Tag Archives: haunted

Seeking out the clues to the haunting of Belding’s library

October 11, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local History, RecreationBelding Library, haunted, history, little girlJoanne

A little girl apparition has been reported at the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library. (Wikipedia/Andrew Jameson)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters
WKTV Contributor

Some areas and buildings seem to be more likely to be haunted than others. Places more often reported as haunted include battlefields, old houses and buildings, including hotels, especially former brothels, hospitals, schools, museums, ships, churches, castles, cemeteries, and libraries. Libraries hadn’t made my original list of possible haunted locations but research reveals haunted libraries across the United States and around the world, as well as right here in Michigan.

After discovering testimony of witnesses reporting seeing and hearing apparitions in the children’s section of Belding’s Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library, Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters decided to investigate. Clues going in were a little girl apparition seen in the children’s section and many witnesses hearing her laughing. Additionally, music and a girl’s voice were heard when nobody was in the library and people spoke of feeling a presence, and electrical/computer disturbances.

Alvah Norton Belding (Public domain/By Unknown author – The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Volume XVIII, 1922, pages 416–417, Public Domain)

The disastrous fire of 1893 swept Belding’s Main Street and burned out the library. After the library was temporarily relocated a couple times, Alvah N. Belding of the silk manufacturers Belding & Brothers Company decided to build and give a library to the city of Belding. On March 21, 1917, the Belding City Council accepted the offer and agreed to “maintain the building in like beauty and form as a library for all time.”

This unique contract as outlined creates a scenario of unfinished business ”for all time.” This majestic structure is made of brick, slate, marble, and limestone and stands like a castle along the Flat River. The kinetic energy of the flowing river water combined with the building materials creates a perfect storm to record and store residual energy. With a residual haunting, there is no spirit involved, simply energy stored in the fabric of its surroundings, being played over and over in a loop, same time same place. Apparitions do not acknowledge the living, they are emotional imprints locked in time. The majority of reported hauntings are of this residual type as opposed to contact with spirits.

During the first investigation of the Belding Library, our recordings were typical of most cases, faint and few with “Get out” and “Go” repeated. We heard both male and female voices and an interesting child’s voice say, “Mommy I’m scared.” More importantly these ghost voices seemed to be spirits that were interacting with our questions or what ghost hunters call an intelligent haunting. We returned the following year and learned of the 100th anniversary of the library and the opening of a time capsule that had been cemented in an outside wall. Could spirits be attached to these newly discovered historic items?

During this second investigation we recorded a class “A” electronic voice phenomenon (EVP), of a very loud whistle that everyone present could easily hear with just their ears. Does Alvah N. Belding patrol the premises to ensure the building is being “maintained in like beauty and form as a library for all time?” While this castle of stone appears to be a trap to record both routine energy and traumatic events surrounding people’s everyday lives or untimely deaths, evidence points to an intelligent or spiritual haunting.

An article written in 2011 by Rich Newman in “The Ghost Hunter’s Guide” discussing the Belding Library states, “Most believe the haunting involves the land the library is situated upon, or perhaps a past building/home that resided in the location prior to the library’s existence.”

Newman also spoke of an apparition of a young girl that has been heard by many. To that, I say to the little girl ghost “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering, seek out the light.”

Exploring the haunted lighthouses of Michigan

December 1, 20213-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Great Lakes, RecreationDianna Higgs Stampler, haunted, LighthousesJoanne

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

Dianna Higgs Stampler blends historical facts with insightful stories of haunted beacons in her book, “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses.” According to Stampler, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state and “nearly one-fifth of all the lights in the state, past and present, have a ghostly story.”

Paranormal speculation may surround 30 of the 129 iconic beacons dotted along our extended coast but the historical significance cannot be denied. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum estimates these treacherous unpredictable waters have resulted in around 30,000 deaths with more than 25,000 shipwrecks at the bottom of the Great Lakes.

The need and importance of lighthouses with their fog horns, bells, and cannons was most evident during the late 1800s as Michigan emerged as the leading lumber producing state in the nation. These events gave rise to a very serious breed of professionals with lifelong dedication, pretty much unparalleled. The lighthouse keeper, lightkeeper, or “wickies” as they were called in the early days became a family business, often passed down from generation to generation. While the lightkeeper might have been considered a man’s job, at least 19 women were appointed to keep the beacons burning, usually assuming the responsibilities of head keeper following the death of their husbands.

It’s rumored the dedication to duties has extended beyond death for former keepers Captain Townshend at Seul Choix Point and John Herman at Waugoshance Shoal near Mackinaw City. Stampler states the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse may be “regarded as one of Michigan’s most haunted lighthouses” with as many as five ghosts. Stampler claims Willie Townshend’s cigar smoke still lingers throughout the structure as his presence seems to be the most active spirit at Seul Choix. John Herman probably the most infamous keeper at the Waugoshance light has been described as a heavy drinking prankster. After locking his assistant in the lighthouse lantern room late one night, John Herman was never seen again but the lightkeepers that followed claimed the pranks continued.

Waugoshance Lighthouse is located in the northern end of the Lake Michigan. (Ddieffen, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Stampler attributes these hauntings to former lightkeepers as well as the spirits of shipwrecked sailors seeking the safety and solace of the light. Stampler goes on to say that among the many ghosts that haunt our state’s lighthouses a handful are children, “most often girls dressed in period clothing.” To help explain why ghosts haunt, Stampler points to a common belief that spirits are often at unrest due to a tragic untimely death or dedication to service. Some hauntings indicate residual energy that is somehow recorded and replayed but other hauntings suggest an intelligent spirit interacting with the living. Evidence of Michigan’s haunted lighthouses includes: photos, recorded EVP ghost voices, icy cold spots, footsteps, smell of tobacco burning, laughter, hearing voices, seeing apparitions, beacon lights being seen even though there was no electricity to power it, and more. Here in Michigan we are surrounded by these mysterious structures and most of the lighthouses and attached museums are open to visitors.

Two sisters share the stories of haunted Michigan

April 9, 2021Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Great Lakes, Local Entertainment, Local History, Travelbook, entertainment, haunted, storiesJoanne

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

While dinning at a restaurant called The Whitney in Detroit, Beverlee Rydel took a photo that remains unexplained. The paranormal possibilities of this photo fueled a passion that lead to a 12-year crusade, often traveling tens of thousands of miles per year across Michigan to research paranormal activity. Rydel and her sister Kathleen Tedsen shared the adventure as they bravely ventured into a world of the unknown.

This paranormal pilgrimage and their tedious historical research culminated in Rydel and Tedsen becoming the award winning authors of “Haunted Travels of Michigan.” This three book series is a unique book and website interactive experience. Each story has its own “Secret Room” offering audio, video, and behind the scene colored photos online, where evidence can be reviewed. Rydel and Tedsen included several of Michigan’s top paranormal investigating teams at many of the haunted locations. Their common goal was to separate fact from fiction when it comes to ghost stories, urban legends, folklore, and myth.

Honorably, if the authors were investigating a location and “no ghostly activity was identified,” they made it clear, “didn’t turn up any paranormal evidence,” and were not afraid to say “no ghosts” here at this time. Hunting ghosts can be a hazardous hobby with inherent risks and real dangers and is not recommended for amateurs. The serious side of the supernatural is explored as Rydell and Tedsen detail accounts of demons and deliverance. Deliverance is needed when obsession nears possession and can be defined as an exorcism.

Rydel and Tedsen followed their highly successful “Haunted Travels of Michigan” book series with their final book, a collaboration titled “Stepping Into Darkness.” Gone but never to be forgotten, Rydel passed away before the book was completed. Tedsen completed the project with chapter one covering Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, considered to be one of Michigan’s top ten most haunted sites. The author’s special connection introduces the reader to “Mark” a patient at the hospital. The personal insights are astonishingly detailed and descriptive.

Another chapter is titled, “Lost Boy of Mackinac Island.” In this story the sisters put together clues from the previous year and are able to encourage the spirit of a young boy to cross over to the other side. Channeling peace to the living and the dead is the ultimate goal of ghost hunters. According to Rydel and Tedsen, “Something does exist out there…Something that can’t be explained…Something paranormal.”

Disclaimer: Since my last article on Mackinac Island, I interviewed Todd Clements and he no longer supports the details of “The Drowning Pool” story.

Halloween is the perfect time to uncover Grand Rapids’ ‘ghosts in the attics’

October 13, 20203-bottom, Citizen JournalismAmway Hotel, Aquinas College, haunted, Monument ParkJoanne

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

From the ghostly soldiers guarding the veterans home to the spooky inhabitants of the Amway Hotel, Grand Rapids has its fair share of spooky history. With Halloween quickly approaching it is the perfect time to check out some of the creepiest places Grand Rapids has to offer.

Mill Creek Cemetery

Legends say “The Green Lady” is still wandering the grounds at the Mill Creek Cemetery, 4 Bertha St. NW. There is little origin of the story of the Green Lady and her identity is unknown. Locals have shared stories of a woman wearing a green Victorian-style dress weeping by the grave of her child. The cemetery has graves dating back to the 1800s and has become overgrown hiding it from those who pass by. To reach the cemetery, visitors must follow a stone stairway into the woods where gravestones are scattered about.

The Grand Rapids Home For Veterans

Since the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans opened in 1885, there have been reports of paranormal activity. Guests have claimed to feel cold spots, seen apparitions of soldiers in full uniform, heard footsteps and other unexplained noises. Today more than 4,000 soldiers reside in the nearby cemetery and some visitors believe it is those soldiers whose spirits still linger. The home is still active today and reports of ghostly activity continue. The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is located at 3000 Monroe Ave NE and the cemetery is right beside the home.

The Amway Plaza Hotel

The Amway Plaza Hotel is so glamorous some residents decided to never check out. The hotel, located at 187 Monroe Ave. NW, has its fair share of legends. Guests have said that they have seen shadowy figures walking about and furniture moving on its own. Others have claimed negative and frightening feelings in certain areas of the hotel. Though the identity of the spirits are unknown, visitors swear something unworldly is occupying the hotel. The book “Ghost of Grand Rapids” by Nichole Bray and Robert Du Shane details one of the experiences hotel staff member Jim, who said “ If a guest leaves behind a dirty ashtray, it disappears. If someone leaves cigarettes behind, they disappear. Even if the ashtray has yet to be used, it sometimes disappears.” Other experiences include the ghost of a young boy wandering the halls, blankets being tugged off guests beds, and the ghost of a servant who still cleans in her afterlife.

The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower

The Michigan Bell Telephone Tower is one of Grand Rapids most notorious hauntings. The tower was once a lavish property in downtown Grand Rapids that was home to Warren Randall and his wife Virginia. Warren Randall was involved in an accident at the railway where he lost his leg. This caused Randall to be home more and lowered his self-esteem ruining the couple’s happy relationship. He would accuse his wife of cheating on him and neighbors would often call the cops complaining of loud arguments coming from the home. The tragedy happened in late summer of 1910. In a jealous fit of rage, Warren beat his wife with his wooden leg killing her before taking his own life. Their bodies were discovered shortly after and the mansion remained unoccupied until it was torn down in 1920. The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. purchased the property and built its company. Today they claim that the Randalls haunt the tower.

People have said they have heard Virginia calling out pleading for her life. Some claim they have received calls from Randalls’ spirits hearing only static or silence. Oddly these calls have been traced back to the second floor of the Michigan Bell Telephone Building during off hours. The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. Building is located at the corner of Division and Lyon in downtown Grand Rapids.

Monument Park

The Civil War monument at Monument Park is said to be haunted by the spirit of Edward Blakely. Blakely was the son of a civil war veteran and also responsible for the statue’s reconstruction. Some believe that Blakely has been hanging out at the statue in his afterlife. People have claimed to see the apparition of an elderly man staring at the statue however when they notice him he vanishes. He has been known to give up his seat to women and children before vanishing. For those looking to visit Monument Park, it is located at 1 Fulton St E.

St. Cecilia Music Center

The St. Cecilia Music Center is a music venue built in 1894 and is said to be home to several friendly ghosts. Performers claim that they have witnessed flickering lights, unusual voices, and shadowy apparitions. According to the book “Ghost of Grand Rapids” by Nichole Bray and Robert Du Shane claim the venue is haunted saying “If you ask if the historical St. Cecilia Music Center is truly haunted, it is likely that you would get a “yes.” In the book, the authors detail experiences from the venue including stories about missing tickets, apparitions of a woman from the Victorian era, and a ghostly janitor. St. Cecilia Music Center is located at 24 Ransom Ave NE and next time you visit the venue be sure to listen for more than just music.

Holmdene Manor at Aquinas College

The Holmdene Manor located on Aquinas College at 1700 E. Fulton St. has been the subject of ghost stories for centuries. The home was built in 1906 by Edward Love and his wife Susan. The legend says that the manor is haunted by one of the Love’s children who drowned on the property. Though the details of this legend have been proven untrue students insist the manor is haunted. Throughout the years guests have claimed they have seen lights flickers and reported phantom elevator rides and slamming doors. Some students have sworn they saw the face of a boy in the attic window when passing by. In 2005, a paranormal investigator, John Zaffis, visited the manor and claimed to feel the presence of several spirits. Some third-shift campus safety officers claim the ghosts are pranksters and love to flicker the lights. They also have reported strange feelings of being watched or heard children laughing.