"Wild Boys" Hunted by Posse for Murder! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

I've run into a question of whether the next convict investigated is actually buried at Boot Hill Cemetery in New Westminster, B.C.  Why would I think otherwise? I'll explain as the convict's story is told.

Meet convict #1884 - Moses Paul

This story begins with a mysterious death in the Clinton, B.C. area. A man's body is found with his head crushed in. What had happened? Who did this? Who was this man?

Robbery, Murder & Hanging! (Convicts Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

Here is the story of two convicts who gained fame for an ambitious escape attempt that went oh so wrong. These lads are now interred at the B.C. Penitentiary's Cemetery, a small plot of land which lays west across a ravine from where the prison once stood in New Westminster.

Thank You! .. and What Comes Next...

Hello Friends!

Happy New Year!  “Thank You” for your amazing support throughout 2014. You have been most kind to us, and have helped us to carve a new path into 2015.  We wish to Thank some very special people who have entered our lives, and look forward to their continued friendship and connection.:

Jules Stirling – who lent us her personal time in 2014, gave VSPI support with several private investigations that required extra assistance and use of her truly amazing gift, and she recommended a few clients our way. She has now joined our team full time, and we cannot be more pleased. Thank you Jules!  You truly astound us each and every time we meet and go adventuring with you, and look forward to working with you closely.

Anne Bannerman – from Salmagundi West, a curio shop in Vancouver’s Gastown, who opened her store to us in the evening hours and welcomed us with open arms.  She allowed us to set up a late evening investigation, in which an employee joined us and shared her special gift (Patricia Cosgrave). Thank you! We have since discovered some interesting evidence and will be sharing it in the upcoming weeks, first with Anne and then with you.  We truly love the curio shop and always have a great time visiting. I encourage you to visit the shop for a unique experience! Check out their SW Facebook Page for more information.

Happy Holidays!

It’s that time of the year again, when most of us rush around to finish this and that, complete our shopping, wrap up projects, and ensure everything is in place for the Holiday Season.  If you are anything like me, you procrastinate a little and end up finishing things in the last minute.  When will I learn?

I remember, as a child, my father would take my siblings and me, in the early hours of a November morning, down to the fish docks.  We’d wait in long line ups, with other families, to fill our buckets with freshly caught herring.  I can see some of your noses crinkling, but until you have tried this delicacy the way our family serves it, you truly don’t know what you’re missing.  We’d fill at least 5 big buckets (I would say a good 100 of the tiny fish) and enjoy the smell of the sea filling the car on our trip home.  I would then assist my mother in the washing and cleaning of the fish; removing the innards and filleting them.  They would then get layered with coarse salt in big ceramic pots and sit in the dark of our basement cellar for weeks.  The salt would cook the fish, so the end result would be to wash them off, and cut them up to ready them for salads.  My mother always made a most delicious Herring Salat (German).  It was mixed with cooked potatoes, pickles, hard boiled eggs, sliced apples and cooked red beets, and seasoned with vinegar, salt & pepper, and dill weed.  I would always try to steal a few mouthfuls before it was served to the family on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve was the special evening of celebration with a family gathering and a pot luck meal.  Mom would always invite friends who found themselves alone at this time of the year.  After a short retirement to our bedrooms, we’d hear a bell ringing, calling to us to come to the living room to see the wonderment of a Christmas Tree and all the lovely presents underneath.  Now mind you, we had to work for those presents.  My siblings and I would have to prepare a poem, act out a skit, perform with instruments, or tell a story before any of us would be able to partake in the merriment of gift opening.  Then we sang a number of holiday songs while some of us played recorder or the piano.  The wait for that moment was always so long and arduous. I would often shake in fear that I would say something wrong, or play my recorder with mistakes, or would simply forget my presentation all together.  However, I always succeeded.

A Necessary Trip (A Reminder of Why I Ghost Hunt)...

A good friend contacted me asking for help.  She was experiencing frightening activity.  Although she could not see anything (shadow people, anomalies etc.), she knew that something was surrounding her from time to time in what she thought was her safe haven.  This not only added to the stress in her life, but it frightened her about the future.   Her boyfriend, however, was not feeling anything and had no idea how to resolve the issue.

In order to protect their privacy and confidentiality of my friend, I’ll call her ‘Star’ and her boyfriend ‘Moon’.

VPL, Special Collections - Circa 1916 Robson St.

I performed some light research of the area and took the time to visit this lovely friend, her partner, and of course their adorable cats!  I noticed immediately that there was high electromagnetic field readings in her apartment, because my body felt as if it was being charged and it was constant.  So I took a reading with my meters and determined it was due to old wiring (an old oven & refrigerator were the main culprits, while in the bathroom an old lighting fixture raised alarms).  Star and Moon live in a small one bedroom apartment of a high-rise building in Vancouver’s West End.  I determined Star must be hyper sensitive to the amount of energy emitting from these appliances.  I asked her simple questions to help determine what she was feeling, where she frequently sat etc.  This revealed an enormous amount of information to assist me.  I showed them both, explaining in simple terms, what was going on and what I recommended they do.  To learn this was something they could work with and correct, provided much relief from the anxiety Star was carrying.

A few days later, I heard back from Star, telling me that things had gotten much better.  She no longer sat in an area that was immersed in high EMF waves, and had found a way to cope with the energy in the bathroom.

A few months later, I heard from Star again.  This time she was experiencing activity in other areas of the apartment, thus believing it was due to spirit visitations.  She shared photos taken which had light streaks across them.  Star had become extremely concerned and once again was feeling extra stress in her life.

The Ghosts of Salmagundi West...

Circa 1935 - Cordova & Cambie (photo courtesy VPL Archives)

By now most Vancouverites have heard of, visited, and even experienced the spirits of Salmagundi West, a curio shop in the city’s Gastown area.  The incredible eclectic collection of unique items Anne Banner sells in her shop, help lend to the entire “paranormal” claim.  Salmagundi West may also resolve some of your “I don’t know what to get so & so for Xmas” troubles.  If you have not dropped by, please do so @ 321 Cordova St West.  Tell them VSPI sent you.

For Vancouver Spooks, this shop is certainly one of mystery and chills.  However, during our first investigation (end of July 2014), an early evening one and not the usual overnight exposure, we did not collect paranormal evidence to prove the claim of “spirits”.  This doesn't lend to the fact that some team members had personal experiences, which cannot be presented as proof.

Research Brings Gifts...

Hi Tante Kati (German for "Aunt Kati")! I just moved into a new place and was told by the downstairs tenants that apparently our suite is haunted! One room specifically. The house is definitely old, probably at least 70-80 years. Do you know how I would go about learning more about the history of the place? Maybe you could come over and investigate it! I haven't noticed anything unusual going on, but I have only slept there one night so far since they are currently renovating it." Natasha, my niece, messaged me through Facebook one Thursday evening.

Of course I was intrigued, and wondered if the renovations would kick up activity. I would have to know more. With a few messages back and forth over the next few days, I received the address of the home and began my trek through the wonderful world of research. I let Natasha know that if anything unexplained occurred over the following week, to write it down, text me any time, and I would help as best as I could. I promised to get back to her within a week. A few days later, Natasha let me know her doorbell had rung with no one there, and she witnessed a shadow person, possibly a woman, looking at her.

Occasionally I receive visitations from spirits in my own home, usually the week prior to an investigation. It seems as if they know I am coming. Sometimes I get a feeling of whom it is, and other times I’m not sure. When I hear the footsteps on my bamboo runners, or the glass smashing in my kitchen, or knocks on my walls, I always rule out the obvious (living in a cement building transmits less noise than in other structures – I check thoroughly regardless). With the upcoming investigation at Natasha’s, I received a visit from what I felt was a female spirit informing me she was looking for someone. I read out the names of the families I had researched and landed on one that made absolute sense. I kept this information to myself.

Poco Heritage & VSPI - Mini Ghost Hunt (Oct/12)

“Did you hear that?” a young girl asked the group and looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Yes, it sounded like a chime.” I confirmed her observations.
“I heard the same thing.” Brian, the president of Poco Heritage Society, agreed with us.
Several others nodded in confirmation.

We sat in silence waiting with wonder, hoping to hear the bell-like ringing again. It
came a little later, but this time it was two chimes in a row. Settled on the floor of the backstage hallway in the dark, the group was wide-eyed hoping to capture some evidence of the spirits from beyond. I was leading a group of teenagers and adults in a mini ghost hunt at the haunted Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre. Earlier, I had guided them through a power point session on investigating the paranormal at the Poco Heritage Society’s temporary site, and then walked the group over to the Theatre to put what I taught them into action. We were practicing using our senses, being alert and conducting an EVP session in the dark. Calling out to the spirits of the Theatre, we had hopes to make contact with the main spirit, William (or Bill as he sometimes comes through), who was been murdered in the building in the late 1990s. Wondering if this was a sign from either Bill or one of the other spirits (there’s the man who stands on the stage and appears to children and makes himself known to sensitive’s /  the woman who is seeking her red shoe we believe to be Rose Anne Lilly / and a woman we call "Maria" who died at the famous Essondale Hospital of the Mind, now known as Riverview Hospital, who is seeking someone to help her find her stolen child).  Unfortunately it was not a sign, nor was it paranormal.

Evidence @ The Giggle Dam Dinner Theater

Is the Giggle Dam Haunted? – Historical Facts & Evidence Found...

Hello everyone, it’s Kati of Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations, checking in with you again. Thought I would provide an update to a most interesting investigation of the building at 2616 Shaunessy Street, formally known as the Port Theatre, and now known as The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre.

I had an interesting interview with Bernie Pregler not long ago. Pippa of the Port Coquitlam Heritage & Cultural Society passed on a message from a member, who suggested we speak with Bernie about the Theatre, believing his father played a part in its history. She was right. So here is an update on the history of the Theatre:

1947 – Three men: Joe Pregler (born in 1905, from Port Arthur, Ont), Dave Kincaid (an investor from Lakehead, Ont) and Bob Miller (a furniture & woodworker – believed to have owned Paragon Woodworks), decided to go into a venture together and build a theatre in Port Coquitlam on a lot that was sitting empty on Shaunessy Street near McAllister. Across the street was the Pacific Stage Line Bus Depot (a website with information on this bus service: http://members.shaw.ca/jack_brown/pacificstage.html), which had a café and a U-shaped drive. At the corner of McAllister and Shaunessy was Hammond’s Garage.

1948 - Fraser Valley Investments Ltd (believed to be Joe Pregler, Dave Kincaid and Bob Miller) built Port Theatre, with Joe Pregler supervising the construction. Wood from 3-4 boxcars built to carry ammunitions to the allied effort in the Soviet Union during World War 2, was used in the building of the theatre by the contractor. This wood was purchased from Crown Assets Disposal Corporation. The building was opened in late 1948, called the Port Theatre, and was used as a movie house.

Article for PoCo Heritage & Cultural Society Newsletter

VSPI was asked to write an article for the PoCo Heritage & Cultural Society Newsletter coming out in September 2010.. I thought I'd share it with you today:

Is the Giggle Dam Haunted?
In late July, Sheila Sharma and Jon Lundquist of the Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre contacted Kati Ackermann of Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations concerning some odd occurrences the staff has been reporting. Their most recent experience being the cook reported seeing a dark shape of a man walking past the upstairs kitchen and down the hallway. She went to look, and found no one else around. That experience would bring shivers down anyone’s spine! What is going on at the Theatre?

The Giggle Dam staff has reported a number of unusual instances, from a man in a fedora and long dark coat seen wandering, to loud crashing sounds on a staircase, and feelings of someone watching or standing behind you. Last Halloween, the staff invited some friends and mediums to stay the night. They were told of a woman from the burlesque day that is looking for her red shoe; and of a man who appears to be dark and possibly angry, who enjoys throwing items at people. They were also told the woman is protective, thus guides the items out of the way of targeted staff.

VSPI, who not only attempts to verify and/or debunk paranormal activity, also researches a building’s history. Interesting information has been discovered, yet VSPI is still seeking more. The owner(s) and staff have heard some stories and facts, that it was once a Burlesque Club and Movie Theatre; a murder took place within the building when it was known as the Rumours Club; a young man was beaten, and later died, in the parking lot behind the building; and wood believed to be for or from a Russian Czar, was used in portions of the building’s interior. These historical details became a basis of research by VSPI, who with the aid of the Vancouver Library and the Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society, came up with some incredible information to assist in putting a timeline together. Kati and Mark, of VSPI, brought in their equipment and spent an afternoon investigating the building, looking to record voices, sounds and possible apparitions.

As Sheila and Jon are not available until later in September, VSPI will not reveal what has been discovered until after their evidence presentation to the two. The Giggle Dam has permitted VSPI to post evidence on their website, and to guest on an internet radio program hosted by KimmieJae of “A Walk in the Reign Radio”, along with Jon to discuss what may be going on at the Theatre.

VSPI would like to extend a BIG Thank You to the Giggle Dam for allowing them to perform a paranormal investigation, and to the Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society for assisting them in researching the building’s past.

If you have information to assist VSPI and the Giggle Dam, about the past of this amazing building, please contact Kati @ katighosthunter@gmail.com or via their website @ http://www.vancouverspooks.com/ immediately. Your assistance is truly appreciated!
Written by - Kati Ackermann, Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations

VSPI - Up & Running!

Saturday night.. and i've been working on getting Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations website up and running. well, *drum roll*.. i'm happy to announce it's up! check it out: http://www.vancouverspooks.com/ YEAH! of course it requires some tweeking and work. i'll be all over that in the next few days. so hang in there folks, we'll get it the way we want it soon. of course i'm open to any comments/suggestions you have for me! email me.. ok?

what else is new?

the Paralympics are coming to an end. Canada's had such a great ride so far. with several local women making a huge splash in the skiing events.. gold here and there. it's truly amazing! i was watching online a "visually impaired" Alpine Skiing Downhill event, and i was stunned. WOW! with a guide skiing feet ahead of them, and communicating only via a headpiece.. i just can't imagine going downhill at such a speed without "seeing" what is infront of oneself. kudos to the guides for giving amazing direction! i thoroughly enjoyed watching the Sledge Hockey events as well. the athletes are truly built of strength, determination and will to look forward. this game ranks up there with plenty of our NHL & Olympic Ice Hockey games. a new fan has been born in me!

[photo: Val (a volunteer), Quatchie & me]
i became a volunteer for the Olympics out at the UBC Thunderbird Arena, and i had a few days out at the Canada Hockey House towards the end of the games. my favourite part of being a volunteer was meeting people from all walks of life, of all corners of our world, and trading pins with children.. needless to say, i have picked up some cool pins from the RCMP, Czech Republic, Latvia, China and a few more. the people who traded with me were remarkable. there was one evening when i was working in the wheelchair access stands, and a father with his young son (around 7 years old) came in. i assisted them in finding their spot. soon the son wanted to go get some goodies to eat, but with the crowds, his father (in a wheelchair) didn't think it safe for him to go out on the concourse. i had some snack bars in my wonderful blue "smurf" jacket, so i gave them to the child. he looked up at me and smiled with such glee, as if i had just made his day. during intermission i volunteered to take the child to the food stands. his father was very grateful, but you know, i was the one who benefitted from this moment the most. i made new friends and learned something i shall never forget. "giving is precious, for that moment you see a child's smile, is the treasure of it all."

night has fallen, and i'm tired. tomorrow i think i'll go down to Robson Square in the afternoon with my camera and see if i can take a few pictures. the closing ceremonies will be out at Whistler. thank gawd for tv. i can watch them in the evening.

wishing you all a super duper GROOVY weekend! chat with you soon!
kati