| Thin Veil Investigators |
| Discreetly Encountering Your Ghosts |
| Except where stated as other, all Photo, Audio, Video and other content of this web page Copywrite © 2009 Thin Veil Investigators. All Rights Reserved. |
| Haunted Locations Documented by T.V.I. |
| Mackay Mansion Virginia City, Nevada, U.S.A. |
Some pictures taken at Mackay Mansion:
| (click on a picture to enlarge) |
Left to right:
-002 - The north side of the mansion.
-010 - The Mackay Mansion street entrance to begin the tour.
-059 - John William Mackay bed. This is the same bed that actor Johnny Depp slept in while he was in town filming the movie Dead Man.
-094 - Historical plaques by the front door street entrance.
-097 - The Mackay Mansion welcoming sign.
-108 - Gould & Curry historical marker which speaks of their Mining Company, George Hearst, and John and Mary Louise Mackay.
-002 - The north side of the mansion.
-010 - The Mackay Mansion street entrance to begin the tour.
-059 - John William Mackay bed. This is the same bed that actor Johnny Depp slept in while he was in town filming the movie Dead Man.
-094 - Historical plaques by the front door street entrance.
-097 - The Mackay Mansion welcoming sign.
-108 - Gould & Curry historical marker which speaks of their Mining Company, George Hearst, and John and Mary Louise Mackay.
Sandie's Actual Investigative report:
| Thin Veil Investigators was invited to investigate this building on Sept 18/19, 2010. Originally built in 1859 by George Hearst, the three-story building served as the former residence of Comstock tycoon John Mackay. With its beautifully preserved relics and century-old ambiance, tours of the historically-significant Mackay Mansion offer an outstanding look into Nevada’s past. |
Some E.V.P. captured at the Mackay Mansion:
“Hi Pumpkin.” When team member, Melba,
said “Hello” to someone coming into the
building, a spirit said, “Hi, Pumpkin” in
response. 4 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
said “Hello” to someone coming into the
building, a spirit said, “Hi, Pumpkin” in
response. 4 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Please keep in mind that the following reports, EVP, and pictures are summaries of our
investigative findings, not the entirety of our results, or of our compiled investigative material.
investigative findings, not the entirety of our results, or of our compiled investigative material.
Discretion from us is paramount; these findings are being displayed with the permission of the business owner.
Janet, having met Octavio, the new proprietor of the Mackay Mansion, two weeks prior to our investigation, told him that she belongs to a ghost hunting team,
of our accomplishments, and was given an invitation for Thin Veilers to investigate on Saturday September 18, 2010.
On Thursday September 16, Janet phoned me saying she needed to drive to Virginia City for her work, and wondered if I wanted to go along as she would
briefly stop at the Mackay Museum also. I jumped at the chance for a sneak peak. Always the ghost hunter, I took my digital camera with me.
We were lucky to have an hour to mosey around, with Margaret - the mansion tour guide - showing us the different rooms, speaking of the history and people
of Mackay Mansion. She also showed us the Chinese laundry line and the herb garden beneath it. She is an encyclopedia of knowledge, to be sure. What a
gorgeous home! It was very interesting to see the architecture, the furnishings, etc., what grandness and beauty!
Later at home, looking at the photos I had taken at the Mansion, I was surprised to see a face peering out from the tall mirror at the west end of the dining
room. Cropping the picture, I could see the face was a man with his hair combed back and a very noticeable walrus-tusk looking mustache. Not knowing what
John Mackay looked like, I researched the internet, finding a wonderful photo of Mr. Mackay. And to my happiness, the photo I found on the internet, and the
man's face in the mirror matched perfectly, right down to the hair and mustache. How exciting Mr. Mackay came into view to say hello!
I had heard that from time to time a spirit woman is seen walking down the staircase. Captured on my film is a wonderful orb at the top of the staircase leading
to the uppermost floor. I feel it is the spirit woman's energy.
While viewing the bedrooms on the highest floor of this building, I kept hearing a child talking. Of course, there are two children bedrooms on this level, but I
heard the voice in the bathroom. Taking a few pictures inside this room, and orb was captured on the heating stove. Perhaps someone was still waiting for the
bath water to warm up.
What a fun hour! I couldn't wait for the team's investigation on Saturday!
September 18, 2010 Saturday
We arrived at the Mackay Mansion very excited to be able to investigate this wonderful historical building. Meeting Octavio, Wendy and Vince upon our arrival,
through the investigation they were all very helpful and, as with Margaret, having many and much information about the Mackay Mansion, to better our
investigation.
Marilyn and Todd were able to set up the monitors in the dining room, where I first captured John Mackay's face in the mirror. Todd set the cameras about
around the home, and the rest of us were given tours of the rooms, along with stories and historical facts of items, rooms, hallways, and people. Marilyn was
in one room talking to Todd via the Walkie-talkie. She asked him, "Do you have video on in this room Todd?" And the spirit answered her!
_EVP: "Yes All Night"
When we were standing in the Séance Room at the beginning of our investigation, Octavio was talking to Janet and I about how he came to be the proprietor of
Mackey Mansion when this EVP was captured.
_EVP: "high pitch wail"
The Gazebo: Standing on the Gazebo floor was quite an experience for me. Standing directly on the area of floor that covers the mine entrance made me dizzy
and as if I was falling into the earth. I also felt like there were earth's entities knocking on the underside of the flooring, wanting to come out. Dirty air rising up.
It is interesting to note, that when Janet and I explored the Gazebo on Thursday, I couldn't walk up the three stairs to the Gazebo floor. Something wouldn't let
me...I was halted in my tracks.
On this investigation, I stood on the floor only twice. I don't believe I will ever stand over the adit again. The feeling was much too eerie and frightful for me,
for my abilities.
Taking photos of Janet and Octavio in the Gazebo, a few orbs were discovered on my film around them.
Wendy asked if I could take a picture of her and two orbs were captured beside her on the left.
Later in the night, spending some time outside with the video camera focused on the herb garden and laundry pole, I felt many people walking on the path that
circles this area. I saw shadow people walking inside the 'summer kitchen,' and I heard people walking on the second level balcony. Sadly, none of my two
recorders nor my video camera picked up those that I saw or heard walking around.
I was, however, fortunate to capture a shadow form in one of the children's room, while I was walking towards the Mansion later that evening. You can see
the shape of a person, some facial features, what looks like wearing a dust mop cap and the pleats in the dress she was wearing. This is an exciting capture!
Other exciting pictures with orbs in them were captured on the south side of the house, when Marilyn was setting her night camera up to view any anomalies
that might show up on this section of land that was once an actual road.
Journeying around the lower section of the home, I felt many people following us, looking at us. Many times I felt that I was in their way that I had to lean
against the wall so they could pass by me. At one time, by the doorway leading out to the laundry line/pole, I saw a Chinese couple. They were very small in
stature. They wore the typical attire of that time: a blouse with the standup collar and baggie pants, the little 'pill box' looking hat. I knew this to be a man and
wife but they looked more like twins.
This couple stayed around for quite some time. This was interesting to me as many spirits will show themselves for a few seconds, not for a few hours, such
as this couple did.
Once, when I was walking in the hallways alone, I heard a static-machine sound. I was able to record 8 seconds of it, then it just stopped. I don't know what it
was from.
{video- "static"]
Earlier, Wendy explained to us about hearing some type of mechanism in the wall at the same section I heard the whirring noise. She stated at one time there
was an entranceway or elevator shaft leading into the mine, at this same area. She asked us to listen closely while she turned on water and flushed toilets on the
uppers levels, experimenting to see if these water lines made the noises. No....we didn't even hear any water running whatsoever.
Melba stated that while she was wondering around in the parlor adjusting a video camera, she saw red, green and orange spots of lights flicker towards the
fireplace in this parlor room. On the mantel was a picture of Elvira, which Wendy reported that when some people try to take a picture of this photograph, their
cameras won't work. Earlier, I looked right into Elvira's eyes and told her I wanted a picture of her so don't fool with my camera. I got a nice shot of the
photograph.
Also, I captured another picture of a person in this mirror. The person appears to be a man as you can see the receding hairline on his left. He does have a
sunken, skeletal face, with pointy long nose and not much of a mouth.
While taking a break for a few minutes, I sat in the Dining room, watching the monitors and talking with Melba and Todd. Wendy, knowing that I had captured
John Mackay's face in the mirror hanging on the wall in here, asked if I could see any spirits in here.
There were two men sitting at the end of the table, by where the mirror was hung on the wall. I could once again see John Mackay and there was another man
sitting beside him.
I asked who he was...a grounds man? He said he worked with horses. I asked Wendy if the Mackay's had horses. She said they probably did because they had
a very fancy coach. Then, Wendy said that there was a fundraiser tomorrow to help the wild horses in the area. Bingo!! The spirit man said that was why he
was here so he can take care of the horses.
Very cool!
In the dining room, both Todd and Melba stated that while watching the monitors, they saw several people walk up and down the staircase, seeing them when
they looked in the said same mirror. When they would look towards the staircase, they couldn't see anyone - but could in the mirror's reflection. Melba stated
she saw a man with gray pants walk up and down the staircase a few times.
By the staircase at this building entrance leading into the dining room, stands a very large mirror. It is interesting to note that mirror is another doorway. Melba
and Todd both stated that when you touch this mirror, it is as cold as ice. Melba says she feels icy cold when she stands in the foyer where the mirror is
housed.
Melba also stated that while sitting in the dining room monitoring the monitors, she would get a cold breeze hit her once in a while. It was ice cold, not like a
cooler weather or winter cold.
I have to say here that one room in this building really bothered me. That was the small back bedroom that sits at the end of the tiny hallway leading from the
dining room to the séance room. I could see a woman with dark hair sitting on the bed. Perhaps she lived in this room, or at one time was staying in the area
where this room is now. She appeared to be a woman in the early 1900s, although I could be mistaken of the apparel she wore. She was sitting down so I
couldn't get a good look at her garments. She seemed sullen, and sneered at anyone who passed by or looked into her room. I asked her several times who she
was but she would never talk to me. The air and the feeling in that room was dark and dank to me.
When Janet and I sat upstairs, hoping to see the little girl run out of her room, I captured some very interesting EVP and a couple of film clips.
[video- "emma." This is a 16 second long video -black - of when Janet asks the little girl if her name is Mary or Emma. There is what sounds like an adult
speaking "Emma" at second14/15]
_EVP Hear this on the "Emma" EVP as I have increased the volume of the spoken word.
[video- "floating lights 1." A 10 second clip with a small light at second 3, and a floating light at second 10]
And video- "floating lights 2." A 9 second clip with a small light at second 2 -then my camera flash- and a floating light at second 9]
_EVP: "Mmm Mmm 1" Upstairs, waiting for any activity, this EVP was captured of a woman's voice, humming. She hums twice.
_EVP: "Mmm Mmm 2" Twelve seconds after the first Mmm EVP, this second session of humming was captured.
We also were fortunate in seeing the little girl standing in the doorway of her room. She was too shy to walk out in to the hallway, but we could see her
shuffling her feet in and out of the doorway, in what appears that she might have wanted to entirely leave her room. That was exciting to see - this little girl. I
didn't take any photos however; as I knew the flash would scare her.
I have to admit that on Thursday while Margaret was showing us the Mansion, I felt many spirits in this uppermost floor, more than I felt today. Outside of the
little girl it felt like many of the spirits had fled this level of the building. It was a very strange feeling to not be feeling spirits!
We happened to spend a lot of our time in the "Long Room" and "Séance Room."
When I visited the Long Room by myself just after arriving at the Mansion, I was telling the spirits within that we are not hear to harm or hurt, just to say hello.
And an EVP was captured on my video camera.
[video- "yeah no"]
And at another time going into this room to say hi, a spirit said hi back.
[ video - "hi"]
_EVP: Hear this on the "Hi" EVP as I have increased the volume of the spoken word.
Whenever Janet, Wendy or I were in the Long Room, we felt as though we were tilting. Both Janet and Wendy would sway in this room while standing in one
spot. I felt like I was going to fall over.
I did not like the wall to the left of the door entrance. I felt as though something were going to burst through the sheetrock. Wendy told us that behind the wall
was, at one time, another entrance to the Mackay mine. No wonder I don't like that wall. It felt just like the adit covering in the Gazebo floor: dirty air coming
through.
There was a very strong female spirit in the "Long Room" and it was determined that her name, in which Janet picked up on, was Evie - Evelyn. We all had the
fortunate experience to communicate with Evie,
while Marilyn conducted the session with her dowsing rods. I videotaped some of the dowsing session, and I put together a compilation video of Marilyn
communicating with this spirit via the dowsing rods. [Watch video- "Marilyn Dowsing"]
During this dowsing session, I had my recorders turned on. Many EVP were captured in reply to Marilyn questions with this spirit. Here is the progression of
EVP to our questions:
1 - "No" When Marilyn ask 'were you a person that was working her at one time?'
2 - "Yeah: When Marilyn ask, 'are you a wife to one of the miners?'
3 - "Yea" When Marilyn ask ' did your husband work for John Mackay?'
4 - " '84" When Marilyn asks 'were you here in the 1800s?'
5 - "Knocking" (When Sandie ask, 'did you go to Europe with Mary Louise?') No....ok.
6 - "2 taps" When Wendy asks ' do you know their daughter Ellen"'
7 - "2 knocks" when Marilyn asks please tell us your name
8 - "boop boop" When Marilyn says 'we'll be quiet so you can tell us your name'
9 - "yes.. of the day... yes." When Marilyn asks 'do you know Amelia young, the young woman who fell in the mine?'
10 - "Yes - one" When Marilyn asks how many spirits are in this room.
11 - "There Are Seven Nine" When Marilyn asks 'eight?'
After Marilyn's interview, I asked if Evie could tell us something. She answered us.
_EVP: "Yes -tell us something"
And then she showed me her ring she was wearing. It was a beautiful green emerald, faceted in emerald cut. The band was gold filigree. I have tried to draw
the picture of the ring. It was a lovely piece of jewelry, and being I work with stones, it was the best 'vision' she could have given me...it was a gift, the vision
of this ring. Thank you dear Evie!
Wendy was talking about after midnight when the activity would increase and this EVP was caught on tape.
_EVP: "Knocking -after midnite"
On our second visit to the Long Room, we all sat in the chairs speaking quietly to the spirits. It was an interesting visit for Marilyn, Janet and I could feel and
see the spirits in this room. But it seemed like they didn't want to 'perform.' They sat quietly among us, and really didn't appear too much for us - not as much
as they could have.
These EVPs were caught on tape however:
_EVP: "2Knocks" When I ask if the spirits can knock for us
_EVP: "1Tap" when I ask the spirits please let yourself be known.
I was trying to be brave by sitting next to the wall I did not like while we were enjoying the spirits. Marilyn had her video camera going. She captured an
amazing video of a Shadow Person. It looks as though it appears out of nowhere on the wall, and falls over to the right.
[ideo -"Mackay Shadow". Please note that the video is rather dark. I have tried to lighten it but the more I do the more pixelated it gets which in turns fades out
the shadow. The video you can view in this disc file is the best that I lighten it with the Shadow still being visible.]
As an aside, I set down puff balls on the table in this room so the spirits could move them if they wanted. Sadly none were moved during our investigation.
We next journeyed into the Séance Room. We wanted to sit quietly and talk with the spirits here. We were informed that Elvira gave séances in this room and
we wondered if any of the spirits she contacted remained.
Strangely, in this room we could see and feel the spirits, but no one wanted to really present themselves.
Here are the EVPs in progression to our questions:
a. "Applause" I ask the spirits, Are you happy that we're here? and what sounds like applause is captured.
b. "Deep Knock" Janet tells the spirits "we are not like other people." The EVP is captured, then I say, "what was that?"
c. "Don't Know" I ask "is there anybody here with us tonight?" [The spirit talks very fast]
d. "No" I say, "Can somebody make some noise... let us know you’re here.
e. "Knock 3 Times" I ask the spirits "would you want us to come back again?" Three knocks where the answer. I say, "Thank you, that was very nice of
you, thank you."
f. "Pattern Knock" =Marilyn knocking a pattern, these two faint knocks were heard in response.
g. "Us Too" Janet says, "We're sorry there are a lot of people here" and this EVP was captured.
h. "Yes" I ask the spirits "Are you happy we are here visiting you? (They did sound happy.)
i. "Yes" Right before I say, "Thank you for communicating with us."
As everyone was gathering belongings and taking recording equipment down, I kept my video camera and recorder going. They were sitting on a small table in
the séance room, looking towards the multi-chambered shelf unit and door/hallway leading into the dining room.
A couple of interesting EVPs were captured:
When I was in the séance room, someone came into the building were Melba was, in the dining room. Melba says 'hello' to that someone and a spirit in the
séance room says, "Hi Pumpkin.
_EVP: "Hi Pumpkin"
Perhaps the spirits were tired of my equipment being on, as I am saying to Marilyn that I'm going to leave my recorder going until the last second and this EVP
was caught on my recorder.
_EVP: "Moan"
An EVP was captured on my video camera. As Janet leaves the séance room entering into the hallway leading to the dining room, you can hear a spirit saying,
"let me out."
[video- let me out]
There was a nice anomaly captured on my video camera. Todd had just walked into the room, stopped in front of the multi-chambered shelf unit, picked up
some cords and three white lights blinked by the hallway entrance. I thought it could be the bathroom light twinkling but later in the film, when the restroom
door was opened, there was an eruption of light covering the entire hallway, not just a sparkle.
Thinking it was from a camera flash, I too was able to see myself taking pictures while the video camera was filming of the hallway, confirming that when the
camera flashed a spray of fast light shot out over the area, again, no twinkling. So I believe this to be a paranormal anomaly.
I wonder if this was the same twinkling lights, albeit not colored, that Melba saw earlier in the dining room.
[video- blinking lights]
What a fabulous investigation!
Thank you Octavio for allowing us to visit and investigate your fabulous Mansion. And thank you Wendy for being a huge help with tons of information about
the paranormal activity inside this building. Thank you Margaret for being the history buff that you are...how interesting and helpful your knowledge is!
Sandie La Nae Thin Veil Investigators
www.sandiespsychicstones.com/tvi.html
Addendum:
Driving home that early morning, I felt as though something was with me in the car. As I was leaving Virginia City, I told the spirit that they needed to leave my
car now and go home, go back the Mackay Mansion. The inside of my car felt lighter. =
But, at 6:16 later that same morning, something closed my bedroom door. Not slamming it, but closing it. I made sure to look at the clock to note the time. I
told the spirit that shut the door, "Thank you, but you really need to go back home now. The Mackay's are going to miss you."
of our accomplishments, and was given an invitation for Thin Veilers to investigate on Saturday September 18, 2010.
On Thursday September 16, Janet phoned me saying she needed to drive to Virginia City for her work, and wondered if I wanted to go along as she would
briefly stop at the Mackay Museum also. I jumped at the chance for a sneak peak. Always the ghost hunter, I took my digital camera with me.
We were lucky to have an hour to mosey around, with Margaret - the mansion tour guide - showing us the different rooms, speaking of the history and people
of Mackay Mansion. She also showed us the Chinese laundry line and the herb garden beneath it. She is an encyclopedia of knowledge, to be sure. What a
gorgeous home! It was very interesting to see the architecture, the furnishings, etc., what grandness and beauty!
Later at home, looking at the photos I had taken at the Mansion, I was surprised to see a face peering out from the tall mirror at the west end of the dining
room. Cropping the picture, I could see the face was a man with his hair combed back and a very noticeable walrus-tusk looking mustache. Not knowing what
John Mackay looked like, I researched the internet, finding a wonderful photo of Mr. Mackay. And to my happiness, the photo I found on the internet, and the
man's face in the mirror matched perfectly, right down to the hair and mustache. How exciting Mr. Mackay came into view to say hello!
I had heard that from time to time a spirit woman is seen walking down the staircase. Captured on my film is a wonderful orb at the top of the staircase leading
to the uppermost floor. I feel it is the spirit woman's energy.
While viewing the bedrooms on the highest floor of this building, I kept hearing a child talking. Of course, there are two children bedrooms on this level, but I
heard the voice in the bathroom. Taking a few pictures inside this room, and orb was captured on the heating stove. Perhaps someone was still waiting for the
bath water to warm up.
What a fun hour! I couldn't wait for the team's investigation on Saturday!
September 18, 2010 Saturday
We arrived at the Mackay Mansion very excited to be able to investigate this wonderful historical building. Meeting Octavio, Wendy and Vince upon our arrival,
through the investigation they were all very helpful and, as with Margaret, having many and much information about the Mackay Mansion, to better our
investigation.
Marilyn and Todd were able to set up the monitors in the dining room, where I first captured John Mackay's face in the mirror. Todd set the cameras about
around the home, and the rest of us were given tours of the rooms, along with stories and historical facts of items, rooms, hallways, and people. Marilyn was
in one room talking to Todd via the Walkie-talkie. She asked him, "Do you have video on in this room Todd?" And the spirit answered her!
_EVP: "Yes All Night"
When we were standing in the Séance Room at the beginning of our investigation, Octavio was talking to Janet and I about how he came to be the proprietor of
Mackey Mansion when this EVP was captured.
_EVP: "high pitch wail"
The Gazebo: Standing on the Gazebo floor was quite an experience for me. Standing directly on the area of floor that covers the mine entrance made me dizzy
and as if I was falling into the earth. I also felt like there were earth's entities knocking on the underside of the flooring, wanting to come out. Dirty air rising up.
It is interesting to note, that when Janet and I explored the Gazebo on Thursday, I couldn't walk up the three stairs to the Gazebo floor. Something wouldn't let
me...I was halted in my tracks.
On this investigation, I stood on the floor only twice. I don't believe I will ever stand over the adit again. The feeling was much too eerie and frightful for me,
for my abilities.
Taking photos of Janet and Octavio in the Gazebo, a few orbs were discovered on my film around them.
Wendy asked if I could take a picture of her and two orbs were captured beside her on the left.
Later in the night, spending some time outside with the video camera focused on the herb garden and laundry pole, I felt many people walking on the path that
circles this area. I saw shadow people walking inside the 'summer kitchen,' and I heard people walking on the second level balcony. Sadly, none of my two
recorders nor my video camera picked up those that I saw or heard walking around.
I was, however, fortunate to capture a shadow form in one of the children's room, while I was walking towards the Mansion later that evening. You can see
the shape of a person, some facial features, what looks like wearing a dust mop cap and the pleats in the dress she was wearing. This is an exciting capture!
Other exciting pictures with orbs in them were captured on the south side of the house, when Marilyn was setting her night camera up to view any anomalies
that might show up on this section of land that was once an actual road.
Journeying around the lower section of the home, I felt many people following us, looking at us. Many times I felt that I was in their way that I had to lean
against the wall so they could pass by me. At one time, by the doorway leading out to the laundry line/pole, I saw a Chinese couple. They were very small in
stature. They wore the typical attire of that time: a blouse with the standup collar and baggie pants, the little 'pill box' looking hat. I knew this to be a man and
wife but they looked more like twins.
This couple stayed around for quite some time. This was interesting to me as many spirits will show themselves for a few seconds, not for a few hours, such
as this couple did.
Once, when I was walking in the hallways alone, I heard a static-machine sound. I was able to record 8 seconds of it, then it just stopped. I don't know what it
was from.
{video- "static"]
Earlier, Wendy explained to us about hearing some type of mechanism in the wall at the same section I heard the whirring noise. She stated at one time there
was an entranceway or elevator shaft leading into the mine, at this same area. She asked us to listen closely while she turned on water and flushed toilets on the
uppers levels, experimenting to see if these water lines made the noises. No....we didn't even hear any water running whatsoever.
Melba stated that while she was wondering around in the parlor adjusting a video camera, she saw red, green and orange spots of lights flicker towards the
fireplace in this parlor room. On the mantel was a picture of Elvira, which Wendy reported that when some people try to take a picture of this photograph, their
cameras won't work. Earlier, I looked right into Elvira's eyes and told her I wanted a picture of her so don't fool with my camera. I got a nice shot of the
photograph.
Also, I captured another picture of a person in this mirror. The person appears to be a man as you can see the receding hairline on his left. He does have a
sunken, skeletal face, with pointy long nose and not much of a mouth.
While taking a break for a few minutes, I sat in the Dining room, watching the monitors and talking with Melba and Todd. Wendy, knowing that I had captured
John Mackay's face in the mirror hanging on the wall in here, asked if I could see any spirits in here.
There were two men sitting at the end of the table, by where the mirror was hung on the wall. I could once again see John Mackay and there was another man
sitting beside him.
I asked who he was...a grounds man? He said he worked with horses. I asked Wendy if the Mackay's had horses. She said they probably did because they had
a very fancy coach. Then, Wendy said that there was a fundraiser tomorrow to help the wild horses in the area. Bingo!! The spirit man said that was why he
was here so he can take care of the horses.
Very cool!
In the dining room, both Todd and Melba stated that while watching the monitors, they saw several people walk up and down the staircase, seeing them when
they looked in the said same mirror. When they would look towards the staircase, they couldn't see anyone - but could in the mirror's reflection. Melba stated
she saw a man with gray pants walk up and down the staircase a few times.
By the staircase at this building entrance leading into the dining room, stands a very large mirror. It is interesting to note that mirror is another doorway. Melba
and Todd both stated that when you touch this mirror, it is as cold as ice. Melba says she feels icy cold when she stands in the foyer where the mirror is
housed.
Melba also stated that while sitting in the dining room monitoring the monitors, she would get a cold breeze hit her once in a while. It was ice cold, not like a
cooler weather or winter cold.
I have to say here that one room in this building really bothered me. That was the small back bedroom that sits at the end of the tiny hallway leading from the
dining room to the séance room. I could see a woman with dark hair sitting on the bed. Perhaps she lived in this room, or at one time was staying in the area
where this room is now. She appeared to be a woman in the early 1900s, although I could be mistaken of the apparel she wore. She was sitting down so I
couldn't get a good look at her garments. She seemed sullen, and sneered at anyone who passed by or looked into her room. I asked her several times who she
was but she would never talk to me. The air and the feeling in that room was dark and dank to me.
When Janet and I sat upstairs, hoping to see the little girl run out of her room, I captured some very interesting EVP and a couple of film clips.
[video- "emma." This is a 16 second long video -black - of when Janet asks the little girl if her name is Mary or Emma. There is what sounds like an adult
speaking "Emma" at second14/15]
_EVP Hear this on the "Emma" EVP as I have increased the volume of the spoken word.
[video- "floating lights 1." A 10 second clip with a small light at second 3, and a floating light at second 10]
And video- "floating lights 2." A 9 second clip with a small light at second 2 -then my camera flash- and a floating light at second 9]
_EVP: "Mmm Mmm 1" Upstairs, waiting for any activity, this EVP was captured of a woman's voice, humming. She hums twice.
_EVP: "Mmm Mmm 2" Twelve seconds after the first Mmm EVP, this second session of humming was captured.
We also were fortunate in seeing the little girl standing in the doorway of her room. She was too shy to walk out in to the hallway, but we could see her
shuffling her feet in and out of the doorway, in what appears that she might have wanted to entirely leave her room. That was exciting to see - this little girl. I
didn't take any photos however; as I knew the flash would scare her.
I have to admit that on Thursday while Margaret was showing us the Mansion, I felt many spirits in this uppermost floor, more than I felt today. Outside of the
little girl it felt like many of the spirits had fled this level of the building. It was a very strange feeling to not be feeling spirits!
We happened to spend a lot of our time in the "Long Room" and "Séance Room."
When I visited the Long Room by myself just after arriving at the Mansion, I was telling the spirits within that we are not hear to harm or hurt, just to say hello.
And an EVP was captured on my video camera.
[video- "yeah no"]
And at another time going into this room to say hi, a spirit said hi back.
[ video - "hi"]
_EVP: Hear this on the "Hi" EVP as I have increased the volume of the spoken word.
Whenever Janet, Wendy or I were in the Long Room, we felt as though we were tilting. Both Janet and Wendy would sway in this room while standing in one
spot. I felt like I was going to fall over.
I did not like the wall to the left of the door entrance. I felt as though something were going to burst through the sheetrock. Wendy told us that behind the wall
was, at one time, another entrance to the Mackay mine. No wonder I don't like that wall. It felt just like the adit covering in the Gazebo floor: dirty air coming
through.
There was a very strong female spirit in the "Long Room" and it was determined that her name, in which Janet picked up on, was Evie - Evelyn. We all had the
fortunate experience to communicate with Evie,
while Marilyn conducted the session with her dowsing rods. I videotaped some of the dowsing session, and I put together a compilation video of Marilyn
communicating with this spirit via the dowsing rods. [Watch video- "Marilyn Dowsing"]
During this dowsing session, I had my recorders turned on. Many EVP were captured in reply to Marilyn questions with this spirit. Here is the progression of
EVP to our questions:
1 - "No" When Marilyn ask 'were you a person that was working her at one time?'
2 - "Yeah: When Marilyn ask, 'are you a wife to one of the miners?'
3 - "Yea" When Marilyn ask ' did your husband work for John Mackay?'
4 - " '84" When Marilyn asks 'were you here in the 1800s?'
5 - "Knocking" (When Sandie ask, 'did you go to Europe with Mary Louise?') No....ok.
6 - "2 taps" When Wendy asks ' do you know their daughter Ellen"'
7 - "2 knocks" when Marilyn asks please tell us your name
8 - "boop boop" When Marilyn says 'we'll be quiet so you can tell us your name'
9 - "yes.. of the day... yes." When Marilyn asks 'do you know Amelia young, the young woman who fell in the mine?'
10 - "Yes - one" When Marilyn asks how many spirits are in this room.
11 - "There Are Seven Nine" When Marilyn asks 'eight?'
After Marilyn's interview, I asked if Evie could tell us something. She answered us.
_EVP: "Yes -tell us something"
And then she showed me her ring she was wearing. It was a beautiful green emerald, faceted in emerald cut. The band was gold filigree. I have tried to draw
the picture of the ring. It was a lovely piece of jewelry, and being I work with stones, it was the best 'vision' she could have given me...it was a gift, the vision
of this ring. Thank you dear Evie!
Wendy was talking about after midnight when the activity would increase and this EVP was caught on tape.
_EVP: "Knocking -after midnite"
On our second visit to the Long Room, we all sat in the chairs speaking quietly to the spirits. It was an interesting visit for Marilyn, Janet and I could feel and
see the spirits in this room. But it seemed like they didn't want to 'perform.' They sat quietly among us, and really didn't appear too much for us - not as much
as they could have.
These EVPs were caught on tape however:
_EVP: "2Knocks" When I ask if the spirits can knock for us
_EVP: "1Tap" when I ask the spirits please let yourself be known.
I was trying to be brave by sitting next to the wall I did not like while we were enjoying the spirits. Marilyn had her video camera going. She captured an
amazing video of a Shadow Person. It looks as though it appears out of nowhere on the wall, and falls over to the right.
[ideo -"Mackay Shadow". Please note that the video is rather dark. I have tried to lighten it but the more I do the more pixelated it gets which in turns fades out
the shadow. The video you can view in this disc file is the best that I lighten it with the Shadow still being visible.]
As an aside, I set down puff balls on the table in this room so the spirits could move them if they wanted. Sadly none were moved during our investigation.
We next journeyed into the Séance Room. We wanted to sit quietly and talk with the spirits here. We were informed that Elvira gave séances in this room and
we wondered if any of the spirits she contacted remained.
Strangely, in this room we could see and feel the spirits, but no one wanted to really present themselves.
Here are the EVPs in progression to our questions:
a. "Applause" I ask the spirits, Are you happy that we're here? and what sounds like applause is captured.
b. "Deep Knock" Janet tells the spirits "we are not like other people." The EVP is captured, then I say, "what was that?"
c. "Don't Know" I ask "is there anybody here with us tonight?" [The spirit talks very fast]
d. "No" I say, "Can somebody make some noise... let us know you’re here.
e. "Knock 3 Times" I ask the spirits "would you want us to come back again?" Three knocks where the answer. I say, "Thank you, that was very nice of
you, thank you."
f. "Pattern Knock" =Marilyn knocking a pattern, these two faint knocks were heard in response.
g. "Us Too" Janet says, "We're sorry there are a lot of people here" and this EVP was captured.
h. "Yes" I ask the spirits "Are you happy we are here visiting you? (They did sound happy.)
i. "Yes" Right before I say, "Thank you for communicating with us."
As everyone was gathering belongings and taking recording equipment down, I kept my video camera and recorder going. They were sitting on a small table in
the séance room, looking towards the multi-chambered shelf unit and door/hallway leading into the dining room.
A couple of interesting EVPs were captured:
When I was in the séance room, someone came into the building were Melba was, in the dining room. Melba says 'hello' to that someone and a spirit in the
séance room says, "Hi Pumpkin.
_EVP: "Hi Pumpkin"
Perhaps the spirits were tired of my equipment being on, as I am saying to Marilyn that I'm going to leave my recorder going until the last second and this EVP
was caught on my recorder.
_EVP: "Moan"
An EVP was captured on my video camera. As Janet leaves the séance room entering into the hallway leading to the dining room, you can hear a spirit saying,
"let me out."
[video- let me out]
There was a nice anomaly captured on my video camera. Todd had just walked into the room, stopped in front of the multi-chambered shelf unit, picked up
some cords and three white lights blinked by the hallway entrance. I thought it could be the bathroom light twinkling but later in the film, when the restroom
door was opened, there was an eruption of light covering the entire hallway, not just a sparkle.
Thinking it was from a camera flash, I too was able to see myself taking pictures while the video camera was filming of the hallway, confirming that when the
camera flashed a spray of fast light shot out over the area, again, no twinkling. So I believe this to be a paranormal anomaly.
I wonder if this was the same twinkling lights, albeit not colored, that Melba saw earlier in the dining room.
[video- blinking lights]
What a fabulous investigation!
Thank you Octavio for allowing us to visit and investigate your fabulous Mansion. And thank you Wendy for being a huge help with tons of information about
the paranormal activity inside this building. Thank you Margaret for being the history buff that you are...how interesting and helpful your knowledge is!
Sandie La Nae Thin Veil Investigators
www.sandiespsychicstones.com/tvi.html
Addendum:
Driving home that early morning, I felt as though something was with me in the car. As I was leaving Virginia City, I told the spirit that they needed to leave my
car now and go home, go back the Mackay Mansion. The inside of my car felt lighter. =
But, at 6:16 later that same morning, something closed my bedroom door. Not slamming it, but closing it. I made sure to look at the clock to note the time. I
told the spirit that shut the door, "Thank you, but you really need to go back home now. The Mackay's are going to miss you."
Left to right:
Macky Face - captured in the mirror
Little girl - captured in an upstairs bedroom window. Masked for easier viewing.
Parlor - a gorgeous room!
Outside - the Mansion at night.
Macky Face - captured in the mirror
Little girl - captured in an upstairs bedroom window. Masked for easier viewing.
Parlor - a gorgeous room!
Outside - the Mansion at night.
Some Video captured at the Mackay Mansion:
| Floating Lights |
| Shadow |
| Spirit says, "Let Me Out" |
| Blinking Lights |
Read a story about this building
in my book: "Silver Ghosts:
Haunted Places and Phantom
Encounters in Northern
Nevada." Co-authored with
Richard Senate.
in my book: "Silver Ghosts:
Haunted Places and Phantom
Encounters in Northern
Nevada." Co-authored with
Richard Senate.
When team member Sandie asked the
spirits if they would like us to come back,
these three knocks were the response.
9 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
spirits if they would like us to come back,
these three knocks were the response.
9 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Team member Marilyn asked a spirit if they
lived here in the 1800s, and the spirit
replied, "84."
6 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
lived here in the 1800s, and the spirit
replied, "84."
6 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Octavio asked us what we call ghosts, and
this high pitch wail captured.
11 seconds in duration
Click here to download and listen
this high pitch wail captured.
11 seconds in duration
Click here to download and listen
Sandie was asking the spirits, "You know we
are not going to hurt you or harm you, don't
you?" A loud knock was the spirit's response.
7 second in duration.
Click here to download and listen
are not going to hurt you or harm you, don't
you?" A loud knock was the spirit's response.
7 second in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Marilyn was asking if the spirit knew Mary
Louise and this knocking occurred in
response.
5 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Louise and this knocking occurred in
response.
5 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Sandie captured this 'Mmm Mmm" EVP on
her video camera while on the third floor.
3 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
her video camera while on the third floor.
3 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
"Us too" EVP was caught on tape when
Marilyn said she was sorry so many people
were here.
5 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Marilyn said she was sorry so many people
were here.
5 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Marilyn was interviewing a female spirit, and
asked if she was the wife of a miner. An EVP
of "Yeah" was captured on Sandie's digital
recorder.
3 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
asked if she was the wife of a miner. An EVP
of "Yeah" was captured on Sandie's digital
recorder.
3 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
Wendy was asking the spirits if they would
talk to us after midnight and this knocking
was captured in response.
3 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
talk to us after midnight and this knocking
was captured in response.
3 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
When Marilyn asked a spirit if it were she
who came through on another ghost hunter's
k2 meter, this spirit said, "Yes, she pissed
me off."
7 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen
who came through on another ghost hunter's
k2 meter, this spirit said, "Yes, she pissed
me off."
7 seconds in duration.
Click here to download and listen