Haunted Stone Farmhouse north of New Market Maryland 2006 Investigation
An accomplished author. A personal invitation. EVP and other findings.
Somewhere North of New Market
Friday the 13th, 2006
Organized by “JoeSkull” of Frederick, this was an excellent investigation in the old Frederick County home of a well-published author. Kimness and I had a great time.
We began by meeting and recording a group of the author’s friends whom she had invited to recount their experiences in and share any known histories of her home. Three of these guests were members of a family which had previously owned the home.
Barbara then took us around to the various rooms and explained their history and significance while we recorded and photographed. Meanwhile, the other guests continued with their stories downstairs in the atrium.
The house is authentic with old colonial stonework and everything that goes along with that, including wrought iron fixtures and extensive use of period materials. Wood and stone flooring are throughout the house, and many unusual angles mark the custom, proud work of craftsmen. There’s a hidden stairwell in the kitchen that ascends to an escape hatch upstairs. A circular stairway provides access to the top level in the oldest portion of the house. Neat.
After visiting each room, we then rejoined the group and attempted to record EVP. Without having yet reviewed the tapes, this appears to have been mildly successful as a very strong and sudden smell of roses simultaneously overcame two friends in the room. I was taking long exposure shots during this time. The fireplace may have been acting up.
We then attempted EVP in the parlor with uncertain results. After the guests had gone, Kimness and Barbara were talking while Joe and I investigated the basement, taking pictures and EVP. If nothing else, we have a definite and hilarious sign on EVP and possibly on camera, courtesy of Joe and the furnace.
There is a story of a babbling baby heard by one guest years ago in the house. A deceased uncle had been placed for viewing in the parlor years ago. The parlor, it was said, had been used for this purpose several times previously. There was also a report of possible slave quarters –stone stalls, really, with shackles– in the basement.
BELOW: Moments after Joe asks, “Is there anyone here in this basement with us?” The lights went out and the heater unit kicked on abruptly, giving us quite a jolt! We could not hear it at the time, but later while reviewing the audio recording an EVP is obviously audible!
Thank you, Joe, for having Kim and I along; Barbara for your wonderful hospitality; and all the other guests who enjoyed and made this a really nice evening.
In 2006, a team of paranormal investigators explored a historic stone farmhouse located just north of New Market, Maryland. This property, steeped in local lore, has long been rumored to be haunted, with reports of unexplained phenomena dating back several decades.
Historical Background
The farmhouse, constructed in the early 19th century, was originally owned by the Waters family. Tragically, Mr. and Mrs. Waters were murdered by a jealous relative in the mid-1800s. Since then, locals have reported witnessing strange glowing lights in the attic at night when the building is empty, and visitors often experience other unexplained paranormal activities. (GhostQuest.net)
The 2006 Investigation
The investigative team employed a range of equipment, including electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors, infrared cameras, and audio recording devices, to document any paranormal activity. Over the course of several nights, they recorded numerous instances of unexplained phenomena:
- Visual Anomalies: Infrared cameras captured orbs and shadowy figures moving throughout the farmhouse, particularly in the attic and basement areas.
- Audio Recordings: Upon reviewing the audio footage, investigators noted several instances of disembodied voices, including what appeared to be a woman softly crying and a man murmuring indistinctly.
- Physical Interactions: Team members reported sudden drops in temperature, feelings of being watched, and, in one instance, a light touch on the shoulder when no one else was nearby.
Local Legends and Other Haunted Sites
The farmhouse is not the only location near New Market with a haunted reputation. Lake Linganore, also in New Market, has been the site of numerous reports of paranormal activity, including sightings of large orbs and unexplained sounds, especially as evening approaches. (Only In Your State)
Additionally, the nearby town of Frederick, Maryland, just a short drive from New Market, is home to several historic sites with their own ghostly tales. For instance, the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, built in the 1750s, is said to be haunted by its original owners, Joseph and Elias Brunner. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained voices speaking in German and footsteps echoing through the house. (Haunted Places)
Conclusion
While definitive proof of the supernatural remains elusive, the 2006 investigation of the stone farmhouse north of New Market, Maryland, adds to the rich tapestry of paranormal lore in the region. Whether one is a skeptic or a believer, such stories continue to captivate the imagination and preserve the history and mysteries of these storied locations.
Barbara Mertz (1927–2013) was a renowned author and Egyptologist who resided in Frederick, Maryland. She earned a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago in 1952. (Wikipedia) Under the pseudonym Elizabeth Peters, she created the acclaimed Amelia Peabody mystery series, featuring a Victorian-era Egyptologist as the protagonist. Additionally, writing as Barbara Michaels, she authored numerous gothic and supernatural thrillers. Throughout her career, Mertz received several accolades, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1998. (Goodreads) She passed away at her home in Frederick, Maryland, on August 8, 2013. (Legacy.com)
