WAYNESBORO – The paranormal has always been a topic of interest and controversary around the world. It is an industry driven by successful film franchises, highly rated television shows, best-selling books and award-winning websites.
Paranormal investigation teams have huge followings online and towns like Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Salem, Massachusetts, bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year with their “ghost tour” trades.
Waynesboro has its own share of haunted spots, if one knows where to look. Two local community members, Pam and Steve Barry know where to look. Together they own and operate the Historic 1912 Hoover House on Main Street and have made the paranormal a big part of their lives.
Steve first got involved in the paranormal 30 years ago, and Pam has been delving into the unknown for 25 years. Whether you are a believer or not, spending time with the folks at the Hoover House will have you inspired by their passion.
I spent this past Friday night, Oct. 3, with Pam and Steve and their partner Jim Wyrick as they joined several other paranormal investigators, both amateur and professional, to do an after-dark investigation at James and Jess’ House of Goods on Main Street. By day, the shop is filled with interesting antiques and treasures that any curious shopper could want, but by night the place is teeming with ghostly activity.
Or is it?
Steve, Pam and Jim seem to believe so, and so did the other 10 or so ghost hunters who joined us that night. They all used different devices or tools of trade to reach and contact the spirits that may be lurking about in the store. And what better place to find a spirit? Or so the team said.
The store is filled with many different types of antiques that have come from all over the world. Clothing, toys, knick-knacks, tools and everything in between. Steve found a particular doll interesting as it seemed to react to the K-2 Meter he was using to gauge any electromagnetic influence while he asked it questions. It was fascinating to see the meter lights react as he probed for information.
While others were investigating the store, Jim was working with visitors using his “tipping table” and “phasma-box.” The tipping table is used as a method of communication with spirits using the collective energy of the participants. This method, which dates back to the 19th century, is a popular method used by Jim and he held several sittings that night. He also used the phasma-box or “spirit box” as it is more commonly referred.
This box opens a channel to the spirits in the vicinity and was very interesting to listen to. Most of the sounds were inaudible, but from time to time a voice would break through giving rise to the question, were we listening to voices from the past?
There were several methods of spirit detection used while at James and Jess’ Home Goods. Devices like motion detectors, light balls, temperature readers and even a directional music box that went off whenever a spirit passed in front of it. I found that to be quite interesting.
There were even “ghost detector” apps that a person can download on their phones, which was new to me. Then of course there were still cameras and video cameras just in case a specter wanted to make a person appearance.
The group was a mix of all ages which was very exciting to see. There were teens and even younger investigators who had their own gear and seemed to be very knowledgeable about paranormal investigating. They also had a great deal of respect for the craft, so it looks like the future of Waynesboro ghost hunting is in good hands.
Quite possibly the most intriguing evidence of the night was EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) that was recorded on two occasions by Steve and the activity on the K-2 meter while questioning the antique doll. Talking with many of the guests, one thing was for sure, everyone felt the presence of something (or someone) long gone. While I can’t say for certain that ghosts were present, I can say that it was a lot of fun trying to find out.
Pam and Steve have open investigations around the Waynesboro area, but spots are limited. You can learn more about them and what they do at: Home – Historic 1912 Hoover House or visit them at 227 W. Main St.
James and Jess’ House of Goods is located 37 W. Main St. is open Monday-Friday noon-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.
