Historic Rainworth Lodge – Investigation

Historic Rainworth Lodge Investigation

 

June 20-22, 2025

 

Gettysburg, PA

 

Investigation

 

Just three miles outside of historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—along the old stretch once known as Kecklers Hill—stands a quiet yet commanding structure, nearly lost in time but impossible to ignore. Rainworth Lodge, a 3,100-square-foot log home built in 1748, now rests on two acres of hallowed ground, surrounded by the echoes of centuries past. What began as a modest farmstead in colonial America has borne witness to the tides of war, periods of prosperity, and whispers from something far older than either.

 

This property, like much of Gettysburg, is steeped in layers of history that seem to breathe through its wooden beams and stone foundation. Purchased by Hance Hamilton in the mid-1700s, the land first thrived through agriculture—until war reshaped its very purpose. In July of 1863, the lodge served as a Confederate encampment and field hospital during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. General Robert Rodes and his troops used this very hilltop to launch an assault on Oak Hill, a move that turned the tide of the early battle—and left scores of wounded and dying scattered across the surrounding fields. Some say those who suffered here never truly left.

 

As decades passed, the lodge found new life in unexpected ways. A 17-year-old blacksmith, once captured on these grounds and forced into labor, escaped and returned after the war to reclaim his trade. The 1920s brought lavish parties under the ownership of Oscar Shaw, a noted actor, while the 1940s saw it renamed by a British war veteran in honor of his father’s hunting lodge. Original outhouses still dot the property, and a once-functional pool remains tainted—accidentally filled with soil and gravestones taken from nearby battlefield grounds. If the history wasn’t unsettling enough, the quiet unease that settles over the area suggests the lodge holds far more than memory.

 

 

Rainworth Lodge has earned a reputation among investigators and guests alike for its unexplainable phenomena. Disembodied voices have been captured saying things like “Let me in” and “Tell us,” while shadows are seen moving of their own accord, sometimes with no corresponding figure. Names are whispered into the ears of those who listen closely, and a voice introducing itself as “Art” is just one of many inexplicable encounters. Other voices, eerily childlike, have been heard calling out numbers—“8… 5… 4”—while another warns, “Good luck.” Cold spots, tugging sensations, and camera malfunctions only further validate the theory that something—someone—still inhabits this land.

 

Following a five-hour journey, we were fully prepared to spend two full nights and three days immersed in the mystery of this place. It is an investigation not only of paranormal activity, but of the deeper question of what remains behind when the past refuses to be buried. Rainworth Lodge is not just a waypoint in the Civil War’s shadow; it’s a place where time folds in on itself, where footsteps echo long after they should, and where some stories seem desperate to be heard once again.

 

Before arriving at the Historic Rainworth Lodge, historically known as the Shaw Residence, we made a meaningful stop at the Adams County Historical Society in Gettysburg to further ground our research. There, we were graciously assisted by two incredibly knowledgeable researchers, Bill and Roger, whose insights added vital context to our upcoming investigation. Their hospitality and dedication to preserving local history were not only appreciated, but instrumental in better understanding the complex past of the Rainworth Lodge property.

 

 

We eventually arrived on site around 6:00 PM to get settled in for the first night. Almost immediately, we noticed an unsettling atmosphere, as though we were being quietly observed from a distance. There was a heaviness in the air that made the building feel reluctant to receive us. However, after choosing our rooms and unpacking, the energy noticeably shifted. It seemed that our presence was slowly accepted, as if our effort to make ourselves at home helped ease the building into a more comfortable state.

 

After placing a number of our devices throughout the house, we stepped out for a few hours to explore Gettysburg and grab dinner. During that brief absence, motion-activated trail cameras and audio recorders captured unexplained noises, including the sounds of footsteps and knocking on doors—with no one inside the building. Flashlights and cat balls were also triggered without explanation, suggesting early indications of an active space.

 

Unlike other investigations where the activity ramps up quickly, the first night took a more gradual path. We spent time simply hanging out—watching a movie, playing board games, and talking among ourselves. Even so, we witnessed a shadow figure, experienced unexplained physical touches, and picked up distant bangs and footsteps, often accompanied by the faint but distinct scent of a cigar. As the night progressed, we began receiving names through the Estes Method, most notably “Beth” (who adamantly corrected that it was not short for Elizabeth) and “Ben.” These names were accompanied by a chorus of “Hi” and “Hello,” with some of our own names being spoken in return.

 

One of the more compelling exchanges came when a voice told us there were “too many men.” We explained that two women would be joining the following day, to which the voice responded with “Today?” Their apparent disappointment when we told them “tomorrow” marked a natural close to our first night.

 

We allowed our equipment to run through the night and reviewed the footage the following morning with moderate results. However, even as we ventured back into town for more exploration, our daytime equipment captured shadows and footsteps once again, reinforcing that the activity was not limited to the nighttime hours. Upon returning to the property with the full team now assembled, the energy shifted dramatically. Flashlights began triggering at random, guiding us toward the presence of three entities, a mother and her two daughters: Elizabeth, Beth, and Sarah.

 

 

Repeated shadow sightings on the upper floor and near the mudroom were followed by direct communication. We were told “It’s up here” and that “they were girls.” Through further Estes sessions, we made contact with Sarah, who revealed that she was thirteen years old. She also stated “It’s broken,” though the object or concept being referenced remained unclear. At one point, she became adamant, repeating “Stop” several times—potentially warning us of something she couldn’t fully express. The encounter then took a turn as she explained that she was afraid of a “bad man” and implored us to “go to the ground,” urging us along with simple commands like “Go.”

 

Although we had hoped for a continuation of the communication in the basement, we experienced only minimal interaction there. While footsteps were heard above us, the two investigators stationed upstairs confirmed they had not moved, yet their flashlights remained actively engaged, suggesting that Sarah’s presence had remained upstairs.

 

Returning to the main level, we felt drawn to explore the Carriage House outside. As we approached, one investigator felt a strong tug on their shirt—a moment of uncertainty as we questioned whether this was meant to deter us or lead us inside. Using dowsing rods, we were able to ask simple yes/no questions. We were told the spirit was not from the Hamilton family, nor a member of the Perry family, but upon mentioning the Starry family, the rods crossed with conviction. When we asked if we were speaking to Elizabeth, we received no confirmation—but when we asked if it was Sarah Starry, the rods crossed immediately.

 

Upon returning to the house, the investigators who had stayed behind shared that their flashlights had remained entirely inactive during our time in the Carriage House, as if Sarah had followed us outside, reaffirming the continuity of her presence.

 

Following the weekend, during early evidence review, we were stunned to learn that one of our investigators had shown photos of the lodge to their family—only to discover that her grandparents once owned the property, and that family time had been spent at the lodge decades earlier. It was a remarkable and deeply personal connection that none of us could have anticipated.

 

Below, we’ve compiled the evidence, personal experiences, and interpretations from our investigation of the Historic Rainworth Lodge. This includes photos, audio clips, video footage, and our real-time impressions, all reviewed with an effort to debunk any environmental or explainable causes. What remains are compelling accounts of intelligent and residual energies, shadow movement, direct communication, and emotional imprints from entities who may still dwell within the home’s structure.

 

 

As always, we invite you to review the documentation, share your own thoughts or interpretations, and reach out with feedback or your own experiences. We encourage open discussion and are always grateful to hear from others as we continue to explore the unexplained.

 

For inquiries, comments, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us directly at ironcityparanormal@gmail.com.

 

History and Background Documentation:

 

https://ironcityparanormal.org/rainworth-lodge-history/

 

 

As always, you have been warned, some of this is not for the faint of heart and can be slightly explicit:

 

Pre-Investigation: Research and Walkthrough 

 

This investigation began much differently than most. The only way to gather more information on the property was to physically visit the research center in Adams County. Being that this location is about four hours away from us, the only opportunity we had to spend some time here was prior to our arrival. We weren’t entirely sure how this process was going to go since most of our research typically occurs weeks prior to investigations but the help from the researchers and historians who worked in the center were second to none. Roger and Bill helped us dig into the property and former owners and even helped us gather important information such as the lineage of the property stemming from the original owner Hance Hamilton to its ownership of the Starry’s even to the more renowned ownership of the famous actor Oscar Shaw. 

 

The Shaw Residence era is actually where the house got its nickname of ‘El Sueno’ translated to ‘The Dream.’ This research allowed us to gather names such as Elizabeth, Cora, and Sarah which came into play throughout the night and helped us confirm the rumored details of the blacksmith who fled into the woodland for weeks at a time to avoid Confederate servitude. 

 

While the rumored field hospital aspect of the property could not be confirmed in any regard, this led to a debate as to what truly gives a property the field hospital title. If one Civil War soldier was given sanctuary and a place of refuge, is this considered a field hospital? If so, then yes the property could be considered a field hospital. If one’s representation is a more major location where surgeons operated on countless soldiers saving lives and ultimately burying those who were unable to survive, then no there is no documentation of this on the property. 

 

These details led us to the letters of communication where the Confederates clearly encamped here as the commander had lengthy conversations and interactions with the owners and their families discussing their lack of Union service and stayed rather neutral. 

 

Rumors abounded over the infill of the pool which existed during the Shaw era. In 2016, while the owners backfilled this dilapidated and ruined pool, the supposed clean fill was taken from a nearby area of construction. As it was being dumped into the large opening, it was noticed that the dirt had old headstones dispersed throughout the dirt. These were supposedly gathered from a local cemetery during a construction but no other information was ever recorded. During our research at the historic society, there was no documentation on this mishap that would be hard proof or evidence that it truly did happen although as it occurred in 2016, there is bound to be someone who can corroborate this – hopefully.

 

With the timeframe being so thrown off, and the owners attending the Cresson Sanatorium ParaCon, we didn’t exactly get much of a walkthrough but luckily, the property is quite straight forward and simply planned out, however, there was one sought after location we did not come upon until later in our second day. The basement entry is covered and unmarked in the main hallway closet but, just by happenstance as we explored, we found this entrance.

 

While our initial senses were much more calm and peaceful, there was one location that stuck out with a sudden change of atmosphere. The bedroom on the far end of the hallway, just across the balcony, felt uncomfortable and unwelcoming. The room itself created an infinity mirror to which we covered as to not sleep in the midst of this energy sucker. This atmosphere only occurred as we physically entered the room but once we stepped out onto the balcony, the energy quickly altered back to its peaceful state.

 

We did utilize the empty house as an additional element in order to capture paranormal activity by simply setting out recorders and cameras to gather any anomalies that we could not explain within an empty house. During a few different occasions we attempted these static experiments: the first day while we got dinner, the first night while we slept, and the second day while we explored the town. We did capture an array of unexplained phenomena which seems to tie into residual energies that remain here replaying seemingly endlessly. There were some explainable moments as cars flew by and the utilities kicked on, in which we were able to notate. Other times, though, we captured what sounded like heavy footfalls as if someone were pacing wearing heavy military-esque boots or knocking on doors or walls.

 

Research Highlights:

 

• There is documentation of the young boy attempted to be taken prisoner by the Confederate troops during their brief occupation of the land.

 

 

• This map shows the property called the Starry residence at one point in time.

 

 

• Below is a brief history of Elizabeth Starry and her immediate family including her parents and daughters.

 

 

• There was a further breakdown of Elizabeth’s family tree below showcasing her daughters, Cora Elizabeth and Sarah.

 

 

• During our research, we discovered that Oscar Shaw nicknamed his home El Seuno, translated to “The Dream.” In this documentation, not only was the name confirmed but also discusses the family pets passing away and being buried on the property.

 

 

• We managed to find another clipping regarding the name of the property while also discussing the Shaws 20th wedding anniversary which took place at El Sueno.

 

 

• Further documentation regarding the name of the property was uncovered as this article explains the changes the Shaw’s made to the property to turn it into a summer home.

 

 

• This aerial imagery shows a definitive pool and location on the property as of 1937.

 

 

• During his residence on the property, one of the more notorious stories was that his home was robbed and this news article dictating this was found notating this as a certainty.

 

 

• We attached a screen shot of a shadow moving inside the Kitchen as we all slept during the first night while a shadow seemingly passed through the open area, around the island.

 

 

• As the trail camera sat facing the entryway, there was an odd light that streaked across the screen and is highlighted below.

 

 

Recording 1 – Day One 1:

 

 

• At :14, there was a distinct knocking heard which was repeated at :41.

 

Recording 2 – Day One 2:

 

 

• A similar knock could be heard at :03. 

 

Recording 3 – Day One 3:

 

 

• At about :05, a knock was captured.

 

Recording 4 – Day One 4:

 

 

• A pair of knocking noises was captured here at :04 and :33. 

 

Recording 5 – Day One 5:

 

 

• A very loud and completely unexplained banging sound was captured at :06. 

 

Recording 6 – Day One 6:

 

 

• Another pair of knocks was recorded at :04 then again at :53.
• A single knock was then heard at 1:00.

 

Recording 7 – Day Two 1:

 

 

• At this point, an all too familiar knocking was captured at :03. 

 

Recording 8 – Day Two 2:

 

 

• A trio of knocks was captured starting at :05, then again at :19, and finally at :23. 

 

Recording 9 – Day Two 3:

 

 

• A distinct banging noise, separate from those knocks, was heard at :02.
• Another knock, though, was heard here at :35.

 

Recording 10 – Day Two 4:

 

 

• A knock was captured at :05. 

 

Recording 11 – Day Two 5:

 

 

• There was a lot of activity recorded in this clip, beginning with another knock at :05.
• A shuffling noise, as if shuffling feet, was heard at :07 and, keep in mind, no one was in the building at this point.
• Two different knocks were captured at :23 then nothing was heard until 1:38.
• A voice was recorded starting at 1:49 and lasted for a few syllables but it was unfortunately undecipherable.
• Following that unsettling voice, another knock occurred at 2:00.

 

Recording 12 – Day Two 6:

 

 

• More knocks came through at :07, :14, and finally at :24.

 

Recording 13 – Night One 1:

 

 

• The night time recordings were a bit difficult to decipher as we knew the group was inside the building and occasionally we would get up to go to the bathroom or simply stretch, or (if we were sleeping in the more unsettling bedroom) even take a step away from the potential portal in the infinity mirror.
• Regardless of the difficulty, the familiar knocking noise could be heard at :06.

 

Recording 14 – Night One 2:

 

 

• A different noise, a banging sound, was heard here at :06 followed by that knock at :38.
• Another shuffling of feet was recorded at :44.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera – Night One 1:

 

• While we didn’t capture much from the Kitchen area, nor did we spend time here during the investigation, we did set up a camera here for the first night. There was plenty of footage of us going into the refrigerator to get drinks as well as many moments where we simply walked through the area in order to enter or exit either the house or the mud room. With all that said, the trail camera seemed to pick up something that simply can not be explained. A dark shadow could be seen at :02 and again at :05 as if passing in front of the dishwasher, placed just beyond the refrigerator, as if it was moving amongst the room from one side to another. This shadow was not duplicated while we walked past it nor was it created when we simply passed through the room.

 

 

Video 2 – Trail Camera – Night One 1:

 

• While the camera was angled toward the entryway and the investigative team was all upstairs above, the camera seemed to move on its own early on in this clip. It’s unexplained what could have caused this but it was not done by human intervention and whether it was someone else curious of the equipment or this was attributed to some heavy footsteps just beside it may never be known.
• In addition to this strange movement, there was an odd light which was spotted at :13 on the left hand side of the screen.

 

 

Video 3 – Walkthrough 1:

 

• This is a compilation of our own walkthrough, not via a tour or tour guide but, once again, it gives an idea of the size of the building as a whole as well as each individual room.

 

 

Night 1

 

Living Room / Stairwell – Main Floor

 

Prior to the actual investigation on our first night, we set up all of our equipment and let it run and had the opportunity to review it all. Unfortunately, we did not capture much out of the ordinary visually. The recordings produced knocks and bangs but not much to actually go off. As we began, we opened up the large, open living area and stairwell to anyone who wanted to speak with us. While we did capture some odd knocks on the mud room door as well as visually spotting a shadow moving past the door, we didn’t seem to gather much communication, at least not at first.

 

 

While we did use the Spirit Box attached to the Portal to gather some intel early on, this did not last. We were given some invaluable information though as we were told they were upstairs with a “Here” conformation followed by “Hall” to reconfirm this. Eventually, we were told “It’s a kid” as we asked who we were speaking to while we also heard intelligence such as a question of “Why?’ after asking if they were scared or curious. There was also greetings of “Hi” and “Hello” scattered throughout this timeframe, however, all of a sudden this activity just stopped.

 

Following some failures to open up communication, we took the opportunity to allow them to come to us and get comfortable and familiar with us. Our original trio, three men, simply hung out and relaxed while trying to convince whatever energies were in the building that we were okay and trustworthy.

 

Photos:

 

• There are a few screen captures of a few different moments from this area including flashlight activity and cat ball activity all captured through trail cameras.

 

 

 

 

Recorder 1 – Night One EVP 1:

 

 

• At about :42, a knocking on the door to the mud room was heard which preceded a moment that an investigator witnessed a shadow move past the door.

 

Recorder 2 – Night One EVP 2:

 

 

• A tapping was heard up above us seemingly echoing down the hallway at :20.

 

Recorder 3 – Night One Spirit Box 1:

 

 

• As we transitioned from a quiet approach, we utilized the Spirit Box attached to a Portal and almost immediately heard a greeting of “Hello” at :02.
• A name of “David” was heard at :21 followed by even more greetings, almost as if these energies were surprised to hear their voices, with “Hi” at :48, “Hello” at :52, and finally “Hi” once again at :54.

 

Recorder 4 – Night One Spirit Box 2:

 

 

• Once more, we heard greetings in the form of “Hi” repeated twice at :09 and :22.
• We gently asked if they would be interested in speaking with us using this new tool and we heard a question of “What?” at :26.

 

Recorder 5 – Night One Spirit Box 3:

 

 

• Following us asking once again and quite simply if there was anyone with us, even more greetings were captured starting at :18 with “Hi?”
• This continued with a pair of even more greetings of “Hello?” at :23 and 1:04.
• “Hi” was then heard at 1:08 then another pair of “Hey” responses at 1:12 and 1:15.

 

Recorder 6 – Night One Spirit Box 4:

 

 

• Prior to this moment, the three of us smelled a strong scent of cigar smoke.
• With that, we asked if someone was smoking and heard a response of “Me” at :07.
• We wanted some type of confirmation so we once again asked if someone was smoking to which we received a response of “Yeah” at :12.
• After asking them if they could repeat their answer we heard “Yeah” once more at :19.

 

Recorder 7 – Night One Spirit Box 5:

 

 

• After some silence, they attempted to get our attention with “Hey!” captured at :03.

 

Recorder 8 – Night One Spirit Box 6:

 

 

• The cigar smell returned just before this clip as we asked if they would talk to us if we went to a different room. We did hear “Hi” at :22 but without much follow up until we heard “I’m ready” at 1:07 as if they were actually ready to speak to us.
• With that, we attempted to reiterate and even give them an opportunity to begin talking as we asked if they were now ready to talk. Unfortunately, the response was quite the opposite with “No” at 1:19.

 

Recorder 9 – Night One Spirit Box 7:

 

 

• Dan’s name was captured at :07 following a banging on the mud room door at :23.
• A shuffling of feet accrued just after that at :43 and sounded as if it was coming from beyond that same door.

 

Recorder 10 – Night One Spirit Box 8:

 

 

• We attempted to figure out which room they were in and heard “Up here” at :21.

 

Recorder 11 – Night One Spirit Box 9:

 

 

• Trying to figure this out, we discussed amongst ourselves whether they were on the balcony and, as if correcting us, we heard “Hall” at :13 as if to direct us to the upstairs hallway rather than the balcony.
• Dan pictured a young child in overalls and, at this point, picked up brown hair as we heard another greeting of “Hello” at 1:17.

 

Recorder 12 – Night One Spirit Box 10:

 

 

• As Dan saw even more detail, he explained that he felt that this was a child to which we heard a confirmation of “It’s a kid” at :08.
• Within our group, we contemplated whether they were scared of us or if they were just curious to which we heard a question of “Why?” at :56.

 

Recorder 13 – Night One Spirit Box 11:

 

 

• We discussed whether we should go upstairs toward this child but hear a simple “Nope” at :06.
• Hearing that, we asked if they wanted us to go up there and heard another “Nope” at :37.
• Ultimately, this convinced us to let them get comfortable with us as we simply just talked amongst ourselves and plate board games until they felt better with our company.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera – Night One 1:

 

• Throughout this clip, the cat ball could be seen lighting up and moving on its own.

 

 

Video 2 – Trail Camera – Night One 2:

 

• The flashlight turned on by itself at :08.

 

 

Video 3 – Trail Camera – Night One 3:

 

• Similar to the first clip, the cat ball was captured moving on its own and lighting up because of it, all throughout.

 

 

Video 4 – Trail Camera – Night One 4:

 

• At :01, an odd light anomaly could be seen moving on the left side of the room.

 

 

Video 5 – Trail Camera – Night One 5:

 

• Another light could be seen streaking across the screen at :06.

 

 

Video 6 – Trail Camera – Night One 6:

 

• At :08, another light was spotted moving across the video.

 

 

Video 7 – Trail Camera – Night One 7:

 

• The cat ball was captured light up and moving at :02.

 

 

Video 8 – Trail Camera – Night One 8:

 

• Once more, the cat ball was noted lighting up due to movement at :01.

 

 

Video 9 – Stationary Camera – Night One 1:

 

• Right away, the cat ball could be seen moving on its own.

 

 

Video 10 – Stationary Camera – Night One 2:

 

• At 05, the cat ball was captured moving and lighting.

 

 

Video 11 – Stationary Camera – Night One 3:

 

• The cat ball was spotted lighting up here at the :15 mark.

 

 

Balcony / Hallway – Second Floor

 

Overlooking the Living Room, the Balcony gives the best views of the building’s openness and the gorgeous stone fireplace. Just beyond this, stretching around the corner from the stairwell to the far end bedroom, the Hallway connects these sleeping quarters to the main living space. 

 

While there is not much to note in this area, historically speaking, these areas are the spaces that gave us the unsettling sensations as if we were unwanted here. To add to that, we were told to come up this way and that there was someone up here all captured through the previous Spirit Box communication sessions.

 

 

Following our strategy of settling in and getting comfortable, we seemed to gain some ground as the first sign there was something just not quite right as Derrick approached the Balcony area and his ears just ringing so strong that he had to retreat from the area and actually sit downstairs away from this spot. With this, the team opened up the ESTES method and were provided with even more communication beginning with intelligence questioning us with “Who are you?” and “Your name?” As we were pushing to discover who we were speaking to we heard “Young girl” and “Wait” as we gave them some time. With this, we did manage to gather some identification of these energies with “Ben” and “Beth” as we were emphatically told that it’s just “Beth” and not Elizabeth. This session seemed to come to a halt as they were a bit scared of us for some reason, which was revealed as we were told that there were “Too many men.”

 

We wanted to show them respect and trust so we ended our night there knowing that there were two women joining us the next day which we hoped would soothe their minds and make them more comfortable.

 

Photos:

 

• There was not much captured in this area visually, but there was a moment captured on video where the K2 meter, placed in the Balcony area, spiked which coincided with some of our communication. We attached a screen capture of that video here.

 

 

Recorder 1 – Night One ESTES Method 1:

 

 

• After we felt a strong pull up to this area following our time spent downstairs not investigating, we wanted to attempt to open up communication with less noise so our thought was to jump right into the ESTES Method to limit the noise but give them the opportunity to actually speak with us.
• Initially, we asked if it was okay that we were upstairs and we heard a questioning “Who?” as if they were unsure of who we were directing the question towards. This was heard at :03.
• During our review, however, we heard additional communication with “Are” at :07 and “You” at :12.
• Put these all together and it makes a but more sense as they were asking who we were.
• We attempted to get them to tell us their name but instead heard “Morning” or “Mourning” at :51. We’re still unsure what this was in reference to.

 

Recorder 2 – Night One ESTES Method 2:

 

 

• We explained that they could tell us anything and we’d hear them through the headphones. In response, “Young girl” was captured at :12.
• Running with that train of thought, we asked if the little girl had a name to which we recorded “Beth” at :43.
• In turn, we asked if that was an abbreviated name and short for Elizabeth to which we heard a response of “Yeah” at :57 and “It is” at :59.
• Without asking further questions, we were told “Thirteen” at 1:09 and our only thought here was that this was how old she was.

 

Recorder 3 – Night One ESTES Method 3:

 

 

• With a bit of hesitation and lack of further communication we asked if they were afraid of us being here. We heard an accentuated response of “Many” twice starting at :16 then again at :25.
• This was followed up by “Men” at :31and as if they were second guessing this with “I think” two times at :44 and :47.
• Putting this all together, we gathered that they were afraid of us and believed that it was due to our sex and that they may be more comfortable with less men and more women.

 

Recorder 4 – Night One ESTES Method 4:

 

 

• We tried to dig further into their identity and asked for their last name but only heard a response of “Beth” as if she was adamant that she would be known only as Beth.

 

Recorder 5 – Night One ESTES Method 5:

 

 

• There was another gap of silence so we asked if there was anything else they would like to tell us and heard the name “John” was captured at :16 followed by another name of “Ben” at :20.
• Hearing the John name at the moment, we asked if there was a John with us or if this was a couple of both John and Beth. We recorded an answer of “Alone” following this at :30 with the name “John” once again at :32.
• An unsettling phrase of “Trapped here” was captured at :40.

 

Recorder 6 – Night One ESTES Method 6:

 

 

• More silence had ensued so we asked them if they wanted to say anything else that we would be listening to them but that we were getting tired from the travel and heat. Picking up the sense that we were ready to wrap up, we heard “Wait” at :20.
• We paused but did ask if they would like to wait until tomorrow to speak with us any further to which we heard “Today” at 1:01 as if they were expressing their intent to speak to us tonight instead of the proposed plan for the next day.
• To confirm this, we asked if they wanted to speak tonight and heard “You” at 1:23.
• We asked what they wanted to discuss. We heard, clearly and simply, “Name” at 1:28 as if they actually wanted to tell us their name.

 

Recorder 7 – Night One ESTES Method 7:

 

 

• Even though they did not give us any further information on their identity, we did ask if there was anything that they wanted to tell us about themselves. We captured an almost surprised question of “Me?” at :08 as if they were shocked that someone wanted to know about their life.
• We gently explained that we just wanted to know who we were speaking with and heard the name of “Ben” repeated twice at :18 and again at :30.
• After we attempted to get a confirmation, we explained that we’ve been given the names of John, Beth, and Ben and we simply wanted to know which of those three we were speaking with at the moment. Almost sarcastically, we heard a response of “The other one” at :35.
• We asked if they said Ben previously to which we heard “Ben” repeated at 1:01.

 

Recorder 8 – Night One ESTES Method 8:

 

 

• With some apparent confusion, we asked who was still with us and if this was still Ben. At :16, the name “Ben” was provided as confirmation.
• Following that name coming through, we heard a confused response of “Can’t tell” at :21 then “Maybe” at :47 as if they just did not want to give us a straight answer.
• We took a step back and simply asked if they could just knock on a door and heard an odd response of “Knock, knock” at 1:12 and 1:16 respectively once again giving us a glimpse of their personality.

 

Recorder 9 – Night One ESTES Method 9:

 

 

• Finally, before closing off for the night, we explained that we’d like to speak with them tomorrow when women would be joining us and hopefully make things more comfortable for them. Before that closing point, however, we asked if they could give us their name so we knew who we’d be speaking with tomorrow. At :06, “Beth” was heard.

 

Video 1 – Handheld Camera – Night One 1:

 

• As we were sitting on the balcony, the K2 meter could be seen lighting up just in front of us throughout this clip. It did not, however, seem to be responding to anything in particular.

 

 

Night 2

 

Living Room / Stairwell – Main Floor

 

We were able to listen and watch the day and night’s recordings but this did not really lead us toward any particular trail of evidence or unexplainable activity. Lucky for us, we had reinforcements en route and come day two, we added two more investigators; both of whom were female to appease their complaint that there were too many men.

 

As we simply discussed our experiences and findings with the newcomers, the equipment began activating as if the energies were either trying to figure it out or attempting to get our attention. The activity increased from that point, which began with flashlights and car balls, leading us into Spirit Box and ESTES Method communication. 

 

 

During early moments, we captured the same shadow moving past the mud room door the previous night. We attempted to recreate this in order to debunk it but were unsuccessful. This led to further shadows appearing in the hallway upstairs on two additional occasions as well as the sensation of feeling uncomfortable with our backs angled toward the mud room . Aside from the more standard intelligent tests (ie “Can you turn it on/off if you’re with us?”), we managed to gather that we were speaking with “Beth” once again, this time with the last name of “Starry.” 

 

We realized they did not like too many people as the flashlights flickered and the cat ball continuously lit as the third investigator got too close and answered yea/no questions which helped solidify this interpretation. Footsteps could even be captured upstairs as if they were retreating at that other investigator approaching.

 

This led us to opening up the Spirit Box with the Portal attachment which started simply with greetings of “Hi” and “Hello” repeated a few times but we were able to gain answers of their location with “In here” but as we attempted to find their identity and story we heard an unsettling plea of “Help me.” With more digging, we discovered that there were actually three females; one mother and two daughters. The “Beth” we heard previously was actually one of the daughters and was short for Elizabeth, her middle name with the full name of Cora Elizabeth Starry. The mother was also Elizabeth but preferred the formal version and Sarah was the sister who, we discovered, was “Thirteen.” As we discussed all of these details and that their voices sounded like girls, we heard a confirmation of “Girls” but were told to be “Done” twice by a much more masculine voice.

 

We moved into other locations at that request and even managed to confirm that Sarah actually ventured out to the Carriage House with us as the two investigators who stayed inside reported that all of the equipment went quiet even as they directly addressed her. For further validation of her movement, and even existence, as the three investigators spent time down in the Basement, at Sarah’s request, she actually stayed in the Living Space as she continued to play with the equipment and answered to her name and whether it was her who was still in the area.

 

Photos:

 

• Similar to the first night, we captured a still video capture of the cat ball moving and lighting up.

 

 

• In the mud room, a shadow could be seen moving just beyond the door for a second time during our investigation but the first captured on video and pulled out in a screen capture here.

 

 

Recorder 1 – Night Two EVP 1:

 

 

• The only notable experience we encountered was a pair of footsteps as if someone approached, paused, then stepped back. The first footsteps, which sounded as if they were advancing, could be heard at :02.
• Following the nearby flashlight surprisingly turned on at about :03, the footsteps returned but seemed to retreat at about :38.

 

Recorder 2 – Night Two EVP 2:

 

 

 

• There was a knocking heard at :06 after we asked if they could turn the flashlight off so we could get another tool up and running.

 

Recorder 3 – Night Two Transcript 1:

 

 

• While the footsteps were incredible and slotted in quite perfectly with the legends of the heavy footfalls, there was equally important activity which occurred visually through the flashlights turning on and off due to yes and no questions we asked. With this, aside from the videos captured, we felt it important to document this through a simple transcription.
• As we began recording here, officially beginning our night of investigation, the flashlight turned on prior to this start and, after we asked if they could turn the light off, it did shut off at :35.
• Following this activity, one of the investigators felt a slight touch around 2:00.
• The group then began to discuss the atmosphere feeling more positive when the flashlight flickered on then back off at 2:15.
• There was a long silence with absolutely no activity or changes in the air but, after we asked if they were ready to start and explain the rules to this “game,” at 14:12, the flashlight turned on then back off.
• After a little over two minutes of further silence, we asked if they’d be interested in getting started to which the flashlight turned on at 16:45, this time staying on until we asked them to shut it back ot 16:57.
• There was more silence here but, at 20:30, Dan saw a shadow lurking in the upstairs hallway and explained that he did not like having his back toward the mud room door. This sensation occurred at about 22:00.
• After the team stopped moving around and swapping positions and locations throughout the room, the flashlight flickered on and off at 22:30 as if an attempt to gain our attention.
• We mentioned the name “Beth” as this was one of the more predominant names we gathered the night before. To this name, the flashlight turned on then back off at 24:00.
• With that activity, we directly asked if they were out in this area to which the flashlight turned on and stayed on at 24:10.
• We asked if they could turn the flashlight back off if her last name was Starry to which it shut off at 24:18.
• The activity was picking up at that point so we wanted to ensure the accuracy of the responses and devices so we attempted a confirmation of this and once again asked directly if their last name was Starry. At 24:38, the flashlight turned on and stayed on for a very long period of time as if these energies too wanted to make sure they were getting the point across with some emphasis.
• As the light flickered but stayed on, we asked them if they could turn the light all the way off so we could continue asking questions and, at 27:18, they obliged and shut it off entirely.
• With us moving around paired up with the loud car noises outside, we apologized for the noise, and for bringing additional noise. To that, we asked if they were still with us as the light turned on at 28:33 as in a ‘yes ‘ response.
• The flashlight stayed on until 29:13 after we asked them to turn it off as we had more questions to ask.
• As more of the men began to approach the area, the flashlight flickered on and off erratically around 30:27 paired up with the cat ball turning on at 30:35 as if it was pushed.
• We asked if they preferred to be called Elizabeth and the flashlight turned on at 30:57, turning off a moment later.
• This confused us as we were under the impression the energy preferred Beth instead of Elizabeth until we began to put some pieces together and thought this may actually be the mother and Beth was one of the daughters. We asked if this was Elizabeth Starry, to get confirmation, and the flashlight turned on at 32:00.
• Once more, we mentioned the name Starry and the K2 meter spiked at 32:29.
• Following some silence, we began to discuss the family specialty and main reason for their local notoriety which was hand made and gorgeous chairs. The flashlight jumped on at 34:10 as if to acknowledge our comments. It shut off on its own mere seconds later.
• We approached the aspect of children slowly and gently since we seemed to have their respect and made them slightly confident that they could trust us and we did not want to ruin that. We simply asked if there were any children in this house, leaving the question vague and open ended. At 35:16, the flashlight turned on then back off.
• With the quick response, we wanted to ensure that there were no equipment malfunctions and asked the question again to gain a re-confirmation. At 35:28, the light turned back on to signify a yes response, giving us the confidence that there truly were kids here. It shut back off a moment after that.
• We discussed, in our group, the history and lineage of Elizabeth’s family and mentioned her husband’s name; Warner. At 35:55, the flashlight flickered as if to acknowledge this.
• At this point, our previous clip was captured as footsteps were heard approaching us and, at 36:07, the flashlight turned on then back off after we asked if this energy was their daughter.
• The footsteps could be heard backing away at 37:43.
• We began to list off family members and, as we openly stated Sarah’s name, the flashlight turned on and stayed on beginning at 39:54, as if trying to provide an emphasized confirmation.
• The Ovilus, which was completely silent the entire weekend to this point, gave us the words ‘Central’ and ‘Jackie’ at 40:23.  This meant nothing at the time but the name of Jackie was actually one of the investigators’ cousins names which we found out after the fact.
• As we began to approach the staircase, adding even more people to that small area, the Ovilus noted this at 40:28 as it produced the word ‘Person.’
• Finally, at 40:44, the flashlight turned off after we asked them to do so.
• We seemed to get confirmation that Sarah was Beth’s sister as the flashlight turned on then back off at 41:09 but as we tried to get a re-confirmation, the light blinked quickly as it flashed on and off a few times beginning at 41:45.
• With a change of thought process, we asked Sarah directly if she was here and the flashlight turned on at 42:12 then back off at 43:47 after we asked her to turn it off.
• As we clearly had some clear lines of communication, we asked if she would be interested in a different way of communication in which she could speak and say words to which the flashlight turned on for yes at 44:44.
• At 44:57, captured in the shorter clip or Recorder 2 above, there was a knocking sound heard after we asked if they could turn the flashlight off, which it did turn off right after this knock.

 

Recorder 4 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 1:

 

 

 

• Being that we were still in a communication transition, we asked if they could turn the flashlight off so we could use this instead and heard a hesitant “Out” at :05 as if they were unsure of this and wanted us out of their area.

 

Recorder 5 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 2:

 

 

• We moved the tools upstairs to the top of the staircase, where the main flashlight was located during our previous communication, and heard an immediate greeting upon doing so with “Hello” at :10.
• As we explained that they could take as much time as they needed to in order to gather energy to speak to us, we captured another greeting of “Hello” at 1:08 then a “Hey” at 1:21 as if they were repeating this since we did not respond.

 

Recorder 6 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 3:

 

 

• Following some silence, we captured a soft “Hello?” at :09 as if they were asking if we were still here and awaiting whether we had more questions to ask.
• Around the :20 mark, one of the investigators spotted a shadow moving down the upstairs hallway which was immediately followed by “He’s up here” at :21.
• After we asked them to repeat what they had just said, instead they pleaded to us with “Help me” at :55.

 

Recorder 7 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 4:

 

 

• As one of the investigators approached the top floor, we heard a greeting of “Hi” at :08 followed by a much more commanding voice that told us to “Wait!” at :14.
• Hearing this live, we asked why they didn’t want the investigator up there, to which we heard “Problem” at :45 followed by another command of “Out” at :50.
• This moment ended with “Direct” at :54 as if they wanted us to follow directions or that they were simply being direct with us.

 

Recorder 8 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 5:

 

 

• The name “Oscar” was heard right away during this clip as if in direct reference to Oscar Shaw, a former owner.
• Dan’s name was then captured at :12 followed by Chris’s at :20.
• Oddly, we heard “Green light” followed by “Green” at :25 and 1:26 respectively. Our only guess here is that they were referring to the K2 meter which had a green glow.

 

Recorder 9 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 6:

 

 

• We discussed that Chris wanted to be touched in order for him to believe and even went so far as to welcome them to touch his leg to which we heard “Knee” at:27 then “Leg” at :29 both obviously referencing our comment about touching his leg.

 

Recorder 10 – Night Two Spirit Box Portal 7:

 

 

• We made a comment that they sounded like girls and heard a confirmation of “Yeah” at :11 followed by “Girls” at :17.
• The energy seemed to shift here as we no longer were welcome as we heard a male voice repeat “Done” at :29 and :34.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera – Night Two 1:

 

• Immediately, at the start of this clip, the cat ball could be seen moving followed by the flashlight pulsating.

 

 

Video 2 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 1:

 

• The cat ball was seen going off right away.

 

 

Video 3 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 2:

 

• At :08, something could be heard touching one of the investigators sitting on the couch followed by the K2 meter jumping at :27.

 

 

Video 4 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 3:

 

• The cat ball could once again be seen at :10.

 

 

Video 5 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 4:

 

• At :09, the cat ball was noted turning on while placed on the table.

 

 

Video 6 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 5:

 

• The flashlight could be seen turning on at :10 then, after we asked if they could turn the flashlight back off, it struggled and partially turned offset:59 as it flashed sporadically until it finally shut off at 1:10.

 

 

Video 7 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 6:

 

• At :04, the flashlight turned on the back off, at 1:06.

 

 

Video 8 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 7:

 

• The cat ball once again came into play as it was seen turning on at :06 and :35.

 

 

Video 9 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 8:

 

• At :28, the flashlight turned on then back off at 1:30.

 

 

Video 10 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 9:

 

• The cat ball moved at about :10 here.

 

 

Video 11 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 10:

 

• Incredibly, at :12, a shadow could be seen moving behind the door to the mud room as if some unseen force was moving side to side, almost pacing. This exact scenario also played out the night before although we did not get the opportunity to capture it in any form.

 

 

Video 12 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 11:

 

• As two investigators sat on the balcony and attempted to communicate, the flashlight turned on at :26 then turned off at :37.
• The flashlight once again turned on at :50 then, at 1:01, the flashlight shut out.

 

 

Video 13 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 12:

 

• At :01, the flashlight turned on  then back off at :12.

 

 

Video 14 – Stationary Camera – Night Two 13:

 

• The flashlight could be seen turning on here at :19 then back off at :29.

 

 

Video 15 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 1:

 

• After we asked them if they wanted the investigator away, the flashlight turned on at 1:00 as if agreeing with this option.
• At 1:07, the cat ball jumped to life followed by the flashlight turning back off at 1:15.
• We mentioned the name Elizabeth and the flashlight turned on, at 1:30, as if simply  acknowledging her name.
• After we asked them to turn pretty much everything off, they obliged at 1:48 as the flashlight powered down.

 

 

Video 16 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 2:

 

• We asked if Starry was their last name and, at :26, the flashlight could be seen turning on as if a yes response and it shut off at :36 after we asked them to do so.
• After thanking them for talking with us, the flashlight again turned on at :49 while they just acknowledged us as it turned back off at 1:02.

 

 

Video 17 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 3:

 

• As we discussed the Starry family business of chairs and other furniture, we asked Elizabeth directly if her husband built furniture. At :19, the flashlight turned on confirming this as it shut back off at :27.
• We mentioned that we’re impressed with the chairs we saw pictures of and, as if showing their appreciation, the flashlight turned on at :39 then back off at :59.
• Our discussion about chairs continued and the flashlight once again lit at 1:04 then back off at 1:11.
• After asking a pointed question whether there were any children on the grounds, the flashlight turned on at 1:26 as we were given a yes response followed by the light turning back off at 1:29.
• We changed the verbiage to the question and asked if this energy, in particular,  had any children in the lodge to which we were seemingly given a yes response as the flashlight turned on at 1:39 then shut back off at 1:48.

 

 

Video 18 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 4:

 

• Our conversation changes toward Elizabeth and the flashlight turned on at :05 showing their interest.
• The flashlight shut back off at :14 just as footsteps could be heard coming toward us at :23.
• Following this moment, the flashlight turned back on at :40 after we asked if this specific energy was the daughter of Elizabeth.
• The flashlight stayed lit until it shut back off at :54.

 

 

Video 19 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 5:

 

• We asked Elizabeth if she could come and go as she pleased and was not necessarily trapped here and even though the flashlight turned on at :28, it was in fact delayed.
• More footsteps were heard at :46, but this time they seemed to be moving away from our group.
• As this occurred, the flashlight shut off at :58.

 

 

Video 20 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 6:

 

• After discussing their family tree and finding out that Cora Elizabeth was one of Elizabeth’s daughters, we asked if Beth could be known as Cora and the flashlight jumped on, strong, at :06.
• We explained that we wanted to try this question again and the flashlight shut off at :23.
• With no further response to this, the Ovilus produced the words ‘Central’ and ‘Jackie’ at 1:50 which was rather surprising as it had been silent the entire weekend.

 

 

Video 21 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 7:

 

• After asking if Sarah was their sister, the flashlight turned on and flickered at :06 then it shut back off at :29.
• We focused on Elizabeth and asked her directly if Sarah was her sister just as the flashlight turned on at :48 and once again flickered until it shut off at :54.
• After asking if she was there as well, the flashlight again turned on at 1:08 and stayed on until 1:20 when it shut off.
• We casually mentioned that she had company to which the flashlight flickered on then back off at 1:26.

 

 

Video 22 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 8:

 

• As we were directing a question toward Elizabeth, the flashlight jumped on at :04 in the middle of it.
• We asked if they could turn the light back off, to which they did at :07.
• Our attention was turned away from them as we joked about who was with us but the flashlight flickered on and off multiple times as if they were trying to once again get our attention at about :53, lasting until :56.
• We were discussing that we were unsure where to go and at 1:12, the flashlight jumped on then turned back off as we discussed that we were confused.
• After we asked if they would like to speak with us in a different manner the flashlight turned on at 2:05 and stayed lit until we asked directly if they could shut it off at 2:27.

 

 

Video 23 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 9:

 

• All throughout this initial clip, the K2 meter could be seen jumping.

 

 

Balcony / Hallway – Second Floor

 

After we were pulled up the staircase, we were once again drawn to run and ESTES Method thanks to the flashlights telling us that they wanted to speak with us a different way. With this manner of communication, we were once again greeted with “Hey.” Early on here we established indigent funding as we were told that “I’m listening” after we asked if they could hear us. We were told that this was “Sarah” after we discussed that we had heard multiple names tonight and wanted to know who exactly we were speaking to. With her name, we also heard her age once again with “Thirteen.” She was trying to explain to us that something was broken with “It’s broken” and “It’ll break” but she couldn’t tell us what when we asked her with “I don’t know.”

 

 

With some gathered information, we were told to “Stop” and “Go” but after we asked why they wanted us to stop we heard an almost irritated “Right now.” We were told some further instructions with “Go to the ground” but as we attempted to find out more information we were then told that she was frightened of the Basement with “I’m scared” and that there was a “Bad man” down there.

 

This did prompt us to go downstairs into the Basement if for no other reason than to make Sarah more comfortable and confront whatever she is afraid of down below. As our lead investigator felt a cold brush on his neck, we opted to close out of this area and move underground.

 

Photos:

 

• While there was not much captured visually, there was a cat ball that lit up and was captured on the trail camera which was shared via screen capture here.

 

 

Recorder 1 – Night Two ESTES Method 1:

 

 

• This was a natural progression on our second night from the Spirit Box to the much quieter ESTES Method. As we began, we heard right off the bat a greeting of “Hey” at :13.
• We simply asked if they could hear us and we heard a clear and concise response of “I’m listening” at :50.
• After explaining that we heard a few names throughout the evening, we were hopeful on hearing the name of who we were speaking with and, at 1:32, we heard the name “Sarah.”
• In response, we asked if this was the same Sarah we were speaking to on the staircase to which we heard “I am” at 1:50.

 

Recorder 2 – Night Two ESTES Method 2:

 

 

• Knowing that there were others with Sara earlier in the night, we asked if there was anyone else with her now and heard a response of “Alone” at :06 and “No” at :08.

 

Recorder 3 – Night Two ESTES Method 3:

 

 

• An investigator noted someone walking behind our group and entering a bedroom early on in this clip and we heard “Bad man” at :10 followed by the listener’s name of “Chris” at :16.
• We asked if they were still with us and heard “Alone” repeated to us once again at :25 followed by “Prison” at :34 and our only interpretation of this is that the supposed ‘bad man’ was stuck here.

 

Recorder 4 – Night Two ESTES Method 4:

 

 

• As we explained that these energies could use the box at the balcony to speak into it and we could hear them. While we’re unsure if they were talking about the tool or something else, we heard “It’s broken” at :25.
• We asked what was broken and heard “I don’t know” at :52.
• After asking if there was anything we could do to help them we heard a response of “One” at 1:11 then “There’s two” at 1:15. We’re unsure if they were referring to something else helping them or the two investigators on the balcony and the one down below.

 

Recorder 5 – Night Two ESTES Method 5:

 

 

• Shifting gears back to Sarah, we asked how old she was to which we heard “Thirteen” for the second time tonight at :12.
• We asked if she can tell us what she likes to do but, while we got confirmation with “I will” at :35, we never were told what she likes to do.

 

Recorder 6  – Night Two ESTES Method 6:

 

 

• After we asked her to elaborate on this, she told us to “Stop” at :07 as if she wanted us to change the subject.
• Hearing that, we asked what she wanted us to stop, and if she wanted us to stop talking to which we heard “Right now” at :20.
• We wanted confirmation on this and asked if she could tell us that this is what she wanted and we heard a more commanding “I said go” at :43.
• A different phrase was captured at that point with “In the past” at :45 followed by “Maybe” at :47 and “No” at 1:10.
• This was followed up with another command of “Go to the ground” at 1:35 and “Okay” at 1:44 as if she was taking a breath and calming down after we asked if she wanted to take a break.
• Finally, after thinking more about this, we asked if she wanted us to go into the basement which was underground. At 1:53, we heard a confirmation of “That’s right” then a command of “Now” at 1:59.

 

Recorder 7 – Night Two ESTES Method 7:

 

 

• As we transitioned our mindset into heading toward the basement, we asked Sarah if we would be safe down there as she responded “I’m scared” at :13 which did not give us a good feeling.
• She furthered this state of mind by telling us that she was seemingly afraid of the “Bad man” which was heard at :22.
• We asked if that bad man was in the basement and heard an uncertain “I don’t know” at :34 as we were told to “Rush” at :36.

 

Recorder 8 – Night Two ESTES Method 8:

 

 

• Strangely, as we were wrapping up, we heard “Air” at :02 followed by “No” at :18.
• We heard “Help” at :49 but being so far removed from the previous word, we weren’t entirely sure if they meant ‘No help’ or they didn’t want us to go downstairs.
• The final two words we heard from the balcony area were “No” and “Not” at :57 and 1:03 respectively.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera – Night Two 1:

 

• Throughout this clip, the cat ball could be seen lighting as if pushed..

 

 

Video 2 – Trail Camera – Night Two 2:

 

• At :03, a light anomaly that could not be explained could be seen moving toward the left hand side of the picture..

 

 

Storage – Basement

 

While we didn’t realize this area existed at first, luckily we explored enough with the incoming investigators on the second day that we found the wood-covered entry hidden in the closet. This opened to a staircase leading to a short yet open space surrounded by stone foundation walls.

 

We were convinced to come down to the area after we spoke with Sarah as she told us there was a “Bad man” down here but she “Don’t know” if he was currently down there or not but that she was “Scared” to go down there. While we initially were hesitant to head down here hearing about the more negative sounding elements to this location through Sarah, our time down here was tame to say the least.

 

 

Even our first instinct is that there was nothing down here, even the atmosphere seemed to be stagnant and (pun intended) dead. There was no activity nor any unexplained sensations during our time down here, at least not directed at the area. What we did capture and experience were the otherworldly sounds of footsteps of someone walking the first floor. As two of the investigators remained in the living room and did not move from the couch, there was no explanation for these sounds. Our thought, at the time, was that the investigators above were getting anxious and kicking the floor or even pacing the open space. None of those things happened and left us scratching our heads, seemingly experiencing one of the more notable activities that are said to occur in the property.

 

Photos:

 

• There was not much noteworthy to record here, but we did have a moment where the K2 meter spiked in the middle of our attempt at communication.

 

 

Recorder 1 – Night Two EVP 1:

 

 

• The sounds of feet tapping above us could be heard on multiple occasions here: :05, :15, 1:40, 1:58, and 2:02.

 

Recorder 2 – Night Two EVP 2:

 

 

• A knocking sound was heard at :11 followed by an odd scratching sound at :26.
• The kicking sound was repeated at this point, heard at :50.

 

Recorder 3 – Night Two EVP 3:

 

 

• More footsteps were heard here at at :06 and :19.

 

Recorder 4 – Night Two EVP 4:

 

 

• Footsteps from above could once again be heard at :06 followed by the group reacting to the K2 meter spiking once at :35.

 

Video 1 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 1:

 

• While there was not much notable here, the footsteps and scratching noises were best heard in the recorder clips, the K2 meter was seen going off later in the video.

 

 

Video 2 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 2:

 

• The K2 meter could be seen spiking throughout this clip.

 

 

Carriage House – Outside on the Property

 

While the Carriage House itself was built during the Oscar Shaw era, this area was once part of the old stables which tied in with the former blacksmith shop which is located across the street. One of the more noteworthy happenings which occurred in these areas was recorded during the Civil War. While the blacksmith was put to work for the Confederates during their stay in this area, upon hearing that the Rebels were going to take him along with them he fled into the hills where only his mother knew of his location. She helped keep him alive by bringing him food in secrecy until the war had moved on and he was long forgotten.

 

In this area, there are rumors that these heinous acts of servitude have been on replay ever since their occurrence over 160 years ago. Others claim that a former blacksmith still plays out his duties long after his expiration.

 

 

Our experience in this location was much, much different. It all started on our trek across the property as an investigator felt a strong tug on his shirt. At the time, we were fearful that someone was trying to keep us out of the building (it would have taken a lot more than that to keep us away) but as our time here progressed, we realized this was an energy following us from the house letting us know she was still with us. We utilized the dowsing rods and ran through names from the old blacksmith to the Starry family until we came upon Sarah Starry who seemingly followed us from the house. She explained that she was interested in staying with us even though we clearly set our boundaries and explained that she could not come home with us. Her interactions were confirmed as the two investigators who remained inside the lodge claimed that there were no interactions with the flashlight the entire time we were gone and it only began once again after we returned – all of which we’ve since attributed to Sarah.

 

Photos:

 

• We included a screen capture of the investigator using the dowsing rods and getting responses from Sarah as we got a white light captured at the same time although this looked like an insect (perhaps a moth).

 

 

Recorder 1 – Night Two Transcription 1:

 

 

• The best way to record the answers we received from the dowsing rods would be a transcription where we record our questions with the reaction of the downsizing rods and our interpretation of these actions.
• This all began as we asked if anyone was with us, and at 1:57, the dowsing rods crossed to confirm this.
• While the rods remained crossed, we asked if they could uncross them to which they did at 2:24.
• As we asked if this was John Hamilton, the rods uncrossed even further, as a clear no response, at 2:59.
• We asked if this was anyone from the Hamilton family but, at 3:15, the rod uncrossed even more.
• After we asked if this was not someone from the Hamilton family, the rods crossed at 4:10 as if a yes response.
• We began to list names beginning with the Perry family (we mistakenly asked this in lieu of the Starry family) but the rods uncrossed at 5:00.
• As we corrected this and asked if it was Elizabeth (still incorrectly asked here) Perry, the rods remained uncrossed at 5:40.
• We went to the next name of Sarah Starry as the rods crossed immediately at 5:58 as if a yes response.
• After the rods reset, we asked if this was the same Sarah from the house to which the rods crossed at 6:10.
• We asked if this was the person who tugged at the investigator’s shirt on the walk over to which the rods crossed to confirm this at 6:54.
• With further confirmation of their presence, we asked if this was the same person who touched the investigator’s neck in the hallway and at 7:40 the rods confirmed this by crossing.
• We asked if they understood that they could not follow us home and that they had to stay here and, even though it was a little delayed, the rods crossed at 8:58.
• After we asked if they was anything else they wanted to tell us, the rods uncrossed ending our time here at 9:40.

 

Video 1 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 1:

 

• This timeframe was our walk over to the building where the investigator felt a tug on their shirt at :25.

 

 

Video 2 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 2:

 

• We asked if they could cross the rods but at :20 the rods pushed out further away from one another.
• At :43, it appeared as though a light anomaly was seen streaking across the screen.
• At 1:00, the rods crossed on their own.
• We asked if they could move the rods to which they did at 1:10.
• After asking if they could uncross them, they did so at 1:31.
• As we asked if this was John Hamilton, the rods uncrossed even further, as a clear no response, at 2:05.
• We asked if this was anyone from the Hamilton family but, at 2:25, the rod uncrossed even more.
• After we asked if this was not someone from the Hamilton family, the rods crossed at 3:25 as if a yes response.

 

 

Video 3 – Handheld Camera – Night Two 3:

 

• We began to list names beginning with the Perry family (we mistakenly asked this in lieu of the Starry family) but the rods uncrossed at :40.
• As we corrected this and asked if it was Elizabeth (still incorrect here) Perry, the rods remained uncrossed at 1:00.
• We went to the next name of Sarah Starry (finally correct last name) as the rods crossed immediately at 1:40 as if a yes response.

 

 

Our investigation of the Historic Rainworth Lodge revealed not just moments of fleeting interaction, but what felt like a sustained connection to a family still very much rooted in the space. What started as subtle signs—unexplained footsteps, soft knocks, flickering flashlights—slowly gave way to clearer voices, strong energy shifts, and an unmistakable sense that we were being intentionally guided through the experience.

 

The arrival of our full team seemed to awaken the spirits further, most notably the presence of a mother and her two daughters: Elizabeth, Cora Elizabeth (who made it very clear she preferred to be called “Beth”), and Sarah. Through the use of the Estes Method, dowsing rods, and direct physical interaction with our devices, these names were not just received—they were affirmed repeatedly across multiple sessions and tools.

 

It became clear to us that these three spirits were not fragmented, residual echoes of the past, but rather a cohesive family unit still living out their connection to one another within the walls of the Lodge. The energy surrounding them was not one of sorrow or chaos, but of continuity—as if they had simply remained behind, together, within a familiar space that once held meaning for them.

 

Sarah, at just thirteen, showed a particularly strong presence throughout the weekend. Whether she was warning us of a threatening figure—referred to only as the “bad man”—or gently urging us from room to room, her spirit seemed active, emotionally responsive, and highly aware of both our presence and that of others. Her willingness to follow us to the Carriage House, confirmed by both dowsing and flashlight interaction, demonstrated a trust and curiosity that we do not take lightly.

 

Even the moments of silence or minimal activity seemed intentional—times when we weren’t being ignored, but allowed space to feel and reflect. That sort of interaction speaks volumes, especially when considering how infrequently the Lodge is occupied or investigated.

 

Perhaps most compelling of all was the personal confirmation that tied one of our team members’ own family history directly to the Lodge—a discovery that deepened our understanding of why we were drawn here in the first place. This revelation brought an unexpected emotional weight to the weekend, reminding us that the line between past and present is often thinner than we think.

 

While we may still carry a few lingering questions—like who the “bad man” was, or what exactly Sarah meant when she said “it’s broken”—we left this investigation with far more clarity than uncertainty. We believe that Elizabeth, Beth, and Sarah are still here, choosing to remain together, living in their own time and space, content in each other’s presence. It is not a story of tragedy, but one of persistence, family, and connection.

 

Rainworth Lodge welcomed us in its own quiet way, offering glimpses of its enduring inhabitants not as relics of the past, but as individuals who continue to shape the atmosphere within its walls. For that, we are both humbled and grateful.

 

We’d like to extend our deepest thanks to Chris, Susan, and Kim for joining us during the investigation and contributing to the energy, focus, and open-hearted approach that made this experience so memorable. We are also incredibly grateful to Daniel and Brandon for welcoming us to Rainworth Lodge and giving us the respect and trust to explore the space freely over the course of the weekend. Their openness and hospitality were instrumental in allowing us to connect not only with the location but with the stories still living within it.

 

Additionally, a very special thank-you goes out to the Adams County Historical Society, whose dedicated researchers and staff—particularly Bill and Roger—provided us with crucial historical documentation, context, and insight into the Rainworth Lodge and its past. Their contributions helped guide our understanding before the investigation even began and allowed us to step into the Lodge with a deeper sense of purpose and connection.