Spirit Society of PA

Recent Photos of Interest from Members and Others  Click on BOLD text to hear EVP P A G E  2 -- Investigating The Fairfield Inn

Fairfield, PA was along the main route of retreat for the Army of Northern Virginia following the battle of Gettysburg.  The Fairfield Inn, which dates to 1757, not only  witnessed the misery of the defeated Southern Army as it made its way home but like many long-active inns, has a fascinating history of famous and insignificant visitors, some which remain either in residual form or as an intelligent entity. Kelly and John Weaver investigated the Inn in Sept. 2003 and concluded it is indeed haunted. Kelly's sensing of "playful young soldier spirits" in the kitchen made sense to the new owners, who confirmed a rash of unexplained "mischieveous" events which had kitchen help blaming each other. (Unfortunatley, constantly running cooler compressors and numerous reflective surfaces make this kitchen a poor location for audio recording and still photos) Near the tavern fireplace (pic @ RT) as she described an individual spirit who has a strong presence in that room, the male entity is heard on her tape responding to her description of him.  She describes him as a “shoot-em-up scrawny little guy” and a gruff, grunting “Aggghh!” is clearly heard. After hearing this, I went to the spot and took numerous photos and readings, and the Trifield meter indeed produced some elevated readings at intervals  suggesting movement of the field across the meter's location. (If constant, the stones in the fireplace would be a suspected cause.)  I also filmed here with my camcorder and, although it is quite faint, a similar response seems to be heard.

The owners reported hearing nothing about any hauntings at the Inn prior to acquiring it in November 2002.  The wife explained her first encounter at the Fairfield involved a 3rd floor door which would simply not stay latched — It would open and unexplained cold gusts would be felt.  One night, their long-time bartender casually mentioned the tale that a female ghost did not want this door shut and would open it anytime it was!  One of their renovation projects actually saw the removal of this door - an open archway has been built at the spot. (Seen @ RT)  I went upstairs to the location for photos, etc. and also had my tape recorder running.  As I ascend the last few steps, a female voice asks “what are you doing here?”… I am heard asking “do you miss the door”, and she seems not to, as she responds with a “No!”.  Some unusual EM readings were also noted around this archway, where Kelly had described a “female presence” prior to hearing of the owner’s experience with the door.

There are, of course, several haunted inns in the Gettysburg/Adams County area and Kelly and I have been to all of them.  The Farnsworth House, Herr Tavern and Cashtown Inn all have stories of paranormal activity and their own unique atmosphere. The Fairfield Inn can be added to this list - is a real gem, historically, and the reported activity plus what we’ve found so far merits further research.  Kelly and I look forward to spending a night or two sometime and plan to arrange a “haunted dining” event for the SSP in the 2004.  The next time you are in Gettysburg, take a short 10 minute drive down Rt 116 to Fairfield.  Whether you spend the night, enjoy a meal (and perhaps one of Joe Kerrigan’s Civil War-era Magic Shows or Seance re-creations) or just share a pint in the tavern, you’ll find the rustic charm is second to none. For details on “Professor” Kerrigan's performances and the Inn itself, visit  http://civilwartheater.com.  (John & Kelly celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on 2-14-04 by attending Joe's performance.  It is an incredibly entertaining blend of magic, history, humor and the paranormal accompanied by great food in a charming, historic and haunted location!)

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