Tampa Theatre
Tampa, Florida
Sept. 29, 2001
Attendee Reports
Tampa Theater
Paranormal Investigation
9-29-01
Reported by Lee & Karen West
FACTS:
See History from Tampa Theater Web Site
http://www.tampatheatre.org
OBSERVATIONS:
Tara, our guide for the investigation, toured us through the theater prior to the actual investigation. During this tour Karen felt a presence to the right of the stage in the alcove between the hall, theater and stage. Lee & Sandy felt a presence in this same vicinity but at stage level at the small entry curtain to the back stage where the piano is stored. Later, during the actual investigation orbs were videod and several EMF spikes (3 to 4.5 milligauss) were registered in the piano area. A digital picture of Sandy in the hall shows a vortex.
The tour continued through out the theater and up to the projection room where we began the official investigation.
Projection Room:
Lee, Karen & Steve were the first team to investigate the projection and adjacent rooms. Lee used dowsing rods and had results in the area of the first & second projection window and at the storage room door. He felt a presence, experienced goose bumps and the hair on his arms stood on end while in front of the first projection window - where the dowser rods actually spun (on video). Lee 's compass also recorded north directional change at the windows (on video) and in the doorway between the projection room and the storage room. Two digital pictures taken in this vicinity have orbs and rainbowing effects. Karen's EMF meter registered a spike of 2.5 milligauss at the wall in the far end of the projection room to the left of the storage room door. The video camera picked up three orbs in the projection room outside the storage room.
Sandy, Brandy & Steve were the next team to enter this area. (we went in separate teams because of the size of the area). Lee & I waited in the adjoining room and made notes of our experience. While making these notes Lee felt someone touch his right ear and neck area but no one was there. During this second tour Steve and the TV camera crew experienced problems with their video equipment. Steve's video camera battery level dropped but then returned to normal and lasted for the entire investigation. The TV crew's camera started making strange noises then went into automatic reverse (this happened when they were filming the wall area where Karen received the EMF spike reading). The crew's battery then went dead and they had to get another battery to finish the tour and interview. Sandi and the camera crew experienced difficulty focusing their cameras in this room.
All of us then attempted an EVP at the first window with no results. However, our voice and video equipment recorded back ground noise in the projection room yet there was no known equipment that would cause this noise nor was there back ground noise recorded at any other areas in the theater. After the EVP session Sandi & Lee, while looking through the first projection window, saw a presence/figure/fog at the small entry curtain to the back stage right where the piano is stored.
Another EVP recording was attempted at the doorway to the storage room, again no results. However, Steve reported feeling a presence and goose bumps during this EVP. He felt this was generated from the hatchway in the ceiling in the storage room.
Balcony to Projection Room Stairs
When Tara, Sandi, Lee, Karen & Steve were leaving the projection room stairway to go to the balcony, Karen's EMF meter registered spikes from 3 to 8 milligauss (on video) and then returned to 0. She also felt a presence in the doorway to the balcony. The digital thermometer registered a temperature drop form 72 to 68 degrees. It fluctuated at 68 degrees for several seconds then returned to 72 degrees. An EVP was attempted, while nothing was detected on the digital recorder, the EMF reader spike from 0 to 7 milligauss during the EVP session. The EMF meter spiked several times then registered nothing as if the energy was moving. While Sandy was using her ELF meter at this location she asked Lee to take pictures of the balcony top row seating area because she felt several presence's were in that location.
Balcony
Lee felt a breeze and smelled a strong floral perfume scent at the lower end of the top balcony. In this same area Brandy experienced a heat sensation and Karen experienced a prickling sensation on her legs. Lee used the dowser rods in this area and Sandi asked the question "Should we go down to the stage right area?" and the rods spun. Sandi said we would go down and the rods spun even more. Lee took digital pictures of the balcony & stage area. One of these pictures shows a huge orb to the side & over the stage and another shows an orb over the stage. We all attempted an EVP with no results.
Second Floor Mezzanine
Two digital pictures were taken of a ceiling cherub. One picture was normal and the next picture shows four areas with light images.
Brandy & Lee felt a presence on the seatee and received EMF readings and dowser activity. Brandy experienced heat and sensations in this area and we recorded a 7-degree temperature difference, 74 & 81, between one of her shoulders and the other. This lasted approximately 45 seconds. We again attempted an EVP reading however, somehow the digital recorder got accidentally unplugged. Most of the digital pictures and video taken in this area came out blurry. Brandy's camera was blurry from this point on in the investigation.
During the EVP session Lee felt there was frustration from the entity trying to communicate with us. So Lee used the dowser rods and Sandy, Brandy, Lee & Tara took turns asking questions. Sandi & Lee asked if the spirit was following us through the theater - the answer was yes both times. Sandi asked if the spirit was male (yes) and if he wanted us to go to the stage (yes).
The rods did not respond very actively until Tara asked, "May I ask a question?" At this point the rods were very active and several questions asked by Tara were answered. The EMF meter also registered a spike between 3-4 milligauss. Listed below are Tara's questions and the answers received:
Can you uncross so we can get? Before the question was completed the rods uncrossed.
Have you been with me in the theater on occasions? - Yes. (when this question was asked a 4 milligauss spike was registered on the EMF meter and both Steve and Brandy reported having chills)
Sandy asked, "You've been kinda hanging with Tara looking out for her?" - Yes
Tara again:
Can you uncross? So we can get a base line? - Uncrossed
Did you use to work here like me? - Yes
Did you know Blondell ___________? She worked in the box office? - Yes
Can you uncross so we can get a baseline? - Uncrossed
Did you work backstage? - No
Where you one of the managers? - No
Maybe an assistant manager? - Yes
Were you one of the ushers? - No
Did you work in the box office? - Yes
Were you a projectionist? - Yes
Uncross? - Uncrossed
Is your name Foster Finely? - No
Note: at this point Lee's ability to hold the rods was waning and he was feeling to tired to continue)
Did you work here in the 1930's? - No
1940's - No
1920's - No
1950's - No
1960's - Yes
Can you go back out again (meaning the rods uncross)? - Uncrossed
Are you Joseph? - No
Joe? - No
Jim? - Some movement
Did you have anything to do with the keys?
Is that a yes? - Yes
Giggling? - Yes
Can you straighten back out (meaning uncross)?
The dowser rod session had to be ended because Lee was becoming extremely fatigued. At this time the team opted to take a small break because we all were getting fatigued.
Entryway
Lee used the dowser rods in the entryway of the theater. Lee had strong dowser activity in the entrance hall where the mirrors were directly across from each other. There was more activity on the right (rods spinning) side of the hall (on video). A picture of the box office shows five orbs. There was a table in the rear of the entryway that intrigued Karen and she felt something was there - a digital picture of this area shows what appears to be a vortex.
Main Theater
As the team entered the main theater doorway all the EMF meters had several spikes and the green light on Brandy's ELF meter glowed brighter than normal for two strobes. The spikes were intermittent even though the meters were not moved. We proceeded down the left aisle and as we approached the front seating rows all the EMF meters registered readings. In both these areas Karen's EMF meter spiked several times to 4.5 milligause.
Several orbs show up in pictures taken of the main theater at the end of the investigation. Looking from the theater stage area, Lee & Steve both felt they saw someone in the middle window of the projection room.
Piano Area
Sandy's EMF reader registered readings at the curtain entrance to this area. Lee's dowser rods spun in the entrance. Brandy's EMF meter registered inside to the right of the piano over an empty crate. There were two orbs videoed over the piano. This was the area that Sandi & Lee viewed from the projection room and felt they saw a presence. However, once we got there nothing was felt. Although we did get the EMF readings and orbs videoed both Sandi & Lee felt as though we had taken too long to go to this area and the presence was not as strong as anticipated or possibly gone. Or possibly the EVP session was too draining on all (people and spirits).
Orchestra Pit
Lee and Karen both felt energy in the orchestra pit and one digital picture in this area shows a vortex image and another shows rainbowing effect behind an old chair.
IMPRESSION & CONCLUSION:
We believe there are three distinct entities in the theater. One in the projection room, one in the balcony and one back stage. The one in the balcony is female and the other two are male. The one at the stage is tall and robust and Karen believes he has gray hair. The woman is very friendly, attractive, and wearing a long dress. While Lee feels the dress was maroon in color and of the 1800s. Karen pictured the dress as frilly, pastel and from the early 1900s.
Through out the hunt we felt that the theater is a very peaceful environment and the entities there choose to be there, are very curious and watch all that goes on around the theater. We also feel that at least one of these entities feels a strong tie to Tara and watches over her. We felt many times that the entity(s) were following the team throughout the investigation. However, Karen also feels that two of the entities were restricted to their areas.
We became very tired during the second level dowser rod session and remained tired and drained for the next 24 hours. This is undoubtedly the most active paranormal investigation we have experienced. It is also a place where we felt very comfortable and look forward to returning
VIDEO & DIGITAL:
257 Digital Pictures - 11 show orbs/light images/vortex(s) - 19 questionable
53 Minutes of Video - 3 orbs in different areas
EVP Digital Recording - No results
While reviewing the video we realized that footage taken of the orchestra pit was not on the film and nothing was on the film after the generator room. However, Steve filmed at least an additional 20 minutes after the generator room. Malfunction? Maybe. Operator error? Maybe. Other forces at work? Most likely!!!!
Sept 29 - Closed ghost hunt; Tampa Theater.
Brandy B.'s Report
History: Built in 1926, acquired by Tampa 1976, Named to the National Register of Historic places 1978. Architect: John Eberson, style: Florida Mediterranean. Cost: $1.2 million. Longest Employment Tenure: 45 years (Blondelle Gladney, box office, 1926-71). The Theater has been undergoing restorations for quiet some time; these restorations continue into the present.
Having spoken with Tara, she told me that keys could be heard jingling at times. She often felt a presence. One other employee of the theater, who has ghostly experiences at home, has also seen large urns moving of their own accord (PG activity, level 2?)
Ghost Hunt:
When we arrived, Tara met us, and we were later a two-person camera crew from a local cable tv station. We opted to get ready for the hunt, got our equipment ready. Decided to hunt from the top of the theater down.
Present: Lee and Karen West, Sandy Bard, Steve K., Tara Schroeder (TT PR/Marketing manager), myself; partially - 2 man camera team. (left early).
PROJECTION BOOTH
The projection booth is a long and narrow room at the top of a flight of stairs. Tara commented that projectionists have to be strongly dedicated; they spend a lot of time in that area.
This room is particularly filled with equipment. It is kept cooler than other areas of the Theatre because of said equipment.
Due to confined space, the team split up. Lee Karen and Steve went in first. Lee took this opportunity to experiment with dowsing rods. He obtained strong results, particularly next to the projector, and in front of a small window that looks over the theater, with a focal point being a stage door on the first floor below. Lee's compass also started having directional changes, indicating strong EMF in the area.
Karen's tri - field EMF meter registered a spike of 2.5 mg on a section of wall near the doorway to another storage room (behind the projection room). At this time, the two-man camera crew experienced problems with their camera, with the viewfinder losing focus, and the tape fast-forwarding itself. Camera crewman showed us how the camera worked; in order to fast forward a panel had to be lifted and a specific button pushed. Cameraman did not do either procedures.(to his knowledge). The battery also died, and had to be replaced a short time later.
When Tara, Sandy and I went in (again with Steve, as he was operating the video camera for the team), I felt chills.
Steve reported the battery charge dropped on his camera, but remained consistently charged for the rest of the hunt.
Lee reported a sensation of being touched.
Two EVP sessions performed (9:16 - 9:19 am, projection room, second session at 9:20 am, end time not recorded, storage room); though Karen and Lee report negative results. Tara got chills during the first session. Steve reported a chill, and noted he was drawn to an attic crawl space in the storage room.
Tara also tried the dowsing rods, and had similar results as Lee. The rods spun, and focused out the projection booth window.
Stairwell Landing, between balcony and projection booth
I was called away to do an interview with the two man crew, who left shortly there after. While I was doing the interview, Karen got a spike on her meter, recorded by Steve and witnessed by Tara. No electronics could be found to validate this reading.
I left for a few moments to get a card to give to Tara and to the crew.
I rejoined the team on the balcony a few minutes later.
(Addendum 10/02-- TV crew reported they got nothing on the camera, and that the second recording was fine.)
Balcony
After TV crew left, I expressed to the team that I was delighted they came in. It was nice to have outside folks also experience possible paranormal activities; as it helped to validate what we did. Several of us got a chill at that moment, perhaps entity was showing acknowledgment?
While in the balcony, Lee smelled perfume from an unknown source, sensed a female presence.
During the second phase of our experiment with the dowsing rods, Sandy asked if we should go to the stage. The rods spun. She said we would, and the spun faster.
Second Floor
The ghost interacted with us! I had known from prior discussions with Tara that the second floor door was heard to rattle with keys. As time was slipping away, I asked if the large door on the second floor landing was the one she was referring to. She said yes. As I approached the door I kept getting a hot sensation, like standing in the sun. At first, we dismissed it to the light bulb in the doorway. However, as I moved out of the doorway, the heat sensation localized and intensified. I started to feel tired, and a bit dizzy. I told this to the others. Karen took a temperature reading, as I indicated my left shoulder and upper arm felt hot, and my lower face. I had a 7-degree temperature difference between shoulders; my left shoulder being a full 81 degrees, my left 74. The EMF meter I held in the crook of my elbow was also flickering and strobing on level "2" - caution (the range most believe indicates a ghost with the ELF meters). I attempted to take pictures, just in case any images would appear from my viewpoint.
Karen's EMF meter also began to show signs of spiking.
Subsequent to this, and studying the after affects, Lee and Karen reported all images from their cameras and recorder came out fuzzy. My digital recorder also had fuzzy and unfocused images for the duration of the hunt. My camera still worked, however.
We decided to do an EVP session and used the rods to continue the experiment. Lee held the rods, and we denoted crossed for yes, uncrossed for no. Sandy questioned. Not much response until Lee started to ask, but the best response came from Tara's questions. The rods responded to her VERY well. They uncrossed when she asked them too, providing a "baseline". From her questions, the entity claimed to be male, to have worked here in the 1960s, both in the box office (or projection room) and as an assistant manager.
Afterwards, we were all exhausted. Lee could not hold the rods any more, so the session was ended. EVP provided no response, as it had become unplugged during the session, or shortly before it.
My thoughts: Could the heat have been from a sense of energy transference from me to it? We suspect that the entity did utilize the rods to respond, and that it likes Tara due to her dedication to the Theatre. She had been there 8 years, and seems open to the supernatural. It may have responded to both of us because we both admit a love for the old place; my graduation ceremony was held there in 1993, and I have been back several times since to see unusual movies played there.
BREAK
With the exhaustion that we felt, we all decided a break was in order. We went to the concession stand and had coffee or soda. We then resumed the hunthowever, after the second floor experience, we were so drained that activity seemed to diminish.
Entryway
Lee used the dowsing rods in the entryway to the theater, as one comes in past the box office. Lee had strong activity in the entrance hall where mirrors faced each other. Digital pictures from this area picked up orbs in the box office, and a vortex in the hallway.
Main Theater
Door: After this, we headed back to the main theater. We were down to the last 30 - 45 minutes of the hunt. As we walked through the doors into the main theater, I had EMF activity. Sandy's meter went off, as well. Karen had a spike several times, as well. My EMF meter strobed and flickered in the "caution" range - the strobing VERY unusual activity for this meter, though subsequent checks on the battery and tests outside the theater have not produced these affects again. Lee ran a voltage sensor along the area where we were having spikes, but could find no active energy running in the area.
Theater/Seating area: Again, Sandy's EMF and Karen's EMF meters picked up strong activity in the area of the front row seats. This area also produced orb effects in photographs for Sandy and Karen. Looking up to the projection booth, both Lee and Steve thought they saw someone in the middle window of the projection room, where we had gotten high activity before.
Backstage/Piano room: I did ask Tara if the stage was used for skits; she answered that during the 70s Vaudeville skits were performed here.
The back room held an old piano, acquired from the Curtis Hixon during the mid 1970's. My meter picked up EMF from a crate near the piano; Sandy also got EMF in the entranceway. Two orbs were caught on videotape over the piano.
Orchestra Pit/Storage Area
This is the area where the orchestra sat during the theater's earlier days. It held a large number of antique objects, and is also located near the dressing room areas. One digital picture in this area shows a vortex image; an old chair produced a rainbow effect. However, by this time it was nearly time to go, and everyone was pretty worn out by the hunt.
Conclusions: My digitals yielded little, and I got no really strong results from 35 mm film. I was thrilled with the EMF meter, however, and felt that all three meters going off helped to validate the hunt.
I was also thrilled with the heat and communicative session. I believe there is at least one communicative entity there, and that it was a person with a long employment history at TT. I asked Tara about company records, and she didn't think she would be able to provide any, as the company switched documenting systems several times during this era.
I think it was a person who worked in the ticket booth or I the projection booth and gradually worked through several levels to becoming asst. manager.
Entity was pretty friendly, and possibly following us. They're maybe as many as three or more entities in the area. Tampa Theatre also has a stream that runs beneath it; possible lei line energy?
Tampa Theatre
September 29, 2001
711 Franklin Street
Start time: 8:40 am
Tampa, FL 33602
End time: 12:00 pm
Sandy's Report
In attendance: Brandy Stark, Lee & Karen West, Steve Kandjelic, Tara
(theatre employee), and two man TV film crew.
History:
Tampa Theatre opened on October 15, 1926 and was designed by noted theatre
architect John Eberson The design is Florida Mediterranean which is a mix
of Italian Renaissance, Byzantine, Spanish, Mediterranean, Greek Revival,
Baroque, and English Tudor. Many antiques and statues are placed throughout
the theatre and stars twinkle from above in a deep blue sky.
The theatre was the home to vaudeville shows, Tampa Theatre Orchestra, and
silent films. In 1929 it began showing talkies but by the 1970^Òs had begun
to fall into disrepair. In 1976 it was donated to the City of Tampa and by
1977 was reopened while a comprehensive restoration was begun. It was placed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and declared a Tampa
City Landmark in 1988. The theatre is also a member of the League of
Historic American Theatres.
Several employees stated that a natural aquifer runs directly under the
theatre. A single light is always left burning on the stage and this is
known as a ghost light. The console of the Wurlitzer is not original though
it does date back to the 1920^Òs. The remainder of the instrument is the
original installed when the theatre opened.
Activity:
Tara has reported feeling a presence with her for the better part of her 8
year employment with the theatre and once had a set of keys turn up missing.
Seats have been known to fold down by themselves when no one is near them. A
former employee believed to be Foster Finlay is still in the theatre. He
worked as a projectionist from 1930 until his death in 1965. Several days
after his death employees reported strange things happening such as the
opening/closing of the generator door. The activity was mainly those job
duties of the projectionist. An employee while opening the theatre one
morning stated that the key kept turning in the lock and the same door would
open/close on it^Òs own.
Investigation:
On the initial walk through before Tara began her tour I got the strong
impression of a man standing in the small arched doorway that leads
backstage. This is the door on your right if you are facing the stage. Lee
also felt him there. I felt he was kinda curious as to who we were and what
we were doing there. Also I think he kinda enjoyed watching us walk around
the theatre and trying to get pictures and readings.
8:45 A smoke/electrical smell was noticed by all in attendance in the
downstairs door to the orchestra pit. Much electrical equipment so EMF
negated.
9:05 In the project booth the divining rods made circular motions when
standing in front of the window between the first two pieces of equipment. I
got no EMF readings. Also at this time the TV crew started to experience
problems with their camera. It began to Fast Forward on its own and wouldn^Òt
record at all in the back room of the booth. It started working again as
soon as they walked through the door separating the two rooms. It quite once
again when they tried to film the wall to the left of the door (if facing
it) where Karen had gotten an EMF spike moments before. I picked up no EMF.
Lee reported the compass was spinning in circles in this area also as well
as the back room.
9:09 Brandy reported feeling chills and a sensation on the back of her head
as she walked through this door. I received no EMF.
9:15 EVP 1st attempt. No EMF/temperature readings during recording.
9:16 Lee reported feeling energy in front of the window between the first
two pieces of equipment. This small window looks directly down onto the
stage and the arched door where I felt the man standing. No EMF reading.
9:19 Steve reported feeling chills/goose bumps from the hatchway in the
ceiling of the back room of the projection booth. We also tried the 2nd EVP
in the doorway to this room. No EMF/temperature readings.
9:26 Karen reported battery drain in her small digital camera and they had
to be replaced.
9:33 Divining rods once again began to spin this time between the middle and
last piece of equipment. No EMF readings.
9:46 Karen reported an EMF reading at the door leading from the booth to the
balcony as well as the wall directly behind it (if facing the balcony). I
also picked up EMF here so we made our 3rd EVP attempt. While we were doing
this I received the impression of a group of people sitting in Row TT 200 of
the Balcony Section (upstairs) looking down at the screen. I was facing the
door and this was to my right. Lee snapped pictures of the area. After the
EVP I went over but got no EMF readings.
9:51 Lee reported a perfume scent passed by him as he stood at the landing
Rows MM & NN 100 in the Balcony Section (upstairs).
9:54 Rods began spinning in this area though we got no EMF readings. Also we
noted that when Lee and I would talk about the man in the door on the stage
the rods would spin. He was very strong and I felt him any time I looked
down to the door. I think he really wanted us to come down to the stage and
I told him several times we would be there shortly. This was from approx.
10:05 to 10:10.
10:34 EVP 4th attempt when Brandy reported feeling hot sensations in the
area of the landing overlooking the concession stand. Karen record
temperature fluctuations right before this. During the beginning of the
recording Lee reported feeling a great sense of frustration from the spirit
at not being able to communicate so we took out the diving rods. I continued
to ask questions and got no response however Brandy and Lee did. Tara then
wanted to ask a question and the rods really began to move. She asked a
series of questions and got responses from the rods. We had to end the EVP
shortly thereafter because Lee^Òs arms were getting tired as well as Karen^Òs
hands from holding the EMF and digital thermometer. During this I got no EMF
readings then began to take pictures for the duration.
10:55 After a short break we moved to the entryway and the rods began to
react to the space between the two mirrors there. These mirrors face each
other across the entry. No EMF.
11:00 Doors into the theatre from the lobby by the concessions stand
registered EMF reading of 2.5 to 3 on my EMF. Karen also picked up EMF in
this area.
11:05 Rows B, C, D in the aisle between 200/300 in the Orchestra Section
(downstairs) in front of the stage my EMF registered a reading of 2.5 to 5.
11:06 Lee and I both could no longer feel the man in the arched doorway on
the stage and I felt he just tired got tired of waiting for us.
I spent the remainder of the investigation taking pics around the theatre.
Conclusion:
There are several spirits in Tampa Theatre and the one I felt for sure is
the man that stands in the doorway on the stage. Karen feels there are three
total: the projectionist in the booth, the man on the stage, and the woman
this area.
11:05 Rows B, C, D in the aisle between 200/300 in the Orchestra Section
(downstairs) in front of the stage my EMF registered a reading of 2.5 to 5.
11:06 Lee and I both could no longer feel the man in the arched doorway on
the stage and I felt he just tired got tired of waiting for us.
I spent the remainder of the investigation taking pics around the theatre.
Conclusion:
There are several spirits in Tampa Theatre and the one I felt for sure is
the man that stands in the doorway on the stage. Karen feels there are three
total: the projectionist in the booth, the man on the stage, and the woman
who watches every thing/one. I feel none are malicious and are just kinda
happy to hang out in the theatre.
In total I took 90 pics and awaiting the results of those as well as the
EVP. For seating charts of the theatre please go to the following link:
<http://www.tampatheatre.org>
Is this a strange discoloration? Or an orb image?
Cherub with light images; Cherub without light images.
Fun with dowsing rods; The Wests and Tara waiting for responses.
By Brandy Buchanan
The cool air, muted pastels, and starry overhead "sky" create a supernatural atmosphere in the historic Tampa Theatre. The building is a mainstay in the ever-changing skyline of downtown Tampa; both were birthed at nearly the same time. Built in 1926 for an astounding $1.2 million dollars, the theatre has many loyal followers. Some, in fact, are so devoted to this historic site that they have returned after death to spend time there.
Who can really blame them? In declining status, the theatre was sold to the City of Tampa in 1976, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and made a Tampa City landmark in 1988. Known for showing foreign movies, beloved classics, and daring releases, this movie house continues to be refurbished and returned to its former glory.
The S.P.I.R.I.T.S. of St. Petersburg traversed to Tampa in order to investigate reported haunted activity. Arriving bright and early on a Saturday, the S.P.I.R.I.T.S. were greeted by Marketing Manager Tara Schroeder, our contact for the hunt. After being escorted into the main lobby, the team was joined by a two-man camera crew from a local television station. Once everyone strapped on gear the group headed for an area known for its strange phenomena: the projection booth.
Almost immediately, activity happened towards the rear of the room. One of the EMF meters registered an energy spike from a section of wall near the doorway. At the same time, the accompanying TV cameraman experienced equipment malfunctions. The tape inside the camera began to fast forward and the viewfinder lost focus. The cameraman was surprised, for in order to fast forward the tape, a cover must be removed to access the control panel, and a button firmly pressed. He remembered doing neither. Shortly thereafter, the camera batteries lost power and had to be replaced.
Upon descending the staircase to the second floor landing, another EMF spike occurred, which was recorded on video. In addition, the thermal scanner indicated a temperature fluctuation, dropping from 72 to 68 degrees, then returning back to 72 degrees a few seconds later.
The second floor was hopping after that! In the balcony, one member smelled a woman's perfume, but could not find its source.
From the higher vantage-point, several members opted to take photographs of the main seating section and the stage below; several pictures from this session developed with orb images, indicating high ghostly activity.
The second floor mezzanine provided our greatest treasure. It was here that direct contact with the entity was established. The group neared an area where Tara reported unusual activity had occurred before.
One teammate investigating a doorway returned to the group. She suddenly felt heat, which consolidated on her upper left arm, shoulder, and lower left face. The EMF meter she held registered a fluctuating energy spike within the range of suspected spiritual manifestation. Temperature readings showed a 7-degree difference between her shoulders; the heated areas were 81 degrees whereas the unaffected areas registered 74. The effect lasted for 45 seconds, slowly fading. Other energy spikes were registered in the area, each of the three EMF meters present picking up anomalous energy during this time.
Wanting to take advantage of a possible presence, an experimental question and answer session was held using a set of divining rods. Utilized by some ghost hunting groups, divining rods consist of two individual metal prongs, which, when held, cross and uncross to indicate spiritual activity. A precedent was declared: if the ghost wanted to communicate, crossing the rods meant "yes", uncrossing mean "no".
At first, progress was slow until Tara volunteered to question the entity. Everyone stood transfixed as the rods crossed and uncrossed to her questions. At several points during the session, Tara asked the ghost to uncross the rods before asking her next question; at each request the rods obeyed.
The information revealed that the entity was male. He worked there during the 1960s, possibly in the box office, projection room, and/or as an assistant manager. The ghost also admitted to creating the sound of jingling keys, which a variety of staff heard in the theatre when no one else was present.
The session was exhilarating and exhausting. Members felt drained, and the rods' responses slowed. All opted to end this strange Q&A to take a short refreshment break.
Upon resuming the investigation, several other "hot spots" were detected. The team moved through the front foyer and was rewarded with more activity from the divining rods. One member was fascinated with a table and snapped a picture. A vortex image manifested upon development.
Entering the main seating area all three EMF meters registered energy, spiking at intermittent intervals though the meters were not moved. A voltage sensor could find no electricity in this area.
Backstage, EMF was again detected near an old piano that had been stored there since the 1970s. An orb was caught on film, dancing over the piano before vanishing.
In the orchestral pit, another vortex image was taken.
Even as the S.P.I.R.I.T.S. team prepared to complete the hunt and leave, additional orbs and one other vortex were captured in last minute photographs.
Overall, this has been the most productive hunt in the S.P.I.R.I.T.S.' history. Strong results were obtained not only by the S.P.I.R.I.T.S. team but also by others outside the group. For a second time, a member experienced physical contact from the other side, and a proactive experimental Q&A was rewarded with possible information. Isn't it wonderful when the dead cooperate?
Several of the ghost hunters feel that there are multiple entities that currently inhabit the theater, all of whom appear friendly. Are these former long-term employees who want to keep an eye on things? Or are these former patrons reliving the thrill of watching talking films shown on the big screen?
The S.P.I.R.I.T.S. have been invited to present their findings during a special tour at Tampa Theatre. The event is free to the public, and takes place Oct. 20th at 12 noon in the main show room. Tampa Theatre is located at 711 Franklin Street, Tampa. For information and directions call (813) 274-8981, or go online to www.tampatheatre.org.
For individual reports, more detailed information and lists of findings, check out the S.P.I.R.I.T.S. site at http://centralflghosts.homestead.com/home.html
Special S.P.I.R.I.T.S. event! The S.P.I.R.I.T.S. will be hosting a seminar on basic ghost hunting mechanics, Wed. October 24, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Learn about equipment used, and see actual hunts. Contact Baywinds for details, at 1 - 800-300-6994, or go online at www.baywinds.net.
The Weekly Planet featured
an investigation of the Tampa Theater in the Oct. 2002 edition. SPIRITS
got mention!
