The Notorious Sittings of Margery Crandon
Introduction to Margery Crandon
In the early 20th century, Boston was a breeding ground for the supernatural, and few events in that city’s history were more sensational than the séances conducted by medium Margery “Elsie” Crandon. From 1919 to 1924, these sittings captivated the public imagination, drawing celebrities like Will Rogers and Houdini himself into a debate over the authenticity of psychic phenomena. However, beneath the surface of the Crandon family’s home on West Roxbury Street lay a web of lies, manipulation, and psychological prowess that would eventually unravel the facade of spiritualism.
The History and Background
Margery Helen Evans Crandon was born in Manchester, England, on June 10, 1897. In 1914, she emigrated to the United States with her parents and two sisters, settling first in Detroit before moving to Boston, where her family opened a boarding house. Margery quickly became known for her psychic abilities, claiming she could communicate with spirits, produce levitation, materialize objects, and even cause physical phenomena such as temperature changes.
Key Events or Sightings
The Crandon home at 163 West Roxbury Street soon became the center of an intense séance activity that began in February 1919. The first notable event occurred on April 25, 1919, when Margery’s sister, Rosemary (who went by “Elsie”), claimed to have contacted the spirit of her deceased brother, Walter. During these sittings, a table would levitate or slide across the floor, and objects like coins and flowers appeared out of thin air.
1920: The Lying Table
The most famous incident took place on January 24, 1920, when a heavy mahogany dining table at the Crandon house levitated by more than two feet. William Marriott, a local furniture dealer and frequent visitor to the sittings, was present that night and later testified under oath about witnessing the event. In a letter dated February 27, 1920, Marriott wrote:
> “I saw the table rise several inches from its usual position on the floor and then settle back into place. I could feel the table’s weight pressing down as it hovered, and I observed no one touching or moving it.”
Witness Accounts or Evidence
The most compelling evidence for the authenticity of these phenomena came in 1925 when Houdini visited the Crandon home. He was accompanied by his friend, magician John Mulholland, who provided technical assistance during the sittings. Both men were convinced that Margery and her sisters were using mechanical devices hidden under the table to produce the levitations.
On February 6, 1925, Houdini wrote in a letter to The Boston Daily Record:
> “The evidence is overwhelming. There are no tricks here, but an elaborate system of pulleys, levers, and ropes. The Crandon girls are not spirits, but they have the ability to conceal and control such apparatus.”
However, the most damning evidence came from within the family itself. In March 1925, Elsie’s husband, David G. Bradley, revealed that his wife had been lying about her psychic abilities. He explained how she used mechanical devices hidden beneath the table during sittings. This revelation led to a series of investigations by the Boston Society for Psychical Research.
Investigations or Research
The Crandon case gained national attention when Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes novels and a leading proponent of spiritualism, visited the home on November 14, 1923. During his visit, he observed several sittings but was unconvinced by Houdini’s skepticism.
On June 6, 1925, the Boston Society for Psychical Research held a public séance where they attempted to replicate the phenomena using known tricks. They were successful, proving that the apparent levitations and materializations could be easily explained through mechanical means. The society published their findings in a report titled “The Crandon Case,” which was presented at a meeting on September 27, 1925.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Despite these revelations, many people still believe that the Crandons were genuine mediums. Margaret Langley, an historian specializing in spiritualism and mediumship, stated:
> “While there is clear evidence of mechanical devices being used, some aspects of their performances remain unexplained. It’s possible they genuinely believed in what they were doing or were simply very skilled at creating the illusion of supernatural phenomena.”
Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)
Q: Was Margery Crandon a genuine medium?
A: No, evidence from séances and investigations showed that she was using mechanical devices to create the illusions. However, some people still believe in her authenticity.
Q: How did Houdini uncover the truth about the Crandons?
A: Houdini discovered hidden levers under the table during his visit, proving that the levitations were fake. He exposed these tricks in a letter published by The Boston Daily Record.
Q: Why didn’t Margery and her sisters stop when they knew they were caught?
A: They likely became so invested in their act that stopping would have been difficult. Additionally, financial incentives and public interest kept them going even after the exposure of their methods.
Q: What was the societal impact of the Crandon case?
A: The case challenged beliefs about spiritualism and highlighted the importance of scientific skepticism. It also led to increased scrutiny of mediums and paranormal claims.
Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or research into Margery Crandon’s sittings?
A: No, the original events have been thoroughly investigated, and no new evidence has emerged since the 1920s. However, historians continue to study the case as a pivotal moment in the history of skepticism and mediumship.
Conclusion
Margery Crandon’s sittings in Boston remain one of the most infamous cases in the annals of American spiritualism. The Crandons’ use of hidden mechanical devices to create convincing illusions exposed the often unscrupulous nature of mediums during a time when such beliefs were widespread. While skeptics and historians continue to debate the authenticity of their performances, the Crandon case serves as a stark reminder that even in matters of the supernatural, truth can be elusive.
