~ " Hidden Treasure " ~
I've been getting emails asking why i haven't done an evening investigation INSIDE the Staats House yet (with camcorders, digital tape recorders, etc). Well, it doesn't appear that it's gonna happen! Here's the scoup:
'Way back in 4/2005, I first emailed the local Historical Society and Town Council about what i wanted to do (walk thru the house at night, taking pix and having video and audio recorders running. *I* would be responsible for any damage, accidents, etc, and would sign a waiver to that effect.
Since then, i've emailed them several times, and have gotten only "vague" answers and excuses, about vague "questions" and "concerns" that they had. (I can't understand WHAT "questions & concerns" -- this isn't rocket science!). One of the Bullshit stories was the "the floorboards on the 2nd floor are unstable". I know for a FACT that this isn't so!
As you know, i have investigated MANY places, and NEVER had THIS much trouble! Even the gigantic Flanders Hotel in Ocean City merely needed ONE phone call to the manager. (If they don't want me to investigate it, why not just SAY SO?!??! I felt as if i was getting the "run-around" from these people, and it's damned frustrating!). This town is only 1 square mile, and not exactly a "den of sin & vice", so i haven't the foggiest what keeps these people soooo busy that they don't have the time to make such a small decision as this. After all, i don't want to DEMOLISH the place, for Pete's Sake!
FOUR months later, on 8/20, i went to the Staats House, and spoke with 4 members of the historical commission, and you could cut the negativity with a KNIFE! All i kept hearing was the "we've looked at the photos you've taken, and they don't look like 'ghosts' to us!" (as if they're experts on the subject -- MANY ghost orgs were quite impressed with 'em). I don't tell THEM how to play "dress up"; they shouldn't tell ME about photographing ghosts........
The other (idiotic, imho) argument was that "we don't want this to become a 'Weird NJ' attraction, and have it over-run with curiosity seekers!". I pointed out that the Spy House (Long Branch, NJ) is considered THE "Most Haunted House on the East Coast", and the times i've been there i haven't seen a soul! (At least, a LIVE one! LOL!).
Plus, the pages you're now looking at have been up for over a YEAR, and i haven't seen a "stampede" at the Staats House YET!
(Quite frankly, a billboard was flashing over & over in my mind, saying, " .....)
They mentioned that the Staats House was "their responsibility" (a "treasure", they called it) and they felt an attaction to it, and wanted to "look out for it".....
I pointed out that i understood how they feel but, because of their actions, it's a "HIDDEN Treasure", because no one knows about it, whether your interest is the "historical" or "ghost angle". I also said that "I find it interesting, tho, that for a town that "dresses up" and re-enacts battles, that you are not interested in capturing the actual ENERGIES of the people you are Honoring". (I guess they just like to play "dress-up"...I usually wait for Hallowe'en to do that.....).
I personally feel that they are being extremely selfish! They do not OWN the house; it belongs to History. Hell, i've lived in this town for over 20 years, and, with the overly-inflated taxes i'm paying (and, getting NOTHING for them, I might add), *I* must have some "stock" in it, as well....
Suppose OTHER people who were responsible for historical sites felt the way they do -- we wouldn't be able to visit historical homes, battlefields, cemeteries, prisons, etc, all because a bunch of selfish children "didn't want us to play with their 'toys'". Good Grief.
I can't say that I didn't expect this. It seems that EVERYTHING my town does is fucked up in one way or another. The so-called "town facelift", garbage pickup, laws, and everything else goes against common sense. I could write volumes on that stuff alone, but i won't bore you. Our town doesn't even have a pharmacy any more! Suffice it to say that no one -- NO ONE -- i've ever spoken to in this town likes the way it's being run, but are powerless to "stop the Insanity Machine". (I'VE even considered running for Mayor, but i work in the eves, plus, unless i could have TOTAL control, NOTHING would change one iota!).
I'm sure that someone in my town (or on one of these committees) will read this article & get pissed. Well, the last time i looked, this was a Free Country (the Staats House played a vital role in obtaining these Rights), and if you don't like it, change your stupid ideas about ghost hunting!
Btw........... if anyone wants directions to the Staats House, please email me!
