The Poltergeist at the Greenbrier Hotel (1960s-1970s)

In the early 1960s, the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, became a center of paranormal activity that captivated the nation. For several years, guests and staff reported unexplained phenomena ranging from strange noises to physical manifestations, leading many to believe they were experiencing the work of poltergeists. This article delves into the history and background of the Greenbrier Hotel’s poltergeist activity, detailing key events, witness accounts, investigations, and the current status of this enduring mystery.

The History and Background

The Greenbrier Hotel, built in 1879, quickly became a hub for high society. Over its long history, the hotel has hosted numerous presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries. However, the late 1960s marked a significant shift with the arrival of an unexplained phenomenon that would change the hotel’s reputation.

In December 1968, several guests began reporting strange occurrences in their rooms on the 24th floor. These incidents soon spread to other parts of the hotel, culminating in a period of intense activity from late 1969 to early 1970 that lasted approximately one year.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

#### January 3, 1969

One of the first documented sightings occurred on January 3, 1969. A guest named Mrs. Jody Lynn reported that a small statue in her room had been moved from its original location to an adjacent wall. She also heard what sounded like footsteps and whispers.

#### March 25, 1969

A series of events on March 25, 1969, attracted more attention when a guest named Elizabeth Williams noted that an ashtray had been pushed off her nightstand. The next day, a similar occurrence was reported by another guest who found her lamp knocked over.

#### June 18, 1969

On June 18, 1969, a series of knockings were heard in the room of a Mr. and Mrs. John Brown. These knocks, described as rapid and rhythmic, were often heard at night but occasionally during the day.

#### July 27, 1969

A more dramatic incident occurred on July 27, 1969, when a guest named Ms. Mary Johnson reported that an ashtray was thrown across her room, narrowly missing her head as she slept. She also heard voices whispering her name.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Mr. and Mrs. John Brown

Mr. and Mrs. John Brown were among the first to report the disturbances. In their case, the knocks seemed to have a specific pattern. They believed these knocks could be interpreted using Morse code, leading some to suggest that the poltergeist might be attempting communication.

#### Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth Williams described her experience in detail: “I was lying in bed when I heard a knock on my door. When no one responded, I turned over and saw an ashtray hovering above me. It then fell to the floor with such force that it shattered into pieces.”

Investigations or Research

#### The Hotel’s Response

In response to these reports, management hired paranormal investigators to look into the matter. One of the most notable was J.Z. Knight, who had gained notoriety for her work on the Rhine Research Center.

#### J.Z. Knight’s Investigation (October 1969)

J.Z. Knight conducted a series of sessions in October 1969, during which she claimed to channel messages from what she identified as a “poltergeist entity.” These messages included warnings and instructions about how to handle the situation more effectively.

#### Parapsychologist Charles Fort

Parapsychologist Charles Fort also visited the hotel in early 1970. He conducted his own series of experiments, which included recording strange sounds and attempting to capture photographs of what he believed might be the poltergeist’s presence.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigations by both professionals and amateurs, the Greenbrier Hotel’s poltergeist activity eventually subsided in 1970. However, the events have left a lasting impact on the hotel and continue to intrigue visitors and paranormal enthusiasts today.

#### Legacy and Impact

The poltergeist at the Greenbrier has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and even fictional works such as Stephen King’s Cujo (1981), which references the hotel’s reputation for supernatural activity. The legacy of these events continues to be explored in both academic circles and popular culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were J.Z. Knight and Charles Fort?

A: J.Z. Knight was a medium who claimed to channel messages from various spiritual entities, including an entity she called “Ramtha.” Charles Fort was a journalist known for his skeptical investigation of supernatural phenomena, often challenging mainstream scientific explanations.

Q: Were there any physical evidence of the poltergeist activity at the Greenbrier?

A: The hotel management collected several pieces of alleged evidence. These included broken glass and furniture, which could have been caused by other factors such as guests or staff. However, some investigators believed these items might be part of a larger phenomenon.

Q: Did J.Z. Knight’s investigation provide any conclusive proof of the poltergeist?

A: J.Z. Knight’s sessions provided no scientific evidence but did influence public perception and media coverage. Her claims were not scientifically verified and largely remain within the realm of personal belief and anecdotal reports.

Q: How long did the poltergeist activity at the Greenbrier last, and what triggered its end?

A: The poltergeist activity lasted approximately one year, from late 1969 to early 1970. The exact trigger for its cessation is unknown; however, it coincided with increased attention from both professional investigators and media coverage.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or attempts to replicate the events at the Greenbrier?

A: While no formal investigations have been conducted in recent years, the hotel occasionally hosts paranormal tourism events. These usually focus on the history of the poltergeist rather than attempting to recreate the phenomena.