All posts by Kara Pelicano

Cincinnati Hauntings

AHRT, ghosthunting, Haunted Handbook, paranormal, , , , , , ,

Paranormal activity isn’t easy to find or witness if you don’t know where to look. Even Cinci Haunted Handbook COVER lo-reswhen you do know of a place with a  spooky past, finding a ghost comes down to luck most times, which leaves people skeptical. However, when a story is passed down, being told countless times, something paranormal has to be going on.

Below are several places in Cincinnati said to be haunted, all (+97 more) are featured in the book Cincinnati Haunted Handbook, by Jeff Morris and Garret Merk.

Cincinnati Museum Center: In the early 1990s, the center was experiencing theft of computers. A single security guard name Shirley was hired to catch the thieves. One night, she found the thieves on the fourth floor and was shot dead. Her body was later discovered in Northern Kentucky. She is said to still roam the halls of the Union Terminal. Many of the housekeepers will not walk alone after closing, and the sounds of locking doors and footsteops can be heard when few people are around. Also, a ghostly pilot is often seen in the museum in the airplane from World War II. Occasionally, you can hear people crying and welcoming back soldiers on the tracks.

Cincinnati Museum of Art: Security guards have often reported seeing a 7-foot tall specter with no human features rise up from a mummy sarcophagus and go straight through the ceiling. The specter is seen coming through the ceiling whenever entering a room. When guards would take a nap in the storage room, they would wake up to a glowing face hovering inches away from them. Some guards claim that the specter blocks their way as they attempt to maneuver around the storage room. Many security guards have quit, reporting the same story.

Eden Park: The apparition of a woman wearing a black dress has been seen standing by the gazebo near the park’s lake. The woman is thought to be Imogene, the wife of famous Cincinnati bootlegger George Remus. Remus killed his wife in Eden Park after she filed for divorce.

How an EMF Device Works

AHRT, ghosthunting, paranormal, , , , , ,

One possible way to detect ghost is through the measuring of EMF (electromagnetic Frequencies). An EMF meter is an instrument that measures fluctuation in electromagnetic fields.  Ghost/spirits seem to be surrounded by tiny amounts of EMF, so by scanning an area with an EMF meter it is possible to pick up traces of EMF which have no readily explainable “source” under normal circumstances. Using an EMF meter can not only be used to detect the presence of ghosts, but with a reading, it is possible to track or follow the movements of a ghost.

Before using an EMF meter to detect ghosts in a location, one should first take EMF readings throughout the entire site in order to establish any other sources of EMF, such as electrical appliances generators, electrical cables or other devices that either use or generate power. This is done to establish the normal readings for a location and to isolate any natural sources of EMF so as to avoid “false readings” i.e. mistaking a fridge as an indicator of supernatural activity (unless of course the fridge is opening and closing itself).

Knowing the base line EMF readings of the area is important in knowing what the normal expected frequencies are. Most normal readings for devices are in the range of 9.0 – 30.0 on the EMF meter. Always make sure to back up the meter’s readings with other pieces of evidence as well.

When using an EMF meter to detect ghost or spirits one should sweep the area methodically taking note of any readings. A thorough check is done to see if there is any possible natural cause for the reading, i.e. electrical appliance, power cable etc. If no natural causes are present at the location you are reading with the meter, you are dealing with paranormal activity.

A typical EMF reading both for normal and paranormal activity will lie within the range of 2.0 to 7.0. Any reading within this range that cannot be traced to a source is attributed to spirit activity.

Another characteristic of EMF readings to be aware of is that the closer one comes to the source the higher the reading will be. Take for example a T.V. if one points the meter at the T.V. one will get a reading and the closer one moves to the T.V. the stronger the reading will get.

A reading from a natural object will always occur in the same location and will not disappear or move unless the source is moved or removed. Readings from natural sources are always discarded.

EMF fields do not occur naturally, nor do they move or disappear and reappear. It is impossible for low level EMF readings to occur without a “natural source”. Any readings picked up without a “source” present are therefore attributed to spirits and/or residual energy from supernatural causes.

EMF meters have different distance ranges. They all work on the same principle. The meter’s field of detection is generally cone shaped similar to the beam of a flashlight. Its range depends on the model and how much you care to spend on an EMF meter.

Ghost of the Night Watchman

AHRT, ghosthunting, paranormal

From the desolate stretch along route 278 through Lake Hope State Park, it’s hard to imagine a town of furnace worker shacks, a general store, a post office, and a tiny schoolhouse. Until you notice the crumbling monster of the old furnace shoved into the valley floor. Not much more than a fortress of thick stone slabs, bent iron, and a smattering of black, shiny rocks of slag remain to remind us of the past.

During the mid-to-late 1800s, the drive to pull raw iron ore from Southern Ohio’s fertile sandstone soil and turn it into iron brought mining, railroading and iron blast furnaces. There was Zaleski and Mineral, Ingham and Hope – all filled with workers and their families, eking out an existence working in the mines or at the furnaces to make a simple living. However, it’s the furnace by Lake Hope that remains haunted.

Whispers have always told of a night watchman for Hope Furnace who stumbled into the fiery stack. He burned to death almost instantly, not even a scorched bone to be found among the charred cinders at the bottom of the pit. The man’s name still remains a mystery and no newspaper article about his death can be found. However, it would not be uncommon for the furnace operators to hire a nameless tenant of a neighboring town or a vagrant passing through to work in their company.  Most were immigrants working for little more than enough food to get them by day to day. But the mysterious worker is said to be seen with an orange lantern still strolling across the top of the furnace on rainy evenings. He is seen as nothing more than a shadowy figure traveling as if walking on air where the old buildings once connected to the furnace.

Now known as the Night Watchman, a bright light can be seen bobbing up and down by the furnace. If you wait long enough, tales say the light moves quickly toward you, faster than any human could run.

If you’d like to explore the Hope furnace, from State Route 93-Take State Route 56 to State Route 278 south-following the signs toward Lake Hope State Park. The iron furnace will be on your right.

Please note: Always check with park staff to see when and where you can hunt for these ghosts. Because of the danger of many areas like the cliffs at Hocking Hills after dark, the trails close at dusk.

Tornado Victim Returns

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On May 20, 2013, a tornado leveled an elementary school in Moore, Oklahoma. Nine-year old Nicolas McCabe died inside the school that day. However, Nicolas’s father, Scott McCabe, believes his son is still around–not in body but in spirit.

On July 4th, the McCabe’s hosted their annual Independence Day party with their relatives. Scott took a photo of a younger child in the family by the fire. Looking at the photo again, a boy’s face is seen right behind Madison. The face is of Scott’s son, Nicolas.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Scott said. “Nicolas loved the Fourth of July and he loved firecrackers. My brother, when he saw it, he said the hair stood up on his neck.”

Ghost Photobombs Picture in Ohio

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In Ravenna, Ohio, a ghost of a little girl can be seen peering out the window in a photograph taken of a house. Lu Ann Sicuro, owner of the house, has lived there for 20 years and claims to have experienced strange phenomenons. The mysterious activities include strange voices, unexplained noises coming from her closet, and doorknobs rattling on their own.

The photo is the most interesting piece of evidence to support that Sicuro’s house is haunted. The photo looks ordinary but upon closer examination, the image of a young person, assumed to be a girl, is staring out the window.

“I feel that this image is a very good photo of something paranormal caught on camera,” said Ms. Sicuro. “A very disturbing photo. It appears to be an image of a child. I believe the image in the photograph shows what is in our home. I’ve heard giggling, I’ve heard little footsteps.”

See the full news interview HERE.

The ghost can be seen in the lower left-hand corner.

Exploring the Mighty Magic Mojo of New Orleans

AHRT, ghosthunting, paranormal, , , , , , ,

Catch up with AHRT author Kala Ambrose (Ghosthunting North Carolina and Spirits of New Orleans) as she revisits her October book tour through The Big Easy. She will take you to the French Quarter, to unique shops and bookstores, and even to the Anne Rice Ball. You can read her full article HERE.

Spirits-of-New-Orleans-lo-res

Victory of Light Expo – November 23 & 24

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For those interested in the psychic arts, the Victory of Light Psychic Festival will be held at the Sharonville Convention Center (Greater Cincinnati area) this Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24, from 10:00AM to 7:00PM. Admission to the festival is $14 for one day or $20 for both days. Seniors and students with ID get two dollars off. Children 12 and under get in free. Readings range from $20-$40.

The majority of seminars are free to attend unless specified. Some prominent speakers include Patricia Mischell, festival founder Victor Peruta, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Patti Starr, John Kachuba, and many more.

America’s Haunted Road Trip will have a booth in the main vendor area and will be selling all AHRT books at discounted prices! Several AHRT authors will be speaking and signing their books in the booth–schedule is below. With vendor and guest attendance at an all-time high, this is sure to be the best VOL yet! We hope to see you there!

Saturday at 11:00AM – “Journey into the Spirit World” – Patti Starr, world-renowned ghost hunter (FREE). Patti will be signing her book Ghosthunting Kentucky in the AHRT booth immediately after her presentation.

Saturday at 12:00PM – “Ouija: Yes or No?” – Rosemary Ellen Guiley, leading authority on the paranormal (FREE).  Rosemary will be signing many of her books at  her own booth immediately after her presentation. Signed copies of Ghosthunting Pennsylvania will be available in the AHRT booth.

Saturday at 4:00PM – “Dream Visits & Messages from the Dead” – Rosemary Ellen Guiley (2 hours, $10).

Saturday at 4:00PM – “Ohio Ghosthunting” – John Kachuba reveals his favorite Buckeye haunts (FREE). John will be signing all of his books, including Ghosthunting Ohio On the Road Again and Ghosthunting Illinois, at the AHRT booth immediately after his presentation. You may catch him in our booth before his presentation, as well.

Sunday at 1:00PM – “Cincinnati Haunted Handbook: The Histories Behind the Hauntings” – Jeff Morris and Garret Merk (FREE). Jeff will be signing all books in the Haunted Handbook series in the AHRT booth immediately after the presentation. Books cover the cities of Cincinnati, Nashville, Chicago, and the Twin Cities.

 

The Ghost Whisperer

ghosthunting, paranormal,

Mary Ann Winkowski is one of the inspirations behind the hit show “Ghost Whisperer.” Why? Well, Mary Ann is a ghost whisperer–a real life one.

Winkowski was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been communicating with earthbound spirits for most of her life. Her earliest memories include talking to spirits of the deceased as if they were living people and helping these entities cross over into the White Light.

Over the course of her work as a paranormal investigator, Winkowski’s reputation has spread. She was a consultant to the CBS hit television show “Ghost Whisperer,” has appeared on numerous TV and radio news programs, and has spoken at countless lectures. Still living and working primarily in the Cleveland area, Winkowski has offered her abilities to those in need as far away as New Mexico, St. Lucia, and Scotland.

Beyond Delicious[1] CoverMuch of her experiences aren’t as sensationalized as the crafted stories in Hollywood, but her experiences have been very real. In her book Beyond Delicious: The Ghost Whisperer’s Cookbook, Winkowski includes the best paranormal conversations she has had, as well as recipes she has received from restless spirits. It’s not every day we get to try a recipe passed on by a ghost, and just in time for the holidays!

Winkowski has a gift, and this gift is shared through the stories she shares in her books. Talking with the paranormal, there will always be something interesting uncovered.

Celebrities with Ghost Encounters

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Ghosts can haunt anyone, even celebrities! Here are five with their own paranormal encounters. 

Nicolas Cage
Nic Cage has had several ghost encounters, but his favorite story is about when he stayed at Francis Ford Cappola’s house in Napa Valley. Cage was staying in the attic one night when a lady with big hair appeared in front of him. At first, he thought it was his aunt, but as the lady drew closer, Cage knew it couldn’t be her and was sure it was an apparition. Regardless of who it was, he had the pants scared off of him.

Matthew McConaughey
In 2003, Matt, the shirtless heartthrob, moved into a reportedly haunted house. Every night he heard a loud sound, like a dime was being dropped from 10 feet in the air. One night, Matt jumped out of bed, grabbed a baseball bat, and ran around the house, naked of course. Matt has since claimed that he and the ghost are on better terms now. He even calls her Madame Blue. The obvious reason for the calmed spirit comes from Matt walking around naked at night.

Jenna Bush
Daughter of George W. Bush, Jenna claimed that while living in the White House, 1920s music would sometimes drift out of the fireplace in her room. Concerned, Jenna told her sister about the strange music. Jenna’s sister stayed in her room the next night only to confirm that the music was indeed coming from the fireplace.

 

 Ace Frehely
Kiss guitarist, Ace, claims that a ghost tried to hit him. While in his recording studio, a book dragged off the shelf and was flung toward him.

Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart
Stars of X-Men, and numerous other films, these two British actors were performing Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot at the Haymarket Theater in London. One night, Patrick had a moment where he just froze for a moment in the first act. When Ian asked what was wrong, Patrick claimed to have seen the ghost of John Baldwin Buckstone, an actor-manager from times gone by.

 

Share with us your own ghost stories–we want to feature a great one, and it could be yours!

 

 

What to Look for in a Ghost Tour

ghosthunting, paranormal, , , , , , ,

With colder weather on our doorsteps and the holidays right around the corner, ’tis the season to get away for the weekend and explore local lore and history.

Like any tour, the best tours are the ones where the guides actually know the history behind the stories and can prove what they say is legitimate. A ghost tour may not have as much concrete evidence as a tour of Boston Harbor, but proof doesn’t always have to be seen.

To get the most out of a ghost tour, check out their website and see what information they can give you, such as length of tour, tour options available, and history of the area. Sometimes, reviews will be posted about a tour, and it’s always good to look those over, but take them in with a grain of salt. A longer tour may mean there are more stories about the area and will give you the most for your money. Usually, a true ghost tour guide will be able to provide background to ghost stories and experiences people have had at different locations throughout a tour. Most importantly, do your research on a ghost tour to make sure it’s not a scam. If you’re interested in a ghost tour then you probably want to experience something paranormal, not made up.

Finding the best tour depends on your preferences, but a true ghost tour will satisfy your paranormal cravings every time.