Dr. Mark Farley's Personal Blog

Almost every paranormal investigator has an infrared thermometer in their investigation kit. In my former career as an aircraft mechanic, I used infrared thermometer guns to troubleshoot windshield heat problems, locate blown ducts, troubleshoot anti-ice problems, and various other aircraft systems. It was a very useful tool in certain situations. However, for paranormal investigations, I think they are next to useless.

The most commonly accepted definition of a residual haunting is one that recurs repeatedly, like a video playing on a perpetual loop. In my experience, if a haunting truly repeats itself, it should be predictable.

So, I allow team members to carry their cell phones during investigations. There are just too many advantages to having them.

I also think investigating cemeteries is extremely beneficial for new investigators. Until you get established, investigations are hard to come by, and if you rent out haunted locations, it can be rather expensive. Cemeteries are free, open year-round, and a great opportunity for investigators to gain experience.

There is also another side of an investigation that cannot be solved with the Scientific Method: the research side. The site's history and the reasons why it’s haunted. The side of the investigation that answers the who, what, when, and why questions of a haunting. Waving equipment around may help answer some of these questions (in the form of responses), but never entirely.

Most members of the community base their reasoning on the apparition’s color. Because black is the color most associated with evil, most investigators think shadow figures are evil. My answer tends to be unpopular because I don’t subscribe to the widely held belief that the color of the apparition determines its nature.

The last story I heard was about human sacrifices allegedly occurring at the Seven Gates of Hell. There is evidence to suggest that this actually happened. On June 20, 1990, a Jane Doe was found near the Seven Gates of Hell. She was found in a farmer's field with her sexual organs removed, along with deep cuts in specific areas.

One of St. Louis’ greatest urban legends is the fate of the 1904 World’s Fair Ferris Wheel Axle. There is a staunch belief among many St. Louisans that the axle is buried somewhere in Forest Park. The Ferris Wheel was one of the main attractions at the 1904 World’s Fair. This technological marvel stood over 264 feet tall.

One of the biggest Lemp urban legends concerns the Cherokee Caves. Ever since I learned about the Lemp Mansion, people have told me it's connected to the Cherokee Caves and that William Lemp Sr. used the caves daily to travel between the mansion and the brewery.

Sitting on top of the highest point in Bellefontaine Cemetery is the Lemp Family’s Mausoleum. Built in 1902 for the staggering cost of $60,000, equivalent to over $2.1 million today. The Lemp Family Mausoleum is the largest in Bellefontaine Cemetery, with a total capacity of thirty-two internments, of which eighteen are currently occupied.