Monthly Archives: October 2009
News, News, and More News
I’m featured in a couple of new newspaper articles this month, and will also appear on Rockford’s WTVO Channel 17 (digital channel 16) tonight at 10pm central time. Click the links below to read the newspaper articles, or simply go to the “press” tab to read those and past articles. Hopefully a video clip of the Channel 17 piece will be available on their website soon.
Charleston is Haunted
Neil Schneider
Daily Eastern News
October 30, 2009
…As the legend goes, two men passing by the bridge in the morning noticed what they thought was the body of a nude woman about 50 feet from the bridge. As the men approached they realized that the woman had had her head, hands and feet severed from her body.
The men quickly called the local sheriff’s office and from there the investigation began.
Michael Kleen, an Illinois paranormal researcher and author, said that the case is shrouded in mystery.
The Science of Spirit-Sleuthing Part III: Local Lore
Stuart R. Wahlin
Rock River Times
October 28-Nov. 3, 2009
Twin Sisters Park is a popular wintertime destination on Rockford’s southeast side. Boasting sizeable twin hills, there’s little question where the park got its name. It is rumored, however, the park is not only popular with those who sled, but with those who are dead.
“Some people claim that this park has attracted more sinister guests,” local writer and historian Michael Kleen said of the legend during a recent talk at the Rockford Public Library. “The woods have been the scene of several murders, hangings and even a drowning. People say that they experience feelings of dread. They see things moving in the shadows. They feel like they’re being followed in the woods.”
Streets of Fear – “Bloods Point Road” – now up on FEARnet
When FEARnet contacted me about doing an episode of Streets of Fear on Blood’s Point Road, I was looking forward to working with them, but the schedule was very tight. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find anyone else to be in the video on such short notice, but luckily Kathi Kresol and Forest City Paranormal were more than happy to help out. Nothing usually comes together so harmoniously, but we made it happen and I think the episode really reflects that. You can watch the video below, or click here to go to the FEARnet website.
The Rockford Register Star also ran an article about FEARnet’s visit: “Bloods Point residents mystified by myths“
The Legend of Pemberton Hall – The legend returns!
Since the 1950s, a story has been told to every generation of girls who reside in Eastern Illinois University’s legendary Pemberton Hall, the first all-female dormitory in the state of Illinois.
This story involves an infamous dorm mother named Mary Hawkins and the ghost of a girl who was allegedly murdered in the fourth floor piano room over ninety years ago. Pemberton Hall’s fourth floor has been closed for generations, adding fuel to the legend. Students wonder:
- Who was Mary Hawkins?
- What did she really look like?
- How did she die?
- How long has this story been told?
Now peer behind the locked doors and find out what really happened on that dark and stormy night at Eastern Illinois University. The answers to all your questions about this famous story are just a click away! This is the most comprehensive account of the legend ever written.
Click the link below to download it for free! Also, feel free to share this .pdf with your friends!
The Legend of Pemberton Hall by Michael Kleen
The Legend of Pemberton Hall by Michael Kleen
Citations: if you wish to use any of this in a paper or presentation, cite it in the following way (Chicago style):
Michael Kleen, The Legend of Pemberton Hall (Charleston: Black Oak Press, Illinois, 2008), page#.
