Irish-Townsend House – Investigation

Irish-Townsend House – Investigation

 

August 11, 2023

New Brighton, PA

 

Investigation

 

The small suburb of New Brighton, PA rests a short distance outside the main city in southwestern Pennsylvania of Pittsburgh and holds an incredible amount of history within its relatively small city limits. Many of the locals are well aware of the historical value of the town mainly from passed down and relatively undocumented tales dating back before the town was even officially founded in 1838. Prior to this date, the area was more than just a township; it was a tight-knit, blue collar, family bonded community.

 

As the town grew bringing in settlers immigrating westward, property was purchased in bulk and businesses sprung up seemingly overnight. Rather than separating like these moments can sometimes do to a small town, New Brighton pulled even closer together. During one of the most trying times in the country’s history, the Civil War, the true nature and deep rooted morals were showcased as the town became a main stop along the Underground Railroad helping runaway slaves escape the inhumane treatment they were unfairly forced into south of the Mason Dixon Line.

 

Standing at the forefront of this heroic movement was one of the higher class families; the Irish family. Including their three children, Lydia and William Irish constructed their house on the hill overlooking the entire valley giving way to jaw dropping sunsets and a prominent position in the town. The family fit into the community perfectly and were avid abolitionists who ultimately spearheaded the town’s efforts by housing runaway slaves in the attic and providing them with money, clothing, and sustenance for their long journey. Above and beyond just their actions at home, three of their children participated in the brutal fighting of the Civil War and the fourth child, Dallas, even went on to serve as a statesman.it was mainly through Dallas’s correspondence which helped document the runaway slaves being hidden in the attic and moved to their next location through covered carriages.

 

 

During the tragedies of the Civil War, Lydia was unable to keep up with the maintenance of the building and ultimately sold it to another prominent figure of the area, William Townsend, for $4,000 in 1864. Even though the home was already a decent size, especially for the time period, William practically doubled the size adding an entire wing including first and second floors and expanding into the neighboring property to add his art gallery. He also had the front porch added on expanding the entrance from a humble single door to a large double door, elegant entrance. To top this, he updated the housing fixtures and new technology for the time as well as adding to the curb appeal with a large stone wall and sprawling slate sidewalk. William lived in the mansion happily with his children and wife, Angelina, until he passed away from old age and natural causes in the house in 1896.

 

 

After the Townsend family moved on, the mansion fell into many short term owners including a businessman who unfortunately turned the property into an apartment building practically covering up or destroying the historic value of the original mansion. One of the more recent owners, prior to the current ownership group, was under suspicion of the CYS and dropped everything including clothing and belongings to flee with his child allowing the property to fall into further disrepair and bankruptcy.

 

Thankfully for the property, town, and even history’s sake the New Brighton Historical Society purchased the mansion in 2020 with hopes and aspirations of a full restoration. This group is actually the one responsible for the naming of the mansion the Irish-Townsend House based on the two most caring and respectful owners of the property. The historical society and its volunteers have accomplished everything from simple cleanings and garbage removal to hiring tradesmen and professional inspectors in hopes of learning what will need to happen to bring the building up to code and return it to its former glory all the while upgrading and updating the mansion to current mechanical and accessibility standards.

 

 

To this point, the main structural issues have been addressed and the mechanical features are in the planning phase. The currently dubbed Townsend Room, spanning the full width of the mansion and right next to the former art gallery, currently houses the ornate columns and buttresses in preparation of installation over the front porch. Salvaged wood has been laid out and refinished with a full intention of being placed inside the property in order to keep its historical value and be able to apply for a place in the American  historical registrar.

 

While construction and restoration commenced, there seemed to be some otherworldly activity that was described to occur all throughout the mansion. The most common occurrences seemed to be that of bodiless footsteps changing pace on the second floor between a quick back and forth pattern and a less predominant scampering of footsteps as if children were running all around the area. No matter which version of this phenomena is experienced, the pursuit always ends the same; with no one around to place blame.

 

Another strange occurrence is that of moving cold spots and even light mists appearing and disappearing at a moment’s notice and without anything spurring it on. These supernatural anomalies have been reported in tell different locations on a more frequent basis; the old stone wall on the exterior of the building and the stairwell from the first to the second floor.

 

 

While a limited few teams have investigated the property they did come away with active cold spots seen in their thermal cameras and spikes in their electromagnetic sensors as well as their LED flashlights turning on and off answers yes and no questions. Very rare but definitely reported are full body shadows which have been notated in the attic and on the staircase although none of these moments have ever been captured as evidence. Even though these past teams have attempted communication, very little intelligent interaction is ever experienced and, even more unfortunate, there have never been any identities communicated.

 

Many who have experienced even the slightest semblance of paranormality all seem to come away with similar sixth senses. Rather than anything negative or sinister, these sensations all seem to be linked more toward positivity and love remaining from the original two families who brought the home to life and filled the mansion with happy long-lived memories.

 

These stories and tales were expanded upon further during our preliminary walk through of the building prior to our investigation. As we met with Mike outside the mansion, he gave us a thorough history lesson of the property and former owners. He was gracious enough to allow us to review the architectural plans designed to help the restoration process and close up looks of some of the antique pieces dug up on the land during this construction phase. In addition to these historical pieces he also shared with us his one and only potential (as he would say) quote-unquote paranormal experience was an evening he was watching the sunset on the front porch. Mike smelled the harsh scent of cigar smoke and this immediately made him think of William Townsend and the stories of his long evenings spent on that front porch smoking stogies all night long. He shook this sensation off but didn’t hang around long enough to become a true believer or to truly deny this experience.

 

 

Following our walkthrough and as we started to set up for an initial “DSL” session (where we leave our cameras run prior to us beginning our investigation and typically when we leave the area) we were alerted to a neighbor living right off the back corner of the mansion who was said to have paranormal experiences. Here we met Bonnie and her excitement gleamed through to us as she was happy to share a few of her own experiences with the Irish-Townsend House. Even though she was a  little timid and unsure at first, she quickly grew comfortable knowing that we were open minded and visiting exactly for these paranormal reasons. Bonnie shared with us her pictures of figures she was in the windows. She noticed these after snapping simple cell phone pictures of the house as she sat on her back porch while simply enjoying the evening. All three pictures were shown to us without telling us where to look or even what to look for. We both saw exactly what she did as three different shadowy mists were clearly seen in three different windows! These were so well detailed that Bonnie was able to use her artist ability to clearly sketch out each window. Bonnie, thank you so much for sharing these with us!

 

• The first floor was an older man watching over the property and was pictured with  a long cloudy beard. 

 

 

• The staircase of the servant’s quarters going up to the second floor, appeared a middle aged stern woman wearing a ragged head wrap watching over the house with a similar look as the older man.

 

 

• The upper second floor on the original house side appeared to show a short, young boy peering out the window longingly.

 

 

After we set up our DSL method, we stepped away to grab some food. As soon as we returned we began to feel out the building to see if we were drawn to any particular area or room. There were a few particular spots we felt uncomfortable during this period as we noted those particular locations as in front of the basement door and the servants staircase. We knew we’d be on the move quite a bit so we filled our mobile pack with our motion and energy change sensors with two K2 meters, two Rempods (one of which was home made), three car balls, one ParaLight, five LED flashlights paired with our other visual devices like two handheld cameras, one FLIR thermal imaging device, and one EVP notifier. Alongside these tools we took verbal communication devices with  two voice recorders, one Spirit Box, and One Phasma Box.

 

Following a significant amount of time reviewing and analyzing both our recorded evidence and personal experiences, it is our firm belief that there was enough paranormalities to consider the Irish-Townsend House a hub of energy pent up over time and seemingly seeping through the floorboards with mainly residual hauntings but perhaps also a more specific and intelligent haunting in one location of the historic mansion. From our perspective and based on the evidence captured we can claim that the Townsend Room seems to host a more intelligent energy, perhaps that of William Townsend himself. The Attic also seemed to produce some intelligent communication from someone who seemed to be hiding or scared but certainly was interested in our lights and occasionally stepped forward to convince us they were in fact there. This room also showed signs of residual energy with sounds and unprompted communication which made us believe that there was also remnant energy here on top of the intelligence. The other more predominant residual energy laden areas seemed to be spread about the house but appear to be more predominant in the Basement, Servants Staircase, and practically anywhere throughout the mansion where we were not located during many different moments.

 

 

We are hopeful for others to join in on our review and let know if you hear anything or see anything different than what we did. After you listen to some of our breakdowns and read our experiences, please reach out to us and let us know your own thoughts as we’d be grateful to add them to our analysis.

 

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

 

Pre Investigation / Walkthrough

 

While paranormal investigations are far from the norm, Mike still gives us the combined history / architectural tour combined with locations where some have seen and heard unexplainable phenomena. This is the time frame when we were told about Mike’s experience in the Townsend Room and when we managed to talk to Bonnie outside on her porch. We were shown the items which had been dug up and stored in that very room which is also where the architectural and structural plans had been located. We were lucky enough and very humbled to see all of these artifacts, plans, and even the outstanding carpentry that has been done and will be completed in the future.

 

Even though the walkthrough did not give us much to go off of, there was a moment where an odd thudding noise was heard echoing out of an area where we were just walking away from. We did get an unsettling feeling near the basement door and servants staircase as we wrapped up here and prepared for our DLS timeframe.

 

Photos:

 

•  There was nothing out of the ordinary captured here.

 

Basement

 

Stretching the entirety of both the original house as well as the Townsend addition, the Basement could easily be broken out into different rooms as there are separating walls throughout the area as well as two separate entrances (formerly three or even four entrances but the floor hatch was sealed up). This area would have been used as storage for food and supplies back during the original iteration as well as, perhaps, fresh water with a former cistern appearing to have been covered and filled. Many who enter the mansion have an uneasy feeling about entering this dark area but for no reason in particular, generally just a sixth sense. In the past, some paranormal teams have captured flashlight activity here but no clear communication leaving much of this area undocumented, both paranormally and historically. 

 

Outside the main entrance door is where we noted a difference early on and partially why we started in this area. The other part was to stay nice and cool with the hot air engulfing every inch of the property with no MEP features installed just yet. Following our review we realized we captured that very basement door opening on its own with no breeze to be accounted for and the door being very heavy to open on its own no matter how plumb it may have been. During our first attempt here we did not record too much outside of some ParaLight activity which did not amount to too much. This area drew us back again where we captured some further ParaLight activity but more intriguing and captivating to us was the Rempod activity occurring under the steps and then again in the entryway. We did not seem to get anything intelligent here but instead we do feel as though these moments were residual in nature providing us a glimpse into the past with recurring energy showing where much of the former activity may have taken place in the mansion most likely by either by runaway slaves or the servants. There was a moment where we thought we spotted a mist also appearing under the staircase but we were able to positively debunk this as an odd color of wall paint which showed up strangely on our cameras.

 

Photos:

 

• There were a few moments captured through our handheld cameras which we captured some screen captures of, all of the ParaLight being alerted.

 

 

• A light anomaly was recorded during the trail camera’s activation.

 

 

• The entry door to the Basement produced two separate oddities. The first strange occurrence was the doorway swinging open on its own. This is simply a screen capture of its before and after moments. The video of this moment was much more intriguing than these simple images.

 

 

• To further the doorway area’s anomalies, this second still is of a moment where the motion activated light turned on as if something tripped it going in or out of the door.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP 1:

 

 

 

• There wasn’t much experience during this first time around but at 2:16 the ParaLight jumped to life for no particular reason and we could not debunk this.

 

Recording 2 – EVP 2:

 

 

• We returned to this area later in the night and recorded a high amount of ParaLight activity but nothing verbal or very responsive. This recorded time frame is best written as a transcript rather than breaking any of these moments out at all.
• As we set the ParaLight in the center of the doorway next to the staircase it was alerted after a little bit of time very visually only so we have no time stamp for this moment. However, we did follow this and ask if they could come into this room with us. At 3:02 the ParaLight flickered on and off.
• Even though we began to doubt the accuracy of the ParaLight we asked if they could come close and turn it on again and right after that the ParaLight jumped at 3:23 then again at 3:40.
• We once again explained that if they come close to the pink light (ParaLight) that it would change colors. We then asked if they could do that for us and it changed colors as it activated at 4:56.
• After we further discussed the potential issues with the ParaLight the Rempod, which was situated just on the other side of the doorway, turned on at 5:48.
• The Rempod once again began to flicker on after we moved the ParaLight away from the area. This occurred numerous times here starting at 6:11 then continued at 6:24, 6:28, 6:30, 6:55, then finally for the last time at 6:58.
• Amazingly, it sounded like a dog’s bark at 7:01 followed by the ParaLight jumping on at 7:09.
• The Rempod once again began to sound off sporadically and with no apparent intelligence rather perhaps repeating a high trafficked area of the past. This activation began at 7:13 then continued on and off over the next minute finally ending with a strong and paused energy near it from 8:05 – 8:36 and again, this time ending the night, from 8:42 – 8:50.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera 1:

 

• There were two separate moments that activated this camera. The first is a light anomaly moving across the top right of the screen at :01.
• A different light flashed into the picture on the right hand side at :04.

 

 

Video 2 – Trail Camera 2:

 

• This occurred at the very beginning of this clip and took place at the top of the staircase entry to the basement where the door swung open on its own while we were nearby and did not even notice.

 

 

Video 3 – Trail Camera 3:

 

• Another moment captured at the top of the basement staircase was when the motion-sensored light was tripped at the start of this clip, located at the baseboard next to the doorway.

 

 

Video 4 – Handheld Camera 1:

 

• During this return to the underground area we captured the ParaLight jump at :18.

 

 

Video 5 – Handheld Camera 2:

 

• The ParaLight was once again alerted here and could be seen at :27.

 

 

Townsend Room

 

On the first floor, still very much a construction zone as this sprawling and formerly ornate living space is situated with its own entryway to the porch (or at least it will have eventually). One of the unfortunate casualties of the apartment renovations, the room originally had decorated carvings and detailed wallpaper all centered around a beautiful marble fireplace. Currently housing architectural plans and artifacts, as well as the porch columns and woodworking about ready to be installed, this room seems to be the construction hub of the mansion’s restorations. Just outside this room is the spot where Mike had noted the cigar smoke that he attributed to perhaps Mr. Townsend’s remnant energy and just across the way from where we had heard a noise echoing during our walkthrough. Aside from these moments, this room has been notated to hold a sort of overwhelming, controlling atmosphere. Perhaps this is attributed to all of the construction taking place here but, on the other hand, maybe there is something more to these sensations that we cannot fathom with our senses.

 

Following our cool down in the Basement, and what seemed like a lack of activity and energy at the time, we attempted simple EVP communication and moments of silence so we could simply take in the atmosphere and energies. Although there was not too much noteworthy during our first time through this area, we did capture an EVP whispering something we have yet to make out. The Paralight was also very active at this point in time particularly when set atop the original chair, still stuffed with horsehair, found in the Attic and stored here.  This is the time we noticed what sounded like a bell going off as well and oddly enough it did not ever make it to the recordings. We do believe with its consistency that it was something natural and normal, like a tag blowing in the wind, but that was unconfirmed one way or another. We returned to this room later in the night utilizing a Spirit Box and the ESTES Method. During this second timeframe we managed to hear and record phrases like “the chair” and “her chair” as if relating to the chair which had shown activity previously. As our conversation progressed, it came to a screeching halt as we were told “Out” and “Stop.” Following this, and a change in energy in the room, there was no further communication, however, we did notice what looked like a white mist moving in and out of the doorway. This, unfortunately, was not captured on any type of device. This odd combination did make us alter our perspective and opinion on this room, making us believe that there are both residual and intelligent energies inside the Townsend Room. It would be quite a leap at that point but it may even be the spirit of William Townsend himself. To note, there is not nearly enough evidence to support that claim at this time.

 Photos:

 

• There were no abnormal pictures taken of this room but we did attach a few screen captures of moments, with our handheld camera, where the ParaLight turned on and seemingly of residual energy.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP 1:

 

 

• At :11, a thud could be heard here watching from the hallway area.

 

Recording 2 – EVP 2:

 

 

• This clip is that of a voice coming through the recorder rather than any devices right at :09. Without over editing this with a fear of distorting it any further the voice sounds like it’s saying “Sosa” as if a name or perhaps “Stair” as if telling us where to go.

 

Recording 3 – EVP 3:

 

 

• After hearing this voice we attempted to pursue it but rather than continuing this conversation we began to pick up some residual activity with the cat ball rolling at 1:33 and the ParaLight turning on at 4:47.

 

Recording 4 – Static 1:

 

 

• After we left the room for a break and let the recorder pick up anything that we could not, there was a trio of footsteps captured at :01, :06, and :11.
• There was a pause then a continuation of strange noises with a pair of knocks at 1:20 and 1:24.

 

Recording 5 – Static 2:

 

 

• The footsteps occurred again in an even more predominant fashion in this clip at :02 and lasted until :05 then picked up again at :09, :29, :35, and finally at 1:16 when it changed to another knock.

 

Recording 6 – Static 3:

 

 

• There was then a strange knocking sound as if in a song-form with a clear tune to it at :01 and oddly enough this once again occurred at :29 and :48.

 

Recording 7 – Static 4:

 

 

• At :04 a knocking noise was heard and then a heavy breath at :36.

 

Recording 8 – Static 5:

 

 

• Originally this moment was thought to be our car doors slamming shut but this time frame did not fit appropriately as we were not inside the cars during this break. The banging could be heard at :05 and :15.

 

Recording 9 – Static 6:

 

 

• There were two very strange sounds here including a horse’s hoof steps at :05 and almost as if water was dripping at :15 but there were no leaks to be found.

 

Recording 10 – ESTES 1:

 

 

• As we returned to this room we opted to attempt an ESTES Method session in hopes of opening up some further communication, mainly because we heard the voice earlier in the night.
• We combined the room microphone and the Spirit Box output to see what was truly heard and captured and what may have been false readings in the moment.
• This first capture was heard both in the moment and through the Spirit Box beginning with “Belief” at :14.
• We explained that we’ve come to speak with them, just a different way of doing so and we recorded “Why?” at :52 as if surprised by this.
• As if they were comforted by us explaining that we didn’t come to hurt them or anything and simply to speak with them, we captured “Relief” at 1:00.

 

Recording 11 – ESTES 2:

 

 

• Unprompted, we recorded the question of “Would you like to check?” at :31.
• We asked what they would like us to check and heard a response of “One more time” at 1:07 as if we had already looked at something or in some other room.
• Confused at this point, we asked what they wanted us to do and heard an impatient response of “Right now” at 1:18 then “Go” at 1:28.

 

Recording 12 – ESTES 3:

 

 

• After we attempted to pause and regroup we went back to the previous responses and we asked them where they wanted us to go and heard “Chair” at :23.
• We proceeded with this response and asked if they meant the same chair from the attic which was setting the light off before and captured a question of “You realize?” perhaps surprised that they previously changed the light or that we noticed that.
• The phrase, and answer, of “Her chair” was heard at 1:07 after we asked who’s chair that was so naturally we asked who she was and only heard “Hers” at 1:27 once more referencing the chair’s owner.

 

Recording 13 – ESTES 4:

 

 

• Again we focused on the chair and pursued a name but only heard “First” at :03 as if referring to the first time we were in the room.
• We pushed this and finally seemed to push them to the brink and recorded “Out” at :44 in the Spirit Box even though Derrick heard “Work” in the moment.

 

Recording 14 – ESTES 5:

 

 

• These moments, after the team swapped listeners, was odd as we did not hear much in the moment aside from a knocking noise but upon our review there seemed to be more communication through the Spirit Box than originally thought.
• This began simple as we took a step back and introduced ourselves which was followed by greetings of “Hi” at :11 then “Hello” at :17.
• Plainly we asked them if they’re interested in speaking with us but heard a simple response of “No” at :32.

 

Recording 15 – ESTES 6:

 

 

• With the previous responses not being heard, we continued to pry for information and communication and asked them if this room had any special meaning to them. At :08 we recorded an answer of “Mine” but we’re unsure if this is in reference to the room or entire mansion.
• We then asked if they could make some type of noise to let us know they’re here and captured a different and seemingly irritated response of “Out” at :48.
• As if in response to our prior question, or even just trying to get our attention, we heard a metallic sounding knock at :51 which shook the table and floor so hard that it disturbed Dan even while wearing the noise canceling headphones.

 

Recording 16 – ESTES 7:

 

 

• While we were distracted by the noise and trying to re-open communication, we then heard “No promises” at :05.

 

Video 1 – Handheld Camera 1:

 

• The ParaLight never truly was captured on video so instead we wanted to include a video here to give you an idea of the size and condition of the room.

 

 

Master Bedroom

 

This simplistic bedroom, attached to an adjoining bedroom is the primary location where the previous owner’s belongings were left in a hurry. This would have most likely been the  guest quarters during the Townsend era and the master bedroom during the original home’s lifespan. This is one of the areas which has been minimally explored as far as reconstruction goes and mainly used for original salvaged wood storage. There is currently a desk and chair left over here but these possible antiques’ story is far from told as no one is entirely sure of their original owner or even timeframe. This seems to be one of the locations where the phantom footsteps and knocks stem from even though there is no explanation behind any of them.

 

To us, the area just felt welcoming and light hearted as if positive energy was left behind here and we had a difficult time keeping a straight face or opening up any line of communication. Without too much of anything out of the realm of normalcy here, our attention was drawn to some oddities coming from the Servants Staircase which would naturally be our next stop.

 

Photos:

 

• There was nothing captured here out of the ordinary.

 

Recording 1 – EVP 1:

 

 

• This first time here did not produce anything paranormal but we could clearly sense that there was a shift in energy during this time period.

 

Recording 2 – EVP 2:

 

 

• We still did not produce anything out of the ordinary but our attitudes continued to shift.

 

Recording 3 – EVP 3:

 

 

• Even though this time continued on after the previous session, this clip captured footsteps from the hallway at :08 which ultimately drew us out toward the Servants Staircase.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera 1:

 

• This shot was taken at the top of the staircase just outside this Master Bedroom and perhaps is one of the reasons we were drawn out of here as we followed the knocking sound at the end of our session. The camera could be seen shaking as if there were heavy footsteps behind it and a light was seen passing across the screen at :05.

 

 

Servants Staircase

 

The thin and low ceiling side staircase stretching from the first floor all the way up to the Attic. This staircase was very simplistic yet efficient and effective and was added along with the entire half of the mansion during Townsend’s ownership. The servants would have been discreet when guests were at the mansion yet at any beckoned call when needed. This area has been another discussed location of some of the more residual noises and Bonnie’s picture showed perhaps exactly who is responsible for these sounds with her image of what appeared to be a very stoic woman standing in the windows of the staircase landing. 

 

Even though we didn’t spend much time actively investigating this area, we did begin our evening with a static recorder just capturing everything and everything as we left and, to our amazement, we were able to decipher a slew of  phantom footsteps and knocks. Following our time in the Master Bedroom we were drawn toward the staircase as the flashlight was seen turning on then off then flickered once more. All of this activity combined into our belief that there is a high level of leftover residual energy in this area, and really this entire mansion, that seems to be replaying the actions and activities which were once so well scheduled and practiced here.

 

Photos:

 

• There was nothing notable captured here in still images but we recorded a screen capture of the handheld camera as the flashlight turned on and off sporadically.

 

 

Recording 1 – Static 1:

 

 

• This first unexplained moment which occurred when we were away grabbing dinner was heard at :06 and was some type of banging noise. We ruled out a car door but this may have been a door or window slamming somehow.

 

Recording 2 – Static 2:

 

 

• At :05 we heard another knocking noise followed by a heavy breath at :08.

 

Recording 3 – Static 3:

 

 

• A soft, inaudible voice was captured here at :01 after nearly 40 minutes of no other noises.
• Once again, a knock was recorded at :14.
• That same soft voice was heard again, still inaudible, at :28.
• The knock returned at :49 here.
• Multiple footsteps were recorded as if someone was walking down the hallway echoing upward toward the staircase. This started at :59 and continued with four more occurrences at 1:02, 1:11, 1:29, and ceased at 1:32.
• An all too familiar knock returned at 1:54 followed by a pair of footfalls at 1:59 and 2:01.
• The last nose recorded here was a final knock at 2:03 just before we returned from dinner.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera 1:

 

• With this camera positioned atop the landing booking downward toward the second floor, left here as we left the property, there was a singular light anomaly captured during this time, right away in the lower center of the screen.

 

 

Attic – Crawl Space and Adjoining Room

 

This extremely unique design of a simple and small crawl space which opened up to a large room with a sloped ceiling could be described as unusual to say the least. Another way to describe this passage and hidden room would be ingenious. This town was notorious as a safe haven for runaway slaves and having a major impact along the Underground Railroad. The Irish-Townsend House was at the forefront of this movement and it has been well documented that the family openly protected these poor souls and even provided them with money, food, and a carriage ride up north to further their journey toward Canada, all of which occurred after housing and hiding them in this Attic away from prying eyes and any bounty hunters that may be after them. This area has been mostly quiet and not easily accessible so not too much is reported here aside from the random untraceable footsteps from below.

 

As our attention was temporarily drawn to the base of the Servants Staircase with a flashlight turning on and off, our original plan was to move up to the Attic area anyway so this was just a minimal pit stop. After we crawled through the entry tunnel with all of our gear in tow we attempted to just listen which didn’t amount to much so we pushed for some more verbal communication with the Phasma Box. During this period of time we believe we captured some intelligent communication through the hearing device as if someone was trapped or hiding up here and simply wanted to be left alone. We had the ParaLight alerted with clear communication regarding these moments with the word “Light: and that “It’s bright.” They used this to discuss how many times they managed to blink the light which did match up with “Three” and also, no doubt, discussed the chair that was removed from this area. During this time we do believe we also experienced some residual communication as if we overheard past communications. It’s no doubt that  this could have been traumatizing enough to leave a trace amount of energy remaining in this sealed area. However, toward the end of our time here, the intelligent communication continued with a simple suggestion of “You could just leave.” Even though we did not hear this at the time, ultimately did move along.

 

Photos:

 

• There was a screen capture from our hand held camera showing the ParaLight jumping randomly.

 

 

Recording 1 – Phasma Box 1:

 

 

• We began to overhear some odd phrases which could be made sense if put together and as if imagined that they were speaking to one another but not responding to our communication attempts. This began at :05 with “We tried with…” which trailed off then picked up again with “Each of them.”
• At :22, an unprompted “Yes” was heard.
• “Involved” was then recorded at :42.

 

Recording 2 – Phasma Box 2:

 

 

• A phrase of “I’m still here” was overheard at :03.
• This was followed by a bit of random ParaLight activity turned on and off all beginning at :07 and flickered off and back on at:08.
• We asked if that was then turning the light on in hopes of opening communication and the ParaLight shot on at :16 paired up with the word “Light” at :30 which made us begin to think that this was intelligent. This continued with further ParaLight activity at :35.
• Hearing the word “Light” once more, at 1:02, convincing of this again.

 

Recording 3 – Phasma Box 3:

 

 

• Right away, the ParaLight turned on.
• We once again tried to open communication and asked how many people were up here and heard an almost fearful voice at :09 saying “Stop looking at it” as if referring to the tool.
• Just a moment later, at :10, almost a continuation of that prior phrase was heard with “Lighting stuff up.”
• After a pause, at :33, after we asked if someone would step close to the light again and speak into the red light and we heard “My sister.”
• “That’s not me” was recorded at :54 followed by “Preach about it” at :52, both of which were unprompted.
• We originally thought we heard something that sounded like “That’s not nice” so naturally we asked them what wasn’t nice but heard another oddity of “We don’t need him” at 1:33.

 

Recording 4 – Phasma Box 4:

 

 

• At around :05, the ParaLight flickered on and off three different times.
• We mentioned the light turning on and we heard “He said three” at :12 as if referencing the light turning on three times.
• The next two words that were heard fit together just with a pause in between. As if they were getting irritated as if perhaps Mr. Townsend was trying to shoo us along. We heard “Or you could just” at 1:03 followed by the conclusion of “Leave” at 1:10.

 

Recording 5 – Phasma Box 5:

 

 

• Following some pockets of quiet, we heard a phrase ask “You okay?” at :03, once more unprompted.
• After explaining that we just wanted to know if there’s someone up in this area we heard “The chair” at :12 perhaps referencing the chair that was removed from this room.
• This was followed by “Seat” at :16 once again possibly referencing the same chair.
• At :40, after some silence and just listening we recorded the word “Two” followed by the ParaLight jumping twice at :45.
• An awe inspiring combination of phrases was then heard with “We were stuck” at :58 then continued and completed with “Up here” at 1:01.

 

Recording 6 – Phasma Box 6:

 

 

• Unprompted, another odd phrase of “It’s here” at :02.
• After we asked if they could talk into that light we recorded a response regarding that light of “That’s blinding” at :10.
• We asked if they could acknowledge us in some way and at :22 we heard “No.”
• Following that moment we heard “Disgrace” at :48 then, almost unsettling, “Tell them the truth” at 1:05.
• Stranger yet right after that, we recorded “Get out alive” at 1:08.

 

Recording 7 – Phasma Box 7:

 

 

• After we asked them to tell us their name we received a simple question of “Why?” at :07.
• An odd saying of “Every guy” was captured at :20 then “Doesn’t match” at :39. 

 

Video 1 – Stationary Camera 1:

 

• At 1:13, as we doubted the accuracy of the ParaLight, the light blinked blue as if mocking us by confusing us further.

 

 

Following our first visit and investigation of the Irish-Townsend House and a thorough review of our captured evidence and breakdown of our personal experiences, we believe we encountered enough oddities and unexplainable activity to consider this historic building a prime location for a heavy draw of energies and supernatural elements. With this combination we can confidently claim the historic Irish-Townsend House in New Brighton, PA holds paranormal anomalies mostly in the form of residual energies exuding from the original construction and expansion from the stone foundation to the original wood that was salvaged and reused during the ongoing restoration.

 

Although our experience points us toward more residual haunting throughout the building, the Townsend Room held a different energy and overall feel. We’re unsure if the recent construction has stirred these oddities up or if there’s just more focus on these tales with more people coming through the old building but the residual activity seemed strongest when we were in the Basement, Townsend Room, Attic, and Servants Staircase. It seemed like these phantom footsteps, knockings, and even conversations occurred at random as if there is just so much pent up energy here that it’s being released continuously but without any rhyme or reason. The limited intelligent communication and responses were short and to the point telling us that we were unwanted in this space as if Mr. Townsend had no interest in speaking with us or telling more of his story while the Attic’s intelligent communication pointed us toward one or more energies who were hiding, scared, and wanted to be left alone..

 

 

With one of the few locations to give off an unsettling feeling, particularly on top of the main basement staircase, we were drawn to the Basement area so we began our investigation underground. Our first go at this area was a bit like fishing; we cast plenty of lines but no bites. As we were moving through the first floor later in the night we noticed the Basement door, the same one where we felt uncomfortable nearby early on during our walkthrough, open on its own. We ran down our reasonable explanations and were unable to debunk or confirm this as something paranormal. We were drawn to this area again later in the night and seemed to experience some residual energies lighting up both the ParaLight and the Rempod. We were also able to debunk a white mist appearing only through the camera and managed to determine this was a simple trick of lighting and the human eye.

 

We ventured up to the Townsend Room which was another of limited areas we felt a pull toward early on in the walkthrough. Our first session here yielded a voice, which we are still unsure of what it truly says, that came through a simple EVP paired up with some footsteps echoing from near the Servants Staircase. During this timeframe, we also received ParaLight activities which did not seem to pair up with much clearly intelligent but rather just seemingly stored energy surrounding that original chair stuffed with the old horsehair original to the Attic. We were never certain why this energy kept alerting the ParaLight but we were able to ensure that this was not any type of false reading as the tool was not activated anywhere else in that room. We returned to this spot later in the evening and performed an ESTES Method session swapping who was listening and conversing as we captured some strange correspondence particularly regarding the old chair but these took a turn. As our conversation progressed, it came to a screeching halt as we were told “Out” and “Stop.” Following this, and a change in energy in the room, there was no further communication, however, we did notice what looked like a white mist moving in and out of the doorway. This, unfortunately, was not captured on any type of device. This odd combination did make us alter our perspective and opinion on this room, making us believe that there are both residual and intelligent energies inside the Townsend Room. It would be quite a leap at that point but it may even be the spirit of William Townsend himself. To note, there is not nearly enough evidence to support that claim at this time.

 

 

The Servants Stairwell seemed to draw us in with some unseen force and also appeared to a heavily trafficked area both upstairs and down. Even though we tried to follow Bonnie’s lead of possibly a servant who may remain here we came up empty handed with any clear communication. This did not completely disappoint us however as we found out later on, during our review, that we actually captured a plethora of different sounds through our static recorder like footsteps, knockings, and banging noises as if a door was slammed shut. We were also drawn to this area by a flickering flashlight randomly turning on and off as we were in the Master Bedroom so we proceeded to attempt communication via the flashlight but to no avail. Once again we were convinced that this is just a main hub of residual activity seemingly frozen in time.

 

That moment being drawn out of the Master Bedroom followed our gut instinct of heading up to the Attic. Perhaps that was the intent all along as we definitely felt pulled up to this small crawl space which thankfully opened up to a larger sprawling room. We first thought we captured some residual communication with random conversations and perhaps faulty equipment but this was challenged as we began to record intelligent communication and an overall sensation that they were hiding, maybe scared, and they wanted to be left alone. Eventually we received communication regarding the ParaLight pairing up intelligent speech with ParaLight activity. They also gave us further intelligence toward the light as it blinked and they answered how many times they seemingly made it blink. We were also told about the chair which had been previously removed from the area leading us to believe that this was intelligent but, astonishingly enough, residual energy also was experienced here with pieces of communication as if overhearing a past conversation. We finally received even more intelligent communication as we accepted their suggestion to leave.

 

 

Our first investigation of the Irish-Townsend House provided us with some interesting paranormal experiences and some additional captured evidence. The majority of these hauntings would be considered residual in nature while a limited amount would be intelligent, but regardless of the type, there is an overarching sensation of being welcomed with a warm and positive feeling. There were never any moments where we felt any negativity. 

 

There were a few moments with the motion activated devices that were visually captured from ParaLight and Rempod activity to flashlights but the most captivating paranormal activity came from simply listening to the noises and sounds residual activity left over inside the mansion. This helped backup many of the previously documented claims as well as led us to our conclusion of this persistent residual activity. 

 

The intelligence we encountered occurred with a combination of ESTES Method and Spirit Box as well as the Phasma Box. One of the first pieces of evidence we gathered came straight through a recorder with a still undeciphered voice.

 

Our entire goal is to explore the unknown and give a voice to the voiceless, ultimately to  help tell the truth behind the hauntings as well as some unwritten history. This area of New Brighton, so close to where we grew up, is relatively untouched from a paranormal perspective but has such a historic background and significance that there can be no doubt that there could be links from building to building, tied together by a heroic tale of saving the lives of runaway slaves while these homeowners risked their own lives for these poor souls. 

 

 

The Irish-Townsend House appeared to be the spearhead of this heroism and the most documented, thanks to Dallas Irish, and hopefully will be a central hub for the New Brighton Historical Society and a place to showcase the past so we can all learn from it and appreciate those who came before us to truly help make this country the land of the free.

 

No matter how we break down all of our evidence and attempt to tie certain paranormal aspects together with historical facts, our purpose is to do our part to preserve history and share all types of stories, both newly uncovered and well documented. With our entire investigation, evidence and experiences combined, we hope that the historical society and any future investigators can continue documenting their findings and build upon our discoveries in hopes of uncovering more secrets, stories, and hidden history lost long ago in the Irish-Townsend House and surrounding town of New Brighton.

 

If you would like to contribute to the New Brighton Historical Society and their efforts into restoring the Irish-Townsend House to its’ former glory, please follow the link below and enjoy the rendering of what it will one day look like with new life:

 

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/9rxgac-irishtownsend-house-phase-2