Monthly Archives: October 2013

Eerie Eau Claire

Inside the book “Eerie Eau Claire” author Chad Lewis puts together pages upon pages of strange stories from Wisconsin’s past (1880-1910). I chose to begin with this source because I am living in Eau Claire and thought it would be an interesting approach towards my research on paranormal and superstitious experiences people have had. Starting about a hundred years ago, where the book takes place and provides true stories from people living in Eau Claire during this time.

This book contains multiple stories that share either the sightings or beliefs people have of ghosts, UFO’s, strange animals and paranormal activities. Before Lewis’ readers read any of his stories he states in his introduction, “I have left the belief in these cases up to you.” He also claims “I have not corrected any spelling or grammatical errors, nor have I made any commentary on these cases (Lewis 1).” Here are two captivating stories from the book itself:

August 18, 1905, Police Seek for Ghosts

“The Kenosha police were called out at midnight this morning to hunt a ghost which was alleged to be moving about the Kenosha city cemetery. The army of bluecoats advanced against the supposed spirit, but it failed to put in an appearance. Several people testified to seeing the spirit in the cemetery at midnight. It was alleged that it was a flesh and blood “ghost” and that it had taken this practical joke on some women friends. Several of the women who saw the alleged spirit are suffering from hysteria.”

February 6, 1907, Sight Returns Just before Death

“Miss Mamie Kentbon died at the home of her niece, Mrs. Joseph Hintz, last week in the town of Sherman, with whom she had made her home for the last thirty years. Twenty years ago she went blind, but about two weeks before her death she again recovered her sight and once more beheld the surroundings amid which she lived for the last thirty years. She could easily distinguish the distant hills and the pictures, which were hung in her room. The cause of her returning eyesight is a mystery, which has been exciting much interest. Doctors are unable to explain it and many people regard it as a special act of providence.”

I do not doubt that these individuals’ stories really happened or not. Although I personally have not had experiences with ghosts or other strange events, I have been told convincing stories relating to these superstitious topics. For example, my parents, who both believe their deceased parents, came to them in a dream shortly after their deaths. I think it became so easy for me to believe them because they are my parents and they have been my teachers all throughout my life. It helps when you know you are learning from a valuable and trusted source like your parents because you know that they wouldn’t try to stretch the truth on such a touchy subject. Which is what Lewis does, his purpose is to make his readers think and eventually leaves it up to them. His readers are interested in these strange events and they will be able to decide where they stand after reading just a few stories. Lewis provides his readers with supportive stories to guide their way of thinking. Just like my parents belief guided my way of thinking to be more open to the ideas. Because of these trusted sources it is made easier to become more open to these new ideas/beliefs. As I mentioned earlier Lewis says he did not edit any of the stories, so he makes himself promising to his audience and it is made obvious he did lots of research in order to include actual stories/reports people wrote themselves without doing any editing.

For people who are opposed to these ideas/beliefs, my parents for example would probably be considered insane. Psychologists on the other hand may explain their dreams as a way of coping with the loss of their loved ones. Lastly, for the creator of the book “Eerie Eau Claire,” Lewis allows his readers to believe whatever they want to believe after they learn about the valid stories Lewis provides.

I feel that at least once in everyone’s life they will become superstitious for something. Whether they have claimed to see a ghost, or were a witness to a miracle that has no explanations. Whether they believe there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or blowing out all your candles on your birthday cake the first try will assure your wish will come true. Either way, there is no scientific research that provides evidence for the strange sometimes-lucky events that happen throughout lifetimes.

I learned from the stories in the book that superstitions, paranormal activities and all that talk about a super natural world is a very biased topic. I learned that there are many people who have had experiences related to unexplained situations and without any evidence through scientific research. I really like how Lewis left it up to his readers to decide what they want to believe because in reality it’s such a biased topic and people would base their beliefs off of their own experiences and sources anyway. Overall, Lewis’ purposes of his book full of stories became very insightful and helpful to begin and understand my research more.

Lewis, Chad. Eerie Eau Claire: And Other Strange Stories from Wisconsin’s Past, 1880-1910. Eau Claire, Wis.?: C. Lewis?, 2002. Print

Phenomenons

I will be researching the beliefs people have of the paranormal by focusing on the superstitions people have of different areas across Wisconsin that have left them intrigued, questioning or superstitious of their surroundings.

I became interested in this topic because paranormal activity is very popular right now. It easily fascinates our minds and immediately gains curiosity. Often, it forces people to question whether or not the spooky stories they grew up being told are true or not. There are several movies, television shows, books and such relating to paranormal events that capture our attention, such as witchcraft, UFO’s, monster sized animals or encounters with ghosts. What really messes with my brain is that some movies even claim to be based off of true events! We all can admit that at one point in our lives we have been scared of what could be lurking around in our dark basements, or what hides under our beds at night. I know I have. Whether it was in a dream, on a certain date and time, or in a specific area. Who knows? And that’s the best part about phenomenon’s, there is so much to research and it is never a dull topic.

Usually you can find patterns of similar experiences of people who have been exposed to the super natural. Why are their stories similar? Taking a psychologists point of view, could it all just be in our heads? Has there ever been good evidence to support the belief of the paranormal or is it just a form of entertainment? Are haunted houses real? Since there are two sides to almost everything, what do people who don’t believe in these superstitions have to say, what is their evidence/proof? Lastly, does a person’s age, gender, race, religion, or their education have an effect on what people believe?

There is an endless amount of unanswered questions I have for my topic, which means there is a lot I don’t know and I want to learn. As of right now I don’t think there are yes or no answers to my questions. I feel like during my research I am going to find many open ended responses leading to biased views. I have never thought of exploring the super natural world until now because it never seemed relevant to other school work I have done in the past. Normally I watch horror movies or read books on the paranormal as a source of entertainment, not to understand how the super natural world is believed to work.

Haunted WI

The photograph is of Maribel Caves Hotel, also known as “Hotel Hell” located in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Which is very close to my home town (Green Bay, Wisconsin). There have been a number of reports of a figure standing at one of the windows and looking out. Many people have reported hearing strange noises such as voices, screams from the basement, footsteps, ringing bells, rolling wheels and things moving around upstairs. An odor of sewer gas smells in the bathrooms and ojects moving on their own. People have felt the presence of the ghosts of people who have died in the fires that claim to have occured at the hotel. The dare is, if you shine your flashlight at a second story window, a ghost will flash a light back at you. I have driven past the hotel many times and one time my friends and I were daring enough to walk to it but I chickened out and left, I had bad feelings.  I think all of the horror stories got to my head or the feelings I was having were threats or warnings to stay away!