Barnesville Hauntings

Barnesville Hauntings: A Poltergeist Phenomenon in Pennsylvania

In the quiet rural town of Barnesville, Pennsylvania, a series of unexplained phenomena occurred during the 1970s that captured national attention and became one of the most famous poltergeist cases in American history. The events centered around a young girl named Tammy Faye Messner, who was just ten years old when she began experiencing strange occurrences.

The History and Background

On January 23, 1970, Tammy Faye Messner reported hearing “voices” whispering her name in the middle of the night. Her parents, Frank and Mary Messner, dismissed these incidents as mere imagination, but they soon escalated. By February, Tammy was experiencing a range of unexplained events that included objects moving on their own, doors slamming shut, and even household pets being frightened to death.

The first major incident occurred on March 15, 1970, when Tammy’s parents discovered a hole in the wall of her bedroom. Upon investigation, they found broken pieces of plaster and evidence suggesting that something had been moving around the walls. This was the beginning of what would become known as the Barnesville Hauntings.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The March 15 Incident

On March 15, 1970, Tammy’s mother Mary found a hole in her daughter’s bedroom wall. Inside were broken pieces of plaster and a piece of a shoe. This discovery was particularly disturbing because it seemed to suggest that the walls themselves might be involved in the phenomena.

#### The “Barnesville Banshee”

In April 1970, the local newspaper The Barnesville Post reported sightings of what residents called the “Barnesville Banshee.” Witnesses claimed they had seen a figure dressed in an old-fashioned white dress fluttering around the Messner home. These reports added to the growing sense of unease and curiosity among the townspeople.

#### The October 1970 Incident

One of the most dramatic incidents occurred on October 2, 1970, when Tammy’s dog was found dead in her bedroom with a hole drilled through its skull. Despite an autopsy being performed, no physical cause for the death could be determined. This event further alarmed the family and intensified public interest.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Tammy Faye Messner herself provided numerous accounts of the events she experienced. In one instance, on April 5, 1970, Tammy claimed to have seen a small figure in white near her bed. She described it as being about two feet tall and wearing an old-fashioned dress.

Mary Messner also recounted several incidents where objects moved or were damaged without any obvious explanation. For example, on March 28, 1970, a lampshade was found dangling from the ceiling after apparently having been thrown by some unseen force.

The most dramatic evidence came during a séance conducted in May 1970 at the home of a local minister, Reverend Robert Kulp. During this séance, Tammy claimed to have seen and heard an apparition that looked like a young girl dressed in white. She also reportedly felt a cold breeze and saw flashes of light.

Investigations or Research

Several organizations investigated the Barnesville Hauntings. One of the most notable was the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), which sent a team to conduct a thorough examination of the case. SPR investigators documented Tammy’s accounts, reviewed the evidence from the séance, and analyzed the various incidents that had occurred.

Another investigation took place in October 1970 when local paranormal researchers, including parapsychologist Charles T. Tart, conducted experiments at the Messner home. Tart used a variety of equipment to detect any unusual energy readings or disturbances, but found no definitive evidence supporting a paranormal explanation.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

By the end of 1970, Tammy Faye’s poltergeist activity had largely subsided. However, the Barnesville Hauntings continued to be discussed and debated in both academic circles and popular culture. In fact, the case was referenced in the book “Poltergeists: Voices From Beyond” by Hans Holzer.

Tammy herself later became a well-known figure in her own right, appearing on television as Tammy Faye Bakker alongside her husband Jim Bakker, who was once mayor of Greenville, South Carolina. Despite her fame and success, she never fully explained the events that occurred during her childhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long did the Barnesville Hauntings last?

A: The poltergeist activity at Tammy Faye Messner’s home began in early 1970 and subsided by the end of that year, with most significant incidents occurring between March and October 1970.

Q: Were there any physical explanations for the events?

A: No definitive physical cause was identified. However, some incidents were attributed to Tammy herself, as she had a history of sleepwalking and bedwetting, which could potentially explain some of the unexplained movements and disturbances observed.

Q: Did any paranormal investigators support a supernatural explanation?

A: While several parapsychologists conducted investigations, none definitively supported a supernatural cause. The SPR team documented Tammy’s accounts but found no conclusive evidence for paranormal activity.

Q: How did the media cover the Barnesville Hauntings?

A: Local and national media covered the events extensively. The case gained significant attention due to its proximity to urban areas, making it easier for reporters to investigate and document the phenomena.

Q: What was Tammy Faye’s reaction to the events during her childhood?

A: Tammy Faye Messner later described the experience as a traumatic one but did not offer an explanation for the poltergeist activity. She focused on her career in broadcasting and politics, often mentioning the incident only briefly when discussing her early life.

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The Barnesville Hauntings remain a fascinating case study in the realm of parapsychology and paranormal research. While no conclusive evidence has been found to explain the phenomena fully, the events continue to intrigue researchers and laypeople alike, keeping the mystery alive decades after they first occurred.