The VERY Haunted HMS Queen Mary Luxury Liner – Long Beach, CA

04 Monday Nov 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in CA, Haunted Attractions, Haunted Bed and Breakfast Locations, Haunted Hotels, Haunted Ships, Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

American Hauntings, Apparitions, Atlantic Luxury Cruise Ships, Bob Hope, Clark Gable, Clydebank, Clydebank Scotland, Curacoa Sinks, Duke of Windsor, Dutchess of Windsor, EVPs, floating hotel, Ghost, Ghost Encounters, ghost experiences, ghosts in America, Half Hatch Harry, Halloween, haunted, Haunted places, Haunted Ship, Investigators, Jackie Torin, Jacqueline Torin, John Henry, John Pedder, life after death, Long Beach CA, Luxery Ocean Liner, MaryQueen, Ocean liner, Paranormal, Paranormal Activity, Paranormal Investigations, Places and Hauntings, Queen Mary, Queen Mary Shadows, RMS Queen Mary, Robert Wlodarski, Ship, Southampton, United States, W. E. Stark, William Stark, Winston Churchill, WWII, WWII Carrier, WWII Curacoa Ship Disaster, WWII Troop Transport

Construction of this massive vessel, later named “The Queen Mary,” began in 1930 in Clydebank, Scotland. It’s maiden voyage began on May 27,1936, leaving from Southampton, England.

For the first 3 years it was used as a luxury liner, playing host to many high society guests such as Bob Hope, Clark Gable, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Winston Churchill.

The Ship is Transformed During WWII

For nearly 8 years the ship was used by the military for transporting troops to battle. She was re-painted grey and all the luxury amenities were removed to accommodate its passengers for a new mission. It was large enough to hold 16,000 troops and crew members and traveled at an impressive speed of 30 knots.

It’s Return as a Luxury Liner

The Queen Mary set sail across the Atlantic once again as a luxury liner starting on July 21, 1947 after its 10 month restoration process and continued its journey’s until it was docked at its final resting spot in Long Beach, CA, 22 plus years later on December 9, 1969. Air travel began to be the easier and faster way to travel, causing a decrease in the need for the number of luxury ships. She is now used as a floating hotel, an attraction and an event and wedding venue and is home to 3 world-class restaurants.

Deaths Aboard the Queen Mary

There were 49 recorded deaths aboard the Queen Mary but there have been many more spirits recorded on the ship. Due to security reasons, records were not kept well during the war and many deaths occurred due to the extreme heat the soldiers had to endure. A great number of soldiers also jumped ship in New York. There was no way to tell how many survived and made it to shore. Since the ship has been permanently docked there has been at least 1 suicide, a woman jumped over the railing to her death.

The Old Kitchen Area

Screams can be heard coming from the kitchen area, with good cause. It has been said that there was a cook who angered the soldiers so badly during WWII for making terrible meals that they cooked him to death in his own oven.

Door #13 in Shaft Alley

John Pedder, nicknamed, “Half Hatch Harry,” is one of the most famous ghosts on the ship. This young man was an 18-year-old fireman who was crushed by door #13 during a drill in 1966. There are several of scenarios speculated to why he would have been crushed by the door that took a full 60 seconds to close, but none of the theories can be backed by documented proof. He is said to still be roaming the ship and is recognizable by his 1960’s crewman attire. He is very popular with visitors as a great number of people have reported an encounter with him. They have even reported to have found grease in hand print form from unseen hands and to have had their clothing or purses tugged on.

Room B-474, Archives, 2nd Class Pool and Cargo Area

Poor Dana. She and her entire family were murdered by her father. Her two sisters and mother were found in room B-474, strangled on the beds and Dana and her father died of gun shot wounds in the bathroom. Dana likes to play in the archives and cargo area. She has also been said to have been found possibly near the second class pool, calling for her mother.

Room #340

A staff member was murdered in this room and they no longer rent it out to guests. The activity became too disturbing to guests so they leave the ghost of the victim alone. Before closing off the room, things would fly across the room, sheets were thrown off the bed and faucets would turn on an off by themselves.

The Boiler Area

John Henry once worked in the boiler room. His remains were found just outside this area. His apparition has been seen in the boiler and green room area.

The boiler area is also frequented by “Grumpy,” Dana and another spirit, Cary.

The First Class Pool Area & Second Class Pool Area (Now the Royal Theater)

The pool areas seem to be a great place for the spirits to converge. They hold a great deal of activity. May spirits like to frolic, play and cause a great deal of commotion in these areas. If you visit, keep your senses alert for an encounter with the following spirits there, Jackie, Sarah, a woman in a bathing suit, “Grumpy,” Jeremy, Jack and Terrance.

Jacqueline Torin, “Jackie” was about 5 or 6 when she drowned in the second class pool, which is now the site of the Royal Theater. She haunts that area and the first class pool area. She is a very playful and strong spirit. She calls for both of her parents, sings, dances and even answers questions audibly. She has a friend with her who protects her. Her name is Sarah and she is a little older, about 6-8. Sarah drowned in the pool as well in the year 1949. She is a little more aggressive in spirit.

A young boy called Jeremy has been heard by one of the paranormal investigators, playing with Jackie. He can be heard giggling, laughing and speaking.

A woman in a bathing suit also frequents the pool area on both the upper and lower decks. She looks to be in her late 20’s or early 30’s and wears a bathing suit consistent with the 1930’s time period. Perhaps it is her who is leaving phantom wet footprints and unexplainable puddles on the pool deck.

There is an angry spirit lurking in this area as well. He has been heard growling at people. His real identity is unknown. He also wanders to the boiler room and the halls leading to the pool area. He was nicknamed, “Grumpy,” by one of the paranormal investigators.

Jack and Terrance are usually together in the 1st class pool area. They like to tug on clothing and have been heard saying their names. These two WWII soldiers may stick together because they may have passed together.

David and Sarah are looking for their children and have made contact with one investigator by the name of Robert Wlodarski through a seance. They will answer questions if addressed by name and usually travel together.

Lobby Area

The author of “Queen Mary Shadows,” where I found a great portion of the information on the spirits who haunt the Queen Mary, states that her and her daughter both, at the same time, saw a man they call, ” Fedora Dude.” He was seen in the lobby area and took off down a hallway. He was a very tall, creepy man with yellow teeth, wearing what she describes as a “zoot suit” and yellow Fedora.

You may also have an encounter with the Lady in the white evening gown here.

The Queen’s Salon

The Queen’s Salon is also frequented by the lady in a white evening gown, who has been seen dancing to music that cannot be detected by the human ear. She also heads over to the main lobby to be closer to the piano.

Captain’s Cabin, Promenade and the Main Deck

One of the ships officers, William E. Stark, was an entertainer. He was waiting for other officers to arrive and decided to have a drink. There was no Gin in the Gin bottle he grabbed. It was actually filled with cleaning fluid. Stark did not realize its contents until it was much too late. He became very ill over the 4 days that followed and died on the ship. He frequents the Captain’s cabin on the main deck as well as the Promenade. If you happen to hear choking noises whilst aboard, only to turn and no one is there, you would not be alone.

Daniel is about 5 or 6 and he too has been seen in the Promenade area looking for his parents. He is a wanderer though and has also been seen near the stairway near the shops, and observation bar. He is dressed in blue Edwardian clothing and has been nicknamed, “The Blue Boy,” because of it.

Sir Winston’s Bar Area

“The Dude,” has been nicknamed as such because of the way he looks. He is impeccably dressed in this top hat and tails and has his hair slicked back. He is known for sneaking up behind unsuspecting patrons in Sir Winston’s bar area. He clears his throat while standing behind the living to get their attention. Once he has accomplished this, he disappears through a wall into the men’s room.

The Ship’s Nursery

This area is still home to very old toys and trinkets. Children can be heard crying and playing here as if they never aged.

The WWII Curacoa Ship Disaster

On October 2, 1942 the Queen Mary was doing an evasive measure, zig-zagging in front of the HMS Curacoa, colliding and butter her in half. The ship sank in 6 minutes killing all 300 crew members. This damaged the bow of the Queen Mary where screams, rushing water and sounds of ripping metal can be heard. It is uncertain if any of the 300 who drowned in this disaster have boarded the Queen Mary in spirit.

Paranormal Evidence

There is a great deal of evidence online to support the fact that the Queen Mary is haunted. Once you board the ship, your fully charged phone or camcorders may drain, orbs may taunt you by dancing in front of you, and you may come across any of the above spirits listed or many others.

In the video below (Source #2), you will notice that a tour guide, interviewer and camera person walked in on an entity communicating by turning a light off and on.

In another YouTube video (Source #1), a mother and daughters are staying in a newly refurbished room on the ship that had not been occupied in many years. They capture several orbs on tape as well as mysterious phone activity and draining batteries.

Ghost Encounters (Source #3) captured some strange, loud noises on camera. Noises that one employee from the ship states she has never heard before and she is quite familiar with all the sounds in that area of the ship. They also caught an intelligent response, possibly from “Jackie,” when they proclaimed they had to leave.

For additional videos and resource information, paste the URLs below in a new tab.

Tours

If you are thinking of heading there for a one-of-a-kind ghost encounter of your own, you can take one of the many tours they offer, including, The Ghosts and Legend Tour, a Haunted Encounters Tour or a Self Guided Tour. If that doesn’t sound quite what you are looking for, you can choose one of the night tours, all geared toward seeking the existence of the paranormal. There is even one tour that lends you tools of the trade to assist you in capturing your own ghostly evidence. For more information on all the tours they offer, you can check out their website, http://www.QueenMary.com. In all fairness, expect an extra guest or two to join you on your tour group!

Learn more about other haunted locations and read about my own ghostly adventures and experiences by checking out the side bar.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Don’t forget to follow this blog and like my Facebook page, Where The Ghosts Live – The Haunted United States, for more.

Sources:

“Haunted Queen Mary, Best Video Proof of Paranormal Activity” YouTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63FW7f-ywrw
“The Queen Mary is Truly Haunted” YouTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN5LtqKcm7s
“Ghost Encouters Official Teaser(www.anthe,dvd.com)” YouTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxBxwPXFHa4
Queen Mary Official Website – http://www.QueenMary.com
Los Angeles Times Article, ” Voyage of the Ghost Ship Queen Mary” by Paul Dean http://articles.latimes.com/1988-06-11/news/vw-4030_1_ship-queen-mary
“An Encounter with John Pedder” Paranormal Experiences Blog by Nicole Strickland http://www.spiritedqueenmary.com/2/post/2013/02/an-encounter-with-john-pedder.html
Queen Mary Shadows – Website “The Queen Mary Spirits” http://www.queenmaryshadows.com/spirits.html
RMS Queen Mary Haunted Ship Website http://www.queenmarycruises.net/queen-mary-ship-haunted/

The Origins of Halloween

28 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Halloween Party Planning, Uncategorized

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

All Souls Day, Celts, Halloween, New England, Pope Boniface IV, Samhain, United States

Have you ever thought of the origins of Halloween, where and why it all began as well and why we celebrate it in the United States the way we do? I have compiled what I believe, to be some very fascinating facts about the evolution of how Halloween came to be what it is today.

(This will be my last off-topic post here for a while. I prefer to focus on the history of true haunted locations and the experiences the living are having with the paranormal and the how and why of it all.)

The Earliest Origins

It began approximately 2,000 years ago, the ancient Celtic festival of “Samhain,” marked a new year for the area of what is now Ireland, the U.K. and Northern France. The celebration marked the end of the summer season, the death of the harvesting period and beginning of winter. It took place on November 1st. This was also the time of year human death tolls increased.

The Celts believed that on October 31, ghosts of the deceased returned to earth to cause trouble and damage crops. The belief of the time was that these spirits communicated with the priests during this time period and helped them better predict the future which gave them great comfort.

The Priests (called Druids), would mark the celebration by gathering with the Celts and burning crops and animals as an offering for the spirits. They would adorn animal heads and skins during the celebration and attempt to contact these spirits and communicate the future of those around them. They would continue the celebration in front of their own hearths by lighting them from the sacred bonfire. Their belief was that it would help protect them during the long winter months.

How the Rule of the Roman Empire Changed This Celebration

The Celtic territory was conquered by the Roman Empire by 43 A.D. and during the 400 year rule, the Roman festivals of “Feralia,” the celebration of the passing of the dead and “Pomona,” the celebration of the Goddess of fruit and trees were combined with the Celtic celebration, which is most likely where bobbing for apples comes into play.

The Catholic Church Gets Involved

According to History.com, “On May 13, 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honor of all Christian martyrs, and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day was established in the Western church. Pope Gregory III (731–741) later expanded the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs, and moved the observance from May 13 to November 2.” The church later dedicated November 1st as “All Souls Day,” also referred to as, ” All-hallows,” or “All-hallowmas,” in the year 1000. Once it became a church holiday, people celebrated in similar ways as the Celts did but the costumes extended to include saints, angels and devils.

Halloween in America

Halloween was celebrated by the Pioneers in Maryland and areas south much more than the New England area due to Protestant beliefs. As the beliefs of the Europeans came together with the Indians, the celebrations came to include gatherings where the attendees would celebrate the harvest by telling stories of the dead and each others’ fortunes and incorporated singing and dancing.

Halloween as we know it today came about nationally during the 1800’s with the influx of Irish Immigrants. Irish and English traditions meshed together and people would dress up and go house to house asking for money or food.

By the beginning of the 20th century there was a movement to make it a national holiday centered more around neighborhood gatherings and away from celebrating pranks, witchcraft and ghosts. Leaders and newspapers spread the word that they wanted all things scary removed from the holiday’s celebrations.

Between the 1920’s-1950’s the older practices of celebrating Halloween were embraced once again. Families believed they could prevent tricks being played on them by passing out candy to the small children.

If you have enjoyed this post, feel free to share it. If you would like to stroll through several haunted locations and learn more about their history, who may be haunting them and video evidence of paranormal activity, peruse this site by heading over to the sidebar for more.

Thank you for stopping by,

Missy Bell

Sources:

History.com – Topics on Halloween
Live Science.com
Picture from Overthebigmoon.com

Spookyworld Nightmare New England – Litchfield, NH

26 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Haunted Attractions, NH

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Bishop, Halloween, Haunted attraction, Litchfield, Litchfield New Hampshire, Merrimack River, New England, Spookyworld, Spookyworld Litchfield NH, United States

“Top Haunts Magazine” voted Spookyworld Nightmare New England in Litchfield, NH the best haunted house in the world for 2013 and the official site states it’s the “largest most terrifying haunted destination in the Northeast.” It has 5 haunted attractions and several eateries and bars included on site.

A large group of us are headed there tomorrow evening so I thought I would report here on what we can expect. I will touch base after with some pictures, and tales of horrors if we survive.

I took a look at what Spookyworld has to offer at this location (there are 2, the other being in RI). Perhaps if I’m more prepared, I will be less startled. I doubt it. As I’ve mentioned many times over in comments on this site, I am more afraid of the living than I am of the dead.

Visitors can expect to have free reign of the newly expanded Monster Midway, but know you aren’t alone. The living dead accompanies you on your adventure and may sneak up on you at any moment. This is where you will find many attractions. There will be several sideshow attractions, music, Zombie paintball, Go-Kart racing, Mini-Golf, Batting Cages, concessions, tarot card readings and a fire-pit.

All that sounds like fantastic, but add into the mix 5 different attractions to choose from with the possibility of new ones having been added, and you are sure to have a “spooktacular” time.

You will find the following attractions included with your admission (to find prices, head to the official webpage listed in the source area. For discount coupons, visit a Dunkin’ Donuts prior to arrival.)

The Bishop Legacy – Brigham Manor

Brigham Manor is the home of the legendary Bishop family. As the fictional tale goes, the family who built this home on the banks of the Merrimack River only ventured out at night and kept mostly to themselves. After many people went missing and two cars belonging to several missing teens were found abandoned adjacent to their land, this Halloween-loving family who were reportedly partial to dark rituals was arrested. It is said that the Bishop family has returned to haunt the home and the living members are back, ready to capture any new and unsuspecting guests.

Raven’s Claw Resurrection

Beware as you venture deep into the woods in the cemetery. Watch your step as you pass by freshly dug graves. Be ready to encounter a zombie or corpse as you pass gravestones, crypts and mausoleums.

Riverside Hospital

Riverside was turned into a psychiatric hospital to accommodate the many tormented souls who visited the Bishop estate to check out the property. It didn’t take long for the hospital to be overfilled and understaffed. When the Bishop Family returned, they paid the hospital a visit. They cut all power, trapping the patients inside. Travel through these halls with the light of a single glow stick and be prepared to hear the echos (or are they echos?) of the screaming residents.

The Colony

Take a walk through the woods along the Merrimack if you dare. You may encounter members of “The Colony” who walk the darkness, away from the rest of society.

Freak Show in 3 D

“Enter the mind-bending labyrinth of 3-D Freak Show where a mutant army of freaks, evil clowns, and starving zombies reign supreme.” Find your way through several obstacles while trying to avoid the monsters in the dark.

According to the official website, other attractions were being added as well.

Click below to view the Spookyworld & Nightmare New England Trailer 3

Check out the followup post to this one in which I review our visit to this location: Spookyworld – Our Visit and Review.

If you have been to this location, please feel free to share your experiences in the comment section. Also head over to the sidebar for fascinating stories of some TRULY haunted locations.

Happy Halloween!!

Missy Bell

Sources:

Spookyworld & Nightmare New England Trailer 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=318x1Dz5fNo
Official Spookyworld Website: http://nightmarenewengland.com/index.html

Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, PA

25 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Halloween Attractions, Haunted Jails and Penitentiaries, PA

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Al Capone, American Hauntings, Apparitions, banging noises, Death, Eastern State Penitentiary, EVPs, Ghost, Ghost Adventures, ghost experiences, Ghosts, ghosts in America, Halloween, Haunted places, hauntings, Investigators, life after death, Paranormal, Paranormal Activity, Paranormal Investigations, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Places and Hauntings, Prison, Solitary confinement, United States, Willie Sutton

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which opened in 1829 was once one of the most famous and expensive prisons known for it’s unusually cruel treatments of it’s prisoners. According to the official website, it was considered “the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts.”

This maximum security prison was made up of 7 different cell blocks with which all met in the center for an easier command center with the need for less guards. Cells were designed for complete solitary confinement. Each had a locked gate with iron bars with heavy wooden doors that would close off the prisoners from other inmates to be ensure there was no talking across the halls. It was thought that isolation would help prisoners find God, but instead, it drove many of them insane.

The penitentiary was in use for 142 years before it shut down in the 1970’s for about 30 years. They are now open for tours and it’s used as an outstanding Halloween attraction.

It sits on 10 acres of land and if you were to walk around it, you would complete a half mile. It had 450 cells and at it’s peak there were about 1800 prisoners there at one time with approximately 75,000 prisoners admitted over the course of its operation.

Inhumane Treatment of Prisoners

In 1913, Pennsylvania abolished solitary confinement and the inhumane treatment began. If the prisoners acted out during the winter, ice cold water was thrown on them and they would spend the night outside. In the morning they could be found with a thin layer of ice formed over their body.

Iron gags were used on prisoners who wouldn’t obey the no talking ordinance. The gag was used like a bear trap on their tongues and was tied to their hands behind their back. Every time they moved the contraption would cut their tongues.

If they misbehaved, one of the punishments was being strapped in a chair so tight that it would cut off circulation to their extremities.

Deaths

Most of the prisoners were sentenced to life and died within these walls, hundreds perished during the TB outbreak and many others committed suicide due to the inhumane treatment.

If all of that isn’t enough to make you think it could be haunted, several guards were killed by inmates who would reach through the bars after the doors were opened and shoved them only a few inches until they fell over the rails to their deaths.

In addition, during the 1930’s, an officer was clubbed to death by an inmate with a disassembled piece of a sewing machine.

Famous Inmates

Al Capone spent time here in a very well furnished cell. It was said he could be heard screaming on several occasions because he thought he was being haunted by one of the victims of the infamous Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Willie Sutton, a notorious bank robber actually managed to escape in 1945 through a tunnel that took a team of men a year to dig. Once outside the walls, Willie was quickly captured.

The Hauntings

A locksmith doing restorations in cell block 4 was trying to remove a 150 year old lock from a cell door when a massive force overcame him. He believes that when he opened the gate it opened a pathway to the spirits who were trapped behind its bars.

In review of the Ghost Adventure’s investigation there were a great number of findings. It was quite an intense episode. During Zak’s interviews of an eyewitness at the prison, he discovered there were many reports of phantom footsteps, noises, voices, moaning, screaming, several accounts of physical touching and pushing, apparitions, banging and many other accounts of unexplained happenings.

The episode is 45 minutes long. If you have an interest and would care to see what they discovered while on site, start viewing at 13 minutes. This is where the first encounter is recorded. Zak is taking to a tour guide and they step inside Al Capone’s cell. Listen for what happens when another guide gives the history about reports that Al thought he was haunted.

(If you are short for time, after the previous part, skip ahead to around the 22:30 mark.) When Zac starts to torment the ghosts, a clanking noise is captured. At 25 minutes they receive a spike on the EMF detector and moments after they recorded an EVP. I could go on and on with what they found and what happened to them during their stay. I’ll let you decide if you’d like to review more. If you decide you are interested, here is the link to the video:

If you are among the bravest of the brave, you can pay a small fee to be scared out of your wits by people in full makeup and zombie attire who are stationed in cells throughout the jail. Walk through and tread lightly so as to not disturb the ghosts. watch your step however, the place is deteriorating and it adds to the image of a haunted location. “Terror Behind The Walls” has 6 different attractions on site that start on the weekends in September and run every day through the month of October, except Mondays. The last weekend is November 9. You may have to wait in line, but they make sure you are entertained while you hang out with your friends. For info, check out: Terror Behind the Walls.

If that seems too much for you, they are open daily for prison tours.

For a virtual tour, see the source documents below:

Sources:

Virtual Tour Video – “Inside Eastern State Penitentiary” 10 minutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5PtNEbfL10
Picture of the prison from an aerial view: en.wikipedia.org
Eastern State Penitentiary’s Official Website: http://www.easternstate.org/

Things to Do in Salem, MA – Shops, Tours, Haunted Locations, Psychics, Museums and More

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Haunted Cemeteries, Haunted Hotels, Haunted Mansions, Haunted Tavern, Haunted Theaters, MA, Massachusetts, Tarot Readings, Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Card Readings, Enchanted, Enchanted at Salem MA, Ghost Tours, Halloween, House of Seven Gables, Laurie Cabot, October, Palm Readings, Psychics, Robyn Mortola, Salem, Salem MA Historical, Salem MA Historical Houses, Salem MA Shops, Salem Massachusetts, Salem Museums, Salem Tours, Salem witch trials, Tarot, Tarot Readings, United States, Witch Museums, Witch Tours, Witches

Several friends, my husband and I are planning a trip to “The Witch City” of Salem, MA. It is not only a ghostly city, but also home to on of the most significant seaports in America. It is home to the 1692 historical witch trials. With many shop, such as, New Age and Wiccan boutiques, kitschy Halloween, witch-themed attractions and a vibrant downtown that has more than 60 restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, the 15th Annual Retailers Association of Massachusetts names Salem as the best place to shop.

If you plan on visiting, be sure to plan in advance which shops, museums or haunted locations you would like to visit. There is simply too much to see in just one weekend.

Below you will find a great selection of museums, cemeteries, historical homes, shops, tours, mock witch trials and much more. I’m sure you will find something to satisfy everyone. If you are interested in stopping in to a haunted house, be sure to check the website offered with many locations that I will cover at a later time. As you narrow your choices, be sure to contact the location to ensure they are operating during the time of your visit. Some of the locations are seasonal and close after October or November and open again around April.

Cemeteries:

Burying Point – Charter Street – The oldest cemetery in Salem contains the grave sites of Mayflower voyagers and John Hathorne, Judge from the Salem witch trials.

Historical Houses and Museums:

Corwin House/Witch House – 310 Essex Street – The only structure still standing with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.
Salem Witch Museum – 19 1/2 Washington Sq N. – Salem’s most visited museum focuses on the Witch Trials of 1692.
Witch History Museum – 283R Derby Street – Hear the untold stories of the witch trials. Open April through November.
Chestnut Street – The antique houses on this street showcase one of the most architecturally beautiful streets in America.
Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery – 285 Derby Street, Salem – Hollywood FX artists have reproduced life sized monsters from over 30 different horror movies.
House of Seven Gables – 54 Turner Street – Includes a guided tour of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion (The House of the Seven Gables), a visit to the Nathaniel Hawthorne House, the Counting House, the Colonial Revival Gardens, and the waterfront.
Museum Place – East India Square – This shopping mall offers specialty shops, , home to a single family for over 5 generationsan eatery and 3 screen movie theater and home of the Nightmare Factory, Salem’s oldest haunted house.
Phillips Street – 34 Chestnut Street – This is a federal style mansion that showcases 5 generations of artifacts.
Pickering House – 18 Broad Street – The oldest home in America, home to a single family for more than 3 1/2 centuries.
Salem Wax Museum – 288 Derby Street
Salem’s Witch Village – 282 Derby Street – Discover the myths and facts about witchcraft. Hysteria Pass covers admission to the Wax Museum and the Witch Village. Open year round.
Salem Witch Museum – 32 Derby Square – A great overview of the ares history and attractions.

Tours:

Salem Trolley – 8 Central Street – One hour tours through Salem with all day shuttle service.
The Salem Witch Walk – 125 Essex Street – Join Salem Witches bless you, take you on a tour of a graveyard and teach you the truth about different types of witchcraft.
Witch City Segway – 283R Derby Street – a two hour tour through the city’s attractions on a Segway.

Witch Trials:

Witch Dungeon Museum – 16 Linde Street – Presentation of witch trial based on the 1692 actual transcripts. Open April through November.

Occult, Witches and Psychics – Stores, Card Readers, Mediums, etc.:

Enchanted Magickal Shop – 98 Wharf St. – H.P. Laurie Cabot’s new shop. She was famed as the original owner of the first witch shop ever. (Be sure to call for an appointment for tarot readings!) Robyn Mortola is fantastic!
Lori Bruno – 63R Pickering Wharf
Omen – 184 Essex St.
Leanne Marrama – 246 Essex

Shopping:

Pickering Wharf – Derby Street – Featuring harbor tours and cruises, home to many boutiques, including occult and Wiccan shops.
Enchanted Magickal Shop – 98 Wharf St. – H.P. Laurie Cabot’s new shop. She was famed as the original owner of the first witch shop ever. (Be sure to call for an appointment for tarot readings!)

Miscellaneous:

Gallows Hill: The Witchcraft and Ghost Experience – 7 Lynde Street

This is an incomplete list as there is just so much to do. These are all great places to start.

For a list of haunted locations, some of which (or witch) I will be covering the histories of here on this blog can be found by visiting the site, Salem MA Witch City Ghosts.

Please comment with your favorite location in Salem if you have visited in the past and we will report back after our visit.

Sources

My Experiences – S. K. Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion – Part 5

20 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Haunted Mansions, S.K. Pierce Haunted Victorian, S.K. Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion Gardner

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

American Hauntings, Apparitions, Ellen, Full Moon, Gardner Massachusetts, Gardner Victorian, Ghost, ghost experiences, Halloween, Investigators, life after death, Lunar eclipse, Mansion, Massachusetts, New England, S. K Pierce, S.K. Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion, Salem, Salem Massachusetts, Sylvester, Sylvester Pierce, Tarot, United States

Take my hand as we venture on a journey through a certified haunted mansion. I will guide you through my experiences, explain how I felt and share with you some pictures of the inside of the home that will take you back in time to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

I had the opportunity to speak with Edwin who is a very kind and gentle man. He and Lillian are very attached to the mansion but due to circumstances that were out of their control, they had to leave their home.

The caretakers, Tina and Marion are equally fantastic and personable people. One conversation with any of them and you feel as if you’ve known them forever. The house holds amazing charm and character. I would recommend a visit if you ever get the chance.

You will immediately fall in love with the beautiful charm of this house. The wood around the doors is original to the home and is spectacular. The fireplaces are original to the home and only burn coal.

Lillian has a magnificent eye for decorating and the main floor and bedrooms are beautifully decorated with art and furniture that would have you question if it belonged to S. K. Pierce himself.

The safe, pictured below belonged to Sylvester’s wife, Ellen.

If you look closely, you may even see some of Jay Stemmerman’s, a former occupant of the 60’s, art that was left behind.

Our first tour of the inside was on Friday, October 18th during the Blood moon/Lunar eclipse. Spirit Sleepers Investigators was on site with an amazing team of Tarot and Palm Readers from Salem, MA. I will go further into detail about my Tarot and palm readings here, in a different post starting tomorrow.

I will tell you though, that on this night, they had a table tipping ceremony that was unbelievable. My husband and friends were very hungry by 8:40 when the first of two sessions started and were eager to eat. We journeyed across the street to get some pizza and discuss the evening. Guests and Reverends came over to use the restroom and were raving about what we had missed. Someone showed us a short video of the table jumping like crazy and told us it could be heard from two floors down on the first floor. Several of the residing spirits had communicated loud and clear. There is a personal account from one of the people who was sitting in on the session that can be viewed by going to their Facebook page, “Haunted Victorian Mansion” and viewing October 19th’s posts. Several people who had come over also testified that the table started jumping immediately and several spirits came through.

On this first trip I was joined by my husband, one of best friends, her adult son and younger daughter. We all had separate experiences. There was always quite a bit of chatter and activity from the living so I would have to say that if there was more activity than what I mention, it could have been easily overlooked. The group I was with had several experiences in addition to mine.

I had a jacket on that left my arms exposed from the elbow down. As were ascending the staircase from the first floor foyer to the second floor. I felt a buzz of static electricity pass me going in the opposite direction. I could feel it on my face and arms especially and it sent a chill down my spine.

When we were in the room that was one used as a brothel, where several women had been lost their lives, I could feel a mild pressure on my chest. It was explained that many women have felt ill in this room and some have had to leave the room in order to feel better.

I took a great number of pictures both days, hoping to capture an orb or something fascinating. When I took a picture of a mirror while in the dark, as the flash went off I jumped as did the man standing behind me because we thought we saw something. When I got home and looked at the pictures, I was shocked at what I thought I saw in the mirror. I see a young woman bent over with her face close to the mirror. Her arm looks bent up toward her chest as if she saying “come here.” She was not part of the tour and the image looks translucent. This photo was taken with an iPhone 4S in the dark, with flash. The only editing that was done was cropping to bring the inside of the mirror closer, and the drawing you see where I outlined the girl. What do you see?

We were even allowed to climb the spiral stairwell to the widow’s peak and get a look out of the window, four stories up. I took great pleasure in snapping a few picture of the cars across the street that were waiting to turn. I could only imagine the stories they told about a flashing light coming from the fourth story window of the scary haunted Victorian.

During both trips I felt very disoriented, but more so on the second. I am very good with directions and don’t get turned around easily but the entire time inside the mansion I was unsure of where I was within the house. I’ve been through twice and could not tell you the layout. On the second trip, a different friend brought her friend with her. The two of us were somewhat disoriented for about 45 minutes after we left.

The second tour was two days later (tonight, Sunday, October 20th) with all proceeds going toward the Relay for Life. I was so pleased to see how successful it was. We arrived at 4:30 and were standing in line waiting for a tour. When we left, the line was out the door and to the end of the street.

I felt more during the second visit. I felt dizzy in two different rooms, heaviness in my chest in another and toward the end of the tour, the center of my stomach was upset. I felt something tickle my face on the first floor during Edwin’s introduction on the first floor.

There is a room in the basement, described as a hotbed of activity, where they have chairs set up for investigators so I decided to take a seat. As I sat there, the right arm of the chair started to vibrate, the right side of my body became very cold and I felt something touch my face for a second time.

My phone was acting strangely during both tours. I can’t even tell you what it was doing the first night. It kept showing me a screen of mini pictures when I was trying to snap a shot. I’ve looked at the phone since to try to figure out what I may have touched to make it do that and I cannot figure it out. Tonight, the flash wasn’t working but was clearly on. Some of the pictures came out blurry as if the lens was dirty and a couple others were very dark. There are several pictures I took that are not even in the album when I tried to find them, one of them being in the basement room that I spoke of above and one of the staircase from the third floor looking down to the second floor landing. I’m not sure how many others are missing.

One of the rooms had an old photo album that Lillian had purchased and did not belong to the Pierce Family. As I was looking through it with my friend, Rebecca, I started to feel dizzy and nauseous.

For additional history and videos of evidence that was captured here by investigative teams, read the other pieces I have written about this location:

Again, I urge, if you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend that you jump at the chance. It is an experience you will not soon forget. I know I am grateful to have had the opportunity.

Thank you for taking the time to read this today. I hope you will return for many more upcoming posts as well as the ones that have already been written. Please take a moment to share, follow or “like” this page.

Also check out my other blog, The Peace And Hapiness Project ~ Missy Bell.

America’s Most Haunted Theater – The Lincoln -Decatur, IL

13 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Haunted Theaters, IL, Lincoln Theater Decatur IL, Uncategorized

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

1915 Decatur Fire, Ancient burial grounds, Apparitions, banging noises, Bob Hope, Death, Decatur, Decatur and Arcade Hotel, Decatur Illinois, Ghost, ghost experiences, Halloween, Halloween Tours, Harry Houdini, haunted, Haunted Decatur, Haunted places, haunted theater, Haunted Tours, Haunted United States, Lincoln Theater, Paranormal, Paranormal Activity, Places and Hauntings, spiral staircase, Troy Taylor, United States

HISTORY OF THE LINCOLN THEATER:

The Lincoln Theater in Decatur, IL, opened October 27, 1916, built atop ancient burial grounds and the ashes of two hotels that once stood on it’s very location.

This is an amazingly beautiful theater with its high balcony, basements and sub-cellars, private seating boxes, mezzanine seating, ivory colored columns, 1346 seats and amazing acoustics.

Upon it’s opening, the theater was most used for stage shows and vaudeville acts as well as high school graduations.

Many famous people performed upon its stage such as, Bob Hope, Fighter Jack Dempsey, Magician Harry Blackstone Jr. and some may argue that Harry Houdini may have even put on a show there early in his career.

When motion pictures became popular, the audience demanded to see more, leading to a large decrease in stage shows.

The theater closed shortly after December of 1980, except for a few live music shows on occasion. The theater was abandoned by 1990 and was not in use for quite some time. It has since undergone quite an extensive restoration project that has not stopped performers from putting on a show or two. It has been reported by many to have experienced ongoing paranormal and unexplained activity in the theater during these events.

THE LOCATION PRIOR TO THE LINCOLN THEATER

In 1860, the site was first the home of The Priest Hotel which was bought out in 1880 and the name was changed to the New Deming. Later in 1892 it changed hands again and was renamed The Decatur & Arcade Hotel.

The building caught fire in 1904 and was rebuilt only to later, in 1915 catch fire again (see photo left) due to some oily rags near a furnace, this time, taking 2 lives that have been documented but several other guests were unaccounted for. It is unsure if they escaped the fire as their bodies were never recovered. Of the two men who were recovered, one, William E. Graham was an engineer and the other, C. S. Guild, a traveling salesman.

Troy Taylor, author of “Haunted Decatur,” on his web page listed below, talks about how there have been reports of haunts at this location since the 1930’s.

One legend has it that the most reported to be a stagehand named, “Red,” who’s love of the theater and performers may have him coming back to haunt the place. One night, while working on the catwalk, some 75 feet above the stage, it is said that Red lost his footing and fell to his death. However, after investigation, Troy states this story is inaccurate. According to his sources, Red died in his sleep while taking a nap in the theater in 1927.

Since Red’s death, there have been reports of unexplained footsteps, whispers, strange voices, cold chills in certain areas, having been touched by someone who is not there, apparitions, theater seats raising and lowering on their own and other noises in the otherwise empty theater.

A second figure, that of a woman in a long dress has been seen in the balcony area. Yet, others have reported to have described what they have seen and they do not match either description, leading some to believe there are several occupants.

Troy states he has had experiences himself while working alone in the theater. He has heard footsteps climbing the steps of the stage while he was alone.

He tells also of a performer who heard whispers while he was getting ready to go on stage and when he turned toward them, he saw a shadowy figure on the spiral staircase that he described as being male. When the staff checked into it, there was no one there, yet there was nowhere the “man” could have escaped to. At the time, the performer had not known of the haunted reputation of the theater. This was the same staircase that Troy reports being followed on by one of the ghosts.

Check out this 4 minute video to see the inside of this grand theater and hear Troy’s recollection of another spiral staircase event…

There are haunted tours of Decatur taking place this month, most of which are sold out. There are however, two dates that have availability. The tours are inexpensive at $30 per person. They start at the Avon theater. The 2 open dates are November 1st and 2nd (2013.) According to the website, Haunted Decatur, public tours are also offered April through August and mid September through early November. Private tours are also available. Please check the above link for prices and details.

SOURCES:

The Lincoln Theater – The History and Mystery of Decatur’s “Most Haunted” ~ By Troy Taylor – What a great website with such detailed history of this location!
“The Lincoln Theater (Most Terrifying Places in America) – Featuring Troy Taylor.
Haunted Decatur Website
Picture marque of the outside found at Decatur Net Website
Picture of the Lincoln Spiral Staircase found at Website, Asylum Eclectica
Picture of the 1915 Fire at the Decatur & Arcade Hotel found at The Herald Review

Halloween Activities and Games for Your Party

08 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Halloween Party Planning, Uncategorized

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Apple bobbing, Candy corn, Childrens Halloween, Childrens Party, Costume, Costume Contest, Fun party, Game, Halloween, Halloween Event, Halloween Party, Halloween Party Games, Parties, Party Games, Party Planning, Recreation, Scary Party

Are you planning a Halloween gathering this year? Here are some ideas for games to play. Some of these can be played at any age. I will be DJing a Halloween event for a local school and wanted to share some games for them to choose from and thought I’d share with all…

Donut Gobbling Contest

Donuts are tied to a string that is tied to a rod or ceiling, (Duct tape should hold the string) so that all the donuts reach the guests. Have them knees down to make the game more difficult. They put their hands behind their back and if anyone can eat the whole donut without it landing on the floor or using their hands, they win a prize. To make it easier, mini donuts could be used or to make it even more difficult, you can use blind folds.

Apple Bobbing Contest

This is an age-old contest. Each person gets 3 turns to grab an apple using their teeth. If they succeed, their prize is the apple. (Be sure to remove apples that have been bitten into before the next person takes a turn.)

Costume Contest

You can choose who judges the costumes. It can be the hosts, by holding your hand above each participant and the person who gets the most screams wins, or by secret paper voting. You can do overall costume winner or you can choose to do it by categories, Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative, etc.

Scariest Witches Cackle/Ghost Howl/Scream Contest

This can be done as 3 separate contests or all as one. Each person gets a chance to sound scary. They choose which category or noise they want to make. The scariest, wins. When doing this with young children, you may want to tell them that you will let them know when it is their turn. You can follow it up with a group cackle or howl at the end.

Halloween Candy Jar Guess

Candy corn can be used but to make it easier to count without contaminating the candy, wrapped candy, such as Hershey’s Kisses is easier. Using slips of paper, people guess the number of candies inside the jar. The person who comes closest wins the jar. A mason jar or themed jar will work.

Balloon Relay

Using black or orange balloon, set up even teams with one balloon and one plastic spoon. (The larger the groups, the longer the race but will require more prizes.) The team stands on one side of the room and travels to a designated distance and back. They need to carry the balloon on the spoon the entire way. The bigger the balloon, the harder it is. If the balloon touches the floor or they use their hands they have to go back and start over. This provides a great deal of laughs. The fist team to complete, wins.

Pass the Balloon/Apple Game

If you already have balloons or apples from other games you can use them or other Halloween themed objects. This is played like a hot potato game. When the music starts pass the object in to the right around a circle. When the music stops, those holding the objects will be out of the game. The smaller the circle, the less object that should be used until there is one left for two people. The last one holding the object when the music stops is out and the other person wins a prize.

Mummy Wrap Contest

This requires at least 4 rolls of toilet paper per group of 3 people. The group will wrap one of the members in toilet paper. Once all the toilet paper has been used, the group the has wrapped the person with the least amount of them showing, wins. (Be sure if you are working with children that they do not wrap the person’s nose or mouth.) This is always a huge hit! If, you’re doing this with younger children, designate children of the same height to be wrapped. Not only does that make it more fair but by choosing the person who gets wrapped, you may save some arguments.

Costumed Dance Contest

Everyone wearing a costume competes in this dance contest. The best dancer is recognized and awarded a prize. Runner-up prizes can be given and the voting can take place however the hosts choose, by them or the guests.

Halloween Word Search Contest

Using the word search to the left or use one that you have created, print out several copies and give them to groups of 3 or 4. Each group has 5 minutes to complete the search. The winning team will be the one with the most words found or the group who finds all the words first. (Additional word searches can be found at Google Images.)

Candy Bowl Guess (2 Games in 1)

This requires a bowl or two of mixed candy to be kept out of site. When it’s time for the game, each group of 4 people are handed slips of paper. The bowl is shown quickly to the players then hidden again. The group who can guess the most different types of candy they saw in the bowl wins a prize. PART 2 – Blindfold the contestants and each person gets to pick a piece of candy from the bowl without the other people seeing the bowl’s contents. The person turns to the group, hold up the candy and guesses what it is. If they guess correctly, they keep the candy. If they do not, it goes back into the bowl. This game can go on until the bowl is empty.

These are enough to keep your party going for a while with lots of smiles and fun for all. You can pick and choose or use them all. There are many that are not listed here. Please share what your favorite game is for Halloween. Be sure if you are planning a party to read the comments for more suggestions.

Enjoy your party!!

Also check out my other blog for inspirations, hints and tips on how to increase your happiness and reduce stress in your life ~ The Peace And Happiness Project ~ Missy Bell.

Missy Bell

Welcome

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by weiselcantlin2 in Welcome

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

American Hauntings, Ghosts, ghosts in America, Halloween, Haunted places, hauntings

Welcome to “Where the Ghosts Live,” where I will be bring to you stories from around the United States about the hauntings of those who have passed before us.

In honor of Halloween, during the month of October (2013) I will be preparing a post daily to kickoff this new site. I hope you will check back often and enjoy all the new information and share it with those on your social media sites.

Thank you for stopping by today. Enjoy!

Missy Bell

Where the Ghosts Live

~ The Haunted United States

Tag Archives: Halloween

The VERY Haunted HMS Queen Mary Luxury Liner – Long Beach, CA

Top Haunted Posts Chosen by Readers

The Origins of Halloween

Spookyworld Nightmare New England – Litchfield, NH

Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, PA

Things to Do in Salem, MA – Shops, Tours, Haunted Locations, Psychics, Museums and More

My Experiences – S. K. Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion – Part 5

America’s Most Haunted Theater – The Lincoln -Decatur, IL

Halloween Activities and Games for Your Party

Welcome

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