The Ohio Paranormal Evaluation, Research and Validation Society

Haunted Mansfield...again!

2011-03-18T14:39:00.003-04:00

Our friend Sherri Brake of Haunted Heartland Tours and author of, "The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory" recently made an appearance on Darkness Radio. Check it out!

Link to the player here
Link to Darkness Radio Site here

Science, USE IT!

2011-01-27T17:37:00.002-05:00

A little, practical science can go a long way and you don't need to have expensive equipment to do it. Check this book out: "Poor Man's Paranormal" by Joshua P. Warren . Looks like this book will not only give you some actual, practical science experiments to do but will give you some practical science knowledge. Things like what is EMF anyway?
I haven't read it yet but I thought I would pass it along. If anyone reads it let us know what you think!

Is that new FLIR really worth it?

2011-01-06T23:17:00.002-05:00

The guys at Spooky Southcoast once again bring up good stuff to think about. They raise the question, is that new ghost hunting toy even worth it? Do you even know what the equipment is for or how it is used? Go here, listen and think before parroting what you see on TV. Happy hunting!

The Philip Experiment

2010-10-28T14:00:00.001-04:00

Be VERY careful out there

2010-10-05T17:26:00.002-04:00

Thought I would post this as a warning to those that might chance upon this blog whose interests in the paranormal have moved them from books and TV to actual investigation. This link is a link to an article from Charlotte NC that tells of a tragic accident during a ghost hunt that took an investigator's life and injured others. If anything this serves as a reminder to take every precaution you can before going out on an investigation. These places we go can be VERY dangerous and that danger multiplies in the dark. So please be very careful.

Some Ear learnin'

2010-08-06T13:00:00.003-04:00

I don't know if it's just me but I find myself not much interested in a lot of the ghost shows as of late. Call it an aversion to perceived sell outs, call it weary with interpersonal drama being more important than the phenomena they are after or call it just plain boring TV, either way it's slowly becoming not my cup 'o tea. Happily though I have found some outlets to slake my curiosity in the subject of the paranormal.

First off from author Jeff Balanger and Co.: 30oddminutes.com
Aside from whatever reasons we have for studding the paranormal be they intellectual curiosity or something from more spiritual place this stuff is fun. Luckily the guys at 30 Odd Minutes think so too.

Second, Spooky Southcoast: Spookysouthcoast.com
Lots of good stuff here, an extensive back log of shows to listen to helmed by some healthy skeptics.

Finally Darkness Radio: darknessradio.com
These guys are a 5 days a week show, 1hour per show, so lots of stuff. Entertaining shows from ufos, bigfoot, ghosts, etc. they cover a lot of ground.

So go out there and get a more encompassing view of the paranormal. I will warn you though this may lead to book readin'.

Tales from the P.E.R.V.S. - Andy's story

2010-05-08T15:48:00.000-04:00

So who am I and why do I like to go groping around in the dark for answers?
By day, I manage the Lotus Domino messaging infrastructure for a Northeast Ohio company and am a blogger. I'm also a husband, Dad and geek. Several years ago, I would have thought that doing something like this would be nuts. I used to be a complete skeptic when it came to the whole world of the paranormal. At least when it came to ghosts. I was more into the whole "bigfoot" thing, but that's another story.
My turn towards the paranormal really began with trips to Gettysburg, PA. My wife Denise and I took our kids to Gettysburg for a family vacation and while there visited the Cashtown Inn. The inn served as a headquarters for the Confederate Army as they made their march towards history 10 miles up the road. Presently, the Cashtown Inn is a bed and breakfast that has a restaurant that serves lunch, dinner and stories. We had gone out for lunch and while there it was a very slow day, so we were the only ones eating. The bartender told us stories of the place and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. After lunch was over, Denise took our daughter to the bathroom and I took our son out to the truck While I was standing next to the car having a cigarette, I was shocked to hear footsteps walking across the porch that wrapped around the building. I turned and saw no one there. The footsteps sounded like heeled boots walking across the wood. Very loud, very clear. Unmistakable. Not two seconds later, Denise comes running around the corner looking at me and in unison with each other we asked, "Did you hear that!?" We were sure what we had both heard from different areas of the building. But it wasn't until our next visit to Gettysburg to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary that things got even weirder.
Since we didn't have the kids with us on our anniversary get away, we decided to take advantage of the more "adult" ghost stories that are told in the basement of the Farnsworth House in Gettysburg. Now, I was still pretty skeptical about the whole ghost thing at this point, but this night changed it for me completely. Denise and I purchased our tickets and went down into the cellar. It had been pretty warm that day for late April so we were dressed light, myself wearing shorts. The story teller was about half way through telling of the history of the house and that history surrounding it when I started to feel something weird going on. At first, the hairs on my leg felt as if they were standing up. Then it felt as though a hand had placed itself on my exposed knee and was squeezing it repeatedly. I looked down at my knee but could not see anything, but I was feeling it. Meanwhile, Denise was also having the sensations that someone was playing with her long hair. So that's when I was sold.
Not long after that, the Ghost Hunters show started on TV and that further fueled the paranormal flames. Then we learned of a local women, Sheri Brake, and her business Haunted Heartland Tours. Haunted Heartland Tours is a unique business that gives tours based both on history and paranormal activity. Denise, myself and our friends took a couple of the tours with Sheri. It was about then that we decided why not start our own paranormal group? So while sitting around one night playing our favorite card game, Phase 10, the idea of the Ohio P.E.R.V.S was born. And the rest, is history.

What does a paranormal fanboy do in New England?

2010-04-23T17:45:00.001-04:00

Why, visit the TAPS headquarters, of course! While in Boston on training for the day job, I headed down to Warwick, RI to visit some friends of mine. While I was there, they took me to TAPS and of course, I had to get a picture. That's right, you can call me a fanboy.

Tales from the P.E.R.V.S.!

2010-03-16T20:15:00.000-04:00

Stay tuned dear readers as we begin a journey together. Over the next couple of weeks, members of the Ohio P.E.R.V.S. have been invited tell their stories. Stories about their experiences. Stories about what they believe. Stories about themselves.
So stick around and check back often. Get to know us. We're really nice people.

Investigation Report 121909 - Medina Coffee Shop

2010-01-30T00:13:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, December 19, 2009, the OhioPERVS had the opportunity to investigate a coffee shop in Medina, Ohio. The team was investigating claims that several entities frequent the establishment, both on the main floor and in the basement. Team members participating in the investigation were Andy and Denise Donaldson, Craig and Mandi Worrell, and Eric and Jen Williams.

History

A coffee shop in historic downtown Medina, this building has served as a variety of businesses over the years including an ice cream shop. Of particular interest is the discovery that across the street once sat the American Hotel, also known as the American House, where some sources speculate many of the spirits may have resided at one time.

One story in particular that came up during research was of a lady named Patricia, an aggressive spirit that may have ties to the cafe and the hotel. The team then went to the county library to do research where we found the following.

After several hours of research through the Gazette's microfiche, from the 1870's on, the only Patricia we were able to find was in the early 1940's, a 6 year old girl named Patricia that had been struck by a car driven by a 16 year old boy, on the corner by the cafe.

Investigation

The PERVS were invited by area psychic Elizabeth Howell to participate in a joint investigation with other psychics who were focused on the traditional spiritual investigation, while we were there to investigate from a more empirical standpoint. Full access was granted to us for the investigation.

Team members Eric and Jennifer Williams participated in a pendulum session with psychics Elizabeth Howell, Laurel Williams, and Sherry Cool. The session revealed that several spirits were allegedly present, including

"Jim", "Patricia", another "Patricia", "Sandra", "Tom", "George".

After the session, the team had exlusive access to the basement, where there have been reports of employees being watched, touched, and even pushed. Other claims include feelings of vertigo near the staircase, and flashes of unexplained lights, and objects being moved. One claim in particular states that one employee had been down in the basement and said, "I don't believe in ghosts." and a box moved right in front of him.

The team investigated for 5 hours, using a variety of techniques and tools, including EMF meters, K2 meters, temperature gauge, digital audio recorders, and video recorders.

Evidence

Video evidence: Out of 10+ hours of video, the only thing we captured was an anomaly of the camcorder going in and out of focus, with no one in the room, which could be attributed to camera fluctuations.

Audio evidence: We did manage to capture several pieces of interesting audio.

First, while investigators Craig and Eric were conducting an EVP session, they were addressing the entity of the child. The question was asked, "What do you want for Christmas?", and in the background you can here what sounds to be a child. Click here to listen.
Next, while the team was discussing other things, the digital recorders remained running in the room and caught what seems to be something very near the device making a moaning sound. Click here to listen.
Later, while investigators Jen and Denise were in the back part of the basement, they were discussing an aroma that had come into the room, and in the distance it sounds as though a child was calling out. This also was audible for the two as they thought it was investigator Mandi looking for them, when it was not. Click here to listen
During that same period of time, what sounds like a laugh was also recorded on our recorder. Click here to listen.
Another interesting recording was captured by our records. While no one was talking, a subtle "hello" seems to have been captured. Click here to listen.
Finally, what we feel is our strongest EVP captured during our investigation occured while several of us were talking, the voice of an adult male is captured in between our voices. We feel that it is saying something about "watching you". You be the judge. Click here to listen.

Personal Experiences:

During the course of our time at the coffee shop, several of the team had experiences that were not easily explained away.

Denise reported feeling her hair tugged while standing in the middle of the back part of the basement. Nothing was hanging from the ceiling nor was she near anything else that could have snagged her hair. At this time, Denise was monitoring a high EMF reading in the area. After the incident of her hair being pulled, the level of EMF activity dropped completely off.
At that same time, Jen and Andy both witnessed what appeared to be the silhouette of the upper torso of a person, including the head and shoulders, move from a corner of the room to a doorway and then disappear.
Jen also had an experience of an illuminated ball of energy, also known as an orb, dart around a corner near the floor at a high rate of speed. She reported that it appeared brownish-orange in color. Normally, we dismiss orbs caught in photographs, but this was something she witnessed personally.
During an investigation session, Eric had felt as though something had wrapped arms around him as though being hugged. He experienced cold chills and a tingling across his shoulders, chest and arms. Craig then used a temperature gauge to record that the surface temperature of the effected area was 10 degrees colder then any other part of Eric's body.

Other findings:

Throughout our entire time in the basement, high levels of EMF activity were recorded through the area. At times, we experienced high, steady levels that would suddenly drop away. It is believed that EMF activity is commonly associated with the paranormal activity, but at the same time, it is also theorized that high EMF fields can cause disorientation and sickness. Those that may be sensitive to EMF sickness may describe experiences that are similar to paranormal activity. EMF fields can be generated by any sort of electric technology. Unshielded power lines, cell signals and any number of non-paranormal everyday devices can generate these fields. During our debunking of this, we found only one main line coming out of a breaker box that lead into other areas of the basement. We found that the EMF fields were separate from known generators of EMF. Also of note was a well that had been filled in with bricks and dirt was also giving off a low base of EMF. Nothing could be found in the immediate vicinity to explain this anomaly.
One area of particular interest was the staircase. There have been reports of employees being 'pulled' backwards down the stairs. As team members reported being unbalanced going up and down the stairs all night, Craig used a digital bubble level to measure the pitch of each step, and found on the average, a 4 degree pitch forward going downward towards the railing. This pitch was not constant and not on every step, some steps would be level, which may lead a person to have their balance thrown off.
Investigation of the upper level of the coffee shop was unremarkable, due in part to noise from the street. The team believes that another investigation that focuses more on the upper level is necessary for conclusion.
The team also hopes that a follow-up investigation could be conducted in the future, with the heating unit being turned off to cut out a lot of the 'white noise' that was hard to hear above.

Conclusions:

Results of the investigation suggest the possibility of paranormal activity beyond mere personal experiences. It is the opinion of the Ohio PERVS that this cafe bears further investigation to validate our findings. We would very much enjoy the opportunity to return in the spring for a follow-up investigation.

The PERVS would like to thanks the owners of the coffee shop, and psychics Elizabeth Howell and Laurel Williams for the opportunity to investigate.

The Ohio P.E.R.V.S Pervcast Episode 5 - Fort Laurens Edition

2009-10-18T12:10:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 17, the Ohio P.E.R.V.S. had the opportunity on investigate the historic Fort Laurens in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Here is a quick podcast we recorded after the investigation.

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Greetings from Massillon Cemetery

2009-10-10T11:04:00.004-04:00

IMG_1367
Originally uploaded by Macian

Last night, Denise, the kids and myself joined our friend Sheri Brake of Haunted Heartland Tours for a candle light tour of the cemetery.
The cemetery, located off of Erie St. in Massillon, is an old one with burials dating back to the early 1800's and with a heavy Victorian influence throughout. While we were getting ready to start the walk, a most curious thing occurred. I decided to test out our new Sony ICD-PX720 digital voice recorder to see how well it would pick up sound. Hitting record on the device, I held it close to waist level and did the test. When I listed back, there was something else there besides me. Click here to listen. There's the sound of others in the background and my daughter who was standing in front of me, but, before she spoke is what we felt is at question. To us, it sounds like a small childs voice saying, "mister".
We still have a lot of other recorders to listen to, but I couldn't wait to share this. What do you think?

Ah, One Thing We Never Considered...

2009-07-15T13:11:00.001-04:00

The Dangers of Post Ghost Hunting Sex

Could be a bit racy?

Back from Gettysburg!

2009-06-18T21:16:00.004-04:00

We're back from our Gettysburg adventure and boy do we have a LOT of evidence to go through. For the most part, everyone had some experience either great or small. We are going to try and have a sit down with everyone around the 4th of July to do one big "brain dump" of all of the data that we have collected.
Stay tuned to this blog as we begin the process of weeding through everything.

Episode 4 of the Ohio P.E.R.V.S Pervcast!

2009-06-18T20:47:00.004-04:00

Recorded live in Gettysburg, PA on Sunday morning, June 14th at around 1 in the morning. After getting back from a very eventful ghost hunt on East Cemetery Hill. Includes Andy and Denise Donaldson, Jen and Eric Williams and special guests David and Lee Kurzhal.

Click here for the Podcast!

Next stop for the P.E.R.V.S.

2009-05-20T18:56:00.003-04:00

Gettysburg!

In June, members of the Ohio P.E.R.V.S. are going to make the long drive over to Gettysburg for a ghost hunt/vacation. We plan on doing the walks around town at night as well as our favorite activity, the Farnsworth House cellar stories.

Actually, it's because of experiences Denise and I had at the Farnsworth House is why we got interested in the paranormal. So stay tuned! There will be updates from myself, Denise, Eric, Jen and members of the Michigan branch, David and Lee!

Fixed!

2009-04-13T20:26:00.002-04:00

To our visitors:
I recently noticed that the EVP's that we had posted from our Zoar investigation had gone missing from out site. It appears that for some reason, Road Runner removed my home directory and thus deleted my files. Those buggers. So, the files have been restored with the backup copies I had locally. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Evidence From The Mansfield Reformatory

2009-02-03T20:58:00.001-05:00

Mansfield Reformatory Investigation
November 14, 2008
Ohio P.E.R.V.S. present - Jen and Eric Williams, Craig and Mandi Worrell, Denise and Andy Donaldson.

Back in November, the group had the fantastic opportunity to join Haunted Heartland Tours tour of the historic Mansfield Reformatory located in Mansfield, Ohio. During the several hour investigation, the team was able get several very clear EVP's along with one interesting photo. I apologize for not getting this done sooner, but as always, life and work kept getting in the way.

Photographic Evidence:
The following photograph was taken on the third level. As you can clearly see, there is nothing else on the other side of the rail but air. Denise was taking random shots and caught this:

(Click to enlarge)

As you can see, there is nothing below or above this area. Just space. Looking into the image properties, the shutter speed of the shot was 1/64 of a second. So there was no image stability issues at play here either. Once on the computer, I was able to zoom in and invert the image:
To be honest, we do not know what caused this. I've been working with photography for over 20 years and have seen a lot of different things on film that can easily be explained away, but I cannot come up with an answer for this.
Thinking that it could have been falling paint chips, which are everywhere at the old prison, we tried to recreate this by throwing paint chips in the air and snapping pictures. Any time we did it, you could tell it was a paint chip. But at 1/64 of a second shutter speed, whatever this is, it is moving fast.
All of our photos from the expedition can be viewed here.

EVP Evidence:
1. Our first EVP is from the east cellblock area. There was no one in the area except the girls who are doing some investigating when you hear a southern voice saying "You better get." Click here to hear the EVP.

2. Jen was talking with the other investigators near the TB ward when you hear a childish "Okay". Click here to hear the EVP.

3. Jen, Mandi and Denise were back in the east cell block area and Jen was commenting on brushing up against the "nubs" that are sticking out of the cells and the feeling that she is getting touched when you hear an Appalachian accent in the background ask if she would like to touch his. Click here to hear the EVP.

4. The team was later in the shower room and a voice asks if they smoke. Click here to hear the EVP.

5. Jen was then alone by the "Brooks was here" room. Not really sure what this may be. Click here to hear the EVP.

6. In a solitary, Jen ask's, "They call you Johnny, is that your name?". Click here to hear the EVP.

7. While the recorder was running in the library area, an odd British sounding accent is saying something. What do you think? Click here to hear the EVP.

8. In the TB ward, a sigh can clearly be heard. The recorder was placed on a level surface away from the investigators, this sigh sounds like it is right beside the recorder. Click here to hear the EVP.

9. Another sigh, but at this time, it was noted that on the EM meter, there was a spike. Click here to hear the EVP.

10. Denise was doing some general EVP investigation asking "What's your name?". In the background you can hear a some mumbling that is not very clear. Click here to hear the EVP.

11. This is the EVP that has really stumped us and one that we didn't catch the first time through the digital recordings. The girls were in a cell in the east cell block with the recorder resting on a cot. In the background, there is a faint, childish, "who is it?", followed by noise that sounds like children and then VERY clearly what I think is a Scottish brough saying "who's there?". At that moment, Jen comments that she had heard a sound that sounded like the squeaking of a mattress. There was no one else in the area at this time, just our team. Click here to hear the EVP.

We had several personal experiences here that cannot be backed up by evidence. At one point in the chapel, Craig heard a very audible sigh or breath from one corner of the room that was not picked up by any equipment. Also in the chapel, Andy, trying to remember how to say "The Sign of the Cross" in Latin to see if that would arose any activity since any Mass service held in there would have likely been said in Latin. A knock was heard from the general area where Craig had heard the sigh, but no other evidence was found.
Towards the end of the night, Jen and Denise decided to go back into the cell blocks to try and find the cell marked with an "X" that had activity when the "Ghost Hunters" from TAPS were there, and while walking along the cells, Denise had her arm grabbed, and felt like she was physically spun around. Unfortunately the recorder was not running at the time, and photos that were taken immediately after did have a few orbs in them, but are untrustworthy as evidence.

Conclusion:
The Mansfield Reformatory is an amazing place. Not only a male reformatory, it was also used for a time as a tuberculosis quarentine, so we feel that there is a strong possibilty of spirits other then just the former male tenents still inhabit the premises. Which is very clear from our EVP's. Filled with history and lead paint chips, it's an imposing beast that can easily be tamed by the amateur ghost hunter enthusiast. We did not know what to expect going into the prision, but for me, I felt very comfortable there and not at all "freaked out". As far as our evidence goes, I really do feel that it speaks for itself in many ways. None of this evidence is altered in any way except some of the audio is cleaned up using Roxio's audio tools to try to get the best sound possible with what we have captured. Please let us know your thoughts!

My New Toy Screams Egon Spengler

2008-12-28T14:24:00.001-05:00

What a good looking bunch of people!

2008-12-05T01:36:00.001-05:00

A group picture of those who could make it for the Hunt at the Reformatory!
What a great night!
We have some EVPS coming soon!
Plan on a POD Cast as well!

Something to hold you over

2008-11-16T18:37:00.001-05:00

While we are working on getting our evidence together from our visit to the historic Mansfield Reformatory, here's a short video-cast that we made on the way home from the prison. Featuring Eric and Jen Williams, Denise Donaldson, Craig and Mandi Worrell and myself.

Keep checking back for more information of our trip!

On the roll

2008-11-14T18:58:00.001-05:00

Well, the PERVS are in the van and we're heading towards Mansfield. Stay tuned!
Andy Donaldson
http://blog.macian.net

Outstanding

2008-11-10T23:14:00.000-05:00

Ohio State Reformatory Floor Plan

2008-11-07T21:00:00.001-05:00

Some interesting questions

2008-11-05T03:26:00.000-05:00

I was sitting here in my house at 2am getting ready to go to bed when I heard Sara cry. She began to cry because her tummy isn't feeling good. However, I have noticed that she has been talking at night in her room. She has also been talking after she gets up in her room. As if she is talking to someone. This has gotten me thinking...do little ones see and talk to ghost's? If so when do they stop seeing them?

I also started thinking about the time change. If 3am is suppose to be the thinnest hour when spirits can contact us, what happens when the time changes in the fall and spring? What about the time zones? For that matter are ghost's in Indiana confused?

What do you all think? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Episode 2 of the Ohio P.E.R.V.S Pervcast!

2008-10-17T22:56:00.000-04:00

Behold in all of its glory, episode 2 of The Ohio P.E.R.V.S Pervcast! In this episode, the gang and I talk about what we've learned so far with both technique and tech to make a successful paranormal investigation. Please, let us know what you think of our Pervcast!

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Wait for it

2008-10-16T01:55:00.001-04:00

Ghost Hunters 2008 Halloween Special

2008-10-16T01:50:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Josh Gates
Friday October 31 At 7/6C

Brace yourself this Halloween when TAPS takes you on the ultimate ghost hunt. The team returns to the Fort Delaware scene of this season's most jolting and revealing episode.

Commonly referred to as the "Black Hole," Fort Delaware was used during the Civil War as a POW camp that housed over 33,000 Confederate soldiers. Ravaged by epidemics and torture nearly 2,400 failed to escape and died on the island. The restless spirits have never left.

Join the exclusive seven-hour hunt from home with access to thermal imaging camera feeds and live Q&A with TAPS team members and host Josh Gates. Watch carefully for anything out of the ordinary — you'll be able to send instant alerts of any sightings you make straight to the Ghost Hunters!

Podcasting Baby

2008-10-12T21:25:00.001-04:00

Well our first podcast is in the tank and I, for one, had a pretty good time putting with the wehole process. Mad props to ANDREW, our IT_Messiah for getting it up and running.

Our first podcast!

2008-10-12T18:12:00.001-04:00

What happens when you take a few ghost hunting fools, get them into a room together and record their conversations? You get yourself a PERVcast. Take a listen to our first of hopefully many podcasts...I mean PERVcasts!

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Now, I know that the audio quality needs to be a little better, so I beg your forgiveness on that, we will improve the quality for the future.

Links talked about in this episode are:
Jen's clothing site
Haunted History.Net
Also, original bumper music provided by my son, Alex.

possible travel sites

2008-10-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21457020/?GT1=43001

I do realize that a few of these will have to wait until kids are in college and at least 2 of us have won the lottery but the last one on the list is near Gettysburg.

Hmmm...

2008-09-03T19:53:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to Ghost Hunters tonight.

Our friend Sherri is in the Akron-Beacon Journal Today!

2008-09-03T12:37:00.000-04:00

If you have the chance to go on a ghost hunt with Sherri, we HIGHLY recommend it. She is someone that explains the history of the location and not just a "ghost story". Plus, she's a great person to learn from. The following article appears in the Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Akron-Beacon Journal.

Ghost hunt delves deep into darkness

Canal Fulton woman takes riders on a paranormal adventure via bus

By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer

POSTED: 12:14 p.m. EDT, Sep 03, 2008

At twilight on a recent summer night, three dozen people formed a half circle around the woman wearing a long cape. She placed a lantern on the ground, illuminating the faces of the curious.

Sherri Brake-Recco explained that 21 men died here in 1779. The place is Fort Laurens, in an area now known as Bolivar. Among the burial sites found on the grounds was a mass grave that contained the remains of at least 13 soldiers who were killed by Indians during an ill-fated wood-gathering party. Years ago, their bodies, and others, were exhumed and placed in the walls of the museum on the property in Tuscarawas County.

''Here lies the remains of American Soldiers...''

Pvt. Adkins

Pvt. William Cleveland

Pvt. Greenbury Shores

On and on . . .

''Some people say that on the site of massacres, there is an energy that's left behind,'' said Recco, a paranormal investigator who encourages the ghost hunters to explore the site.

Recco is the owner and operator of Haunted Heartland Tours, voted among the top 10 best ghost tours in the nation by those who submitted their favorites to New Orleans' Haunted American Tours, an online resource for ghost stories and other creepy things.

The friendly 44-year-old Canal Fulton woman is a combination investigator, historian and storyteller. Each year she averages about 120 events, which include presentations and tours offered throughout the year — not just at Halloween. And because preservation of historical sites takes precedence over everything else she does, a portion of her proceeds is donated to the various organizations such as historical societies that have helped make her presentations and tours such a success.

During a recent local tour, she explained to the more than three dozen men, women and teenagers on board a luxury bus that she began investigating the paranormal 26 years ago. But because she feared they might think she was evil, she kept it from her family and friends.

''Nothing could be further from the truth,'' she said, the cross, attached to her bracelet, dangling in the light of the setting sun.

As a small child, she had an invisible playmate. And when she learned to read, she loved books about UFOs, witch trials, ESP, magic, the paranormal, ghosts and folklore. As a young teen she dabbled in investigating haunted locations, documenting her first paranormal investigation at a house in Stark County in her early 20s.

''I approach everything from a rational standpoint,'' she explained. ''I love blending science into our tours and handing out investigative equipment for the participants to use. Even the skeptics love that.''

At the Massillon Cemetery, beneath a full moon, she told the group about dowsing rods. Ninety percent of people have the ability to use them, she explained, standing on a path she refers to as mausoleum row. Holding L-shaped rods, made of coat hangars, she offered them to the group.

''Whatever you are looking for you will find. If you are looking for water, you will find it. If you are looking for an underground cable, it will be there. If you forgot where you buried your dog, you will find the poor fella with a dowsing rod,'' she teased. ''But tonight we are not looking for those things. We are looking for bodies.''

On her Web site, Recco writes that there is nothing evil about the rods. They will not make you lose your hair or your job and there are no hidden powers, she explained. Instead, the user focuses on his own extra sensory perception. And when he focuses and concentrates, it's possible to accomplish great feats.

The anxious participants walked with a rod in each hand. Frequently, the rods crossed, presumably indicating that what they were looking for had been found.

''I'm going to make a set of these,'' squealed Malvern's Sherri Troyer.

The next stop was Rogues Hollow woods and Cry Baby Bridge in Wayne County's Chippewa Township. Before stepping off the bus, she gave eachsleuth an EMF, or Electromagnetic Field Detector, a modern-day ghost researcher's tracking device.

''No, these are not stud finders,'' Recco chuckled.

''They wouldn't detect a stud on this bus,'' quipped someone from the back.

The tour guide explained that the valley earned its name during the 18th century. Men who worked in the coal mines were famous for their barroom brawls and roguish behavior and spread rumors of wild goings-on in the area.

Among the undocumented legends is the story of a witch who tossed her newborn baby from a bridge that runs over Silver Creek. Another is the tale of a family crossing the creek in a buggy. One of the children was lost in the raging waters. And, thus, the rumor that on a quiet night, it's possible to hear the voice of a crying child.

Everyone listened. The rippling water of Spring Creek, and the noise from a nearby train, were the only sounds.

Recco told the group that there were paths leading into the woods that were lit by lanterns, but the deeper they explored, the fewer the lights. Anxious to test their detectors, the amused explorers scurried into the woods and nearer to the waters beneath Cry Baby Bridge.

The occasional screams and shrieks made Recco smile.

''Everyone have fun tonight?'' she inquired after her clients boarded the bus.

They vowed to return for another adventure.
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.

Here we come Ghost's!

2008-08-06T01:06:00.001-04:00

We got the tickets for the Ghost Hunt at the Reformatory! I'm coming home Ghost's! The Medusa here use to work at the Mansfield Reformatory for a summer as a tour guide. It is fun to learn that I will be going as a ghost investigator and not working in the gift shop all night. Yeah! Watch out Johnny in solitary. The PERVS are on the case!

My weekend with Jason and Grant from Ghost Hunters

2008-08-01T01:22:00.000-04:00

First off, Thank you Jason and Grant from TAPS for being such nice guys and putting up with my nephew this past weekend at Lily Dale in New York. With that done, this is my weekend of TAPS goodness!

My small little group of family members were very excited to meet and see Jason and Grant from the TV show Ghost Hunters. The most awesome part is the fact they just walked around town and talked to everyone they met. It began on Friday night with a out of the blue meeting. The guys happened to stop by the hotel at the small spiritual community at about 11:30pm. They arrived so late because they had been taping the show the previous night. The reason I know this... I got to talk to them. After introducing myself and my nephew, I got to ask a few questions. I got to ask Grant the following questions:
Have you ever had "something" come home with you? "No I don't believe so. I don't wear symbols or charms or anything. I just don't think I have had something come with me."
What piece of equipment do you get the most evidence on? "Definitely EVP's.
Have you ever used or thinking about using an all light spectrum camera? "No, but we are working on a camera that can see electrical fields which will be a great asset."
After the brief Q&A I got to snap this pic of Grant.

The next day was their presentation. As they stated from the beginning they are not professional speakers, but they did just fine. They started off with a small disclaimer and stated that they don't hate Psychics, don't charge money for an investigation, and they don't hate psychics. They explained the difference between different hauntings, residual, intelligent, and non-human. So with that said they talked about different cases they have been on and the findings the group have found. Very interesting. As they mentioned, about 80% of the cases they are called on can be explained with simple answers. It is the last 20% you have to scratch your head on. Much of the footage can't be shown because it is private for the home owner. Understandable. Not everyone is understanding and open minded but they wish they could show it.

Some frequently asked questions:
"Where is the scariest place you have every been? Not a place but some of the home owners." They have run across some that have memory problems, mental problems, or were taking illegal taking drugs.
"What is your personal experiences? Don't talk about them. We keep them personal."
"Do you really work for Roto-Rooter? Yes we do! We also can help you with a plumbing question."

They also played some EVP's for the crowd. The biggest thing to remember is not all messages will be pleasant. So be prepared for it.

They also played some clips from the show of different places. The first was Eastern State Penitentiary. We all know the famous pic of the figure that chased Brian and made him run away like a girl. However, interesting information came to them after everything was said and done. At Eastern during it's true solitary days they would put black sheets over the heads of the people being brought out to shower. The only thing you could see of them was the bottom half of their legs. If you get a chance to see the footage again that is exactly what you see. Which leads to a questions,"why is a ghost always seen wearing clothing?" Answer, " Don't know but we have never seen one naked."

After the many clips it was blooper time. All I can say is Steve really is afraid of a lot of things. That and it is funny to see Grant get hit with a gate door. LOL

After the presentation they had a Q&A with the crowd. They walked among us and answered a lot of questions. Yes they really did have a lot of problems with Brian, they really do answer plumbing questions, They own all their own equipment, they will come out to your haunted location but you have to email them first, and they would give it all up in a heart beat if the family wanted them to. They have always been picked up for another season. YEAH! Also Grant makes fun of Jason's bald head. LOL
After the Q&A they had a meet and greet. Unfortunately because there was so many people they couldn't pose for pictures with people. However, I did get a pamphlet signed and my nephew got their book signed. So I was able to snap this pic when that was happening. Over all a great weekend with great people. Not to mention, Jason and Grant are not as tall as I thought they were. That makes me wonder just how short Andy is on GHI. LOL

A mini-investigation!

2008-07-25T14:44:00.000-04:00

Ohio P.E.R.V.S. members Denise and Andy will be doing a mini-investigation at Gettysburg this coming weekend along with two junior members.

Translation: We're taking the kids on a quick trip to Gettysburg Sunday and will do a little ghost-hunting while on site. If we come up with anything cool, it will of course be posted here!

Stay tuned!

Our Next Stop

2008-07-23T11:55:00.001-04:00

Local Bigfoot Hunter on HIstory Channel

2008-06-11T19:46:00.000-04:00

Don Keating, a long-time local Bigfoot hunter will be part of The History Channels "Monster Quest" which will air June 19th. The following is taken from The Times Reporter newspaper:

By Joe Mizer
The Times-Reporter
Posted Jun 11, 2008 @ 12:23 PM

Don Keating of Cambridge, a former Newcomerstown resident and the originator of the Eastern Ohio Bigfoot Investigation Center, will be featured on next week’s episode of the History Channel’s “MonsterQuest” miniseries.

The episode, to be broadcast next Wednesday at 9 p.m., is titled “Ohio Grassman.” The program will be repeated June 19 at 1 a.m. History Channel is seen on cable Channel 24.

The History Channel’s Web site describes the Grassman as “a bogeyman that has terrified local children for over a century.” And, according to stories and sightings, is similar to a Bigfoot, but builds strange nests and has been known to attack.

Keating said he was first contacted about being involved with the “MonsterQuest” production in mid-February. He said one of the program’s producers and a cameraman were in Ohio from late February to early March “shooting interviews and conducting day and night research.”

Keating was interviewed for several different parts of the show, as were residents of Noble County, Canton and Sunbury, the latter who claim to have sighted a Bigfoot at Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge in late December 2006.

He said he’s not sure how much of his interviews and nighttime research will be included in the show, but estimates it will be “a good bit.”

Denise and I attended one of his seminars a few years ago and found it very interesting. I have always had a fondness for the phenomenon know as Bigfoot. Especially since I had my own experience back in 1997 while living outside of Kent.

Hey, paranormal doesn't always just mean ghosts ;-)

Some possible pictures of evidence from the Ghost Walk

2008-06-08T18:23:00.001-04:00

The PERVS might have picked up some interesting pictures from our ghost walk on Saturday, June 7, 2008. These might be possible pictures of evidence but we shall leave that up to the viewer. Please take a look and let us know what you might think.

On one part of the tour we stopped at an area near a train line. The story of the area is a man had killed himself by shooting himself in the heart after being rebuked by a woman he was in love with. Here are few pictures taken in that area.
In the first picture you see a red mist rising off the grass. Perhaps something...not sure. We do know that a different man in the group also had the red mist in one of his pictures too.

This picture was taken immediately after the rising mist not even one second later. As you can see here the red mist seems to be hovering over the ground. This picture below is of the train tracks near where the man had killed himself. This seemed a bit odd. Just like the previous pictures, a picture was taken right after and showed nothing.

The picture that really intrigued us after it was taken was the one below. This was taken in a pioneer cemetery. There are founding city members and children buried here. There are also many unmarked graves and possibly unknown graves here. At first we thought we had captured something. We're still not sure. We do know that the camera shutter was open for 2 seconds. A lot of things can happen in that time. However, you can see that the woman on the right side is in focus but the boy on the left is not. We think perhaps he was moving and the camera might have taken multi pictures. This was taken with a digital camera. As for the middle the streak in the middle might be a line of energy or could be a light source. The boy on the left did have a candle in a lantern on the ground but was not moved. The other small light you see in the background might be a different source of energy. The light appears to be coming from the cemetery. You can also see what looks like two outlines of light gray behind the light streak. If you look you will see what appears to be two silhouette. Evidence? Not sure but it is intriguing.

Zoar Analysis Report

2008-06-08T10:54:00.001-04:00

Zoar Ghost Hunt, April 26, 2008

Analysis report

BACKGROUND:

The town of Zoar, located in the Tuscarawas Valley, was founded by a group of German Separatists in 1817. The spiritual leader of the group was Joseph Bimeler. When they first settled, life was extremely hard for them, so they formed a communal-type society, in which every citizen contributed, and all food and clothing was shared. There were textile mills, farms, a tin shop, a cooper, iron foundries and several stores. They made money by contracting to dig a seven mile stretch of the canal, which enabled them to pay off their debts early on. Over time, outside influences, such as guests at the hotel, worked to eventually have the communal Zoar disbanded, and citizens were each given a piece of land as their own. Today, the Ohio Historical Society operates a portion of the town as a historic site. A number of the Zoarite buildings are restored and are open to the public.

LOCATION: Tin Shop
TEAM: Andy, Denise, Jen, Eric
EVIDENCE: One EVP and personal experiences
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low
METHODOLOGY:First impressions- group was optimistic, this was our first hunt, first group to enter Tin Shop this evening. Group spent approximately 20 minutes here. Took digital photo, video, audio.

Experiences: Jennifer got the impression of a tall, thin, gaunt man, very stern but not mean, with dark hair and beard, and he lived on the second floor. Jen also heard distinctive ‘knock’ coming from upstairs, which is empty.

EVP: You will hear a car driving by, shortly thereafter a strange sound which the group describes as a small child vocalizing. No children were in vicinity.
Click here for the EVP

LOCATION: Bakery
TEAM: Andy, Denise, Jen, Eric
EVIDENCE: None
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low
METHODOLOGY:First impressions: too much outside noise, not promising, others investigating. Group spent approximately half an hour to forty-five minutes, between upstairs and downstairs.

Digital photos, video, audio showed nothing.

Experiences: Jennifer got impression of tall, robust, sturdy, pleasantly happy woman here. (Story was told of woman named Mary, who died of cancer here; vials of morphine have been found in the walls. This does not go along with the impression that Jen received.)

LOCATION: Number One House
TEAM: Andy, Eric
EVIDENCE: Multiple EVP’s, personal experience
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Medium
METHODOLOGY:First impressions: many others investigating, lots of noise. Eric and Andy investigated basement of Number One House. Digital photos and video showed nothing. K2 meter was also used. They had several EVP’s and personal experiences, and modest K2 readings. Andy described having ‘had an eerie feeling’, brushing against something, took photos but nothing appeared. Eric attempted to communicate with an entity and picked up two EVP’s as a result.

EVP: Two EVP’s occur in short order. The first sounds like a hard soled boot taking two steps across the stone floor. The second happens about a minute after the first and Eric makes mention of all the noise upstairs sounding like a “herd of water buffalo”. The voice sounds as though it may respond by saying “mm hmm”, as in agreement.
Click here for the EVP

LOCATION: Number One House landing
TEAM: Jen, Denise, Andy, and Eric
EVIDENCE: K2 Meter, Video camera, audio, and EVP
ACTIVITY LEVEL: High
METHODOLOGY:First impressions- possible activity on the first floor landing next to clothing exhibit. Eric, Andy, Denise, and Jennifer investigated the first floor landing after being told someone felt they were ‘pushed’. Audio from digital recorder and audio from the video both record an EVP of a woman’s voice after spikes on the K2 meter.

EVP: You hear Denise ask, “Can you tell us your name?” You then hear a very clear voice answer, “Mary Grace.”
Click here for the EVP

LOCATION: Number One House Attic
TEAM: Eric and Andy
EVIDENCE: Third Person and First Person Experience
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Debatable
METHODOLOGY: Eric and Andy went to the attic and witnessed a woman having a personal experience with a ghost child. Digital photos, audio recorders, and videotape proved inconclusive. The woman having the experience was visibly upset and sad. She claimed to have contact with a sickly little boy who was upset with all the noise and people in the house that night.

LOCATION: Magazine basement (large)
TEAM: Andy and Eric
EVIDENCE: EVP
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low
METHODOLOGY: Andrew and Eric visited this stone basement together. After spending about 20 minutes of investigating, the team turned up one EVP. Digital photos and digital video turned up negative. A K2 meter turned up modest results and K2 activity did coincide with the EVP. No team member had a personal experience.

EVP: Eric asks the questions while Andy is taking photos. Eric asked the entity if it was a child and the entity responded with a distinct, though very soft “yes”. Speakers need to be up for this one.
Click here for the EVP

LOCATION: Magazine basement (small)
TEAM: Denise and Jen
EVIDENCE: Personal experience, possible EVP
ACTIVITY LEVEL: High
METHODOLOGY: Jen and Denise went into the lowest part of this basement. As they were going around the corner down the stairs, Denise saw a dark shadow go around the corner in front of them. Tried to recreate this shadow by going back up and down several times, but were unable to recreate. Immediately upon following shadow down into deepest part of basement, Denise felt very uncomfortable. Audio recorder used, possible EVP of a heavy sigh into microphone. No camera was present at this time. Jen tried EVP work, with humming. When humming would stop, EMF would spike, as if to prod her to keep humming. Denise felt a sudden tug on hair at this time. EMF spikes continued for approximately 10-15 minutes.
Click here for the EVP

LOCATION: Magazine basement (large)
TEAM: Andy, Denise, Eric, Jen
EVIDENCE: Equipment malfunction, K2 readings very active.
ACTIVITY: Medium
METHODOLOGY: Team went back into part of basement where Andy and Eric got the “Yes” EVP, almost full battery went suddenly dead, K2 readings spiking very high, seemingly in answer to questions. No EVP’s caught, but Eric felt that he heard ‘something’ behind him at one point. Questions ‘answered’ seemed to be that it was a younger, married, male entity.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS:Overall, too many people involved in hunt to be able to investigate accurately. Too much outside noise, and people moving around. We had many personal experiences, but it was noted nothing happened in the Number One House until Jen picked up a quartz crystal and started carrying it around. At the end of the evening, we spoke to one of the Zoar tour guides and asked if she knew anything about the tin-smith, and she told us she had seen pictures of the gentlemen. Her description of the pictures matched almost exactly to Jen’s earlier impressions of the man who lived there. The guide also told us the man was married and had 7 or 8 children, and did, in fact, live in the upstairs of the tin-shop, as Jen had suggested earlier. We were pleasantly surprised to have been able to capture all of the EVP’s that we did, even with the large crowd that was there that night.

Special thanks goes out to our “Ghost Guide” of the evening, Sherri Brake-Recco of Haunted Heartland Tours, and her work with the Ohio Historical Society for arranging this hunt.

Prelude to the Ghost Walk in Canal Fulton

2008-06-06T23:03:00.000-04:00

Spirits Rule At Warehouse On Canal

Canal Fulton is a quaint town with a ghostly past. SLIDESHOW: Tour Warehouse On the northern edge of downtown is an old warehouse on the canal. The three-story brick building dates back to 1906. It used to be a mortuary and funeral home. Now the building is home to an antique store, Let's Mango Tea Garden restaurant and a host of spirits.

Lester

The most prominent ghost is Lester. He once ran the mortuary and still likes to hang out there. One day, the owner, Margarita Roberts, was working in the office in the basement when she felt someone breathing on the back of her neck. There was no one there. She immediately ran upstairs. Some time later, a woman who did not know of her experience approached Margarita in the restaurant telling her that the man was sorry and didn’t mean to frighten her. He was only looking over her shoulder to see what she was doing. Margarita said she was totally surprised, because she hadn’t told that story to anyone but her husband, Ken. She also said one day she was joking with a customer about Lester when she felt a slap on her face. At that point, she made a deal with Lester that she wouldn’t joke about him if he never touched her again. Now they have almost become buddies. Margarita said that he travels with her in her car. He likes to flicker the lights inside.

Sunshine

Ghost investigators have felt the presence of other spirits in the building. There is said to be a little black girl in the corner near the basement garage door. Sunshine tends to huddle in the corner trying to look small. She is very afraid and dates back to the Underground Railroad. Sunshine has a Virginia accent and appears to be waiting for her parents. It’s believed her mommy and daddy dropped her off their and never returned. She rocks back and forth while holding a rock in her hand, waiting to go home.

Elevator Spirit

Ken also told NewsNet5.com that there is a presence near the elevator in the basement. Many people have said that they felt as if they were being pulled into the elevator. The spirit has not yet been identified. That’s where you’ll find our live Web camera. Keep an eye on the camera and tell us if you see the spirit or maybe even Lester passing by. There are also reports of spiritual energy across from the elevator. This was the room where bodies were stored for the mortuary.

Third Floor Ghosts

Near the elevator shaft on the third floor is a narrow staircase. There appears to be repetitive loop or scene that has been impressed on this location. There was a fight at the top of the stairs between two men. A knife was involved and one man was killed. During the fight, a young girl fell down the stairs. A man tried to grab her ankle but was unable to stop the fall. A boy visiting the warehouse recently got upset when he was near the staircase. The presence of the girl falling really bothered him, Ken said. It is also believed that a worker who trying to help the girl jumped out of the window on the third floor. His spirit is still felt near the fifth window. In the northeast corner of the floor there supposedly is a woman looking out. It’s believed that she is waiting and looking out the window for someone to arrive. She tends to make people cry. Visitors who walk near the area are often overcome with emotion.

In The Restaurant

The basement and third-floor areas are only accessible by invitation or during a Ghost Tour and Dinner. But the restaurant is open during the daytime. At the entrance to the area is an upright piano. It is said to have a ghost hanging around it. One paranormal investigator identified a ghost dog in the restaurant. She stood petting him and later saw him perched on one of the table chairs. Whether you see or feel a ghost at the Warehouse on the Canal or not, there are no explanations for the noises and effects the owners and visitors have identified in this historic building.

credit:newsnet5

Rookie Mistakes

2008-06-06T20:32:00.000-04:00

A post by Denise and Andy
Finally, the audio is being digitized for review from our April 26th Ghost Hunt of Zoar, Ohio. Yes, I realize that it's been several weeks since the event, but life gets in the way.

As we are sitting here listening to the audio that we captured on our digital audio recorder, one thing is clear. We're rookies. Sure, we've watched Ghost Hunters on Wednesday nights and may think in the back of our mind that, "this stuff is easy!" But let me tell you, it's tough. Here's some examples of things not to do.

1. First, digital recorders are great at one thing. Picking up sounds. All kinds of sounds. Even when you think you are being quiet in one area that you are investigating, sounds from another room come through almost as good as if you were standing next to the recorder. Also, when speaking with others in your group, speak in a normal voice, don't whisper. Whispers can be mistaken for EVP's. That is of course if you are asking questions in hope of a response. And if you are doing the interview process, put the recorder on a surface away from you and don't touch it. The slightest sounds from shuffling it around get picked up VERY easily.

2. As for video, if you think you are picking something up on another device like an EMF meter or thermometer, point the video camera at it! Watch the "Yes" video to see what I mean. The EMF meter was going off and I had the camera pointed somewhere else. Duh!

3. Wear soft shoes, like sneakers. Going over our audio is driving us crazy with all the clomping around we're doing.

4. If someone makes a noise, like bumps against something, drops something, any loud noise, document it on audio. There are many sounds like this when we're asking for signs, and now we have no way of knowing if it was one of us. For instance, say into your recorder, "That was Dewey tripping over his own feet." Sounds simple, but helps immensely.

5. Watch your breathing. I hear myself breathing like a marathon runner. Honestly, it's VERY sensitive.

6. When capturing the audio to a computer, remember to adjust your levels! The first time through the computer, the mic input in windows was turned all the way up and the volume on the digital recorder was up all the way too. So when listening back to the recording, EVERYTHING was distorted to the point that it was barely understandable! As I monitor the recording levels on the capture now, it appears to be within appropriate levels and not spiking in the red.

Okay, so that's it for now. Our advice is just practice. Go with the flow. Trial and error. That's why it's a hobby for us and not a Wednesday night hit television show for us. Not yet, at least.

Ghost Walk

2008-06-05T12:28:00.000-04:00

The PERVS are going on a Ghost Walk in Canal Fulton! This weekend we will be looking for ghosts and having a good time. Hopefully we can come across some ghosties, spirits, or strange things. Here is hoping we can get some evidence up soon from Zoar, Ohio and from the Ghost Walk if we find some there.

Upcoming Ghost Hunts

2008-05-28T23:35:00.000-04:00

Rogues Hollow Ohio

Saturday June 28th 2008

8:30pm - 12:30 am

age 18 and up $50 pp - Reservations needed- 12 limited spots

a portion of the proceeds benefits the

Chippewa- Rogues Hollow Historical Society

More Info HERE

Lake Eerie Walking Ghost Tours

WHEN: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday throughout the month of October
PLEASE NOTE: October 19th, the 7pm tour is currently sold out. Space is available for the 10pm tour.

FULL MOON GHOST TOUR DATES: July 29th 2007, August 28th 2007 and September 26th 2007

(Time, location and participation fees remain the same as below)

TIME: Fridays and Saturdays at both 7pm and 10pm - Sundays at 7pm only

LOCATION: The Lighthouse, corner of Hight St. & Second St.

PARTICIPATION FEE:
"AT THE DOOR": Adults - $25.00 Children 4-10 years - $12.00
ADVANCE REGISTRATION: Adults - $20.00 Children 4-10 years - $10.00

More Info HERE

A second source confirms the first EVP!

2008-05-21T19:11:00.001-04:00

Since I had a lot of free time today, I set out to try and examine the video that I had shot at Zoar on April 26. I came across the section of video tape that was shot as the same time as Eric was asking the question, "Are you a little boy" and we captured the EVP on Eric's recorder. The first grunt you hear is me at 2-3 seconds in. But pay close attention at 9 seconds in. I've amplified the sound to make it more clear. Again, this was taken with a video camera, but for some reason when I tried to post the video, the sound was lowered in the output and you really couldn't pick it up. Saving it out as a .wav fixed that!
Click to hear the EVP from a second source
To see the video which this was taken from, check it out here on YouTube

As this is my first time seriously hunting, I didn't have the camera pointed at Eric, but off to the side looking down along the wall. Rookie move, I know. This is in the first smaller basement of the Number 1 house as the larger basement was still closed off due to flooding. This is also a very small space so if there was anyone else physically around us at the time, we would have seen them. Judge for yourself. More to come as time permits! And as soon as I can get to Radio Shack to get another cable so that we can redo the EVP's to make them more clear, workable and easier to understand!

The first of the Zoar EVP's

2008-05-19T07:37:00.001-04:00

I know, I'm running behind on getting my chores done. Just last night I started converted the video to digital format to start analyzing and I will place a report on here once that is complete. But I wanted to wet your appetite in the meantime. During the April 26th, and sadly the last, event at Zoar, Eric was asking specific questions with his digital recorder running. The following is just one of the EVP's we landed that night. I apologize, the quality isn't real great, but I think you can hear all that you need to. Eric asks, "Are you a child?"
For the response, click here
Please share you thoughts in the comment section for this post!

Paranormal State

2008-05-18T16:05:00.001-04:00

If you've never watched this show on A&E, it follows the adventures of the Paranormal Research Society of Penn State University (or PRS). Founded by Penn State Alum Ryan Buell, himself having experienced paranormal phenomena as a young child, it's an interesting show. A bit melodramatic for my tastes, and I'm not totally in agreement of all it's "Oh, it must be a demon!" hypotheses, but definitely worth a view. Some really creepy things are captured, and the team does a great job of researching backgrounds. Anybody looking to start investigating the paranormal should take a peek at these guys.

Haunted Zoar

2008-05-16T02:02:00.001-04:00

As Andrew is putting together the finishing touches on our EVP's, I thought I would post a pic of the "hot spot" of the night. This is the Number One House in Zoar where we got some good EVP's on the stairwell and the root cellar.

***UPDATE: Click here to read our report from Zoar plus we have some EVP's from the hunt too!***

Welcome

2008-05-15T04:45:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone who might have stumbled into our little group. My name is Jennifer aka The Medusa. (long story that involves card playing.) I have been interested in what might be on the other side for sometime now and being able to put stories to the test has been interesting. I am very much looking forward to hearing the posts of EVP's we captured in Zoar, Ohio. Most of all I am interested in hearing from you out there. What do you hear? Do you believe? Does the EVP's change your mind about life after earthly death?

I am also looking forward to hearing about some of your stories out there. Have you had an experience? Where? Have you tried to rule out normal explanations for those experiences?

Always remember, "What would Jason and Grant do?" LOL

So please share here and tell us what you think.

Jennifer aka The Medusa

Welcome to our new blog!

2008-05-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

Hi gang!
Allow us to welcome you to the blog of The Ohio Paranormal Evaluation, Research and Validation Society. Otherwise know as The Ohio P.E.R.V.S. I know it sounds goofy, but we wanted something that would be easy to remember and somewhat fun. If you can't have fun with things why bother, right?
The group consists of several old friends that have always had an interest in things out of the ordinary. We are all highly trained, educated and skilled individuals that aren't afraid to say that there are things out there in the world that we just don't understand. And while we look for that understanding, we also know that there are many things that something could be rather then what someone else may think it is. One persons orb is another persons dust ball.
So join us on our journey here at this site. We recently were able to be a part of a ghost hunt in the historic village of Zoar, Ohio. We were able to get some EVP evidence and are still in the process of going though the video. Once the evidence is completely analyzed we will post our findings here.
Join us on our journey, won't you?