Brumder Mansion 2015 Investigation

George Brumder, a prominent businessman, built this mansion for his eldest son, George, Jr. in 1910. George, Jr. lived here with his wife, Henrietta, and eleven children. They only lived in the building about ten years when Henrietta died and they put the house up for sale around 1920. They sold the house to a shady character named Sam Picks and his family/associates. He was thought to be part of Chicago’s crime families. Sam allegedly used the basement for illegal alcohol distribution and later it became a speakeasy. The next owners were an English couple and they divided the mansion into a boarding house probably in the late 1930s. In the 1960s the mansion was bought by the neighboring Lutheran Church, only two doors down, to be used as a parsonage and church activities. A psychedelic youth chapel was created on the 2^nd floor, in what is now George’s Suite. Other rooms were turned into offices, the ballroom basement became a coffee house, complete with live music for entertainment, called The Catacombs, part of the church’s outreach program. In 1997 it was bought by Carol Hirschi. Tom and Julie Carr of Torrance, California, became the new owners of the Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in January, 2008.

Designed in the English Arts & Crafts Style, it blends Victorian, Gothic and Arts & Crafts elements. The building is four stories and almost 8,000 square feet.

Located at 3046 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI. 53208, 414-342-9767

Website: http://milwaukeebedbreakfast.com

Hauntings: Entities of three known intelligent spirits seem to enjoy the restored Brumder Mansion, so pleased that their favorite piece of furniture or former personal belonging is in such a place.

MANIFESTATIONS:

Spirit People in residence:

Older female Entity - A psychic has identified this female entity as an older woman, with the nick name of Aunt Pussy, though this entity recently has admitted to a sensitive that her real name is Susan. She likes to hang out in The Gold Room, though she visits other parts of the mansion, it is thought.

Entity of what is thought to be a younger female or male - She / he is thought to like the third floor, especially Marion's Room, but visits the 2nd floor as well; Emma's Room on occasion.

Male Entity - Favorite rooms are the parlor and George's Suite, perhaps keeping an eye on the living.

The Ghost Research Society investigated the Brumder Mansion on June 19, 2015. Team members included: Stan Suho, Kathi Para, Marge Sucha, Katherine Meagher, Michael Wright, Sandy Weber, Jim Piscopo and Chuck Williams.

Personal experiences:

Kathie Para: GRS members present for this overnight investigation were: Stan, Marge, Sandy, Chuck, Kat, Mike and I. Brumder Mansion is a bed and breakfast that is in beautiful condition and is decorated according to the period which it was built, 1910. It had many antiques that are not original to the house.

We spent significant time in the basement where faint whispers and distant voices were heard several times. Unfortunately, my audio didn’t pick up any of these. We had a motion detector go off for no apparent reason and smelled cigarette smoke that we could not debunk. We had an interesting dowsing rod session in the catacombs which put us in contact with a man who once worked there (in the speakeasy), he was associated with the mafia, had killed several people, spent time in jail and when asked if he felt any remorse for killing answered “no”. Always trying to be respectful, we cut our session short when he kindly asked us to leave.

George’s Suite: We had very good ghost box responses in the room. I submitted these as evidence to Dale.

Gold Room: We also had a few good responses from ghost box here and major battery drainage in several pieces of equipment.

Marion ’s Room: Lots of responses and words from the Ovilus. The name “Ida” was given. It would be interesting to know if there was a connection with the house and a woman named Ida.

Gyneth’s Room: During our time in this room we heard noises that sounded like they came from either the bathroom or right outside the door. One of our group immediately went to the door and there was no one in the hallway. This happened a few times. We also got response knocks, which I picked up upon reviewing my audio. I am anxious to see if anyone else picked up on that.

In the morning before we left Marge, Stan and I went back down to the basement. Marge and I went into the catacombs because we wanted to thank the spirit of the man we had communicated with the night before. We spent just a few minutes in there. We then returned to the finished part of the basement where Stan was waiting. Stan asked us if we had been banging or knocking because he heard banging coming from inside the catacombs while we were in there. We heard nothing and weren’t moving. Apparently those noises were meant for Stan’s ears only. Just like the loud crash he said he heard the night before: The entire group was on the third floor investigating and Stan was in the dining room alone on the first floor. He later asked us if we heard the crash coming from the upstairs and we hadn’t heard a thing.

Brumder Mansion is an awesome building and Julie, the owner, is the best! I would just love to return and spend another night there.

Katherine Meagher: This is a lovely bed and breakfast with plenty of antiques and a wonderful administrator that will see to your every whim. There are also resident ghosts that care taker will elaborate on sightings and stories of the spirits there.

I have to say I did not feel anything out of the ordinary and have not gone through all the evidence yet, but I am looking forward to it and hoping I caught a glimpse or a sound of the spirits that reside there

Chuck Williams: We got started later than we wanted due to a play held in the basement theatre. The owner could not have been nicer, giving almost full run of the place, and discounted room rates. Stan and I stayed in the George Suite; I paid extra to stay in the adjoining room with a whirlpool, so Stan and I had beds to ourselves. This was stated to be the most active area in the mansion.

Equipment: Go Pro full spectrum camera, full spectrum digital camera, Zoom digital Recorder, Phantom Lite IR lights, spirit box, K-II meter. I set up a Sony Handycam with night shot and a Phantom Lite UV light on a static shot in our room of the closet, where a shadow man is reported to walk out of.

We stayed as a group most of the night; at times we splintered off into smaller groups. We started in the basement, and then went up to the rooms on the 2^nd floor, then the third. EVP, Spirit Box, Ovilus, and dowsing rod sessions were held in all areas.

Personal Experiences:

I didn’t have any negative feelings throughout the mansion. I didn’t see anything with my naked eye. We heard some voices in the theatre, twice, but couldn’t make them out. The same could be said of the 2^nd and 3^rd floors. No one was touched or commented on strange phenomena throughout the night. During a break, we were snacking around the command center set up in the dining room; we heard a loud thump coming from the basement through Stan’s surveillance system. Upon investigation, nothing was found out of the ordinary.

After the investigation I relaxed in the whirlpool, and felt at ease in the room. Got a good night sleep, and had no further experiences. I can’t wait to dig into the evidence.

Sandy Weber: Equipment: Sony night shot video camera, Infrared camera (FLIR), dousing rods, and Tri-Field Natural EM meter

Phenomena witnessed by investigator

Marion’s room: I was particularly interested in returning to Brumder Mansion because during my last investigation there I obtained some interesting evidence with the FLIR camera in Marion’s room. During that prior visit, we were conducting an EVP session in Marion’s room. An investigator (Lisa) felt something cold at her left side. I photographed with the FLIR camera the shape of a head over her left shoulder. The shape did not move when I asked Lisa to shift her position various ways. The shape remained there for several minutes before disappearing. I was a new investigator at the time and did not appreciate how rare it is to obtain FLIR evidence. During the present visit, we recreated the prior EVP session, sitting in the same location in the room at approximately the same time of night. (Lisa was not a member of the present team.) The “head” did not reappear. There were no unusual temperatures filmed on the wall behind the investigators seated for the EVP session. No shadows from the window or the room could have accounted for the “head.” Investigating the room during the daylight did not yield an explanation. There was no visual or auditory evidence on my night shot camera. Another investigator (Kat) used her dousing rods in the same room and appeared to talk to someone. I had used dousing rods in this room alone during daylight with no success. An Ovilus yielded random words.

George’s room: The Ovilus and ghost box were used here. Other investigators reported hearing “help” on the ghost box, but I did not hear it. Also, in response to the question, “Do you want us to go?” investigators reported hearing “yes.” So we left the room. I continue to be skeptical of ghost box “evidence.”

Gold room: The Ovilus was used by other investigators but appeared to make no sense. The night shot camera appeared to film “orbs” that acted like bugs.

Basement tunnel: Another investigator (Kathie) appeared to use the dousing rods with some success here, talking to a male who claimed to work for the mafia and who murdered a number of people without coming to a violent end, himself, at Brumder. He wanted us to go; so we left.

Other rooms: Throughout the house there were numerous EVP sessions and use of the Ovilus and ghost box. Reviewing my camcorder film, I found nothing remarkable.

Summation: There was no evidence collected on this visit that I consider conclusive evidence of paranormal activity. However, I appreciated the opportunity to attempt to debunk my FLIR evidence from the prior investigation. Those FLIR photos remain unexplained.

Stan Suho: This was my second time investigating this fine old building. It is a solidly built building with a Theater in the basement. Riding with Marge and Kathy, I chose not to bring too much equipment along with me.

For my part of the investigation I chose to set up an IR Camera in the lower level, focused on the stage area. G.E.I.S.T. was not set up, but the Ghost Microphone was used. The setup place was right next to an area known as the catacombs. This was an area of the building which contained small rooms and passage ways. Also there were reports of tunnels leading across the street. This building was used as a speakeasy during the depression. Through the evening various knocks and raps were heard coming from the Catacombs. During the evening a loud crash boom bang was heard coming from upstairs. When I went upstairs to check on it, the EVP team said they heard nothing. Interestingly nothing was recorded on my equipment either. Loud bangs seem to follow me around. Once setup I grabbed my IR camera and followed the crack EVP team in their rounds.
I spent the night in the room where there were reports of some kind of entity in the closet right next my bed. I had my IR camera right next to my bed and locked and loaded. Sorry to report no entities in the closet or Monsters under the bed.

The next morning after Coffee and Bagels, while packing up, more knocks were heard in the catacombs.

Conclusions:
Interesting evening. Could have used more cameras. Worth the trip and price.

Marge Sucha: We were first given a tour by the owner Julie.

While Stan was finishing setting up Chuck, Kat, Kathie, Mike, Sandy & I decided to go in the basement and do an EVP session. We had a motion detector set up behind the door by the stage that went off 3 times. We were able to determine it was being set off by Stan going up and down the basement stairs. We also used dowsing Rods and communicated w/ a male spirits.

I did not capture any EVPs.

Next we moved to the 2nd floor to George's room. The name Mike came up several times. Also, Mike, from our team, had seen an orange light, ball like shape moving on the floor. We used the PSB-7 ghost box we had several replies to questions. We also used the flashlight method to communicate.

Chuck, Kathie, Sandy & I went the Gold Room on the 2nd Floor, to do an EVP session. Sandy used her FLIR, we also used PSB-7 ghost box. We had some good responses. Several batteries on various pieces of equipment drained.

Kathie, Mike, Sandy & I using dowsing Rods went in the catacomb in the basement. We had an interesting session but I did not pick any EVPs up on my recorder.

We all went to Marion's room where we did an EVP session using Dowsing Rod and then continue using the Ovilus.

The last room we investigated Gyneth's Suite. Several investigators heard what sounded someone right outside the room. We did not see anyone outside the room. Also heard movement in the bathroom.

Michael Wright: We arrived at Brumder Mansion late Friday evening after there was a play in the basement theater.

I had some K-II activity in the basement tunnel and on the second floor in one of the bedrooms. The Dowsing Rods were responding in the basement and bedroom, but little elsewhere.
The Ovilus had some interesting responses but overall it was a quiet night.
Did not find any distinguishable EVPs on the recorder, only stayed there a few hours so did have the experience of sleeping there. It was a beautiful house with many antiques and very comfortable rooms.

Evidence collected:

Avoid Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the theater, a question was asked, “What’s the password tonight?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Avoid.”

Basement female Brumder.MPG – during a Ghost Box session in the basement, a question was asked, “Is there anyone down here who was down here earlier, with us?” The Ghost Box replies with a female sounding voice.

Basement shadow detector Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the basement, a question was asked, “Was that Stan that set it off or what it someone else?” Immediately after the question, the shadow detector goes off.

Come Lisa Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “What’s the name of the girl upstairs?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Come, Lisa.”

Come yes Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, a question was asked, “Did you come here with Mike?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Come, yes.”

Cut her down Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Marian’s Room, a whispered voice in the background says, “Cut her down.”

Double Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “Did you say beer?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Double.”

Gasp Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the Gold Room, a raspy gasp was picked up in the background.

George’s room don’t leave yes two voices Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, a comment was made about leaving because the box wasn’t saying anything. The Ghost Box responds with, “Don’t leave.” A follow-up question was asked, “Do you want us to go?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Yes.”

George’s room pretty yes Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, the Ghost Box says, “Pretty.” A question was asked, “Is there a female still in this room?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Yes.”

George’s room spooky Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, the Ghost Box says, “Spooky.”

George’s room yes Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, a question was asked, “Do you want us to go?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Yes.”

Get out2 Brumder.MPG – while the team was taking some pictures in George’s Suite, a static camera captured a whisper that says, “Get out.”

Gold Room of course Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “Is there a doctor in the house?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Of course.”

Groan Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, a groan is audibly heard in the background.

Gyneth’s room knock Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Gyneth’s Room, a question was asked, “Or if you’re by the door to the room, can you knock on it?” Two knocks are then heard a few seconds later.

Hello Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the theater, Kathie says, “I’m thinking of moving because...” Right after that, a “Hello” is heard.

Hey creepy hello Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the theater, the Ghost Box suddenly says, “Hey, creepy and hello.”

Hi Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Marian’s Room, someone says, “I feel, but…” Right after that, a whispered voice says, “Hi.”

Knock em dead Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the theater, a question was asked, “Anyone come here to visit the speakeasy?’ The Ghost Box responds with, “The police” followed by “knock ‘em dead.”

Marion’s room Sandy’s pillow Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Marion’s Room, a question was asked, “Do you know the 14-year-old that’s here?” A whispered response is heard saying, “Sandy’s pillow.”

Mike Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, a question was asked, “How many people are in this room, can you tell us?” The Ghost Box responds with the name, “Mike.”

No Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “Can you tell us where we could find the doctor?” The Ghost Box responds with, “No.”

Now he’s got it Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the Gold Room before the Ghost Box was turned on, a whispery voice says, “Now he’s got it.”

Of course Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “Is the doctor in the house?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Of course.”

Please Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “Do you want me to slow down the device (Ghost Box)?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Please.”

Quiet what Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in George’s Suite, a female whispers in the background, “Quiet and what.”

Robert Charles Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the theater the names, “Robert” and “Charles” come through the device.

Seven Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the theater, a question was asked, “Can you tell us how many spirits are down here?” However a spirit already says, “Seven” in the beginning of the clip before the question was asked.

Strange light Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the Gold Room, a strange light anomaly streaks of the closet, across the television screen and out of frame.

Take a smoke Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room the Ghost Box suddenly says, “Take a smoke.”

Um-hum Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Dowsing Rod session in the theater, some were discussing the rods when a male voice in the background seems to agree with them and says, “Um-hum.”

Weird Brumder. MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the theater, a whispery voice is heard in the background saying, “Weird.

What d’ya say.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the theater, a question was asked, “Besides the drinking, did anyone come here for the music and dancing?” The Ghost Box responds with, “What d’ya say?”

Whimper Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the theater, a whimper is heard while Marge was asking the question.

Whisper Brumder.MPG – while Marge and other investigators were walking from room to room a whispery voice can be heard in the background.

Yeah Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in the Gold Room, a question was asked, “Is that easier to talk?’ The Ghost Box responds with, “Yeah.”

Yeah I guess Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in Marian’s Room, a question was asked, “So, do you like the doctor?” A whispered voice in the background responds with, “Yeah I guess so.”

Yes Brumder.MPG – while conducting an EVP session in the theater, a question was asked, “Do you hear it now?’ A faint whisper in the background responds with, “Yes.”

Yes um-hum Mike Brumder.MPG – while conducting a Ghost Box session in George’s Suite, a question was asked, “Do you want us to go?” The Ghost Box responds with, “Yes, um-hum and then Mike.”

Conclusions: Even though I (Dale) wasn’t able to make this investigation, I believe it went extremely well as the evidence speaks for itself. There were not only a lot of intelligent Ghost Box responses but disembodied voices and Class A EVPs that were also captured throughout the evening. It seemed that most every location had something to offer the investigators. While there were some responses that didn’t make a lot of sense or were very difficult to hear, others just jumped out at you indicating that there are still a number of entities that call this lovely mansion home even in the afterlife.

I believe that researchers for many more years to come will probably be able to pick up viable and intelligent communications from the many ghosts that inhabit Brumder Mansion.