A Haunting Viewpoint
A Haunting Viewpoint
A Haunting in Columbus, Indiana
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.
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.
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