Summary -- The MESA team was invited to do another investigation of the Willard Library, in Evansville Indiana. MESA (multi-energy sensor array) was utilized in a segment of a documentary film, and for entertainment purposes on the local Evansville Courier and Press web site. Objective effects, such as those measured by the computer MESA system, film, video; and subjective effects, those experienced by the researchers, will be discussed.
Introduction
The Willard Library was opened as a public library in 1885. It is located in Evansville, Indiana, at the corner of the Lloyd Expressway and First Avenue, 21 First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710. The library is considered the oldest public library in the state of Indiana. It was built with a grant from philanthropist Willard Carpenter, wherein the library gets it's name. Designed by James and Merritt Reid, this Victorian Gothic building is nestled near the downtown area of this southwestern Indiana city of 140,000 people. It provides a sharp contrast with modern high-rises and six lane freeways next to it. It was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
According to popular sources (Hauck, 1996), the Willard Library was first considered to be haunted in 1937 when a custodian quit after encountering an apparition of a "grey lady" in the basement. Since then, staff and patrons have claimed to sense the apparition's presence as a cold spot or strong odor of perfume. The apparition has been reported near the restrooms, elevator, furnace room, and the Children's room in the basement. In the 1950's, the children's librarian Margaret Maier claimed to have seen the apparition repeatedly (Maier died in 1989). Allegedly, the apparition was also seen on a security monitor near the restrooms in 1997.
In 1992, a child reported seeing two ghosts in the Children's room. The child reported seeing whom is believed to be Maier sitting in a peacock chair, and standing behind her was the apparition of the "grey lady." The grey lady is reported to appear wearing clothing from the late 1880's. The identity of the apparition is still debated today. However, the majority of opinion suggest that the apparition is that of Louise Carpenter, the daughter of the library's founder.
Louise Carpenter once sued the library's Board of Trustees, claiming that her father was "of unsound mind and was unduly influenced in establishing the {Willard} library" (www.willard.lib.in.us). She lost the suit, and as a result, her claim to any of the library's property. After her death, her spirit has allegedly returned to the library and will continue to haunt the grounds until the property and it's holdings are returned back over to the living heirs of the Carpenter family.
The last sighting of the apparition was on August 7, 1997, in the basement of the library. Librarians that work in the basement have reported visual phenomena such as a grey form, strong perfume, tactile sensations on their neck and hair, and sensed presence. More recently, books have been moved out of shelves or off the shelves completely by an unknown force.
We were asked by the local newspaper, the Evansville Courier and Press to investigate the phenomena. The newspaper has a web site (www.courier&press.com) and wanted to put scientific evidence of the haunting at the Willard Library on it. The MESA team, along with members of the Ghost Hunter's Society, from Schaumburg, IL were brought together to document any anomalous phenomena. This investigation will also be featured in a segment of a documentary about ghost hunting produced locally by WNIN PBS Channel 9, Evansville, Indiana.
Method
Psychic Lou Wright is featured as one of "The Top 100 Psychics in the United States" (Cooper, 1996). Wright was chosen to "read" the library not only for this reason, but because she lives in a nearby town. She has worked with many other researchers, at universities and has also taught classes in psychic abilities for many years. She also had previous experiences in the library, which included erratic functioning of an alarm system, and sensed presence. Wright suggested to the team upon walking through the library that the investigation focus on objects that people loved in the library, and not on an area or a whole room. This was done at two of the four sites sampled, both in the basement "children's area" of the library.
The experimenters were split up into three teams. The first was responsible for MESA data, which consisted of placing the sensors, and running the samples. This team also had an 8mm camera, and a VHS camera documenting the sites. The second team measured baseline 60 Hz magnetic fields and photographed the site with three factors in mind: 1 ) every 15 minutes, 2) random shots with both Polaroid and 35mm camera color Kodak ASA 400 film, and 3) when the photographer "sensed" a "cold spot." A third team would install and record images using a low-light closed circuit television system, using a VCR to record anomalous images and phenomena. The specifications of this system are mentioned in the Appendix.
Apparatus
The MESA computer system has been described elsewhere (Harte, Black, & Hollinshead, 1999) so this paper will focus on the sensors, their placement, and the results of the sampling period. The computer was set for an alarm of 7 mG or above for three seconds. A sampling rate of 40 times a second was chosen, as this has been the normal sampling method used in previous studies. MESA can now record 16-bit high-quality mono sound for up to four hours and still have enough memory for the sensor data.
Four different sites were chosen in the library for sampling periods. Each were approximately 1 hour long due to time restraints. A motion detector was placed in the immediate vicinity of the computer to alert researchers to tampering or motion in the area. All four areas were monitored with closed circuit television cameras, an 8mm film camera, and a VHS camera.
Results. Each site is explained and each channel on MESA is mentioned. The results for film, VHS, audio, and subjective results are also discussed.
Site 1.
The first area sampled was the Children's "story pit" area. It is a rectangular room with curved shelves or steps. This is where children sit and listen to stories or books being read. There are also some bookshelves in the room. The psychic Lou Wright suggested we focus on objects in our investigation, instead of on the entire room or area we were measuring. The team decided to follow her advice by focusing on a particular object in the children's story pit area, a large "peacock" chair that the storytellers sit in to read to the children. No anomalous images were recorded on any of the film, audio, or video.
Channel 1: Infrared Sensor. The infrared (IR) sensor shows some slight variations at just below 15 footcandles throughout the experiment. This is strange as the lights were turned off in this room. The IR source could not be determined by the researchers.
Channel 2: Visible CdS Sensor. The visible sensor shows readings between 600 and 700 footcandles. There are some slight fluctuations before and just after 0.2 hours, and again just before and after 0.4 hours.
Channel 3: Ultraviolet Sensor. The ultraviolet light sensor shows a solid 6 mW/cm^2, which is a false reading. The sensor has its own battery, so the channel on the analog-to-digital converter should have been turned to "off." This is unfortunate, as it would have been interesting to see what this sensor showed with the other results.
Channel 4: Tri-Field Meter. The Tri-Field Meter is set primarily to measure 60 Hz AC electromagnetic fields in the area. It was set at the 0-3 mG reading, as this is the most sensitive for that purpose. As can be seen on the graph, the reading shows between 0 and 0.5 milligauss (mG) for this area. There are some slight fluctuations just after 0.6 hours.
Channel 5: Seismograph. This particular sensor measures vibration in the area. This is unusual as it shows normal vibration until 0.5 hours, and then it is very quiet. At 0.7 hours, there is vibration again.
Channel 6 pointed WEST: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. Three sensors are utilized to get a three-dimensional picture of where the Earth's field (0 to 0.5 Hz) is located in a site. The sensors are now mechanically coupled inside a plastic project box, so they cannot move while sampling. This graph shows a large fluctuation from almost 4 mG to -2 mG before the 0.2 hour mark. Then it looks relatively normal throughout the rest of the sampling period.
Channel 7 pointed UP: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows a strength of about -1 mG at the very start of the sampling period, and then goes off the scale before the 0.1 hour mark.
Channel 8 pointed NORTH: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor, shows the most dramatic changes at this site. These changes may be characteristic of the sudden, intense fluctuations associated with haunting and poltergeist-like episodes (Persinger, 1993; Nichols, 1994; Radin & Roll, 1996). The peculiar thing is that this fluctuation event was recorded again in the basement at another site approximately 1.5 hours later. The readings show a start at almost 2 mG. Then there is a rise to 6 mG at just after 0.1 hours. A large drop occurs from 6 mG to -1 mG after 0.1 hours, then another large positive fluctuation to almost 4 mG. A steady rise occurs to 8 mG, a slower descent to 4 mG, and then back up to 10 mG over the sampling period.
Site 2.
The second area sampled was near a rocking chair in the basement, which is also in the children's area. There is a small table and chairs for children to sit and read near it. There were no anomalous images recorded during the sampling period on any of the film, audio, or video.
Channel 1: Infrared Sensor. The infrared sensor recorded no activity in this area. This meant there was no IR light in this area.
Channel 2: Visible CdS Sensor. The visible light sensor shows activity at 16000 footcandles. This is normal for the area, at it was well-lit by fluorescent lights.
Channel 3: Ultraviolet Sensor. The ultraviolet sensor did not record any ultraviolet light in the vicinity across the entire sampling period, because the analog-to-digital switch was not switched "off." The sensor did not record an accurate level.
Channel 4: Tri-Field Meter. The Tri-Field Meter shows a very quiet level at 0.25 milligauss throughout the sampling period.
Channel 5: Seismograph. The vibration sensor shows some activity at before and after 0.2 hours, the same at 0.4 hours, and a flurry of activity before 0.6 and after.
Channel 6 pointed WEST: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows some fluctuations from almost -0.2 mG up to 1.75 mG, and then a steady reading of 1 mG at 0.35 hours. There is a steady rise beginning at the end of the sampling period, to almost 2 mG.
Channel 7 pointed UP: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows no activity on the scale from -6 mG to 12 mG. The activity was probably off the scale and negative.
Channel 8 pointed NORTH: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor once again, shows the most dramatic changes in the Earth's field in the basement of the Willard Library. This may also be a characteristic intense fluctuation seen in phenomena in hauntings (Nichols, 1994; Persinger & Cameron, 1986, Persinger, 1993; Radin & Roll, 1996). More sampling will need to be done in this area to see if it is naturally occurring, or anomalous. There is a steady rise from about 1 mG to a rather large fluctuation after 0.3 hours, up to almost 8 mG. There is a drop to 3 mG, then back up to almost 8 mG again. The dramatic drop after this is to 0 mG at just after 0.4 hours. Then it fluctuates to almost 6 mG. A sudden drop at 0.6 hours from 3 mG to almost 0 mG, then a rapid flux to 4.5 to 5 mG, then a steady decrease to 2 mG, then another fluctuation to 6 mG. Then there is another fluctuation to almost 8 mG, with a rapid decrease to almost 0 mG again, just after 0.8 hours. Then it fluctuates again to 4 mG, with a steady rise after this.
Site 3.
The third area sampled was near a surveillance mirror on the second floor, in the genealogical section of the library. This area is where two researchers (TH and MH) experienced two fleeting globes of white light for a few seconds, in the first investigation. There were no anomalous images recorded during the sampling period on any of the film, video, or audio.
Channel 1: Infrared Sensor. The infrared sensor recorded no activity in this area. This meant there was no IR light in this area.
Channel 2: Visible CdS Sensor. The visible light sensor shows activity at 6500 footcandles. This is normal for the area, at it was well-lit by a combination of incandescent and fluorescent lights. There are slight fluctuations at just before 0.4 hours, and just before 0.8 hours.
Channel 3: Ultraviolet Sensor. The ultraviolet sensor did not record any ultraviolet light in the vicinity across the entire sampling period, because the analog-to-digital switch was not switched "off." The sensor did not record an accurate level.
Channel 4: Tri-Field Meter. The Tri-Field Meter shows a "noisy" level at between 0.75 and almost 2.5 mG throughout the sampling period. This is older, unshielded wiring being measured on this floor of the library.
Channel 5: Seismograph. The vibration sensor shows some activity throughout the sampling period, as there are vibrations normally with the old wooden floor. It is also very "creaky" in parts.
Channel 6 pointed WEST: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows some fluctuations from 0 mG with fluctuations to 1.75 after 0.2 hours, to 3 mG at 0.5 hours, and another fluctuation after 0.75 hours. There is a decrease at 0.8 hours to 1.5 mG, and then back to 2 mG. There is a slow rise after the 0.9 hour.
Channel 7 pointed UP: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows no activity on the scale from -6 mG to 12 mG. The activity was probably off the scale and negative.
Channel 8 pointed NORTH: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor once again, shows the most dramatic changes in the Earth's field ever recorded in the Willard Library. This may also be a characteristic intense fluctuation seen in phenomena in hauntings (Nichols, 1994; Persinger & Cameron, 1986; Persinger, 1993; Radin & Roll, 1996). More sampling will need to be done in this area to see if it is naturally occurring, or anomalous. The sampling period begins at less than 2 mG. Before 0.1 hours, there is a fluctuation to 5 mG, then to past 6 mG. Then a drop to 2.5 mG. Before 0.2 hours there is a big fluctuation to 8 mG. It drops to 3 mG, then back to 8 mG just after 0.2 hours. A steady gait of less than 4 mG remains until almost 0.5 hours, where it fluctuates back up to 6 mG. At 0.7 hours, there is some activity both up and down between 5 and 8 mG (see Fig. 24). The fluctuations in this field could cause a "sensed presence," or other activity in the human brain-mind continuum to cause anomalous images, sudden fear, or other emotions (Radin & Roll, 1994; Radin, Moody, Roll, 1996; Persinger & Cameron, 1986, Persinger, 1993).
Site 4.
The fourth area sampled was near and on a table, located about 12 feet in front of the surveillance mirror, on the second floor, in the genealogical section of the library. This area is closer to the area where two researchers (TH and MH) experienced two fleeting globes of white light for a few seconds, in the first investigation (June 26, 1999). There were no anomalous images recorded during the sampling period on any of the film, audio, or video.
Channel 1: Infrared Sensor. The infrared sensor recorded no activity in this area. This meant there was no IR light in this area.
Channel 2: Visible CdS Sensor. The visible light sensor shows activity at around 10000 footcandles. This is normal for the area, at it was well-lit by a combination of incandescent and fluorescent lights. There are no slight fluctuations.
Channel 3: Ultraviolet Sensor. The ultraviolet sensor did not record any ultraviolet light in the vicinity across the entire sampling period, because the analog-to-digital switch was not switched "off." The sensor did not record an accurate level, but the researchers are not sure about what an accurate level would be without measuring the area again.
Channel 4: Tri-Field Meter. The Tri-Field Meter shows a "noisy" level at between 0.25 and almost 0.5 mG throughout the sampling period. This is older wiring being measured on this floor of the library, but is not showing the "dirty" fluctuations we see in the previous 3rd site. The researchers do not understand this, except to say it may have been "quieter" than the last sampling period.
Channel 5: Seismograph. The vibration sensor shows NO activity throughout the sampling period, as there should be SOME vibrations normally with the old wooden floor. This is inexplicable to the researchers. There is some activity at the very end of the sampling period. We cannot say what caused this.
Channel 6 pointed WEST: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows some fluctuations from 0 mG with a fluctuation just before the 0.1 hour mark that matches exactly with the activity on Channel 8, pointed NORTH.
Channel 7 pointed UP: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows straight-line activity at about -7 mG, which is also very unusual. There should be more activity in the area.
Channel 8 pointed NORTH: Static Electromagnetic Field Sensor. This sensor shows a fluctuation that is at the exact same time as the fluctuation on Channel 6, at just before the 0.1 hour mark. The fluctuation is about 2 mG, up to 5 mG, and then back to 2 for the entire sampling period. This might also cause the aforementioned "sensed presence" or anomalous phenomena to occur for people to report an experience (Radin & Roll, 1996; Radin & Roll, 1994; Persinger, 1993; Persinger & Cameron, 1986).
Photographs. No anomalous images were recorded with the Polaroid or 35mm cameras.
Film. No anomalous images were recorded on any 8mm film.
Video. The closed circuit television system utilized four low light cameras in the experiment. One remained on the second floor, as this is also where the Courier & Press surveillance camera was placed. The Courier and Press have also placed a camera in the children's area in the basement of the library. At least two CCTV cameras were placed in the vicinity of the MESA system during each site sampled. No anomalous images were recorded during the experiment. Another VHS camera, supplied by WNIN PBS Channel 9 Evansville, Indiana, recorded some electronic interference in the basement of the Willard Library. During an interview with the psychic (LW), some lines appeared on the VHS video film. This may be a sign of haunting activity, either as erratic functioning of equipment, usually of an electrical or mechanical nature (Persinger & Cameron, 1986; Radin & Roll, 1994).
Audio. The audio tracks of the 8mm film camera, CCTV cameras, and the VHS cameras did not record anything considered anomalous to the reviewing researchers.
Solar activity. Solar indices of electromagnetic levels can be seen to cause effects on the Earth (Randall and Randall, 1991; www.spaceweather.com). Researchers looked at some of the data for GOES8 and GOES 10 satellite systems, primarily used by scientists to forecast disruptions in satellite service, power grid systems, and other erratic functioning of electronic and electrical equipment on Earth. The data for the period of the investigation was considered medium-high (See www.spaceweather.com).
Subjective results. One researcher thought she smelled perfume in the children's story pit area, during the investigation. While the film crew and MESA team were on the third floor of the Willard Library, a researcher experienced two events of erratic functioning of equipment. These events took place at approximately 8:30 P.M. and lasted for about two seconds in two separate areas that had been investigated. The investigator attempted to take pictures of the objects (the large "peacock" chair, and the rocking chair), but his camera would not function. Later, it did work properly again. This same thing happened on the previous investigation (June 26, 1999), but AA batteries had also been drained completely in two different 35mm cameras.
These three incidents may show some subjective reports of haunting phenomena, though the quality of the phenomena is subtle. Haunting phenomena at this site may be different than other places. But the MESA graphs show some very distinct fluctuations, especially in the static electromagnetic (0 to 0.5 Hz) range that are consistent with the reported experiences.
Discussion
This investigation has lead to more questions asked by the researchers. What is causing the fluctuations in the static electromagnetic fields in this place? Could it be the Earth, or solar activity interfering with the Earth's fields? What type and intensity of psychological and physiological effects are caused by such subtle fluctuations in these fields? What would cause the erratic functioning of equipment in the basement on a second investigation? More research with MESA, both in the Willard Library, and other sites is mandated to see if these fluctuations are natural, or indicative of haunting activity. Indices of solar activity will also need to be taken into account during investigations. These indices can be attained from the Internet (www.spaceweather.com).
References
Cooper, Paulette (1996). The Top 100 Psychics in America. New York, NY: Pocket Books.
Harte, Timothy M., Black, David L., & Hollinshead, Michael T. (1999). MESA: A new configuration for measuring electromagnetic field fluctuations. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 31, (4) 680-683.
Hauck, Dennis William, (1996). The National Register of Haunted Places. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Nichols, Andrew, (1994). Phantoms on film. Fate, 47,(11), 48-51.
Persinger, M.A., and Cameron, R.A. (1986). Are earth faults at fault in some poltergeist-like episodes? Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 80, 49-73.
Persinger, Michael. (1993). Average diurnal changes in melatonin levels are associated with hourly incidence of bereavement apparitions: support for the hypothesis of temporal (limbic) lobe microseizuring? Perceptual and Motor Skills, 76, 444-446.
Radin, D.I, & Roll, W.G. (1994). A radioactive ghost in a music hall. Proceedings of the Parapsychological Association 37th Annual Convention. Parapsychology Foundation: New York, NY.
Radin, D.I., Moody, R., & Roll, W.G. (1996) A study of Five Scandinavian Castles. Electronic Journal of Anomalous Phenomena.
http://www.psy.uva.nl/ResEdu/PN/eJAP/1996.4/inv_res.html#engs
www.willard.lib.in.us (1999). Willard Library, Evansville, Indiana web site.
www.spaceweather.com (1999). Web site.
Appendix
Technical specifications of the CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras (4).
CCD CAMERA
Pick-up device 1/3" (Solid-state CCD)
No. of picture elements (H) x (V) 512 x 492 (EIA) 512 x 582 (CCIR)
Horizontal resolution > 380 TVL
Light sensitivity 0.2 ~ 30000 lux
Spectral sensitivity range 400 ~ 1000 nm
Signal to noise ratio > 48 dB
Output A/V RJ 11 E modular 'telephone' socket
Built-in microphone electret
Lens type CS-mount
Power supply 16 ~ 27 V DC (via cable system)
Power consumption 50 mA (at 24 V DC)
System cable 4-wire dual twisted pair 'telephone' cable
Tripod socket 1/4" B.S.W.
Dimensions (WxHxD) 70 x 70 x 79 mm (incl. lens)
Weight 205 gr
Ambient conditions Ammonia resistant
Ambient temperature
-operating +10 ~ +55 degrees Celsius
-storage -25 ~ +70 degrees Celsius
Ambient humidity
-operating 20% ~ 90%RH
-storage 99%RH
Correspondence to the first author at:
5317 Warren Drive
Evansville, IN 47710
or e-mail at: tmharte@juno.com