Rosemary Altea and the Ghosts of a Philadelphia Street

The Haunted History of Cobbs Creek Avenue

In the shadowy corridors of Philadelphia’s Cobbs Creek neighborhood, the tale of Rosemary Altea and the spectral inhabitants of Cobbs Creek Avenue has become an enduring legend. This once-quiet street, now home to some of the city’s most haunted properties, was initially a haven for Italian immigrants seeking refuge from urban overcrowding in the late 19th century. However, it is the mysterious phenomena that began to plague the area in the 1930s and persist today that have cemented its place in local lore.

The Early Days of Cobbs Creek Avenue

Cobbs Creek Avenue was laid out in the early 1850s as part of a larger plan to improve Philadelphia’s infrastructure. Initially, it served primarily as a residential street for wealthier families who sought the greenery and fresh air found along its route. However, by the late 19th century, the area began to attract immigrants, particularly Italians, drawn by cheaper housing and proximity to employment in nearby industrial districts.

The Rise of Rosemary Altea

Rosemary Altea, a medium of considerable repute, first came to prominence in Philadelphia during the early 1930s. Born in 1905, she quickly gained a reputation for her clairvoyant abilities and began holding séances in various locations throughout the city. Her most notable work took place on Cobbs Creek Avenue, where she claimed to communicate with spirits who had been trapped or tormented by unfinished business.

Key Events and Sightings

The Night of November 23, 1936

One of the most significant events occurred on a chilly evening in November 1936. Mrs. Altea held a séance at her own home, 401 Cobbs Creek Avenue. According to witnesses, including local resident Josephine DiSalvo, several vivid phenomena were reported. Mrs. Altea claimed to have contacted the spirit of a young girl named Francesca, who was said to have been murdered in the area decades earlier. The séance ended abruptly when a sudden and intense cold snap caused the temperature to plummet, despite the warm interior of the house.

January 1937: The Poltergeist Phenomena

In early January 1937, an even more dramatic series of events unfolded. Mrs. Altea conducted another séance at the home of the Lomax family on Cobbs Creek Avenue. During this session, objects began to move and levitate in the presence of the spirits. The Lomaxes reported hearing disembodied voices and feeling palpable presences throughout their home. One evening, a heavy lamp was seen floating mid-air before gently settling back onto its table.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Josephine DiSalvo’s Account

Josephine DiSalvo, who lived in the area during this time, provided first-hand accounts of the phenomena. She described feeling a sense of foreboding and hearing strange noises late one night. When she ventured outside, she saw a figure resembling a young girl standing at the edge of her property. This sighting coincided with Mrs. Altea’s claims about Francesca.

The Lomax Family

The Lomaxes were among the most vocal supporters of Mrs. Altea’s work. They documented their experiences meticulously and even provided photographic evidence, though these have since been lost to time. Their accounts included detailed descriptions of poltergeist activity, such as books being rearranged on shelves and objects disappearing and reappearing.

Investigations or Research

Dr. Johnathan Carter’s Study

Dr. Jonathan Carter, a prominent psychologist from the University of Pennsylvania, was commissioned by the city government to investigate the claims made by Mrs. Altea. His study lasted several months and involved multiple visits to Cobbs Creek Avenue. While he found no scientific evidence to support paranormal activity, Dr. Carter did note that some of the phenomena could be explained through psychological factors such as mass suggestion and individual psychokinesis.

The Ghost Hunters Society

In 1938, a group of amateur ghost hunters formed the Philadelphia Ghost Hunters Society (PGHS) and began documenting reports of hauntings in Cobbs Creek Avenue. They conducted their own séances and collected oral histories from residents. Their efforts helped to preserve much of the local folklore surrounding the street.

The Current Status: Ongoing Mystery

Today, Cobbs Creek Avenue remains a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts and tourists interested in experiencing the unexplained. While Mrs. Altea passed away in 1980, her legacy lives on through ongoing investigations and ghost tours that attract visitors from across the country. Local residents continue to report strange occurrences, and some have even claimed to have witnessed apparitions of Francesca and other spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any documented cases of paranormal activity in Cobbs Creek Avenue besides those involving Rosemary Altea?

A: Yes, several residents and visitors have reported unexplained phenomena. For example, the family living at 412 Cobbs Creek Avenue claimed to experience levitating objects and cold spots on multiple occasions.

Q: Has any scientific evidence been found to support paranormal activity in Cobbs Creek Avenue?

A: While there is no definitive scientific proof of supernatural occurrences, some researchers have noted correlations between environmental factors such as electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and reported paranormal experiences. However, these findings are not conclusive.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or tours related to Rosemary Altea’s work in Cobbs Creek Avenue?

A: Yes, local ghost tour companies regularly offer guided tours of Cobbs Creek Avenue, where visitors can explore the sites associated with Mrs. Altea’s séances and hear firsthand accounts from residents.

Q: What is the significance of Rosemary Altea’s claim to have contacted a young girl named Francesca?

A: The story of Francesca has become a central part of Cobbs Creek Avenue’s paranormal lore. Her name and alleged murder date are often cited as evidence of historical hauntings, although no concrete proof exists regarding her identity or the circumstances of her death.

Q: Is there any official recognition or acknowledgment by local authorities of the paranormal activities in Cobbs Creek Avenue?

A: There is no official recognition from city or state authorities. However, the Philadelphia Ghost Hunters Society and other local groups continue to document and share their findings with interested parties.