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The Krause Haunting N. Reiter / L. Schillig BACKGROUND: In late May of 1997, we were contacted by Chris Woodyard concerning an interesting haunted house location near Troy, Ohio. According to Chris, the restored nineteenth century farmhouse contained subjective impressions of several "entities" or ghosts. The home-owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cody had experienced assorted unusual phenomena since their purchasing of the property about five years ago. Among these were:
Chris Woodyard had previously visited the house and had been very impressed and overwhelmed by the aura of the property. During her visit, Chris informally mapped out the "hot spots" in the house. These were later relayed to us. In June, we contacted Mr. Cody’s, and began to acquire more data about the house. Bill was quite helpful in providing historical information on the property, and also a chronology of the events experienced in the house by him and his wife Emma. On Sunday afternoon, July 27, 1997, LS and I visited the Codys’ home and performed our initial investigation. Assorted instrumentation and photographic equipment was brought along, and will be described later. While no examples of intense paranormal activity occured during the time of our presence, a number of interesting observations were made, and both LS and I agreed at the end of the day that the house did contain a very tangible although subjective haunted quality. On the second floor, this sensation was bordering on the unpleasant. The primary activity for the day was the careful examination of the various spots in the house which both Chris Woodyard and the Codys felt were "haunted". As a valuable addition to our investigation, Mr. Cody made use of a dowsing rod, and displayed the extremely strong response of the rod to these strange spots in the house. Both LS and I were able to correlate subjective impressions at these spots, although LS seems to display far better sensitivity to the phenomenon.
SUMMARY OF PHYSICAL INVESTIGATION: The Codys’ home is an immaculate and beautifully restored brick farmhouse about 5 km east of Troy. Records show that it was constructed in 1852, and was originally the property of a well known local family, the Kraus’s. LS has included a summary of historical research in a later section of this report. The house, along with two barns, is situated at the end of a nearly 800 meter long lane. The lane runs parallel to a small creek. The surrounding farmland is rich and loamy, and seems well tended and healthy. A cursory survey of the locale failed to show any recognizable intense sources of man-made electromagnetic fields, such as radio towers or power substations. The weather conditions during our visit were torrid and sunny. Heat and humidity were extreme enough to produce a heat index of over 110° F. Luckily, the Codys' home is air conditioned and the interior temperatures averaged about 72° F and 51% RH. The following instruments were employed throughout the house for investigative purposes:
Starting in the basement of the house, our party worked its way upward. At each location, Bill Cody used his dowsing rod to confirm the exact location of the "haunted" spots. The hand-held instruments were brought out and used to search for gradients or anomalous readings. Photographs of all three types were taken at the locations, and the solid state strobe lamp was used to provide high frequency pulsed lighting for some of these shots. As deduced from Mr. Cody’s dowsing, and from the previous experiences of the owners, the following locations were found and examined:
A low noise audio cassette was rolled as part of an EVP experiment in two locations; the attic, and in the centre of the upstairs bathroom floor. Each tape side was 45 minutes in length. The GE tape recorder was placed in the mirrored box for both runs. During the runs, all party members were either downstairs, or out of the house. Following the in-house investigation, we relaxed for a bit in the kitchen over cans of soda, then all present went out to the large barn on the property. Historical record indicated that two deaths seem to have occured over the years in or near the barn. Bill Cody reports that on occasion, when doing mechanical repairs in the barn, he felt as though he was being watched. Again, Bill used his dowsing rod and found two locations which caused a curious deflection: one at a spot outside the barn, below an upper story access door, and another in the corner of the barn basement. These areas were photographed thoroughly. The location outside the barn seems to correspond with the spot where one of the historical deaths occured; a horse drawn wagon bolted out of the upper barn door, crashed to the ground, and killed the driver. RESULTS: The Hall gaussmeter showed the house and grounds to be rather electromagnetically quiet. No magnetic anomalies were detected at any of the dowsed "hot spots". Likewise, no noticeable out-of-place temperature gradients were found with the thermometer. No visible anomalies were observed with the 1064nm infrared viewer. Upon playing back the EVP audio cassette, no anomalous noises or modulation was found. As used by itself, the high frequency solid state strobe lamp did not show up any visible anomalies. Colour polaroid photos showed no unusual images. On two of the black and white Polaroid photos, images may be seen which appear at a cursory glance to be curious:
We speculate that these images may indeed show invisible-to-the-eye phenomena. A theoretical treatment of this effect is curently underway, and will be published upon completion. Nevertheless, we must observe the caveat that these images are polaroid, and thus would be difficult to analyze properly. 35mm black and white photographs taken by LS did not seem to contain any vivid or pronounced anomalies; however an unusual shadowing effect was noted on several shots taken on the ground floor of the home. LS has detailed this effect further in her portion of this summary. As part of investigative routine, two soil samples were taken and analyzed. These came from the front yard of the home, and from a nearby cornfield. Neither sample showed evidence of either magnetization, or radioactivity. Elemental breakdown by EDS was performed, and results are attached. EDS shows the soil samples to be very normal looking dirt (silica, alumina, potassium, calcium, iron, titanium dioxide)! The following portion of this report is a summary of LS’s findings and impressions. Included are her intuitive observations made at the various "hot" spots on which we focussed. These should be heeded carefully, as some seem to parallel earlier observations by Chris Woodyard, and others may have historical validation or ties. Following LS’s summary is a general discussion of the case. THE KRAUSE HAUNTING At the recommendation of Chris Woodyard, we had the delightful opportunity to investigate the site of a reported haunting. On July 28, 1997, we paid our first visit to the 145 year old, beautifully renovated home of "Bob and Emma Cody". We found the home and location to be picturesque. Also on the property is a large, well preserved barn that was built in 1838. The Codys were open, honest people with a sincere interest in understanding the anomalous energy that seemed to roam their house. The Codys were able to corroborate historical evidence that we were able to uncover about the Krause family who originally owned their land. However, Emma was able to tell us that their home was actually used as a dwelling for the farmhands. She was also aware that a large family by the name of Taylor resided there during the depression. Emma and Bob were asked a number of questions from our PK questionnaire in hopes of determining any underlying cause(s) of their experiences. Some questions focused on anything that may indicate a physical operative, such as natural or man made EM frequencies believed to induce hallucinations in some individuals. They did not report being near a quarry, reservoir, hill, radio mast, power line, or TV/radio station which are all considered potential culprits. They did live next to a creek. They had never experienced electrical rippling sensations under the skin and do not often receive electrical/static shocks. It was reported that light bulbs have a shorter than average life span in their home; Emma estimated that 50 are replaced each year. Due to the fact that this did not appear to be a classic poltergeist-type haunting, those questions regarding psychological/emotional suppression which could manifest as poltergeist activity were avoided. It also did not seem appropriate to delve into these matters due to the fact that a friend was present for the questioning. It is possible, however, that the reason Bob and Emma are sensitive to these unseen presences, is due to the fact that something in their personal past may have had an emotion/energy similar to those experienced by the "ghosts", therefore making them more receptive than someone else might be. This might be an avenue to explore further, especially should any further historical data on previous residents turn up or at the request of the Codys for a more in-depth interview. Bob demonstrated an impressive ability to dowse for the spirit's presence. He was able to track its/their movement. Bob has dowsed for water in the past and was surprised at his ability to alter the focus of his intent and still find positive results. This would indicate that Bob has some psychokinetic ability. Bob confirmed that in his youth, he lived in a haunted house. He also felt that as a child he had some psychic abilities which he suppressed; however, he is now finding them reawakened. In regards to poltergeist phenomena, a few incidents were reported to occur within the first six to eight months after moving in. A soft and an office rug were found moved slightly. A sewing project was removed from the kitchen table land found on the floor with the straight pins removed. Carpet tacks would appear in the bedroom. A carpet runner was tore in half on two occasions. Light switches were tampered with. Unexplainable noises resembling a loud bang or pop and drawer closing are the only occurrences currently being experienced. Also, cordless phones will not work. The initials KT (possibly indicative of someone in the Taylor family?) were found scratched into a bathroom window pane which was not there during the extensive renovation work. A variety of other incidents have occurred. A woman's voice was heard coming from downstairs and Bill was awakened by a distinct man's voice saying "Hey!". An antique chair in the parlor seems to be a focus of unexplainable energy. These forces seem most dominate around the holidays. Their dogs will frequently stare at the unseen presence, with a favorite focal point being directed at the landing at the top of the stairs. Interestingly, the have not noticed any cold sots in relationship to the presence. they both have found themselves waking up in the middle of the night for no reason, most frequently between the hours of 1-2 a.m. Night research is also an area that could be investigated more fully should the Codys desire. Both Bob and Emma feel as if they have been ill more often which could possibly be due to a draining of energy from the presence(s). Emma especially seems to be sensitive to a heavy depression or melancholia that will overcome her when sensing the presence. This may be indicative again of a sapping of energy which in turn lowers her resistance levels from a health aspect. For these reasons, the Codys have found it necessary to sell their lovely home. They have been thus far unable to find any way to encourage a decrease in ghostly activity. An Orgonotic Bucket was suggested as something worth trying. Attempting to communicate with the entities and guiding them to the light is a practice frequently used and may be employed by the Codys should they feel comfortable with this. Native American rituals, such as smudging/burning sage to clear oppressive entities, is another possibility. Again, should Bob and Emma desire more extensive investigation and/or communication attempts, we would welcome the opportunity to study this more closely and experiment with new equipment (infrared film, electronic voice enhancer, etc.) and attempt a cleansing. We thank them for affording us the opportunity to share in their unique case as field investigators! Their hospitality and openness was unequaled! Basement Upon first looking down the basement steps, I felt an urge to take a photo. It seemed as if the bottom of the steps was important, yet I could not get a definite impression. Upon closer inspection of this specific area, I felt a nervous presence and a sense of something running as if in fear. In the left corner, from a vantage point of the bottom of the steps, I felt a strong impression that this involved the Underground Railroad. In this same corner, I sensed a wiry, black man probably middle aged, hunched slightly and appearing nervous; I felt as if his scant beard had traces of gray. 1st Floor - Kitchen/Bath/Hallway This seemed fairly clean, yet I felt the possibility of a shy presence. 1st Floor - Living Room I did not notice anything extremely forceful, yet curiously Bill's dowsing rod seemed to pick a strong reading. I believe their may have been an energy of protection, possibly again connected with the Underground Railroad. 1st Floor - Parlor At one point, I noticed a softball-sized, pale blue orb appear on the wall near the folk are picture above the sofa. 2nd Floor - Landing Very oppressive, heavy energy. I feel two presences in this area. The one in the main landing area is angry, mean, and similar to the energy sensed in the attic; I suspicion that this is the same entity. In the narrow hallway, I sense a very fearful child who is hiding from the oppressive energy. It does not want to enter the main landing area. It is afraid of being seen. I sense an issue of child abuse occurring between this child and the entity on the landing. The child seems to occasionally peer down the steps to see if anyone is coming to harm him. I would guess the child's age to be no more than ten. It appears to be drawn to women, possibly for protection. I feel that this one identifies with Emma strongly; she is sensitive to its emotions. I believe that these entities dwelled here in the first half of the 1900s. 2nd Floor - Office I believe the same child that roams the hallway hides in here. Possibly two children? This room offers a higher degree of safety for them. I sense them hiding under or behind something in the far left corner as you stand in the doorway. 2nd Floor - Spare Room No specific impressions. I found myself thinking about a dog while in here. 2nd Floor - Bedroom and Bathroom This energy felt very similar, and I believe it is the same entity in both rooms. I sense a woman who is weeping, grieving, fearful, confused, and uncertain of her future and how she will care for things. She is small in stature and wearing a bonnet and dark clothing. I feel that she is the one of the oldest presences in the house. She wants to be consoled in the room currently renovated into a bathroom. While in the bedroom I sense more of a nervous pacing. Her presence was the strongest for me to sense. I could physically feel her movement around the bathroom. I feel that she has as strong desire to be with someone (?son/husband) and if communication was ever attempted, this would be my first choice. She, too, follows feminine energy, because it feels comfortable to her. I feel that this may be Emma's biggest problem entity, because she is feeding off of Emma's similar energy and she identifies with an empathetic train in Emma. I do not believe that she in anyway is attempting to harm Emma, but is merely looking for support, comfort, and an outlet for her grief. Attic Male, angry, hiding. I feel great shame and guilt emanating from him. He is frustrated by his own actions. Again, I believe this is the same entity that is on the landing. The entity on the landing is more of a stalking, mean, oppressive emotion. He isn't in the perpetrator/abuser mode in the attic, but rather a confused, dark dementia. He wants to end his life...by killing the demon within himself he will stop the abuse. I believe that outsiders saw him in a different light (stern, but not ?sexually abusive)...it was as if he had a split personality. I sensed a hanging...I then questioned Nick to see if he had ever mentioned this possibility to me. He indicated that Chris Woodyard also felt this and admitted that he may have passed that information along to me; therefore must question my own impressions here for they may not be entirely objective. Photographic Report Approximately three rolls of black and white film were taken at the site. While no clear entities appeared, there are dark areas on a number of photographs. Interestingly enough, only those photos which were taken in a dowsable "hot spot" have these shadows; however, not all hot spot photos have shadows. The film was analyzed by a photographer who at first glance said that my camera strap was in the way (I don't have a strap). He then suggested that I have the flash pointing away from the object focused on (wrong...the flash is built-in and therefore always aimed in the same direction). He suggested that my finger may have gotten in the way (I would question this). On the darkest photo, he said that it was obvious that my flash didn't go off (my camera won't allow me to take a photo until the flash is ready). Further research/photos would be necessary to shed light on this. Two of the Polaroid photos showed some interesting streaks of light, but again nothing definitive. It would be very interesting to attempt this in the darkness along with adding infrared film and video recordings. 1999 Update The Cody's home had been up for sale since we visited it in 1997. They had made the personal decision to find a less psychically oppressive home. While waiting for the sale of their property, they decided to emotionally distance themselves from dwelling on the strangeness of their experiences to as great of a degree as possible. The whole matter was just too draining. This summer, they successfully completed the sale. No further investigative opportunities are predicted. DISCUSSION: Physical investigation of the Codys’ home yielded little in the way of electromagnetic, thermal, or acoustic anomalies. There appeared to be little evidence for a stong connection to either man-made or natural electromagnetic fields. The house wiring and plumbing seem to be up to code, and do not appear likely to cause EM disturbances which have been said to account for some haunting phenomena. By virtue of the reported phenomena, and our own subjective impressions, the Codys’ home seems to qualify as a "classic" haunted house. LS found little evidence to suggest that a poltergeist type nature was present within the overall situation. The Codys both seem to be extremely well balanced people, with a strong sense of the real world and a no-nonsense attitude. Neither husband or wife appear to be pre-disposed to any "pop" parapsychological beliefs or New Age paradigm. Bill Cody’s dowsing talent seems to be a very traditional skill, acquired from older relatives. He uses the talent in similar fashion to other old time water dowsers. We do not believe that the Codys are the generators of the phenomena; rather they are impartial, albeit sensitive, observers. Moreover, there appear to be verifiable historical records to support the subjective impressions of sensitive visitors, such as Chris Woodyard or LS. The extent of physical evidence from our investigation lies in the possible anomalies which show up in the two polaroid photographs and possibly in two or three of the 35mm shots. It is likely that the only further course of action along these lines would be to encourage more photography on-site, using better cameras and light sources. The use of dowsing by Bill adds a possibly valuable tool to our repertoir. Of course, we must admit that the mechanism behind dowsing remains unclear, even after many decades of study. It seems to be useful only when combined with objective instrumentation results or historical data, in a blind setting. In other words, for best results, the dowser should be unconnected to any previous or on-going knowledge of the site to be dowsed. Dowsing is a strange skill, seeming to lie exactly halfway between subjective and objective. Yet it’s possible value must not be overlooked by investigators. We ourselves, plan to use dowsing rods more in future expeditions. The Codys had recently posed the question, " well, what can we do about the ghosts!?" Fairly stated. The range of phenomena and sensations in their beautiful home had reached an intensity and an undesirable nature such that vacating the premises seemed a viable option. "How can we get rid of these things?" Emma, a woman of high spirits and sunny nature found herself frequently being drawn into frightened, depressed states of mind by the house. Bill felt deep concern for the situation. Two experiments toward this end were suggested by us. One of the bio-energy research instruments used by Dr. Wilhelm Reich in the 1940’s was a device called a DOR Buster. The DOR Buster is a simple arrangement of metal pipes or tubes connected to a bucket of fresh water. It’s function was to draw off build-ups of stagnant or oppressive bio-energy from either individuals or small areas such as rooms or houses. A simple diagram of a medium sized DOR Buster was sent to Bill, with some suggestions on where to set it up. The operating hypothesis is that a DOR Buster may be able to siphon off excessive Orgone, or bio-energy, in the Codys’ house. Thusly, a more liveable atmosphere might result. Another experiment would be for Bill to use his dowsing ability to locate possible "anchor" points for the ghosts, such as a particular piece of furniture, or a painting, or a certain spot on the floor. Then, this object would be removed temporarily from the house, or in the case of a structural location, modified or altered. We would then observe whether the ghostly presence and sense of "energy" diminishes or goes away. Bill and Emma plan to report back to us on results of these actions. Our correspondence with them is on-going. In closing, we would like to thank the Codys for their hospitality, openness, and co-operative spirit. They have allowed us to gain yet more insights into the phenomenon of haunted houses, and we in turn hope that we have helped them to deal with their most unusual situation. Thanks also, of course, to Chris Woodyard, for providing the initial contact, and for inspirations and insights along the way. |
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