Thursday, May 06, 2010
Eastern State Penitentiary
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Old Joel Bell Cabin
THE OLD JOEL BELL CABIN
ON THE GROUNDS OF THE BELL SCHOOL IN ADAMS, TENNESSEE.
DATE: AUGUST 15TH 2009
Researchers: Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators
Investigators: Audra Miller, Connie Boyer, Dusty Russell, Angela Angel,
Ashley Dorman, Ray Seaton, Tim Bee, William T. Miller
By William T. Miller and Tim Bee
Summary:
The Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators were allowed to perform an investigation
in the old cabin that once belonged to Joel Bell., The cabin is located in Adams Antique Mall, 7617 Highway 41 N. Adams, TN. 37010. Adams Antique Mall is the former Old Bell School. The investigation was arranged with town historian Mr. Timothy R. Henson. For forty years Mr. Henson has researched the Bells and the Bell Witch of Adams, TN.
Introduction:
Once the home of Joel Bell., son of Jhon Bell, Sr. the cabin was built in the 1800's when John Bell moved his family to Red River, TN. in what now Adams, TN. It was not until 1817 that John Bell first spotted a strange-looking animal in his cornfield which vanished when shot at it. After that, rapping, gnawing, and scratching sounds occurred in the night. This commenced what is now the legend of the Bell Witch. The events lasted until the death of John Bell,Sr. in 1821. This investigation produced a couple of unusual results.
Method:
Researchers positioned both the 2-Camera Digital Magnetometer and the Vernier System in the cabin. The Vernier system was setup by SIPI member Tim Bee and William Miller setup the 2-camera Digital Magnetometer System.
The Vernier System:
Tim Bee set the system to run for two hours. Samples were taken at a rate of two samples per second. He employed the following sensors: two motion sensors, one light meter, one stainless steel temperature prob and one sound meter. Tim set his wristwatch to countdown the two hour time period. The countdown commenced upon start of the sample period. Upon reentry into the cabin, William Miller noted that the Vernier equipment was still running this was unusual. We then allowed another twenty minutes to pass and reentered the cabin only to find the equipment still running, at that time stopped the sample period.
Light Sensor:
The illumination measured on the light meter reports illumination in the cabin during the sample period as steady between a range of 3.37 and 4.45 Lux from time 0,9 to 25.7 minutes. A spike in illumination occurs during time period 25.7 minutes 26.2 minutes. This is the result of a SIPI member opening the door. Immediately following this spike, the illumination returns to the previous range of 3.37 to 4.45 Lux. Until time period 54.3 minutes, the illumination drops to a range of .34 and 1.11 Lux. Remaining at that point until time period 91.5 minutes. The illumination spikes at this time period is resuliting from William Miller and Tim Bee reentering the cabin. Upon our exit, the illumination returns to the range recorded prior to the unexplained drop at 54.3 minutes. (3.34 to 4.69 Lux). The illumination remained in this range until we stopped the sample period. Fig.1
Dig/Sonic 1-2; Motion Detector:
The motion sensor recorded motion at five points in the sample period. The first (91.7-94.3 minutes) and the last at (116.6 minutes) are from William Miller and Tim Bee reentering the cabin. Both sensors recorded this movment. The second occurring at time period 108.855 minutes and 108.952 shows movement 3.827 and 4.129 ft. the third is at time period 111.49 minutes to 111.65 shows movement in the range show movement in the range 3.826 to 4.127 ft. the fourth occurs at time period 113.014 minutes to 113.140 show movement in the range 3.826 to 4.131 ft. This movement was recorded by one motion sensor the sensor was aimed the MESA camera system. This is an unusual result. No cause could be found. Fig:2
Temperature Probe:
The temperature sensor showed a temperature 86.8 F at the beginning of the sample period. the temperature at the end of the sample period was 86.6 F. This is not unusual but what is is the temperature in the cabin fluctuated rapidly throughout the sample period 86.4 F to 88.2 F. This is very unusual but consistent with what we look for in haunt phenomena Fig:3
MESA 2-camera Digital Magnetometer System:
The Camera system was setup in front of the fireplace the system took three photos. No anomalous images were captured.
Audio:
Only one EVP was captured during the investigation. investigators cannot determine what was said. However, all but one investigator heard this sound come from inside cabin no cause was found for this.
Video/Photographs:
No anomalous video or photos was captured during the investigation at the bell cabin.
Discussion:
The Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators would like to thank Mr. Henson for all the help he provided to make this investigation possible. For all the information he gave us and for coming in on his day off to open the cabin up for us. His efforts are gratefully appreciated. We would also like to say that just talking with Mr. Henson was as good as any investigation we have done to date. We definitely look forward to returning to Adams, TN. just to talk with Mr. Henson.
ON THE GROUNDS OF THE BELL SCHOOL IN ADAMS, TENNESSEE.
DATE: AUGUST 15TH 2009
Researchers: Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators
Investigators: Audra Miller, Connie Boyer, Dusty Russell, Angela Angel,
Ashley Dorman, Ray Seaton, Tim Bee, William T. Miller
By William T. Miller and Tim Bee
Summary:
The Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators were allowed to perform an investigation
in the old cabin that once belonged to Joel Bell., The cabin is located in Adams Antique Mall, 7617 Highway 41 N. Adams, TN. 37010. Adams Antique Mall is the former Old Bell School. The investigation was arranged with town historian Mr. Timothy R. Henson. For forty years Mr. Henson has researched the Bells and the Bell Witch of Adams, TN.
Introduction:
Once the home of Joel Bell., son of Jhon Bell, Sr. the cabin was built in the 1800's when John Bell moved his family to Red River, TN. in what now Adams, TN. It was not until 1817 that John Bell first spotted a strange-looking animal in his cornfield which vanished when shot at it. After that, rapping, gnawing, and scratching sounds occurred in the night. This commenced what is now the legend of the Bell Witch. The events lasted until the death of John Bell,Sr. in 1821. This investigation produced a couple of unusual results.
Method:
Researchers positioned both the 2-Camera Digital Magnetometer and the Vernier System in the cabin. The Vernier system was setup by SIPI member Tim Bee and William Miller setup the 2-camera Digital Magnetometer System.
The Vernier System:
Tim Bee set the system to run for two hours. Samples were taken at a rate of two samples per second. He employed the following sensors: two motion sensors, one light meter, one stainless steel temperature prob and one sound meter. Tim set his wristwatch to countdown the two hour time period. The countdown commenced upon start of the sample period. Upon reentry into the cabin, William Miller noted that the Vernier equipment was still running this was unusual. We then allowed another twenty minutes to pass and reentered the cabin only to find the equipment still running, at that time stopped the sample period.
Light Sensor:
The illumination measured on the light meter reports illumination in the cabin during the sample period as steady between a range of 3.37 and 4.45 Lux from time 0,9 to 25.7 minutes. A spike in illumination occurs during time period 25.7 minutes 26.2 minutes. This is the result of a SIPI member opening the door. Immediately following this spike, the illumination returns to the previous range of 3.37 to 4.45 Lux. Until time period 54.3 minutes, the illumination drops to a range of .34 and 1.11 Lux. Remaining at that point until time period 91.5 minutes. The illumination spikes at this time period is resuliting from William Miller and Tim Bee reentering the cabin. Upon our exit, the illumination returns to the range recorded prior to the unexplained drop at 54.3 minutes. (3.34 to 4.69 Lux). The illumination remained in this range until we stopped the sample period. Fig.1
Dig/Sonic 1-2; Motion Detector:
The motion sensor recorded motion at five points in the sample period. The first (91.7-94.3 minutes) and the last at (116.6 minutes) are from William Miller and Tim Bee reentering the cabin. Both sensors recorded this movment. The second occurring at time period 108.855 minutes and 108.952 shows movement 3.827 and 4.129 ft. the third is at time period 111.49 minutes to 111.65 shows movement in the range show movement in the range 3.826 to 4.127 ft. the fourth occurs at time period 113.014 minutes to 113.140 show movement in the range 3.826 to 4.131 ft. This movement was recorded by one motion sensor the sensor was aimed the MESA camera system. This is an unusual result. No cause could be found. Fig:2
Temperature Probe:
The temperature sensor showed a temperature 86.8 F at the beginning of the sample period. the temperature at the end of the sample period was 86.6 F. This is not unusual but what is is the temperature in the cabin fluctuated rapidly throughout the sample period 86.4 F to 88.2 F. This is very unusual but consistent with what we look for in haunt phenomena Fig:3
MESA 2-camera Digital Magnetometer System:
The Camera system was setup in front of the fireplace the system took three photos. No anomalous images were captured.
Audio:
Only one EVP was captured during the investigation. investigators cannot determine what was said. However, all but one investigator heard this sound come from inside cabin no cause was found for this.
Video/Photographs:
No anomalous video or photos was captured during the investigation at the bell cabin.
Discussion:
The Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators would like to thank Mr. Henson for all the help he provided to make this investigation possible. For all the information he gave us and for coming in on his day off to open the cabin up for us. His efforts are gratefully appreciated. We would also like to say that just talking with Mr. Henson was as good as any investigation we have done to date. We definitely look forward to returning to Adams, TN. just to talk with Mr. Henson.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010!!
I would like to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of my SIPI members I will see you all soon
and thank you for all your help in 09.
and thank you for all your help in 09.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Princenton Library Presentation
The Princenton Library Presentation was a big success as well with 68 people Dusty did a very good job on this presentation I would like to thank all the members for there support and will post pic's soon
Friday, October 30, 2009
North Park Library Presentation
The North Park Library presentation was a big success with 96 people some had to sit on the floor and some had to stand. Thanks to all SIPI members for there support on this presentation and I will see you all at Channel 9 Halloween night for the overnight investigation there.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Robin Hill.
Our time at Robin Hill was to short built in 1836 we only had a few hours to investigate this old house I will have the report on this investigation next week and will post it then.Robin Hill Investigation917 Mill Street
Mt. Vernon, IN. 47620
May 1st, 2009
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Local Time
Weather: Clear, Cool—Air Temperature Range 50-65 Degrees F
Introduction:
The Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators, lead by Billy Miller, Founder, investigated Robin Hill in Mt. Vernon, IN. on May 1st, 2009, from the time of 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Those also who attended the investigation were Jack Oliver, Tina Dean, Ashley Dorman, and Rose Quiroz.
Site Description:
The single-family home is located in a suburban development located on the west side of town, and is a large structure with over 20 rooms. It has a small basement, and three main living levels.
Pre Investigation Visit:
This investigation was set up by Ashley Dorman and Rose Quiroz, with no Pre-Investigation done.
History:
According to the website: http://members.evanville.net, Robin Hill was built in 1837 or 1838 by William Lowery and since that time has had five other names including: Popcorn Hill, Ferndale, and Belden Place to name a few. It is stated that Robin Hill was a stop for the Underground Railroad, and that a tunnel led from the Ohio River to the house. Other individuals say that the slaves crossed the Ohio River from Kentucky then walked up a creek, by Kiwanis Park, to the famous Robin Hill. No one knows for sure if this is true or not. It is stated that at one time the home was a quest to President Taft. The current owners of Robin Hill bought the home in 2001 and moved in the current address in 2004.
Paranormal Incidents:
An interview was done by Tina Dean with the current owners on any Paranormal Incidents that they had occurred while living at Robin Hill, and it was stated that all they really heard was Toilets Flushing, and noises during the nighttime hours.
Methods Used:
Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) collection occurred throughout the house, as well as, photographs that were taken throughout the entire different levels of the home, and the Vernier system was set up.
Results:
EVP: The voice recorders functioned normally. No anomalies were recorded.
Photographs: The devices functioned normally. No anomalies were recorded.
Vernier System: The Vernier system with LabPro dataloggers with sensors attached to a lap top computer were running with LoggerPro 3.5.0 software on the third floor in one of the main bedrooms. Nothing was detected and no anomalies were recorded.
Personal Experiences:
There were two personal experiences that occurred at Robin Hill. The First one took place in one of the main bedrooms on the third floor. As Jack Oliver, Ashley Dorman, and Rose Quiroz entered one of the main bedrooms on the third floor they noticed that one of the bottom drawers on a Chester drawer opened. It was later discovered that the Chester draw was off balance.
Another personal experience happened on the Main floor of the home. Jack Oliver was standing on the first floor staircase and noticed a shadowy figure standing at the Main entrance of the home. Ashley Dorman was standing behind Jack Oliver and stated that she saw the shadowy figure as Jack had seen.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Old Pott's Inn!
The site of the old Pott's Inn and the Springs and the Cemetery they say that a lot of men died at the Pott's Inn when they would go to the springs to get a drink they would kill them. More to come on this investigation.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
SIPI AT LINCOLN'S TOMB
The ghost of President Lincoln has been reported hovering near his grave in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, ILL. The President's coffin is buried at a depth of 10 feet and is encased in a cage of steel bars and filled with two tons of concrete forever encasing the President.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Eagles In Newburgh!
This is one of two Eagles that was down by the Old Newburgh Dam along the Ohio River. Photo by William Miller
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Bead Angel
August 20: Special Wednesday Night Program: 7pm sharp: SOUTHERN INDIANA PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS Present A Return Engagement! A multi-media evening of ghost stories, pictures, Q & A, spooks and shivers. In May, they set up their equipment on 3 floors of The Bead Angel to try to record any live activity that was going on around us?orbs, entities, spirits, etcetera. They have some interesting results to share with us! They will set up equipment once again, and you can participate in trying to record EVP voice recordings! Suggested donation of $5 or more. Doors will be locked at 7pm, so please arrive before then! NOTE FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT BE 'SPOOKED'?This is NOT a séance. Have you ever watched one of those real-life 'spooky shows' on TV? Our friends from SIPI will have some of the same equipment to work with. Come and see what 'the other side' is doing in the ethers right around you! Bring your own stories and pictures to share, also!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
INVESTIGATION AT WNIN CHANNEL 9
The Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators will be doing an overnight investigation at channel 9 WNIN in Evansville, IN. May 17th 2008 MESA will join us on this investigation WNIN was once the home of philanthropist Willard Carpenter who built Willard Library. The last time we did an investigation there was back in 2003.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Engelbrechts Orchard November, 28. 2007 by Jarald Denny
Jerald Denny
November 28, 2007
Investigators of the Unknown
The air was getting crisp and chilly sitting in the Willard Library parking lot. The Willard Library is an impressive building. Just standing in front of it one can almost feel the presence of history seeping out of the stone. There is no wonder why many claim that something other than patrons or caretakers walk the floors.
A car loaded with people and equipment pulls in next to my topless Jeep. William Miller steps out and introduces himself. As my instructor and guide for the night, William has been investigating paranormal activity for the past 20 years and is currently president of the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators. Aside from William two other individuals were in the car: Beverly Leavell, another investigator and member of the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators and Jack Oliver, a member of S.I.G.H.T (Scientific Investigation Ghost Hunting Team) and a paranormal talk radio host. After a brief peek inside the library, which was closing for the evening, we headed out to the location for the night’s investigation, Engelbrechts Orchard only a short drive away.
The things that go bump in the night usually leave people wondering what it is, and may be even more afraid of the answer. Paranormal investigators such as the members of the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators, do their best to scientifically answer such questions as: Do ghosts exist? Is my house haunted? Should I be worried? It is the investigator’s job to go into the location and assess the situation and comb through the evidence collected objectively, skeptically, and with an open mind. Which is what William and the rest of the team set out to do at Engelbrechts Orchard.
Nestled in an area between the city and the airport lies Engelbrechts Orchard complete with hay rides, fresh fruit, and a nice country store selling everything from produce to homemade salsa and candies. The surrounding property is rich in history, both native and American. The fields surrounding the orchard contain numerous burial plots, both American settlers and Native Americans.
The investigation that night centered around two distinct areas of the property. The first was the country store, where shopping carts have been said to move by themselves and lights in the basement turn on and off unexpectedly and seemingly on their own. The second location on the property that night was outside, near the actual orchards at an old oak tree, estimated to be more than 250 years old. The tree seems to be the center of a lot of paranormal activity ranging from odd images and ghostly figures on film to muffled voices talking behind your back.
Bill opened the trunk of the car. It was stuffed to the brim with tripods and bags of scientific equipment that were toted into the store for set-up. Bill started setting up two of the three tripods and mounted a board of various mounts on the tripod. After a table was set up a computer was placed on the table, and another case of sensors was opened up. A motion detector, thermometer resembling a metal rod, an ambient light sensor resembling a small glass tube, and another motion detector, all originally designed for science lab use in a university setting, were mounted onto the various mounts on the board supported on the two tripods. These were all plugged into the computer. From the computer, the area in front of the sensor array could be scrutinized for any change or anomaly in movement, temperature, or light when the array was active. Next to this an infrared light source and a video camera was set up to survey the area ahead in the event anything was to happen.
During this Jack and Beverly walked around and found the base electromagnetic field (EMF) reading with an EMF meter, typically used by electricians. The theory regarding electromagnetic fields in regards to paranormal activity basically states that when an entity is trying to do something, be it for an apparition viewable by the naked eye or even move an object, it has to draw energy from the surrounding environment and build up the energy to be able to perform such a task. This correlates with a spike, or sudden unexplainable jump in the EMF reading when the entity is present. A baseline EMF must be acquired in order to know when the EMF is above what it normally is, and if there is no other thing present that would change the EMF reading, such as electric wires or devices, there may be something paranormal present.
Jack Oliver then set up his computer that he would use later on in the night for electronic voice phenomenon work. The occurrence of electronic voice phenomenon, referred to as EVP’s, is very interesting as well as mysterious. For some reason recording devices, both digital and tape, can record sounds, including voices, not present or not detectable by the human ear. The EVP’s can range from whispering, whimpering and indiscernible noises, to even violent scenes almost like a recording of an argument or fight in the next room, or even reactions to the investigator. It is common now, when recording, trying to capture EVP’s, to ask questions to see what kind of responses are given if any.
After finding a level spot on the floor a shopping-cart was placed out along with a pumpkin marking the position of the cart. The TriField Natural EM (electro magnetic) reader was placed in view of the camera to detect any anomalies in the natural electromagnetic field around the reader, which would give out a sort of shrill as the needle moved across the dial recording a change in the EM field. This is basically the same concept of the EMF meter; however, the TriField works off of natural EM fields, such as a living body. The other tripod was set up, along with a two-camera system set off of a similar concept using natural electro magnetism to operate the shutter. A change in the natural EM, the cameras will take a picture. Setup was complete and it was time to get started investigating. The sensor array was set for an hour and Bill, Jack, and I headed to the basement area to do some EVP work.
After the recorder was flipped on, Jack started by giving an explanation of the recording device and what exactly it did to anyone who may have been listening. He then asked questions ranging from specific answers about an entity that may be present to general answers about the world. “How many spirits are here?” “What year is it?” “What is your name?” “What are our names?” “Is there anyone keeping you here?”
Jack proceeded with his questioning, leaving time in-between questions for a possible response that may be audible when the recording is replayed while Bill made vocal notes for the recording on audible background noises. Jack concluded the session with a last chance for any entity present to make contact, thanked it for its time, assuming there was something there, and switched the recorder off. Afterwards the team headed out and down to an old oak tree near the orchard bordered by fields spotted with gravesites.
The oak tree, a 250 plus year-old behemoth, dominated the sight standing over 75 feet tall. The tree seems to be a center for paranormal activity. Nearby, a bonfire burned, illuminating the area with an orange glow, and warming the cold night. The night’s paranormal investigation was informal in nature. Its purpose was to check out the site in preparation for a future investigation on a larger scale; therefore, hotdogs were roasted, taking advantage of the fire. After a few hours of picture taking, past investigation stories, and friendly conversation the team conducted another EVP session at the oak tree. The session was similar to the previous one in the basement; however, the constant noise of the highway nearby created a lot of background noise, hindering the session.
At the conclusion of the EVP session it was time to head back up to the store. Back at the store, the computer system was still taking readings. There was still a little more time to kill before the computers would be finished taking readings and measurements of the area. Bill had lost a USB cable. He had been looking for it in the store for most of the night. The cable wasn’t with the rest of his equipment on the table he had set his computer up on. The sensors shut off, but the results showed nothing had happened, which consequently meant that the cart hadn’t moved either.
Somewhat disappointed at the lack of activity, the team sat down to talk with the owners and among themselves casually. On an investigation such as this one, when the investigators are not focused on investigating is the time things start to happen. Occasionally Bill would get up and go about the room taking EMF measurements as well as temperature readings, which is a way of trying to detect the cold spots associated with paranormal activity, all while looking for his cord.
Later in the evening after Bill had quit searching for his cable, we stood around a small table in a part of the store separate from where Bill’s equipment was setup. The cord was lying right in front of him draped across a computer speaker when he realized it was right there. The event did raise some suspicion. How did the cord end up in a separate room from the other equipment hours after it had been missing? How was it just discovered on a table we had been using all night, and draped over a speaker set up after Bill had lost it? Had it been misplaced and moved, or was it something paranormal playing a little prank on Bill? The owner, laughing a little, said that things are misplaced or moved all the time around the store, but with no apparent reason or cause.
After an EVP session in a backroom and another in the basement, Jack set up his computer to listen to the night’s recordings. The analysis did not turn up much. The one possible EVP captured was an indiscernible whisper in the basement during the first EVP session.
At 12:37 am the team started tearing down, packing up the equipment, and loading up the car at the store. When the car was packed, the team and I headed back down to the oak tree to watch the fire die and have one last look around.
The clouds had cleared up quite a bit since the last time we were down there. The moon, surrounded by clouds the previous time, now illuminated the whole area in a white light. The temperature had dropped, the dust floating around in the air, which spotted up my pictures before, had subsided along with the traffic from the highway. It was still and quiet.
As I was commenting on the change I turned to face the rest of a group. I was interrupted by the sound of someone walking away from behind Jack and Bill, who had their backs turned to the oak tree. Since Beverly and myself, the only other people with them, were in front of Jack and Bill, they turned to see who was behind them. The footsteps quickened and rounded behind the giant tree, but further investigation, including circling the tree and searching a small radius of the area, revealed no one other than the four of us around.
It was much like the concept Bill had explained to me earlier. When you’re not paying attention to ghost hunting, that’s when things happen, which was true in this case. Paranormal investigators need to stay alert and pay attention to what is going on around them, especially when the group’s attention isn’t on the investigation.
When the fire had died down we loaded the cooler, leftovers, and trash in the car. We then departed with Bill, Jack, and Beverly in Beverly’s car and me in my Jeep. As I left I almost expected to see the form of an Indian chief next to the tree illuminated in the moonlight. It was a cold drive back to my apartment, but I didn’t mind. The night went very well and I learned a lot. Scientifically investigating the paranormal involves a great deal of work. Investigators are dedicated and passionate about their work, finding the unknown and trying to document scientific evidence of something in the realm outside of our existence.
Whether or not the Engelbrechts Orchard is haunted is up to you. The night’s investigation didn’t come up with anything significant. I encourage you to visit sometime. The cider I brought home with me was absolutely delicious. If you are having ghost issues I also encourage you to contact the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators. If the paranormal interests you I suggest you learn more. It is a fascinating subject that still has a lot to be discovered and documented.
November 28, 2007
Investigators of the Unknown
The air was getting crisp and chilly sitting in the Willard Library parking lot. The Willard Library is an impressive building. Just standing in front of it one can almost feel the presence of history seeping out of the stone. There is no wonder why many claim that something other than patrons or caretakers walk the floors.
A car loaded with people and equipment pulls in next to my topless Jeep. William Miller steps out and introduces himself. As my instructor and guide for the night, William has been investigating paranormal activity for the past 20 years and is currently president of the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators. Aside from William two other individuals were in the car: Beverly Leavell, another investigator and member of the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators and Jack Oliver, a member of S.I.G.H.T (Scientific Investigation Ghost Hunting Team) and a paranormal talk radio host. After a brief peek inside the library, which was closing for the evening, we headed out to the location for the night’s investigation, Engelbrechts Orchard only a short drive away.
The things that go bump in the night usually leave people wondering what it is, and may be even more afraid of the answer. Paranormal investigators such as the members of the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators, do their best to scientifically answer such questions as: Do ghosts exist? Is my house haunted? Should I be worried? It is the investigator’s job to go into the location and assess the situation and comb through the evidence collected objectively, skeptically, and with an open mind. Which is what William and the rest of the team set out to do at Engelbrechts Orchard.
Nestled in an area between the city and the airport lies Engelbrechts Orchard complete with hay rides, fresh fruit, and a nice country store selling everything from produce to homemade salsa and candies. The surrounding property is rich in history, both native and American. The fields surrounding the orchard contain numerous burial plots, both American settlers and Native Americans.
The investigation that night centered around two distinct areas of the property. The first was the country store, where shopping carts have been said to move by themselves and lights in the basement turn on and off unexpectedly and seemingly on their own. The second location on the property that night was outside, near the actual orchards at an old oak tree, estimated to be more than 250 years old. The tree seems to be the center of a lot of paranormal activity ranging from odd images and ghostly figures on film to muffled voices talking behind your back.
Bill opened the trunk of the car. It was stuffed to the brim with tripods and bags of scientific equipment that were toted into the store for set-up. Bill started setting up two of the three tripods and mounted a board of various mounts on the tripod. After a table was set up a computer was placed on the table, and another case of sensors was opened up. A motion detector, thermometer resembling a metal rod, an ambient light sensor resembling a small glass tube, and another motion detector, all originally designed for science lab use in a university setting, were mounted onto the various mounts on the board supported on the two tripods. These were all plugged into the computer. From the computer, the area in front of the sensor array could be scrutinized for any change or anomaly in movement, temperature, or light when the array was active. Next to this an infrared light source and a video camera was set up to survey the area ahead in the event anything was to happen.
During this Jack and Beverly walked around and found the base electromagnetic field (EMF) reading with an EMF meter, typically used by electricians. The theory regarding electromagnetic fields in regards to paranormal activity basically states that when an entity is trying to do something, be it for an apparition viewable by the naked eye or even move an object, it has to draw energy from the surrounding environment and build up the energy to be able to perform such a task. This correlates with a spike, or sudden unexplainable jump in the EMF reading when the entity is present. A baseline EMF must be acquired in order to know when the EMF is above what it normally is, and if there is no other thing present that would change the EMF reading, such as electric wires or devices, there may be something paranormal present.
Jack Oliver then set up his computer that he would use later on in the night for electronic voice phenomenon work. The occurrence of electronic voice phenomenon, referred to as EVP’s, is very interesting as well as mysterious. For some reason recording devices, both digital and tape, can record sounds, including voices, not present or not detectable by the human ear. The EVP’s can range from whispering, whimpering and indiscernible noises, to even violent scenes almost like a recording of an argument or fight in the next room, or even reactions to the investigator. It is common now, when recording, trying to capture EVP’s, to ask questions to see what kind of responses are given if any.
After finding a level spot on the floor a shopping-cart was placed out along with a pumpkin marking the position of the cart. The TriField Natural EM (electro magnetic) reader was placed in view of the camera to detect any anomalies in the natural electromagnetic field around the reader, which would give out a sort of shrill as the needle moved across the dial recording a change in the EM field. This is basically the same concept of the EMF meter; however, the TriField works off of natural EM fields, such as a living body. The other tripod was set up, along with a two-camera system set off of a similar concept using natural electro magnetism to operate the shutter. A change in the natural EM, the cameras will take a picture. Setup was complete and it was time to get started investigating. The sensor array was set for an hour and Bill, Jack, and I headed to the basement area to do some EVP work.
After the recorder was flipped on, Jack started by giving an explanation of the recording device and what exactly it did to anyone who may have been listening. He then asked questions ranging from specific answers about an entity that may be present to general answers about the world. “How many spirits are here?” “What year is it?” “What is your name?” “What are our names?” “Is there anyone keeping you here?”
Jack proceeded with his questioning, leaving time in-between questions for a possible response that may be audible when the recording is replayed while Bill made vocal notes for the recording on audible background noises. Jack concluded the session with a last chance for any entity present to make contact, thanked it for its time, assuming there was something there, and switched the recorder off. Afterwards the team headed out and down to an old oak tree near the orchard bordered by fields spotted with gravesites.
The oak tree, a 250 plus year-old behemoth, dominated the sight standing over 75 feet tall. The tree seems to be a center for paranormal activity. Nearby, a bonfire burned, illuminating the area with an orange glow, and warming the cold night. The night’s paranormal investigation was informal in nature. Its purpose was to check out the site in preparation for a future investigation on a larger scale; therefore, hotdogs were roasted, taking advantage of the fire. After a few hours of picture taking, past investigation stories, and friendly conversation the team conducted another EVP session at the oak tree. The session was similar to the previous one in the basement; however, the constant noise of the highway nearby created a lot of background noise, hindering the session.
At the conclusion of the EVP session it was time to head back up to the store. Back at the store, the computer system was still taking readings. There was still a little more time to kill before the computers would be finished taking readings and measurements of the area. Bill had lost a USB cable. He had been looking for it in the store for most of the night. The cable wasn’t with the rest of his equipment on the table he had set his computer up on. The sensors shut off, but the results showed nothing had happened, which consequently meant that the cart hadn’t moved either.
Somewhat disappointed at the lack of activity, the team sat down to talk with the owners and among themselves casually. On an investigation such as this one, when the investigators are not focused on investigating is the time things start to happen. Occasionally Bill would get up and go about the room taking EMF measurements as well as temperature readings, which is a way of trying to detect the cold spots associated with paranormal activity, all while looking for his cord.
Later in the evening after Bill had quit searching for his cable, we stood around a small table in a part of the store separate from where Bill’s equipment was setup. The cord was lying right in front of him draped across a computer speaker when he realized it was right there. The event did raise some suspicion. How did the cord end up in a separate room from the other equipment hours after it had been missing? How was it just discovered on a table we had been using all night, and draped over a speaker set up after Bill had lost it? Had it been misplaced and moved, or was it something paranormal playing a little prank on Bill? The owner, laughing a little, said that things are misplaced or moved all the time around the store, but with no apparent reason or cause.
After an EVP session in a backroom and another in the basement, Jack set up his computer to listen to the night’s recordings. The analysis did not turn up much. The one possible EVP captured was an indiscernible whisper in the basement during the first EVP session.
At 12:37 am the team started tearing down, packing up the equipment, and loading up the car at the store. When the car was packed, the team and I headed back down to the oak tree to watch the fire die and have one last look around.
The clouds had cleared up quite a bit since the last time we were down there. The moon, surrounded by clouds the previous time, now illuminated the whole area in a white light. The temperature had dropped, the dust floating around in the air, which spotted up my pictures before, had subsided along with the traffic from the highway. It was still and quiet.
As I was commenting on the change I turned to face the rest of a group. I was interrupted by the sound of someone walking away from behind Jack and Bill, who had their backs turned to the oak tree. Since Beverly and myself, the only other people with them, were in front of Jack and Bill, they turned to see who was behind them. The footsteps quickened and rounded behind the giant tree, but further investigation, including circling the tree and searching a small radius of the area, revealed no one other than the four of us around.
It was much like the concept Bill had explained to me earlier. When you’re not paying attention to ghost hunting, that’s when things happen, which was true in this case. Paranormal investigators need to stay alert and pay attention to what is going on around them, especially when the group’s attention isn’t on the investigation.
When the fire had died down we loaded the cooler, leftovers, and trash in the car. We then departed with Bill, Jack, and Beverly in Beverly’s car and me in my Jeep. As I left I almost expected to see the form of an Indian chief next to the tree illuminated in the moonlight. It was a cold drive back to my apartment, but I didn’t mind. The night went very well and I learned a lot. Scientifically investigating the paranormal involves a great deal of work. Investigators are dedicated and passionate about their work, finding the unknown and trying to document scientific evidence of something in the realm outside of our existence.
Whether or not the Engelbrechts Orchard is haunted is up to you. The night’s investigation didn’t come up with anything significant. I encourage you to visit sometime. The cider I brought home with me was absolutely delicious. If you are having ghost issues I also encourage you to contact the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators. If the paranormal interests you I suggest you learn more. It is a fascinating subject that still has a lot to be discovered and documented.
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