Pomona College Ghosts in the Science Building

The History and Background

The Science Building at Pomona College in Claremont, California, has a long-standing reputation for being haunted. Nestled among the rolling hills of Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, this historic building stands as an architectural testament to early 20th-century educational aspirations. Built in 1913, it was originally constructed as the Chemistry and Physics Laboratory, later serving various academic purposes including biology and geology.

The building’s construction was overseen by architect John Parkinson, known for his work on other prominent Southern California institutions such as Occidental College. It became part of Pomona College in 1925 when the college purchased the land and buildings from Occidental to expand its campus. Over the years, it has housed numerous science departments, each contributing to the building’s storied past.

Key Events or Sightings

The earliest reported sighting dates back to the early 1940s, though the ghostly presence was not officially acknowledged until much later. In 1985, a group of students witnessed what they believed to be a figure in one of the upper labs. They described it as an elderly man wearing period clothing, with a long gray beard and white hair. The incident occurred on the night of October 27th, during a particularly eerie full moon.

Another notable sighting took place in 1995 when a group of faculty members working late in the building reported hearing footsteps and feeling a cold presence in the hallways. One professor claimed to have seen a spectral figure near her office door, which was immediately locked from the inside. She recounted this experience during a staff meeting on November 3rd.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Over the years, numerous students and faculty members have shared their experiences with the ghostly presence in the Science Building. In 2010, an anonymous student wrote to the college’s administration describing several incidents he had witnessed over his four years at Pomona:

Q: What were your experiences like?

A: I often felt a cold breeze on my neck late at night when no one else was around. Once, I heard whispers in an empty room and saw a shadowy figure standing by the window. I never got to see the face clearly, but it gave me goosebumps every time.

In 2015, a graduate student named Sarah Thompson recorded unusual sounds on a night she stayed late for a final project. She set up her phone’s recording app and heard what sounded like shuffling feet and faint whispers. When she played back the recording, the sounds were too quiet to be attributed to any mechanical cause.

Investigations or Research

Several investigations have been conducted over the years to determine whether there is anything beyond mere coincidence driving these reports. In 2017, a paranormal group from Los Angeles visited Pomona College and performed an overnight investigation with EMF meters, temperature sensors, and cameras equipped with infrared night vision. Their findings were inconclusive; however, they noted several instances where the temperature dropped significantly in unoccupied areas.

A more recent investigation was carried out by a team of students from the University of California, Riverside, using advanced spectral imaging technology. The study focused on detecting anomalous electromagnetic radiation that could indicate ghostly activity. Although their equipment did not detect any significant anomalies, one student reported seeing a fleeting image of an old man in the infrared feed.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite these investigations and others, the Science Building remains open to the general public and continues to be used for academic purposes. Students often report feeling uneasy or experiencing strange occurrences late at night, leading some to avoid the building after dark. However, many faculty members and administrators dismiss such claims as mere superstition.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Have any paranormal investigators been able to capture photographic evidence of the ghostly presence?

A: Several groups have attempted to document this phenomenon through photography, but none have produced convincing evidence. The most notable attempt was by a local paranormal enthusiast in 2013 who claimed to capture an image of a spectral figure on film, but the photo was later revealed as a hoax.

Q: Are there any historical records or documents that support the ghostly presence?

A: Historical records do not mention any specific incidents involving supernatural activity. However, there are accounts from early students and faculty members who reported feeling uncomfortable in certain areas of the building. These anecdotes, while not definitive evidence, suggest a long-standing belief in something eerie happening within the walls.

Q: Has Pomona College ever addressed the ghostly presence?

A: The college administration has been generally dismissive of paranormal claims, focusing instead on maintaining safety and order. They have installed modern security systems and lighting to deter any potential disturbances, but they do not officially acknowledge or investigate such reports.

Q: Are there any plans for further investigations into the Science Building’s ghostly history?

A: There are no immediate plans for official investigations. However, student interest groups occasionally organize their own efforts, often with support from local paranormal communities. These groups aim to gather more data and possibly collaborate with academic researchers interested in studying the phenomenon.

Q: What do students say about experiencing the ghostly presence?

A: Students report a range of experiences, from feeling cold drafts to hearing unexplained noises. Some describe seeing fleeting shadows or shapes that vanish as soon as they are noticed. These accounts vary widely but collectively suggest an ongoing and persistent feeling of unease in certain parts of the building.

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The Science Building at Pomona College continues to be a source of fascination and mystery, with reports of ghostly sightings persisting long after its original construction. Whether it is the lingering spirit of a former professor or something more supernatural, the building’s history remains intertwined with these unexplained phenomena. As more students and investigators continue their efforts to uncover the truth, one thing is certain: the Science Building’s reputation for haunting will likely endure for years to come.