Case of the Blythe Poltergeist

The Blythe Poltergeist: A Haunting in Southern California

The night of December 7, 1968, was unremarkable for most residents of Blythe, a small town on the Colorado River in southeastern California. But for 20-year-old Mary Ann Hinkley and her family, it marked the beginning of an intense poltergeist phenomenon that would captivate local authorities, paranormal enthusiasts, and skeptics alike.

The History and Background

Blythe, founded in 1907, had a reputation for being a quiet desert community. However, on that fateful night, strange occurrences began to plague the Hinkley household at 635 East California Street. Mary Ann’s parents, John and Mavis, were among the first to experience the inexplicable events. The family had moved into their modest bungalow in April 1968, but it was not until December that the poltergeist activity started.

Key Events or Sightings

The earliest reported incident occurred on December 7, just after dusk. John Hinkley awoke to find his bedroom door locked from the inside despite having no recollection of locking it. The next morning, Mavis and Mary Ann discovered an assortment of items had been moved or rearranged in their home: furniture, books, and toys were found displaced, while small objects like coins, matches, and paper clips appeared to have flown through the air.

On December 13, a series of knockings began that would continue throughout the night. John Hinkley woke up several times, each time hearing distinct knocking sounds against his bedroom door and wall. These knocks seemed to be in response to the family’s questions or actions. For instance, if Mavis asked aloud where something was, the knocking would answer by hitting a specific location on the wall.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Mary Ann Hinkley provided some of the most vivid descriptions of the events. “I remember lying awake one night and hearing a knock on my door,” she recounted. “It sounded like someone trying to get in, but when I opened it, nothing was there.” Her parents echoed similar stories, describing the knocking as if an invisible hand were tapping at their doors.

One particularly memorable incident occurred on Christmas Day, 1968. The family gathered around a radio for some entertainment, and just as they turned it on, the speakers began to rattle violently before falling off their stand. Mary Ann’s father, John, managed to catch one of them before it hit the floor.

Investigations or Research

Local authorities were initially skeptical but eventually became intrigued by the reported phenomena. In January 1969, the Blythe Police Department launched an investigation. They brought in a team of paranormal investigators led by Dr. J.W. Mowrer, a psychologist and parapsychologist who had previously studied other poltergeist cases.

Dr. Mowrer set up a series of experiments to gather more evidence. He recorded the knocking sounds using a homemade device that could capture vibrations on film. The footage showed clear patterns in the knocking, with distinct intervals between each knock. Furthermore, some knocks were so forceful they caused small chips and cracks in the walls.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

After six months of investigation, the Hinkley family moved out of their home in July 1969. They relocated to a new house where the poltergeist activity ceased almost immediately. To this day, the exact cause or nature of the Blythe Poltergeist remains unexplained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did anyone else experience these events?

A: Yes, both John and Mavis Hinkley also reported witnessing strange occurrences, including moving objects and knocking sounds.

Q: How long did the poltergeist activity last?

A: The phenomena lasted from December 1968 to July 1969, with a brief respite during which the family moved to their new house.

Q: Were there any scientific explanations offered for the events?

A: Dr. J.W. Mowrer’s recordings and experiments suggested that the knocking was not random but had a pattern, leading some to speculate on psychokinesis as an explanation. However, no definitive scientific explanation has been provided.

Q: Did the Hinkleys ever return to their original home after the events?

A: No, they did not return to the same house where the poltergeist activity took place. They moved to a new location and the phenomena ceased there.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or theories about the Blythe Poltergeist?

A: While no formal investigations have been conducted since 1969, the case continues to fascinate paranormal enthusiasts who occasionally revisit the site in search of further clues.