Sailfish brewery is in the Edgartown neighborhood of Fort Pierce, opening in 2013. Fort Pierce is an old town, its origins in the Seminole Wars of the mid- 1800s. It continued to grow. The neighborhood now known as Edgartown, built up in the early 1900s, was just north of what was to become the city of Ft. Pierce. It was incorporated in 1901, about the time photographer Harry Hill built his home and studio there. Harry was a prominent local photographer, photographing people, modes of transportation, animals, fish caught in the sea, clouds, plants, buildings, and bees. Harry kept bees and grew pineapples. The Florida East Coast Oversea Extension made him their official photographer. The people in the area enjoyed Harry’s pictures, and he began his own busi9ness, The Florida Photographic Concern. Many generations of local people came to have Harry take their photographs. He even encouraged other photographers, and magazines and newspapers to include more pictures. Much of what we see of Ft. Pierce history was documented by this man. Harry and his family built three structures on his property. They lived, worked, grew pineapples, and kept bees there.

Eventually Harry’s neighborhood fell into disrepair, as did many once fine residential areas. Sadly, the property became a brothel and was a haven for drug users and sellers. Sailfish has helped revitalize the community, producing craft beers and selling them in the old Hill Homestead. Today there is an outdoor area to relax and for local musicians to provide entertainment, as well as the inside tavern. Employees reported feelings of being watched and seeing things out of the corner of their eyes, so OPI investigated. The owners are embracing the paranormal aspect of their business. One our initial visit, we found enough activity to warrant another, longer stay. During our first, we connected with a spirit calling herself Winona, and one rather negative energy in the small back building. There were some positive spirits in the tavern area, too.

On this visit, Greg, Paula, Sandi, and I were accompanied by brew master Al and his friend Elena. During our investigation, we encountered several men and women and a child. We started out in the back building, where we had encountered the dark entity. This was an active area! Using our SB11, we conducted an EVP session. The first voice asked us the very ambiguous question, “Why do ghosts take so long?” When we asked, “Is anyone back her?” the reply was, “You don’t have to be here!” Sandi introduced herself, and a voice mimicked, “I’m Sandy.” We had a “yes” to our question, “Do you know Al?” Paula wanted to get a name. “Ann,” a voice told her. This was Sandi’s first investigation with us, and we noted that in the session. “Good luck,” a gruff male voice spoke. Sandi told any spirits within hearing, “I’m here as a friend.” “Good,” was the retort. A male spirit apparently was there from the brothel days. “Can you f***?” he queried. He may have thought Paula, Sandi, and I were “some of the girls.” We heard the names Joey and Jaqueline. Since we heard both a male and female voice, we asked if there was a couple there. “We traveled to Florida!” someone told us. Paula asked if anyone need help. “Call me later. When ya gonna call me?” an eager voice asked. Paula felt somewhat uneasy, so we switched spots. “Hey, whaddya doin’’’?” asked a curious someone. I showed how the K2 works by turning it off and on. “The damn box!” a voice exclaimed. Maybe he remembers it from the last time. The name Robert appeared on the ovilus, so we asked about him. “Ain’t no Bob!” was the comeback. When asked, “Do you want to be here,” the riposte was, “Better’n nothin’”! Rather cryptic.

We decided to move to another part of the complex. As I passed a huge banyan tree, I asked if anyone had gathered there. “Showtime!” was the answer we heard later. The tree was once a gathering place for many Native Americans and later, early Fort Pierce pioneers. According to local lore, Billy Bowlegs was a frequent visitor, and Harry Hill did take a photo of him. Billy Bowlegs was a leader of the Seminole people from the late 1800s into the mid 1900s. The Bowlegs family is far flung and well known in Florida history.

We visited the bar. The activity there was constant. Paula wanted to know how old, and her answer was, ”Old guy.” Sandi wondered if he or she was married. “I’m married,” a voice answered her. We employed our SB 11. A voice said, “Bon ami,” which is French for good friend. Possibly a French spirit is there. Country singing was coming over the box, so I asked “Do you like to sing?” A deep male voice replied, “Sing.” “Are you a country fan,” I questioned. “I don’t mind it,” he told me. We asked for a name. “Don. Pretty important. Damn important,” a voice responded. Another voice blessed us, “God love you!” Hearing the train come by the property, I commented, “Here comes the train!” “Just missed it,” was the jocular answer. We asked, “Do you mind being alone?” “A little bit I don’t mind,” the voice informed us. This was a day the brewery was closed, so there wouldn’t be anyone there but the brewers, so we wondered if anyone was lonely if the quiet was welcomed. We also hear the word Akron, a city in Ohio. We also hear “nightlife” and the proclamation, “We have free coke!” This could refer to the drink, or the drug. Remember, this area was a haven for the drug culture. A female voice asked, “Who are you?” She was as curious about us as we were about her! Another voice told Mark to go away. The word Tesla appeared on the ovilus, so we asked if anyone knew Tesla. He was a great scientific mind of the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s. We don’t know if he had ever been to Florida, but he did work for Thomas Edison, and Edison lived in Ft. Myers, FL. The reply we received was an uncomplimentary, “I know that bitch!” We realized that Greg wasn’t in the room, so Paula asked, “Where’s Greg?” “He stepped out!” as helpful entity told us! We wondered if there was someone from another country here. “Are you from Germany?” we asked. “We ain’t German!” was the angry retort! “You don’t like Germany?” we asked. “Right!” the male voice told us! We wonder if he is from WWI or WWII when anti German feeling was high. As we ended the spirit box session, a male voice told us, “Thank you.” We didn’t feel anything really negative in the room. In fact, the spirits were cooperative and at least one was friendly, with the phrase, “God love you!”

There is a combination apartment office over the actual brewery. Since it had so much activity on our first visit, we went up again. We weren’t disappointed. A woman’s voice spoke both my name, MaryJo, and Paula’s soon after we walked in. “The voice was familiar, so we asked, “Have you been following us?” “All night,” she replied. We again announced that this was Sandy’s first time with us. “Well, damn!” said a man’s voice. They were in a cheerful mood. Greg remarked that the EMF was of the charts. “They don’t know!” the male said. Then the mood changed. “Lock the door!” a voice demanded. A child called out, “A man’s coming!” “A woman’s voice responded, “He’s gonna be here!” We heard the child’s voice again, but couldn’t make out the words. It may have been residual energy, coming from another time. Perhaps the woman was one of the ladies in the brothel. A man then spoke. He seemed to verify that this was a brothel at one time. “I’m Matt. I like to do it real slowly in the first spot. You can blow that.” A woman’s voice replied, “First on the street.” We asked, “What year were you born?” The male, Matt, told us “99.” He told us, Mark left her.” Mark was mentioned previously, remember. Greg took a picture showing energy. “That was me!” a voice claimed! Elena bent over the desk, showing her backside to the camera. “Do that more times,” a voice requested. It seems she had an admirer. When I ended the session, I said as usual, ending. “Ending,” a voice repeated. We asked for a flicker of the flashlight. “F*** you!” a female voice asserted! We guess she didn’t want to communicate via the flashlight.

We walked in to the kitchen. It was full of dishes from a party a day or so earlier. We began another EVP session with the SB 11. “What’s that?” a man’s voice asked. “It’s evil,” a woman’s voice responded. Not the SB 11! Al had been living in the apartment for a short while. A man apparently noticed the change. “What home is this? Who is that?” he asked. We asked if he liked to party. “Yeah, sure,” the voice asserted. There was again a child’s voice, although we were unable to discern the words. Sandy wanted to know, “Do you like to drink beer?” “I don’t do that, the male voice affirmed. The camera went out of focus then. We asked what the drink of choice was. We had three replies: “Milk, beer, tequila,” as from three different people. The child probably liked milk. Since Greg likes tequila, we asked about margaritas. “I drink ‘em up, I’m by myself,” a feminine voice informed us. “Do you like tequila,” we asked to clarify. “Are you listenin’,” a male retorted. We were able to catch several pictures upstairs: one negative over the bed and Elena, and a few other more positive. Perhaps we were being protected.

In the room where the beers are actually created, we held an EVP session, too. We asked if anybody wanted to talk, and were shut down. “We already talked!” “Bitch” was heard twice, and so was “get out”. The spirit had had enough.

As if to confirm this, when we went in to the small back building again, Paula’s camera went off. She asked if she should go. The camera went back on, as if in affirmation. She asked, “Would you turn the camera off again if you want us to go?” It went off, and we knew the investigation was over for the night.

We will return and try to find out more about these attention getting spirits, and try to figure out how they fit in with the history of Sailfish Brewery.

Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Miami, FL
June 2015

http://www.gcrm.org/

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum has been in existence since 1957, becoming a state museum in 1997. It’s adjacent to the Miami Zoo. The museum is on the site of the former Naval Air Station Richmond. Since they already had many tracks, this seemed an ideal spot to locate the museum. There are over 30 historic trains on site, including the California Zephyr; the Presidential Ferdinand Magellan; a “Jim Crow” car; the East Swamp and Gatorville Railroad; and the Florida East Coast Railway No. 153. Trains from the mid-1800s through the mid-1900s are on display. The Magellan was used to bring F. D. Roosevelt to his burial. Some of the employees have been experiencing the unexplainable: sounds, apparitions, and a feeling of being watched. OPI was asked to investigate these claims. We had a nearly full team: Greg, MaryJo, Paula, Angel, TJ, and Terri along with two trainees, Audrey and Shawnee. Matt, a tour guide with the museum, gave us a historical tour and then we set to work.

MaryJo, TJ, and Paula all had recording devices. In addition, we used our K2 meter, REM pod, Mel Meter, full spectrum cameras, SB 11, and flashlight. Terri was aware of strong electricity near the office area of the depot. We determined it was the computers, and other electronic devices. Initially we split into 2 teams. Greg, MaryJo, Shawnee, and Angel started in the Magellan, the train FDR used when he was president. We had very little response, although the K2 briefly lit to red. There were 2 EVPs. In answer to the question, “Would you like to step up and talk?” we heard, “No!” and when Greg asked, in reference to the K2, “Would you do it again?” we heard, “Do what?”

We moved to the Jim Crow car. This is the car the Black people had to use from reconstruction after the Civil War until the Civil Rights laws in the 1960s. There is a small museum set up there as well. We commented that this was the Jim Crow car. “It’s true,” a voice responded. I asked about the songs that night have been sung on the train. “Would you tell us some of them?” “Sho’ nuff,” replied a female voice. “I only want you-u,” she sang. After that we had no interaction.

Paula recorded a voice telling her group, “No one, no one can help you now.” It may have been residual. She also caught train sounds on come of her recordings, but there were no working trains that night!

Matt wanted us to see the theater and miniature railroad room. Paula joined us. We found that to be our most active area! In the theater, we used the spirit box. “Where are you from,” we asked. “1941,’ came to the answer, in a female voice. The K2 flashed to red. “Talk to us,” we urged. “Leave me alone,” a feminine voice demanded. “Have you been here since before the 1940s?” we queried. “1903,” was the response. Another vice sang, “In the 1940s!” It seemed there were several spirits in the room. Another voice called, “MaryJo, help me. I’m afraid of falling!” I’m not sure where this one was. It was a fairly tall building, and built in the 1930s. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to hear that plea at the time, only later when I heard it on the SB11. I’d like to know more! And been able to help! The original blimp building was 17 stories tall, back in the 1930s. Paula asked if a spirit would say “hi” to her. “No!” was the definitive retort. When I said I couldn’t understand everything I was hearing, but would listen later, the K2 went to red. I interpreted that as sign of approval. Shawnee walked into the back room, so I asked, “Do you ever go into that room Shawnee just went into?” “Shawnee walked into me!” a voice complained. Greg took a picture of a negative energy on the floor and my feet. We commented that it was not a happy camper. “To bad!” was the comeback! WE were very glad the spirits felt like communicating with us!

From there we went to the next room, really the first room, full of model trains, towns, hills, and so on. We heard some noises, and asked if we could hear more. There was a tap. I did the “shave and a haircut” knock, and we heard the last two knocks in response! We all said “Thank you!” We turned on the spirit box, and asked, “Do you know Matt?” “He knows all of us,” was the rejoinder! When we asked, “Why aren’t you happy?” the sad answer was, “I was perished.” It is an odd usage of the term, but conveys the message. We also heard the word or name Grundy. There seemed to be anger, so I remarked, “You really aren’t happy.” “Bitch!” the voice replied. “Did you call me a bitch?” I asked, to clarify. “Ya mon,” he came back. An islander? We tried to use the flashlight for a yes/no conversation, but nothing happened. In fact, none of the spirits used the flashlight that night. We asked, “Are you here because of the military, the trains, or the land?” The response was most interesting! “I don’t know! I’ve been here forever! I’m really gonna miss you. Take me with you.” Was he speaking to me as an intelligent spirit, or was there a residual energy of a person taking leave of a loved one? A little later a voice sing sang, “Make weapons. Then kill ‘em.” That would be a reference to the WWII era, when the space was a Naval Station. There were dirigibles on base, and of course, weapons. Greg was coughing, and as he was, a voice demanded, “Cough up somethin’!”

We took a break in the depot and regrouped. Both of our K2 meters began to flash to red. We put the spirit box on and asked for a name. Rarely do we get a full name, but we did this time! “David Black. It’s David. I’m David!” he stressed. We don’t know if a David Black was stationed there at one time, or took one of the trains and stayed. Of course, he may have been there for another reason, too.

This time, Greg and I went with Terri, Paula, and Shawnee. TJ, Angel, and Audrey made up the other team. Our team went to the Medical Car. There were three cots, vertically on the wall, and a display on the sugar cane industry in Florida. There was an overpowering smell of an old hospital! Matt mentioned that sugar cane is used to make ether, once used as an anesthesia, and so it has historical significance. “Yes,” a voice agreed. There was also a car next to that was set up as a conference or training room. Terri, Paula, and Audrey had encountered there earlier a spirit who called himself Robert. He had a community with him who were anti-fascists, according to our medium, Terri. TJ had captured an intelligent orb activity while in the car earlier. This group called themselves anarchists, and came from the 1960s and 70s. We continued to communicate with him. His followers called him Father. Paula’s recording earlier in the evening had the word ”preacher” which is very relevant! Their symbol was a triangle. We researched the figure. It has many, many meanings! It can be Egyptian, a summoning for the occult, a Christian representing the trinity, water, change, and the list goes on. The triangle wasn’t much help in identifying this group, sadly. Terri thought that the group used a bus in their lives as a meeting place, and was using the train car in the same way.

We believe we have strong enough results to show that paranormal events are indeed happening, and the staff probably is experiencing what they claim! Spirits can be there due to their time in the military, attachments to the trains, love of the land, or several other reasons.

The Garden Theatre
Winter Garden, FL
May 2015

http://gardentheatre.org/

In picturesque Winter Garden, FL is the Garden Theatre. Built in 1935 as a movie theater, it now hosts plays, concerts and movies. It is historically significant because it was the first place in central Florida built for talking movies! It declined in the 1950’s and became a farm supply store in the 1960’s. It was restored, fortunately, in recent years to its previous beauty. Over its history, many people have passed through its doors, and some are believed to still reside there. OPI, with the help of Sherri Cox, production manager at the theatre, conducted an investigation. We did find some compelling results!

The investigation began in the main seating area of the theatre. Present on this were Greg, Paula, TJ and Leah. We used the spirit box for EVP sessions. Greg asked if anyone came to watch the rehearsal which had just finished. There were two responses” “A little bit,” and “Just once.” A male voice also demanded, “Get off the ship!” The cast was rehearsing for “Peter Pan!” Apparently not hearing any responses, Greg said, “We’re the only ones talking!” “Tough,” was the answer, in a male voice! In answer to Paula’s question if someone knew named Ben, a female voice said, “I did.” Another voice repeated the name, “Ben!” When we announced that we were turning off the spirit box, a voice pleaded, “Don’t leave!” A female voice called out the word, “Jabberwocky.” That’s a term meaning nonsense, coming from a poem by Lewis Carroll. A woman’s voice asked for help.

The team moved to the mezzanine. Again employing the spirit box, we heard the names Cody and Morgan, both by a female voice. The name Morgan was sung. A child’s voice said, “My daddy” and “They know us.” The ovilus gave us I see you, although it is unusual to give a complete sentence. We also heard a child or young woman cry out. The ovilus said the word “devil” but in a drawn out way, also unusual for the ovilus which normally says a word in a mechanical type voice. The ovilus also said three consecutive words “I See You”. Some of the team said they smelled something, and a male voice demanded, “Get out! Away from here.” Sherri brought in her friend Andrea Perron, a local writer. The ovilus said “writing.” The K2 also reacted too, flashing to red in response to “Are you glad Andrea’s here?” When Sherri asked about the lamp that had been knocked over, a man’s voice told her, “F*** you.” She asked, “Do you know who did it?” “Ed,” was the response. There was also a baby wail caught. The K2 flickered in answer to several other questions, including one about drinking wine and one about the Jim Crow laws. The present mezzanine had been where the black population had to sit to watch the movies. The ovilus also gave the word “nana” which is relevant because in Peter Pan the dog is named Nana! A voice said “bark” soon after. When Greg expressed exasperation with himself over not using the Kinect up until now, a voice retorted, “Ha ha!” Sherri asked immediately, “Did you hear that?”

There were enough relevant and positive results with various pieces of equipment that OPI would like to return for a further investigation. Maybe we can discover who might be staying in the theatre and why.

Renaissance Theatre
Mansfield, Ohio
March 2015

http://mansfieldtickets.com/

In a city full of landmarks and historical buildings, the Renaissance Theatre stands out. In its first life, it was The Ohio. In addition to movies on the screen, stars appeared on the stage. During the late ‘20s and into the ‘50’s, stars such as Fanny Brice and Will Rogers performed. The theater fell in to decline after TV became available. But in the 1980’s, the renovation began. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater is a striking place, done in the Grand Baroque style. It hosts many events throughout the years, including concerts, musicals and festivals. It also is the home, reportedly, of spirits. OPI investigated and found enough evidence to be convinced.

The old lobby is now below street level. We began there. A very loud electric fan interfered with our investigation. With our spirit box, we began our EVP session. A voice sounding like a woman asked, “You don’t remember me?” Perhaps it was one of the performers. When we asked if there were people here who once worked for the theater, the answer was, “We did!” We introduced ourselves, and received the answer, “Pleased to meet ya!” from what sounded like a woman! A male sounding voice was less friendly and asked, “What’s with the light, bitch?” as we attempted to initiate a flashlight conversation. The Mel meter read 1.0, indicating some source of electrical energy on the table in the center of the room. We did hear what seemed to be voices in the old lobby, but were unable to determine what they were saying. The temperature on the SB 11 dropped several times, from a 72.0 to a 70.0. The K2 meter flickered several times in response to questions. We decided to leave and return after the fan was turned off.

In front of the stage, again using the SB 11, we had several EVPs. “Get ‘em outa here!” was one. A female voice asked, “What are you doing here, Rick?” We don’t know who Rick is. Mr. Edward Rackner was a manager there in the early 1920s. He was shot in a robbery and the killer was never found. We asked if anyone knew Mr. Rackner. “Just a minute now. What’s the man’s name again?” asked a woman’s voice. This was definitely a direct response to us! We played some show tunes on my cell phone as a trigger, hoping to start more activity. “Don’t you want a duo?” asked a voice. The Mel meter again rose to a 1.0.

We returned to the old lobby, now that it was quieter. Since the theater opened in the 1920s, we played some Charleston music. Raggedy Ann and the K2 meter reacted. Raggedy’s head, hand, and even middle lit up repeatedly. The K2 flicked to yellow as well. I invited whoever was there to dance with me. “We’re doin’ it! We’re draining energy!” a voice declared. “It was a beautiful dance!” declared a voice. “Do you want me to dance again?” I asked. “Sure enough!” was the reply. I asked about Big band music, and again the lights in the K2 and Raggedy Ann sparked. I wanted to know if they would like Greg to dance with me. We had the lights respond. Using the K2 and Raggedy Ann, we determined that a little girl was with us. She liked the musical “Oklahoma”, she could see us, and her name was Marie. Again, these were direct answers. This was our most active time!

The main stairway is stunning. It came from Senator John Sherman’s home. Sitting there, we asked how many spirits were in the theater. “More than 10?” A male voice retorted, “I’ll tell ya – no!” EVP’s include the phrase “shot her up” twice. A voice imitating James Cagney told me, “I’ll take you to the warden now.” It may have been someone who really liked the 1930s gangster movies having fun. We heard a noise upstairs. A voice asked, “What’s that?” just before Greg and I asked each other, “Did you hear that?”

There is allegedly lots of activity in the projection room. A spirit they call Pete seems to inhabit the space. A female voice called one of us “son of a bitch.” There were several men in the room at the time. When I asked if anyone knew Mr. Rackner, a voice replied, “He’s dead, how could I know him?” We tried to find out Pete’s real name, but were unsuccessful.

In the balcony, we kept hearing noises above. The night custodian, Jason, told us he hears them all the time! It sounded like furniture was being moved, or someone was roller skating. There is nothing above but a crawl space. As we asked the noises to be repeated, they were! When I asked for a name, I was told, “Ask your medium!” We hadn’t asked our medium anything about the theater, so we don’t know how a spirit even knew we had one. The same voice told us, “Say hello to your medium.” While I panned around the theater with the camera, a voice asked, “Can you see ‘em?”

In the new lobby, there were marquees announcing Clint Black as a coming attraction. When we asked If anyone would be here to see him, a voice told us, “Gonna meet Mr. Black!” This was definitely interactive!

Finally, in the break room, during our session, a voice disclosed, “Boo! I’m standing in front of you!” It sounded like a man. Maybe Pete followed us. We were under the stage. As we ended the session, a voice said, “Say good bye.” It was a direct response to us.

We had a very interesting experience with the theater residents. There seems to be at least one child and several men and women. The theatre is a part of Mansfield’s social history and must have been a focal point for some of those who came through its doors.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
St. Augustine, FL
Feb. 2015

http://www.ripleys.com/staugustine/

Nearly everyone has heard of the Ripley’s Odditoriums! They are established attractions in 10 different countries and all over the US. The building in St. Augustine is the original permanent display. Founded by Robert Ripley, the first display was at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933. The building in St. Augustine was built as a 23 room family winter home by William Warden, a high powered Philadelphia executive. It was fashioned like an old English castle. Later, in 1941, wealthy hotelier Norton Baskin and his wife, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling) purchased the home and converted it into a luxurious hotel. The rich and famous of the time stayed there, and no one asked for proof of identity. Rawlings and Baskin lived in the penthouse. In 1944 there was a fire, and two women were killed. They were staying in separate rooms, didn’t know each other, and a mysterious guest in Room 13 was suspected of foul play. He is known as Mr. X. The fire seemed to be contained in just the two rooms. There has been an air of the paranormal in the building since the Wardens lived there. The children reported seeing Spanish soldiers on the first floor play room. The building is virtually next door to Fort Marcos, the site of numerous pirate attacks, soldiers’ deaths, and mysterious happenings.

OPI joined with Thinh Rappa’s American Ghost Adventures for a memorable, very rare after hours investigation! Reports have included noises, apparitions, feelings of being watched, and a sense of an angry presence. The OPI team consisted this time of Greg, TJ, Paula, Leah, and I. We were joined by Sherri Cox of American Ghost Adventures. In the lobby, we began. This was once the playroom of the Warden children, we were told. We used the SB11 for an EVP session. When we asked, “Do you have anything to tell us?” a voice replied, “Can you hear us?” We asked about the soldiers, since the children had told of them. “We’re not!” was our answer. We heard the names Alice and Curtis. They may have been family members, servants, or linked to the hotel. In research we were not able to find them as part of the Warden family.

On the stairway, within the lobby, we continued. “Ruth and Bette were the two women who perished in the fire in 1944. “Is Ruth here?” we asked.
“Not here,” was the brief reply. “Did you know Mr. X?” we queried. “We did,” a male voice responded. Relating to a rumor about Marjorie Rawlings, we asked if she had something to do with the fire. “I don’t want to believe it!” a female voice declared. Sherri, who is quite sensitive, felt an energy on the stairs.

The “Vortex Room” is allegedly the room where Mr. X stayed when the fire occurred. It killed both Bette and Ruth and no one else. This room has a mummified cat in a pyramid and several other displays. It still has the original mantel and fireplace. Sherri, Paula and Leah all felt nauseous in this room. Leah actually left for a few minutes. There was a high EMF reading near Paula’s leg, and she had said she felt a chill on her leg. When we asked about Ruth and Bette, a voice replied, “Hey, woman, he pushed us!” and “Mom, I’m so sorry!” A voice also spoke, “Divorce me!” Bette was getting divorced. A voice warned, “Get out! Better run!” Was this one of the women? When I asked, “Would you rather we left you alone?” A voice answered, “Don’t do that!” Someone wanted us to stay. At least one of the spirits was curious about us. A voice with a Latin accent queried, “What are you doing?” The name Emily appeared on the ovilus. Greg took a picture, but we only had a black image, even though he used a flash. We were able to use a flashlight to converse a short while, asking spirit to turn the light on and off. We asked to take a photo, and the light went on, in agreement. We also were told it was a woman we were speaking to.

In the newer section is The Hall of Mirrors. The ovilus gave us the words, Spaniards, cried, baby and helpful. We consider these words relevant. We employed the flashlight again and learned that one of the spirits was English. Florida was an English colony between 1763 and 1783. It was also plagued by English pirates many times before 1763. The spirit manipulating the flashlight may have been having fun with us. He (?) indicated that he was a soldier, cowboy, and sailor. We doubt he could be all these! While I was panning around the room with the camera, I saw the shrunken head on the wall. “Creepy!” exclaimed a voice.

In the theater, we all felt a presence, especially Sherri. There were some high meter readings. This was where the fire occurred. It was a room that held anger and sadness, we thought.

We at OPI believe that the building does indeed have paranormal activity. The Spanish colonists, the Native Americans, The English, the slaves, American settlers, the Warden family, and the hotel guests certainly provide a full pool! We all had our personal experiences, which although not documentable, do provide results. We would go back again! Ripley’s is an amazing place on various levels!

Wanda Kay’s Ghost Shop
Newport, KY
Sept. 2014

http://www.wandakay.com/

Wanda Kay is known to many because she was involved in the Bobby Mackey Tours. Today she operates her own shop and isn’t with the tours. She is still active in the paranormal community, has authored two books, and conducts tours of the historic area of town. Her store carries many items such as tarot cards, salt lamps, and other metaphysical merchandise as well as investigative equipment. It also has psychics. Wanda Kay’s had just opened when she allowed us to investigate. It is on the site of an old hotel which had burned, and people were killed there. It was also a gambling house where there were shootings. Underneath was a tunnel that ran across the street to another speakeasy. Wanda Kay told us there were abortions performed there, too. It had a rather sordid history. We expected there to be angry energy as well as some grief.

On this investigation, TJ, Angel, Greg and I were there. We were honored to be one of the few investigators in her new place! She had set a small museum in the store and we read some of the history with great interest. History and the paranormal, we believe, go hand in hand. The story behind the activity is what makes it so fascinating and relevant!

In the furnace room downstairs, we were using the spirit box. We heard the names Debra, Mack, Dennis, and David. We were told to “get out! by a male voice. We asked about gambling. “Not with me!” declared a voice. “Have to force the customer,” advised another male voice. Another demanded, “Get down on your knees!” These statements all seem related to the history of a speakeasy/gambling house. We asked about the Primrose. Wanda thought a nightclub there once was called the Primrose. “Primrose Inn,” corrected a voice.

The back room, Wanda told us, was used as an abortion room, before they became legal. A voice sounding like a man told us, “Life sucks!” A female sounding voice asked for help. She also said, “Raped me!” Rape was a topic often repeated. “Go back or we’ll rape you,” Angel and I were told. “That’s rape!” was another EVP. These were all heard through the SB11. We heard the phrase, “Hurt her? Definitely!” This was a very unsettling place! We did not hear these words until later but felt a sorrowful energy. In that room we caught two women’s names, Celine and Jean.

Upstairs in the museum area, there is an “X” on the floor to show where one of the gamblers was shot in an argument over $80 many years ago. We were re-enacting the scene, and when I stood on the “X” the temperature on the SB11 changed. This happened several times, so I asked if it bothered someone. “Move!” I was commanded. We asked “Were you a good gambler?” “No,” was the wry reply. We asked about his family. “Yes, with children,” a young voice told us. We asked if he had a wife and kids. “I miss them,” was the unhappy response. “Do they miss me?” We felt so sad for him!

Although we were only there for a short time, during the afternoon, we do believe that there are souls at Wanda Kays who haven’t left. OPI would like to revisit the site to learn more about those who are still there after all this time. Of course, we’d like to visit with Wanda Kay, too!

Bobby Mackey’s Music World
Wilder, KY
Sept. 2014

Bobby Mackey’s has become something of a legend in the paranormal world, due to it being featured on TV shows including “Jerry Springer”, “A Haunting”, “TAPS,” and “Ghost Adventures”. There are many stories that have grown up around the club. Bobby has had the nightclub since the 1970s. He is a country singer. Before that, the building was a slaughterhouse, a nightclub, speakeasy, and a bowling alley. Hence, it has a history. Wilder is a small town near Cincinnati, Ohio.

The building itself is on the outskirts of town. It consists of a bar, dance floor, stage, cellar, upstairs apartment, pool hall, gift shop and restrooms. These, of course, have had various uses throughout the years. There are rumors of mob connections, and tales of two women, Pearl and Johanna, who died there or nearby. The man who was a caretaker in the 1970s claimed that a demonic entity inhabited the place. An old abandoned, filled in well in the cellar is reputed to be a portal to hell.

We were curious and decided to investigate. This particular night, the team was Greg, Angel, TJ and I. Since the well is so well known, we started there. According to local legend, two men killed a young woman - Pearl, the pregnant girlfriend of one of them, and threw her headless body into the well. We asked for a name, and through the spirit box, we heard “Greystone.” Who that is, we don’t know. We introduced ourselves and merited a “hello.” We asked if we were speaking to a gentleman. “F**k you!” a voice shouted. We asked if this was a woman. “F**k me!” replied the voice. “Rape you,” was a threat we heard over the box. An angry presence told us, “Shit! Damn! You’re not this princess, ya got that!” “You can’t beat me!” another voice declared. These may be the gangsters who helped run the speakeasy. We heard whispering and singing, although we couldn’t make out what was being said or sung. It sounded like chanting. A voice declared, “Not near you.” Perhaps it was Native Americans who once lived in the area. During a flashlight conversation, we were told that a Native American was present. Stories of Satanic rituals have circulated, too. When we asked how many spirits were there, a voice told us, “There’s just me.” We heard a child yell, so we tried using the laser light. “Overused,” was the thought expressed by someone.

We proceeded to The Room of Faces, so called because people see faces on the walls, due to discoloration. Greg took a picture, but it was very dark. We asked, “Is the dark picture you?” “Impossible! Not me!” replied a voice. Someone, apparently tiring of our questions, declared, “Oh! F**k! Ya gotta get over it!” In answer to our questions about gambling and poker, a voice told us, “Never played that!” Mackey’s was a popular gambling casino at one time, before Bobby took ownership and made it a honky tonk. “Is there anything you’d like to share with us?” we asked. The responses were, “”Wow! Can’t you hear us?” from a juvenile voice and “Can’t you hear us?” from a masculine voice. Ending the EVP session, I said “Thank you,” as usual, and had a “You’re welcome” in return!

In the dressing room area, Johanna is supposed to let her presence be known through the smell of roses. We all did smell roses there, although we didn’t get any EVPs. Johanna is supposed to have committed suicide after her father killed her lover. TJ was sitting in there when a picture showing a green orb was taken.

There is a tiny jail cell in the cellar, too. This was used allegedly by gangsters. When I remarked that it was very tiny, a voice uttered, “You’re sitting in my seat!” Seconds later, the same line was repeated! We were ordered to “Get out!” We did have a temperature change on the Mel meter, getting colder.

Upstairs in the pool hall, a man’s voice told Greg he was “stupid.” During our EVP session with the spirit box, a feminine voice asked us, “What’s your name?” Shortly afterwards, she demanded, “Stop bugging me!” Another voice asked, “Hey, man, what the 3 of them know?” There were 3 of us there! We heard the names Sarah and Wilma. A voice stated, “I’ve been so worried!” We don’t know who the spirit was or why it was worried. Did Sarah or Wilma have something to do with it? We don’t know. There is a picture of TJ with a dark energy.

Sitting at the bar, we had some activity. Some of the EVPs include:
“What’s up, sweetheart?”
“Skeeter, you’re workin’ here!”
“We’re focused! We drink! We’re dinin’!”

They are relevant for the location we were at, certainly. When we asked if anyone knew Carl, the former caretaker, the retort was, “Yeah, bitch!” When we asked if anyone knew Wanda Kay, who used to lead the tours there, a man’s voice demanded, “Go get her!” A man’s voice encouraged, “Don’t give up the fight for the soil!” and “We’re patriots!” We had asked if any spirits were there before the settlers. Perhaps it was a Revolutionary War soldier, or even a Civil War soldier. There are several photos showing both negative and positive energies there. Perhaps someone was protecting us.

Angel and I went into the Ladies Room. We did hear f**k through the spirit box a few times. In answer to our question, “Do you ever use this bathroom?” we heard, “There are people in here.” It was said in a very strange voice. At the end of the session, after I said thank you, a voice replied, “You’re welcome. We’re gonna quit.” Both hostile and polite spirits were in there. The most interesting time was when the bathroom light was accidently turned off by one of the overseers who was there with us.

Sitting in front of the stage, again through the spirit box, we caught the names Ruth, Eddy, and Patrick. When we asked about Pearl, a voice asked, “What about her?” Someone told us, “I work here. That’s real.” We were told to shut up, and again we had the word f**k. There didn’t seem to be much activity there while we were there. However, we did take a photo of a negative energy on the floor near the stage.

We did venture into the men’s room, although some visitors have reported very negative feelings and actual touching there. In fact, one customer in the 1990s claimed that a spirit beat him up in the men’s room. That’s the reason for the sign on the front door. It alerts anyone coming in that this is a haunted location. We had no activity.

In the Gift Shop, which had been the VIP room, a voice asked, “Is Beau here?” Beau is a member of our team, but wasn’t with us that night! We did get some responses to our questions, but not much that was relevant. The Mel meter in the hall between the Gift Shop and the stairs going up to the apartment registered an 8.0.

We also went up to the apartment that had been Carl’s when he worked there. It is really just 2 rooms and a bathroom. Again, we didn’t get much activity. We did feel a negative presence there, however. There is photograph of Angel surrounded by a red energy. Red means angry according to a theory.

While we did experience activity at Bobby Mackey’s, it wasn’t all that we had expected. It was interesting! Different nights and different people will get different results. Another night might gain us more activity. We do believe there are paranormal occurrences, and we may have been protected by good spirits.

The Women’s club
Mansfield, Ohio
Sept. 2014

http://www.mansfieldtourism.com/meeting-planners/meeting-facilities/meeting-facilities/womens-club

Mansfield, Ohio is a treasure trove for paranormal investigators. In addition to the Reformatory, the Bissman Building and several others, there is the Women’s Club. The house itself was built in 1840 as the home for prominent citizens Henry and Lucretia Hedges. It was a private home for many years, part of an upper class neighborhood. The women of Mansfield consolidated their many clubs (sewing, cooking, and art) into one and decided to meet at a central location, this home. Bothe Henry and Lucretia died there. Lucretia granted it to the Women’s Club. Today it is across from the Renaissance theatre, another site of paranormal activity. While the Women’s Club is no longer available for investigations, it does have a long history.

It was just Greg and I this time, and we began in the “Children’s Room” in the tower at the front of the house on the 3rd floor. This is where the mothers, grandmothers and aunts would send the young ones to play while they were having their meeting. While using the spirit box, we had an incredible number of EVPs and a great interaction with the spirits there, especially a young child. I asked, “Are you looking out at the street?” “Yes,” was the reply, “They’re meeting!” “You should know better!” a female voice told us when we asked, “Can we stay and play?” I asked, “Did you come here with your mommy?” A child-like voice not on the spirit box told us, “I told you, Fussy was an old witch.” We’re not sure what that means. I offered to play music. “We like music, don’t we?” was the answer. This implied that there was more than one spirit there, that one child was talking to another person. We had already heard what sounded like a woman’s voice. The K2 meter was active as well. I asked, “Do you know Twinkle Little Star?” I played it on my phone with a video. A child-like voice replied, “I watch!” “Twinkle, Twinkle,” she sang. We heard this with our own ears at the time! “Thank you, thank you, nice lady!” She or he must have been right behind me! The K2 flashed and the temperature on the SB11 changed. I had reached across the SB11 and clarified that the change might have been me. “It was,” a voice disclosed. The “child” spoke again. “Twink! “I’m alone here.” When I offered to play another song, we heard, “Pick me up!” While playing Yankee Doodle, the voice told us, “I like Doodle!” She responded several other times. There was another spirit there, however, and she wasn’t very cordial. She told us, “It’s not anyone, bitch!” and “Turn it off, bitch!” We think she means the SB11. Since the house was rumored to be part of the Underground Railroad before the Civil War, we asked about it. We asked if someone had been hiding here. “Help me!” a voice said, not coming through the SB11! We asked about Canada. “White slave!” was the response. We also had the flashlight go off and on by request, and in answer to the questions, “Are you teasing us?” and “Are you playing?” The response was yes to both.

We moved into the large attic room, but had little activity there.

In the original grant, there was to always be a bedroom kept for a woman in need. In the woman’s bedroom, we encountered several spirits. There were apparently at least three, a man, a woman and a child. We used the laser light, and a childish voice queried, “Lights?” When we turned on the spirit box, the EVPs we heard included: “I love you,” “Go away!” “Gammy!” (a call to a grandma?) and “Mama, help me!” These sounded like a small child. From the apparent women, we heard, “Go and play. Leave ‘em!” Instructions to the child, perhaps? In answer to our questions, “Has somebody been mean? Did he beat you?” a male voice told us “Yeah, a good night’” and “No beatin’ last night!” When we declared that we had traveled from Florida to come here, we heard an EVP “Hey, you guys traveled. We didn’t know!” These responses were all very relevant and interactive.

We decided on the parlor next, a lovely room from the early 1900s. We set the Mel meter on the Baby Grand Piano. Through the Spirit Box, we heard what we think was a conversation between spirits. “I want it back,” a male voice demanded. “You already got it,” said another. “I said I want it, Woody,” insisted a female voice. A female sounding voice informed us, “I like grownups!” One of the chairs was a favorite of one of the spirits, we were told. I was sitting in it. We said we would switch. “Let me see you switch!” declared a voice. We did. We told the spirits that Greg had a camera and we’d like to take their pictures. “Alright,” said a childlike voice. When we requested somebody to light up the K2 mete, a voice responded, “I’ll see if I can!” Another voice demanded, “Get off my chair!” Maybe I was sitting in the wrong chair after all! I commented that it was a beautiful room. “I see it!” was the retort. The Mel meter on the piano registered a .8. When I mentioned it was a beautiful room, a voice retorted, “I see it!”

On the adjacent stairs, a voice told us “We have looked for you.” We wondered if they were looking throughout the house, or had heard we were in the neighborhood. Again using the spirit box, a voice pleaded, “Let us out!” There was banging! There are stories that the house was a stop in the Underground Railroad. The Mel meter showed a 1.0.

We had interesting activity in the Dining Room. Several entities interacted. The spirit box was a great communication device once again! We were instructed to “Write this down!” “I call MaryJo! Where are you?” spoke a voice that sounded like an older woman. Sensing an angry presence I asked, “Are you angry?” “I’m gonna come get you!” growled a voice. Someone was trying to intimidate us. A youngster’s voice called, “Hey, you mad at me, Mom?” Seeming to give validity to the Underground Railroad story, a voice called, “Save us!” A voice which sounded like a woman’s spoke, “They’re recording.” “Do you like music,” I asked. “I like it!” a voice answered. “What kind?” I questioned. “Aretha!” was the reply. It would seem there is a more contemporary spirit there, too, if Aretha Franklin is a favorite!

We spent a long time in the cellar, since it is supposed to be a center of activity. We heard a noise throughout the session that we couldn’t place. We don’t think it is paranormal, but can’t decide what it is – something like an air raid siren, but it was the middle of the night. There was a loud moan at one point. A voice demanded, “Let go of my sister!” Perhaps this was another reference to the Railroad? A woman’s voice, not through the spirit box said, “Greg on camera. A big one.” In answer to a question about the drinking gourd, a secret map for the escaping slave, a young voice stated, “I never knew it.” Greg felt his hand be touched. “Did you touch my hand?” he queried. “I don’t know!” was the whispered response. The Mel meter registered a 3.0 at its highest! We did see a possible orb. A voice told us to call him Eric. Another said his name was Linc.

We’re glad we were able to investigate the building! We do believe that there is paranormal activity, and several spirits residing there. We were especially excited about the child in the attic singing for us! Since it is now privately owned, we are thankful we had the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the spirits there. We would certainly go back if we could.

Old Licking County Jail
Newark, Ohio
Sept. 2014

http://www.parajail.com/

During one of our many visits to Ohio, we were told about the Old Licking County Jail. It was an active site, people reported. Many people have described noises, feelings and seeing things. We were finally able to schedule a visit. The jail was erected in 1889. The deaths of 4 sheriffs and 14 inmates took place within the walls of the old jail. Several notorious murderers were housed here, including Laura Devlin, an old woman who killed her husband, sawed off his legs, arms and head, and then cooked them in her oven. A teen aged Dry Agent, Carl Etherington, was held in the jail for protection, but an angry mob broke in and killed him. Several people committed suicide while there. Hence, there have been many situations where angry or desperate feelings were within a resident during the final moments. The jail was home to the sheriff and the matrons for many years. The jail therefore includes living quarters as well as cells.

During this investigation, the team consisted of Greg, MaryJo, Dorothy, and Bernie. We started at the nurse’s station. We didn’t have much activity there, but did get a reply to the question, “Did the matron visit here?” “Yes!” We also heard the word “heaven.”

In the women’s cellblock on the 4th floor, an inmate set herself on fire in her bed. She later died in the hospital. As we approached the cell, we were told, “Leave her alone.” The MEL meter read 1.5, a substantial reading when there was no electric outlet nearby! One of the spirits there was quite angry. When we asked, “Tell us your name,” it repeated, “Tell us your name. That shit is my line!” We queried, “What do you do all day? “Nothin’,” we were told. Greg asked if the spirit was still there because of fear of retribution. “Suffer,” was the rejoinder. We also commented that it must have been hot in the summer, with no air conditioning. The answer back was, “Muggy.” Trying to communicate, we were told, “Shut up!” “Shove it!” and “F*** you!” by some entity in the women’s cell block. One stated, “I live alone.” The anger and sadness are obvious.

The jail kitchen was presided over by the matrons. Two of them were the Misses Link and David. With the SB11 as our prime communication device, we asked if the matron was here. “Not here,” we were told. We called to Miss Link. “Look at me. Can you see me?” voice questioned. We heard the sound of a woman crying. We heard a female voice saying “Oh my God,” and then “Get him! He’ll get away!” We wanted to help her! Supposedly, there was an inmate who would assault women prisoners when he was alone in the kitchen with them. There have been reports of women being touched there by an unseen hand. Dorothy asked the male spirit there if he was married. He said he wasn’t. She wanted to know if he had children. He answered, “Yes.” “Do they visit?” she wanted to know. He told her, “No.” He added, “I want to hit you.” Greg had a taste of blood in his mouth, and I smelled urine. It seemed a hostile place with this spirit.

In Carl Etherington’s room, we could all feel the despair and agony he must have felt in his final moments, waiting for the mob to get him and during the violent beating which resulted in his death. He was only 17! We heard some heart wrenching EVPs! “Help me!” “Stop it!” “Help!” “He was scared!” The K2 flashed on several occasions, and we registered a temperature change twice.

We visited Walter’s room. Walter Robinson murdered his girlfriend of many years after she agreed to marry him. We heard a bang, as if a cell door was closed, although no one else was in the jail but us and Eric Glosser, the supervisor of paranormal investigations for the property. A voice asked, “Why are you stuck in this place?” We knocked, and had a knock in response. Employing the SB11, we heard “help,” “hate you” and “Help me, help me, please!” The voice sounded like a woman’s. When we stated that I sensed despair, the reply was, “I’m dead!”, again in what sounds like a woman’s voice. Could the girlfriend have come to Walter’s cell?

Next we investigated the showers. The REM lights lit and the alarm sounded several times. An EVP, through the SB11, told us, “killed ‘im!” and “f*** you!” The MEL meter registered a .6, a fairly significant reading. There was a man who committed suicide in the bathroom by cutting his throat with a razor.

In the sheriff’s quarters, we called on Sheriff Embry. The spirit there corrected us. It wasn’t Embry, but Francis. We were told that his granddaughter had visited, so we mentioned it to him. “Granddaughter,” repeated the spirit. When Bernie, Dorothy and I stated that our dad was a cop, a voice told us, through the SB11, “Your dad must have been —“we couldn’t make out the last words. The voice continued, “Apparently, he’s still a good cop.” Does this spirit know our dad? We also heard the words “officer,” and “new-fangled equipment” which seem relevant to the site. When we ended the session, I said “Thank you” as usual. “You’re welcome,” I was told.

In the physician’s area, an entity told us, “Hurt me right there.” Later, a voice declared, “Kinda need medicine.” Someone was hostile. We were told “f*** you” twice and once “f***er”, too.

In the intake room, again using he spirit box, we recorded several EVPs. Laura Devlin has been reported here. She was eventually sent to an asylum for mental evaluation. “I’m not crazy!” “Harvey, get your cane!” “Harvey Devlin – Harvey just wanted . . .” The last part we couldn’t understand. Laura Devlin’s husband was Thomas, but Harvey might be a relative. When Dorothy asked, “Are you angry?” the reply was, “Yeah!” We had some K2 activity here and again a .6 MEL meter reading.

In the basement is solitary confinement. It’s reputed to be hotspot. When I asked, “How’d you get thrown in here?” the hostile reply was, “None of your business!” In response to our comment, “Nobody’s happy here,” we got, “You betcha!” Several times we heard pleas for help! It was a lonely place!

The Old Licking County Jail certainly has paranormal activity! When the opportunity arises, we’d like to investigate again! There is more to discover from the residents!

Archer’s House
Spring Hill, FL
Dec. 2014

Archer and his family bought the house in 2009. Since the beginning, they had felt something was there, but activity had been increasing. They heard voices; the window unlocked; the door to the 12 year’s bedroom would lock on its own; the 3 year saw her toy animal crawling up the wall; the cat acted afraid; and Archer saw an image in the mirror. Everyone was nervous.

Dawn visited astrally, and told us she found several spirits in the house. Terri saw an older woman under a stir case. Archer told me there had been a stairs in the front of the house; going up to the yard, but it was gone now. He also told me another psychic had felt the presence of an older woman there.

Terri, Greg and I traveled to Spring Hill. Baseline meter readings were no higher than 0.1, except around the refrigerator and other places electricity leakage would be high. Since the parents heard a voice in the baby’s room, we started there. We did notice several temperature changes on the SB11. We also had the words,”kin, hurts, and Amen.” come through. Terri communicated with the older woman and a man who were there from generations ago! It was a different house! He had been taking care of her in her mental illness. She loved the children, especially the younger ones. She and her caretaker had had physical fights. Terri believes that he accidently killed her, choking her when he felt overwhelmed by his duties and her behavior. He was repentant! He had lost a hand during one the fights, so was unable to properly bury her. Her placed her near a rose bush and placed stones over her body. Terri thinks they might have been related in some way, perhaps a son in law and his wife’s mother. Maybe the words through the spirit box were those two trying to communicate with us.

In the 3 year old’s room, we heard the EVP. “Suicide is misery!” Did the man eventually kill himself in desperation over his act? Dawn believes that another young man committed suicide and was in the home.

Outside, Archer showed us where the steps had been, and Terri went to the spot she thought the death happened. A dark energy is over her in the photo. However, Terri judges that the body was buried elsewhere, probably where the house is now. Since it happened so long ago, so one else might have even been aware of her death. Both the woman and the man were ready to cross over, but the man went back for a little boy. He brought him along, too.

Back in the living room, we heard the SB11 say “Teresa Reed,” Terri’s full name. When she asked, “Did you say my name?” the reply was, “Yes’m! Thank you for my family.” A young spirit, possibly related to the older woman and man, was in the home, too. Terri encouraged her to cross over. She had a message for Terri about her heart, and even asked if Terri wanted her to wait. The next day, Terri was admitted to the ER with a heart problem! At the time, we had no idea Terri would be going to the hospital!

In the master bedroom, we conducted and EVP session for any other spirits on the property who wanted to step forward, especially those contacted by Dawn. Most of them did acknowledge me. One, Maria, giggled when I spoke her name, and announced, “I’m at the séance!” Of course, we weren’t really conducting a séance, but trying to communicate with those already in the room. Treyvonn was also there, speaking. He was looking for his mom, and we encouraged him to go to the light and find her.

The family reports that all is quiet, and they feel much better about being in the home. We will resume communication with them if they have any concerns or questions in the future.