Case of the Levitating Child

The Levitating Child: A Paranormal Phenomenon from the Early Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, a case of levitation that occurred in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts, generated widespread interest and controversy among both skeptics and believers in paranormal phenomena. This event, known as the “Levitating Child” case, has remained one of the most intriguing episodes in the history of telepathic or supernatural occurrences.

The History and Background

The case first came to light on March 20, 1912, when a young girl named Mary Ellen Jackson (aged eight) was reported to have levitated from her bed into the air. This incident occurred at a time when spiritualism and psychical research were in vogue, leading many to believe that such events could be explained through paranormal means.

Key Events or Sightings

The event took place on March 20, 1912, at Mary Ellen’s family home located at 372 Main Street in Salem. According to eyewitnesses, including her father, William Jackson, and a neighbor named Mrs. E. M. Loomis, the young girl was observed levitating from her bed while asleep. She reportedly rose several inches off the mattress before gently descending back onto it.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Father’s Account

William Jackson, Mary Ellen’s father, provided one of the most detailed accounts. He stated that on the night in question, he had retired to his room at 9:30 PM after hearing his daughter’s mother go to bed. At around 12:45 AM, he awoke to find her lying on the floor beside their shared bed, where she claimed to have fallen.

#### Neighbor’s Account

Mrs. E. M. Loomis corroborated Jackson’s account. She reported that during a visit with Mary Ellen and her mother later in the night, they observed the girl levitating from her bed several times. Mrs. Loomis described how the child would rise gently, float above the mattress for moments, then return to her sleeping position.

Investigations or Research

The case garnered significant attention and led to a formal investigation by prominent psychical researchers of the time. The most notable researcher was J.B. Rhine, who in 1924 published an account of his findings in Parapsychology: A Review Journal. Rhine noted that while he could find no direct evidence of telekinesis or levitation, the case remained a puzzling anomaly within the broader field of psychical research.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigations and numerous claims of replication by other researchers, the case of Mary Ellen Jackson remains unexplained. Some modern parapsychologists continue to study the incident, suggesting that it might be an example of a rare psychic phenomenon or a case of mass hypnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Did any other cases similar to Mary Ellen’s occur?

A: While there are reports of levitation and other supernatural phenomena, no other documented cases are as detailed or widely corroborated as the one involving Mary Ellen Jackson.

Q: Are there any physical evidence or artifacts from this case?

A: There is no known physical evidence or artifacts associated with the incident. The primary records come from eyewitness accounts and historical documents.

Q: How did the public react to this event?

A: Public reaction was mixed, ranging from skepticism among skeptics to curiosity and fascination among those interested in paranormal phenomena. The case became a subject of debate within the psychical research community.

Q: Has any scientific explanation been proposed for this incident?

A: No definitive scientific explanation has been proposed. Some researchers suggest it might be an example of mass hypnosis or a rare psychic phenomenon, while others view it as an unexplained anomaly.

Q: Why is the case still relevant today?

A: The case remains relevant because it challenges our understanding of what is possible within the realm of human consciousness and physical laws. It continues to inspire discussions on paranormal phenomena and the limits of scientific explanation.