Lights blink. Things go bump in the night. Shadows move swiftly in and out of view. Barely discernible sounds may be voices. Transparent, floating apparitions materialize out of thin air. Nothing brings chills and back-of-the-neck prickles like the possibility of a ghostly visitation. Who hasn’t been jumpy while watching “Ghost Hunters,” television’s No. 1 paranormal reality series on the Syfy network?
Now area enthusiasts will have an opportunity to take part in an actual haunted investigation. Ken Elliott, owner of Winfield’s Iron Gate Inn, built in 1885, has asked Darin Peterson and his Moonlit Ghost Hunts to explore this local bed-and-breakfast, and you’re invited.
“This is not a ghost tour or haunted house,” Elliott said, “and it’s not just a tag-along. Everyone attending will actually participate.”
Members of Moonlit Ghost Hunts, from Wichita and around south central Kansas, will lead the hunt as well as provide equipment and instructions on how it works.
Peterson said equipment used will include four types of MEL meters which measure AC magnetic and temperature changes and detect vibration and static electricity. A spirit box, a modified AM/FM radio, scans both frequencies constantly so a ghost or spirit can communicate over the air waves. A piece of equipment taken from earthquake research — the geophone — is very sensitive and used in paranormal research to detect footsteps, bumps or knocks. The KS EMF meter quickly samples the electromagnetic field. Many modified infrared night vision CCTV cameras are utilized, along with digital voice recording devices and several lasers with different colored beams. A modified Nikon professional grade camera takes full-spectrum photos of light that the naked eye does not recognize. Night vision monocular scope and Sony Handycams allow for long range viewing in the dark. Numerous motion sensors/detectors are used, and a DVR with screen serves as the command base.
“This will be your chance for a hands-on experience of what you’ve seen done on TV,” Elliott said.
Moonlit Ghost Hunts and Moonlitghosthunts.com was established in fall 2011. According to their Web site, it was “an idea inspired by an interest in things unexplained and desire to have a better understanding of the science behind paranormal investigating.”
Members hope to teach investigation techniques as they furnish the most current equipment in the field. They supply a location — usually known to have paranormal activity — as they give others a chance to have a real investigative experience.
“We’ve actually been selling out at every single location lately,” Peterson said, “so it’s really started to feel like there’s been some demand to get out and see some historic places and learn how to investigate.”
When Elliott purchased the Iron Gate Inn in January, he quickly became aware the 125-year-old mansion, the former home of John Peter Baden and his wife, Adelaide, held many unique features and untold tales.
“I don’t think anyone has ever died in the house,” Elliott said, “but there does not have to be a death for paranormal activity to exist.”
The inn is filled with interesting and original details such as the European imported parquet floors on the first and second floors and the sweeping hand-carved, walnut, 17-foot main staircase.
During the expedition, participants will explore not only the history — but the mystery — of the mansion.
Elliott also owns the 1889 Serenity Bed and Breakfast on N. Market in Wichita. A haunted hunt is planned for Aug. 17 at the Serenity.
“We just want the public to come in and share the experience,” Elliott said. “It’s a really fun evening; you’ll learn a lot, and then you can do your own investigating. It will be a night you won’t soon forget.”
The Iron Gate Inn is located at 1203 E. Ninth. The hunt will begin at 8:30 p.m. July 30 and last until midnight. Moonlit members will divide participants into small groups. Cost is $35 per person. Some areas of the inn are not handicapped accessible, and the experience is probably not suitable for children under the age of 14.
Tickets or more information about the Winfield investigation or other upcoming events may be purchased or viewed at www.moonlitghosthunts.com.
“We’re always looking for other new places to go,” Peterson added, “and we do think there are some other places of interest in Winfield.”
Peterson encourages anyone who might have a location to suggest to contact him at the Moonlit Ghost Hunts Web site.
“The Iron Gate Inn also offers free historic tours upon request,” said Elliott.
Reservations may be made by calling 221-7787.
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