On March 2, 2006, we received an email detailing a case in Three Oaks involving some unexplained activity in and audio recordings from a home there. We agreed to investigate the case.

 

        We contacted the family and set up an appointment to meet with them at the house on April 1^st at 8:00 PM.  The investigators present at the first meeting were Cindi, Monty, Sherrie, and Kathy.  Kathy and Sherrie sat down with the family to discuss their experiences and go over a listing of previous owners of the property.  Sherrie recorded the names and dates to research at a later date.  The audio tape was also discussed. It was a cassette recording of the son, breathing patterns while asleep that had been ordered by their physician for diagnostic purposes. Upon playing the tape back, the family heard voices that didn’t belong to anyone present that night and they were curious as to where the voices were coming from. Kathy was given the tape for analysis.  During this time, Cindi set up her video camera in the children’s bedroom. It is the same bedroom used by the son while living at home. The audio recording was done in this room also. While the camera was running, the lights were turned off and the door closed. The camera was angled towards the wall and closet opposite the door. Monty and Cindi then took photographs of the exterior and interior of the house.

 

          The video tape was reviewed by the group. It contained moving light anomalies that weren’t consistent with bugs. One light in particular moved from the closet toward the window and then stopped and changed directions.

 

          Audio recorders were set up as well and Monty captured what sounds like EVP. While a whisper is heard, unfortunately the content is unclear.

 

          The cassette tape that was recorded approximately 6 years ago was also reviewed. Both sides were examined but the first side was the one that contained the unexplained “voices.”  Aside from the phrases that the owner mentioned hearing, Kathy heard “he knows me” after the expletive that Shannon, Rodney and Penny heard.  Unfortunately, with time it seems that audio tapes often lose their clarity and it is sometimes hard to hear the same sounds that were heard when the tape was newer. That may be the case here. The “voices” heard were consistent in sound to many other instances of EVP. 

 

          Monty and Cindi found no photographic anomalies other than orbs inside and outside the house.  Some are believed to be dust but there were some that could be paranormal in origin.     

          The history of the property as recorded on the property deed is interesting and varied. Owners are recorded back to the mid 1800’s.  The property changed hands many times and the current owner, had possession for the longest period of time.  Nothing showed up in a search done on the parcel of land but the whole area does have a varied and sometimes tragic history. There are many Native American burial grounds in the area. There is also an account of many European settlers who died there of diphtheria. It was a very marshy area that, while a good place for vegetable farming, was also a breeding ground for disease. It is said that a garrison that was originally located there was moved to St Joseph for the same reason.

 

          We also feel that there could possibly be a connection to the owner’s son. He was present at our second meeting and Monty caught some interesting photographic anomalies around him.

          The family has since sold the house and moved.

 

                                             

 

 

Abandoned Farm   This farm has been in a state of disrepair for better than 10 years. Kathy has been drawn to it several times. It is now slated for demolition. Kathy and I received permission and entered the home for a daytime preliminary investigation. Unfortunately we were armed with our cameras only. Upon entering through the basement I immediately felt as if I was not alone. I took several pictures and then proceeded to the first floor. One of the basement pictures shows a yellowish fog like substance in the rear of the basement which is not found in the next picture. When I reached the first floor landing I clearly heard a woman tell us to "Get Out." We reassured her that we were not a threat. We proceeded to the front entrance where the temperature dropped dramatically. It was approximately 45 degrees outside, yet suddenly we were shivering and could see our breath! The woman's presence was extremely strong in this area. We continued through the house gathering more photographic evidence and impressions. The team concluded the house deserves a full investigation and at this time we are seeking permission to do one. Barbara                                                                                  Follow - Up As of August 2006, the house is still standing.  A full investigation was done a few months after Barbara's posting above.  Valuable evidence was collected but unfortunately since the house is still standing we are respecting the current owner's privacy we won't be making it public at this time.  I will say that after the investigation, for the first time I feel that I was followed home by an entity.  I woke during the night and felt the strong presence of an elderly woman standing next to my bed. I sensed her confusion and anger. I didn't feel that it was directed at me. It seemed that the woman didn't realize that she had passed and no longer lived in the farmhouse. She couldn't understand why people (the property has been vandalized a few times recently) continue to enter her home without being invited.  I tried to explain the situation to her and apologized if we had upset her by our visits.  The energy faded soon after.  I don't know if she understood me but I think it is because she was so confused and upset that she actually followed me.  I get asked all the time if I worry about "something" following me from a location and since it has rarely happened to me, I don't.  This was one of the few exceptions and that is why I mention it here.  Pictures A look at the architecture Orbs in Parlor Yellowish Fog or Streak

 

 

 

Lighthouse Inn CT This beautiful resort inn was built in 1902 and is the only location in Connecticut to be designated as a Historic Hotel of America. Many tales of reported paranormal activity in the century old inn have circulated for years. Two of the main ones being of a young bride who fell to her death on the main staircase and some young children who may have met their death during a hurricane. The bride has been sighted and felt by guests - especially the young women who are preparing for their weddings in a second floor room. She is also said to visit the bridal suite where she has been known to shake the bed of sleeping couples. The laughing voices of children are heard outside on the beautifully manicured grounds but when guests look out their windows to catch site of the playing children, they are nowhere to be seen. The Travel Channel did a segment on the inn recently. Our investigation took place in June at midnight. Kathy, David, Lauren, and Andrew were present. After speaking to the night manager, who related that employees seemed to be particularly uncomfortable in the one area of the basement, investigators set up their equipment there. Photographs were taken throughout the hotel but the majority of the activity did take place in the basement. We have included three photographs here, taken by Lauren - two in the basement and one in the bedroom once belonging to the building's owner. EMF readings were in the normal range and video still has to be evaluated. Temperature fluctuations outside of what we would normally expect occurred frequently in the basement. Due to the intense activity in the basement, investigators have decided to return and focus the investigation there. The results of this investigation will be posted here.

                                                              

                                                                                

                                                                    

 

  

The Savoy Hotel The Savoy Hotel This historic property in Westerly was built in 1888 and has not operated as a hotel since the 1950's, since then it has been home only to occasional vagrants. In spite of its air of neglect and disuse, it still retains the echo of its former beauty and charm. It also appears to retain the spirits of former guests and inhabitants. Kathy did a preliminary investigation two weeks prior to the investigation date and found that the old hotel definitely warranted a second, more extensive look. Permission was sought and granted by the building's owner for Encounters to do an investigation on May 21, 2004. Investigators, Kathy, Barbara, Michelle, Kathie, and Cookie along with David, met at the hotel on May 21st. Groups formed and walked through the building, measuring energy levels and temperature to determine the best areas on which to concentrate. Definite "hot spots" were found throughout the hotel. Temperature fluctuations were between 10 and 25 degrees. Equipment was set up in these areas. Sensitives picked up on the presence of entities in three main areas of the hotel. Evidence collected by investigators seems to support this theory. On the second floor, Barbara sensed the strong impression of an agitated woman pacing in front of one particular room. The presence of a former occupant was felt strongly by Kathy and Michelle. Kathy felt the presence of the same entity on her previous visit. He made his presence felt immediately upon her arrival on the 21st. Investigators spent 5 hours in the building. Evidence collected is currently being evaluated and will be posted here when the process is completed. There is no question in the minds of investigators that the building is teeming with paranormal activity. Given the size of the building, a second visit is probably warranted and once a date is decided upon, it will be posted here.

                                                                               

 

Westerly, RI Our name was given to this family in RI who in turn, contacted us with the details of the activity taking place in their home. They moved into the home six months ago and immediately began to hear unusual noises - the first of which was the unmistakable sound of a woman sobbing in the kitchen. This was followed by sightings of a woman in early Victorian dress in different areas of the home during the day as well as night. The sound of dishes being moved in the kitchen is also heard. Lights often flicker, bulbs burn out regularly and electrical appliances malfunction. Kathy met initially with the family and spoke at length with witnesses. The house is 15 years old and located near the water. It was decided that a full investigation is in order and was scheduled for Saturday, April 3, 2004. Investigators taking part will be decided at a later date. The homeowners agreed to keep a log of any activity witnessed as well as to do some background research on the property. This will be added to later investigative data.   Update This case is currently on-going. Investigators Kathy C, Barbara and Kathie M were present on April 3. Video, digital sound recordings and digital and 35 mm photographs were collected as well as other equipment readings. Along with this, group sensitives picked up on the presence of one woman. Some details were apparent but the true reason for the woman's (whom we call Rebecca) presence in the home is still unclear. The home owners invited us to return in May. In the meantime, evidence was analyzed and supported the presence of paranormal activity in the home. Some of the photographs taken are included here. May 14, 2004 On this evening, Kathy and Barbara were joined by Lauren and David (See News and Events). Another attempt was made to contact "Rebecca" and was successful. It would compromise the privacy of those involved to go into detail about her purpose but we did our best to let her know that we understood what she was trying to get across to those in the home and reassured her that she was free to move on. Follow-ups will continue. The family involved is in contact with investigators on a weekly basis. Hopefully, the activity will cease and the family will find some comfort in the answers they received. Since the case is not officially closed, if any further pertinent or interesting occurrences come up, we will post them here. If things remain quiet in the home, we will consider closing this case at that point.

                                                                     

 

Cranston, RI Barbara was contacted by a family in Cranston who are presently living in a home purchased from their grandparents two years ago. They are experiencing increased unexplained activity that seems to be connected somehow to the construction of a dark room in the basement. The room was built by the owner’s brother. Both brothers, as well as one brother’s wife, have experienced the activity which has consisted of the sound of pacing in both the first and second floor hallways and objects that disappear only to reappear in their original location minutes or hours later. The darkroom is put in order at the end of the day and closed only to be found in disarray the following morning. This has happened repeatedly. The family dog has also reacted to something present. While the owners feel no threat, they are interested in having our group investigate the situation to see if anything can be documented. After an initial interview with Barbara and Kathy, it was decided that a full investigation is warranted in this case. It has been scheduled for March. Once this has taken place, an update will be added here. Update: The full investigation took place on March 5, 2004. Barbara, Kathy C, Kathie M, and Dan were the investigators present. We set up our equipment in the basement. Almost immediately we felt the presence of spirit. This presence was measured with both our emf meters and temperature gauges. This happened several times during the evening, however each visit was short lived. Although we are still processing all the evidence gathered that evening, below you will find an interesting video clip and a few pictures. The group will be returning in April to close out this case. moving orb orb orb2 videoclip

Private Burial Ground, Waterford CT This case is in the preliminary stages. After various accounts of unexplained activity in this small secluded family cemetery, which dates back to the early 1700's, a group of Encounters investigators made two visits, one during the day and one at night, to gather some baseline data. According to sensitives present, the presence of children was felt, one in particular that was captured on film in one corner of the cemetery that was considered to be a "hot spot." It is his presence that is most strongly felt in the area.     Pictures

Barbara & Kurts Home Kurt and I purchased our Circa 1860 home in July 2002. We only know the history of the family who owned it from 1880 to the 1950's. In the 1800's there was a mill across the street. The mill was built by the father of the woman who lived here with her husband and children from 1880 on. It was then inherited by a very lucky housekeeper. When she passed in the 1980's it was left to her niece who turned it into a two family rental property. Kurt and I had been looking for a historical home for some time. When we saw the property from the outside we loved it. We were disappointed that it had been converted to a two family, but we knew in time we could restore it to its original splendor. Our first two weeks here were spent on the first floor. The second floor tenant had not yet moved. Our two dogs were constantly barking and running towards something unseen. Initially we chalked it up to the strange environment, but soon enough I started catching movement out of the corner of my eye. Then things started to disappear—spoons...yes, our spoons..all but two in fact, an ear ring of mine, and some of Kurts tools...all of which still have not been found. Finally we were able to move the bedrooms upstairs. It was wonderful having room to breathe. It had been a little stressful for the kids having to share a room and we were sleeping on the floor in the parlor. Upstairs in my new bedroom I awoke one night to see a woman looking out my window. She never made a sound, she just stared outside. I have seen her several times since then. Several weeks later we had the hardwoods in our bedroom sanded (they had been painted, with latex of all things!) and again Kurt and I found ourselves displaced. We set up our bed in a small room off of the bedroom. Every night I would be awoken by the sounds of a woman sobbing. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I haven't heard her since. Kurt on the other hand was not experiencing any paranormal phenomena, until one day he was alone in the parlor and he heard a very loud banging. He ran to the kitchen, thinking someone was trying to break down the door, but he could not find the source of the noise. As his eyes scanned around the room he saw a dried flower arrangement that was hanging on the wall jump off its nail and land on the floor. We have two teenage children, one male and one female. Our son has seen "shadow" people and both have experienced times when they felt "they were not alone." I on the other hand have experienced many things. I exited the double parlor one evening and saw a shadow pass into the formal parlor and turn to go up the stairs. I thought it was my daughter. I asked her a question, but she kept walking. I was puzzled as to why she didn't answer, after all she was within 15 feet of me. A few minutes later I went up to bed. I stopped at her room and asked if she had heard me a few minutes earlier. She had no idea what I was talking about, for she hadn't left her room in over an hour. In the beginning I was uncomfortable in the basement. It has a dirt floor and a stone foundation. At one time it was separated into rooms. The plaster is gone now but the wall planks remain as does what is left of the original chimney with its bee hive oven. The kitchen was originally downstairs as they quite often were in the 1800's. Today the washer and dryer are downstairs. There are also several entities. There are times when the basement smells of alcohol...that is due to one entity. There is another stronger one downstairs. He would come up behind me as a cold breeze when I was doing the laundry and a few times my hair has moved as if it was brushed by an unseen hand. He doesn't come on so strong anymore...he has learned I'm not so easily intimidated. I think he knew I could feel his presence and he liked to try and scare me. If a person is domineering or angry in life they will be the same way in spirit, you take your personality with you. I took his fun away when I would get my equipment and talk to him. The attic is another active area. We believe some mill workers and their families were boarded there. It is a finished five room attic complete with wall paper, doors and moldings. You can see where there were once coal stoves for heat. There is no electricity or running water. We have heard banging upstairs, doors creaking open and have found things knocked over and out of place. We have also captured an EVP of a little girls voice saying..."NO" and "MOMMY". There is a lot of energy in one room in particular. There is a picture posted with this story of the energy swirling up in the room. One night I was at an investigation Kurt was unable to attend. I was experiencing some pretty intense phenomena. When I returned home I learned Kurt had an interesting night himself. He had been removing the layers of flooring in the kitchen to expose the original hardwoods. He is not sure how to describe it other than the atmosphere felt different. The circuit breaker kept tripping in the room he was working in. He wasn't using any power tools or anything that would cause the breaker to trip. We had never had a problem with the electricity before then and it hasn't happened since. Last week I awoke about 2 AM. I went to make sure the kids had shut off the TV and lights. My eyes were still adjusting to the dark when I saw a male figure coming at me. I put my hands up thinking my son didn't see me and he was going to walk right into me! Whatever or whoever it was, it wasn't my son. The figure went right through me and continued on its way. There have been times we have smelled cigar smoke in the parlor. No one in the house smokes. There haven't been too many nights I have slept completely through. My dog barks nightly. Kurt feels the barking is due to the poodle being paranoid. Yes, the dog may be a little over sensitive, but I also know he barks because "someone" visits us nightly. To prove this to my very skeptical husband I have left my EMF Meter on my night stand turned on. Sure enough – after we are asleep–and between the hours of 12AM and 4AM the sensor has beeped alerting us to the "visitor." We are not aware of any previous owners or tenants experiencing any strange phenomena. That really doesn't surprise me though. I've experienced things my whole life that others have not. Living your life with an open mind will often show you things that would otherwise remain unseen. The atmosphere changes daily in our home, but we love it and enjoy seeing it slowly come "back to life." Each day is a new experience. We'll keep you posted.   Barbara

 

                                                                       
                                                                                                

Undisclosed New Hampshire Cemetery November 16, 2003 Group investigators Kathy and Michelle met with members of AAEVP, Andrea, Karen, and Mike to collect recordings, photographs, and video at this active site. Previous EVP collected here have demonstrated amazing clarity and length. Photographs have shown colored energy anomalies. Data was gathered and will be gone through and posted soon. The name and location of this cemetery is being withheld because of vandalism in other area cemeteries. Pictures

I was granted permission to briefly visit this now closed and secured area of a New England Penitentiary. This was the area of solitary confinement in the late 1800's and early 1900's. It was a steel box no bigger than 4 by 5 feet where prisoners were sent for punishment. The prisoners were left naked in the dark steel box and steam was pumped in to make their ordeal even more horrendous. It has not been in use since some time after the turn of the century when a prisoner died and opinions started to change on what constituted cruel and unusual punishment. I left my recorder in the steel box and walked off. Attached you will hear a disembodied voice saying the word "No". Barbara