own form of spiritual intervention—some dramatic and theatrical, others contemplative and symbolic.

In Islam, ruqyah is recited from the Qur’an to drive out harmful spirits (jinn), often accompanied by physical rituals like blowing or anointing with oil. In Judaism, dybbuk possession is countered through prayers of atonement and sacred naming, occasionally led by a rabbi in structured exorcisms. Hinduism offers manifold paths, from chanting Vedic mantras and invoking deities to specific rites found in the Atharva Veda designed to ward off malign influences (Goodman, 1988).

In African Traditional Religions, particularly among the Yoruba or Bantu peoples, spirit possession is more nuanced—sometimes seen as healing or divinatory, other times as intrusion. Ritual drumming, dance, and invocation are used to restore communal harmony. Likewise, in Vodou and Santería, trance states and possession by loa or orishas are common, but when unwanted spirits arrive, practitioners may employ baths, offerings, and the assistance of powerful intermediaries.

Tibetan Buddhism, though not centered around the concept of demonic possession, acknowledges spiritual interference as part of samsaric suffering. Rather than confronting “evil” head-on, practitioners may engage in rituals such as chod, which invites the practitioner to visualize offering their own body to hungry spirits as a radical act of compassion, or phowa, which guides consciousness at the moment of death. Protective mantras, mudras, and wrathful deity visualizations—like those of Mahakala or Vajrakilaya—are also employed to transmute negative energies rather than expel them violently (Levack, 2013).

These traditions vary widely in tone and cosmology—some depicting spiritual affliction as a moral failing, others as imbalance, ancestral unrest, or a call for attention. What unites them is the impulse to rebalance, to reassert connection between body, spirit, and cosmos, and to do so through a framework deeply embedded in the culture’s view of reality.

Exorcism as Mirror

What if the point of exorcism isn’t just to remove something foreign, but to reveal something hidden? Across faiths and cultures, these rituals often act less like forceful expulsions and more like mirrors—showing us our own shadows, our fears, our projections.

The possessed often become symbols of whatever a society fears most: sexuality, madness, heresy, rebellion, or grief that cannot be metabolized. In this light, the body becomes a stage upon which cultural anxiety plays out. In the West, especially post-Enlightenment, possession is frequently cast as a rare spiritual siege—one that justifies spectacle and secrecy alike. But in other traditions, spirit interaction is not always pathology. It may be communication. It may be calling (Ferber, 2004).

Viewed through this lens, exorcism becomes less about domination and more about discernment. Who gets labeled “possessed,” and by whose authority? Who decides when a voice is sacred or sick? The more we ask these questions, the less tidy the answers become.

We might ask whether exorcisms sometimes serve the ego more than the soul—allowing the practitioner to step into a savior role, or the witnesses to rehearse their belief in evil. The act of driving something out becomes performance: a reaffirmation of the order we think we understand, and the borders we’re terrified to see breached (Turner, 1969).

But if possession is sometimes performance, then so is expulsion. And if spirit communication challenges the boundaries of belief, then so does the act of naming what’s speaking through us.

Instrumental Trans-Communication and the Possibility of Commentary

The incident at Viewpoint Books became more than a quirky haunting the moment we turned to Instrumental Trans-Communication (ITC) to explore it further. As we asked questions about the book incident, we received responses that pointed directly to historical figures and deeper themes tied to the real-life exorcism case that inspired The Exorcist—offering what felt less like ambient echoes and more like intelligent commentary (Macy, 1999).

Among the names to come through was “Bowdern”—a direct reference to Father William Bowdern, the Jesuit priest who led the 1949 exorcism in St.Louis. This wasn’t a name we had mentioned aloud. It surfaced during our ITC session as if the spirits—or “the Others,” as some researchers call them—wanted to highlight their awareness of the story, or their involvement in shaping how it unfolds in human memory.

Another response simply said: “We’re not vicious.” Was this a defense from those responsible for knocking the book off its display? A reminder that not all uninvited presences are malevolent? Or was it commentary on the legacy of The Exorcist itself—a narrative that framed all spirit contact as dark, violent, or demonic?

The clarity of these responses—Bowdern, Robbie, Father Williams—makes it hard to ignore the historical trail they seem to be tracing. But what if these weren’t just acknowledgments? I’ve started to wonder whether they were corrections—a pointed rejection of the dramatized narrative. As if the voices were pushing back on the spectacle. That book, that film, this mythos—it may have made people millions, but maybe to them, it cheapened something sacred or exploited real suffering. Maybe what we heard wasn’t fascination. Maybe it was a quiet protest.

Then came a stranger phrase: “Performing angels.” Was this a veiled reference to theological debates—that so-called angels might be deceivers in disguise, performing roles to influence belief or test faith? Or was it reassurance that protective forces were present and active during our questioning, acting as benevolent performers in a cosmic drama (Rose, 1962)?

Whatever these replies meant, they spoke in riddles. But like any good riddle, their power came not just from what they said—but what they made us consider. The dialogue didn’t offer proof or closure. It offered reflection. Engagement. A nudge to look closer.

And in a way, that’s what ITC at its best has always done. It’s not just about catching a voice. It’s about being willing to listen.

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Echoes, Not Answers

Exorcism, whether practiced in a cathedral, a village hut, or the back room of a bookstore, is never just about spirits. It’s about people. About how we process trauma. About how we assign meaning to suffering. And sometimes, it’s about how we tell stories to keep ourselves from being afraid of the dark (Radin, 2018).

The events at Viewpoint Books—fleeting, unexplained, but real—didn’t affirm or debunk any belief system. They simply happened. The book fell. The names came through. The responses stirred something ancient.

Through the lens of ITC, we glimpsed not just what might linger beyond the veil, but how those presences may respond to what we bring into a space: fear, curiosity, reverence, or cynicism. And perhaps more importantly, we saw how we respond when the unknown stirs back.

Whether the voices we heard were memory, mischief, or manifestation, they acted as guides—pointing not just to Bowdern or Robbie, but to our ongoing human fascination with evil, salvation, and the blurred threshold between (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991).

The Others may speak in riddles. But maybe that’s the point. They don’t hand us truth. They invite us to participate in its uncovering.

So when a book crashes to the floor, when a voice says, “We’re not vicious,” when an unseen whisper names the priest who once battled darkness with prayer and persistence—

It’s not just a haunting.

It’s a conversation.

Postscript

If you’re interested in the true story that inspired The Exorcist, I highly recommend The Devil Came to St. Louis: 2025 Uncensored Edition by Troy Taylor. This updated release includes previously unpublished material, new interviews, and a closer look at the life of Ronald Edwin Hunkeler—the real “Robbie.”

You can order it directly from the publisher via American Hauntings Ink.

But if possible, consider ordering it through Viewpoint Books in Columbus, Indiana—the very place where the book fell, and the veil seemed to ripple.

Works Cited

Allen, David. “What Really Happened to Ronald Hunkeler, Who Inspired ‘The Exorcist.’” New York Post, 20 Dec. 2021, https://nypost.com/2021/12/20/is-the-exorcist-a-true-story-what-happened-to-ronald-hunkeler.

Baglio, Matt. The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist. Doubleday, 2009.

Blatty, William Peter. The Exorcist: 40th Anniversary Edition. Harper, 2011.

Ferber, Sarah. Demonic Possession and Exorcism in Early Modern France. Routledge, 2004.

Goodman, Felicitas D. How About Demons? Possession and Exorcism in the Modern World. Indiana University Press, 1988.

Levack, Brian P. The Devil Within: Possession and Exorcism in the Christian West. Yale University Press, 2013.

Macy, Mark. Conversations Beyond the Light: Communication with the Dead. 1st ed., Three Rivers Press, 1999.

Radin, Dean. Real Magic: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and a Guide to the Secret Power of the Universe. Harmony Books, 2018.

Rose, Eliot. A Razor for a Goat: A Discussion of Certain Problems in the Rationalist Interpretation of Witchcraft and Demonology. University of Toronto Press, 1962.

Turner, Victor. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Publishing, 1969.

Zimdars-Swartz, Sandra L. Encountering Mary: Visions of Mary from La Salette to Medjugorje. Princeton University Press, 1991.

I was glued to Season 6, Episode 1 of Expedition X, immersed in the haunting vibes of Eloise Asylum. Like anyone drawn to the ethics of ghost hunting—or the raw allure of decaying architecture and echoes of human suffering—I felt that familiar charge when the guide declared, “This is the most active floor.” Cue the EMF meters, the whispered “did-you-hear-thats?,” and the stage set for a haunted experience. I’ve lived that scene a hundred times across a hundred locations.

But after years chasing the why and how of hauntings with relentless passion, I’ve reached a hard-earned conclusion: it’s mostly in your head. Your beliefs, expectations—even collective stories drive what you encounter. If you’re drawn to spirit communication like I am, you’re already tuning into the unseen, whether you know it or not.

Before you hurl an Ovilus at me, hear me out. Hauntings are real, spirits are real, but mainstream ghost hunting—obsessed with gadgets, proof, and virality—is often more performance than revelation. If you’re not using it for personal spiritual growth, or worse, exploiting it for entertainment, you’re not just missing the point. You’re distorting the signal.

To unpack this, I draw on voices like Brother Richard Hendrick, a Franciscan monk whose 2019 Strange Familiars interview blends Irish mysticism with spiritual wisdom (Renner, 2019). His insights, paired with my field experiences and cultural traditions, reveal what’s at stake in the unseen.

Some in the paranormal community find “ghost-hunting” offensive, viewing it as predatory. Fair enough. Here, I mean hunting as seeking—to explore, question, connect, not to trap or harm. I’m not bagging ghosts like it’s open season. But too often, this field misses the mark, favoring thrills over meaning.

What follows is a dive into how your mind shapes the experience, why intention trumps tools, and why we should treat this work as a sacred dialogue, not a thrill ride. This journey starts with a radical idea: reality itself might be mental, and your mind is the key to unlocking the unseen.

Reality Check: It’s All Mental (Literally)

Here’s the key: everything is mental.

Most assume the mind is just neurons firing in the brain. But what if that’s backwards? Philosopher Philip Goff’s work on panpsychism suggests consciousness is the fabric of reality itself, not a byproduct of matter (Goff, 2019). In ghost hunting, this means our minds don’t just observe spirits but actively connect with them in a shared reality. Picture the universe as one vast mind, with our brains as antennas tuning into its frequency. Ghosts aren’t mere remnants—they’re like side-channel transmissions, messages from another layer of consciousness reaching us through the same universal system. Spirits, then, might exist within this shared mental field—a kind of universal consciousness that connects all minds—where our thoughts and beliefs can shape what we encounter, like egregores at St. Albans Sanatorium, entities created by the collective focus and emotions of visitors. When we die, we don’t vanish; we shift to another layer of this cosmic awareness.

This isn’t just philosophy. Tibetan Buddhism’s Bardo Thödol, or The Tibetan Book of the Dead, describes the post-death state as a liminal dream realm, a transitional space where consciousness lingers before moving to the next life (Evans-Wentz, 1960). It’s not an end but a transition, like tuning to another station in the same broadcast field.

So what does this mean for ghost hunting? We’re not just observing external phenomena—we’re entangled in them. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs don’t just filter what we see—they shape what unfolds. Ghost-hunting isn’t about proving something with a gadget; it’s about recognizing our consciousness as part of the transmission.

From the Monroe Institute’s sound-induced consciousness research to ITC sessions tapping into consciousness unbound by space or time—like a signal traveling beyond physical limits—one truth emerges: Ghosts may be one mind reaching for another across dimensions. Maybe you’ve never seen it this way, but once you do, you’ll realize your investigations were lost in the static—until now. In short, ghost hunting isn’t just about capturing evidence—it’s about tuning our minds to a shared reality where spirits and our consciousness intertwine.

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Imagination and Intention — The Frequencies We Broadcast

Imagination isn’t idle—it’s generative. It doesn’t just influence our experiences in the paranormal; it shapes them. Walk into a haunted location expecting a vivid figure from its ghost stories, and your mind is already tuning that frequency. If that place is soaked in emotional residue, any intelligence present—especially chaotic or spiritual ones—may seize your script and shape the outcome.

I’ve seen this at St. Albans. My team entered steeped in tales of “Donald” and “Jacob,” entities tied to specific rooms. During our sessions, ITC responses echoed those names repeatedly, though no historical records confirm their existence (Paraholics, 2025). Research suggests ITC can reflect investigators’ expectations, acting like a mirror for our beliefs (Leary, 2013). It felt less like uncovering the past and more like improvising a ghost story in real time, co-authored with the unseen.

To be clear: I’m not saying we invent the spirits. I’m saying our perception colors the channel. Just as a radio plays what it’s tuned to, our expectations can shape which voices come through—and how we interpret them.

That’s why the quality of your consciousness matters. If you enter this work with grounded clarity and compassion—vibrating high in the truest sense: with love, humility, and genuine concern for others—you’re more likely to resonate with higher vibrational intelligences. But come in chaotic, ego-driven, or emotionally unstable, and you risk attracting others operating on that same low frequency.

This work is a mirror. The unseen reflects who we are, not just what we want.

Popular ghost hunting spots, like St. Albans, are often teeming with spiritual energies because of the intense focus and collective intention they receive. This concentrated energy acts as a magnet for a wide variety of entities—not just location-specific ghosts tied to the site’s history, but a diverse array of spirits drawn to the power of the place.

Another example: at the Indiana State Sanatorium, retired New Albany chief of detectives Mike Culwell appeared to connect with a spirit calling herself Mary, who claimed a nursing home room number that didn’t exist. The number was fabricated, matching the ghost story archetype—a lone, elderly woman in a forgotten hospital wing—but not the history. Whether it’s false memory, impression, or a clever trickster, the point is the same: spirit interactions are shaped by what we project. Our intention is the focus.

Brother Richard puts it simply: “Imagination and intention play a massive part” in how we engage the spirit world (Renner, 2019). Seek drama—clicks, clout, attention—and you’ll attract chaotic energies. Approach with respect and clarity, and the exchange may turn coherent, insightful, even transformative.

This isn’t unique to ITC or modern ghost hunting. In Yoruba tradition, rituals focus the mind to align with divine intent. Japan’s spirit boards require careful closure to maintain balance. In Spiritism, practitioners emphasize emotional clarity to avoid deception (Kardec, 1861). Whatever your approach—ghost box, apps, or intuition—your mindset amplifies the connection. Scattered thoughts create static.

But who’s listening on the other side? The spirit realm is more than ghosts—it’s a vast ecosystem of beings, each with its own agenda.

The Ecology of Spirits — A Vast, Layered Realm

Not everything that speaks in the dark is a ghost.

Brother Richard describes the unseen as a “vast ecosystem of spirits”—a complex, layered ecology far beyond pop culture’s disembodied souls (Renner, 2019). It’s a ladder of beings, with countless rungs of intelligences—ancient, indifferent, benevolent, or predatory. Humans? We’re far down the ladder, a minor tier in a hierarchy we barely grasp.

In Irish folklore, the “little people”—literal fairies—aren’t metaphors but entities with their own agendas. Offer reverence, earn protection; disrespect them, invite mischief (Evans-Wentz, 1911). Anishinaabe manitous—spirits animating land, water, sky—coexist but aren’t bound to human priorities (Johnston, 2001). Hindu devas and asuras balance order and chaos (Doniger, 1981). Christian angels and demons hold ranked roles (Russell, 1981). Each being—trickster, observer, elemental—operates with distinct will.

Haunted locations aren’t just for the dead. We might tune into something older, archetypal, or sentient echoes. Most often, we’re hearing low-level spirits—trauma-bound, confused, reactive static of the afterlife.

Discernment is everything. Brother Richard warns theatrical messages demand caution. His process: Root yourself through prayer or meditation, seek repeated confirmation, measure the message—does it bring peace or chaos?

The spirit realm isn’t a ghost buffet. It’s a wilderness. And if you don’t know what kind of being you’re talking to, you might be handing your attention—and your energy—to something that knows exactly how to use it.

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Tricksters and Sensationalists — Two Sides of the Same Coin

Here’s where things get slippery: the trickster.

Every spiritual tradition has one. Norse Loki. West African Anansi. Celtic Fae. They don’t just cause chaos—they expose blind spots. They test your assumptions, mock your certainty, and reflect your intention like a distorted mirror. Their role isn’t to guide—it’s to rattle. And if you’re paying attention, that disruption can sharpen your discernment more than any well-behaved spirit ever could.

Brother Richard warns from Irish tradition: tricksters show up when your ego does. They amplify what’s unexamined—your pride, your need to control, your craving to be seen. Not always malevolent, but always strategic. They will play to your expectations, wear the names you fear or desire, and pull you deeper into a story of your own making.

I’ve seen this firsthand at St. Albans. A voice broke through: snarling, sharp—“Kill them.” I laughed, surprised. It shot back, “How is that happy?” and then, cool and calm: “Kill you, me, God, and everyone.” It was pure performance—but for whom? The stories of “Donald” and “Jacob” that had saturated our sessions had no basis in documented history. The names were echoes of the legend we carried in with us. The trickster didn’t invent the narrative—it borrowed ours and used it against us.

But that’s the point. Tricksters aren’t just obstacles—they’re barometers. How we react to misdirection, contradiction, or absurdity reveals our inner alignment. Do we spiral, get defensive, chase every curveball? Or do we ground ourselves, laugh, ask better questions? Even if their motives are unclear, tricksters arrive to humble us, teaching through chaos what clarity we lack.

And many investigators—especially those performative for social media clout—become unwitting conduits for this trickster energy. By chasing likes, they amplify distortion, feeding chaotic entities that thrive on ego and confusion. Their theatrics show how deeply tricksters can weave deception, keeping us wallowing in the darkness of our own making. The lesson is stark: Unchecked ego invites chaos, blinding us to the truth. The hoaxer thinks they’re running the show, but they’re just actors in an invisible opera, staged by forces more cunning than they realize.

Brother Richard cautions: intend deception, and you’ll attract it. The Others don’t care about your brand—they respond to your signal. If that signal is distortion, expect noise in return.

The lesson isn’t to avoid the trickster—it’s to recognize when it shows up, and to learn from the encounter. That’s what keeps the work honest. That’s what keeps you honest.

The Hubris of Ghost Hunters — Playing God with Spirits

If there’s one trait that warps the heart of paranormal investigation, it’s arrogance.

You’ve seen it—the overconfident approach. People waltzing into locations like they own the place, barking questions at the unseen, demanding signs, brandishing tools like badges of authority. There’s an unspoken hubris in much of ghost-hunting culture: the idea that the dead owe the living their cooperation, that we can command the unknown like a concierge.

Brother Richard calls this out with a scalpel’s precision. In his words, most ghost hunters aren’t in dialogue with the Other—they’re “outside the discourse,” barely “listening through the wall” (Strange Familiars, 2019). Without spiritual practice, discernment, or humility, you’re not leading an investigation. You’re stumbling into a realm you don’t understand, and doing it with a bullhorn.

Nowhere is this arrogance more obvious than in the trope of “crossing spirits over.” It sounds compassionate—helping the lost find the light. But what if that spirit isn’t lost? What if it doesn’t want to go? What if it’s not what we think—perhaps residual energy, thought-forms like those at St. Albans, ancient intelligences, or entities posing as spirits?

I’ve seen groups declare spaces “cleared,” only for fresh phenomena to erupt within days. Did they help a spirit move on, or were they performing a ritual for show?

That said, there may still be value in simply offering peace. If a spirit truly is suffering, being present with compassion—without agenda—can be a quiet act of encouragement. Not a cosmic rescue mission, but a kind gesture. A stillness near the threshold. Not every being needs to be “sent on.” But some may just need to know they’re seen.

To be fair, there are reasons some investigators lean so heavily on tech or spectacle. In a field often dismissed as pseudoscience, gadgets provide something tangible—something skeptics can see, measure, or replay. And with attention spans short and competition fierce, some resort to dramatization just to be seen. But when the pursuit becomes more about validation than inquiry, we risk mistaking noise for signal—and missing the real conversation entirely.

Brother Richard’s ecological lens offers a better way: spirits may fulfill roles we don’t understand—guardians, messengers, witnesses. When we assume every lingering presence is broken, lost, or ours to fix, we stop listening. We project. And that’s when we lose the thread.

The moment you stop being a guest and start overstepping, the Others may remind you exactly who’s in charge. Rather than commanding the unseen, true ghost hunting invites a mindful exchange, where your energy shapes the encounter.

The Reciprocal Dance — Are You Okay with Being Fuel?

Far from the arrogance of commanding spirits, ghost hunting is a reciprocal dance, and our attention tunes the connection.

So what if ghost-hunting is partially performative—does that make it meaningless?

Not necessarily. It’s a reciprocal dance. You bring expectation, emotional charge, ego—and the spirit realm responds in kind. Without grounding, that exchange tips from insight to siphon, draining your energy. Our attention is an antenna, drawing spirits’ responses. Unaware, even genuine researchers can be played, their energy feeding tricksters who unravel the unprepared. Lead the dance—don’t be led, or spirits may feed on your signal.

I saw this at a public event at Waverly Hills Sanatorium. One group barreled in like it was a haunted house attraction—loud, performative, adrenalized. Their sessions were chaotic: mocking, repetitive, disjointed. But the next group, quieter and centered, shifted something. Responses turned intelligible, gentle, carrying a clarity that felt profound. The building didn’t change—our energy did.

Beyond shaping the interaction, the quietest magic of a haunted space is its mirror to your soul. It doesn’t just reflect fear or ego—it reveals your alignment, sincerity, readiness. When you enter with intention and openness, the quality of what speaks back might say more about you than the location. That’s the quiet magic of it. Ghost hunting—at its best—isn’t just about contact. It’s communion. It’s a conversation that lets you take stock of who you are, what you bring, and how the unseen responds. And in that exchange, you might just find yourself.

Another chilling example: during a private residential case, voices came through an ITC device claiming to be the deceased father of the homeowner. But another spirit—insistent, almost frantic—argued it was an imposter, a trickster pretending to be the father, seizing on the homeowner’s doubts. As Allan Kardec warned, spirits may pose as loved ones to test our clarity, turning sessions into performances if we’re not discerning (Kardec, 1861). The homeowner’s uncertainty fueled a narrative that felt like pure spectacle.

Ghost-hunting is a feedback loop. Your consciousness is a transmitter. Every spirit in the hierarchy of spirits has unique personalities, purposes, intentions, humor, and limitations. This is why mindfulness of what they’re capable of is imperative (Strange Familiars, 2019). Brother Richard’s discernment—gauging if responses bring peace or chaos—keeps you on sure footing.

Careless energy makes you fuel. You risk becoming fuel without boundaries. Traditional systems—Tibetan rituals, Indigenous ceremonies—stress closures for safety. So ask yourself: Are you showing up with clarity, humility, boundaries? Or are you flinging open the doors, hoping whatever wanders in is friendly? Because not every presence leaves when you do.

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Ghost Hunting with Integrity — Honoring the Field

Let’s give a nod to the investigators doing this work for the right reasons.

Forget the flood of fakery and theatrics—some researchers are in it for meaning, not metrics. They document with care. They skip the spectacle. They step into haunted spaces with humility and respect. No brand-building here—just a quiet push for understanding.

This isn’t a takedown. It’s a call to step up.

The paranormal world’s drowning in gimmicks. Social media’s a circus of creators turning the spirit realm into a stage—faking evidence, yelling “demon” at every creak, chasing likes instead of truth. And it works. Flashy gets views. Real doesn’t.

The fallout? Haunted spots turn into theater sets. Spirits get reduced to props. And anyone seeking genuine connection gets buried in the noise.

But integrity still holds weight.

Quiet, honest work might not blow up online, but it lasts. It earns trust—with your audience, your peers, and maybe even whatever’s out there. That trust is the foundation for anything real in this field.

For all you sciency investigators out there wanting to prove this is all real, here’s a heads-up: repeatability’s a tough nut to crack in this game. Your headspace, your intent, and the vibe of a place can shift what goes down, making lab-style consistency a pipe dream. Integrity means owning that—logging it straight, looking at patterns and context over cookie-cutter results.

This isn’t about ditching rigor. It’s about rethinking “proof.” Patterns across cases, the story behind each investigation, the bigger picture—they might tell us more than identical outcomes ever will. Integrity’s in the details: owning the variables, reflecting on their sway, and admitting the unseen doesn’t play by our rules. But if we listen close, it might still show itself.

So step back. Dig deeper. Don’t chase cheap thrills when something smarter, richer, maybe even sacred, is waiting in the quiet.

The unseen isn’t here for our amusement.

But it might talk—if we show up real.

A Better Way Forward — For Paraholics Who Want the Real Deal

So where do we go from here?

Brother Richard’s contemplative insights—echoed in traditions around the world—offer direction: we move forward with discernment, humility, and intention. We stop treating the spirit realm like a game or a gimmick.

Start by ruling out the mundane. Not every flicker is a phantom. Not every cold breeze is a message. Not every voice is what it claims to be.

Then set a clear intention. Pause before turning on your recorder. Ask yourself: Why am I here? What am I willing to hear?

Respect the complexity of the unseen. It isn’t just ghosts and demons. It’s a layered ecology—archetypes, ancestors, egregores, and intelligences we don’t yet have names for. Some speak truth. Others test you. Some wear masks made of your own fears.

And finally, treat ghost-hunting as a vehicle for personal transformation—not a content engine. You’re not there to provoke. You’re there to witness, to reflect, and maybe, just maybe, to grow.

If you want to do this with integrity, consider:

• Set a Clear Intention – Seek clarity, not spectacle.

• Ground Yourself – Calm minds make better receivers.

• Close the Session – Don’t leave energetic doors open.

• Reflect – Write it down. Patterns matter more than moments.

At Paraholics, we’re not here to kill the thrill.

We’re here to give it meaning.

Imagine a community of seekers known not for gimmicks, but for depth—for reverence—for asking better questions. A community the unseen might finally take seriously, because we finally started taking it seriously ourselves.

Tricksters will still show up. That’s part of the terrain. Maybe they’re here to test us. Maybe they’re just attracted to the noise. But if you lead with sincerity, even your vulnerabilities will carry weight.

Let’s raise the bar.

Let’s make the unseen take notice.

Because when we lead with clarity, humility, and curiosity—when we show up with compassion, not just questions—we’re not just ghost hunters anymore. We’re in a true conversation with the unseen.

—Evel Ogilville | Paraholics.com

Works Cited

• Doniger, Wendy. The Rig Veda: An Anthology. Penguin Classics, 1981.

• Evans-Wentz, W. Y. The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries. Oxford University Press, 1911.

• Evans-Wentz, W. Y. The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Oxford University Press, 1960.

• Goff, Philip. Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness. Pantheon Books, 2019.

• Johnston, Basil. The Manitous: The Spiritual World of the Ojibway. Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2001.

• Kardec, Allan. The Mediums’ Book. Allan Kardec Educational Society, 1861.

• Paraholics. St. Albans Sanatorium: Ghost Hunting and the Power of Belief. 2025, www.paraholics.com/st-albans-sanatorium-ghost-hunting.

• Renner, Timothy, host. “A Monastic View of The Other.” Strange Familiars, episode 131, 5 Dec. 2019, www.strangefamiliars.com.

• Russell, Jeffrey Burton. Satan: The Early Christian Tradition. Cornell University Press, 1981.

• Leary, D. H. (2013). Do you hear what I hear? A research study on the interpretation of radio-sweep voice phenomena. ATransC NewsJournal, Spring 2013. https://atransc.org/radiosweep-study2b/

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St. Albans Sanatorium, perched above Virginia’s New River, stands as a haunted landmark where history intertwines with folklore. My two investigations there, foundational to establishing Paraholics, introduced me to Donald—a mischievous spirit—and Jacob, his subdued companion. Their vivid presence—despite no historical corroboration—introduced me to the idea of egregores: thought-forms shaped by collective belief. These experiences transformed my ghost-hunting perspective, merging skepticism with curiosity.

A Glimpse into St. Albans’ Past

George W. Miles, a University of Virginia graduate, founded St. Albans in 1892 as a Lutheran preparatory school for up to 50 boys, emphasizing classical education (The Promus, 1898-99; Lost Colleges). Student nicknames like “Bess” or “Shortie” hint at camaraderie, yet no evidence supports tales of bullying or suicides (Lost Colleges; Radford Historical Society, accessed October 2023). Assertions of student deaths arise from folklore, not facts.

Financial difficulties forced the school’s closure in 1911 (The Roanoke Times, 1911). In 1916, Dr. John C. King converted it into St. Albans Sanatorium, a psychiatric facility featuring a farm and bowling alley. Despite its progressive aims, it employed severe treatments like insulin coma therapy and electroconvulsive therapy (Asylum Projects; Only In Your State, 2015). By 1945, 6,509 patients strained 48 staff, leading to neglect (Virginia Department of Mental Health, 1945). Suicides occurred, including a female patient’s death in the 1950s in the third-floor “suicide bathroom,” though specifics remain vague (Radford Historical Society; The Moonlit Road, 2015). An on-site morgue processed the deceased.

The 1980 murder of Gina Renee Hall, an 18-year-old Radford University freshman, adds a modern layer of tragedy. After disappearing from a nightclub with Stephen Epperly, her blood-stained car was discovered near the Hazel Hollow railroad trestle, near St. Albans (The Roanoke Times, 1980). Epperly was convicted that same year—Virginia’s first no-body murder case. The verdict hinged on forensic evidence (Commonwealth v. Epperly, 1980). Rumors tie Epperly to St. Albans, but searches found no connection (Radford Police Department Case Files). Unconfirmed EVPs whispering “Gina” linger (Association of Paranormal Study, 2016).

In 1960, St. Albans became a general hospital, joining Carilion Health System in the 1990s before closing in 2004. Now owned by the Radford University Foundation, it offers tours and events (Asylum Projects; St. Albans Sanatorium Official Website). Limited records fuel its mystique, though history and legend seldom align.

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First Visit: A Collaborative Effort

My first investigation, detailed in The Ghosts of St. Albans Sanatorium - Radford, Virginia (March 13-15, 2015), brought together D.K.S. Paranormal, Paranormal And Truth Hunters (PATH), and Paraholics.com. We secured the site for 36 hours, using tools like EMF detectors, digital recorders, bells, and a P-SB7 spirit box—each aimed at detecting or capturing potential spirit activity. It crackled with responses as we rested at The Inn at Saint Albans, Dr. King’s reportedly unsettling former residence.

Standout Moments

• Muffin Man Hallway: Named after volunteer Jenny Johnston’s Halloween costume, this corridor pulsed with EVPs, footsteps, and spirit-box activity. Elizabeth sang faintly; the Grumpy Ol’ Man taunted us with curses and laughter.

• Bowling Alley and Boiler Room: The basement’s heavy atmosphere carried stories of a Goat Man and shadows. Investigating Gina Renee Hall’s case with Lt. Andy Wilburn of Radford PD produced no EVP insights (Radford Police Department Case Files).

• But the room that changed everything was just up the stairs… Donald’s Room: Located up the main staircase, Donald’s room proved revelatory. Folklore cast Donald as a maintenance man who raped and murdered Jacob, a boy abandoned at the hospital. Retired detective Mike Culwell elicited a chilling spirit-box confession. Donald’s persona—wry, occasionally hostile—burst forth, nicknaming investigator Damon “Big Baby Biscuit” and delivering a theatrical, operatic display that fed on our attention.

This intense experience, marked by Donald’s dynamic presence, molded Paraholics’ initial direction and sparked questions about historical accuracy.

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Second Visit: Confidence and a Solo Stream

My second trip, chronicled in To Catch a Preternatural Predator: Donald of St. Albans Sanatorium (August 20, 2016) and Shadows of St. Albans: Featuring the Afterlight Box, involved investigators like Mike Culwell, Gene Caswell of Jefferson County Paranormal Society, and D.K.S. members. I returned more confident, kicking off the day with a solo morning session in Donald’s room, streamed on Facebook, before the team arrived. Later, we explored the Afterlight Box, an app generating random audio clips for spirit communication, across the property.

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Dialogues with the Dead

In Donald’s room, I spoke to Donald and Jacob as if their tale were factual. My PRD 1000 and Geobox Afterlight Edition buzzed—Donald’s taunts were sharp and playful yet laced with malice; Jacob’s responses carried sorrow. The solo stream, raw and gripping, highlighted Donald’s humor thriving on my focus. Group sessions mirrored this, though historical clarity remained elusive. The phenomena—voices, flickering lights—seemed performative, drawing strength from our engagement.

The Afterlight Box and “The Master”

Developed by Martin Bellefeuille and Anthony Mark England, the Afterlight Box uses randomized audio sweeps. In the attic, as Gene Caswell sat on a bed, it produced “the bed” and “The Master,” leaving us intrigued (Shadows of St. Albans, 2016). Later, Paraholics researcher Eunice Specter found a 1893-1894 Promus poem, “The Albans Ghosts,” mentioning a headmaster dubbed “The Master” and a student prank (The Promus, 1893-1894). This link—tying Gene’s session to a historical figure—bolstered the Afterlight Box’s reliability, creating a standout moment in my investigations.

The Egregore of Donald and Jacob

While many hauntings tie to history, Donald and Jacob showed how belief alone can spawn vivid phenomena. An egregore is a thought-form empowered by collective belief, akin to a fictional character animated by a group’s shared imagination (Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny, 2018). Grounded in Hermeticism and Theosophy, egregores may account for hauntings lacking historical roots, as expectation births a “spirit” that feels genuine (Journal of Anomalistic Psychology, 2019). Tulpas are individual constructs; egregores draw strength from collective belief.

At St. Albans, Donald and Jacob align with this concept. Searches through The Roanoke Times, Radford Historical Society, and Virginia State Archives uncovered no evidence of them or their supposed crime (Radford Historical Society, accessed October 2023). Their story—Donald’s villainy, Jacob’s tragedy—leans toward folklore. Yet, the encounters were striking: Donald’s sly humor and operatic flair, from “Big Baby Biscuit” jabs to menacing laughs, dominated both visits. Jacob’s gentle presence evoked empathy. Their intensity grew with our attention, a trend noted in ITC work where phenomena amplify with focus.

This gap prompted reflection. If Donald and Jacob lack historical basis, are they products of belief in St. Albans’ aura? This question probes paranormal research: Are we meeting spirits or shaping them? Donald’s showmanship—his need to be seen and heard—suggested the phenomena fed off our focus, like actors craving applause. This realization fueled Paraholics’ evidence-driven approach, balancing skepticism with openness to explore whether we encounter entities or co-create them.

Seeds of Skepticism

These visits underscored a key insight: ghost stories often diverge from history. The first trip, with Donald’s magnetic debut, awakened my scrutiny; the second, with my solo stream and the Afterlight Box’s corroboration, reinforced it. The Donald and Jacob narrative honed my perspective—rooted in evidence, cautious of unverified lore—steering Paraholics’ mission today.

Conclusion

St. Albans Sanatorium revealed that ghost hunting blends belief with evidence. Donald’s theatrical taunts and Jacob’s subtle sorrow, likely egregores born from collective imagination, left a lasting impression. The Afterlight Box’s “Master” reference, tied to a 1893 poem, provided a rare historical anchor. These visits defined Paraholics’ purpose: pursuing truth through skepticism and awe. So if you visit St. Albans, don’t just listen for Donald’s laugh—ask yourself where it’s really coming from.

—Evel Ogilville

References

• Commonwealth v. Epperly, 224 Va. 214 (1980).

• Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny. (2018). Mark Stavish. Inner Traditions.

• Journal of Anomalistic Psychology. (2019). “Thought-Forms and Paranormal Phenomena.”

• Only In Your State. (2015, November 27). “Virginia’s Creepy Abandoned Sanatorium.”

• Radford Historical Society. (Accessed October 2023). Notes on St. Albans Sanatorium history.

• Radford Police Department Case Files. (1980-2016). Gina Renee Hall murder investigation.

• The Moonlit Road. (2015, December 7). “The Tortured Souls of St. Albans Sanatorium.”

• The Promus. (1893-1894). St. Albans School yearbook, “The Albans Ghosts.”

• The Promus. (1898-1899). St. Albans School yearbook.

• The Roanoke Times. (1911). Article on St. Albans School closure.

• The Roanoke Times. (1980, July 2). “Search for Radford Student.”

• St. Albans Sanatorium Official Website. (Accessed October 2023). Facility history.

• Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (2023, March 24). “077-0046 St. Albans Hospital.”

• Virginia Department of Mental Health. (1945). Annual report.

• Association of Paranormal Study. (2016). “Gina Renee Hall: A Paranormal Perspective.”

• Asylum Projects. (2020, February 12). “St. Albans Sanatorium.”

• Lost Colleges. (Accessed October 2023). “St. Albans School.”

The Floyd County Asylum, widely known as the Haunted Poor Farm, looms as a monument to forgotten lives and the crucible that forged Paraholics. As New Albany marks its 200-year bicentennial, this haunted landmark embodies the city’s resilient spirit. Alongside Mike Culwell, a retired New Albany Police Department Chief of Detectives, and an assortment of dedicated investigators, I carved this journey through six unforgettable visits between 2012 and 2016. Those nights tested my resolve, unveiling the raw stakes of paranormal investigation. This narrative weaves together those chilling nights, the asylum’s sorrowful past, and an urgent plea to rally the paranormal community’s fervor to rescue a site teetering on collapse. My aim was never to save the building for its restless spirits alone, but to channel their magnetic draw into a lifeline, harnessing the millions the paranormal world invests in historic sites through tourism and restoration. This is ghost hunting at its most meaningful, and this place—a gritty emblem of Ohio River settlers’ endurance—merits that effort.

A History Steeped in Sorrow

In 1838, Floyd County acquired 135 acres to establish a poor farm, a 19th-century response to poverty, disability, and societal rejection. A modest log cabin, funded by local taxes, first sheltered New Albany’s desperate. By 1875, a sturdier brick building rose for 60 residents, expanded in 1878 to house over 100. It served as a multifaceted refuge: a workhouse for farming, a hospital for the ailing, and a haven for those labeled “insane” under vague criteria. The Indiana State Board of Charities in 1890 called it a “depressing necessity,” citing overcrowded quarters and scarce resources strained by elderly paupers, unwed mothers, Civil War veterans, and the mentally unwell.

On February 15, 1916, a storm-damaged flue sparked a fire that consumed the wooden attic dormitory, marking the asylum’s darkest chapter. The New Albany Ledger of February 16, 1916, reported five deaths—John Doe, Mary Ellis, Thomas Reed, Sarah Kline, and an unidentified child—though a 2004 Floyd County Historical Society survey suggests a higher toll, with some remains lost in the rubble. The blaze prompted the 1917 construction of the current brick structure, with expansions in 1916 and 1939. By the 1950s, Social Security and welfare reforms rendered poor farms obsolete, silencing its halls.

The grounds host two cemeteries, quiet testaments to forgotten lives. Potter’s Field, within Sam Peden Community Park, bears three headstones—Leslie McCracken (1957), Lerian Neves (1940), and Charles Potter (1933)—but Rich Green’s 2005 survey estimates over 300 unmarked graves beneath sunken earth. A second burial ground, possibly the McCulloch family plot, lies southwest, showing similar depressions. Green notes potential medical waste, like amputated limbs, interred there—a common 19th-century practice. A religious statue, documented in the 2004 survey, marks another suspected resting place, deepening the site’s mournful aura.

The asylum’s records brim with despair. In 1892, Joseph Pierson, aged 34, plunged to his death from a window, per Floyd County Coroner’s Records. Emma Hamilton drowned herself in a cistern in 1870, per the Floyd County Commissioners’ Report of 1871. Matilda Webb, confined since 1822, endured 60 years before dying in 1882, per asylum ledgers. Nellie Mullen, broken by her infant’s 1899 murder, succumbed raving in the “insane ward,” per the New Albany Tribune of August 2, 1899. Lucy Higgs Nichols, an escaped slave and Civil War nurse, died here in 1915, her story preserved by the Carnegie Center.

Other losses weave into this tapestry of sorrow. C.W. Salter, a merchant, died penniless in 1879, per the New Albany Ledger. In 1893, fears of grave-robbing surged when Mrs. Isaacs’ body nearly faced dissection, per the Indianapolis News of March 13. Henry Matthews fell in 1906, struck by a boy’s stone, per the Courier-Journal. Susan McElfresh in 1908 and Nancy Newby in 1910 faded in confinement, per the Courier-Journal. A Civil War veteran, lost to delusion, relived battles, per the Courier-Journal of 1899. Mahala Dorcas, nearing 100, died in 1901 after scavenging glass, per the Courier-Journal of July 7. Yet, in 1874, William Williams and Eliza Vinson wed on-site, a rare joy noted in the Indianapolis News of February 2.

The Asylum’s Decline

By the 1980s, the Floyd County Asylum, once a refuge for the destitute, had shifted to house the Floyd County Youth Shelter and Solid Waste offices. A 2008 redevelopment plan faltered, and by 2012, operations moved to Pine View Government Center, leaving the North Annex vacant, per the News and Tribune of September 28, 2012. Plans in 2021 and 2022 for a government hub dissolved amid rising costs and decay, per the News and Tribune of January 26, 2022. In 2024, New Albany issued code violations, branding the boarded-up building a hazard, per the News and Tribune of April 29, 2024.

As of April 2024, county officials grapple with the North Annex’s fate at 3005 Grant Line Road, now a recycling drop-off site adjacent to Sam Peden Community Park. Commissioner Al Knable envisions a public-private partnership to preserve its iconic status, while Councilwoman Denise Konkle pushes for a sale to ease budget strains from Senate Bill 1’s tax cuts. Commissioner Frank Loop urges demolition, citing its eyesore status. Knable aims to relocate Pine View’s offices and youth shelter by 2026, with North Annex proposals eyed for fall 2024, per the News and Tribune of April 29, 2024. A recycling center atop unmarked graves underscores the site’s neglect—a poignant insult to those buried beneath.

Community Echoes of the Poor Farm’s Haunt

Since sharing the Poor Farm’s tale on my original Paraholics blog, Floyd County residents have poured out memories that resonate deeply. Many spent time there as children when it doubled as a youth center in the late 20th century, a refuge that often left lasting wounds. They speak of a heavy atmosphere, as though the walls themselves clung to persistent echoes of the past. Some recall eerie experiences—whispers drifting through empty rooms, shadows cast by no one, chills defying the drafty corridors—that endure still. These weren’t ghost hunters chasing thrills; they were young people navigating hardship, yet the Poor Farm’s presence marked them indelibly. Their candid stories underscore its potency, not merely as a paranormal enigma but as a force that shaped lives.

Hauntings Rooted in Pain

The Poor Farm’s legacy—scarred by fire, suicides, and neglect—feeds its haunted mystique. Potter’s Field carries a palpable weight, with witnesses describing fleeting shadows, soft cries, and an unsettling calm. Within the walls, investigators report apparitions, disembodied voices, sudden cold, and objects shifting inexplicably, luring seekers to its tormented history.

My findings anchor these accounts. In 2016, Gene Caswell endured a violent basement encounter—an unseen force left him staggered, with growls and slamming doors amplifying the chaos. These aren’t just stories—they’re documented EVPs, ITC sessions, and physical confrontations. The Poor Farm’s unrest flows directly from its tragic past.

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Six Nights, One Evolution

The visits from 2012 to 2016 were my proving ground, each night a step in a visceral journey that birthed Paraholics and exposed the perils of inexperience, particularly with ITC and spirit attachments.

Night 1 – Early 2012

Early 2012: My first foray came in early 2012, invited by PATH (Paranormal and Truth Hunters), Mike Culwell’s initial team. With Todd Smith, Craig Smith, Nick Pennison, and Bill Method of SOUP (Society of Unexplained Phenomena), I arrived armed with DVR cameras, recorders, and EMF meters. We set up experiments across the sprawling Poor Farm. The night was hushed, yielding no standout evidence, yet the site’s sheer presence and historical gravity captivated us. It marked my entry into this storied place.

Night 2 – December 6, 2015

This return visit with Mike Culwell, my daughter Shelby, and sister Beth brought the first real spark of the asylum’s voice. A light switched on without cause, a growl echoed in my ear, and EchoVox called me by name—adding a cryptic nod to Mike’s detective past. In Potter’s Field, a spirit box repeated “372” twice, far outnumbering the field’s three headstones. The evidence was eerie and electrifying—but I left the session wide open, and the consequences followed me home. (See The Hitchhiker Effect.)

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Night 3 – Early 2016

Early 2016: An unexpected spotlight hit when WDRB Louisville, prompted by my 2015 video, invited Mike and me for a news segment. Their cameraman, “Big Country,” a proclaimed skeptic, tagged along to the 2015 hotspot. His professional cameras faltered inside—batteries drained, power severed—yet hummed to life outdoors. Visibly shaken, he had no explanation. The piece aired, stirring local curiosity, though the video has vanished. It wasn’t a full investigation, but it revealed the Poor Farm’s sway.

Night 4 – April 23, 2016

This was my most gripping night. Joined by Mike Culwell, Gene Caswell of the Jefferson County Paranormal Society, and Bobby Rice, we deployed EVPs, spirit boxes, video ITC, apps, and custom devices. A door crashed shut as I crossed the hotspot’s threshold. EchoVox fired back crisp responses, too sharp to dismiss despite my wariness of apps. Gene ventured alone into the basement, only to stagger back, reeling from an unseen assault; his GoPro cut out, leaving only audio as record. Growls, slams, and ITC bursts defined the night’s peak intensity. An EVP session also confirmed the existence of the 2015 hitchhiker and explained why I was trailed home. This night solidified the Poor Farm’s power.

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Night 5 – Mid-2016

Mid-2016: Mike and I teamed up with Christopher Maggard for The Search: Existence Unknown on Roku, alongside James Clarida, Don Clarida of Research Investigators of Paranormal, and my son Charleton. We conducted a swift ITC session in Potter’s Field. My GEOBOX, a tweaked ITC spirit box, synced with their gear to pull “Yes” and names—“Thompson,” “Ashley”—from the graves. It was a tidy night at a historic site, showcasing the Poor Farm’s media pull and simmering energy.

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Night 6 – October 2016

October 2016: A brief visit with Kristina Goetz of the Louisville Courier-Journal, Mike Culwell, and I spawned a viral USA Today feature, “Chasing Spirits: Ex-Cop Now Hunts the Haunted.” Matt Stone’s vivid photos framed the decay. The night was subtler—a faint “Yes” and “reporters” via spirit box, a nod to Goetz’s presence, joined by overhead moans and footsteps. A temperature plunge and EM spike kept us sharp. Mike urged the spirits to stay put. This moment vaulted Paraholics into broader recognition, catching TV producers’ eyes at paranormal media’s zenith. Article | VR Video | Additional Footage | Facebook Live

The Hitchhiker Effect: When a Haunting Becomes Personal

On that fateful December 6, 2015, I led a pivotal investigation at the Poor Farm with Mike Culwell, my daughter Shelby Jackson, and sister Beth Jackson. The asylum’s chill cut deeper than the December air outside. Armed with EchoVox, Andy’s Box—a custom spirit communication device—and an SLS camera I later tossed for its unreliable stick-figure gimmick, we dove in unprepared. The asylum answered swiftly, its response as unsettling as the night itself.

A light flicked on in a room I entered alone, though the switch hadn’t been touched. A growl hit my ear. EchoVox captured a female voice saying my name and referencing Mike’s detective past with unsettling accuracy. In Potter’s Field, the spirit box repeated “372” as the number of graves—far beyond the three visible markers. The consequences came later.

Within days, exhaustion hit—mental haze, physical drain. While cleaning Andy’s Box, my name rang out unbidden. Something had followed me. A later EchoVox session at a private case revealed two entities: one, claiming to be the homeowner’s late father; the other, a young, curious female presence tied to the Poor Farm. A medium described her as benign, predicting she’d fade if ignored. With that guidance, I pulled my attention away from her—and within days, she dissolved like static. But it was my mistake that let her through in the first place. I’d opened the door and failed to close it.

A follow-up session at the Poor Farm in 2016 confirmed she had trailed me home. That night marked the turning point. The hitchhiker effect—when an energy latches onto you and rides the current of your open channel—isn’t just lore. It’s a consequence of carelessness. It can manifest as voices, tech failures, shadows, or unease. Now, I end every session with intention. I draw the line. I close the door. That night refined my process. And the videos mark the origin—a reminder: if you’re not careful, something will come with you.

A Legacy Left to Rot

At paranormal TV’s height, WDRB’s feature, The Search’s episode, and the Courier-Journal’s USA Today piece drew interest from Ghost Adventures, and Nick Groff’s Paranormal Lockdown. Those pitches promised global reach and funds—paranormal tourism pumps millions into historic preservation, bankrolling repairs. I envisioned that momentum salvaging a shard of New Albany’s essence, a tribute to Ohio River pioneers. Yet this opportunity fell upon deaf ears and dead imaginations—the county council’s investigation ban snuffed out that potential. The irony is tragic.

A Call to Preserve the Past

The Scott County Heritage Center & Museum in Scottsburg, Indiana, shows how to save the Poor Farm. Housed in the former Scott County Poor Farm, it became a museum in 2001 through a Community Focus Fund grant, a USDA loan, and volunteer efforts, now listed on the National Register. With $25 family memberships, donations, and exhibits like the Pigeon Roost Massacre, it thrives without tax dollars, even drawing paranormal enthusiasts to its haunted halls. The Floyd County Poor Farm, with its spectral pull and bicentennial weight, could follow, using tourism and grants to restore its halls and cemeteries as a New Albany landmark.

Restoration faces hurdles—2024 code violations, sagging ceilings, tight budgets. Yet Scottsburg’s model proves it’s possible: start with investigations to fund repairs, seek grants as Scott County did. Demolition erases history; community action saves it. If the Poor Farm falls, we lose Lucy Higgs Nichols’ courage, Matilda Webb’s endurance, and the child in Potter’s Field—stories etched in New Albany’s 200-year soul. Envision a restored Poor Farm: a bicentennial museum of Ohio River grit, where visitors probe haunted corridors and honor graves. The paranormal community, like Scottsburg’s volunteers, can drive this. Let’s unite to preserve these voices.

—Evel Ogilville

Join the Pursuit

Connect with Paraholics on X, Facebook, and YouTube. Share this story and dive into videos and photos from all six visits, courtesy of the Courier-Journal and Matt Stone. Explore more at Paraholics.com.

Sources

Beam, Amanda. “New Albany Bicentennial: Floyd County Poor House.” News and Tribune, 12 Aug. 2013. https://www.newsandtribune.com/news/floyd_county/new-albany-bicentennial-floyd-county-poor-house/article_67b9f7a8-cce6-5a52-9b5f-352889c84090.html

Carnegie Center for Art and History. Lucy Higgs Nichols: A Life of Service. Exhibition Catalog, 2015.

“Life at the Poor Farm.” Courier-Journal, 3 Aug. 1899.

“Mahala Dorcas, Aged Nearly 100, Dies at Asylum.” Courier-Journal, 7 July 1901.

“Henry Matthews Killed by Stone.” Courier-Journal, 15 June 1906.

Floyd County Commissioners’ Report. Floyd County Archives, New Albany, IN. 1871.

Floyd County Coroner’s Records. Floyd County Archives, New Albany, IN. 1892.

Floyd County Historical Society. “Archaeological Survey of Floyd County Asylum Grounds.” 2004.

Green, Rich. “Review of Literature and Historical Documentation of the Floyd County Infirmary, New Albany, Indiana.” Aug. 2005.

“Dispute Over Asylum Body.” Indianapolis News, 13 Mar. 1893.

“Poor Farm Marriage: Williams and Vinson.” Indianapolis News, 2 Feb. 1874.

“C.W. Salter, Pauper, Dies at Asylum.” New Albany Ledger, 12 Sept. 1879.

“Fire at County Asylum Claims Five Lives.” New Albany Ledger, 16 Feb. 1916.

“Obituary: Nellie Mullen.” New Albany Tribune, 2 Aug. 1899.

“Floyd County’s North Annex Future in Question.” News and Tribune, 28 Sept. 2012. https://www.newsandtribune.com/news/floyd-county-s-north-annex-future-in-question/article_8f9b1e8a-09b6-11e2-9f7b-0019bb2963f4.html

“Floyd County Leaders Consider Possible Uses for North Annex Building.” News and Tribune, 26 Jan. 2022. https://www.newsandtribune.com/news/floyd-county-leaders-consider-possible-uses-for-north-annex-building/article_7b8b3c8a-7e7f-11ec-a7c7-874e0f7c1b0b.html

“Floyd County Officials Consider Future Possibilities for North Annex, Pine View.” News and Tribune, 29 Apr. 2024. https://www.newsandtribune.com/news/floyd-county-officials-consider-future-possibilities-for-north-annex-pine-view/article_4d9e8c12-e7f2-11ef-b8e6-6b9d9e8b1c7d.html

“Floyd County Poor Farm.” AsylumProjects.org. https://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Floyd_County_Poor_Farm

“Floyd County Home Cemetery (Potter’s Field).” Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/86329/floyd-county-home-cemetery

State Board of Charities and Corrections. “Annual Report on County Asylums and Poor Farms.” 1890.

“Scott County Heritage Center & Museum.” https://schcam.org

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Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky doesn’t just beckon—it grips you. I’ve roamed its cracked halls over ten times, each step charged with something raw. A full-bodied apparition once crossed my path, fading into shadow. Footsteps trailed me in the quiet. A ball rolled to my feet from nowhere.

But two nights—2013 and 2016—still pulse with fear. Both marked by choking. Both caught on tape. Both still shake me. Waverly’s ghost tales hum, weaving through my story, but its history—heavy with loss—demands respect.

My last visit, though, sparked something else: loathing. A betrayal of its soul that might keep me away for good.

Let me explain.

Waverly Hills Haunting: A History of Hurt

Waverly opened on July 26, 1910, as a tuberculosis hospital—built for 40 patients but swelling to over 400 by the 1920s. TB ravaged Louisville, killing one in five at its peak. Patients coughed blood, wasting away in open-air wards through snow and wind, hoping fresh air would heal them. Some endured brutal treatments—balloons inflating lungs, rib removals—often fatal.

Death came relentlessly: one per day, sometimes one per hour. The “body chute,” a 500-foot tunnel, discreetly moved supplies and corpses, shielding the living from despair. No exact death toll survives—1937’s flood destroyed most records—but estimates range from 6,000 to 9,000 lives lost. In 1945 alone, 152 patients died. Not the 63,000 some ghost-chasers still tout.

By June 1961, antibiotics cleared the wards. In 1962, Waverly reopened as Woodhaven Geriatric Center for the elderly and disabled. But by 1982, neglect—overcrowding, bedsores, filth—shut it down. Despite rumors, Waverly was never an “insane asylum.” It was a house echoing with suffering, etched into every peeling wall.

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Ghost Lore of Waverly Hills: Shadows and Growls

Waverly’s walls whisper stories. Room 502 is said to house the spirit of a nurse who died by suicide in 1928—some say due to an unwanted pregnancy, others say despair. The body chute creaks with phantom slams and groans, tied to morgue carts used for state-mandated autopsies.

Shadow People drift through the halls. The Creeper slinks along walls, prickling skin. Big Black—a suffocating, light-devouring presence—swallows hope. I recorded growls in 2016 I’d credit to it. And then there’s Timmy, the mischievous child spirit of Waverly lore, who makes several appearances in my footage.

These aren’t my inventions. They’re Waverly’s breath—steeped in decades of myth, witness accounts, and dread.

2013: A Spirit Box Choke Unsettles

In 2013, the air turned sharp. Tyra Newsome of In Nomine Paranormal Research brought me along. Mike Flickner, then a guide at Waverly and part of Southern Indiana Ghost Hunters, led us to the first-floor lobby for a spirit box session—a device used in ITC (Instrumental Trans-Communication), a method of attempting to capture voices or messages from nonphysical sources.

He called for “Timmy.” The box crackled—fragments of names and static. Then Tyra began coughing—hard. And the box hissed back one word: “choke.”

Was it dust? Coincidence? Something more? I don’t pretend to know. But my friend Jeff Rocker caught it on tape, and that moment lingers. That night felt like a violation, a dark confirmation. The questions still hang, answers just out of reach.

2016: Choking Shadows Strike Again

On July 26, 2016, fear turned personal.

I was in the old hospital lobby with a small group, running another session with a spirit box. Meanwhile, April Slaughter—psychic medium and respected researcher—led my daughter and others to the second floor.

Our device picked up Timmy’s name again. But upstairs, something stirred. My daughter later described a shadow figure lurching toward her. She froze—and couldn’t breathe. It felt like invisible hands choking her.

Three years after Tyra’s attack. Same building. Same name. Different floor. Different target. Coincidence—or continuation? Timmy’s bad behavior?

As the night deepened, we switched to EchoVox, an ITC app I trust for raw, real-time spirit replies. The concourse lights shut off. Darkness swallowed the hallway. Then came a growl—low, guttural, unmistakable.

EchoVox growled back. Like it knew.

Big Black filled my thoughts, its void-like presence echoing in the responses. Slams. Footsteps. Disembodied voices. Static chaos. But my daughter’s choking—that scar runs deepest.

Video:

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Paranormal ITC: Truth Beyond the Noise

If you ever visit Waverly, know this from my years of experience: it speaks clearest when you ditch the gear and sit in the dark. Unplugged. Exposed. Still.

That’s when shadows flicker. That’s when clothes get tugged. That’s when Waverly breathes.

Forget meters. Forget clean recordings. Between planes, trains, critters, and Louisville humidity, Waverly is acoustic bedlam. A “pristine” ghost hunt? A myth. Don’t chase it—or you’ll miss what matters.

What matters is reverence. For the patients. For the pain. For the dead. Honor that, and maybe what lingers will honor you back.

But lately, Waverly’s caretakers seem to have forgotten this.

Waverly’s Fall: Loathing the Carnival

There was a time when walking Waverly’s halls felt sacred—a privilege to tread where so many lives ended. I came to listen. To feel. To bear witness.

But my last visit, in April 2023, broke my heart.

Halloween props now clutter the first floor year-round—no longer reserved for October. Demonic doctors. Tortured mannequins. Rubber limbs splashed with fake blood. The gift shop sells haunted souvenirs like it’s a theme park. The ghosts who linger—patients, nurses, children—deserve better than being props in this mockery.

It’s a bucket of gross.

Disrespectful to those who suffered. Disingenuous to whatever remains. Waverly’s not a carnival. It’s a grave. This shift feels like exploitation, not exploration. A betrayal of every soul that breathed its last here.

That’s why I may never go back.

Gratitude in the Charged Echoes

Tyra’s choking. My daughter’s attack. They’re not evidence. They’re experiences. Threads in Waverly’s haunted weave. The Creeper. Big Black. Timmy. The nurse in 502. They hum beneath each step I’ve taken—fueling questions, never answering them.

Every visit gave me something. Even the fear. Even the bitterness.

Maybe we’re the ones haunting Waverly—calling too loud, too public, too bold.

Till the next whisper,

— Evel Ogilville

Works Cited

“Hauntings of Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” US Ghost Adventures, usghostadventures.com/americas-most-haunted-trending/hauntings-of-waverly-hills-sanatorium/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“Inside the Haunted Halls of Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” Travel Channel, www.travelchannel.com/interests/haunted/articles/inside-the-haunted-halls-of-waverly-hills-sanitorium. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“The Ghosts of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville.” Ghost City Tours, ghostcitytours.com/louisville/haunted-louisville/waverly-hills/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“The Legend of Louisville’s Haunted Hospital: Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” WLKY, 29 Oct. 2021, www.wlky.com/article/the-legend-of-louisville-s-spooky-waverly-hills-sanatorium/38090750.

“Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” American Hauntings, www.americanhauntingsink.com/waverlytb. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” Discover America, www.discoveramericablog.com/post/waverly-hills-sanatorium. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” Kentucky Historic Institutions, kyhi.org/other/tuberculosis-sanatoria/waverly-hills-sanatorium/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” The Real Waverly Hills, www.therealwaverlyhills.com/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

“Waverly Hills Sanatorium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Apr. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waverly_Hills_Sanatorium.

“Waverly Hills Sanatorium: A Historical Overview.” Louisville Historical Society, www.louisvillehistoricalsociety.org/waverly-hills-sanatorium. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Introduction to the Repost: Reflecting on Henry Dixon’s Ghost

It’s been eight years since my initial encounter with the mystery of Henry Dixon. When I wrote this article five years ago, I was neck-deep in trying to reconcile his story with my understanding of the paranormal. Today, I’m revisiting it, not because I’ve made sense of everything, but because I’ve grown to appreciate how questions like these shape our journey through the unknown.

To this day, I’ve never heard from Henry Dixon again. Whatever that means in the grand scheme of things, I don’t know. Did I help him somehow? Did I inadvertently bring closure to a restless spirit? Or was the whole experience just another example of the paranormal Trickster playing me like a drum? Either way, I fell for it—hook, line, and sinker. And I don’t regret it.

Looking back on this experience years later, I find myself still grappling with the same questions. What happened after that fateful encounter? Did I truly help Henry, or was I simply a player in some larger, unknowable narrative? Here’s what I’ve come to realize since those early days of exploration.

A Quick Update: Then and Now

Henry Dixon’s story lingered with me for years, starting from the moment I entered the Big Tunnel in Tunnelton, Indiana, in the spring of 2017. From that first encounter, the repeated messages followed me, regardless of where I was or what I was doing, manifesting through EVP and ITC sessions. It felt as though Henry’s story refused to be left behind, insisting on being heard.

The first time I felt I could confirm these repeated interruptions from Henry—and that it wasn’t merely my imagination—was about a year after my Big Tunnel visit, while investigating a funeral parlor in Columbus, Indiana. He came through, stating both his first and last name, and told me directly that I had met him at the Big Tunnel. But before this, I had already been receiving his name, was being told that someone was always behind me, and hearing what seemed to be his frustration with my lack of support. Encounters like this continued for three years, leading me to believe Henry was determined to guide me toward a resolution.

Over time, I began to interpret what I believed to be communication from Henry as directing me toward closure. This persistence all came to a head in the summer of 2020 during a visit to the Dixon Chapel and the Proctor Cemetery. Standing at Henry’s grave, I felt an overwhelming sense of grief and connection, as though the weight of the story had come full circle. That visit became the conclusion to what had been a deeply personal and unexplainable chapter in my journey, putting an end cap on my experience with Henry.

The broader details of this journey—including the specific locations where Henry’s name appeared and the messages I encountered—are woven into the accompanying video and original article. If you want the full picture of how these pieces fit together, I encourage you to explore those elements as part of this work. Together, they tell the story of how Henry Dixon’s name became a persistent thread that wove through my investigations, ultimately leading me to that cemetery visit in 2020.

Response Reel:

Religious Precedent: Helping Spirits Move On?

In the years since my encounter with Henry Dixon, I’ve often questioned whether I truly helped him or if my experience was something else entirely. This led me to explore how different spiritual traditions address the idea of assisting souls in their journey.

Catholicism, for example, includes the concept of purgatory—a place where souls are purified before divine judgment. Prayers for these souls, known as indulgences, are believed to help them transition out. Similarly, Buddhist rituals like the Phowa or Petra ceremonies aim to guide departed souls toward liberation, while Hindu traditions include offerings and prayers during the Shraddha ceremony to honor ancestors and help them achieve peace.

These practices suggest that helping spirits move on isn’t an entirely modern idea—it has roots in ancient, ritualized belief systems. But here’s the key difference: In these traditions, it is divine intervention, not human power, that facilitates the process. And that’s why I find the claims of some investigators—that they’ve “rescued” or “crossed over” spirits—to be presumptuous. There’s no way to verify these claims, and in many cases, the same spirits reportedly remain active even after such attempts. It’s hubris to assume we have that kind of influence.

When it came to Henry Dixon, I wasn’t seeking to “rescue” anyone. But after years of persistent messages asking for help, I finally stopped to listen. On the surface, it seems like my actions may have made a difference—but I have no way to validate that for certain. If anything happened, I believe it was something beyond my understanding or capability. It’s a humbling reminder that the mystery is always bigger than us.

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The Unexpected Pythian Connection

My connection to the Knights of Pythias spans decades and unfolded in surprising ways. Back in the late 1990s, I came across a ritual skeleton at an abandoned Knights of Pythias location. Though I knew of its existence, I didn’t acquire it until the summer of 2020, while working on my article The Bones of Secret Societies. This investigation delved into the history and mysteries of fraternal organizations like the Knights of Pythias, and the skeleton became a central piece of that exploration.

That same summer, while researching Henry Dixon, I visited his grave near the Dixon Chapel in Fort Ritner, Indiana. To my surprise, the Pythian emblem was engraved on his headstone. It was a startling discovery, tying Henry Dixon to the same organization I had been investigating.

Later, while researching the Crump Theatre, I learned that Colonel John Keith, who built Keith’s Arcade (later the Crump), was also a Knight of Pythias. Finding these connections felt like uncovering a hidden thread that connected years of seemingly unrelated experiences. It’s hard to dismiss moments like these as mere coincidence—they felt more like intentional breadcrumbs, guiding me toward a larger, unknowable story.

Revisiting Doubt: Balancing Skepticism and Belief

Doubt has always been a companion on this journey, but not doubt about whether the phenomenon is real. I believe the paranormal is real. My skepticism lies in the human aspect of our investigations—the tools we use, the narratives we craft, and how much influence the Trickster phenomenon exerts over our understanding.

The Trickster’s manipulative nature complicates everything. It creates doubt not in the existence of the phenomenon but in its sincerity and intent. Is it guiding us toward some cosmic truth, or is it simply playing with us for its own amusement? These are the questions that keep me exploring, questioning, and reevaluating what I think I know.

Humanizing Henry: A Shift in Perspective

For three years, Henry Dixon’s name appeared in my ITC sessions and EVP recordings with uncanny persistence. At first, I treated it like any other paranormal puzzle—an intriguing anomaly to document and analyze. But as time went on, I realized I was missing something vital: the human element. This wasn’t about testing gadgets or unraveling the mechanics of the afterlife. This was about Henry—a father, a husband, and a man whose life had been unjustly cut short.

When I shifted my focus from proving the paranormal to understanding Henry as a person, everything changed. It wasn’t easy to suspend my skepticism and preconceived notions about the Trickster phenomenon or the deceptive nature of some encounters. But once I let go of those ideas, I started to see Henry’s story in a new light. What if this wasn’t just a paranormal event? What if it was a plea for connection?

Imagining Henry as a man who loved and was loved reframed my experience. It wasn’t about validating my encounters or solving a mystery. It was about showing compassion, listening, and responding as one human being to another. Sometimes, the unknown isn’t about answers—it’s about the connections we make along the way.

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Now please enjoy my original post from 2020:

The Ghost of Henry Dixon: The Haunt of the Big Tunnel

Video:

I didn’t start exploring the paranormal for popularity. My endgame has never been to become famous. I created my online presence simply as a means of recording what I’ve observed and experienced throughout the 17 years I’ve been actively pursuing strangeness. When I started my PARAHOLICS blog six years ago, I didn’t expect to have this much—probably too much—to say. But every word, every pic, every video has truly been for me. My path. My journey. Every entry is part of my paranormal diary, and I’ve handed everyone a key.

I try real hard not to get too silly or too woo-woo with my views on paranormal phenomena. As a matter of fact, I try real hard to not stand at all. I’ve grown to reject what I’ve been told and instead stay open to what I’ve experienced. And I try not to discount other people’s experiences or viewpoints. Sure, there are wild stories, theories, and abilities that people claim. I’m not one to dismiss them, but as a skeptical believer, I’m not so wide open that I accept all of what’s presented as paranormal evidence. To me, it’s often just evidence of people’s perspectives in relation to their contact with the unknown.

Which is why the mystery of Henry Dixon has been so difficult for me personally. It’s been an evolving enigma for the past three years, swirling around me and presenting itself at the most unexpected times. After all my years of involvement with the paranormal, I can’t say I truly believe in ghosts in the classic sense. But I do believe in unexplainable experiences. I believe something resides in the liminal space beyond our perception of reality, something we can’t quite put our fingers on. Our language is limited, so we wrestle with terms like ghosts, spirits, energies, psi, mediums, demons, ITC, EVP, and other tech jargon to fit into a puzzle we’re nowhere close to solving.

I’m guilty of this too—testing what’s credible, what’s valid, and what might prove an interaction. And that’s okay. It seems the phenomena we’re trying to discover can interact with any of these methods on its own terms. So regardless of whether it’s a psychic approach, an ITC device, a high-tech astral anal probe, or a stupid SLS camera—strange possibilities are there.

Faith, Frustration, and the Unknown

Reconciling the supernatural with theology has always been a challenge for me, particularly when it comes to Christianity. As a child, I was taught to believe in a benevolent, all-knowing creator. But the more I delved into the paranormal, the more that framework unraveled. If sins are fully paid by death, as I was taught, where do ghosts, lost souls, or spirit rescue missions fit into the equation?

Faith and doubt have become integral to this journey. They’re not opposites but companions, each pushing me to question, explore, and grow. My experience with Henry Dixon is a testament to that. Whether his story was real, imagined, or somewhere in between, it left me with more questions than answers—and perhaps that’s the point.

The Haunt of Henry Dixon: The Encounter at the Tunnel

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that on May 27, 2017, a stop at the Big Tunnel in Tunnelton, Indiana, would have such a huge impact on me. Indiana’s longest train tunnel was the site of a murder in 1908, when a 27-year-old watchman named Henry Dixon was reportedly killed after stopping the assault of two women in the tunnel. His murder was believed to be an act of retaliation by the gang of men he confronted. Henry left behind his pregnant wife, Mary, and two young sons.

Here’s where the rubber meets the ethereal road. After recording what seemed to be an EVP in the tunnel saying the name “Henry Dixon,” I kept encountering his name in sessions over the next three years—at various locations and using various devices. Along with his name came messages of frustration and ire directed my way. Slowly, and painfully, I came to realize Henry might have seen me as someone who could help him in his plight.

Was Henry with me? Attached to me? Or was he just tethered to my ITC contact field, noticing when I was “online”? I don’t know. I’ve always seen myself as a wartime reporter, observing and documenting the weird, not a paranormal fixer getting my hands dirty. I don’t do cleansings, crossovers, smudges, demon belly rubs, or ghost gang bangs. But the repeated messages of frustration seemed to suggest I was being asked for help—and they were pissed when I didn’t provide it.

So I tried. I started asking Henry for more information, returning to the Big Tunnel to see if that might somehow “drop him off.” Theologically speaking, it doesn’t make sense to me that a father and husband’s soul would be stuck at the scene of his murder for over 100 years. But assuming ghost box responses are legitimate (I’m nothing if not a good sport), I interpreted Henry’s response of “put me with her” as a request to reunite with his wife.

A Cemetery Encounter

Assuming this clue might help, I visited the graves of Henry and Mary Dixon near the Dixon Chapel in Fort Ritner, Indiana. When I stepped into the cemetery, I was instinctively drawn straight to Henry’s marker. Surrounded by countless other Dixons, I immediately felt an overwhelming sense of grief and a tingling sensation shooting through my body as I approached his grave. It was undeniable, unforgettable, and—like most paranormal experiences—completely unprovable.

Did I help Henry? Only time will tell. If I never hear from him again, maybe I’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. But for now, I’m left with speculation, loose ends, and karmic conjecture about why he might have been stuck—or why he recognized me as someone who could help.

Afterword: Closing Reflections 2025

Years later, I still find myself thinking about Henry Dixon—not just as a presence in my investigations, but as a person whose story shaped my understanding of the paranormal. Whether he was a real presence, a trick of the mind, or perhaps we momentarily crossed streams in the vast universal consciousness, his persistence forced me to pause, listen, and consider what it means to truly connect.

If there’s one thing Henry Dixon’s story has taught me, it’s that the unknown challenges us to look beyond the phenomena and see the humanity in the mystery. By doing so, we’re reminded that exploration isn’t just about answers—it’s about compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the questions.

Perhaps Henry Dixon’s story is more than a haunting—it’s a reminder that the echoes of the past persist, seeking connection, and sometimes finding it in those willing to listen.

What I’ve Learned

• No religion provides a clear roadmap to the afterlife. Everyone’s beliefs will eventually be challenged by someone else’s experience. You can choose to ignore that in the name of faith or use it as a jumping-off point to question and explore. Just don’t judge others for making their own way.

• Did I rescue a ghost? Did I even encounter one? I can’t say for sure. All I have are odd audio snippets and my own unprovable feelings. But I’m grateful for the experience, because it pushed me to dig deep into myself and wrestle with uncomfortable questions about faith and the afterlife.

• Grappling with existential concepts is at the heart of paranormal exploration.Whether or not I helped Henry Dixon, his story challenged my beliefs and helped me grow.

— Evel Ogilville

Henry Dixon’s story is just one piece of the paranormal puzzle, and I know there are countless untold experiences waiting to be shared. Have you encountered unexplainable phenomena, heard a voice from the past, or felt drawn to a mystery you couldn’t ignore? I’d love to hear your story.

Let’s connect and keep the exploration going!

• Subscribe to my blog on Substack for more deep dives into the unknown.

• Follow my journey and subscribe to my YouTube channels for investigations, EVPs, and ITC experiments you won’t find anywhere else.

Henry Dixon

1881-1908

Historic Timeline

“Dixon was a quiet harmless sort of fellow who had not been accustomed to having trouble with anyone.”

Twenty-seven-year-old night watchman found dead at the Big Tunnel in Tunnelton, Indiana, in 1908. Dixon’s body was discovered by the day watchman lying along track at mouth of the tunnel with wound to back/left side of head that looked as if “made by a blow.” His lantern was found upright beside the track, still burning. Mystery surrounded circumstances of death, and whether he or body struck by train, but commonly held belief he was murdered, likely as retaliation.

• “Knowing the train was about due there is some mystery as to how he got (sic) hit. It is not impossible that he may have fainted or limply fallen on the track, unable to get out of the way of the approaching train in time.”

• Day watchman James Fields found lifeless body and believed had been dead longer than half-hour or before the passage of the recent train.

• If Dixon had been struck by train was said he certainly never moved out of his tracks, as his clothing was not disarranged.

▪ “Someone gave engineer the proper signal that track was clear or else he have never taken his train through the underground passage.”

▪ James Donnel/Donnells, engineer of train that passed through before Dixon’s body discovered, said when about 300 feet in the west end of the tunnel, “I saw the watchman standing in the center of the track, or a man I took to be the watchman. My engine did not strike him.” On the way to relieve Dixon, Fields also claimed to have seen a man enter the tunnel with a lantern. When he had not come out, he went inside to investigate and found Dixon.

▪ “It was commonly known that he was murdered and his body dragged into the tunnel for a passing train to obliterate evidence of the crime. The episode was discussed for months and everyone knew who murdered Dixon but it was impossible to legally prove.” (History of Lawrence County, Indiana)

• Murder theory substantiated by claim of two young women of Fort Ritner who about a week prior had started to pass through the tunnel after attending a lecture when they met a group of men who made remarks and insults that frightened them. They returned to watchman’s shanty and asked Dixon for a lantern, which he provided and also accompanied them through to their homes. Men said to have taken exception with his actions and later had words with him.

• “Dixon’s friends are now trying to connect this circumstance with his death.”

• “The fact that the body was found nearly 300 feet from where Dixon should have been supports the murder theory that he was killed while making his way to the point of duty.”

• Officer with B&O Railroad detective department contended Dixon was murdered and presented what he deemed sufficient evidence to warrant arrests of three railroad employees/laborers.

• “He protected two girls (McKinney, Horner) from the evil designs of these men.”

• “He must have been struck by a heavy club or stone and almost instantly killed.”

• Conversation recounted in which Dixon said after walking girls home he had hardly returned to shanty when he was approached by the three men in question who began cursing him for interfering with their plans. They offered him several bottles of beer, which he refused, and one man made the threat “that if he ever ran across Dixon in the tunnel one of them would never come out alive.”

• Official asserted murder was premeditated as watch and money still found in Dixon’s pockets, but the revolver he had taken to carrying since the incident with the group of men was not found.

• Interpreter for men in question said to have went to Dixon, giving him the revolver and warning him of threats and to be on the lookout. “The men were really dangerous … and he would only be protecting himself by shooting them.”

• “There seems to be abundant evidence that Dixon was expecting trouble … Where the state would probably fall short so far is … the fact that the only one who knew many of these things is dead.”

• Men said to have been under surveillance following coroner’s inquests and arrests were to have been made shortly.

• Large number of people attended funeral services.

• Railroad officials declined to make necessary affidavit charging suspected men with murder, satisfied that they knew who killed him but lacking necessary proof. Failure to convict could have resulted in damage suit.

• “While it is generally conceded that there is no longer any doubt that Henry Dixon was murdered, nothing is to be done toward arresting the men guilty of the crime until the grand jury convenes and returns an indictment.” Failure to convict could have resulted in damage suit.

• Surveillance of suspected men said to have continued. Grand jury convened. Case remains unsolved.

Dixon is buried in Proctor Cemetery (Dixon Chapel Cemetery) in Fort Ritner. Born in March 1881, he married Mary Collier in 1903. At the time of his death, Henry was survived by Mary (1908-1957) and sons Alva, 3, and Howard, 2. Daughter Sarah was born three months after his death.

Big Tunnel/Dixon legends

Ghost of watchman popularly associated ghost story, lent name and variations by true tragedy of Henry Dixon.

• Seen carrying lantern and his head or floating through at exactly midnight.

• Some say that he still haunts the tunnel, with his head in one hand and a lantern in the other.

• Legend says if person walks to middle (darkest point) of tunnel will either experience Dixon brushing past, or he will mistake the visitor for his killer and chase the person out the other side.

• During remolding of tunnel, guards hired to prevent theft of building materials and stop vandals from strewing debris across tracks. Two men would meet in middle at designated times throughout the night, including Henry Dixon. One night on patrol he thwarted the attempted assault of a young girl by two men who had dragged her into the tunnel. A few nights later, Dixon failed to show up in the middle of the tunnel at the appointed time, so other guard searched and found him dead with his skull crushed so badly part of his brain was exposed. The news of his death was such a shock to his pregnant sister-in-law that she gave birth prematurely to a son – born with an exposed brain; the condition of his skull with a marked similarity to Dixon’s wound. Baby lived for several weeks and continually moaned “Oh, my God!” – as told by Phyllis Quackenbush Reed (Dixon was cousin of her mother’s), Indiana Folklore: A Reader

Sources:

Historical Newspaper Sources

• “Death of Henry Dixon.” Bedford Daily Mail, 24 July 1908.

• “Follow-Up on Dixon Investigation.” Bedford Daily Mail, 30 July 1908.

• “Dixon’s Mysterious Death.” Indianapolis Star, 24 July 1908.

• “Community Shocked by Death of Watchman.” Rushville Republican, 25 July 1908.

• “Details Emerge in Tunnelton Tragedy.” The Tribune, 25 July 1908.

• “Coroner’s Investigation into Dixon’s Death.” Bedford Daily Democrat, 1 August 1908.

Online Sources:

1. Ogilville, Evel. “Deathly Echoes From The Big Tunnel.” Paraholics, 2024, https://www.paraholics.com/p/deathly-echoes-from-the-big-tunnel.

Thank you to Eunice Regina Specter for your mad research skills!

Thanks for reading PARAHOLICS! This post is public so feel free to share it.

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First, a heartfelt thank-you to Scott Flood for hosting my one and only visit to Octagon Hall. This incredible site, steeped in history and wrapped in layers of ghost lore, continues to intrigue both casual visitors and dedicated paranormal researchers alike.

When I shared my original Octagon Hall post back in the summer of 2020, it sparked more conversation—and controversy—than I anticipated. Looking back, I realize the world was in a very different place, marked by heightened tensions over race, history, and justice. My commentary in the video was informed by the broader cultural climate of that moment, as protests and unrest swept the nation. While my intent wasn’t political or meant to stoke divisions, I felt it was important to acknowledge the legacy of racism embedded not just in places like Octagon Hall but in the larger tapestry of American history. Sites like this serve as stark reminders of the atrocities humanity can inflict upon itself, offering opportunities to reflect and, hopefully, grow.

The tension between history and folklore is also a key part of Octagon Hall’s story. One of the most compelling tales associated with the site is that of Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, the young girl said to have tragically died after her dress caught fire by the basement kitchen fireplace. During our initial research for the 2020 post, we had uncovered conflicting information about this story. Census records from 1860 and 1870 show a Mary Elizabeth Caldwell alive years after the supposed accident. Additionally, notes from the A.J. Caldwell family group sheet, filed with the Simpson County Historical Society, question whether her death as a child was even factual.

In 2020, we reached out to both Octagon Hall and the local historical society for clarification, but to this day, no definitive answers have emerged. Interestingly, this is a recurring theme in the paranormal field: the way stories, whether factually accurate or not, seem to persist and even feed the phenomenon itself. It’s as if the energy of belief and folklore generates its own momentum independent of historical truth. This raises questions about how our minds project onto these experiences—and how the phenomenon, in a trickster-like way, seems to thrive on those projections.

From a paranormal perspective, Octagon Hall continues to fascinate. My two favorite sessions during our investigation were the Geobox session in Mary Elizabeth’s room and the Reverse Speech Box session in the family cemetery. Both yielded responses that were direct, intelligent, and undeniably compelling. The name “Buckner” came through during one session—a name tied to the Civil War history of the site and the Orphan Brigade, which camped on the property. These connections between ITC responses and historical details never fail to captivate me.

I also want to highlight the Reverse Speech Box, which has since blown up and gone to ghost box heaven. That remarkable device consistently delivered responses that defied explanation. Built by Steve Hultay, the device reversed all incoming audio, making it impossible for coherent phrases to naturally occur. Yet, I received clear and contextually relevant replies, raising questions that are as exciting as they are unanswerable. Reverse speech remains an integral component of my ITC experiments.

As always, I’ve preserved the historic timeline and notes from my original post, which provide a detailed look at Octagon Hall’s architectural and cultural significance. The house stands as a witness to a turbulent period in American history, from its ties to the Civil War to its use as a sanctuary for wounded soldiers. These layers of history are what make the location so powerful, both as a site of remembrance and as a hotspot for paranormal activity.

While the mysteries of Octagon Hall remain unresolved, one thing is certain: the stories, whether grounded in fact or not, continue to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought. That, in itself, is a testament to the enduring power of places like this to connect us to the past and challenge us to reckon with its legacies.

— Evel Ogilville

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Conflicting Information Pertaining To Mary Elizabeth Caldwell’s Fireplace-Related Death:

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Octagon Hall

(Also referred to as Octagon House, Mayfair Farm(s), Eight-Sided Mansion, Caldwell-Williams House)

6040 Bowling Green Road

Franklin, KY 42134

Historic Timeline

• Foundation of limestone laid for the three-story brick family home of Andrew Jackson (AJ) Caldwell, a prosperous farmer and leather tannery owner, on plantation site/215-acre farm in 1847.

• Construction of home by slave labor completed 1859-1860.

▪ Edwin Hendricks, contractor; R. F. Haynes, bricklayer; Joe Thomas Ditmore, carpenter (Franklin Favorite, 1/25/2001)

▪ Bricks believed burned on property from red clay of surrounding countryside and lumber hewn from trees on farm.

▪ “Rumored first bricks fired as the cannons roared at Ft. Sumpter.” (Franklin Favorite, 5/21/1992)

▪ “It is said that one slave with a gift for wood carving alone cut and finished all the baseboarding and frame work.” (Courier-Journal, 9/20/1954)

▪ Caldwell relatives noted one of slaves who was skilled and talented craftsman said to have carved eight-sided posts and designs that are part of banisters on main stairwell and doorways. (Franklin Favorite, 5/21/1992; 1/25/2001)

▪ Four large rooms in addition to halls and alcoves on each floor.

▪ Full basement, two small subbasements

▪ Bottom floor considered basement, partially above ground, with kitchen, pantry and cellar; “but legends say also used as a dungeon.” (Franklin Favorite, 5/21/1992)

▪ Caldwell relatives say the sub-cellar “once described as a mystery-chamber was no more than a sweet potato cellar.” (Franklin Favorite, 10/6/1938)

▪ Large octagon-shaped copper lantern once adorned top of house; octagon-shaped chimneys

▪ Cupola hit by lightning and burned in 1920. Caldwell said to have once instructed slave to hide beehive there for safekeeping from Union soldiers.

▪ Rear porch added sometime after construction by Caldwell’s sons. A son also noted the Civil War stopped much of the construction operation and the house remained in that condition until long after Caldwell’s death. “The walls were put up and the inside partially finished.” (Park City Daily News, 2/8/1981)

▪ Old sundial in backyard with inscription: “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” (Courier-Journal, 9/20/1954)

▪ Slave quarters located behind house.

▪ “By 1860, Caldwell had increased his wealth substantially. He had more than doubled his real estate value and was noted as owning $9,500 in personal property, of which a great portion was the value of his now 34-member slave labor force, who lived in three slave quarter buildings.” (explorekyhistory)

▪ Two cemeteries located on property, as well as “mass graves and bone piles.” (Franklin Favorite, 11/1/2018)

▪ Caldwell owned 62 slaves and many were buried on the property near the house. (Park City Daily News, 3/4/2010)

▪ “Many slaves and their children died at the plantation home.” (Franklin Favorite, 10/18/2007)

▪ Grounds also included a slave cemetery, two log slave cabins, smokehouse, carriage shed & barns circa 1862 and 1919.

• Caldwell believed to have died in home of typhoid fever in 1866 at age 47. Buried in Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green.

▪ First wife Elizabeth Akers said to have died of measles/typhoid fever in June 1851 at age 29, within months of death of 18-month-old son in November 1851.

▪ “Buried in small family cemetery at Octagon Hall with 2 children. The fieldstone surrounding the graves was added later to protect the graves.” (findagrave)

• Linked graves are Mary Elizabeth Caldwell (1847-1854, grave description as buried next to mother) and A.J. Caldwell (1850-1851)

▪ Conflicting stories (age/year) of daughter Mary Elizabeth dying from injuries suffered after dress caught fire by basement kitchen fireplace.

• Mary E., age 11, listed in 1860 Census.

• Mary E. Caldwell, age 23, listed as residing with James and Fannie McElwain (sister) in 1870 Census.

• Record in family bible of Andrew Jackson Caldwell does not indicate death of Mary Elizabeth. Same death year as grave link (1854) for his sister Elizabeth Sutton. (usgenwebsites)

• Dr. Miles Williams, Nashville osteopath, purchased property from Caldwell’s second wife Harriet and restored residence, which had fallen into disrepair, in mid-1900s. Renamed as Mayfair; enjoyed retirement maintaining home and farm, “loved every brick” until death in 1954. (Courier-Journal, 9/20/1954)

▪ Indoor plumbing and electricity installed in 1948.

• Residence received Simpson County’s first historical marker located in front of home in 1962: “an ante bellum landmark.” Original stolen by vandals in 1974.

• Listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

• After Mrs. Williams’ death in 1981, ownership passed through descendants and used as rental property.

• Nonprofit organization Captain David C. Walker Camp 640 Sons of Confederate Veterans acquired in 2001 and opened to public, housing Confederate Studies Archive/Museum. (Franklin Favorite, 4/26/2001) Octagon Hall Foundation formed.

▪ Octagon Hall Museum, ghost hunts currently operated.

Why an octagon?

• During the 1850s, the concept of the octagon in domestic architecture incited the imagination of the country. This movement was given impetus by Orson S. Fowler in his book “The Octagon House: A Home For All,” first published in 1848. Fowler espoused the octagon as the perfect shape for architecture. He introduced to his readers “not merely a new concept of building but a fresh attitude toward housing: “Why continue to build in the same square form of all past ages? Nature’s forms are mostly spherical …” (National Register of Historic Places Inventory, 1980)

• “Caldwell determinedly said Southern Colonials weren’t for him.” (Courier-Journal, 9/20/1954)

• Some believe Caldwell decided on unique shape because of fear of windstorms. Eight-sided homes with 45-degree-angled walls said to have good ventilation and offer protection from strong winds. Caldwell relatives refuted theory, saying he wanted “something different.” Others say desired only octagon-shaped house in the state.

▪ 68 surviving octagon houses included on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places; Octagon Hall one of two in Kentucky.

▪ Deadhouses, structures used for the temporary storage of bodies before burial or transportation, were built in an octagonal shape in the mid-to-late-19th century unique to Ontario, Canada and thought inspired by the fad in U.S. promoted by Fowler (above).

Civil War importance (1861-1865)

Home’s construction completed just prior to Civil War’s start. Throughout Civil War, property used by both Confederate and Union forces as hospital and sanctuary for soldiers. Caldwell known to be staunch-Confederate supporter; relation Confederate Army colonel. Caldwell faced court-martialing if caught harboring Confederates. House’s location between Louisville-Nashville Pike and L&N Railroad, allowed to be used as observation post.

• Because one of tallest structures in area, said Caldwell and family could watch battle of Bowling Green from roof. (Franklin Favorite, 7/7/1983)

• Property utilized by “Orphan Brigade” in February 1862 as overnight encampment after Confederate forces evacuated stronghold in Bowling Green and took refuge at the site.

▪ Caldwell’s nephew Col. John W. Caldwell noted in diary of “camping at Andrew’s strange house six miles from Franklin.” (“Franklin Favorite, 2/22/2007)

▪ Estimated 8,000-12,000 Confederate soldiers camped on the grounds, generals staying inside, before retreating into Tennessee the following morning.

▪ Snow fell overnight on sleeping troops, and when they awoke and pulled back their blankets said to have “looked like the dead rising from the fields.” (Franklin Favorite, 1/25/2001)

▪ Two days later Union army came in pursuit of the Confederates and took occupation of the home.

▪ Buell’s Federal Forces said to have raided Caldwell’s beehives, livestock, food stores and killed Mrs. Caldwell’s pet cow Old Spot/Belle, storing the carcass in the well and leaving the family without water for days.

• Because of Confederate ties, Caldwell known to have harbored wounded soldiers from capture by Union forces and hid them in house.

▪ Story of soldier wandering up to house at night and over breakfast learning he was son of Caldwell’s sister in Texas, who had run away at 16 to enlist and was searching for “an uncle who lived in ‘a round brick house near Franklin.’” (Franklin Favorite, 10/6/1938)

▪ Numerous stories of discoveries of secret tunnels, passageways and hiding places on property, as well as soldier deaths.

▪ “Many were badly wounded and did not recover and are buried on the grounds.” (Franklin Favorite, 10/18/2007)

▪ Mrs. Miles Williams said to have told historical society of discovery of boot of Confederate soldier, cut as if taken off the wounded. (Franklin Favorite, 7/7/1983)

▪ One of soldiers put in attic to hide from Union; his foot was wounded and apparently after taking off boot to remove pressure bled to death; similarly another hiding in crawl space said to have died bleeding out from gunshot wound to leg; another found on front steps early one morning who apparently died there after his knocking at door wasn’t heard. (Franklin Favorite, 10/3/2003; 11/1/2018)

Thank you again to Eunice Spector for her impeccable research!

— Evel Ogilville

A Reflection on the Old Benton County Jail

Sometimes, it’s the ghosts of history that speak loudest when the living fail to listen. The Old Benton County Jail, a stunning Italianate limestone structure built in 1876, has silently borne witness to the unfolding of Indiana’s history. My visit on August 17th, 2019, remains one of the most memorable experiences of my paranormal journey.

Investigating this incredibly active location was an honor. Spending time in the old cells, with their cold stone walls and antique locks, provided a chilling yet fascinating connection to the past. The history etched into this building—both tragic and compelling—creates a palpable energy that lingers in every corner.

The Old Benton County Jail is more than just a historic site; it’s a time capsule of justice, tragedy, and humanity. For paranormal enthusiasts, historic preservationists, and anyone who values our shared past, this is your call to action. The spirits of the jail need your help now more than ever. Preserving this building isn’t just about saving a structure—it’s about safeguarding the stories of those who lived, worked, suffered, and, in some cases, died within its walls.

To raise awareness, I’m reposting the video from my investigation, showcasing the remarkable history and paranormal significance of this extraordinary location.

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Preserving a Slice of Indiana’s History

Located at 603-7 East Sixth Street, Fowler, IN, the Old Benton County Jail served the community for 121 years, making it one of Indiana’s oldest-functioning jails until its closure in 1997.

The building’s front housed the sheriff’s family in a Victorian-style residence, while prisoners were confined to the back in small, cold, unlit cells. This dual-purpose design made the jail both a home and a workplace, and its history includes everyday incarcerations as well as extraordinary, dark events like the lynching of Jacob Nelling.

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The Chilling Details of Ada Atkinson’s Murder and Jacob Nelling’s Lynching

The Crime

In 1883, 15-year-old Ada Atkinson was brutally murdered in her upstairs bedroom on the family farm south of Oxford, Indiana. Her throat was slashed, and she was stabbed 28 times in a frenzy of violence. Blood pooled around her body, and the room bore signs of a desperate struggle.

Jacob Nelling, a 50-year-old Civil War veteran and farmhand for the Atkinson family, confessed to the crime. His haunting statement read:

“I went upstairs and I found Ada there. I said to her: ‘Ada, I am going to kill you.’ She said not to do it, that she did not want to die that way. I told her I would do it, but I do not recollect what she said. Then I took hold of her and threw her down on the floor. Then I cut her throat. Then I became frenzied and made the other cuts. It seems I did not care what I was doing.”

The horrific act shocked Ada’s family and the entire community, leaving a scar on the town’s history.

The Mob’s Justice

Nelling was transferred to the Benton County Jail in Fowler, where he awaited trial. However, outrage boiled over. On October 22, 1883, a mob stormed the jail, demanding Nelling’s release. When the sheriff refused, they forced their way inside.

Nelling, fully dressed and wearing an overcoat, reportedly awaited his fate without resistance. The mob dragged him from his cell, transported him to a walnut tree near the Atkinson farm, and hanged him. A card pinned to his coat read, “A Warning to All Murderers.” You'll see at the end of my video I did a brief stop at that property.

Hundreds of townspeople viewed the grim scene. Pieces of the rope were cut and taken as souvenirs, and Ada’s grieving father, Cephas Atkinson, later cut down the walnut tree to carve canes for the mob members.

The Mystery of Nelling’s Body

Rumors swirled after the lynching that Nelling’s body had been stolen from his pauper’s grave and sold for medical dissection. Decades later, the grave was exhumed and found empty, adding an unsettling mystery to this already dark tale.

Why Saving the Jail Matters

The Old Benton County Jail is a vital link to our past. For the paranormal community, it offers an unmatched opportunity to explore a location brimming with energy shaped by decades of justice, tragedy, and resilience. Its stories connect us to the lives of those who inhabited and passed through its walls, both in life and in death.

If this building is lost, we lose not only its physical structure but also the invaluable lessons and history it holds. The ghosts of the past are calling on us to act before it’s too late. If there’s one thing the paranormal community excels at, it’s raising a ruckus to save a location. Let’s not let this piece of haunted history fade into oblivion.

How You Can Help

The fight to save the jail is underway, but it needs your support. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Sign the Petition: Save the Benton County Jail

• Donate: Contributions will help cover restoration costs and legal fees.

• Spread the Word: Share this story with your networks, especially within the paranormal and historic preservation communities

• Attend the January 21st Commissioners Meeting: Show your support in person and advocate for preserving this piece of haunted history.

The Old Benton County Jail needs us now. Sometimes it takes the ghosts of the past to remind us what’s worth saving. Let’s honor their stories and ensure they continue to resonate for generations to come.

— Evel Ogilville

Historical Timeline and Notes

• 1876: Jail constructed with a front Victorian-style residence and back cell block.

• 1883: Jacob Nelling lynched by a mob after confessing to murder.

• 1903: Epileptic man confined to jail for four years condemned in Board of State Charities report. (The Herald, 2/20/1903)

• 1937: LeRoy Clark, after confessing to murdering his wife, prevented a teen inmate’s jailbreak. (Journal and Courier, 6/18/1937; Kokomo Tribune, 7/29/1937)

• 1977: Jail evacuated due to structural damage caused by thawing ground. (Journal and Courier, 3/4/1977)

• 1997: Jail decommissioned and repurposed as a museum and storage space.

Sources

• Journal and Courier: 2/26/2016, 3/28/1969, 12/27/1984, 3/4/1977, 2/12/1982, 5/22/2005

• Indiana State Sentinel: 10/24/1883

• Fowler Benton Review: 11/22/1883

• South Bend Tribune: 11/15/1900

• The Herald: 2/20/1903

• Star Press: 3/20/1911, 6/25/1918

• Brook Reporter: 1/21/1916

• Kokomo Tribune: 7/29/1937

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In 2016, I ventured into a hidden location, keeping its address a mystery to protect its secrets. Today, however, the veil has lifted on 410 1/2 Washington Street (second floor) in downtown Columbus, Indiana—a building with a rich history dating back to the 1800s, still echoing with hints of its past. Despite being vacant since the late 1940s, something connected to its history may have never truly left.

Reports of Paranormal Activity

• A couple of visitors reported witnessing a closet door slamming on its own.

• A repairman visiting the second floor for a service call saw a “man” moving in the shadows. When he tried to engage him, this “man” dropped to all fours and crawled into an access point under the floor. Alarmed, the repairman called the police, but a sweep revealed no footprints in the dust and undisturbed cobwebs across the access point.

Despite decades of abandonment, something—or someone—still stirs in this unused space.

Our Paranormal Investigation: April 10th, 2016

Hearing reports of mysterious activity, I set out to investigate 410 1/2 Washington Street firsthand. I stepped into the building with Mike Culwell and a couple of friends, equipped with our gear but no specific expectations. From the moment we set up, it was clear this would be no ordinary night. Bangs, footsteps, dragging noises, and unexplained door movements filled the air. With recorders running, we began capturing phenomena that went beyond the typical creaks of an old building settling.

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Historical Background of 410 1/2 Washington Street

The upstairs area at 410 1/2 Washington Street has housed various businesses over the years, creating a long trail of life events. These rooms once hosted notable figures, like Dr. J.F. Wright, a well-regarded physician and surgeon, along with several other significant tenants.

Here’s a breakdown of the businesses that occupied this address over the years:

• Medical Practices:

• Pre-1879? Dr. J.F. Wright, physician and surgeon, ran his practice and lived here for several decades, becoming synonymous with high-quality care in the region.

• 1910: J.E. Rhetts Dentistry took over the space, continuing the tradition of medical care.

• 1911: Dr. Alonzo C. Kelble, an optometrist, set up his practice here.

• Diverse Businesses (1933-1947):

• 1933: John C. Hilger, a local tailor, marked the building’s shift from medical offices to more diverse businesses.

• 1946-1947: This period saw agencies like The Hoosier Agency (real estate), Steenbarger’s Real Estate, Rose’s Beauty Shop, and Morgan’s Aquatronic Foot Therapy occupying the space.

The upstairs also served as a residence. Throughout the early 1900s, apartments were rented, with several deaths recorded here:

• 1912: Matthew Pfeiffer, a tuberculosis victim, passed away here.

• 1913: Daniel Miller died in the apartment of his daughter, Mrs. Ida Anderson.

• 1925: Newton Clark, a custodian who lived here, suffered a heart attack after running up the stairs.

Residents listed in city directories include J.F. Lancaster, C.B. Poffenberger, A.K. McCloskey, Lizzie Brattain, and many others, creating a tapestry of past lives that may still echo in the halls.

Dr. J.F. Wright, M.D. (1827-1906): A Notable History

The life and legacy of Dr. J.F. Wright add a complex layer to this location’s history. A well-regarded figure with ties to the community, Wright’s presence here remains palpable. Dr. John Franklin Wright, a descendant of Benjamin Franklin, was one of the most prominent figures tied to this address. After receiving his medical training at Ohio Medical College and completing his surgical studies in Paris, France, Wright began his practice in Columbus, forming a partnership with Dr. Solomon Jackson. Following Jackson’s death, Wright became the go-to physician in Bartholomew County and beyond.

Known for his charitable work, Wright provided free medical care to soldiers’ families during the Civil War. His reputation for “unflinching moral courage and indomitable will” (Biographical Record of Bartholomew County Indiana, 1904) made him beloved in the community. Even while suffering from chronic rheumatism, he advised patients to “lead an active life and never become disheartened.”

Outside medicine, Wright was a yachtsman, a trotting horse owner, and a chess enthusiast. One account mentions he carved a chess set out of elephant ivory that was “unsurpassed in America” (Biographical Record of Bartholomew County Indiana, 1904). Wright married Adelia Irwin in 1857 and, after her death, married Eugenia Mayfield in 1875.

Possible Connection to the Bishop Family Dispute

In 1908, after Wright’s death, a legal battle over his estate began. A woman named May B. Bishop claimed to be his granddaughter and contested his will, which left the estate to his second wife, Eugenia, and niece, Zoe Cook. Though her claim was dismissed, Bishop settled for a cash payment of $5,000. Intriguingly, the name “Bishop” surfaced multiple times during our EchoVox session (an experimental electronic voice phenomenon method), hinting at a possible connection between this unresolved family drama and lingering spirits.

Paranormal Encounters: What We Experienced

The night began with typical sounds but escalated when an interior door—a sealed door with no draft or vacuum pressure—moved on its own before our eyes. Later, my infrared camera captured a movement across the ceiling that resembled someone walking upside down. Initially, I thought it might be a reflection from passing vehicle lights, but reviewing the entire video, I saw the sequence never repeated. While reflections remain a possibility, further visits haven’t replicated what I captured.

At the same time, our EMF (electromagnetic field) meters lit up, and our audio recorders captured odd noises that we couldn’t hear with our own ears. Moments later, the door moved again—this time, creaking and dragging across the floor with significant force. This experience exemplifies the corroborative evidence I often emphasize when documenting paranormal activity. We cannot prove ghosts exist, but capturing strange and compelling moments—like this one—is undeniable.

Adding another layer of mystery, the EchoVox repeated the name “Bishop” throughout the night. Research into Dr. Wright’s estate dispute gave new weight to this name’s appearance.

Final Thoughts on 410 1/2 Washington Street

The investigation at 410 1/2 Washington Street was an eye-opener, intensifying my questions rather than providing answers. Whether the phenomena stem from past residents like Dr. Wright or unresolved family tensions, something seems to echo through this old building. From unexplained noises to mysterious door movements, one thing is certain—this location is far from empty.

What do you think? Could these echoes be remnants of past lives, or is there something else at work in 410 1/2 Washington Street?

Thanks for reading and watching! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with others and don’t forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Follow my social media for healthier perspectives from the world of the paranormal.

— Evel Ogilville

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All historical research was compiled by Paraholics.com researcher, Eunice Specter. Sources include the Biographical Record of Bartholomew County Indiana (1904), The Evening Republican archives, and city directories.

I love history. Ironically, nothing brings the past more to life for me than an old cemetery or graveyard. The markers, the designs, and the symbols etched in stone offer clues about a person’s life and death, placed by those who loved them. Or, in some cases, I imagine headstones are anchors to keep some bastards and monsters down in the ground. Of course, I especially appreciate a good ghost story associated with graves. So, when Connor and I were en route to the Scott County Heritage Center & Museum on 10/30/2021 for an investigation, it allowed us a brief stop by Bridgewater Cemetery.

History of Bridgewater Cemetery: Ghosts, Graves, and Samuel Bridgewater

The Bridgewater Cemetery, also known as the Owens-Bridgewater Cemetery, is a small hilltop cemetery that likely began as a family burial ground in the early 1800s. It includes the grave of Samuel Bridgewater (1827), who immigrated from England and served as a Revolutionary War private under George Washington. This cemetery has its share of ghost lore. My favorite is the tale of the “guardian of the grounds,” said to glow after midnight and chase away violators unwelcome in the cemetery.

With this being a short visit, Connor and I did a quick walk around and noted some of the more interesting graves. Sadly, as with many rural cemeteries, we found evidence of pathetic vandalism. I had in my pocket two pieces of ITC equipment: my Panabox spirit box and the ever-coveted, despised, mystifying, and controversial Panasonic DR60.

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The DR60: The Most Polarizing Device in Paranormal Investigations

Wait, did I say DR60? THE PANASONIC RR-DR60? The most electrifying piece of EVP equipment ever created? The $3000 plastic, shitty hockey puck that Zak Bagans has used to dupe the entire world? The iconic device utilized by EVP experts, the Constantinos? That one???

It’s confusing — so many conflicting opinions about the devices we use in our investigative kits. Various pieces of equipment instantly polarize people. I try not to give my thoughts on specific types of tech. I won’t do it because I don’t want to be divisive on this blog — except for stupid-shit SLS cameras. And there I go… See? We all have opinions. My disdain for the SLS camera comes from experience. I owned one. I experimented with it. I think they’re turds — mostly. But I’ll get back to that in a second. Let’s take a quick look at the DR60 and have an honest conversation about this device.

Pros and Cons of the Panasonic RR-DR60

First, the pros:

1. Looks great in my hand.

Now the cons:

1. Sounds like shit.

I’m not done. The proponents of this device testify that it’s the best EVP recorder on the planet. And I kind of fall into this with one massive caveat: it’s one of the best when you’re in contact with a discarnate entity. Other than that, it’s a false-positive EVP machine — at times. And it can be used in a disingenuous way — even inadvertently. Let’s go through the legitimate concerns you should know, and I’ll also refute a few of the criticisms as I go.

Legitimate Concerns About the DR60

1. Low sampling rate: The device produces muffled and growly recordings. So true.

2. Internal glitch issues: The voice activation feature may introduce noise caused by an internal glitch in the integrated circuit board, which can trigger a recording. This causes the infamous flaw of the DR60 that often gets misconstrued as the angry old man’s voice or demonic screaming (especially if the sensitivity is set too high). I can’t tell you how many ghost hunters have freaked themselves out when they hear this flaw (I did). So many folks have posted these recordings as EVPs. I’ve even made the mistake of not fully understanding this fault.

3. No digital output: There’s no easy way to transfer the audio for analysis. No USB, making it a hassle.

4. Confusing voice activation mode: When reviewing sessions, the voice activation mode can make the context of your recordings very confusing.

Can You Get a Class A EVP with the DR60?

If you believe you can get a Class A EVP with this device, good luck. I’ve used one for years and have only recorded a handful. Most of the time, they’re just not going to be that precise. But if you’re indeed in contact with an entity, it’s possible. So how do you know when a DR60 is working for you versus against you? Here are a few tips:

1. Don’t force it: If your session produces nothing but guttural screams, it’s probably not an EVP — it’s the recorder screwing up. I recommend lowering the sensitivity. Most legit EVPs from the DR60 are whispery and seem embedded in white noise, allowing you to distinctly hear faint vocalizations. One reason people don’t like this recorder is the same reason I do — the craptastic microphone has a minimal range. On the one hand, you don’t need to worry about audio contamination from an interstate three miles away. On the other hand, you need to keep it dead-still in your hand or set it down. Anything that produces noise near the device can prompt the voice activation and create an audio artifact you might confuse for an EVP (much like the internal glitch issue). So, you have to be very honest and discerning when reviewing.

2. Run a high-quality recorder alongside your DR60: Preferably capture your session on video too. This is the best way to validate a possible EVP from this device. Because of the technical constraints, these recorders are liars. Don’t get duped.

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White Noise, EVPs, and the DR60

My optimism for this device stems primarily from the number of sessions I’ve conducted with it that have produced NO EVPs. Many of my sessions don’t even produce the “angry old man yelling about his hemorrhoids” internal flaw. So it’s not always in misfire mode, despite what the Paranormal Naysayers Gospel Choir might claim. I’m also a proponent of the theory that white noise possibly helps ghosts — which technically shouldn’t have vocal cords — by providing extra phonic material to manipulate for speech. The DR60 has a very analog sound versus the super-clean sounds of modern recording equipment. I like experimenting with both. I’ve caught simultaneous EVPs with each device. I think the DR60 excels in this aspect. My theory is that the flaws and limitations of the Panasonic RR-DR60 are the very things that make it a fantastic recorder when everything comes together — entity, corroborated data, etc. Maybe even the glitch helps with communication? Who knows?

And what if I told you that an audio engineer friend, who is also an ITC researcher, took a DR60, disconnected the device’s microphone, and still recorded EVPs with it? Well, that happened. This completely undermines the argument that Panasonic’s “EVPs” are solely manufactured by the voice activation mode triggering a recording due to its internal functions. Interesting, right?

I believe whatever happens with this recorder regarding EVPs is happening through internal manipulation. It seems much more like an ITC device than a regular EVP recorder. That damned microphone seems inconsequential for EVP and is the source of the device’s detrimental flaw.

Cross-Referencing and Corroboration: Your Best Bet for Validation

3. Use corroborative data to validate your EVP capture: Because of the issues with this recorder, its recordings have a wobbly leg to stand on when presented as an anomalous response. As I mentioned earlier, this recorder is at its best (like all devices) when in the presence of a discarnate intelligence. Since we cannot validate a ghostly intellect, capturing the validity of the experience becomes more compelling — especially when you have other devices that log data and trigger at the exact moment you’ve caught an EVP on the DR60. Like when your TriField meter spikes, your REM Pod chimes, your goth tech-gal Betty Elvira II levitates upside down on camera, and your Tascam captures an EVP — but so does your Panasonic RR-DR60. See? We can’t prove what happened there. We documented strange phenomena and a weird voice — but we can’t prove what caused it. We’re just calling it a ghost.

So, when you review that moment on your DR60 and get a Class B EVP that sounds like “I’m Satan’s twisted sister,” it becomes harder to dismiss it as just the internal performance of a flawed recorder. But alas, the real scientific community will never accept an EVP from this device due to its design defects. Sadly, that’s the stone-cold fact.

A Change in Direction: Why I No Longer Use the DR60

Now, as much as I’ve discussed the pros and cons of this device, I’ve reached a point where I can no longer include the Panasonic RR-DR60 in my investigations. Even though I firmly believe it has a place in the annals of ITC and EVP history, and despite my own positive experiences with this recorder and some wild results, it’s been so wildly misrepresented by charlatans on YouTube and TikTok that, in good conscience, I don’t want any of my methodologies to remotely resemble that scene. And I offer no apologies for my time in experimenting with this recorder either. I’ve always been transparent in my claims and the devices I’ve tried out over the years.

This is a line I’m drawing to say I don’t condone folks who exploit the field, and I don’t want to be anywhere near anything they portray. The DR60 has been lumped into a category of sensationalist equipment that’s become more of a prop in the hands of these “influencers,” rather than a serious tool for EVP research.

Just as I would never use an app or device that has origins in the realm of, and I don’t even want to name it here — let’s nickname it Puff Haranormal — I am distancing myself from this type of equipment. In the same way that I want nothing to do with any gadgets associated with the Puff scene, I now feel the same about the DR60. It’s unfortunate because I’ve had some incredible experiences with it, but I can’t, in good conscience, be part of the mess that others have made of it.

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Still a Tool in the Paranormal Toolbox – With Responsibility

That said, I don’t believe the DR60 should be discarded altogether by serious researchers. It has its place in the annals of ITC and EVP history for a reason. The key is to use it responsibly. Like every tool in this field, it requires a skeptical and discerning approach. Cross-reference your findings. Don’t rely solely on the DR60, and always be upfront about its limitations. If used correctly, it’s possible to capture something genuinely interesting.

However, paranormalist need to understand that no matter what equipment they use, there is no such thing as perfect proof. Paranormal investigation is not about certainty — it’s about exploring possibilities. That’s why it’s crucial not to put blind faith in any device, especially one as flawed as the DR60. Always remember that the limitations of our tools, including the DR60, mean that we are working with suggestive data, not definitive answers. Ultimately, this device would be best utilized by an ITC researcher in a lab versus someone ghost hunting at locations. But that opinion is just to make your EVP efforts more credible and easier than what it would take to validate a DR60 recording.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Integrity

For all the DR60 critics out there, they’re 100% within their rights to criticize the DR60. But they’re also 100% full of shit to discard it as a tool for EVPs when no device gives concrete, empirically indisputable results. Same with me and the loathsome SLS camera. If we were investigating together and you whipped one out, I’d internally groan. Still, given that we cannot define the parameters of the paranormal, prove its existence, or say how the supernatural might choose to interact or manipulate devices or communicate with us, I’d be begrudgingly open to the potential of your SLS maybe capturing something incredible. Who am I to say what the paranormal can or cannot do?

In this field, nothing we capture conclusively proves anything, so why dismiss the DR60? Critics are right to point out its flaws, but they’re wrong to discard it all together. No device gives indisputable results. Investigators cherry-pick what they accept or dismiss concerning the supernatural. In the end, the paranormal remains elusive, and we’re all chasing spectral hopes and dreams.

If the paranormal were a sandwich, it would be peanut butter assumptions and superstition jelly on What-The-Fuck-Wonder Bread. Maybe, just maybe, we should all consider the big bites we take before swallowing and chugging a glass of milk?

— Evel Ogilville

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Appendix: Historical and Paranormal Lore of Bridgewater Cemetery

Bridgewater Cemetery, also known as Owens or Owens-Bridgewater Cemetery, is located on County Road 400 S in Lexington Township, Indiana. The small hilltop cemetery likely began as a family burial ground in the early 1800s. One of the most notable graves is that of Samuel Bridgewater, who passed in 1827 after immigrating from England. He served as a Revolutionary War private and sided with George Washington. The cemetery saw burials from the 1820s to 1930, with some Civil War-era graves.

Paranormal Claims

Bridgewater Cemetery is steeped in eerie lore. Popular paranormal reports include:

• Growling sounds near the back of the cemetery, resembling a dog.

• A riderless white horse said to chase away visitors.

• Sightings of a man on horseback, sometimes appearing headless.

• The grave of the “guardian” is said to glow after midnight, chasing away trespassers. A man in a white hat, believed to be the night watchman, is also said to appear in spectral form.

• Visitors report glowing balls of light and small, bright red eyes in the woods toward the back.

• Electronics and vehicles frequently fail within the cemetery grounds.

• The temperature inside the cemetery is said to be noticeably cooler than outside the gates.

Additionally, a myth surrounds an oak tree known as the “Death Tree,” where enslaved people were said to have been hanged. However, this lore has been largely disputed, as graves were present on the grounds before the gates were constructed, and family plots extended into areas later repurposed for parking.

— All historical info graciously harvested by the great and powerful Eunice Specter.

Stepping onto the grounds of the Indiana State Sanatorium (ISS) for the first time on September 18, 2022, was nothing short of overwhelming. This place is massive. I’ve visited plenty of large, haunted locations, but this one stands in a league of its own. Its sheer size instantly made me question if one night would ever be enough to truly grasp the depth of this former medical facility. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. But that feeling of being in over my head didn’t stop me from diving in. From the very beginning, I knew I’d be coming back for a deeper paranormal investigation.

The Indiana State Sanatorium—formerly the Indiana State Tuberculosis Hospital, later a nursing home, and eventually a psychiatric facility—holds layers upon layers of history within its walls. Each room, hallway, and floor seemed to echo with stories of its past lives. Naturally, I wondered how hauntings might vary between different parts of the building. Would a ghost in the psychiatric wing communicate differently than one from the nursing home? Do spirits from different eras and purposes interact, or are they trapped in the time periods they once inhabited? These thoughts swirled around me as I explored the dark, empty corridors of this extraordinary haunted location.

While a few other investigators, including ol’ Mike Culwell, and I captured some EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) on that first visit, none of them reached the clarity of a Class A EVP. Honestly, that’s almost an impossibility—especially when using the controversial Panasonic RR-DR60 recorder, notorious for producing anomalous sounds that some swear by and others debunk. Still, the EVPs we caught, though faint and often unclear, hinted at something more. It was during that initial visit that we believed we received messages about a spirit named Mary—a discovery that would become the foundation for our return.

From the beginning, I made a deliberate choice not to rely heavily on ITC (Instrumental Trans-Communication) devices during this paranormal investigation. I’ve been refining my methods and protocols for a while now, especially when investigating sites steeped in history. The goal is to avoid false positives and only rely on tools when necessary. For example, if I can’t capture a near Class A EVP in the environment itself, I hesitate to introduce other types of ITC devices that might pick up stray signals (ghost box, app, etc..), which could be misconstrued as paranormal communication. It’s a strategy meant to keep myself grounded in what we’re actually experiencing in the location versus being caught up in the instant gratification of perceived responses.

Though the first visit didn’t yield a perfect EVP, it did produce a few that fit the atmosphere of the sanatorium—which is palpable with potential. That reconnaissance mission left me intrigued, curious, and determined to return.

The Search for Mary: An Emotional Return to Indiana’s Most Haunted Sanatorium

Several months later, on February 12, 2023, I found myself back at the Indiana State Sanatorium, this time with a mission and a clearer sense of purpose. I wasn’t alone, either. I was joined by my good friend and fellow investigator, Mike Culwell, as well as Colin Bonnell and Bridget Howell from Paranormal Cases. But this wasn’t just a typical ghost hunt. For Mike, it was personal.

During our first visit, Mike had an unexpected and emotional encounter with a spirit named Mary—or at least, that’s what the faint EVP suggested. We had been exploring the nursing home section of the sanatorium, an area that carries a heavy sense of sadness and abandonment, where time itself seems to stretch and warp. It was here that Mary made her presence known. In that session, she expressed frustration—almost like a cry for help from the other side—and mentioned Room 120. While we don’t have solid historical proof that a woman named Mary lived, died, or even haunted that room, the nature of the sanatorium’s history suggests that it’s possible. With thousands of patients passing through its doors over the years, it’s not hard to believe that one of them could have been named Mary.

What really struck Mike, though, wasn’t just the name or the room number—it was the feeling of unrest that seemed to cling to her presence. You can’t help but feel something when you connect with a spirit like that, whether they’re communicating from the other side or they’re a projection of something deeper within our own psyche. Mike left that first visit genuinely concerned for Mary, and it was her elusive presence that prompted him to return with the hope of reconnecting and possibly offering her peace.

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The Reality of Paranormal Investigations: A Skeptical Take

So, is the Indiana State Sanatorium haunted? In my gut, I believe it is. But proving that scientifically? That’s where things get tricky—and laughable, especially when you look at how most paranormal investigations are presented today. The idea of applying the scientific method—hypothesis, theory, observation, and fact—to ghost hunting is almost absurd, particularly when you consider what passes for “research” on YouTube and in most ghost-hunting groups.

Most paranormal teams, or para-influencers—you know who I mean, the YouTubers and TikTokers—follow a formula: spooky thumbnails, catchy clickbait titles like I Stared Into Satan’s Butthole, dramatized reactions, and a lot of pseudo-scientific and demonic buzzwords to make viewers feel like something profound is happening. Don’t get me wrong—there’s entertainment value in it, and I watch some of these shows myself—but it’s a far cry from any real attempt to prove the paranormal.

For me, ghost hunting is not about making disingenuous claims or chasing down the supernatural for bragging rights and views. It’s about understanding—or at least, trying to. It’s about empathy—for both the living and the potential of the after-living. It’s about those human connections we stumble upon in the strangest places. Mike’s search for Mary wasn’t just a ghost hunt; it was an attempt to help, to offer some kind of peace to a spirit that may or may not have been trapped between worlds.

As paranormal investigators, we’re emotional archaeologists, sifting through layers of time and memory to make sense of these experiences. We dig into the unknown, not just to document eerie moments but to explore deeper existential questions about life, death, and what might lie beyond.

On this second visit, we spent hours in the nursing home wing, calling out for Mary, trying to pick up where we left off. The air was thick with heavy anticipation. In moments like these, you start questioning everything. Does she remember us? Does she want to be found? Was she even real? We waited, we listened, but as is often the case in this field, the answers were elusive. Haunting is a tricky business, after all.

A Haunting Legacy at Indiana’s Most Haunted Location

In the end, we didn’t leave the sanatorium with all the answers. But we did leave with more questions—and sometimes, that’s enough. The Indiana State Sanatorium is haunted—of that, I’m certain. But whether the spirits are truly stuck here or are simply echoes of the past is a mystery we’ll continue to chase.

As I reflect on my experiences at the Indiana State Sanatorium, one thing is clear: this place is eerily reminiscent of every similar location I’ve ever explored. Its vast corridors hold countless stories—some lost to time, others still hanging in the air, waiting to be told. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the experience of investigating a haunted location like this leaves a mark on you. And that, in itself, is haunting enough.

So, once again, throw on your headphones, sit back, and enjoy our journey through this labyrinth of history and mystery. Whether it’s science or spirit influencing us—or if this is just me staring into Satan’s butthole—that’s for you to decide. Nevertheless, the truth is still out there, waiting in the dark halls of the Indiana State Sanatorium.

Cheers once more,

— Evel Ogilville

P.S. What do you think—Was Mary reaching out for help, or was it something else entirely? Share your thoughts, and stay tuned for more explorations into the unknown.

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Videos:

Part One:

Part Two:

Historic Timeline:

Indiana State Sanatorium

3838 East Old 36 Road, Rockville, IN

Originally Indiana State Tuberculosis Hospital (Old Indiana State Chest Disease Sanatorium) constructed in 1909-10 after state approved purchase of 504-acre property east of nearby Rockville for institution for treatment of the disease. Opened to patients in 1911, quickly exceeding capacity.

During construction, site known as Camp Trudeau after New York physician who established the first laboratory for study of the tuberculosis. Hospital grounds eventually included men’s, women’s and children’s wards, administration building, staff housing, farm and dairy, school, greenhouse and tunnel system. In 1913, State Sanatorium Covered Bridge built to transport coal across Little Raccoon Creek.

Became known as Indiana State Sanatorium (also later as Parke County Sanitarium) in 1919.

Adams Hall staff residence constructed in 1950s with later conversion to psychiatric hospital after development of successful tuberculosis treatment and decline in patients precipitated repurposing of facility.

After conversion to mental health facility, facility closed in 1968-9 and land and buildings sold by state. Later reopened in 1978-80 as privately owned assisted living facility Lee Alan Bryant Health Care Center. State also transferred patients from other mental institutions, resulting in mixed mental health/nursing home patient/resident population.

A history of more than 4,000 deaths and many tragedies as the health care center were said to have contributed to the poor reputation/decline of the facility – including many allegations of resident abuse and deaths. In 2002, a woman found outside dead of hypothermia, and months later a man hanged himself less than quarter-mile away. Residents again wandered away and died in separate 2006 incidents, one struck by a car and the other found in creek; 2009 murder-suicide of two employees.

Facility closed in 2011 after loss of funding. Property abandoned. Purchased in 2020 by Gregg Larson, founder of the Sanatorium Project property restoration effort.

Today’s Indiana State Sanatorium rests on over 200 acres, and offers complete access to more than 120,000 square feet of the historic tuberculosis hospital, a nursing home, a mental hospital, and supporting buildings, including thousands of feet of steam tunnels, and is available for tours and paranormal investigations.

All historical info graciously harvested by the voracious Eunice Specter.

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425 Washington Street in Columbus, Indiana, has long been a cornerstone of the community, steeped in history and now a focal point for my paranormal investigations. Recently, I had the chance to investigate this space, and what I uncovered was more than just residual energy—it was a tangible link between the past and present. This building, once home to the pioneering Wolf family, is not only a place where history unfolded but also a place where spirits may still linger.

One year ago, I released my paranormal investigation overview of Viewpoint Books, located at 548 Washington Street, called A Haunting Viewpoint. Beth Stroh, owner of the bookstore, wasn’t entirely surprised that I documented some curious recordings there, given reports of unexplainable activity connected to the building’s history. Since then, she has opened a second location right down the street at 425 Washington, cleverly named “Viewpoint Books: Chapter Two.” Having only been there a short time, she sensed a now all-too-familiar feeling that made her curious if maybe those walls had something to say as well. And considering the building’s history, it has a lot to get off its chest.

A  Legacy of Female Entrepreneurs

The building’s story began in 1861 when Michael and Elizabeth Wolf opened a butcher shop. After Michael’s sudden death in 1881, Elizabeth took charge, becoming one of Columbus’ most respected businesswomen. Her strength and leadership sustained the family business for decades, a rarity for women in her time. With the help of her children, particularly her daughters, Elizabeth continued to run the business, ensuring its survival for years. Barbara Wolf, one of Elizabeth’s daughters, played a significant role in maintaining the business and later opened her own women’s shop in the same building, assisted by her sister and niece. This marked the continuation of a tradition of female involvement in the family business that echoed throughout the building’s history.

Incredibly, the building’s tradition of female-led businesses didn’t stop with Elizabeth and her daughters. Over the years, the space has housed several women-owned ventures. In the 1960s, it became The Village Shoppe, a women’s clothing store, though it wasn’t owned by a woman. By 1978, Joy’s Bridal Shoppe opened, continuing the legacy of businesses catering to women in the space. Most recently in 2020, Katelyn Gosnell Richey opened Ames Mercantile, a home décor shop. Although Ames closed in 2024, Beth and John Stroh then opened Chapter Two, continuing the trend of strong female-led businesses in the building.

The resilience and success of these women over a century after Elizabeth Wolf first laid the foundation feel like a fitting tribute to her legacy. It’s as if the building itself has drawn women of similar strength to carry on Elizabeth’s tradition.

Tragedies at 425 Washington Street

The history of 425 Washington Streetis not without its tragedies. In 1881, Michael Wolf died in the home, which doubled as their store, Wolff’s Old Stand/Wolf’s Meat Market. His funeral was held in the home. In 1911, their son William died upstairs at just 37 years old. In 1921, Elizabeth passed away at age 80 after suffering a stroke and injuries from a fall in the backyard.

Their son Michael continued to live in the rear of the building until his death in 1942. Interestingly, part of the current structure still incorporates sections of the original Wolf residence. Michael remained residing in the back room until his death at the age of 70, marking the end of the Wolf family’s direct presence at 425 Washington Street.

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Paranormal Connections to Downtown Columbus

During my investigation, I conducted several ITC (Instrumental Trans-Communication) experiments using the highly experimental direct voice method called PRISM (developed by Zero-G ITC), as well as EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions. ITC allows for communication with spirits, and PRISM’s direct voice method lets me hear their responses in real-time. What I found was truly astonishing. It felt as though the voices of 425 Washington Street’s distant past were speaking, eager to share their stories. Many of the voices that came through during the ITC sessions were clear and friendly—almost as though they had been waiting for someone to listen.

Several EVPs stood out, many of which seemed to be connected to the Wolf family. Interestingly, one EVP question asked the spirits if they visited other locations in downtown Columbus, and a clear response of “Crump” came through. This was a compelling moment, as it referenced The Crump Theatre, another location I had previously investigated and recorded paranormal activity. This correlation between 425 Washington and The Crump could suggest a larger network of spiritual activity, connecting key historical sites all across downtown Columbus. The same thing happened during my recent investigation of the Bartholomew County Library, where The Crump again was mentioned in an ITC session.

Do these discarnate personalities connect to a broader spiritual web that allows them to move freely between historic landmarks? Do these locations provide them with the energy to manifest? Consider the 6th block of Washington Street, which has a long history intertwined with secret societies and a former graveyard associated with the Catholic Church. These elements likely contribute to the paranormal phenomena observed throughout this area. The spiritual energy in downtown Columbus isn’t confined to just one building—it seems to permeate and radiate throughout much of the area, making it a paranormal hotspot.

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The Spirit of 425 Washington Lives On

What’s particularly unique about 425 Washington Street is how the building’s legacy as a business hub for women has mirrored its paranormal activity. The women who have owned businesses here—whether or not they realized it—have been part of something much larger than just running a shop. They’ve continued a tradition started by Elizabeth Wolf, a tradition that may still be curated by her spirit and in her spirit. This lineage of female entrepreneurs is more than a coincidence; it’s an ongoing testament to the strength and perseverance of women in business. As if guided by an unseen hand, the space seems determined to thrive with the same energy that Elizabeth infused into it over 150 years ago.

After my night at 425 Washington Street, it’s clear to me that the spirit of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurship remains alive there. The past and present continue to commingle, creating a space that indeed has presence. Does that make it haunted? Definitely. Haunted not just by spirits, but by the echoes of those who came before—by the legacy of Elizabeth Wolf and those who have followed in her footsteps. And just like a great bookstore, this space fuels consideration, imagination, and appreciation. It’s the kind of haunting that inspires.

— Evel Ogilville

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Historic Timeline

425 Washington Street

Originally residence and butcher shop of German immigrant Wolf family. Small piece of land to rear of building housed barn, smokehouse and other buildings

1861 – Michael and Elizabeth Wolf marry and shortly after live and open meat market, Wolff’s Old Stand/Wolf’s Meat Market, in building Michael built on Washington Street. Couple had eight children: Barbara, Katherine, Ernest, Mattie, Michael, William, Emma, Anna

1881 – Well-known and well-respected city pioneer Michael Wolf dies suddenly at age 56 at home of congestion of bowels and stomach. Funeral held in family home; burial in City Cemetery. Widowed Elizabeth and children continue operating market

1911 – Son William dies at age 37 at his home over the meat market. Funeral at home. Sister Katherine “Katie” suffered nervous collapse at gravesite in City Cemetery

1921 – Elizabeth Wolf, city’s oldest businesswoman, dies at age 80 at the residence of injuries suffered in a fall several days earlier. Believed suffered slight stroke of paralysis as she started from rear of home into yard; discovered bone of right hip painfully penetrated into and through abdomen. Buried City Cemetery. Family had continued to operate meat market and family farm after her retirement about 15 years before her death. Known as efficient and brace businesswoman and devoted mother

1923-4 – Daughter Barbara and son Michael live in rear of building; Barbara opens ladies’ shop for brief time in store room after location has been rented for bazaars and markets. Sister Anna and niece help run. “New store does not only promises to be a profitable business, but it puts into usage a large business room that has stood empty for some time, the room having formerly been used as a meat market by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Wolf, and after her death the Wolf heirs in memory of their mother could not disturb the room which to them all had been so closely associated with their home life.” (The Republic, 4/4/1924)

1925 – Katherine and Mattie die days apart

1928 – Advertisement for Massie Chicken Hatchery

1929 – Bartholomew County Historical Society uses for exhibit of children’s clothing, dolls, toys and antiques

1929 – J.W. O’Bryan remodels and opens jewelry store. Michael retains room as living quarters.

1942 – Son Michael dies at age 70; body found days after death sitting in chair in his room in rear of building. “Wolf property had remained frame dwelling in heart of business district … The home was not remodeled into a modern store until 20 years ago, but Mr. Wolf retained a part of the original house. It was his home and he declined to leave it.” (Columbus Herald, 4/29/1942). Michael never married and was said to have visited the grave of his sweetheart who died then they were young every Christmas Day for 50 years. Well-known eccentric character

1962 – O’Bryan’s Jewelry Store sold to jeweler Malcolm Ross

1963 – Carl Miske opens the Village Shoppe women’s store

1974 – Jim Gupta opens as Jim’s Import Shop

1977 – Advertisement for Mode O’Day sportswear

1978 – Joy Dutro opens Joy’s Bridal Shoppe

2001 – Advertisement for Ristorante Divino

2006 – Tre Biccheri restaurant opens by Glick and DeClue families, closing in 2017

2020 - Katelyn Gosnell Richey purchases and opens Ames Mercantile home décor shop, closing in 2024. Viewpoint Books owners Beth and John Stroh open second location, Chapter 2, in the space

A Stroll Through 425:

A Difficult Post: Respecting Victims Amidst the Paranormal

This post is a difficult one—both as a paranormal investigator and ITC researcher with a conscience. I’ve often discussed the fine line between speculation, intention, and the need for solid data when presenting the supernatural. But when the subject involves horrific tragedies, like those at the hands of serial killers Herb Baumeister and Larry Eyler, it’s important to tread even more carefully. Both men terrorized the gay community in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and I feel an added responsibility when discussing such events to avoid exploitation. Respect for the victims must always come first.

What We Know for Certain About Herb Baumeister

So, what do we know for sure? Herb Baumeister was a deeply disturbed individual who preyed on gay men and teenagers. He used the 501 Eagle in Indianapolis to find victims, committing unspeakable acts at his former residence, Fox Hollow Farm. Beyond that, unexplainable paranormal phenomena have been reported at both locations. Are they conclusively connected on a spiritual level? I can’t say for certain, but the audio recordings from our ITC sessions at the 501 suggest that Herb may have left his mark there. During these sessions, we captured EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that seemed to directly reference the dark history of the location, leaving us with more questions than answers.

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Honoring the Victims, Not the Killer

This post is a tribute to the victims, not to Herb or any other monster. My hope is that if any spirits do return to the old 501 Eagle, it’s by their own choice—a visit to a place that once brought them joy and community. We ultimately know very little about ghosts, spirits, or how the afterlife operates—if it even exists. But what we do know for certain is that the men who frequented the 501 Eagle were real, flesh-and-blood people with vibrant lives. If the brick and mortar of the 501 holds their fond memories, then may they live on there forever, in peace. Regardless of how the old 501 chooses to speak, may we always listen to remember their lives, not just their tragic ends.

A Memorial for the Victims of Fox Hollow Farm

In August 2024, a long-overdue memorial to the Fox Hollow Farm victims of Herb Baumeister was placed within Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery. This limestone monument now stands in honor of the many young men who tragically lost their lives. This memorial serves as a solemn tribute, offering a place of reflection for those impacted by Baumeister’s crimes. It’s an important step toward recognizing their suffering and ensuring they are never forgotten.

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Honoring My Friend, Jason L. Ammerman

It is with a heavy heart that I also share the loss of my dear friend Jason L. Ammerman, who passed away on August 25, 2024. Jason was born on July 20, 1973, and was not only one of the finest poets to ever walk the streets of Indianapolis, but a dedicated amateur historian of the city. He often said his roots lie somewhere between James Whitcomb Riley, Etheridge Knight, Miles Davis, and KISS. Jason was proud of his Indiana heritage, and to me, he was a brother.

We met in 2007 and soon began performing spoken word together as The Reservoir Dogwoods with fellow Hoosier poets Joseph Kerschbaum and Tony Brewer. Jason loved a good ghost story—I believe that, for him, ghosts were poetry. Over the years, we shared many paranormal conversations and adventures. When he began working at the remodeled building that was the old 501 Eagle and experienced strange phenomena, he was both intrigued and unnerved. He wanted to connect with the place, but in a sincere, respectful way—never in a sensational manner. In fact, our first visit there together didn’t even mention serial killers.

Jason passed just days before the memorial for the Fox Hollow Farm victims was placed. I know Jason would have approved of that memorial, just as he graciously contributed a beautiful tribute poem to these men before his own passing. It’s an honor to include his work here. Jason will be deeply missed. May they all rest in peace.

Respectfully,

Evel Ogilville

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PEARL BEFORE SWINE

Dedicated to the memory of the victims of Herb Baumeister and his murderous spree, known and unknown

We speak of dark things
The attractive
The taboo
Their names are left of
Tongues dried
Wilted

These flowers
Dead in their stems
Their aromas staled

And we are left
Exalting murder as a sitcom
To watch
Tasteless
Drowning in the phantasmagoria of flickering images
Faces of the hopeless
Trapped in cells

This was their happy place
But no more

We embrace the dark things
The teeth that gnash at skin
Revealing the meat beneath
These men
Their names like Robert or William or Unknown
Their bones covered just enough to not attract attention
For many years
Just underneath the soil
Disturbed
We are
This is
Disturbing

The method is no different than most predators
Lure/love/then kill
Lure/love/then kill
Leaving them breathless
Empty husks
The taboo

And we are mocked for wanting to help
Dirty phrases
Echoed through empty rooms and we
Red in the face
Do not offer our names lurking
An attempt to be respectful of
Shadows blatantly rubbing against
Bodies
They have no bodies
Just bones
And names
Forgotten
No consequence for the actions of
Lure/love/then kill

There was a time for
These beautiful creatures
Their sensitivity finding a home
Within these walls
To safely exist
To be open of who they are
At a time when being open meant death

The irony is not lost here

We embrace the dark things
Trying to make sense of it all
What does it mean to love?
What does love look like?
A shadow peering from the corners
A voice sighing in the lower decibels
What does love?

There are faces here
Watching from other dimensions
Consensual sex and paying for it through
Asphyxiated
Left breathless
Alone
Forgotten
Names or no names

There are faces here
Victims of change and denial of epidemics

It can’t happen here
This is America
This is the land of the free
Except this
Life
Style
Lure/love/then kill

We embrace the dark things
Until it becomes personal

I have spent many moments with these ghosts
Their frustration imparted upon my soul
Their anguish flickering lights
Their anger banging walls and slamming doors
Wanting to set fire to these bricks
It is dark and things are not of the sense that
We make out of it for
We will never know what it was like

The final breaths manipulated by a predator
Be they human or
A virus or
Cancer or
Loneliness

The predator is always in the wings
Fuck you for stealing these breaths
That is from them
Your victims

Fuck you for being a monster
A fake
A wanna be
A teddy bear manufactured of money

Fuck you for not caring enough to leave them
For families to bury
You stole that simple dignity
After stealing their dignity in being who they were
Through a spell cast as a false sense of security

They say to never cast pearls before swine
But nonetheless
These pearls will never have the joy
Of being cast in an awestruck appearance
Of being in love forever

The swine stole them
The pearls
But we are here to steal the swine back
To offer the pearls a beautiful home

This is from them
Your victims
They are here
You are outside
Not allowed in
They are protected
By us
The living
Who want to rectify
The acts of the past
The misery they feel
Is not on you tenfold
In hell

Herb, rot in hell!
This is from them

© 2021 Jason L. Ammerman

Notes:

Special thank you to Richard Estep and his book The Horrors of Fox Hollow Farm.

I recently came across this article, which I also found enjoyable:

Tales From the Underworld

Was Herb Baumeister the Notorious I-70 Strangler? Compelling Evidence Indicates He Likely Was

Early Life and Troubles…

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2 years ago · 1 like · Kirsten Ford

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Stepp Cemetery: A Pioneer Burial Ground Shrouded in Mystery

Stepp Cemetery, nestled in the dense Morgan-Monroe State Forest, is one of Monroe County’s oldest burial grounds, dating back to the early 1800s. Jacob Adkins, who donated the land, and Reuben Stepp are among the notable pioneers buried here. Over time, approximately 114 graves have been identified, including veterans from the War of 1812, the Civil War, and both World Wars. But, of course, it’s not the brave pioneers or soldiers buried here that draw people in—it’s the wild, often debunked ghost stories, most notably surrounding a small grave simply marked “Baby Lester 1937.”

Folklore and Paranormal Claims at Stepp Cemetery

While Stepp Cemetery’s history as a pioneer graveyard is well documented, it’s the folklore and paranormal activity that captivate imaginations. Tales range from sightings of strange lights to unexplained chanting. Among the most famous legends are the following two iterations:

• The Lady in Black: The enduring legend of a ghostly woman dressed in black, mourning at her child’s grave (often thought to be Baby Lester). She is said to have sat on a now-absent tree stump, dubbed the “Warlock’s Chair,” vigilantly guarding her baby’s grave. Or perhaps she’s just irritated by the loiterers and litterbugs—which seems more likely.

• Baby Lester’s Grave: Paul ‘Baby’ Lester, who was stillborn in 1937, certainly didn’t ask for all this nonsense. His tragic death has been misrepresented in urban legends, but the small grave has since become a focal point for ghost hunters. Visitors often leave toys as offerings to “appease” the Lady in Black, who’s rumored to fiercely protect her child’s resting place. I’m sure 99% of people who leave gifts think it’s sweet, but trust me—there’s no malevolent spirit ready to throw a Hot Wheels at you—at least not based on actual history.

The Crabbites: A Religious Sect Gone Wild

Unlike the yarn-spun ghost stories, one of the strangest, yet true, aspects of Stepp Cemetery is its connection to the Crabbite religious sect. Led by William Crabb in the early 1900s, this fringe Christian group was infamous for bizarre rituals, from snake-handling and speaking in tongues to nude ceremonies, animal sacrifices, and ecstatic dancing. This isn’t ghost story fodder—this actually happened.

• Snake-Handling Rituals: Crabbite members believed they could handle venomous snakes without harm, thanks to their faith. Their public demonstrations, combined with rumors of dark rituals, instilled fear and curiosity around Stepp Cemetery.

• Funeral Riots and Resurrection Claims: The Crabbites were involved in numerous legal altercations, including riots during funerals. Resurrection was their jam, and they weren’t shy about interrupting funerary ceremonies, claiming they could raise the dead. Naturally, this caused a bit of friction with the community. Their disruptive practices are believed by some to have brought sinister energy to the cemetery.

Haunted or Hype? Exploring the Paranormal Evidence

The eerie atmosphere of Stepp Cemetery has attracted ghost hunters for decades. Reports of strange chanting, howling, and disembodied voices are common. While much of the paranormal experiences can likely be traced to the cemetery’s odd history and the presence of the Crabbites, or some of the other reported occult-flavored groups that have added their own esoteric spice to the mix, some visitors continue to report unexplained phenomena linked to rumor and ghost lore.

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Vandalism and Preservation: Protecting the Cemetery

Stepp Cemetery has suffered from frequent vandalism over the years. Despite efforts to preserve its history, many headstones have been destroyed or removed. Sadly, being a piece-of-shit human isn’t illegal, but vandalism is—and that’s why Stepp Cemetery now has cameras installed. Thankfully, grassroots efforts like the Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project are working to restore and protect this historic site.

The Wild Outdoors: Bigfoot, UFOs, and More

Adding to Stepp Cemetery’s paranormal reputation is the fact that it lies within Morgan-Monroe State Forest, a known hotspot for bizarre occurrences. Bigfoot sightings, UFO reports, haunted Draper’s Cabin, and mysterious lights in the woods have all been linked to the area surrounding the cemetery. The remote location, combined with the region’s strange history, continues to make Stepp Cemetery legendary amongst paranormal investigators and people who are terrible at camping.

Conclusion: A Place Where Fact and Folklore Collide

Stepp Cemetery is a place where history and folklore intertwine, creating a mystery that endures. While many of the ghost stories can be debunked, the cemetery’s connection to the Crabbite cult and its bizarre rituals remains a chilling reality. Regardless of the tales, the cemetery’s strange history ensures it will remain a source of fascination for years to come.

Especially with the years of attention Baby Lester’s grave has received, despite the BS stories concocted around him, I can’t help but think the act of gifting him toys, is reminiscent of making an offering. Offerings are very ritualistic—they are typically made to seek favor or blessings from a spiritual force. I see this practice of leaving gifts to Baby Lester as an unwitting continuation of the sacrifices made by the Crabbites and other groups to appease and beseech favor from their version of spirits, God or gods. With all the dark stories often associated with Stepp Cemetery, whatever entities feed off that area, I highly doubt they are benevolent—but what a slick way to dupe people.

Hopefully, this post will encourage more thoughtful visitors to appreciate the lore of this site for what it truly is—a fascinating slice of Indiana history. And to the degenerate vandals? They probably can’t read this. Send them the video.

Requiescat in pace, Baby Lester.

— Evel Ogilville

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Stepp Cemetery

(Also known as Stepp Precinct Cemetery)

Within Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Three Lakes Trail and Walls shelterhouse

approximately 15 miles north of Bloomington, Indiana

Historical Timeline

• One of Monroe County’s oldest pioneer cemeteries circa early 1800s.

• Jacob Adkins lived near Morgan County line in mid-1800s; log cabin homestead (cornerstones still visible) now site of Walls shelterhouse on Mason Ridge Road where cemetery located. Adkins said to have donated cemetery in early 1800s. Adkins and wife Anna, as well as relatives, buried in cemetery. (Reporter-Times, 2/14/2010)

• May have originally been owned by Reuben Stepp in 1856; sold to William Peterson in 1884. (Reporter Times, 10/31/2011) Stepp and relatives buried in cemetery.

• Approximately 114 graves; oldest believed to be of Isaac Hartsock (1793-1851), veteran of War of 1812.

• Burial place of Civil War and World War I and II veterans. (monroehistory.org)

Crabbites

▪ Location believed to have been connected briefly with Crabbite religious sect (leader William Crabb), largely undocumented/fringe Christian sect that may have used cemetery for unusual/taboo practices such as snakehandling and ritualist sexual activity – and which may have spurred cemetery legends and notoriety. (indianapublicmedia.org)

▪ Stepp said to have built church next to cemetery, which he willed to any parish needed it so long as Christian, potentially attracting the Christian subset of Crabbites. (WBIW.com)

▪ Some believe may have woken spirits or put some sinister energy over the graveyard, which is why so many hauntings occur. Reports of hearing strange chanting and howling in the night when no one found in the cemetery; believed Crabbite spirits responsible. (“Indiana’s Strange and Unusual Haunts,” Floyd)

▪ “ … nude rituals that included sacrificing small animals and gently handling snakes while participating in sexual orgies with a communion host leading the group. The Crabbites fancied unusual activities that normally took place at Stepp Cemetery that included talking in tongues, drinking and dancing, while feasting on sacrificed animals and then ending the gruesome ritual with promiscuous and wild, pleasure seeking indulgences to insure the highest form of euphoria known to man. This type of behavior is believed by some to have summoned dark entities to the area that are still hanging around today.” (“Haunted America & Other Paranormal Travels,” Granato)

▪ “They go out to a small clearing in the woods and hold their services in their temples of the True God.” Water holes baptistries. (Indianapolis News, 5/23/1908)

▪ Beliefs included square earth, Christ born under apple tree and ability to resurrect dead.

• Five found guilty of riot after interfering with burial of woman at Gose Creek Cemetery: “Imbued with the belief that they are possessed of power by which they can raise the dead, fifty (Crabbites) succeeded for a time in preventing the burial of Mrs. George Hatley, who at one time had been baptized in the faith.” Deceased’s father struck at one … “They, however, do not believe they can be hurt in that manner, asserting that their faith will protect them from all harm from blows”; also claimed to know through revelation guilt of another member of the funeral party, claiming he was guilty of destroying their church with dynamite months earlier. (Reporter Times, 5/15/1908; Buffalo Enquirer, 5/16/1908)

▪ ”Yell In Unknown Tongue in Court”: During trial, Crabbite witness on stand when another Crabbite began to give blood-curdling yells … “Men, women and children rushed to the courthouse.” Judge ordered sheriff to clear room and next person who attempted religious yell would be sent to jail. (The Republic, 9/9/1908)

• Weeks later group again arrested after altercation at funeral in Stepp Cemetery when began speaking in tongues and surrounding deceased’s sister, who did not believe in their doctrine. Nephew of deceased one of jailed in earlier incident, allowed by judge to attend funeral. (Reporter Times, 9/24/1908)

▪ Crabbite followers said to number about 600 in Brown and Morgan counties. (Bedford Daily Mail, 2/5/1912)

Snakes

▪ Assert it is only church in Bible and that the Bible says believers shall handle snakes. Two men named Kent and Rush from a distance inaugurated strange belief in the community but not long before one of converts William Crabb became leader with his people. (Star Press, 6/22/1907)

▪ Crabb said to have carried with him water moccasins, black snakes, and occasionally rattlesnakes, demonstrating that the man with sufficient faith in the Almighty immune from even bites of venomous reptiles. (Indianapolis News, 5/23/1908)

▪ “They claim should a snake bite any of their members the reptile will die, and that the patient will suffer no pain or ill results.” (Bedford Weekly, 8/23/1907)

• Will not poison person if firm believer and if person and members of the flock pray hard enough, anoint with oil.

• “Cody Baker was bitten by rattlesnake … Miss Grace Adkins was bitten by a rattlesnake, and Miss Ella Goss was bitten by a copperhead. Baker handled the snake for several minutes after being bitten. It was seen shortly afterward lying dead in Baker’s dooryard and when someone asked who killed it, the reply was: ‘The Lord did.’” No marks or bruises to indicate how died. (Star Press, 6/22/1907)

▪ (Snake legends widespread in Indiana; commonly feature whip snakes, hoop snakes and milk snakes, as well as strange, often sympathetic relationship, between a snake and a child. (“Hoosier Folk Legends,” Baker))

▪ After stint in area, short-lived sect believed to have relocated briefly to Brown County.

▪ Crabbites or “Church of the First Born of Brown County,’’ holding forth in vicinity of Nashville and parts of Morgan County … their leader has been preaching from a stump in the open woods … asserts he can handle snakes without danger to himself … a feature of the congregational meeting is the ‘holy kiss,’ in which the brothers and sisters have become apt pupils and give freely. (Star Press, 9/1/1907)

▪ Plan to convince skeptics announced with Crabbite allowing full-grown rattlesnake to bite him and then demonstrate how prayer would save and heal wound. Several demonstrations had previously been held with one or two members of congregation having been bit, but skeptics declared the poison fangs had been removed. Paid boy $20 after he returned with 6-foot rattlesnake for demonstration; kept in nonbeliever’s house to prevent tampering. Plan for member of congregation to be selected to remove lid from box and which time snake expected to strike. If it did not, would be “worried with a stick until it does. Then as soon as poison injected into believer’s arm or hand the prayers will begin.” (Indianapolis News, 5/7/1908)

• Demonstration did not occur, Crabbites saying had not been planned. (Star Press, 5/12/1908)

• Area around cemetery known as “Precinct” with “unsavory” reputation; ridge trail follows south of cemetery known as “Precinct Ridge.”  (Reporter-Times, 4/11/1998)

• Remote location became even more so after cemetery became part of Morgan-Monroe State Forest in 1929; maintained by Benton Township.

• Cemetery has fallen victim to destruction and vandalism, strewn with debris; approximately 30 headstones said to remain; many vandalized or removed. Wax from candles burning down on gravestones. Rumors of cult activity.

▪ “A vandal with a grisly sense of humor dumped a tombstone in the front yard. The stone bears the name of Thomas Stepp, who died in 1869.” (Reporter-Times, 8/31/1974)

▪ Conservation officer saw no traces of cult meetings, saying evidence of campfires but not of human or animal sacrifices. (The Reporter-Times, 1/11/1982)

▪ Under purview of Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project, a grassroots effort to identify and preserve neglected historic sites.

Popular legends, variations

• Much of lore’s origins said to date to 1950s-1970s. In 1972 article “The Legend of Stepp Cemetery,” (Clements and Lightfoot), 27 legend variants cited: generally involve elements of woman (as living, disfigured, witch or ghost) dressed in black visiting grave of husband, daughter, infant or combination; woman seated on stump near entrance; stump curse (below); deaths and mutilations, frequently of German shepherd dog, cited as proof of stump’s potency.

▪ Variant of woman losing husband and daughter in accidents; each night traveling to cemetery to sit on specific stump by daughter’s grave. (Reporter-Times, 5/15/2005)

▪ Variant of young couple racing along winding roads and killed in accident; girl decapitated and head never found – now woman dressed in black seen wearing girl’s head around neck as a warning to travelers. (Reporter-Times, 10/28/2007)

▪ Variant of Lady in Black as girl’s mother, gone insane and dying in mental institution, and sitting on old stump chair where she had sat when alive, talking to graves of daughter and husband, who had died in quarry accident.

• Variant of Lady in Black ghost sitting on old stone bench chiseled to look like hollowed log.

• Variant of old woman insisting couple’s deaths be kept quiet; unknown until her own death; old woman sits on tombstone, which is actually petrified tree hollowed into bench.

▪ Variant of woman whose daughter and husband had died killed in crash with a new boyfriend; buried at cemetery and sits on tree stump (below).

▪ Variant of woman’s husband killed working construction and she guards his grave even after her own death. (Reporter-Times, 10/28/2007)

▪ Two teenagers arrested for hanging dog in cemetery; denied and blamed on “The Black Lady.” (Vincennes Sun-Commercial, 10/31/1985)

• Most well-known legend involves variation of ghostly woman in black who has roamed cemetery for decades, sometimes exhuming her child from grave to hold him.

▪ Variant in 1960s involves distraught mother having gone insane at child’s death, exhuming and reburying him every night. Grave said to have never settled and grass not growing until 10 years after infant’s death; detail added of lightning striking large tree next to grave, forming natural chair/stump (below) where mother/“Lady in Black” would rock him.

▪ Variant of wife of local doctor died in crash in 1936; her infant died and was buried at Stepp Cemetery. Woman or “Lady in Black” went insane and spent her time at infant’s grave.

▪ Some claimed it was the ghost of a local woman who’d lost her infant son 20 years earlier. Other stories of spirit called Anna, who would weave among the headstones mourning the accidental deaths of her husband and teenage daughter.

▪ “In 1967, droves of young people would congregate in the cemetery to await her (‘Lady in Black’s’) arrival.” (Daily Journal, 10/29/1975)

▪ Conservation officer said a woman had identified herself to him as the “mystery lady” reported to have a child buried in the cemetery whom she visited nightly; admitted having child buried there but denied returning to grave at night to mourn; said received numerous harassing phone calls. (Reporter-Times, 1/11/1982)

▪ Other variations include father having killed child and mother killing father; or woman joined by large dog or two white wolves on her nightly vigils. (Reporter-Times, 4/11/1998)

▪ Tree stump near a baby’s grave (below) become known where “woman in black” sat to hold her child – story eventually evolved into “Warlock/’s Chair” (now gone; original said to have been burned down in 1974), further expanding to include curses of delayed death.

▪ Tree said to have been carved into chair when Civilian Conservation Corps was tasked with the upkeep of the cemetery after state forest established.

▪ Person who sits on stump usually at certain hour said to meet death or misfortune.

▪ Variant woman had tree carved into chair so she could watch over child and put curse on anyone who sat there to die within year. (Reporter Times, 5/31/2003)

▪ Variant of Lady in Black committing suicide on stump over grief at infant’s death

▪ Variant of old cemetery caretaker who used to sit on stump after rounds killed when log flew off logging truck and crushing him on stump, which he haunted.

• Legend of two brothers who dueled to the death in the graveyard for their inheritance.

▪ Variant of disagreement/duel over ownership of land, leading to death of one of Reuben Stepp’s children

• Exorcism site

Baby Lester grave

▪ At far end of cemetery grave marker “Baby Lester 1937,” which visitors continue to adorn with gifts.

▪ Grave of Paul Lester, child of O’Leatha (Alicia/Clethia) Pryor Lester (Walls) and Harley Lester, who passed after only a few breaths. O’Leatha, the mother of the stillborn child, married James Walls after the death of the baby’s father. (findagrave)

• “The infant, stillborn this morning to Mr. and Mrs. Harley Lester, was buried this afternoon in the Steppe (sic) cemetery.” (Reporter-Times, 7/6/1937)

▪ Family said baby’s grave continually vandalized and marker replaced twice. Once headstone completely removed and was found broken in Bloomington; later cemented down. Relatives said mother upset by urban legend. (Reporter-Times, 7/29/2006)

▪ Starting in 1950s, visitors said to have reported sightings of a lady shrouded in black, hovering on a chair-like tree stump above a stone simply marked “Baby Lester.”

▪ Variant “Baby Lester” died after hit by car/accident, which relatives refuted. 

▪ Variant of Baby Lester’s glowing/black dog appearing to protect the grave.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Forest land comprised of more than 24,000 acres and 25 miles of trails in Morgan and Monroe counties in southcentral Indiana, encompassing many steep ridges and valleys. Land occupied by Native Americans for thousands of years prior to Euro-American settlement in 1800s. Described as “particular hotspot” for the unexplained and paranormal.

• Stepp Cemetery hauntings

• Lore of odd circular pools behind cemetery

• BigFoot (Sasquatch) sightings

▪ Most of state’s reported Sasquatch sightings said to happen in this forest. (wildindiana.com)

▪ Indiana Bigfoot Research Organization believes activity in Morgan and surrounding counties.

▪ Featured in “Finding Bigfoot” television series in 2012.

▪ Brown County family spotted “stalking figure” in forest and experienced “peculiar nightly activity” in 2012; 14-inch-long footprint found year later. (Brown County Democrat, 1/6/2016)

▪ Indiana Bigfoot Reports site received eight reports of creature resembling Big Foot-like creature in forest in 2015. Hunter described loudest howl he’d ever heard, attributing to something akin to Big Foot. (Brown County Democrat, 1/6/2016; Southside Times, 7/4/2019)

▪ Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization posted 78 Bigfoot sightings in Indiana since first in 1973. Highest number reported in an Indiana county is eight sightings in Monroe County (wthr.com). Among Monroe/Morgan reports:

▪ Possible nighttime encounter by a couple camping near Martinsville.

▪ Duck hunters reported hearing loud vocalizations in 2009.

▪ Man recalls his observation of a creature crossing a road while hunting in Morgan-Monroe State Forest in 1988.

• Draper/’s Cabin, primitive log cabin found on property when state purchased forest; available for rental, but many campers said to leave early because of odd shapes and sounds, phantom footfalls and sense of ill ease.

• UFO sightings (Southside Times, 7/4/2019)

• A special thank you to everyone who assisted me in going down the rabbit hole with this one — Gene Caswell, Liz Newcomb, and Natalie Fiorini. And especially PARAHOLICS researcher Eunice Spector, she went deep — almost became a Crabbite priestess for the cause. I salute you all.

• A big shoutout to my friend Steve Hultay of Hultay Paranormal for selling me the incredible Reverse Speech Box!

• Thank you Britt Kinder for lending me your gorgeous vocals and giving us the creepiest lullaby ever!

• If you see or know of anyone involved in vandalism of this location, contact the Benton Township Trustee at (812) 339-6593.

Please watch the video below before reading the article. Thanks!

Video:

A Childhood Fascination with Bones and Skeletons

Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve had a fascination with bones. I distinctly remember traipsing the Brown County hillsides with my father finding all sorts of skeletal treasures and trying to determine what I was looking at. Even my mother contributed to my curiosity. I was in the 1st grade when she brought me home a cow's skull, which I still have. Then there were a few experiments — the dead frog I buried in a screen that I’d hoped to exhume to a naturally cleansed skeleton. And lest we not forget, the dead bird I accidentally liquefied in my mom’s microwave in hopes of harvesting the skeleton — let’s just call that one fucked up. I like to think that my parents reflect on raising me as the adventure they probably deserved.

William Lantry: My First Skeleton Crush

Undoubtedly, though, my first true skeleton crush (we never forget our first, right?) was on William Lantry. Lantry is the character in Pillar of Fire, part of the short story collection S is for Space by Ray Bradbury. The basic premise is that Lantry is a resurrected mess of decomposition in the year 2349 and has been dead for 400 years. He wakes up to a world where all horror has been elim­inated, and he is the last corpse to exist — all other graves having been incinerat­ed. When he awakens, he feels such hatred for what the world has become that William decides to kill people so he won't feel so alone. This murderous plot puts him into the role of what people would consider to be a rigor terrorist. In the end (spoiler alert), Lantry allows himself to be killed while he exclaims that he is the last of Poe, Lovecraft, and all horror that ever existed.

Some people will find Lantry the villain, and some will find the opposite. Like many people who feel they do not belong in their society, Lantry didn’t ask to be what he is or part of a world that dislikes it. The story asks the read­er to think about a world with no fear and no mor­bidity and whether that is genuinely a world worth living in.

The Knights of Pythias Skeleton: A Real-Life Encounter with Secret Societies

Which brings me to my other skeleton crush. The skeleton I found 11 years ago tucked away in an old Knights of Pythias lodge shrouded by mystery and secrecy. The impact this find had on me still lingers to this day. The Pythian society itself played into it, too. What was the purpose of needing human bones for your club? It definitely gives an arcane feel to the intentions behind it. Or, as I look at it now, maybe it was more about member hazing versus magick? But this is all coming from a guy who escaped a cult, and I don’t see value in fraternities, sororities, Freemasonry, Odd Fellows, or the Knights of Pythias. But, then, I once microwaved a dead bird, so…

The Mystery of the Skeleton: Whose Bones Are These?

Let’s drop the metaphysical hat for a minute — the bigger mystery remains. Let’s not consider this skeleton (affectionately nicknamed William) a haunted object. Let’s think about it as being someone’s family member. It is reminiscent of my finding animal bones in the woods as a kid and wondering what they belonged to. I see a human skeleton and cannot help but wonder who it belongs to. Is there any way to determine its age (it’s very old) or gender? And with the advances of forensic science in 2020, maybe even find its descendants? It also wasn’t uncommon for Pythian members to voluntarily donate their skeletal remains to their group, which, in theory, is a great way to hang with the boys in perpetuity. So, if anyone has the contact or resources to help me with this project, please don't hesitate to let me know!

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Is There a Paranormal Connection?

Now slap back on that paranormal cap for a second. Not to say conclusively one way or the other if there’s any mojo attached to my fragile friend here, but much like William Lantry, people who research the paranormal often find themselves pondering matters on the fringe of society’s comfortable norm — such as, how would it feel to be hidden away in darkness if you had a consciousness? Like the last articulated skeleton on earth hidden away from the eyes of all passers-by who cower when presented with reminders of mortality? Maybe you’d develop a chip on your clavicle? Of course, I’m just being creative and speculative — secret society or not, I think the way America manages and reacts to death is generally abysmal. But maybe that was the objective of the Knights of Pythias with their use of skeletons in their ceremonies. A stark reminder of your pending doom — so don’t be an asshole with the time you have left and the gifts you have wrapped up in your mortal coil.

What’s Next for the Skeleton?

It’ll be interesting to see if anything ultimately develops from my new bony tenant. Weird or not, I’d love to see it have a respectable conclusion. Regardless, I don’t see this as a long-term relationship, but who knows? And I’m happy to report it’s not illegal to own one and that remaining groups like the Pythians no longer use the natural kind in their rituals. Maybe they feel haunted by that practice, too?

— Evel Ogilville

The 2024 Postmortem Postscript:

I’m thrilled to report that William has found a new home. After spending a few years with him at my cabin down in the ITC Bunker conducting sessions (I found out he likes music), I also contacted universities with forensic departments, hoping to have Billy tested for DNA analysis. The responses were always the same: “Donate the skeleton to us; we’ll see what we can find out, share the report, and then he’ll be stored in a drawer forever, likely never to be seen again.”

I don’t know why, but that felt sad to me. Here was a former person who lived a life—likely a sad one, considering they ended up in a box in a weird lodge—now facing this additionally unconventional afterlife. It didn’t feel right. As a matter of fact, it seemed as dull to me as Heaven sounds. So, I decided that ol’ Will had a greater purpose, a story to tell about the once-thriving business of skeletonizing humans in America and their use in fraternal orders—a fact many people are unaware of.

Instead of letting him be hidden away, I chose to have him serve an educational purpose. I’m happy to say that Billy Bones, as he’s now called, is a featured display in Troy Taylor’s American Oddities Museum in Alton, Illinois, in the iconic Mineral Springs Hotel. So, if you’re ever in Alton, maybe for the Haunted America Conference, stop by the museum and show Billy some love.

After years of a non-traditional journey, he’s found a new role while curating a celebrity status. While we may never know his whole story, I’m sure his message to everyone is to make the best of your time in the flesh—don’t leave someone with a bone to pick with you. After all, not everybody gets a second chance to make a difference in the world post-mortem like Billy.

Historical Notes:

Washington/Sixth street block

(Also known as Odd Fellows block)

Columbus, Indiana

Historic Timeline

Block of largely 19th-century commercial buildings with historic occupants commonly offices, furniture stores/rooms, barbers, tailoring, meat markets, grocery/bakeries, drugstores/pharmacies, fraternal organizations, apartments

• Northeast corner, known as Odd Fellows Building, built circa 1893

▪ Land purchased by Victor A. Schnell in 1874.

▪ 601-605 – included furniture stores/undertaker (i.e. Hoover, Davidson & Henderson), Great A & P Tea Company, Kroger Grocery

• 605/5½ – International Order of Odd Fellows hall/temple

• Odd Fellows purchased property in 1889; one of original Masonic lodges in city.

• “At a meeting of the Odd Fellows lodge it was decided to build a new three-story building on their lot at the corner of Washington and Sixth streets. Plans to be adopted will be unlike any other three story building in the city, and it will be very fine.” (The Republic, 6/16/1891)

• “Work of remodeling the old Odd Fellows building at Sixth and Washington street in order to convert the second floor to lodge use as well as the third, is now under way.” (The Republic, 6/9/1911)

▪ among current: offices, condominiums

• 607-609, circa 1891

▪ 607 – included tailor (Nienaber), florist (Barnaby), Citizens Telephone Co., furniture/undertaker (i.e. Everroad, Davidson & Henderson), Music Center, Kroger Grocery and Baking Co., hardware/stove store (Virden), restaurants (i.e. Ruder’s, Reeder’s, Swan), pawn shop, apartment, chiropractor, pharmacist, fruit house (Robison)

• among current: La Mode 607 salon

▪ 609 – included drugstores (i.e. Fehring, Harms, Johnson & Wiley)

• among current: w/ Industrial Design, offices

• 611-615, circa 1895

▪ Rolla Lodge K of P (Knights of Pythias) No. 17/K of P Hall

• Purchased from Elizabeth Rebennack in 1930.

• Local lodge established 1871; “grown to be a strong, robust man, full of vigor and enthusiasm in the prosecution of the fraternal work of Knighthood.” (The Republic, 12/23/1891)

• “The citizens of Columbus and Bartholomew County have an opportunity to prove their loyalty by getting behind Rolla Lodge No. 17 … Rolla lodge was the first to start a movement for a state Pythian home.” (The Republic, 4/14/1922)

▪ included Hawaiian School of Music, confectioner/baker, physician, furniture (i.e. Springer, Buchanan and Jones), barbers (i.e. Kellum, Rebennack, Holloway), electrical (Santisteban)

• “The Buchanan and Jones furniture store on Washington Street has an extensive expansion program under way … built on its present store in the K of P building. The firm has also leased the room adjoining the store on the south which is now occupied by the Wininger pharmacy.” (The Republic, 2/2/1946)

• among current: Hoosier Sporting Goods

• 617-619, circa 1890

▪ included Labor Hall, barber, real estate, printing, plumbers, beauty shop

• 621-627, circa 1890

▪ included meat market, furniture, grocer, hardware, Goodyear Service Store, Sears

▪ among current: Kirr Marbach & Co LLC, Blue & Co

• 629 – Bassett Building, circa 1910

▪ included physicians, dentists, insurance, real estate, loan office

▪ among current: Strand Associates

• 639 – among current: Zen Fitness

• 641-645 – Charlotte Building, circa 1925

▪ included physicians, dentists, insurance, utilities, tire/battery company

▪ among current: Reason & Co Beauty Lounge

Furniture stores in funeral trade

Historically furniture stores and funeral homes often operated under one roof. Many cabinet makers were sent off to study and specialize in the art of embalming. As their education increased, these undertakers became highly specialized at their trade.

• “Furniture and Funerals”: Furniture and undertaking businesses often combined in those days. (The Republic, 3/20/1935)

• “When a death was reported he embalmed the body, after which he made the coffin for the funeral. The (Davidson & Henderson, 601-607 Washington) firm continued in business as undertakers and furniture dealers … removed their location to the Odd Fellows building.” (The Republic, 3/23/1915)

• Davidson and Henderson furniture store and undertaking business occupied the entire lower/second floor that has since been divided into store rooms. Embalming and casket preparations were completed in a rear room with an entrance on Sixth Street. (The Republic, 1/22/1972)

Previous Catholic church site

East side of Washington and Sixth streets, then north end of city limits, original site of St. Bartholomew’s, city’s first Catholic church built in 1841, named for patron saint that is also name of county’s namesake. Church later purchased property to south in 1874 with existing house used as rectory. In 1879 two-story brick schoolhouse constructed. Church, school and rectory remained on Washington Street until new church constructed on Sycamore Street in early 1890s.

• “The last religious services were held in the Catholic church on Washington Street. There yet lives a mother or two in this city who 40 years ago led their small boys to this building through a path, which is now Washington Street, walking under the shade of forest trees overrun by the wild grape vines so common in this locality in those days. Many were the struggles of this small congregation to pay for and support their church.” (The Evening Republican, 4/25/1891)

• The first little frame church stood on Washington street near Sixth. 50-foot-square lot purchased north of Sixth; building then considered among the largest. (The Republic, 4/30/1941)

▪ Church building located near current site of Odd Fellows building.

• Father Vincent Bacquelin visited church monthly until death in 1846 from injuries suffered in fall from horse while visiting sick parishioner in Shelby County. (The Republic, 4/30/1941)

• In 1855 school started, lasting three years. First parsonage built in 1865 with designation of St. Bartholomew’s as a parish. (The Republic, 5/28/1971)

• “Transformation from church to business properties”: The church was the center of the property. A brick house on the corner at Sixth was the home of the priest, the Rev. Andrew Oster in the 1880s. (When new church built at later location), half-block sold (1899) in parcels. Howard Duffy bought the ground with the frame house on the alley … and built 2-room store. The corner portion of this church property was acquired by the Odd Fellow lodge. Other buildings on half-block erected soon after construction of the buildings on the alley and corner properties. (The Republic, 1/22/1972)

‘Old Catholic Cemetery’

Wilson Street Catholic Graveyard (Catholic Cemetery), 10th and Wilson streets, second cemetery for St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church from 1841-1883 until reached capacity and “all” graves and markers relocated to Garland Brook Cemetery. (findagrave)

• Anne Farrell listed in 1843 as first person buried in Catholic cemetery, then said to have been located near 10th and Wilson streets.

• “As the boring for natural gas in the old Catholic cemetery is such a ‘grave subject,’ the Citizens Natural Gas Co. have decided to sink their well in the south part of the city.” (The Republic, 5/6/1887)

• “It will be remembered that some time ago the old Catholic cemetery was removed from within the city limits to what is now known as Garland Brook. Some days ago a man, who has never been exactly satisfied regarding the removal of his family, came here and commenced to dig in a spot where they were buried. A part of the remains have been exhumed.” (The Republic, 11/28/1890)

• Creepy Things Are Unearthed: “Some grewsome (sic) finds are being made in the vicinity of Wilson Street between Ninth and Tenth streets where city workers are excavating a city water main. Bits of caskets and burial boxes unearthed. No bones discovered but believed ashes from remains of persons dug into. “According to old-time residents a cemetery was located in vicinity where the trench is being made, and it is thought that what is being removed now from the street formed graves in the cemetery.” Some of tombstones stood as late as 12 years ago when removed by the city. (The Republic, 5/28/1925)

• “Bodies in old Catholic cemetery were moved to Garland Brook.” (The Republic, 3/20/1940)

• While plans discussed for new church location, ground south of 10th Street purchased for cemetery, now Garland Brook. Bodies that had been buried in old 10th Street Cemetery were removed. (The Republic, 5/28/1971)

Previous cemetery location also indicated in Washington/Sixth street block in vicinity of former church property.

• “Buildings extended from Sixth Street northward. The Washington Street properties remained in use until after erection of the new Catholic church on Sycamore. Possibly a few burials were made at the Washington Street site prior to establishment of the Tenth Street cemetery.” (1888 History of Bartholomew County)

• Previous property records refer to portion of block as “Catholic Cem Lot.”

Secret Societies

After Freemasonry originated from a British craft guild, the concept of the fraternity caught on quickly, with many groups forming with altruistic purposes in the 19th century, often serving as insurance companies for their members paying dues, which supported those who had hardships or a death in family.

• Washington/Sixth block buildings housed space for several benevolent and fraternal organizations, including Odd Fellows, Rebekah Lodge (IOOF), Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Daughters of America and Royal Neighbors of America.

International Order of Odd Fellows

One of earliest and oldest fraternal societies, thought named either for those with unusual, miscellaneous “odd trades” who joined together to form larger group – or because at time of organizing, thought odd to find people who followed noble values such as fraternalism, benevolence and charity. Promoted philanthropy and ethic of reciprocity and charity.

Knights of Pythias

• Nationwide fraternal organization formed in 1800s centered on Greek mythology and based on charity, benevolence, loyalty and friendship. Founded by Justus H. Rathbone, inspired by play about Greek legend of Damon and Pythias. First fraternal organization to receive charter (at suggestion of President Lincoln) under act of U.S. Congress. Dedicated to cause of universal peace. Three-tiered structure of local “Castles” and lodges. Pythian lodges own, support or endorse variety of charitable endeavors.

• “In the Order’s ritualistic work, every sentence has a meaning and every paragraph a beautiful and inspiring lesson. We believe that any two men, believers in a Supreme Being, meeting in a spirit of good will in an honest effort to understand each other, can live together in peace and harmony.” (Indianapythias.org)

• To become member of Pythagorean Brotherhood, certain very rigorous tests were demanded and applied, some of which are very similar to the ritualistic work of order today. The object of the organization was the moral uplifting and purification of society. Strict morality, absolute truthfulness, honor and integrity were thoroughly inculcated in the minds of its membership. (pythias.org)

Damon and Pythias (Phintias)

Phintias condemned to death for opposing the tyrant Dionysius. Damon offered himself as hostage so that Phintias could go make his farewells. When Pythias had not returned at time of execution, Damon offered to take place. At last minute, Pythias returned and embraced friend. Dionysus so impressed with display of friendship he released both men.

Lodge Rituals

Fraternal organizations often used rites and rituals passed down through generations to facilitate the groups’ shared values. Plays or rituals also performed to make word-of-mouth teachings easier to remember. These rituals often shrouded in secrecy. Symbols also used, among the most popular is Jolly Roger skull and crossbones, intended as reminder of human mortality, used by Freemasons in Europe, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Skull and Bones. Groups, particularly with “knights” in name, often issued members military-style garb and top-quality dress swords.

• K of P rituals follow pattern typical of deism with three degrees: Page, Esquire and Knight. Some rough-house qualities. (stichtingargus)

• “Test of Steel”: Candidates for Knight led to believe they would have to jump barefoot onto a spiked board, though the spikes were removed or rubber spikes substituted beforehand. (nationalheritagemuseum)

• Postulates for Page asked if believe in supreme being and of sound bodily health; must answer in affirmative to: “Are you willing to take upon yourself a solemn obligation to keep forever secret all that you may hear, see or be instructed in — an obligation that will in no way conflict with your creed or your conscience.” (stichtingargus)

Use of skeletons

Odd Fellows/K. of P. initiation rites often cited as including encounters with skeleton.  

• “The creation of the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Elizabethtown threatens a building of a closet for the fabled skeleton in the homes of some of the brave men who lately had conferred upon them the degrees of Knightly honor.” (The Republic, 8/19/1885)

• Creed hints at special initiation rite in which skeletons or bones are used to symbolize mortality. (Dayton Daily News, 9/20/2001)

• Odd Fellow applicant would be blindfolded or masked with a pair of goggles known as a “hoodwink,” which had blinds that could be open and shut; when blinds lifted, initiate would be facing a human skeleton in a room lit only by torches. (Collectors Weekly, 10/3/2012)

• “On two trestles, 12 inches high, covered by black pall reaching to floor shall be placed an open coffin which shall contain a skeleton. On the coffin shall be two crossed swords, with the hilts towards the Prelate, and on these the open book of law.” Symbolism for death and resurrection; candidate blindfolded for part of the ceremony. (stichtingargus)

• “It was supposed to remind people of what would happen to them someday … and encourage them to make life worth it while they’re here.” (Newark Advocate, 3/4/1991)

• Each chapter said a human skeleton used in a secret initiation ritual. One former member said new members held hands with the skeletons during initiation. (The Parsons Sun, 3/14/1990)

Sources of ritual skeletons

Believed not too difficult, or particularly unusual, to attain a real human skeleton, often purchased from scientific or fraternal supply companies. Usually pinned and wired like models at medical schools. Reported catalogue sources include Dominion Regalia and De Moulin Bros & Co., an Illinois company that once offered an extensive selection of fraternal hazing items such as robes and ribbons, trick chairs and fake goats, and “genuine, deodorized” skeletons. Museum now showcases unusual offerings. Today mannequins or plaster or papier-mâché skeletons used.  

• Companies said to have obtained skeletons from anywhere possible, including indigents, or those at higher levels of society who had been anxious to donate their remains for scientific study. (Los Angeles Times, 4/1/2001)

• Early 1900s advertising describes regalia and ceremonial items; coffins as “scenes” and “genuine, full-size selected specimen, set up and wired, fairly deodorized.” (The Morning Call, 1/27/2001)

• Anatomists and medical school students often resorted to grave robbing in order to obtain fresh cadavers for dissection or employed the help of resurrectionists who made living of exhuming bodies and selling to medical schools. (Ontario Archaeology)

Literal skeletons in closets

As interest in fraternal orders waned and lodges closed, reports of unusual discoveries of skeletons and memorabilia by new building tenants and questions about whose responsibility to claim and with what to do with the remains.

• “When we bought this house there were jokes about a skeleton in the attic. It turned out to be no joke. That one is the Odd Fellows’ skeleton. The one in the coffin is Pythias.” (Press and Sun Bulletin, 11/24/1971)

• “Man Finds Skeleton in Old Church”: Purchased from Knights of Pythias; found black masks, wizard’s sticks, gavel, swords and skeleton in cubby hole above kitchen sink. (Star Tribune, 1/25/1996)

• 100-year-old skeleton found in fire ruins in Canada. “There was no foul play,” fire chief said after investigation. “The skeleton, known as Fred, was part of an initiation.” (Bangor Daily News, 4/7/1989)

• As each local chapter disbanded, shipped its skeleton to state headquarters. Since then most everyone forgot or stopped caring about the skeletons. (Parsons Sun, 3/14/199)

• In recent years, the discovery of Odd Fellows skeletons has sparked police investigations in Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Nebraska. In Oklahoma, the remains prompted work crew to flee in terror. (Los Angeles Times, 4/1/2001)

SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO EUNICE REGINA SPECTER FOR ALL YOUR HISTORICAL HARD DIGGING!!!!!

In the world of paranormal exploration, certain places beckon the curious, offering a unique blend of history and high strangeness. Viewpoint Books, nestled within the captivating Old Post Office Building at 548 Washington Street in Columbus, Indiana, is one such intriguing location. On June 19, 2022, I was invited to investigate a series of paranormal claims — mysterious footsteps, objects moving unaided, and a spine-tingling encounter with a full-bodied apparition in the store’s basement. In this post, we will dive into my paranormal exploration, weaving it with the remarkable historical backdrop of this iconic building.

A Historical Timeline of Viewpoint Books

To truly grasp the essence of Viewpoint Books and its potential for the paranormal, let’s embark on a historical journey through time:

• 1887: Shortly after Charles F. Sparrell designed the theater adjacent to Keith’s Arcade, known today as The Crump Theatre, he was commissioned by Francis T. Crump to craft a Victorian Romanesque masterpiece. This edifice would be a post office in 1897, leased by the U.S. Government. Postmasters such as Thomas Rush, W. A. Stevens, W.F. Coats, and John M. Davis presided over its operations, supported by a dedicated team comprising three clerks, five carriers, and two substitute carriers. Notably, the building received improvements in 1900, solidifying its role in Columbus’ history.

• 1912: A pivotal moment arrived when the post office relocated to the Columbus Federal Building at Seventh and Washington streets. Speculation swirled about the vacant space, with rumors hinting at a transformation into a modern hotel.

• 1915-1917 From ads in Republic Newspaper, we know that the undertaker service, Walter Hathaway & Co., was a tenant in the 544 building address.

• 1921: The building’s history was tinged with melancholy when Dr. J. W. Arnold passed away due to heart disease in the home of Frederick Robbins, the residence located within the Old Post Office Building.

• 1929: Another solemn event occurred as Mrs. Emma Waughtel succumbed to pneumonia at the Home Hotel, situated at 6th & Washington streets, which she and her husband had just taken charge of and moved into a few months prior.

• 1942: Changes unfolded as storerooms at 544 and 546 Washington St., owned by Francis Overstreet, underwent remodeling. Over the years, the building was home to various tenants including a meat market, shoe shop and law and loan offices.

• 1972: The building’s narrative continued to evolve when Merle Nelson transformed it into the Nelson Bible Mart, then formerly the Indiana Gas Co. In 1980, her dedication to preserving history earned accolades for renovations, including to the roof, second-floor bay window, a basement lift and interior remodeling.

• 2002: Store ownership transitioned as Family Christian Stores took the reins.

• 2006: A transformation unfolded as the upper-level space was converted into four condos, adding a literal new layer to the building’s identity.

• 2007: The latest chapter began when Terry and Susan Whittaker relocated Viewpoint Books to 548 Washington Street, ensuring the continuation of this iconic location as a beloved bookstore.

• 2016: Ownership transitioned once more, this time to John and Beth Stroh, who upheld the building’s rich heritage.

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The Paranormal Investigation at Viewpoint Books

Our investigation unveiled eerie phenomena beyond what witnesses had reported. I documented electronic voice phenomena (EVP), intelligent ITC responses, and a motion sensor alarm set off in the stairwell leading to the basement, where the full-bodied apparition had been seen. These findings indicate a connection between the store’s rich history and the paranormal, painting a picture of a building that exists in both the living and spectral realms.

A Haunting Beauty

Viewpoint Books may be haunted, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Hauntings can represent beauty and imagination intertwined with history. The building’s past acts as a conduit, preserving memories that transcend time. Are these phenomena remnants of former employees, or perhaps linked to the Walter Hathaway & Co. Undertaker Service?

The mention of "Emma" in the ITC response (see video) may be connected to the historical passing of Emma Waughtel. It's possible that the entire downtown area of Columbus experiences time differently, especially in the Sixth Street block. This area has a rich history, including an old Catholic church, graveyard, and secret societies with ritualistic skeletons, making it a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Questions About the Paranormal

Ultimately, ghosts and paranormal phenomena may never yield complete understanding. They serve as reminders of the imprints we leave on historic spaces and the importance of how we treat them. As we navigate the beautifully haunting realm of Viewpoint Books, we’re invited to cherish the present, embrace the mysteries, and honor the enduring spirits within. Every encounter reminds us that our impact on the world echoes long after we are gone.

— Evel Ogilville

Watch the full investigation of Viewpoint Books and its paranormal history.

VIDEO:

All historical info graciously harvested by the voracious Eunice Specter.

Between two divorces, raising kids, juggling mortgages, and polishing off too much whiskey, I’m pretty sure I’ve sustained some brain damage. Life does that to us all. Yet, I’m still surprised by how well my memory serves me at times, which is why I can earnestly say I remember the moment I snapped the photograph—the one that, to this day, stupefies, mesmerizes, and even angers me.

Unraveling the Dark History of Black Moon Manor

If you’re familiar with Black Moon Manor, you already know it was steeped in controversy. If not, here’s the gist: Matt Speck rented the old Eastes family farmhouse outside Greenfield, Indiana, to convert it into a haunted attraction. The ghost story he spun as part of his haunted funhouse, Black Moon Manor, intertwined folklore from local hearsay with, unfortunately, the names of the Eastes family ancestors. Along the way, Speck discovered the house was truly haunted. Disembodied voices, doors shutting, phantom footsteps, and vicious scratching attacks were some of the claims. Speck’s focus shifted from creating a haunted attraction to offering a haunted location where paranormal teams could pay-to-play.

Picture this: a somewhat dilapidated and abandoned (but still awesome) farmhouse without any utilities, nestled next to the original family cemetery, and equipped with a made-for-horror-movie weeping willow tree outside. Add to that a property history muddled by unsubstantiated wild tales—most of which reflected negatively upon the deceased family of the folks who still own the property. Then, throw in claims of real haunted activity, stirring up flurries of interest from paranormal investigators and every bump-in-the-night flashlight ghost-jockey for miles. It was a perfect storm for a disastrous end, which is exactly what happened. Despite all the press, TV shows (Ghost Adventures, etc.), and support from the paranormal field, the Eastes family had enough of Black Moon. Even though I don’t believe Speck intended to create such a convoluted mess, the Eastes pulled the plug on him and his Manor. Sadly, the historic home was demolished.

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Into the Darkness

Now, let’s get back to my photograph.

I, along with some friends, formed a club we called SOUP (The Society Of Unknown Phenomena). SOUP held a high standard in its approach to investigating a haunting. With all the red flags flying around Black Moon Manor, the critical thinking side of SOUP deemed the place a no-go—too many credibility issues. But that left just li’l ol’ me. Until there are scientific parameters set for the paranormal field, I’d investigate a shithouse at the bottom of a coal mine in West Virginia if it was rumored to be haunted. So, off to Black Moon Manor I went with my brother, Emyl, and fellow SOUP alumnus, Bill Method.

The investigation itself was a bust. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciated the opportunity to be on the property. It’s always a pleasure to nose around a historic place—I love it. But this was an outright painful snoozer. No inklings. No vibes. No EMF spikes (that’s electromagnetic field spikes, for those new to ghost hunting). No bumps. No bangs. No voices from the well at the back of the house. No demonic scratch attacks. No tape on the floor left from Zak’s static cams. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. But still, we were patient. We know how this goes: Everything is silent, then all hell can break loose. But that never happened.

A Ghost Photo That Changed Everything

As the night dragged on, my brother and Bill went upstairs before me with our equipment. I followed, but not before stopping to take a picture from the landing at the turn of the staircase. From there, you could see the front door of the home. To the left and right were open doorways leading to other areas of the house. That was the basic layout. I didn’t review any of my photos until the next day. First mistake. Second, and this is another rookie faux pas, I didn’t take multiple shots of the same angle for comparison.

The next morning, as I was scrolling through the photos, I noticed something odd—something that made my ghost wrangling heart skip a beat. There, in one shot, was what looked like an apparition emerging from the doorway on the right. And not just any apparition, but a twisted, sneering figure—a ghostly Joker-meets-Beetlejuice hybrid that seemed to leap off the screen and into my worst nightmares! Holy Hades! It was so insane looking that I initially hesitated to show it to people. Although the original intent for Black Moon was a haunted attraction, it wasn’t rigged or staged for Halloween props to pop out—not even close. But here’s where it stings: I never had a chance to return to Black Moon Manor to recreate the photo, and within a few weeks, the house was torn down.

The Perils of Paranormal Photography

Paranormal investigators use photography to capture evidence of ghosts. Ghost hunters present photos by the thousands, full of processing errors, light leaks, streaks from long exposure times, orbs from dust, bugs, moisture, etc. Most people have very little understanding of photography. They misuse editing software by zooming in and manipulating photos to reveal shapes in a grainy pareidolia blur. And then there are those annoying apps you can use to insert a fake ghost into an image (much like the spirit photographers of old). I’ve seen those apps used almost like a test to see how gullible people in and out of the paranormal community are. Some groups even try to pass off these hoaxed pics to establish themselves as some elitist super ghostbuster team to bolster their reputations.

But in the right hands, photo processing tools can be used to polish evidence of the supernatural. Luckily, in my case, fellow SOUP member Craig Smith is a photographer, and although we could plainly see the entity in the original photo, he used professional software to lighten the picture and enhance more detail.

Video:

Lessons Learned

So there you have it: my crazy pic that I occasionally punch myself in the face over. I should’ve briefly checked my camera that night. Seeing that photo might have changed the focus of our investigation and made it more productive. Taking another pic at that moment, like a good investigator should, could have revealed more insight into what was captured. And ultimately, I wouldn’t have to live with the regret of not being able to return to the house to try and recreate that image.

I will always remember Black Moon Manor. Through the frustrations stemming from my lackadaisical attention to my investigative methodology, I learned lessons I’ll never forget, regardless of my poor brain’s damage.

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A Strange Coincidence

One more thing. I usually prefer to go into a location without tons of info preloaded in my mind. Towards the end of the night, we were conducting an EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) session upstairs in the house, and randomly, I asked if there was an Obadiah there. Not a common name, and why I asked for it, I do not know. After we packed up our gear to leave, we stopped to briefly investigate Eastes Cemetery. I was confounded when I stumbled across the tombstone of Obadiah Eastes, the patriarch of the Eastes clan. Coincidence? Probably. But like that photograph, it’s one more memory that won’t let me go.

—Evel Ogilville

Sources:

Smith, Craig. “The Case for Black Moon Manor.” SOUP Paranormal, 1 Nov. 2012, http://soupparanormal.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-case-for-black-moon-manor.html.

Kaczmarek. Dale. “Black Moon Manor Investigation.” Ghost Research, 14 Aug. 2011, www.ghostresearch.org.

“Black Moon Manor.” Travel Channel - Ghost Adventures, 11 Oct. 2012, www.travelchannel.com.

As we rapidly approach the 50th anniversary of the Mill Race Monster sightings in Columbus, IN, it’s not surprising, but still wholly disappointing, that the town has made no moves to celebrate or even acknowledge this unique piece of local history. Why can’t the city see the value in letting its hair down? The Mill Race Monster is a tale begging to be embraced, not forgotten. Here is my original postVote For The Mill Race Monster in its entirety.

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The Mysterious Mill Race Monster

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Before we understand why a cat-eating, sexy, hairy swamp beast might be the next mayor of Columbus, IN, we must dive into the mysterious world of the Mill Race Monster. Cryptozoology, for those new to the term, is all about hunting for and studying creatures whose existence or survival is up for debate. And a cryptid? Well, that’s an animal that cryptozoologists find particularly intriguing.

The Facts of the Case

Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s take a stroll down the curious path of The Mill Race Monster and cover a few facts:

• First things first, it definitely wasn’t me – I was just a 9-month-old at the time.

• In the early fall of 1974, near Columbus, Indiana, there were reports of UFO sightings.

• Then, things got interesting in November 1974 when a hairy green “monster” made four appearances in just eight days.

• But Columbus, Indiana, didn’t quite seize the monstrous gift — it failed miserably.

The First Sightings

So, let’s dissect this peculiar tale. In the autumn of ’74, in the city of Columbus, Indiana, local UFO sightings were a hot topic. But in November of that year, high strangeness struck when four terrified women made an unusual report to the Columbus Police Department.

The women stated that they were driving through Mill Race Park—a park off the White River in a wooded area near downtown Columbus. At approximately 3 p.m., in broad daylight, the women parked their car near a boat ramp when they observed “a monster” lurking near the river. They described the creature as 6 feet tall and walking upright on two legs. They also stated that the creature was covered in dark fur and had a pale green face. The police searched the area but found nothing to support the women’s claims.

A Second Encounter

Later that night, around 11:45 p.m., another group of women burst into the Columbus Police Department, terrified and shaken. They had their own “monster” encounter in Mill Race Park. As they sat in their car chatting, a hairy creature with a green face leaped onto the hood, trying to break through the windshield with its long, sharp claws. When the police suggested it might be a prank, the witnesses insisted, “This did not look like a mask.” Even the car had deep scratches on the hood. A second search of the park yielded no monster.

Media Attention and Further Sightings

The local paper, The Republic, ran a story about these two reports, with the police guessing it might be a “misguided hobgoblin with lousy timing.” But they advised residents to stay alert.

Three days after the story was printed, the monster was spotted again. Two local men visited Mill Race Park around 4 p.m. on Nov. 5. They spotted the creature lurking behind trees near the park’s covered bridge. The two young men gave the same description: a hairy beast that stood upright with a light green face. Despite the warning issued by the police, they decided to return to Mill Race Park that same night armed with a pair of binoculars. The two young men claimed that they were chased out of Mill Race Park by the monster. The men theorized to the police that the creature might have been accidentally left behind by the UFOs spotted in the early fall.

As The Republic newspaper continued to report the sightings, people gathered in Mill Race Park, hoping to see the creature themselves. The news of the Mill Race Monster began to spread as The Courier-Journal of Louisville, The Indianapolis Star, and the Chicago Tribune reported the monster sightings.

A Public Frenzy and a City’s Response

A local smart-ass politician even suggested that the monster was a publicity-seeking political candidate trying to begin an early run toward the 1976 election. Hilarious.

Another sighting came from city dog catcher Rick Duckworth and John Brown, who reported seeing the monster after being dispatched to the park to rescue two cats in a tree. They described the monster as a person wearing a green mask and wrapped in green blankets and spotted about 200 feet away from them. Duckworth said it was 6 feet tall, maybe taller, with a large frame and long reddish hair that hung in its face. But when Duckworth started to approach, it disappeared “as fast as a deer” into nearby woods. After the feline rescue, the cats took off “like bolts of lighting.” According to Duckworth, “They were really scared.” Duckworth said he would plan to shoot the being with a tranquilizer gun he carried for dogs.

Soon after, the park began to flood with mobs of people, some of whom had traveled miles to hunt for the creature. Many of these folks were armed as the situation devolved into a frenzy.

City officials became concerned for the safety of the public. They felt it necessary to take action before someone got seriously hurt.

Robert Gilligan, the city park director, found it necessary to close Mill Race Park and deem it off-limits to the public.

Police Officer Kenneth St. John was appointed “Monster Control Officer” to address the media’s questions and handle reports of the monster.

A Mystery Unresolved

After several weeks, with no further monster sightings and the fervor of monster hunters petered out, Mill Race Park reopened to the public.

So what happened in Mill Race Park in 1974? Was it a cryptid sighting? An unknown Sasquatch-like creature just trying to live its best life who wound up too close to a community? An exiled extraterrestrial left behind by a UFO? Or, as the late Harry McCawley, an editor at The Republic, suggested in his October 30, 2014, column on the 40th anniversary of the Mill Race Monster, it was a hoax that tarnished Columbus’ reputation and needed to die. I find it convenient that he left out of Duckworth’s account that he said the monster disappeared “as fast as a deer” into nearby woods—because that’s normal, right? When I’m dressed up like that whilst running (yes, I said whilst running), I can barely make the speed of a possum-trot and still wind up smashed mask first into a tree. So it looked like a man in a mask, but Duckworth was willing to shoot it with a tranquilizer upon his next sighting of Hairy—that’s logical, right? Seriously? But Harry did concede that the story does add a bit of kick to the city’s brand of “unexpected, unforgettable.”

The “Hoax” Theory and Public Skepticism

In 2015, Harry reiterated his “man in a blanket” theory on the “largest monster hunt in U.S. history” for a feature on Destination America’s Monsters and Mysteries in America episode. Harry said Sgt. Dennis Knulf had told him the monster was later discovered to be a young man who came forward years later and admitted he dressed in costume but was never arrested because he indeed never committed any crime. Uh-huh. Knulf is the same officer who also said, “We think it was someone playing a hoax, but we don’t know for sure,” adding that strange footprints were found by police sometime during that busy month in 1974.

Reflecting on the Past

So here we are, almost 50 years later. Let’s revisit what we know now after our crash course in all things Mill Race Monster. First off, as I said before, I was a baby still swaddled up in my drool and poo in November of ’74—so it wasn’t me, unfortunately.

Secondly, the area was a UFO sighting hotspot before the first appearance. Many cryptozoologists and ufologists see a correlation between UFO sightings and encounters with cryptids—Bigfoot, thunderbirds, black panthers, and a whole menagerie of other bizarre creature cases. Usually, these happen in the vicinity of high-energy sources. So you have a lot of instances around power plants, high-tension power lines, radio and broadcast communication towers, railroad tracks, gas lines, military bases, etc. Columbus, Indiana, checks a few of these boxes, especially considering the railroad tracks that follow the river through the park and Camp Atterbury’s proximity. Just sayin’.

Thirdly, I cannot confirm or deny what was behind the Mill Race Monster claims, but a hairy green something was sighted four times. Was it a cryptid? Maybe? That sounds exciting. Was it a hoax perpetrated by a young man, as city officials claim? Probably. But I do have a few questions. Harry, in his column, quipped that the first sighting happened during the day, which is not normal monster hours. I want to say that if monsters are real, to my knowledge, Harry wasn’t a cryptozoologist who studied the Hairy Green of Mill Race. Plus, globally, there have been countless cryptid sightings during the day. But, if the accounts were valid, I’d like to point out that the ladies who witnessed the monster should’ve been able to discern the difference between flesh and blood versus a 1970s Halloween mask. Have you watched horror movies from that period? Get real. And attacking women and damaging a car by jumping on the hood and leaving scratches are apparently not offenses that’ll get you arrested in Columbus, IN, either—even years later after the alleged man behind the mask came forward—and I don’t advocate testing that theory out.

Skepticism and City Inaction

That’s the part that gets me. People are willing to accept the hoax theory based on the words of the very employees who work for the city that wanted the Mill Race Monster hassle to disappear. Why did witnesses go to the police station to report a monster instead of saying a weirdo in a costume? And what about the strange footprints left behind? Why would a cop even mention that? When the dog catcher was dispatched to the park, if the monster was close enough to have had those two cats treed, why didn’t the caller note there was a monster standing under them with its dinner bib on? You saw two cats in a tree but didn’t notice the six-foot-plus creature? And why wouldn’t law enforcement at least brag a tad that the case was closed if someone came forward later, or at least dropped a hint to the newspaper, even if no arrest was made and that everything was copacetic? Was there a cover-up? Was it the mayor’s son or wife or something? The local priest? The CEO of Cummins Engine Company? It just feels like revisionist history to me.

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A Missed Opportunity for Columbus

So, as I said before, my fourth fact is that Columbus, Indiana, has completely dropped the ball on this. Why? It’s a huge opportunity. How so? I’m glad you asked. Towns are always looking for tourism dollars, and nothing smells more like money to me than celebrating the odd story of The Mill Race Monster. But, the city might have to turn its nostrils down enough to get a whiff of the green cash generated by this beautiful green bastard.

Case in point, let’s turn our attention to Point Pleasant, WV, for the perfect example. You’d have to be living under a rock to not at least have heard about The Mothman. In a quick summary, in mid-November 1966, in that small town of Point Pleasant, two young couples fled the local woods, claiming they’d seen a terrifying creature. They recounted their story to the sheriff and reported that the entity looked human in most respects—except for its 10-foot wings and glowing red eyes. During the next few days, other people reported similar sightings after local newspapers reported it. Two volunteer firemen who saw it said it was a “large bird with red eyes.” Mason County Sheriff George Johnson commented that he believed the sightings were due to an unusually large heron he termed a “shitepoke.” Some intriguing similarities, wouldn’t you say? More city officials were pissing down the backs of the people’s fun, I assume.

Learning from Point Pleasant

But here’s where the two tales go in totally different directions. As the city of Columbus willed its monster into historical absurdity, Point Pleasant hopped on the wings of The Mothman and flew on it. How so? Every year, they celebrate with The Mothman Festival, which draws 10,000-15,000 visitors, pumping money into the local community. They have a statue, they have a museum, and they put on a 5K race—all because of an obscure story that happened that nobody can genuinely prove.

The good news for The Mill Race Monster is that it’s not too late. We can start a Mill Race Monster Festival. We need to change the minds of the city of Columbus and let them see the value of embracing that smelly river ape. Plus, 2024 is the 50th Anniversary of the appearance of Mr. Hairy Green. First, we need a statue. Hell, put it opposite on the intersection facing Eos—our version of Beauty and the Beast, Bartholomew County style!

Planning a Mill Race Monster Festival

Secondly, we need a place to host it: Mill Race Park! Boom! Festival planning comes naturally to me—it’s a gift. A 5k run with participants dressed as the monster? Of course! And lastly, we need the city to plan, approve, and pay for this. Since they took the monster away, they should bring him back. They’d eventually loosen up enough to see the monetary value and the community benefits of having some silly, old-fashioned fun.

Columbus: Embrace the Beast!

Who honestly cares what happened? Let’s party! We can justify it as part of our local heritage. Seymour, Indiana, doesn’t have its own damn monster—not even close. What do they have? Lutherans? Nice try, Seymour. Greensburg, Indiana? Get outta here with your stupid shrub growing out of your courthouse tower. So what? We have a flippin’ monster! Columbus, give us our monster, I say, with my voice of pitchforks and torches! For Columbus to be unexpected, unforgettable—sprinkle it with some unexplainable. I dare you to see what happens.

A Call to Action: Vote for the Monster

As the citizens of Columbus head towards the polls on November 7th, 2023, they’ll be voting for the next mayor. Their choices are either Mary Ferdon, a Republican, or Sean Burton, an Independent. I encourage everyone in the city limits to contact both mayoral candidates NOW, before Election Day, and ask them if they’d support starting an annual Mill Race Monster Festival. If not, I wouldn’t vote for either. It would be better if everyone voted for The Mill Race Monster as a write-in for mayor. Even if the people’s will is defeated this round, if we continue this fight in the ballot box, even if it takes years, Hairy Green will eventually come out on top—with a proper festival. After all, monster stories last forever, no matter if you’ve stopped looking under your beds at night.

Besides, not counting that burgomaster creature of a different hue from a few years back, Columbus has never had an incredibly cool monster in City Hall.

Carpe diem, Columbus, Indiana!

And long live The Mill Race Monster!

— Evel Ogilville

#KeepItMeanWithHairyGreen

#MillRaceMonsterFest

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Timeline:

Mill Race Monster

(also known as (Hairy Green) Monster of Mill Race Park)
Mill Race Park, Columbus, Indiana

Spotted at least four times in eight days during November 1974:

Nov. 1 – Two separate incidents of “beast” sighting in park reported to police. Described by two groups of women as large, green, hairy, clawed and walking upright at about 6 feet tall. First sighting of “the thing” by pair of women in afternoon near paved boat ramp to White River. During late evening another group of women saw something similar and reported it pounded on car and jumped on hood, leaving scratch/paw marks in the paint before disappearing into woods near where Driftwood and Flatrock rivers meet to form East Fork of White River. Officers searched area, but nothing located. 

Nov. 5 – A large, hairy “thing” hiding behind trees near park’s covered bridge sighted by pair of men in late afternoon and again near midnight when they had returned with binoculars to try for closer look. Claimed to have been chased from park by the monster and reported to sheriff’s department. One of men suggested monster had been left in the park earlier in the fall by visitors from another planet. Timing of sightings coincided with reports of UFOs over much of Midwest, including Columbus. Another explanation was publicity-seeking political candidate. 

Some believed monster hiding in lagoon at mouth of Flatrock or in lair in dense woods by park. Over the following week, dozens of “monster hunters” descended to park on foot and in cars, some armed with knives, clubs and guns, searching park at west end of Fifth Street along White River. Prompted warnings from authorities who feared both harm to hunters and suspected prankster posing as the monster. 

Nov. 8 – City dog catcher Rick Duckworth with John Brown reported sighting after dispatched to park to rescue two cats in tree, described as person wearing green mask and wrapped in green blankets seen about 200 feet away from them. Duckworth said 6 feet tall, maybe taller, large frame and long reddish hair that hung in face. When Duckworth started to approach, disappeared “as fast as a deer” into nearby woods. After rescue, cats took off “like bolts of lighting.” According to Duckworth, “they were really scared.” Duckworth said he would plan to shoot the being with a tranquilizer gun.

Woman called police after hearing noises in garage and son claiming to have seen the monster, which “escaped” before officers arrived.

The Republic’s Nov. 12 editorial “Enough’s Enough” critical of what started as “lark” with first sightings of “green, scaly being emerging from waters in and around Mill Race Park” but that escalated to a dangerous disturbance.

Nov. 14 Letter to Editor from “A Concerned Reader” followed, encouraging the public to ignore the attention-seeker: “If every one of those silly fools out looking for ‘it’ would all stay away for a while, ‘it’ would realize what an ass he or she is making of themselves and quit this silly masquerade.”

Descriptions of creature’s stature ranged from a man to as large as Bigfoot.

Park grounds barricaded and announced closed from dusk to dawn indefinitely after expected throng of curiosity-seekers arrive. More than 135 cars counted in park on following Friday night, and dozens turned away by police over weekend. “The closing is not because of the monster, but because of the potential danger and injury to persons looking for it,” said Parks Director Robert Gillikin.

Police Officer Kenneth St. John designated “Monster Control Officer” to field out-of-town media queries on the “monstrous situation.”

“Monster Roast” on Nov. 20 agenda for meeting of Mill Race Park Committee though by then it hadn’t been heard from in while.

In revisiting the story of the years:

“We think it was someone playing a hoax, but we don’t know for sure,” said Sgt. Dennis Knulf, adding that strange footprints were found by police sometime during that busy month in 1974.

In a 1993 revisiting of the story, one of the unnamed women who had reported the monster said it didn’t look like it was wearing a mask to her.

“The big, black blurry-looking thing came toward the car. It’s face was pale-looking. It had long fingernails like claws – and fangs. The face was a greenish-white – really yucky looking.”

Republic editor Harry McCawley recalled in 2015 the “largest monster hunt in U.S. history” for feature on Destination America “Monsters and Mysteries in America” episode. McCawley said Knulf had told him the monster was discovered to be young man who came forward years later and admitted dressed in costume.

Story eventually died out but resurfaces occasionally as urban legend.

Sources:

Special thanks to Eunice Specter for her research. And a shoutout to cryptozoologist Chris McDaniel and his book, Spooky Reports of Strange Encounters, for keeping the legend of Hairy Green going.

(The Republic: 11/2/74; 11/6/74; 11/8/74; 11/9/74; 11/11/74; 11/12/74; 11/20/74; 10/31/93; 10/31/03; 10/30/14; 3/12/2015; Indianapolis Star: 11/9/74; 11/10/74)

Exploring the Mysteries of Browning Hill: Indiana’s Stonehenge

There’s something to be said about stopping and looking right under your nose. We’ve gotten so distracted by our phones and the Internet that our immediate spatial presence feels wholly corrupted. I’m guilty of this. I’m guilty of looking under my nose but only at a blue screen. This realization hit me hard recently when I found myself disconnected from the wonders around me, including the mystery that lay just a short hike away—Browning Mountain.

Browning Mountain: A Dismissive Start

I’ve heard of this Browning Mountain for 48 years (that’s how old I am). It’s a big hill with big rocks in Brown County, Indiana. So fucking what? If they call that hill a mountain when it’s just a damn hill, then how unimpressive will the rocks be at the top of it? Gravel? My dismissive nature of this location couldn’t have been more shortsighted. My son, however, saw something in it that I hadn’t, and his enthusiasm was contagious.

The Hike: An Eye-Opening Experience

My son was the first to hike up there. He came back pretty enthusiastic over the high strangeness of the stones. As a budding archeology student, he was not only blown away by the size of the stones but their odd placement on the hillside as well. His excitement piqued my curiosity, and, despite my initial skepticism, I decided to see it for myself. First of all, it’s not a leisurely stroll—wear some hiking boots. Secondly, don’t go up there with an ankle brace, but that’s another story for another time that involves Jamaica, COVID-19, and a disc golf tragedy. But, listen, when I finally went and reached the stones, I was unprepared for the level of excitement that coursed through my veins.

The Stones: Indiana’s Stonehenge

The rocks were massive. The rocks were many. It seemed I’d vastly underrated what’s often referred to as Indiana’s Stonehenge. These weren’t just boulders—they were massive, arranged in ways that defied easy explanation. Once you dig a little deeper into the details of this site and you find these stones are not even indigenous to the area, the implications of their origins begin to feel esoteric. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was this a sacred site to the native tribes that once lived here? Or maybe a civilization older than that?

Legends and Theories: A Tapestry of Mysteries

The mystery deepened with the stories I began to uncover. Were these stones simply regurgitated on this hillside due to a burping glacier? Did some crazy settlers with obviously herniated spines drag them up there? The more I learned, the more I realized that Browning Hill wasn’t just a geological oddity—it was a place steeped in legend and lore. Paranormal reports—a guardian spirit said to be protecting the site, men dying while trying to remove the stones, Sasquatch and UFO sightings—all added layers to the enigma.

The Paranormal: Unplugging for a Different Kind of Connection

Armed with my son’s enthusiasm and a couple of ITC devices, I decided to unplug myself from the artificial electronic web we’re all stuck in and connect with the mysteries of this place. What I found was more than just strange stones—it was a connection to something ancient and unexplained. As I conducted a brief session, I couldn’t help but feel that Browning Hill was brimming with the unexpected promise of quandaries to unravel.

Conclusion: A Reminder to Stay Present

I’m so glad I went. I’m happy I stuck a couple of ITC devices in my pocket to do a brief session. But most of all, I’m glad I unplugged myself long enough from the artificial electronic web we’re all stuck in to go on a hike to explore, to spend time with my son and to seek out this crazy place at the end of a dead-end road that sits overlooking an abandoned ghost town. Yes, this is all true. In a world where our attention is constantly pulled in every direction, it’s important to remember the value of staying present and exploring the mysteries that are right under our noses — if we widen our vision. Remember always to let your wonder light your wander. And in the immortal lyrics of the R.E.M. song Stand:

If you are confused, check with the sun

Carry a compass to help you along

Your feet are going to be on the ground

Your head is there to move you around

So, stand in the place where you live.

Now face north.

Think about direction,

wonder why you haven’t before.

God, I hate that fucking song.

— Evel Ogilville

P.S. If you want to add some wow to your now, learn to put down your phone. But if you’re reading this post, I’ll not begrudge your screen time this once—peace out.

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Browning Mountain

(Also referred to as Browning Hill, “Indiana’s Stonehenge”)
Approximately 4 miles southwest of Story (Elkinsville and Combs Road)
Brown County, Indiana

Approximate 1,190-acre section of land in southernmost part of Brown County; 928-foot peak, one of county’s highest, named special area of Hoosier National Forest. Edge of summit reveals mystery of massive stone blocks in various arrangements along hill’s western edge overlooking Salt Creek Middle Fork Valley, each likely weighing hundreds of pounds, with origins unclear

Descriptions:

Location of stones

• “About a mile and half south of Elkinsville is located what has been called Browning Hill.Here the “Devil’s Tombstones” were located a half-century ago (Brown County Democrat, 1/17/1963)

• The hill where the odd formations sometimes called “Moon Rocks” may be found (Brown County Democrat, 6/28/1995)

• Geologist John Collett’s 1875 “Geology of Brown County” details Browning’s Knob, surmounted by a steep almost precipitous ascent with fragments of Keokuk limestone and chert, which once covered the region, on upper part and sides. “Grand cubes three by four feet and pillars three by four by twenty feet long, ready squared and dressed as from a giants workshop, are scattered along the crest of the hill.”

• Rocks line top of hill and down one path 

Size, appearance, arrangement of stones

• Huge slabs of sandstone, some fifteen feet long and four feet thick (Brown County Democrat, 1/17/1963)

• Giant pieces of limestone form rectangle 100 by 200 feet, each varying in length from seven to 21 feet; some appear to have been set in pillars and without exception have fallen to north (Terre Haute Tribune, 1/25/1976)  

• “Indiana’s Stonehenge”: Arrangement of car-size stones has drawn comparisons to the famous ring of standing stones in England

• Rocks average between seven and eight feet long and about four feet square at ends. All point north and most lie side by side, giving effect of huge amphitheater when standing above them (Brown County Democrat, 10/26/1983)

• Large square blocks of light-colored stone that contrast with sandstone at lower elevations; two long sides surrounding the open center with large stone at “head,”appearing to some as ceremonial altar(Journal and Courier, 10/22/2006)

• Some stones built up like wall, others strewn about the side of the hill; six to eight feet in length, hewn with right angles; ring of large stones/slabs of Keokuk limestoneresemble pulpit; many stones may have been erect at some point and site later desecrated by vandals and erosion (Reporter-Times, 11/18/2012, 11/25/2012)

Additional features of site

• Well, still containing water, on northeast part of hill covered in two slabs of stone, reported constructed in an old structural technique, carved from bedrock to surface and cut through several feet of siltstone. May have been Native American, later modified by settlers (Brown County Democrat, 1/10/2001; Reporter-Times, 11/25/2012)

• Remains of cabin believed to be first in Brown County, also recognized as home of last Native American who lived in area, as well as parts of several other homesteads can be found (Brown County Democrat, 6/11/2014)

• Rocks set on side of mountain suggest remains of root or apple cellar, remains of foundation (Brown County Democrat, 1/10/2001)

• Browning Apple Orchard (circa late 1800s), cabin and shed recorded on hill; fruit stored in cellar, also thought to have been used for threshing/storing grains by Native Americans (Brown County Democrat, 6/11/2014; Reporter-Times, 11/25/2012)

• Pond located on mountaintop, perhaps created by bears. Nearby larger pond created for wildlife decades earlier by DNR (Brown County Democrat, 6/11/2014)

Popular legends, folklore

• Legend of mountain as hunting area for Native Americans; trail ascending hill believed Native American

• “The Watcher”: Native American spirit said to watch over site, causing many accidents during early attempts made to quarry stones. Ghosts of men who died while disturbing stones said to haunt mountain

•  Late at night ghosts of the old stone cutters roam the hill, rattling log chains that snapped and killed them when trying to remove rocks (Cross)

• Tales of failed attempts to remove stones and mechanical mishaps that resulted in deaths of several workers (Reporter Times, 11/25/2012) 

•  Legend of two men killed trying to move rocks; one crushed by tractor, the other caught between two rocks (Brown County Democrat, 10/26/1983)

• Important location for area Miami tribes, “keeper of the mountain” who protects the area

• Archaeologists from South America said to have traveled to site to determine if ruins archeological or geological but “returned in as much doubt as when they came” (Indianapolis News, 11/20/1950)

• In 1930s, men from Chicago said to have inspected the stones offered owner of cabin/hill Thomas Morton Browning huge sum of money for farm; when he asked for more, partly in jest, they asked for time to consider and upon making new offer, Browning turned it down, having “learned they were gangsters” (Indianapolis News, 11/20/1950)

• Strange lights, sounds at site

• Suggestion of evidence of ice cave

• UFO sightings on hill

• Sounds of voices, footsteps

• Site for scattering of loved ones’ ashes

Theories, arguments

• Notion of stones as artifacts from an earlier civilization gained popularity when outdoor life columnist who visited with then-owner of log cabin at foot of hill, Thomas Morton Browning, in 1950. Columnist William “Tubby” Toms described stones as cut to size and arranged in rectangle 100-by-200 feet, comparing them to similar “Salisbury Plain” (Stonehenge) and designating site as “Indiana’s Stonehenge … one of the wonders of Indiana” (Indianapolis News, 11/20/1950; Brown County Democrat, 8/10/1977)

• 1977 report by Indiana State Geological Survey asserted huge stones result of natural processes. Indiana University Astronomy Department also concluded formation without astrological significance. After reprinting of earlier “Tubby” Toms column (see above) generated interest, scientists examined whether hill site of early abandoned quarry and if possibility of such a stone structure indicated knowledge of astronomy by early inhabitants. Parties reported that while stones roughly size and shape as Toms described, “an ample imagination was required to discern the rectangular arrangement.” Scientific conclusion was that stone blocks natural result of weathering, erosion and slumping from outcropping of siltstone (Brown County Democrat, 8/10/1977)  

• Later 1987 report by folklore student Lee Irwin refuted some of earlier study findings, notably that Browning Hill was heavily quarried in 1958-59 and stone removed by local “Stoneman” Charles Murphy, and that older residents recalled stone wall on western and southern slopes stacked two to three high. Also believed existing well may have drawn new settlement; similar prehistoric structures found elsewhere in state, as well as those with stones in similar solstice (alignment with sun on shortest, longest days of year) orientations and fallen walls. May suggest marking locations of winter and summer migrating tribes. Study did not propose single theory for all of hill’s features

• Native American ritual, ceremonial site; if stones put there by Native Americans or others, question of how they were transported to location

• Bed of limestone laid when county covered by sea then broken and tossed when waters receded

• Keokuk limestone thought to have once covered area and receding glaciers carried much of it away; stones left from natural formations

• Disagreement over type of sandstone/stone/outcropping of limestone near top indigenous to region or unusual for Brown County

• Stones thought to have once actually been part of massive wall that lined mountain, standing two or three layers high and with few open spots like a fort (Brown County Democrat, 1/10/2001)

• Stories of Native American family who lived on hill and used fort for protection; Indians worshipped on grounds and arranged rocks (Brown County Democrat, 1/10/2001)

• Round stones size of baseballs thought to have been used in Native American games

• Some argue stones show no signs of being hewn but weathering makes determination of whether cut impossible

• Some believe slabs quarried by an early settler and left behind when better source found

• Some rocks believed look as though placed in specific arrangement

• Studies of alignments oriented to winter and summer solstices (Brown County Democrat, 1/10/2001)

Carvings

• Visitors report finding mysterious carvings on stones

• “May 11, 1884” (Brown County Democrat, 4/20/2011)

• Circle on large broken rock (Brown County Democrat, 6/11/2014)

•  “Here lies John Baurle, Born 7/31/47, Died 9/14/52” (Journal and Courier, 10/22/2006)

Tragedies

• Missing hunter Steven L. Weaver, 39, found dead from accidental gunshot wound, near his camp on backside of Browning Mountain (The Republic, 12/16/1986)

Historic Timeline

• Accounts of Native Americans living in area during founding of Brown County; in 1821 local tribes removed from area; several families said to have settled on hill, including the Brownings (Reporter-Times, 11/25/2012)

• Native Americans said to still visit site

• Hill named for Jessie P. Browning, owner during Civil War days (Brown County Democrat, 10/5/1961)

• Mort Browning and Carl Hall later owners of farm property that included Browning Mountain; original home near bottom believed built by Brownings in 1892

• Current property owner Bill Miller conveyed hill to Nature Conservancy, transfer from private to public completed in 1993. Peak designated“special area” of Hoosier National Forest; land denoted as such must contain unusual or unique features and managed to protect such characteristics. Hill’s status designated in part because of relatively undisturbed and old growth woods; forest contains trees of noteworthy size and the ridgetop containing features that have “never been scientifically explained” (Brown County Democrat, 1/10/2001)

Elkinsville

Village, once located in Browning Mountain’s shadow, lost in 1960s to U.S. government througheminent domain with construction of Lake Monroe and dam and the need for land for flood control. Former community continues to hold annual reunion near hill

Yellowwood State Forest rock reports

“Gobbler’s/Turkey Rock” discovered by hunter tracking wild turkey who found bird perched on huge rock about 80 feet up in branches of chestnut oak tree. Theories of nearby blasting or tornado as cause could not be substantiated. Tree uprooted in 2006 but said rock lies on ground still in oak’s branches. Hikers subsequently reported more sightings of treetop boulders in the Brown County state forest

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Sources:

1. “About a Mile and Half South of Elkinsville Is Located What Has Been Called Browning Hill. Here the ‘Devil’s Tombstones’ Were Located a Half-Century Ago.” Brown County Democrat, 17 Jan. 1963.

2. “The Hill Where the Odd Formations Sometimes Called ‘Moon Rocks’ May Be Found.” Brown County Democrat, 28 June 1995.

3. “Geology of Brown County.” Terre Haute Tribune, 25 Jan. 1976.

4. Collett, John. Geology of Brown County. Geological Survey of Indiana, 1875.

5. “Indiana’s Stonehenge: Browning Hill’s Mystery Stones.” Journal and Courier, 22 Oct. 2006.

6. “Giant Stones Create Mystery.” Brown County Democrat, 26 Oct. 1983.

7. “Remains of Cabin Believed to Be First in Brown County.” Brown County Democrat, 11 June 2014.

8. “The History of Browning Hill.” Reporter-Times, 18 Nov. 2012.

9. “Mysteries Surround Browning Mountain.” Indianapolis News, 20 Nov. 1950.

10. Thomas, Phyllis. Indiana Off the Beaten Path. Rowman & Littlefield, 2019.

11. Cross, Robert. “The Dusty Road Leads to Elkinsville.” Indianapolis Monthly, 2010.

12. “Geology of Browning’s Knob.” Geological Survey of Indiana, 1875.

— Thank you to Eunice Specter for the amazing historical digging!