For over twenty years, Amberrose Hammond has been researching the supernatural, weird, and off-beat history of Michigan, and she also has an intense interest in the Spiritualist movement. In this episode, Patrick talks to Amberrose about her most recent book, Mysterious Michigan: The Lonely Ghost of Minnie Quay, the Marvelous Manifestations of Farmer Riley, the Devil in Detroit & More. Other topics include the Ouija board and a spectacular behind-the-scenes look at fraudulent Victorian mediums.
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In this episode:
Episode Teaser :00
Intro :45
Please share the show with a friend who would appreciate it! 1:26
Amberrose Hammond’s Bio. 2:53
Patrick and Amberrose share a love of historic cemeteries! 4:08
The story of the cover of Mysterious Michigan. 7:46
Falling in love with Michigan’s haunted history. 10:10
Paranormal conferences and more on Amberrose’s early involvement in the paranormal. 14:44
Vicksburg Spiritualist Camp at Fraser’s Grove. 16:58
“Do you Ouija?” Ouija stories from Michigan in the 1920s. 19:24
The 1920 Ouija Board and Automatic Writing: How to do it pamphlet by Hereward Carrington, PhD. 22:38
The joy of collecting Ouija boards, and some early experiences with them. 24:30
“People would describe that these forms would come floating out of the floor.” James “Farmer” Riley, seances, spirit cabinets, and a behind-the-scenes look at fraudulent Victorian mediums. 28:25
“Sitters were fooled because of a willingness to believe.” 38:55
Did the fraud really hurt anything? 40:24
Going back in time or recreating these Victorian seances. 41:36
Dividing a fortune! The lost story of Eber B. Ward and the Kardashians of their day. Plus celebrity mediums in the courtroom! 43:24
Fraud was rampant in the Spiritualist Movement, but a lot of good came out of it as well. 53:30
Other stories from the book. 56:53
Halloween talk, Howard the Duck, and Trick-or-Treating! 1:00:07
Hocus Pocus 2! 1:07:55
Chilli and pumpkin spice. 1:08:45
Final thoughts from Amberrose Hammond and where to find her! 1:09:33
A special THANK YOU to Patreon supporters at the Super Paranerd and Parlor Guest level! 1:11:00
Outro 1:13:32
For more on Amberrose Hammond
Amberrose's previous appearance in episode 151
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