STONE LION INN

Cullan Hudson, of Strange State, has an excellent entry on the research regarding the alleged tales of this location. His basic research into the validity of one aspect of the legends surrounding the location are proof of the value of preliminary historic research. Despite several state groups visits to the place, the findings have been non-existent or questionable. It is, however, a delightfully charming and historic location for a weekend get-away, even sans ghosts. [Image courtesy of Cullan Hudson].

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL GUIDEBOOK: Little Theater, Tulsa

In 1932, this petite and minimalist Art Deco style, theater opened in the booming oil-wealthy "other Oklahoma capital" of Tulsa. Plagued by several fires over the years the theater finally fell into disrepair in the 1970's. Stories of assorted haunting entities began to appear. Even into this century, images of anomalous orbs have been taken that are hard to explain. The theater has now been fully, and beautifully restored, and is enjoying a renaissance as a theater and event venue. read more of its history and see some before and after pictures at

http://tulsalittletheater.com/?p=history

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL GUIDEBOOK: CAIN'S BALLROOM, TULSA

There is divided opinion as to the validity of reports concerning the ballroom's alleged ghosts. Some argue that there is a definite presence, labeled as the ghost of famed musician Bob Wills. Others suggest a "lady in red". Various groups have conducted investigations with, so far, less than significant findings reported. Hopefully, as the ballroom regains it role in the Tulsa and Oklahoma music scene and its preservation is more secure, more and more indepth research will take place to answer the question of its haunted state.

History of the ballroom: http://www.cainsballroom.com/history.html

HAUNTED PEOPLE (from Ghost Vigil)

A very insightful and informative article on the idea of haunted people. Read it at: http://ghostvigil.com/modules/articles/article.php?id=12

OKLAHOMA TELLERS: Just In Time For Halloween: The Ghost Teller

OKLAHOMA TELLERS: Just In Time For Halloween: The Ghost Teller

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL EVENTS: Honobia Bigfoot Fest

Honobia Oklahoma Bigfoot Festival and Sasquatch Conference is Oct 3rd & 4th. Dr. Jeff Meldrum will be the keynote speaker at the conference, which is being hosted by the Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center ( www.mid-americabigfoot.com ).

THERE'S SOMETHING IN THOSE OKLAHOMA HILLS.....

From "Biggy Blog"....In the early 1960's stories begin to surface of strange critters roaming the river runs and forests of Oklahoma.

El Reno Chicken Man. Oklahoman (1970 Dec pg?). Original article not yet found. Mysterious tracks located around a chicken coop that had had its door pulled off [cited in “Monster prints called fake”]

Lawton alert for “wolfman.” Oklahoman (1971 Mar 3 pg 46).The “thing” described in this AP story as traipsing around this southwestern corner of the state as being “tall, very hairy, with a distorted face and wearing pants several sizes too small.” Moreover it was alleged to be able to jump 15 feet from a standing start or drop from a second story balcony with out ill effects. C. Edward Green, 24, was a witness and declared it was no hoax. He described its ability to jump, said it was heavily bearded with extremely thick, black hair all over its body. Donald Childs, 36, suffered a seizure when it sprang out of a nearby field, leap a fish pond, and “really move out” toward an alley. When first seen was simply sitting in a flower bed near the pond. Unidentified others, including three soldiers from Ft. Sill, reported sighting it as well.Monster prints called fake. Oklahoman. (1972 Jul 26 pg 21) by Cecial Peaden.The director of the OKC Zoo, Lawrence Curtis, and Hayden Hewes, director of the International UFO Bureau in Oklahoma City, gave their opinions on a set of tracks from a Louisiana, MO sighting (by Edgar Harrison’s son and daughter) that had people in two states puzzled. Zoologists from the University of Missouri declared it was not a bear but could not say what it was. The creature seen making the tracks was described as “tall, hairy creature”. Hewes leaned toward a “visitor from a flying saucer” and Curtis of the zoo declared they were probably fakes. However, black hairs were found around the print and were being sent to Oklahoma for analysis.

Experts to join search at Noxie. Oklahoman (1975 Sept 9 pg 28.).A group of researchers with Hayden Hewes, associated with the Association for the Investigation of the Unexplained, descend on a small community southwest Oklahoma near. Hewes reported about a dozen sightings had been made of a “hairy seven-foot monster” with “eyes that glow in the dark” had been reported in the area since 1972. Armed with cameras, tape recorders, and a Geiger counter they planned to search for evidence.State’s own “Bigfoot” topic of talk.. Oklahoman. (1977 Jun 4 pg 9).Bob Stamps of The International Organization for the Unknown presented a talk at the Edmond Broadway Motor Inn. He reported sightings from the NE corner of the state and shared alleged tapes and films of the “Bigfoot” creatures.Sasquatch send sooner…. Oklahoman (1977 Aug 7 pg 200).Story by staff writer Robert B. Allen “somewhere in northeast Oklahoma”, along researchers Mike Williams and Bob Stamps investigate the “fabled, hairy monster of Big Timber Hills”. An OKC psychic, Charles O. Rhoades, had led a group into the area where he as “confident that a “fossil man” is roaming the area” and this creature had been spotted since about 1975.

Mysterious Creature Stalk….Oklahoman (1977 Aug 10 pg 33). From Stilwell, staff writer Jim Etter reported that a teenager had been clawed by a “hairy nine-foot-tall “something” with “glowing red eyes” in wooded northeastern Oklahoma. Adair county Gary Faden had confirmed their investigation being kept low key to prevent a panic and people getting “guns out there and getting someone shot.” Reports indicated the creature “stalks in the moonlight, peers through windows with its red eyes, grunts like a hog and bounds off…

”Lie-Detector….. Oklahoman (1977 Aug 8 pg 240).Jim Etter continues with an account of a Colorado private detective who ran a “psychological stress evaluation” lie-detector test on statements made by 17 yr old Brian Jones about his story of being attacked by a hairy creature. The youth had reported to authorities he had made the story up and had lied during a polygraph test in Ft. Smith, Ark. The Colorado detective, Forrest Erickson (Wheat Ridge, CO) said that it was his opinion the boy had told the truth and his test bore it out. “I really believe the boy’s telling the truth…I can’t believe that he’s not telling the truth.

”Search for “Big Foot.” Oklahoman (1977 Aug 21 pg. 30).Profiles Bob Stamps who hoped to become a full time big foot hunter and support himself by writing. To that end he had written several un-published magazine articles, including one titled “Sexual Encounters with Sasquatch.” Timeline of events noted: Aug 7 article appeared with story of Stamps and the overnight Big foot hunt; two days later Brian Jones reported that on August 5 he had been attacked (clawed and thrown in the air) by 9 foot tall hairy creature near Stilwell. Other reports of the period were cited without dates but included people had reported partially eaten goats and missing calves.

--MH Research, 2006

PARANORMAL WEB DESIGN: 101

Do you want your website to look professional even if you can't hire a high dollar designer? Here are some tips to help make your site look more professional. Note, some website providers place creative restrictions making some changes impossible.

1. Use a clear - easy to read font.

2. Avoid dripping gore fonts, dancing ghosts, and animated tombstones - if you want to be taken as "serious". These are the "plastic pocket protectors" sending an alert...."danger, Para-Geek!!" Run for you lives!.. Of course, if this is your fun, personal pages...go for it!

3. Avoid "busy" and overdark backgrounds - as they tend to compete with the text or text boxes.

4. Aim for bold, clear, well-contrasted titles.

5. Keep images small - as overlarge can be hard for some people with slower systems to load.

6. Strive for a unified "look"in colors and styles.

7. Add statements of responsibility, contact (electronic and snail), and date of last update (so people know how up-to-date your page is and active your group).

8. Providers like "MySpace" and "GeoCities" can be pretty restrictive and humdrum - so if you want more creative control, try other providers such as Freewebs.com or Blogger.com or another free/small fee provider.

--Courtesy of Kevin and Shade at "Byte Marks", 2007. Used with permission.

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL GUIDEBOOK: Bristow, OK

According to a local newspaper account, picked up on Legends of America, Bristow, Oklahoma has at least one ghost story. It involves a woman hit by a truck and who appears at a local convenience store... One of the complexities of paranormal research is why one ghost haunts and not another....in 1929 a thirty eight year old man with two small children was killed in a gas main explosion near the 8th Street entrance to the City Cemetary...yet no one has ever reported seeing his ghost (Jess Hudson was the man's name). Finding out the difference and the why would be an important contribution to the field.

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL GUIDEBOOKS: COUNTY LINE BBQ

Once a speakeasy of prohibition days, where criminals such as Pretty Boy Floyd were said to wet their whistles, this establishment is said to be haunted by more than one customer. Located at 1226 NE 63rd, OKC (405) 478-4955 /the current "Country Line Resturant", Oklahoma City location, is in an "old 30's classic deco structure with a great view of the downtown lights in the distance. Structural highlights include curved glass brick, a curved ceiling & sweeping curved bar. Just two minutes from the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Open for Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week." Various groups, such as PROS and GHOULI have conducted investigations. It has been featured on several paranormal and mysterious television specials as well. It bears continued investigation. Apparently, the Austin location of this chain also lays claim to being haunted as well. Go for a visit and enjoy good food, great atmosphere, and the knowledge that even if it is not haunted - it is a real piece of Oklahoma history.

KEEPING A LIST AND CHECKIN' IT TWICE

Checklists provide a valuable tool in preparing, standardizing, and organizing any project. This is especially true of ghost-hunting/paranormal investigations. Checklists allow a plan to be in place so that investigators work the plan....

Checklists might include:

• What equipment is needed (camera, thermometers, etc.)


• What supplies to bring (map, batteries, etc.)


• What steps to follow to provide standardized activity (doors have been checked, windows checked, etc.)

When inspecting a residence there are other issues to make sure are covered: electronics are unplugged, extra people gone, etc. For more see http://gateway-paranormal-society.com/documents_sops/PreInvestigationChecklist_Homeowner.pdf

Check other forms at http://gateway-paranormal-society.com/documents_sops/

DEMONS & DEMONOLOGISTS

The term "demonologist" is one being seen more frequently, however, it does not always mean the same thing. This most serious form of paranormal investigation requires careful handling and much caution. Call them "demons", "evil spirits" or "dark entitites" - they all spell trouble for the people involved and to the potenital investigators. They are known to often endanger those who study or investigate them. They frequently provide such a strong negative influence that the only word possible is "possession." There is an excellent article about this subject at TAPS. The article explores issues of professionalism, study, and how to handle the religious beliefs of others in demonic cases.

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL HOW-TO: HISTORIC RESEARCH

It is very important to learn as much as possible about the history of a location as it is to gather data of a scientific nature. It will be necessary to verify legends, rumors, and commonly held "truths" about a location and the reasons for a possible haunting. Remember, despite common mythology, not everything is on the Internet - some old school research is required to do top quality work.

Keep a notebook for your research trips, record where you found the information (name of the library and location) and the general bibliographic information (author, title, publisher, date, and call number - in case you need to re-check it). The notebook can be a simple spiral bound school notebook or a laptop.

Libraries will generally have information related to local history (old newspapers, local history books, etc.). Some libraries now offer, with a library card, access to genealogical databases to search census records, deeds, newspapers (to a limit). This link lists all Oklahoma Public Libraries. Library cards are usually free in the location to area residents since they are funded by tax dollars (property or other tax bases). Visitors from out of town or state may need to pay to access local databases, but use of other materials is usually free to visitors. Special collections (archives) may have limitations as to use or access. In Oklahoma, students and staff of universities can apply (via their school library) for the OKShareCard. This is honored by member libraries at other institutions. It allows limited checkout of books - but often does not allow access to databases.

Courthouses & City or County Clerks offices can provide information related to ownership of land, previous occupations of an area, and other pertinent information. The link lists state courthouses and their addresses.

Local museums can also sometimes provide some information about local legends or history. The lists all museums in Oklahoma. Some are staffed by volunteers and be prepared to leave bags or cases with an attendant, sign papers to use, etc. They may not be sympathetic with a paranormal investigation, but then sometimes the people staffing these places aren't sympathetic to any researcher! So be polite, friendly, and have a plan as to what you want to find out. You might discover they want to help.

ONLINE RESOURCES:
Census records (Free - not complete but a help) ; http://www.censusfinder.com/ ;
http://www.census-online.com/links/ ; a subscription service Ancestry.com allows access to census films and many other local history resources online ($100 to $300 a year) but many larger libraries offer access to this in their libraries via their computers.

County Clerk Public Records-OK
http://okcountyrecords.com/index.php

Good General Introduction to using Court House Records
http://www.arkansasresearch.com/g-court.html

Census Bureau Flyer on Availability of Census Records for an Individual / US Privacy Act,etc.
http://www.census.gov/prod/2/gen/cff/cff-9702.pdf

Remember:

Expect misspelled names, hard to read writing, and changes in street names and housing developments.

Expect history books to cover only the well-known, wealthy, or notorious people or events of any community.

Think of alternative ways of learning information. If a book on the town makes no mention of the haunted house....look at biographies of local people....or family genealogies, etc. Somebody may mention legends or places in passing.

--MH Research, 2007

LOCAL HISTORY - PARA HISTORY

Ghouli, an Oklahoma based paranormal team, has worked to carve out a niche that places paranormal legends and activity in line to assist local communities to bolster sagging economies. They encourage Main Street projects, city tours, etc. of local legends and haunted places. Ideally, local storytellers and such groups might team up to provide exciting and professionally competent entertainment as well. Walking tours or trolley tours "after hours" could be a source of revenue...and not just at Halloween! The money brought in could help to preserve, maintain, or improve historical areas of a community. The funds might go to local charities and into downtown improvements benefiting the entire community. The funds might go to buy books, computers, and furnishings for local schools, hospitals, or libraries. Contact the state storytelling organization, The Territory Tellers, for information about storytelling, storytellers who specialize in ghost stories, etc. Contact, Ghouli for information about developing local walking, bus, or trolley tours in your area.

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL FIELDGUIDE: Route 66

Check out Ghouli's "Tales from the Road" http://www.ghouli.org/ROUTE66/RT66.htm

CATCH AUTHOR CULLAN HUDSON "TALKING BIGFOOT"

See the information at Strange State about his interview Wed. July 9, 2008.

OKLAHOMA PARANORMAL GUIDEBOOK: Strange Geography

Based on research by MH Research the following are geographic features by county with the bizarre words (or variants such as possessives) of “Devil”, “Dead”, "Skull", "Skeleton" and “Ghost” in the names:

"Devil" is found in the names of hill, ridges, canyons, hollows, and peaks in Caddo, Pushmahata, Ottawa, Latimer, Mukgogee, and Haskill Counties. Names include: Devil's Backbone, Devil's Canyon, Devil's Hollow, Devil's Peak and Seven Devil's Peak.

"Dead" is found in the names of gaps, hollow's mountains, crossings, springs, lakes, and rocks in Osage, Sequoyah, Tillman, LeFlore, Pontotoc, and Johnston Co. Names include: Deadman Gap, Deadman's hollow, Dead Woman Crossing, Deadman Springs, Deadman Rock and Deadman Mountain.

"Ghost" is found in the names of mounds and hollows in Payne, Caddo, and Creek Co. Names include: Ghost Mounds and Ghost Hollow.

In addition waterways appear with names contaning the words "skeleton" and "skull": Skeleton Creek in Garfield and Logan Co. (it appears to dump into the Cimmeron River. The Skull Creek travels through Payne and Creek Co.