Mansfield Fire Museum and Education Center
Mansfield, Ohio

Our second investigation at the Mid-Ohio Psychic/Paranormal Convention was to the Fire Museum. This was our first visit, but may not be our last. There was plenty of activity, since we met Ethel, Flavia, and Brendan. The building itself was never a firehouse, but was a teen age nightclub and stores. Most of the activity would be the result of attachment. Firetrucks from the 1800s and on are the highlight of the museum. There is an exhibit of old Mansfield, with Soda Fountain, stores, and the famous Mansfield Reformatory. The brick street has trolley tracks. A mockup of an old fire station includes stables, kitchen, and a bunkroom. A memorial room displays photos of former chiefs and firefighters. A model of a house helps school children to learn how to escape a fire. Adjacent is a Bingo Hall which helps to fund the museum and education center.

Greg and I explored with Juanita and her son Jecoa. In the museum, we held flashlight conversations with Brendon and Flavia. Brendon we encountered at the soda fountain. He told us he had worked at the ice cream counter. He had, he said, been an officer in the Marines. Flavia conveyed that she was a firefighter in the first half of the 1900s. Since women firefighters were uncommon then, she may have come from a small community that depended on women. Perhaps she fought fires during WWII. She was a very playful spirit! We all enjoyed our encounters. We had two. She relayed that she was married, had a daughter, and had dark hair. She liked to drive fast! When I ask, in the firetruck exhibition, “If anyone is here, please make a noise.” An EVP has a knock. We heard nothing at the time! There are a few EVPs that we can’t decipher, unfortunately! One does seem to say my name!

Bobby, the curator, was great friends with Ethel, who ran the Bingo. Her picture and cane are displayed. Upstairs, in the room with the casket, we expected to communicate with an inmate of the reformatory. The casket was used there for many dead inmates. This is a case of, the unexpected happens. It was Ethel we spoke to! We had a fairly lengthy conversation with her, via flashlight. We learned that she liked to play poker, drank Jack Daniels on the rocks, liked to stay home rather than travel, and dislikes the people who are living in her former home. She told us we all have a choice when we die. Further, she told us she is with her friend, Bonnie! Bobby supplied us with that information! She revealed that although she doesn’t socialize with the other spirits, she does know them. She confirmed Brendon and Flavia. Bobby is obviously fond of Ethel, and we’re grateful for his help!

The museum is a good visit on its own! Paranormal activity is a big plus!

http://mansfieldfiremuseum.com/