Ready for a haunted sleepover? (New Jersey)
Ready for a haunted sleepover? (New Jersey)
March 16, 2009
By MATT CHIMENTO
CourierPostOnline.com
Maureen Carroll, an investigator with the South Jersey Ghost Research group, may not come right out and say it, but ghost hunting at 2 in the morning is a lot creepier than doing it at 8:30 at night.
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"There's a greater possibility that something may happen," she says, talking about the group's upcoming overnight events at the Gabriel Davies Tavern in Gloucester Township, "An Evening with the Ghosts."
Greater possibility?
Sounds like a good excuse to be extra jittery.
"It's quieter, there are (fewer) noises in the surrounding area," she adds.
Fewer noises? More like more chances to drown in the pounding rhythms of a quickened pulse, or obsessively glance over a shoulder to check every creak, rattle and hiss.
For the brave (and adventurous) ghost hunter wannabes who purchased tickets to the sold-out events on Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, May 2, an increased likelihood of spotting a specter actually may be a good thing.
Given the popularity of cable TV shows such as "Ghost Hunters" and "Paranormal State," it's likely that lots of people might want to experience what it's like to mingle with the restless dead.
"The people that are buying the tickets are hoping to experience something," says Carroll. "Here's an opportunity where they can go and get to know what it's like to be a paranormal investigator."
Both nights will pit the amateur investigators against all things supernatural inside the tavern, which is said by believers to be a hot spot for otherworldly activity and a frequent site for SJGR events.
Located off 4th Avenue in Glendora, the tavern was built in 1756, housed wounded soldiers during the Revolutionary War and is listed in the National Register of Historical Places.
It also has a storied past of ghost sightings and paranormal mischief (lights flicking on and off, shutters closing and opening on their own).
"When you walk in you just feel the difference," says Carroll. "When you go inside, especially upstairs, you feel like "Maybe I'm being watched, maybe I'm feeling pressure on my chest.' "
Marti Haines of Burlington Township has been a member of the group for two years and also believes the tavern is haunted.
"I have not personally investigated the tavern, but I have been in the building for the seminars we have done there," says Haines. "I have to say that I have felt the high energy level and while standing on the second floor, the feeling of someone walking up behind me."
t's these very experiences, the mysterious pressure and phantom footsteps, that continue to draw big crowds to SJGR events.
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"We originally planned to have no more than 12 people," says Carroll. "But we got so many requests for it that we started saying, "Well, we could squeeze a few more people in.' "
While both nights are sold out (the group is in talks with the tavern to add a third overnight hunt, possibly in June), anyone interested in the paranormal would be well suited to visit the tavern between 6 and 10 p.m. March 28 for SJGR's "Ghost Hunter Experience," which offers fun workshops and findings from the group's investigations and serves as a fundraiser for the historical building.
Carroll says she's never come face to face with a spirit, but explains that the opportunity to raise money and help people learn more about the supernatural world is what keeps her so involved with the group.
"When you get into it you realize you can really help people," she says. "I'm not a doctor or a fireman saving lives, but sometimes people come up to me and say, "Thank you so much, you really helped me. Now my kids can sleep in their rooms.'
""You've been able to make such a positive impact on their lives.'"
Reach Matt Chimento at (856) 486-2442.
IF YOU GO
The late-night ghost hunts at the Gabriel Davies Tavern on March 28 and May 2 are sold out. However, anyone interested in learning about the paranormal still can participate in the Ghost Hunter Experience on March 28 between 6 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for kids. Come learn about orbs, EVPs, dowsing rods and take an interactive tour of the haunted tavern.
For more information about this and other upcoming events, including more late-night hunts, visit www.southjerseyghostresearch.org.
Can't get enough ghosts? Check out www.sjpr.org, home of another area ghost investigating squad, South Jersey Paranormal Research.
GHOST HUNTING ESSENTIALS
Thinking about doing some amateur investigating? Here are a couple of the basic necessities, according to SJGR:
Flashlight: Most ghost hunts occur in complete darkness. Bringing along a flashlight will make things easier (and probably less creepy, too).
Digital camera: Digital cameras are great because you can view the image you've shot immediately.
Pen and notebook: It's very important to record a log of events and times. Writing things down will make for easy sorting after the investigation.
Tape recorder/digital audio recorder: Great for capturing EVPs. Leave the record button running and check the playback later.
Walkie talkies/cell phones: If you're hunting with friends (and you'd be crazy not to . . .), having a line of open communication is crucial.
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