Amanda Warner
Friday, October 31, 2008
After several years of restoration, the White Sanitarium, 500 Olen St., is back on the market.
Rather than tone down the rumors of the spirits that reside in the 1925-era clinic, they are being emphasized with a Halloween-style open house. The open house will take place today from 4 to 7 p.m., complete with candy for trick-or-treaters and stories of the sanitariums haunted past.
On Tuesday, Traci Roberts, field investigator for Texoma Researchers Investigating Paranormal Phenomenon, headed out to evaluate the old place for an unseen presence or nonliving residents.
While several members were sitting downstairs in the
main area, they heard a little girl laughing, she said. The White family that
used to live there had a young daughter.
Evidence is still being evaluated, but the team sensed a high level of energy
outside of the building, like it was a gathering place for people, Roberts said.
We try to be as scientific as possible, she said. We really try to debunk whatever is going on. By using cameras with two monitors, interviews with the homeowners and digital recorders to pick up electronic voice phenomenon, the investigators are able to verify any unseen spirits, Roberts said.
The best are when we are having a conversation and they will participate, she said. We’ve had spirits in the background making comments.
Other members in the team are more sensitive and can actually feel a presence, she said.
When we use up all of our resources and we cant find any reason for what is heard or seen, you have a possible haunting, Roberts said.
As far as prospective buyers are concerned, Roberts encourages a look at the property.
If they’re willing to put up with the spirits, then
sure, she said. If I had the money, I would buy the place.
People would be interested in staying in a hotel or apartment that is haunted,
she said.