A Haunting Viewpoint | Chapter 2
Exploring the Paranormal Legacy of 425 Washington Street: EVPs, ITC, and the Hidden Hauntings of Downtown Columbus, Indiana
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.
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
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:
