Author: Alex Matsuo

5 Most Useful Paranormal Investigation Skills To Learn in 5 Days

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

As paranormal investigators, we should be in the constant pursuit of knowledge. Not just in our ghost research skills, but also in real-life areas that can enhance our critical thinking skills. Because learning new things can be overwhelming at times, I picked a few things that can be learned in five days.

Keep in mind, you’re not going to become an expert in five days. I recommend dedicating five days for each category for a basic understanding. Who knows, you might find out you really like one of these categories and dedicate yourself to becoming an expert!

You can’t be an authority on something if you don’t know have a basic understanding of how the equipment works. For example, you can’t claim to be an expert on orbs and spirit video if you don’t understand the basics of a camera and can rule out logical explanations.

Finally, I didn’t include spiritual gifts or mediumship, as I already covered this in my blog, 8 Psychic Tips from Someone Who Isn’t Psychic.

Photography

You don’t have to become a full out photographer to understand how cameras work Cameras can be tricky to learn, especially if you’re a photographer. One of the most critical skills a photographer can learn is the use of light. I firmly believe that every paranormal investigator and ghost hunter should learn basic photography. This is especially true in the age of orbs. I’ve noticed a trend where when an orb believer learns more about photography, they debunk orbs. What’s great is that you can find resources on YouTube and it’s free!

If someone presents me with something strange in a photo, and I know they have a background in photography and how cameras work, then that can be super interesting. I appreciate it when someone has already tried to debunk their own data and send me what is left. It takes away a lot of extra work.

Video Editing

100% paranormal investigators should learn about basic videography. Not only to be able to rule out things like dust, bugs, orbs, etc., but also be able to know when a video is fake. Video editing has come a long way in the past few years, and it can be difficult to see what’s real and what isn’t. Storytelling in paranormal videos is also important to investigate too. The basics of storytelling involve having a beginning, middle, and end. It’s more than just watching a clip of a shadow figure. There’s a story being told to draw the viewer in. Some of the most viral paranormal videos are heavily edited, but they tell a fascinating story, which is why it went viral.

Debunking

Yes, debunking is a skill. It is a skill that takes some time to learn, but the basics are enough to get by in a pinch. Here is how I approach debunking; I look at who the person is that is sharing the data. It’s crucial to consider that person’s motivation because that is how I tailor my response. I also look at the circumstances surrounding the data. What device was it captured on? Do we have more information about the area or the room? Were there witnesses? What is the pattern of the area? Like are there cars that drive by the window to create a glare? Does the person have pets?

This can be a frustrating area too because we simply don’t know all of the information or the circumstances. I think it’s also important to distinguish what it is that you’re debunking and to have empathy as needed. For example, someone could be share videos of pet dander and thinking it’s ghosts. They also report that they’ve seen the spirit of their grandmother. I make sure to say something like, “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with __________, that must be _______ for you. The anomalies you mention here don’t seem to be paranormal because it’s _____________. But don’t let this discourage you or feel invalidated.” Tailor this to your own needs, but you get the idea.

Interviewing

When you’re interviewing clients and witnesses, it’s important to know how to interview. You don’t want to give away information to the interviewee. You also don’t want to accidentally prime them to believe something that might not be true. Here’s a great video on how to interview paranormal clients and witnesses using a detective approach. It is so important that you know how to interview people in a way that makes them feel comfortable, and you can also get the information you need without tainting the client or witness.

Research

Finally, even if you’re not a historian, you should know how to research. Whether it’s historical research or researching paranormal phenomena, having this skill will make you a valuable investigator. Not only that, this is a powerful skill that can translate beyond the paranormal world. Learning how to research topics, investigate sources, and determine whether or not something is legitimate or not. The best area to start learning research skills is historical research, as that will teach you the skills to investigate sources and interpret the data.

What is the most useful paranormal investigation skill someone can learn in a few days? Share in the comments below!

Why Did We Stop Telling Ghost Stories at Christmas Time?

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Today, we don’t associate Christmas with the paranormal. Let alone see it as a time for ghost stories. Those traditions are for Halloween, right? Well, that’s not how it used to be. It’s oddly delightful that the most famous Christmas story of our time is also a ghost story. For hundreds of years, telling ghost stories on Christmas was a tradition. Some believe that the tradition pre-dates Christmas itself.

The History of Christmas Ghost Stories

Wait, so how in the world did ghost stories make it into Christmas tradition in the first place? This goes back to ancient times back to the pagan roots of Yuletide.

When winter came around, the nights got longer. People spent a lot of time indoors together and telling ghost stories was a popular past time. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Winter was considered a time when Mother Nature was sleeping and everything is “dead”, so to speak. The Earth is going through its process of rebirth during the Wintertime. From a psychological standpoint, people start thinking about death and lost friends and loved ones during the darkest time of the year. Since we’re stuck inside, we have a lot more time to reflect.

Also, it helps that the candlelight created spooky shadows in the darkness. Let’s not forget that the Victorians had an obsession with death as well!

Before Christmas, Winter Solstice and Yule were celebrated. During this time of year, folks considered the veil to be thinner. This means that ghosts have better access to the world of the living. Even during medieval times, Christmas and Yule were a time for telling ghost stories.

Cancel Christmas

The Puritans wanted Christmas out of the holiday narrative. It was a time of debauchery and other sinful activities with lots of indulgences. We’re talking about food, drink, and physical activities. The Puritans wanted it gone, no exceptions. In the mid-17th century, Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell admonished Christmas. He said this based on the argument that the Bible doesn’t condone it. He also included that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th. Well, he isn’t wrong. Christmas was put on December 25th to appease those celebrating Yule and Winter Solstice.

Before Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, he wrote several other Christmas ghost stories. If you look them up, their plots and themes were eerily similar. They all include a man who despises the holidays, and they change by the end of the story.

Christmas in Dickens’ time was unimportant. People rarely took the day off. The Industrial Revolution had a lot to do with that. However, when A Christmas Carol was published, Britain commercialized Christmas. It resembles the holiday we celebrate today. Dickens certainly had a hand in that.

The Decline of Christmas Eve Ghost Stories

Dickens eventually stopped writing Christmas ghost stories, and that contributed to its downfall. In fact, Dickens thought that he killed Christmas and that its ghost was haunting him. You could argue that Dickens was responsible for the sentimental value of Christmas we have today.

The commercialized Christmas we celebrate today in the United States is based on Victorian customs. Christmas cards, Christmas trees, stocking stuffers, caroling…that’s all Victorian England. Of course, their roots being from pagan customs. But, one tradition didn’t come over; ghost stories on Christmas Eve. Today, we get ready for Santa on Christmas Eve instead of gathering around the fireplace telling spooky stories.

When Dickens took a step back from writing Christmas ghost stories, other authors tried to fill in the void. But they didn’t have that panache that Dickens possessed. Those ghost stories didn’t take off like A Christmas Carol.

Why Didn’t This Tradition Come to the United States?

Today, ghosts and ghost stories stay in the month of October. Well, at least traditionally. We don’t see ghosts and spooky decor during November and December. Since some of America’s earliest long-term settlers were Puritans, it’s not shocking that Christmas ghost stories didn’t become popular.

Granted, America had Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe. However, their stories are rarely associated with winter, let alone Christmas. Irving tried though. He’s responsible for creating our modern depiction of Santa Claus.

Another piece of this puzzle is the immigration of Irish and Scottish immigrants to America. What exactly did they bring? Well, Halloween.

It is a weird blend of Irish and Catholic traditions with Samhain and All Souls’ Day merged. For years, Halloween was a holiday for the Scots. They actually tried their hardest to disassociate Halloween from ghosts and make it more about Scottish tradition. It didn’t catch on. As we know today, their attempt was unsuccessful. Ghosts and all things spooky eventually transferred to the famous fall holiday.

Popular Christmas Ghost Stories

Did you know that The Turn of the Screw was a Christmas ghost story? Yes, the same Turn of the Screw that Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor is based on. The book by Henry James opens with a group of men telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve.

Another Fun Fact: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven takes place in December. It’s a Christmas ghost story!

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
‘Tis some visitor,’ I muttered, ‘tapping at my chamber door –
Only this and nothing more.’

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.”

Excerpt from The Raven, 1845

One of the latest pieces of evidence of Christmas ghost stories came from 1915. Since then, it seems the ghosts and spooks of the winter went to Halloween for good.

So, who do we blame? The Puritans and Halloween.

Sources

https://www.deseret.com/2010/12/23/20367942/telling-ghost-stories-is-a-lost-tradition-on-christmas-eve#kelsey-grammer-as-ebenezer-scrooge-and-geraldine-chaplin-as-the-ghost-of-christmas-future-in-a-musical-version-of-a-christmas-carol-in-the-books-introduction-charles-dickens-himself-calls-it-a-ghostly-little-story

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/plea-resurrect-christmas-tradition-telling-ghost-stories-180967553/#:~:text=Dickens%20discontinued%20the%20Christmas%20publications,of%20its%20own%2C%20and%20other

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-do-ghost-stories-go-christmas-180961547/

https://historydaily.org/christmas-ghost-stories

People Used To Tell Ghost Stories At Christmastime
Why the Heck Does That Christmas Song Talk About Telling Ghost Stories?

10 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Paranormal Investigation Skills

Alex Matsuo

As paranormal investigators and researchers, we should always be looking to improve ourselves. It’s far too easy to remain stagnant in this field and get set in our ways because we find something that works and is consistent. That’s fantastic when that happens, but sometimes it can stunt our growth. Eventually, stunted growth festers and it becomes a problem. But, fear not!

This is a wonderfully diverse community with so much to offer. Here are ten ways to improve your paranormal investigation skills.

1. Believe in Abundance

There is a lot of competition in the paranormal community, but you don’t have to play that game. There is enough room for everyone in the paranormal. There’s plenty of room for everyone to do something significant in the field and have success. Believing in abundance means that you don’t feel jealous when someone is winning. You believe in collaboration over competition. Also, you don’t waste time comparing yourself to everyone else. Not only does it waste time, but it also shifts your focus and it depletes you of precious energy. Embrace what makes you unique. There is no one else like you. You bring something different to the table because you are different. Embrace that!

2. Never Stop Learning

I firmly believe that paranormal investigators should never stop learning. In the age of online learning, if there is anything you want to know, there’s likely an online class for it. I firmly believe that all paranormal investigators should take a basic photography and videography class so that they can understand how the camera catches light. I also believe in taking classes that can improve your investigation and research skills like genealogy, basic psychology, and more.

If you can’t afford a class or taking classes aren’t your best learning method, then look for other resources like panels, discussion groups, listening to podcasts, library books, watching documentaries, the list goes on. There are a multitude of ways to learn from each other in this field that won’t cost a dime. Take advantage of free resources when you can.

3. Think Critically

Critical thinking is a crucial skill if you want to improve as a paranormal investigator. Rarely should you look at a piece of data, a theory, and immediately think, “Okay, that’s legit.” It means you become an active learner rather than a passive sponge of information. You should look at information and figure out possible explanations, question sources, ask questions and see if the sources you have framed the entire picture. If you want to give this a go, click here for an amazing resource on critical thinking.

4. Be Coachable & Open to Feedback

Technically, paranormal people are already doing this, but they’re not liking the results. Really, anytime someone posts a photo or video of evidence, they are putting it out there for peer review. People can analyze and criticize it. They can also give feedback. If someone is a photographer and they debunk your photo, you should take into consideration what they say. If someone asks about conditions surrounding the evidence (setting, temperature, etc.), be ready to provide that information. Most importantly, if you don’t understand, ask questions. I’ve seen many people who, after not understanding peer review feedback, reject any and all ideas and just conclude, “It’s paranormal.”

5. Learn How the Tech Works

Any tech that you use, you should know how it works. What makes it go off? How was it made? What exactly is your tech detecting? This is beyond cameras. You should know what makes your REM-Pod go off. Definitely try to understand how your audio recorder captures sound. It’s possible to understand tech at a high level without diving too deep into the technical aspect of it.

6. Talk to Skeptics & Believers

As a self-proclaimed skeptical believer, talking to the opposite ends of the spectrum has been monumental to my growth as a paranormal investigator. I find that skeptics keep me on my towns and help me make sure that my evidence collection is clean and ethical. Talking to believers helps me understand why people believe what they believe, and how their experiences shape them. All of this better equips me in the field not only in practice but also helping me in how I communicate my ideas on a public forum.

7. Try New Approaches

There are more than a few ways to investigate the paranormal. Research different methods of ghost hunting, like John Sabol’s Ghost Excavation Method. If you don’t like sitting in the dark asking questions, you don’t have to keep doing that. There are hundreds of ways to investigate the paranormal. I lean more towards John Sabol’s method because it gives me an opportunity to dive deeper into the context of the ghosts, and I get to dress up a bit and really take on a character!

8. Try Something Different

As folks get settled into their role as a paranormal investigator, we tend to gravitate more towards what’s comfortable for us. If you want to improve your paranormal investigation skills, try something you’ve been hesitant to dive into. Perhaps you’re normally setting up tech, try historical research. Or, if you’re doing historical research, try setting up tech, or location scouting. There are so many roles within the paranormal, and becoming a well-rounded investigator will make you much more valuable in the field. Plus, you’ll become more self-sufficient.

9. Study Different Personalities

I’m the last person to put labels on people, because I despise them. This isn’t labeling people. I highly recommend studying the personalities of different people in the paranormal community. What are their likes? Dislikes? What upsets them? What brings them joy? I think this is a critical thing to do in the paranormal community so that we can better understand and interact with each other. In turn, this translates into paranormal investigating. Why? Well, ghosts and spirits are people too, and they may have a similar personality to someone you know in real life.

10. Show Your Data to Experts

While there may be not “experts” in the paranormal, there are experts in photography, sound, and videography. If you know me well, you may already know where I’m going with this. If you’re looking for feedback on your photo of orbs, don’t show it to other paranormal people if they don’t have a background in photography. They know the ins and outs of how that technology works. Show your data to them. I guarantee they will be able to tell you what’s going on in your evidence using logical explanations that are backed up by the science of these devices.

I hope these tips were helpful for you! Please feel free to share your own tips in the comments on how to become a better paranormal investigator.

How This Freaky Thanksgiving Ghost Story Revealed a Historic Murder

Alex Matsuo

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather together and be thankful for a multitude of things. Tables filled with food and centerpieces are a must each year. But, what about ghost stories?

Yes, ghost stories are usually tied with Halloween. There used to be traditions surrounding telling ghost stories around the holidays. What about Thanksgiving? A quick Google search for, “Thanksgiving ghost stories” doesn’t come up very plentiful.

Sometimes, the supernatural can shed light on the darkest of mysteries. In 1832, over 57 Irish immigrant workers disappeared near Malvern, Pennsylvania. They were almost erased from history.

Here’s how a Thanksgiving ghost story solved an old local mystery!

Grandpa’s Tale

Every Thanksgiving, twin brothers Bill and Frank Watson used to hear a ghost story from their grandfather. A former railroad worker, their grandpa would retell this spooky story of a place known as Duffy’s Cut, located in Pennsylvania.

In 1909, a man was walking home from a tavern. There, he saw blue and green ghosts dancing in the mist on one September night. The Pennsylvania Railroad kept a record of this incident too!

The man said, “I saw with my own eyes, the ghosts of the Irishmen who died with the cholera a month ago, a-dancing around the big trench where they were buried; it’s true, mister, it was awful. Why, they looked as if they were a kind of green and blue fire and they were a-hopping and bobbing on their graves… I had heard the Irishmen were haunting the place because they were buried without the benefit of clergy.”

After their grandpa died, the Watson twins inherited his old railroad papers. Turns out, their grandpa was the assistant to Martin Clement, the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad. From there, they were shocked to find so many correspondances with the blue and green ghosts in the area. According to Frank, one of the correspondances said, “X marks the spot.” Basically, the twins believed that perhaps there was a mass burial ground created when the landfill was made. This area was also the site of the original railroad bridge.

Digging for the Truth

Smoking pipe fragments excavated at Duffy’s Cut, Pennsylvania. Some of the pipes clearly made in Ireland. Museum location given. Credit: Smallbones

Duffy’s Cut was a massive project to basically fill in a ravine so that the railroad could come through. Think of it like leveling a hill. Philip Duffy was in charge of the project. Many of the workers came from Ireland, were poor, only spoke Gaelic and came from a Catholic background. By 1930, Duffy was housing Irish immigrants in his rental home.

So, in 2005, the twins decided to start digging around the area. They were searching for clues. There, they found remnants of a shanty as well as forks. Then, they found a pipe with an Irish flag on it. The brothers realized that they needed more help in order to find more information.

They brought in a geophysicist named Tim Bechtel. His work included earth scans, which is a critical tool to see what’s underground without digging or drilling. As Bechtel started to work on the area by shooting electrical currents through the ground. He soon realized that there were strange areas where the current would stop.

Solving a Murder

Early rail road track or strapping c. 1832, covered wooden stringers (lower). Railroad construction tool (upper). Found at Duff’s Cut near Amtrak Tracks, sort of near Malvern, PA. Location is for the display in Immaculata University. Credit: Smallbones

After researching, Bechtel pinpointed key areas to start digging. This turned into a massive excavation project. In March 2009, one of Bechtel’s students made a horrifying discovery; a piece of human bone.

Janet Monge soon joined the forensics team as a key person to help separate animal bones from human bones. Since the discovery, seven human skeletons have been found around Duffy’s Cut. The skulls had cracks in them that indicate that they died from a blow to the head, either from a bullet or an axe. It’s hard to conclude whether cholera was the culprit at the time of death. But it’s clear that cholera didn’t kill the men they’ve found so far.

Remembering the Forgotten

Enclosure near the Amtrak (formerly PRR) tracks near Malvern, PA, built as a memorial to Irish workers who died during a Cholera epidemic at “Duffy’s Cut” – mile 59. Enclosure apparently built with stones used in the 1832 construction, but it itself was built about 1909. Credit: Smallbones

When the cholera outbreak happened, many of the workers from Duffy’s Cut tried to run. But when they were looking for shelter, people were turning them away because they were fearful of getting infected.

Feeling lost, the men went back to Duffy’s Cut and the shanty where they were all living. According to the story, they were taken care of by the Sisters of Charity and a local blacksmith. As the men died, they were put in a mass grave, and the blacksmith burned the shanty to the ground.

Clement had been doing hard inquiries into the actual death toll of the cholera outbreak, and he was the one who found out about the 57 men who died. The newspapers clearly underreported those numbers. Perhaps they were silenced by the railroad company?

A Sad Ending

Grave marker at West Laurel Hill Cemetery to memorialize lives of Irish railroad workers lost at Duffy’s Cut in 1832. Credit: Dorevabelfiore

One of the skeletons was identified as 18-year old John Ruddy from County Donegal. He sailed from County Derry to the United States in 1832 in hopes of finding work. All of his countrymen he worked alongside with would die within two months of arrival, which is exceptionally tragic.

Today, the Watsons want to find every last body so that they can be identified and laid to rest. It’s likely that these men would secretly buried in a mass grave as a cover up so that the railroad company could continue recruiting new workers. The Watsons sorted through their grandfather’s papers in great detail. It turns out that many of these men were not recorded as having cholera, or ever really working for the railroad.

Ghosts Showing the Way

Now, you’re probably wondering; are the blue and green ghosts real? It’s hard to say, since the eyewitness testimony came from well over a century ago. I think there are a few possible theories to this, if the ghost story is true.

Maybe the 57 Irishmen were hanging out around their mass grave in hopes that someone would see them and finally lay them to rest.

Is it possible that the Irishmen didn’t really die from cholera and they were trying to communicate with whoever would notice them. If that is the case, my big question is why were they murdered? Maybe perhaps they died from an accident instead? There’s also the possibility that someone was killing them to prevent the spread of cholera to other people. It’s hard to tell.

Or, the eyewitness who saw the ghosts knew the truth of the men’s fates and was trying to give authorities a hint so that they would go digging and find the mass grave.

Sources

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/24/pennsylvania.graves.mystery/index.html

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/irelands-forgotten-sons-recovered-two-centuries-later-9194680/

Bonus Episode: A Thanksgiving Ghost Story

12 Ways to Make Money in the Paranormal

Alex Matsuo

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

It seems that the only people who can make money in the paranormal are the folks from TV shows. Well, that’s not true! I’ve debated writing about this, as making money usually isn’t someone’s first priority in the paranormal. In fact, making money in the field is often frowned upon. I don’t want to say that you shouldn’t be in this field to make money, because, yeah…you might get disappointed when you’re not making much if any at all.

I often get asked how I’m making some side cash in the field. It’s a lot of work. But, perhaps these tips will help you find a start. You’ll be creating some sort of content or product, and it may take a lot of work.

Ways You Can Make Money in the Paranormal

1. Write Books

In my opinion, this is probably the best way to make money that becomes a source of passive income that lasts for years. It’s not easy though, and you have to make something that is quality. It takes a considerable amount of time to write and publish a book. If you manage to go through a traditional publisher, it will take at least a year from submitting your manuscript to release. Also, you may get an advance for your book, which is nice. If you self-publish, you can set your own prices and get your book out a little sooner. However, you’ll have to invest some money into editing, cover design, and formatting. By the way, you can check out my books here.

2. Sell T-Shirts

If you’re handy with graphic design, you can definitely design and sell t-shirts and other products on platforms like RedBubble and CafePress. Also, a bunch of paranormal folks love supporting other teams, and buying shirts is exceptionally popular! I know folks who’ve been able to support their expenses with shirts alone, which is great! My team has a RedBubble store, and I have a RedBubble store with my own cute ghost designs. T-shirts are always a fun investment that can be worn for investigations, sleeping, or even painting your house.

3. Make a Blog & Monetize

You’ve probably noticed that there is ad space on my website. The more content I create, the more people will come to my website. I get a small sliver of change every time people visit my website, and I get a little more when people click on those ads. The key to making money from this is creating quality content on a regular basis that people will continue to come back to. There are other ways to drive traffic to your website as well like Facebook groups, newsletters, and more. Google AdSense will let you cash out every $100. You’ll have to host your blog on a hosting platform like Bluehost in order to qualify for monetization. Bluehost has a deal right now if you pay upfront for a year’s worth of hosting.

4. Social Media Brand Deals

If you have a decent following on social media, like a couple thousand followers on Instagram, you may be able to land brand deals from companies that are similar to your niche. Companies are looking at micro-influencers these days for promotion because they have an audience that trusts them and it’s less expensive than paying a major influencer with millions of followers. A brand deal is when a company pays you to promote their product. For me, I get brand deals with companies that make jewelry, makeup, and horror movies. It’s not a lot. Like, I’m not going to quit my job anytime soon. But it’s enough to break even on my business expenses. If you’re not getting paid, you could get free stuff instead. Also, you have to be able to back up your numbers with engagement percentages to prove your audience is paying attention to you.

5. Join Affiliates

Websites like Amazon and other major retailers have affiliate programs! All you need to do is sign up. For example, I’ve promoted products on Amazon before, and I use my affiliate link for each product. This means that if someone buys a product I recommend using my link, I get a cut of the profits. This is really effective if you have thousands of followers. If you’re going to use affiliate links on your posts, blogs, etc. you MUST add a disclosure and is an FTC-mandated practice. See my disclosure at the top of this blog.

6. Freelance Writing

If you’re good at writing, you might be able to get onto some online publications that need writers. For several years, I wrote for a list-based website that occasionally needed paranormal content. I made anywhere between $50-$100 per article. Then, I moved on to write scripts for that website’s YouTube channel, which paid about $150. Don’t get me wrong, it was work. Like, 2000 words work. But it was worth it to me because I was writing about my passion.

7. Start a YouTube Channel

If you have some patience and the ability to stay consistent, YouTube is another possible avenue to make money. On YouTube, you have to have 1000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a span of 12 months to qualify for monetization. Personally, I’m not there yet, but I’m over halfway. Do I aspire to be a professional YouTuber? No. But I know many who have been able to make that dream come true. This one takes time and patience, and you’ll often question your sanity as to why you’re doing it.

8. Offer a Service

If you have a skill like graphic design, web design, coding, etc., you can offer your services to folks in the paranormal field. Recently, I’ve started offering social media and blog training for paranormal teams and individuals. My friend, Alex King, is an amazing graphic artist and he also builds websites. I know a few folks who will repair your paranormal equipment, fix cars, etc. If you have something to offer the community, you can definitely make some money while still staying in your paranormal niche.

9. Sell Merchandise

If you have a brand, whether it’s your team, your business, etc., you can make merchandise. If you make an image that is popular, people will want it on bags, magnets, stickers, and more. I know I have a few fun items that were designed by friends, and I’m often asked about them. On RedBubble, one of my most popular designs is the Ghost with a Flower Crown, and it makes me a decent commission each month.

10. Make Products

Handmade items are all the rage, and they are a favorite when it comes to gift giving. You can make and sell handmade items, especially in the divination community. There is a high-demand for crystals, pendulums, and “baby witch” kits right now. Or, some people build their own ghost hunting equipment and sell. I also know folks who sell prints of their photography of haunted places, make their own jewelry and pottery, the list goes on. If you’re creative and like to make things, this might be a venture to explore.

11. Run Events, Ghost Hunts, and Ghost Tours

I put this last because it’s the most difficult and my least favorite. There’s a lot of work behind this including book venues, selling tickets, set up, tear down, hiring help, and running the event. But I know plenty of people who have started their own businesses running events, ghost hunts, and ghost tours, and they are amazing at it. This is definitely an option to explore if you have the time and seed money to get it all set up.

12. Start a Store

This takes some finesse and knowledge on how to run a business. But I see a decent amount of people starting their own “ghost hunting store” where they will buy equipment and accessories at wholesale price and then resell them. I also know folks who will sell used ghost hunting equipment, supplies, jewelry, apparel, and books. This takes a considerable amount of work to get it all set up with business licenses, taxes, and maybe even a retail storefront.

Ways to NOT Make Money in the Paranormal

Charging Clients for Residential Investigations

Don’t do this. Just don’t. Considering that we can’t even prove that ghosts exist, it’s a bit hard to make an argument for charging clients. Doing residential cases is a huge liability along with that. Charging clients go from a volunteer context to a business transaction, and that can open up a whole wormhole of legal issues if things go sour.

Fundraisers

You shouldn’t be doing fundraisers to turn a profit for yourself if you’re advertising that 100% of the proceeds is going to a charity. Yes, you can pay for the fundraiser’s expenses from the money you raise, pay event staff, etc. The tricky thing here is that people have gotten in trouble for organizing fundraisers, and then people find out they pocketed the money, or didn’t send as much to the charity as they promoted.

Fundraising is typically seen as community service that people shouldn’t be making money from. Of course, there are nonprofit organizations that manage to do this. However, you need to be completely transparent about where the money is going and be ready to show receipts. Note: The exception here are events that will also support a charity. Event planning is a huge task to take on, and people working in the event should be paid for their time.

One More Note: Taxes

Anything you do to make money in the paranormal is taxable. Yes, you still have to pay taxes. You will want to keep track of everything and report all of your income including cash, books, products, commission, and free stuff. You don’t want Uncle Sam knocking on your door and then you aren’t able to pay because you spent your money already.

The Real-Life Haunting That Inspired “Poltergeist”: A Terrifying True Story

Alex Matsuo

Before “Poltergeist” terrified audiences, a real-life haunting shocked America. But what really happened, and how much of it made it to the screen?

While the movie, “Poltergeist”, isn’t about an actual poltergeist, it drew inspiration from real-life events. The “Popper Poltergeist” plagued the Hermann family in 1958. We have actual police reports, and even an investigation from parapsychologist, J.B. Rhine of the Rhine Research Center. Let’s take a deep dive into this case and how it inspired the blockbuster hit just a few decades later.

“Don’t Tell Anyone”

The first thing to address is that this situation happened in 1958. This was very much the age where people did not talk about their paranormal experiences in fear of being shunned by the community.

On February 3rd, 1958 in Seaford, New York (Long Island), patriarch James Hermann came home one day to his family telling him an extraordinary tale. Hermann’s wife, Lucille, said that after their children (also named Lucille and James) came home from school that day, they heard popping noises coming from different places around the house. When she and the kids investigated, they found several common household substances uncapped and placed upside down. The bottles were also hot to the touch.

The substances included things like shampoo and bleach. Also, these caps had to twist to come on and off. It’s time to mention that the children were in their teens and preteens. I should also mention that Lucille was thirteen years old and James (Jimmy) was twelve years old.

What was even more disturbing was that a bottle of Holy Water had been spilled on the dresser. Cue the demon music!

Remember, this was 1958. When James heard this story, he told his family to stay calm, and also, don’t tell anyone. He tried to explain the phenomenon with science. Perhaps there was some chemical reaction causing the caps to pop off.

Popper

Just five days later, the popping sounds happened again. But this time, James was home. At first, he suspected Jimmy was behind the incidents because Jimmy was a big fan of science. James observed Jimmy closely, and was baffled when the caps were still popping off the bottles.

When he investigated, he too found several bottles uncapped and turned upside down, and Jimmy hadn’t been near them. This time, James called the police. What is interesting is that the dispatched officer also heard the popping sounds and saw the upside-down bottles.

The house was investigated several more times by police and detective Joseph Tozzi. Explanations like a deteriorating house or family pranks were explored but were later ruled out. There was no obvious nor easy explanation for the occurrences, much to the Hermann family’s frustration. James still had suspicions and blamed the occurrences on his teenage kids.

The incidents were soon named Popper.

Nationwide Coverage

Then, the story went public. Incidents were also televised. It became a media sensation. Remember, this was 1958 and these things don’t happen. Or, if they did, you didn’t tell anyone. I have to wonder what James thought of all of that. Soon, advice was pouring in from all over the country. The story even made the cover of Life magazine.

The Hermann family became a media icon. Their story was covered publicly on multiple news outlets. The police officers and detect

Escalation

Since going public, the incidents at the Hermann home only got worse. A cousin of the Hermann family, Marie Murtha, visited. I assume it was a form of moral support. She too heard the popping and saw that the teenaged kids were in another room on the other side of the house. So, teenage pranks were officially ruled out.

What was also troubling was that the phenomenon was starting to target bottles of holy water. Detective Tozzi connected the family to Father William McLeod of the Church of St. William the Abbott. The Hermanns were also Catholic, which explains the presence of holy water.

James, concerned for the safety of his family, moved the Hermanns away from the house for the time being. They definitely needed a break.

But, when the Hermanns returned, the activity came back. This time, it came back with a vengeance. Larger and heavier items were now being moved, upturned, and more.

Investigations

Detective Tozzi heavily investigated the case. When the heavier objects started moving, he contacted the nearby Air Force base to see if there had been tests being conducted that may have caused a sonic boom. That was soon debunked. Robert Zider also investigated the case with dowsing rods and said that there were streams under the house created a magnetic field. Tozzi looked at geological records and found there were no streams under the house.

About a month later, J.B. Rhine of Duke University, was on the case.

Yes, Duke University once had a parapsychology lab. J.B. Rhine would later break away from Duke to create the Rhine Research Center, which is still active today in Durham, North Carolina. If you enjoyed this blog, send them a few bucks!

Rhine concluded that the presence of two hormonal teenagers created some sort of poltergeist activity or telekinetic events. Apparently, there was some conflict between James and Rhine’s team as well.

What is really interesting is that shortly after Rhine and his team arrived, the incidents stopped around March 10, 1958. This is a common thing with poltergeist cases. Once the agent (or in this case, the two teenagers) becomes aware that they are the center of the activity, it stops.

Looking Back

The teenage daughter, Lucille Hermann, appeared in the documentary, “Real Fear: The Truth Behind the Movies” on Chiller. She also was interviewed by HuffPost Weird News. Lucille admitted that she never saw the movie, “Poltergeist”, because she had lived in her own nightmare during that time. According to her, the incidents stopped when her family moved away.

Theories

While this situation seems like it happened over the course of at least a year, it was only five weeks. During those five weeks, over 70 incidents were recorded.

I wonder, when James took the family out of the house for that short break, did the incidents continue? I haven’t found much info on what the family did outside of the home. If it was poltergeist phenonmenon centered around the two teens, I wouldn’t be surprised if the activity followed them. Lucille (the daughter) didn’t report any activity after leaving the house. So then, it makes you wonder what else was going on?

Or, perhaps all of the police visits and nationwide media attention had perhaps escalated the activity because it was causing stress to the family and the two teens? Or, perhaps, was Lucille (the mother) going through menopause at the time? Menopause has been linked to poltergeist activity as well. Or, maybe between the hormonal stress of the two teenagers, plus mom maybe goin through menopause, there was a lot going on to contribute to the activity.

It should also be noted that the activity often happened while Jimmy was alone. Plus, Jimmy was around about 75% of the time when the incidents happened. Maybe he was the source?

Popper vs. The Movie

As you can probably tell, the 1982 movie, “Poltergeist“, was loosely based on the Hermanns, and very loosely based on actual poltergeist phenomenon. Basically, the Hermanns’ story laid out the basic framework of a family being plagued by an unseen force. But that’s it. Their home wasn’t built on a former cemetery where they moved the headstones but not the bodies.

For more information on poltergeist phenomenon, I recommend checking out this panal from Ghost Education 101.

Sources

The Herrmann House

https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/popper

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/poltergeist-amityville-horror-survivor-real-fear_n_1335948

http://troytaylorbooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/popper-poltergeist.html

*Header image used in cooperation with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

The Disturbing True Story of “The Exorcist”

Alex Matsuo

When “The Exorcist” came out in 1973, it rattled the world. There were so many things happening in the movie that people hadn’t seen on screen before. A young girl cursing, spewing pea soup, urinating on the floor, and other horrific things were too much for people to handle. Commercials and trailers for the movie were filled with people running out of the movie theatre. They were vomiting, having seizures, and even dying. Yes, there are nine deaths tied to the movie…according to legend.

But did you know that “The Exorcist” was inspired by actual events? It’s true. Well, maybe. Sort of.

Inspired by Real Events

Before it was a movie, “The Exorcist” was a book that came out in 1971 written by William Peter Blatty. The inspiration came about over two decades prior. Blatty was a student at Georgetown University in 1949 when The Washington Post had published an article about an exorcism on a 14-year old boy. That newspaper clipping would inspire him to write his infamous book.

The boy was from the nearby town of Mount Ranier, Maryland. According to Blatty, the case simply gave him the idea and nothing more. After its publication, “The Exorcist” was on the New York Times Bestseller list for fifty-seven weeks. Seventeen of those weeks were at the number one spot. With success like that, it was a guarantee to become a movie.

The Life of Roland Doe

That 14-year old boy is known as Roland Doe. He was from a family with the last name of Hunkeler. He is also known as Robbie Manheim, as well as R. It is also noted that he was living in Cottage City, Maryland with his family. His former classmate, Dr. Alvin Kagey, described him as not athletic, quiet, unpopular, and very studious. Rumor has it that Roland’s mother and grandmother were overbearing, and his father was distant, if not completely absent. Roland’s family was unremarkable and typical with nothing to hide.

Roland’s aunt, Tilly, was a spiritualist and had an interest in the afterlife and what happens after we die. She had a particular interest in the Ouija board and taught Roland how to use one in 1948. From there, the trouble started.

Mysterious Occurrences

After Roland learned how to use a Ouija board from Aunt Tilly (also called Aunt Harriet), his family started noticing strange things happening in their home. They heard muffled voices talking, objects moved without anyone touching them. There were sounds of footsteps that sounded like groups of people were walking through the house.

Dr. Kagey, Roland’s classmate, said that one day at the house, the chair Roland was sitting in started to shake and then threw Roland across the room. Roland also started hearing scratching sounds coming from the floors and the walls of his room. Water also dripped from the pipes and walls.

The family was certain that the Ouija board used by Roland and Aunt Tilly unlocked something evil. After the family confronted Aunt Tilly, she mysteriously passed away.

Going Through Grief

It’s evident that Roland was close with his Aunt Tilly and took her death hard. After she passed, Roland became withdrawn and started acting erratically. He would randomly scream and shout without provocation. Not long after, welts, scratches, and bruises started showing up on his body.

Desperate for answers, Roland’s family took him to several doctors and psychiatrists in an effort to find out what was wrong. But no answers could be found. His family eventually consulted the Catholic Church, even though they were Protestants.

The First Exorcism Attempt

(L to R): Father William Bowdern, Father Edward Hughes, and Father Walter Halloran

Roland was examined by two priests; Father Bober and Father Hughes. During their examination, they noted that Roland would not take his eyes off their Bibles. According to the two priests, this was a sign of possession. When asked for his name, Roland responded, “Ego legionibus”, which means “I am legions” in Latin.

On Father Hughes’ recommendation, Roland was moved to a Jesuit hospital near Washington, DC. Roland’s outbursts only continued to get worse. They got worse to the point where Roland had to be restrained in his bed. Father Hughes’ then attempted an exorcism on Roland, which lasted for three nights. Roland managed to break through his restraints. He cut Father Hughes’ arm open from his wrist to the inside of his elbow with a mattress spring.

After his injury, Father Hughes was done. I can’t say I blame him. The priest was convinced that Roland now belonged to evil at this point.

Trying to Find Peace

Roland’s family took him back home, hoping that maybe they could find another way to treat him. However, nothing improved. Later, Roland’s mother was shocked to find the word, “Louis”, branded on his skin. They soon relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, hoping for a new start. But, it didn’t work. The family ran out of medical options once more. They also feared being social outcasts. Once, again, they turned to the Church.

There, Roland was examined by Father Bowdern and Father Bishop. They came to the conclusion that Roland was in a state of possession. They proceeded to try an exorcism. Father Bowdern wasn’t feeling confident with his abilities to drive out the demon. So, he enlisted the help of several priests like Father Halloran and Father Bishop. They mainly assisted with subduing Roland while Bowdern went through the rite of exorcism. According to one of the priests, Roland had the strength of a full-grown man. During the exorcism, Roland cursed, threatened the priest with violence, propositioned them for sexual favors, and spat at them.

This exorcism lasted for three weeks. Father Bowdern kept detailed journals about the incidents with Roland. These journal entries are in the 1991 book, “Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism” by Thomas B. Allen. Father Bishop also had a diary. But it was burned by Father Halloran, one of the other priests working on the case.

Channeling an Archangel

On Father Bowdern’s recommendation, Roland went back to the hospital. This time, the hospital was the Alexian Brother Hospital in South St. Louis. Sadly, his family didn’t know that Roland was mainly kept in solitary confinement. Who knows how much this affected Roland’s psyche.

Father Bowdern finally decided to try to baptize Roland, in hopes of strengthening his connection to the church. After much resisting, Roland was baptized. He even accepted a communion wafer. Then, Roland started acting as if he was the Archangel Michael. Roland was saying, “Satan, I am Michael and I command you to leave this boy now.” After that, Roland’s soul was freed. He lived the rest of his life in anonymity. According to the priests, he never remembered what happened to him.

Disappearing from History

As mentioned, Roland forgot about his experiences and lived the rest of his life out of the spotlight. According to a few sources, many of the priests involved with the case passed away from mysterious circumstances. Author Thomas B. Allen interviewed Father Halloran for the book, Possessed. He seems to be one of the more outspoken priests to tell his story of the events. He has also commented on the accuracy of the book and movie, “The Exorcist.”

Father Halloran confirmed that there were multiple weird events that happened during Roland’s exorcism. These events include objects moving by themselves and his bed trembling. He also confirmed that words formed on the boy’s skin, but he couldn’t make out any words specifically.

We will never truly know what happened to Roland, as there are so many different versions of the story. Of course, skeptics say that this was actually a case of mental illness, not demonic possession.

According to legend, Roland’s original hospital room at Alexian Brother Hospital was sealed up. The Hunkeler home is now a popular tourist spot in St. Louis, Missouri.

Inconsistencies to Note

I do want to take a moment to note that there were inconsistencies in the story as I was researching. Some newspaper articles had Roland’s age as 12, or even 13 years old. Other sources said he lived in Cottage City, Maryland. But, then there are sources that claim Mount Rainier, Maryland. The final exorcism took supposedly place in Maryland. Yet, it’s more evident that it likely happened in Missouri. Some rumors say that Roland didn’t use the Ouija board until his Aunt died, and he was trying to contact her. There are multiple variations to this story, and it’s up to you to determine whether or not you believe it.

Finally, cases of possession are exceptionally rare. In my experience, folks who are seeking an exorcism need mental help. Meaning, they need a doctor, not a priest. Thankfully, the Catholic Church has a rigorous process to get an exorcism that includes a full medical workup to rule out any and all explanations.

Sources

The True Story Behind The Exorcist
The Entire Case History of Robbie Mannheim: The Real-Life Story That Inspired “The Exorcist” Movie.

http://storytimewithamirul.blogspot.com/2014/04/who-are-those-people.html

The True Story Of Roland Doe That Inspired ‘The Exorcist’

https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/bel-nor-mo/points-of-interest/house-that-inspired-the-exorcist

https://www.washingtonian.com/2015/10/19/think-the-exorcist-was-just-a-horror-movie-author-william-peter-blatty-says-youre-wrong/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/features/dcmovies/blattytalk.htm#:~:text=The%20inspiration%20for%20the%20novel,old%20girl%20in%20his%20novel.

11 Weird Things I Wish I Knew About Ghost Hunting When I First Started

Alex Matsuo

It’s hard to believe that I came into this field full-on in 2011. Sure, I did some “recreational ghost hunting” starting in high school, but I honestly didn’t know what I was doing. It was a lot of sneaking out at night, going to the nearby cemetery in Old Town San Diego, visiting the Whaley House, trying to talk to ghosts in the park, it was a fun time in my life. I didn’t know much about what it meant to be a ghost hunter, and this was something I had always had an interest in. Who knew that I’d be making this a significant part of my life?

But, there were growing pains. There were a LOT of growing pains. As I entered the paranormal community, there was a lot I had to learn about working with people while maintaining a “good” reputation in the field.

Paranormal Investigations Can Be Boring

This is probably the biggest lesson in becoming a paranormal investigator (or ghost hunter). I would dare say that what you see on TV is completely different from real life. Usually, what we see on TV is the best 30-45 minutes of footage. What most people don’t know is that the talent has been at that location for at least a day, if not more. What is seen on TV is an abridged version of their experience. Also, activity isn’t happening every hour, or even every few hours. You may find yourself sitting in the dark and chatting with your fellow investigators throughout the night. Of course, it’s all worth it when you capture that anamolus data that can’t be explained. And that’s why we all keep coming back.

Make Friends with Skeptics

Seriously. I know it may be scary, but please make friends with a skeptic. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer. Read up on James Randi and the work he did. One of my favorite skeptics that I think EVERYONE needs to follow is Kenny Biddle. What is great about him is that he makes himself available on different platforms where you can ask him questions and he will answer in a way that will make you feel empowered and educated. It’s important to be friends and network with skeptics because they will keep you honest and will keep you focused as you navigate the world of paranormal investigating and ghost hunting.

Ghosts and Spirits Are People Too

Ghosts and spirits are people, they just exist in different forms. Therefore, we should still treat them as human beings instead of this “spooky entity.” I’ve noticed a lot of paranormal investigators will have their “ghost hunter voice” when trying to communicate, which is completely different from their normal speaking voice. Time and time again, investigators have noticed that there seems to be an uptick in EVP responses during normal conversation. I truly think that speaking to the entities like normal people can make a difference instead of treating them like this spooky being in the shadows.

Evidence Review Takes Time

This is probably the hardest thing for me to do, especially if I have multiple devices to review. Let’s say you brought 4 recording devices with you, and you’re at a location for about 5 hours. After doing the math, you have about 20 hours of footage to review. Of course, once you get through that first device, you can make notes of significant time stamps and see if they correlate with your other tech. But still, it’s a long time to review data. How to manage this? Depending on the urgency of the case you’re working on, set aside an hour or two each day to review your evidence. A little each day goes a long way!

You Don’t Need Fancy Tech

I’ll say this until the day I join the ghosts; you don’t need fancy tech. Yes, I did write a list of cool tech items you need on your ghost hunts, but they will not make or break your experience. If you’re someone who wants to collect data and review evidence, then you’ll probably need an audio recorder and maybe a camera. But, I’ve worked with folks who don’t bring any tech with them and all they have is a pencil and a notepad. You’ll connect with ghost hunters and paranormal investigators who just want to have the experience. Meaning, they just want to make that connection to the other side, take in their surroundings. So, don’t question your legitimacy as a paranormal investigator if you haven’t dropped hundreds of dollars on tech.

Your “Normal” Life May Be Affected

I managed to keep my paranormal life separate from my “normal” life throughout high school and most of college. But I found that the deeper I dove into the paranormal, the more it started to bleed into my normal life…or as I sometimes call it, my “muggle” life. Once I started writing books, making television appearances, and then a YouTube channel, the secret eventually came out. Now, people at work know I’m a paranormal investigator, and I’m so lucky that they are cool with it. Occasionally, I’ll get asked about my latest experiences, which makes for a good break time story. But, it’s good to keep in mind how public you want to be about this incredible life and how it can affect your relationships and job prospects.

Some People Just Need Validation

This was an incredible lesson to learn as someone who does residential cases. Sometimes, people don’t want us to come and solve their hauntings. Instead, they just want validation that something weird is going on. Now, the client doesn’t always realize this. When this happens, we usually talk with our clients to make sure that the resolution they requested is the one they actually wanted. Our clients sometimes just want to confirm that they aren’t crazy and that there really is something spooky in the house, and that’s okay.

Not Everyone is Open to Being Debunked

This is a hard one sometimes, especially when people post photos on social media and say, “Look at this!” It’s easy to go ahead and debunk the evidence as dust, moisture, etc., but then we may be met with accusations of being unbelievers, close-minded, or one of those “evil” skeptics. I’ve always said that I think anyone serious about being a paranormal investigator should consider learning about the ins and outs of photography, audio, and videography. Yet, not everyone will do that, and sometimes they just don’t want to be debunked.

Be Careful About Who You Work With

When I first came into the paranormal community, I had a lot of people wanting to work together and network. I immediately dove in before I really got to know the person, and it ended up biting me in the butt in the end. I definitely recommend getting to know someone before working with them on any paranormal project. Observe how they talk to other people, especially the folks who are not as popular as them. I’ve seen a lot of my fellow investigators get looped into drama and legal trouble because they were looped in with the wrong people. Just be careful.

Psychics Aren’t Right All the Time

I’ve worked with hundreds of different psychics, and I can tell you that all of their gifts are different in some way. Just like how we all have different preferences, tastes, styles, etc., those with abilities have very diverse gifts. But, that doesn’t mean that they are right 100% of the time. The good psychics to work with are those who are open to being wrong and use those moments as learning opportunities. It’s okay if a psychic is wrong, they may just not be attuned to that location, or they are still learning, or they are trying to force something that isn’t there. For more information on this, check out my tips for psychics.

Paranormal Community is for Everyone

This wasn’t necessarily something I needed to learn, but there are folks in the paranormal community who like to gatekeep. Meaning, if someone has a past that may seem questionable, or they come from a profession that’s a bit taboo, there’s hesitation to welcome them in the community. I will say, that everyone comes from a diverse background, and we all have skeletons in our closets. If someone wants to be a part of the community, and they’re a good person (ie not stealing, lying, etc), they should be welcomed with open arms. There is room at the paranormal table. If you’re feeling shy or intimidated, come sit with me!

Do You Know the Creepy True Story Behind “Child’s Play”?

Alex Matsuo

Could there be anything more terrifying than a possessed doll on a murderous rampage? Well, the thought that the movies are based on a true story is enough to keep you up at night! This might be why the movie, Child’s Play (1988), became such a box office success that inspired a major franchise.

The premise was that serial killer, Charles Lee Ray, was on the run from the cops. Knowing he was about to be killed, he used a voodoo spell to transfer his soul into a doll. Yes, the subsequent sequels got a bit more ridiculous as time went on. But still, we can’t help but still get the chills at the thought that one of our dolls could be alive…and plotting our demise.

It may be even more unsettling to know that Child’s Play is based on a true story. Robert the Doll is one of the most famous haunted objects in the world, and the Child’s Play franchise is partially based on his story. What’s more, you can visit him in person if you dare!

Real-Life Andy

Andy was the poor victim that was gifted Chucky in the movie. The poor kid just wanted a doll to play with, not a homicidal maniac! Andy’s real-life counterpart, Robert Eugene Otto (called Gene), probably dealt with similar annoyances. Gene lived in Key West, Florida, and was a member of a very prominent family in the area. The Ottos very much appreciated fine art, but Gene didn’t have many friends.

Robert the Doll was a gift from Gene’s great-aunt during a trip in Germany. Apparently, the doll had been a window display. Gene named the doll after himself and loved him as his own. According to legend, it is believed that the servants face terrible abuse from Gene’s parents and placed a voodoo curse on Robert the Doll as revenge. However, there isn’t much that supports this rumor.

Gene was eight years old when he got Robert, and he was unhealthily attached to the doll. He wasn’t making friends and would spend a significant amount of time alone with Robert, much to his parents’ concern.

Robert Causes Chaos

It didn’t take long for the family to realize that something wasn’t right with Gene or with Robert. His mother, Minnie Otto, was exceptionally protective of Gene. This occurred even when Gene’s father, Thomas, insisted that he was too old to have a doll. It didn’t take long for his parents to notice weird things like footsteps running above them, and Robert being in places he shouldn’t be. But probably the most terrifying of all is that Gene was seen having a one-sided conversation with Robert. But when his parents left the room, they would hear another voice responding to Gene.

Soon, mutilated toys started showing up. Gene was blamed for the destruction, but he insisted that Robert did it. In the middle of the night, his parents would hear Gene screaming and then go into his room, where the furniture was overturned. But it wasn’t his fault…Robert did it.

Gene’s parents also heard Robert giggling. Initially, then thought it was Gene changing his voice, but it turned out that wasn’t the case.

Eliminating Competition

There was a lot of tension in the house, and Gene seemed to constantly lose himself in Robert. There would be a lot of sitting in silence, just staring at Robert, like they were psychically connecting with each other. Gene started isolating himself from the other children and eventually, from his parents, which caused them to worry. Robert was also a regular guest at the dinner table.

According to legend, when Gene’s great aunt advised his parents to get rid of the doll, his parents put Robert in a box and nailed it shut. The next morning, the great aunt was found dead. The coroner ruled that she had a stroke. Was this coincidence, or was it Robert exacting his revenge on the old woman for advising that the family get rid of him?

Fearful for Gene’s life, his parents sent him away to a boarding school for disturbed children. Robert did not go with him, and he was put away in a box for many years. Gene would eventually grow up to be a famous artist.

But Minnie claimed that she would see Robert around the house, in the shadows, and she knew that eventually, he would get her.

Into Adulthood

Gene Otto as an adult. Credit: Monroe County Library Collection

Gene grew up to be a famous artist and a well-adjusted young man. While it seemed that Gene outgrew Robert and eventually forgot about him, all of that changed when his mother died. Gene and his young wife, Ann, found themselves living in his childhood home. According to legend, before his mother died, she told Gene’s wife to never move into the house and never tell him about Robert. Well, the couple now lived in the house, and Gene eventually found Robert again.

Some sources say that Gene reverted back to his isolated behaviors and was oddly attached to Robert as a grown man. This eventually caused issues in his marriage and his wife was fearful of the doll as well. Gene placed Robert by the window so he could look outside. However, neighbors claimed that they would see Robert passing the windows and peering through the curtains outside of his normal spot. Gene eventually locked Robert away once again.

Gene passed away in 1974, and Robert was found in the attic. The family that moved into the house had a 10-year old daughter who found Robert and took an immediate liking to him. However, it didn’t take long for Robert to start causing the same chaos once again. While the new family didn’t throw him away, he was locked away once more until he was moved to a museum, with his reputation well known.

Ask Permission

Robert has been blamed for much misfortune and bad luck. If you visit Robert at the East Martello Museum, and you don’t ask for permission to take his photo, he will cause absolute chaos in your life. Littered around the walls in Robert’s area are letters begging for forgiveness for taking his photo without consent. According to legend and first-hand witnesses, Robert has caused car crashes, diseases, divorces, and even catastrophic cybersecurity compromises. That’s a lot for a little doll to accomplish!

What is Robert?

I’ve often been asked what I think Robert is. Could he be possessed by a ghost? Or is Robert something of demonic energy? Or, have all the stories and legends we’ve heard about this terrifying doll have accumulated and we’ve created that energy ourselves? It’s hard to say.

You can visit the house today where Gene Otto grew up and Robert was seen through the windows. You can even stay overnight!

What do you think? Do you think Robert the Doll is real? Or was it all the shenanigans of a michevious little boy? The world will never know.

Sources:

http://www.the13thfloor.tv/2016/03/18/did-you-know-the-movie-childs-play-is-based-on-a-real-event/

https://filmdaily.co/news/robert-the-doll/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-worlds-most-haunted-doll