The House Divided: An Indiana Haunting

N. Reiter, L. Schillig

30 July, 2001

Background:

In late 2000, we made contact with a young couple in Logansport, Indiana who informed us that there appeared to be paranormal or ghostly activity in their home. Mr. and Mrs. B, as we will refer to them, had originally contacted Denice Jones, of LIFE, who forwarded their plight to our attention.

Mrs. B had indicated that sporadic outbreaks of unusual activity had occurred since the couple had purchased the house, an old Italianate duplex, about five years before. A recent rash of activity, including a mysterious intentional flooding of the kitchen floor had prompted Mrs. B to contact Denice Jones.

The Bs occupied the smaller half of the house, and rented the other portion to a young woman with two children. According to the known history of the building, the house was something of a rarity - it had never been used as a single residence since it's construction in 1872 for a local judge. Instead, one or both halves of the house had always been rented - in early days, to railroad personnel, probably engineers and supervisors.

Among the activity reported by the B's:

1. Mysterious manipulation of plumbing and drains - such as the event leading to the flooded kitchen.
2. Footsteps on the main stairway.
3. Glimpses of a shadow or apparition.
4. Frequent concern and alarm on the part of the family dog - often centered around the stairway.
5. Feelings of presence, and frequent periods of discomfort in sleeping upstairs.

Mrs. B advised that some of these same types of events had been reported by tenants in the other half of the house.

Plans were made to visit the B residence, however on two occasions personal events postponed the date, to our regret. Finally, we were able to settle on a date, free and clear, to come to Logansport. Our investigation took place over the weekend of 21/22 July, 2001.

Physical Investigation:

On Saturday, the 21st, we departed from Tiffin, Ohio with Bruce Reiter joining our expedition. We arrived in Logansport by about 3:30 PM, and found the B residence with little ado.

Logansport is a town that wraps Indiana up in a microcosm. It is a factory and railroad town, with an early history equally as devoted to the commerce of the Wabash River on which it lies. Farm, rail, factory, river - a sprawled out little city with a lot of beer, brawls and Dairy Queens on hot summer nights. The B house lies in an older section of the town, on a thoroughfare that at one time was no doubt a leisurely avenue, but now is a high speed strip. It sits stoically on a small rise, and for it's age and heritage in the Rail Years, is remarkably well preserved. We found it to be indeed a good sample of Italianate style, with the fancy woodwork of the old front porch still intact.

Mr. and Mrs. B are a healthy, cheerful, and hospitable couple who went to great lengths to make us feel at home.

Upon our arrival, we spent some time in conversation, and LS proceeded to perform a basic intuitive survey of the side of the house occupied by the B’s. We then spent a couple of hours taking an assortment of photos and performing instrumentation walk throughs.

Our selection of instruments was typical, including the Hall gaussmeter, gold leaf electroscope, magnetic compass, ultrasonic sniffer, thermometer and relative humidity meter, and both digital and 35mm cameras. We also brought with us our "Watchdog" infra-red motion sensor for triggering the shutter on our motor drive 35mm camera.

The weather conditions upon our arrival were very hot and humid, with the temperature well into the 90’s. Shortly after our arrival, a strong line of storms swept across the area, bringing some heavy rain and cooling things down nicely.

Following some instrumentation surveying, the entire group went next door to the portion of the house being rented by the young mother mentioned previously. LS performed an intuitive and dowsing survey on this side as well.

As evening came on, we all headed for Pizza Hut and had a filling supper there. Afterwards, more sessions of conversation and walk-throughs continued. By about 10:30, the B’s turned in for the night, and we remaining three found assorted spots downstairs to make nest for the night. During the night, there were apparently no noticeable disturbances or phenomena, except perhaps one odd observation made by myself (discussed later).

We tarried in the morning for a bit, sharing some final thoughts and conversation. Then, following the path of the previous evening’s storm, we headed eastward for Ohio and home.

Physical Results:

During the course of our stay, the ambient air conditions in the house remained fairly constant, despite the B’s having no downstairs air conditioning. (Their upstairs bedroom was equipped with a small air conditioning unit.) Temperature stayed between 83° and 87° F, with RH at 63 to 67%.

No noticeable temperature anomalies or inversions were noted.

On the first floor, there was little in the way of either electrical or magnetic field distortions. We did observe one minor anomaly, however. At the lower landing of the stairway, Mrs. B had placed an ornate steel knicknack or plant stand. It was observed that the Hall gaussmeter took a considerable jump (> 4 to 5 times background) near one portion of this stand. Under closer inspection, we fund that a small region, about 3 to 4 inches long, of the steel stand frame had become quite magnetized. Mrs. B found this puzzling, as the stand was fairly recent, and had not held any magnetic items or ornaments. The lower landing was claimed to be a spot where the B’s dog would stare and whimper on occasion.

On the 2nd floor, in the B’s bedroom, we found another region of magnetic distortion that did not seem to be associated with any ferrous material or appliance. This region was near the head of the B’s bed, and was perhaps about 20 to 30% of ambient background.

In the other half of the house, we did also find a slight magnetic distortion that seemed to be associated with a spot near the north end of the tenant’s sofa (downstairs living room). This generally agreed with a location where LS had observed a modest dowsing response.

Photographic Results:

We did obtain several digital photos that captured orb images, both outside and inside the house. No film photos were found that captured any comparable images. Copies of the pertinent photos have been forwarded to the B’s.

Two photos taken in the downstairs living room show fairly faint, but noticeable orbs.

A set of three photos taken of the front side of the house after dark show what appear to be at least one, and possibly two orbs in motion near the upper story of the house. In one, a very sharp white orb appears to be hovering near the roof of the front porch, and another seems to be lurking in front of a window, corresponding with one of the windows in the B’s bedroom. (Oddly, a window near their bed-head that did seem to be a focus of uneasy feelings for the B’s). (click pic to enlarge)

The Green Light:

Possibly the sole unusual experience that I (NR) encountered during our overnight stay occurred when I was about to fall asleep on the living room sofa.

The lights in the living room were out, though moderate illumination was coming in through closed drapes from outdoor street lighting.

As I lay on the sofa, looking out across the dark room, I could see the diffuse green glow from the LED indicator lamp of the electronic air cleaner sitting on the floor near the television. However, my glasses were off, and so the LED was an ill defined green blob to my vision.

My attention was drawn then by ANOTHER green glow, this one coming from the floor area near the bottom of the stairway. This second source of green light was a bit different in hue; more of a cool minty bluish green. It also seemed to be a rectangle shape, perhaps no more than 6 inches long by perhaps an inch or so wide. I squinted, and watched the green light. It did not move or change. Thus, I told myself that it was probably one of those new generation electroluminescent night-lights, the low wattage green squares that are used to mark outlets or the bathroom door. I mused that Mrs. B was very thorough in providing a safety light at the bottom of the stairway. I soon drifted off into sleep.

In the morning, however, I was surprised to find that there was no E-L night light anywhere near the stairs, nor was there any good explanation of what I had seen. There does exist the possibility that it might have been a streak of light through a hole in the curtain of the nearby window. However, the mint green hue was quite vivid in colour, and was unlike the color of the outdoor ambient.

LS Intuitive and Dowsing Impressions:

(Transcribed from original notes, with later thoughts added)

Initial Intuitive Impressions:

Upon our arrival and prior to my site investigation, I was presented with a collage of family photos by Mr. B. These photos primarily depicted his parents over the course of their lives together. He informed me that his father had passed away two weeks prior, and asked for my insight. Normally, I focus my attention to retrocognitive, clairscentient impressions of a site; but I felt compelled to attempt this task.

I studied the photos for several minutes and obtained the following impressions from Mr. B’s father:

1. His father died of lung cancer (True - actually it had advanced throughout his system.)
2. I felt as though I were being told that Mr. B was "the only", but I could not understand what this meant at the time. Was he the only child? (Mr. B. was the only son)
3. He displayed a small pocket or penknife as possibly a validation of identity, and seemed to indicate that he wanted Mr. B to gain possession of this article. (Mr. B indicated that his father always carried a pocket knife that he would use to pick at his finger nails; he does not currently have possession of this, but will seek to obtain it)
4. His presence was very strong and he seemed to have quite a strong sense of remorse. He asked me to verbalize how sorry he was, and to explain that he desperately wanted his son to forgive him. He had absolutely no idea of the burden that was to befall his son upon his death. He "didn’t know that this would happen". (Mr. B was visibly moved by this statement. His father had an insurance policy designed to cover funeral expenses. Unbeknownst to the father, this policy could not be capitalized on due to extenuating circumstances, leaving his children to assume all debts. The family had discussed the fact that their father may have done this on purpose in character with his "tight, penny-pinching" demeanor, but my impressions seem to have relieved any undo bitterness.)
5. I then began receiving very faint images from what I believed to be his also deceased mother. (True, she was also deceased)
6. I had the impression that she had something wrong with her head or brain. (Although her demise began as a pancreatic problem, she eventually produced signs of brain damage)
7. I felt that she wanted to let Mr. B know that a male energy was with her whose name starts with a G or a J. This energy is very close to her, and probably represents a father, brother, or child. (Mr. B could not make a connection to a deceased grandfather or uncle, but indicated that he could have a deceased brother. His mother gave up a child for adoption at the age of 16, and had always worried that her actions may have condemned the child to hell. I believe that this may have been a sign from his mother indicating that her fears were incorrect regarding infant condemnation for moral actions...and that possibly this child is now also deceased. Further historical research of a difficult nature would have to be done to confirm this point, but may be possible.)
8. She also indicated the name "Evelyn". (Mr. B thought his mother had a friend named Evelyn, but could not comment further on their relationship)

On Site Impressions:

After this impromptu reading, I proceeded with site impressions. As usual, I first make a sweep of the entire premises in an attempt to locate dowsable areas and pick up impressions.

I was not told any details before I completed my walk through and shared my impressions with our hosts. For the ease of the reader, however, I have indicated our host’s reaction to my impressions in italics as it was shared with me upon completion of my on-site report.

In the kitchen, I sensed a woman in her twenties who seemed to be coming from the vicinity of the basement door. She seemed to display a highly excited and anxious state as she ran towards the current dining area. Her presence was quite strong, to the point that I feel she may be visible at times. (The kitchen sink was once found with its drains closed and water overflowing in poltergeist fashion)

In the dining room along the windows, I had the distinct impression of a young boy choking. After studying this sensation for a while, I felt that he was actually afflicted with recurrent seizures. The young woman, his mother, is quite distraught over these episodes and feels frustrated by her inability to help him. (The owner’s dog frequently became upset by something unseen in this room. Interestingly, the dog also began having repeated seizure activity in the exact same area indicated; this is the only area that their pet has displayed these episodes. The pet is now on medication.)

The mother’s extreme anxiety is felt on into the living room, most strongly in the southwest corner. Here, I had anxiety attack, heart-pounding sensations that express her feelings of helplessness. (There has been some low-level poltergeist activity in the south east corner).

On the steps to the second floor, I sensed the husband. He seemed to be angry with his wife for her inability to control their child’s seizures. He seems to be embarrassed by these displays, yet at the same time feels guilty for having these thoughts. There is some sort of interaction between the husband and wife in this area, and one or both of them seem to be having these thoughts: "we cannot take him to church for fear that he would go into his fits; what would everyone think?; are we neglecting his soul for not taking him to church?" (There has been some footstep activity on the steps)

In what is currently a sitting room at the top of the steps, I felt a strong swirling energy of a female nature. I was unable to get any vivid imagery or sensations to explain this force. (The window curtains have spontaneously moved in this room).

I did not sense anything in the bathroom.

In the upstairs hallway, just outside the bathroom door, I felt the woman’s presence quite strongly. I commented that besides the kitchen area, this might be a place where her energy is intense enough to be visible at times. (A vaporous form has been seen in this area).

In the master bedroom, especially along the north windowed wall and the extreme north east corner, I sensed that the mother has gone mad. It is not clear if her child has died or if she is overwhelmed by the stress of caring for him and dealing with an un-supportive spouse. The current residents have their bed positioned so that the head of their bed is in this negative energy area, and I felt that this might cause some sleep disturbances. (They have a great deal of trouble sleeping at night and may now reposition their bed.)

We were also asked to visit the other apartment in this home, which previous tenants had reported ghostly activity. This century home was originally built to be two separate residences, and therefore was never occupied by one family throughout the premises to our knowledge.

The current tenant to the adjoining apartment had not noticed any unusual activity. She was residing there with her two children: the youngest a mere toddler and the elder appeared to be of preschool age. Conducting such an investigation with impressionable children watching made me uncomfortable. Therefore, I was hesitant to cause too much attention to our visit and thus develop undo angst and unnecessary fears in the children. I attempted to make our visit as brief as possible due to the circumstances, and probably did not devote the degree of study that I should have in this area.

In the downstairs level, I found two areas of dowsable energy. The first was very faint energy sensed on the right hand side of the fireplace in the central room. The second was much more intense and located towards the south west corner of the living room in an area directly in front of the couch; this energy actually created a dizzying sensation. Unfortunately, I was unable to pick up any immediate impressions that may have helped to explain this energy.

In the upstairs bathroom, I sensed quite a bit of energy that left me feeling quite nauseated. I sensed a late-middle to older aged woman who was quite ill, possibly terminally so. She seems to be alone in her plight, and she feels anxiety about this situation. (Interestingly, as in the first apartment, the bathroom sink’s drain had been closed and water spilling out in poltergeist fashion).

In the preschooler’s bedroom, I could also sense this woman's presence nearer to the west-central area of the room.

(Mr. B reported that a former tenant had seen a man in bib overhauls ascending the steps on several occasions.)

Intuitive Conclusions:

I believe that we are probably seeing a repeating pattern of ghostly activity heightened by host-fed poltergeist stimulation. Both of our hosts have their share of emotional turmoil that most likely adds energy to this century-old pattern of turmoil.

Our hosts indicated that the activity has gone on since they have lived in the home, but has increased considerably more recently. This is probably due to the stress resulting from the recent death of Mr.B’s father. While this is stressful in and of itself, it has most certainly dredged up old hurts and emotions from what he quite openly referred to as a dysfunctional family. Interestingly, the century old father felt guilt for what he had done to his son (emotional abuse) while I sensed Mr. B’s father had guilt for the burden he had imposed on his son. Maybe a pattern of guilty father / confused son is strong enough in both the past and the present to reactivate old energy patterns.

I also believe that Mrs. B has an element of poltergeist-generating energy. It did not occur to me at the time of our visit, but on the ride home, I realized her parallel connection. Both she and the original mother have a son with whom they cannot completely connect. The century old mother feels confused and helpless to give her son what he needs. Mrs. B had a son at a young age, yet has not been able to receive custody of him from her parents. This situation must cause some sort of emotional angst for Mrs. B... she may feel frustration similar to our original tenant. Neither may have felt that they were able to fully emotionally bond with their son. Nor were they able to interact in a capacity they would have desired with family/friends/society in relation to their son. It is a parallel feeling of being "not in control" of a situation regarding their sons and the relationship that they have with them.

Being my own worst skeptic at times, I must confess a little confusion in regards to the seizure situation. While I intuited a young boy from a previous century suffering from this malady, could I have been confusing signals? Could I have actually been picking up the current resident’s frustration over her dog’s seizure problem that was occurring in this exact area of the house. Their dog is obviously a sort of surrogate child, and the possibility is certainly there that I could be misconstruing imagery. Because I was there to study a haunt, had I already developed preconceived notions that this was nothing occurring in a current time frame? Or...was the dog actually being empathetic to century-old energy and causing seizure activity to manifest in its brain?

As in all poltergeist cases, I seek a symbolic connection to the circumstances surrounding them. It is quite intriguing that both apartments have had sinks with closed drains and water overflowing. If we were to analyze this in a dream interpretive fashion, we would find that water traditionally represents the unconscious. It also is found to physically represent the kidneys and the removal of toxic elements from our system in dream analysis. The kidneys, in turn, are emotional receptacles for feelings of being "pissed off" about something. With these factors in mind, we might see that this poltergeist activity represents clogged or stopped-up, pissed off emotions that need to be opened or vented for the psyche to flow freely.

The opening of the curtains symbolically represents the need to let light in on a situation. It is the psyche’s call for attention to matters that have been repressed.

Any personal issues that Mr. and Mrs. B may have that fit this bill may need to be worked on, resolved, or come to a state of grace with before this poltergeist activity may calm down. The previous tenants may have had these exact same emotions, and their energy representing this is permeated throughout the house. If Mr. and/or Mrs. B have similar emotions, the two interacting have simply re-hydrated the old patterns and allowed ghostly activity to manifest in the home.

General Conclusions:

Mr. and Mrs. B receive our deepest gratitude and thanks for letting us into their home, and more-so, into their lives. It is our hope that something from our findings and thoughts may be of on-going help to them.

From the combination of our physical, photographic, dowsing, and intuitive results we would suggest that the B house is certainly home to several very powerful human energy patterns from earlier times. These patterns have been possibly brought to a high degree of manifestation during times of (or following) emotional and personal stresses on Mr. and Mrs. B, by resonating with the patterns of their own life energy.

In conversation with LS, she asserted that a less likely, although possible, situation was that the one young female pattern (the mother of the seizure prone child) might yet be in the house in spirit. However, this was difficult to prove to any degree.

It is our hope that perhaps this knowledge itself might help to allay fear in the house, and by extension, allow the highly charged psychic atmosphere to settle down.

In closing, we would also like to thank Ms. Denice Jones, of LIFE for forwarding this case to our attention.

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