Austin Manor - Ohio Wesleyan University

evp's

     During the course of our investigation, our investigators had a lengthy spirit box session with several spirits in the old basement kitchen. During the session Ruthie seemed to come through as well as an unidentified male spirit seemingly interested in justice for Ruthie, along with her unidentified killer and a chef that used to work in the kitchen. If the info coming through is correct, she was kidnapped, raped and her throat slashed, then dumped in Blue Limestone Quarry. (We have no way of confirming any of that) Below you will hear EVP's we captured during the session. You be the Judge. (we apologize for the high white noise)
     We also caught what we believe is an orb of light descending from one of the OWU investigator's (Michael) elbows right after receiving  a full spike on the K2 meter he was holding. There were several reports of being touched while in the old kitchen area as well.
     Due to high EMF levels in other parts of the basement, no paranormal activity was experienced. Our baseline reading for the majority of the lower level was .07. That seems high or unusual, but while investigating other OWU building we experienced similar readings. There is a lot of unshielded wiring in most of the buildings combined with new electronics not to mention Delaware Run being nearby and all the limestone used in construction of the buildings.

click here to view our 2nd investigation at austin manor

    Austin Manor, formally known as Austin Hall, was originally built in 1923 as a woman's dormitory. It was named after a former mathematics professor and past VP, Cyrus B. Austin. Reported activity includes: Screams, apparitions, a small girl wanders the building, a disgruntled chef and people experiencing intense emotions in the basement. 
    One of the biggest stories associated with Austin Manor is the disappearance of Ruth Baumgardner in 1937. Ruthie was an art major, a good student and engaged to be married. She belonged to the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was last seen around 11:00pm on May 4, 1937. Her disappearance was reported the following day at 10:30pm when her friends noticed she hadn't been to class. Everything in Ruthie's room was found

in perfect order. Her bed was made, alarm set for 6:00 am, her keys were found on the back steps of the manor and her car was left in her garage with the keys inside. 
     Originally it was thought that Ruthie suffered an amnesiac episode but she was never found. After two years her family called off the case. With graduation so close, a fiance' waiting back home, it seems odd that she was never seen again, unless she was a victim of some unscrupulous individual. 

Baseline readings

Baseline temperature inside: 42*
Baseline temperature outside: 17*
Baseline EMF: 0.6-1.2
Moon phase: Waxing Crescent

evps

Could this be the name of the little girl said to roam the building?

This name came up several times when we asked who may have had something to do with Ruthie's disappearance.

We aren't sure what to make of this. We got a clear answer that Ruthie was taken to Blue Limestone Quarry. So does this mean that her kidnapper came from Mansfield or ended up there for another reason. (Mansfield State Reformatory) 

At the moment this EVP was captured Michael (one of the OWU Paranormal Club members) was getting a full spike on the K2 he was holding while talking to Ruthie.

This seems to be residual in nature as were several other EVP's caught when talking about the kitchen. The timing was right on though.

This is totally out of context for the questions being asked, unless you consider that it came across when my wife entered the room. She is the officer in charge of Safety Town for the city.

Another clear response to the Blue Limestone question and a logical answer as to why "he" tried to cover up any evidence.

It doesn't get much clearer than that! Although it still puzzles all of us about the Mansfield connection.

Two spirits arguing over whether it was right or not. One seems to be the rapist the other Ruthie's advocate.

Could the spirits be worried they are giving the 3 cops on the team too much info...

Here's one spirit that seems to be having a good time.

This male spirit seems to want to make sure Ruthie's story is told.

The spirits all over campus seem to know when John the OWU Public Safety Officer is in the building.

This the baseline EMF reading we received in the building. Its also the baseline reading we had for most of our other investigations on campus. Seems a little high, but it is what it is.

Maybe a little too much information from the helpful spirit!

Apparently one of the spirits was glad that Sean moved for him.

One of the spirits seems to think that reopening the kitchen would be a good idea.

It would seem that "they" had been waiting a long time for someone to talk to.

During the EVP session in the kitchen, Ruthie seemed to attach herself to Sean. Both he and Michelle were overcome with emotion when the truth of what happened to her came out.

Another clear indication that Ruthie not only was abducted, but she knew the person. It would explain why nothing at the crime scene appeared to be in disarray. Maybe she trusted her abductor?

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