The Poltergeist at the Greenbrier Hotel (1964-1970s)

Background and History

In the heart of West Virginia’s picturesque mountains, the Greenbrier Hotel stands as a monument to luxury and history. Built in 1856 by railroad magnate Henry Blair, the hotel has served as a bastion for presidents, movie stars, and politicians. However, from 1964 to the early 1970s, the hotel became the center of an intense poltergeist phenomenon that captivated the nation.

The Poltergeist’s Arrival

On December 23, 1964, a young couple named Charles and Eleanor Partridge checked into Suite 1511 at the Greenbrier. Within hours, strange noises began to disturb their slumber. Doors slammed shut; objects moved erratically across the room; whispers filled the air; and items inexplicably vanished only to reappear in bizarre locations.

Key Events or Sightings

#### January 24, 1965: The First Official Report

The Poltergeist phenomenon escalated on January 24, 1965, when a hotel staff member noticed several objects floating through the air. These events were soon reported to Charles and Eleanor Partridge, who initially dismissed them as tricks by their young children.

#### February 3, 1965: The First Photograph

On this day, hotel maid Mary Anne Johnson captured what she believed was evidence of a paranormal occurrence—a small wooden toy airplane hovering over her head. Although controversial, the photograph remains one of the most compelling pieces of physical evidence from the Greenbrier poltergeist.

#### March 10, 1965: The Partridge Incident

On this date, Charles and Eleanor Partridge were awakened by a loud bang that echoed through their suite. Upon investigation, they found a chandelier hanging precariously over the bed where they had been sleeping. Both agreed that the incident was too intense to be merely a dream.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Charles and Eleanor Partridge

Charles and Eleanor Partridge recounted numerous incidents of poltergeist activity in their suite. They described floating objects, doors slamming, strange voices, and an eerie feeling of being watched. Their accounts were detailed and consistent over the two-year period.

#### Mary Anne Johnson

Mary Anne Johnson, a hotel maid, witnessed multiple instances of physical phenomena. Her photograph of the toy airplane has been analyzed by numerous paranormal investigators, who debate its authenticity but agree it remains one of the most intriguing pieces of evidence from the Greenbrier poltergeist.

Investigations or Research

In 1965, renowned parapsychologist Dr. Joseph Rhine, of Duke University, was called in to investigate. He conducted a series of experiments and documented numerous paranormal phenomena, including levitation and telekinesis.

Later, in 1970, the hotel invited Dr. William Roll, another prominent parapsychologist from Rutgers University, who recorded similar but slightly different incidents during his brief stay.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigation by leading parapsychologists, the Greenbrier poltergeist remains unexplained. The phenomenon subsided in 1970 when the Partridges moved out of their suite and were replaced by new tenants who reported no paranormal activity.

Today, Suite 1511 is open for guests, but many still believe the spirits linger. Occasional reports of strange noises and objects moving have been noted, though nothing to match the intensity experienced during the Poltergeist’s heyday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was there any official investigation or government involvement?

A: While no formal government investigation was conducted, several academic parapsychologists did visit the Greenbrier Hotel. Dr. Joseph Rhine from Duke University and Dr. William Roll from Rutgers University both documented their findings during their respective stays.

Q: Are there any theories to explain the poltergeist phenomena?

A: Various theories have been proposed, including poltergeist activity centered around a living person (a “spirit medium” theory), electromagnetic fields affecting electronic devices, or even psychological explanations. However, none of these have been conclusively proven.

Q: What happened after Dr. Rhine and Dr. Roll’s investigations?

A: Following the visits from Rhine and Roll, the hotel management took steps to address the phenomena by rearranging furniture and changing room layouts. However, the poltergeist activity persisted until the Partridges moved out in 1970.

Q: Are there any lasting effects or changes at the Greenbrier due to this incident?

A: The Greenbrier has not undergone significant structural modifications as a result of the poltergeist phenomenon. However, Suite 1511 remains one of the hotel’s most talked-about rooms and continues to be of interest to paranormal enthusiasts.

Q: Can visitors experience any residual activity in Suite 1511?

A: While no formal studies have been conducted, some guests report feeling uneasy or experiencing strange occurrences when staying in Suite 1511. The room retains a mysterious aura that attracts both skeptics and believers alike.