Margery Crandon

Margery Crandon: The Boston Medium and Her Haunting Controversy

In the early 20th century, the city of Boston was a hub for spiritualism and psychical research, with mediums and spirit communicators frequently drawing attention from both believers and skeptics alike. Among them was one woman who would become the center of one of the most notorious cases in paranormal history: Margery Crandon.

The Early Days

Margery Crandon, born Mina Crandon on January 26, 1889, to a poor farming family in rural Massachusetts, had an unusual upbringing. She was introduced to spirit communication by her grandfather, who claimed to be able to contact the spirits of his deceased relatives. This early exposure planted the seeds for what would later become one of the most controversial and scrutinized cases in psychical research.

Key Events: The Rise to Fame

Margery’s rise to fame began on June 26, 1908, when she demonstrated her abilities before a gathering of friends at their home. These initial demonstrations were relatively simple—moving objects around the room—but they quickly escalated into more complex phenomena. By November 1910, Margery was performing in public, and her reputation as a medium grew rapidly.

Witness Accounts: The Phenomena

#### The Table Leaping

One of the most famous events took place on January 27, 1911. During a sitting at the home of William F. Konklin, Margery was seated at a table that suddenly began to leap and fly through the air. This phenomenon, known as “table leaping,” had never been documented before, making it both thrilling and suspicious.

#### The Poltergeist

Over the next few months, the phenomena intensified. In February 1911, Margery’s bedroom was reportedly filled with a poltergeist activity. A friend noted that a window shutter was slammed against its frame, causing a “sickening noise,” while a picture on the wall suddenly fell to the floor.

#### The Mediumship

Margery’s mediumship involved a range of phenomena. She claimed to have a voice from beyond the grave, which she would use to deliver messages. These voices were often disembodied and could be heard throughout the house. Additionally, Margery was said to levitate objects, make her hand disappear, and even communicate through telepathy.

Investigations: The Search for Truth

The phenomenon at the Crandon home quickly caught the attention of both believers and skeptics. In 1910, William F. Konklin approached Professor William James, a leading figure in psychical research, to investigate Margery’s abilities. James was intrigued but initially skeptical.

#### The First Investigation (1912)

On January 25, 1912, a team of six men, including William James and magician Harry Houdini, set up camp at the Crandon home to conduct an official investigation. They aimed to prove or disprove Margery’s claims through scientific methods.

#### The Second Investigation (1918)

In March 1918, a second investigation was conducted by Robert Bartholomew, a professional magician and skeptic. Bartholomew claimed to have discovered the secrets behind Margery’s phenomena during this investigation.

The Crandon Brothers

Central to both investigations were the Crandon brothers—Herbert, Walter, and Warren. They played key roles in orchestrating the paranormal events. Herbert was rumored to be responsible for many of the poltergeist-like activities, while Walter and Warren were involved in mechanical tricks to move objects and create illusions.

The Collapse

The truth about Margery’s abilities began to unravel when a photograph emerged in 1924 showing her levitating with an assistant hidden under her dress. This revelation was devastating for both Margery and the mediumship community. In 1925, after years of public scrutiny, Margery Crandon admitted that she had been faking her phenomena.

The Aftermath

Following her confession, Margery Crandon changed her name to Mina Crandon and worked as a cabaret singer in Boston before moving to New York City. Her life took a dark turn; she was arrested multiple times for fraud and petty theft. In 1938, Mina Crandon died of kidney failure in a New Jersey hospital.

The Legacy

Despite the debunking of her abilities, Margery Crandon’s case remains one of the most intriguing in paranormal history. Her story has inspired numerous books, films, and documentaries, continuing to captivate audiences with its mix of mystery, deception, and the human desire for supernatural explanations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Did William James ever believe in Margery Crandon?

A: Initially skeptical, William James was intrigued by Margery’s claims. However, after the 1912 investigation, he became increasingly doubtful and eventually admitted that he had been misled.

Q: How did Robert Bartholomew expose Margery’s tricks?

A: Bartholomew claimed to have discovered hidden mechanisms used in the poltergeist-like phenomena. He exposed a mechanical contraption used to make objects fly and disappear, as well as other trickery.

Q: Why was Mina Crandon’s 1924 photograph so significant?

A: The photograph revealed that her levitation involved an assistant hiding under her dress, proving that the phenomena were staged. This confession marked a turning point in the case, leading to widespread disbelief and accusations of fraud.

Q: Was Margery Crandon’s mediumship ever taken seriously by serious researchers?

A: At the height of her career, many serious researchers, including William James, took her claims seriously. However, as evidence mounted against her, her credibility began to wane among both believers and skeptics alike.

Q: How has Margery Crandon’s case influenced modern paranormal research?

A: Her case highlights the importance of rigorous testing and skepticism in psychical research. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for deception and the need for transparency and honesty in scientific inquiry.