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The Merritt House Investigation
12 Yates Street, St. Catharines, Ontario
September 2001

Going Back with our Investigative Team

Preliminary Activities
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It is a usual occurrence for Michele to have visitations the night before an investigation, and this time wasn't different. The night before the spirit of a young boy visited Michele in her home. He was around 13 years of age with dark scraggly hair and wearing brown colored pants, an outfit that would date back to the beginning of the century. His very clear message was, "You'll be seeing me tonight."

This investigation was filled with messages from many types of spirits, all trying to gain our attention. They were out in full force, making this a very special night, and as you learn the many happenings that made them believers, you will become believers too. The Merritt house is the most haunted house in Canada.

The Drive
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Most of the drive in consisted of personal chitchat to fill the time and calm everyones nerves. Once entering St. Catherines, Michele talked with everyone about their pasts, and told them all about their Spirit Guides. She told them how if a light flickers in your presence (i.e. a street light), it's a great sign and that your guides are watching over you. It just so happened that a couple of streetlights did flicker on the drive in.

The Basement

The team decided to start their investigation in the basement and work their way up to the attic. This would be the setting for their first meeting with the ghost that would be the most annoying and insulting tour companion for the rest of the night. This negative spirit was quite captivated by Kate and seemed to follow her everywhere for the entire tour.

Music Vault
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Their first stop was the Music Vault. This was the large room that led to the smaller, forever lit room where the CDs were found scattered. When they entered, Michele made note of the song playing from a large radio in the corner, Highway to Hell by AC/DC. This was re-enforced by their negative spirit friend's liking of the words, "Go to Hell", which were conveyed to both Michele and Kate many times in the vault.

Other voices picked up by Michele, in the vault, included such words as, "Don't, don't hurt me!" and "stay back!" The origin of these words and the spirit speaking them were unattainable at this stage of the investigation. Kate was forced to focus on the negative spirit as he was focusing on Kate in return. She felt choking, as well picked up that this thing was a definite drug user in life. They also felt that he was mentally insane in his actions. Kate told them that he was hiding in the lit room and waiting for her to put here hands on the closed door so he can jump out and startle her; Kate did not comply.

There are two voices in this EVP recording. The first one is a male whisper that we can't make out and the second is of a woman saying "yeah" right at the end. LISTEN (.wav 105 KB)

The Office
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They left the vault just as AC/DC finished Highway to Hell (tape later revealed that they entered as the song began and left as the song ended). They then made their way to the basement offices, a big room that housed two desks, computers and editing equipment. Michele picked up on two spirits present in the room. One, of course, was the little annoyance, and the other was a man named Jeff. Jeff's only message for them was "You're in trouble", said in a taunting manner.

Both Michele and Kate picked up on a description of the negative participant. He was around 31 or 32 years of age when he died. The look of a hardcore biker comes to mind when described with a baldhead and goatee, a snake tattoo running down his arm, and pockmarks that seemed to plague his face. The description surely didn't calm the feeling of negativity that surrounded them in the basement.

Old area of Basement
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They next made their way to an unfinished part of the basement. Here you would find common storage areas, a door that leads into a wall, and the infamous entrance to the underground tunnels. Whatever waited for them beyond this simple wood door did not appreciate their investigative skills, as Michele's camera shut off on its own upon entering this section.

Michele picked up on extreme female sadness coming from a spirit with a 'J' name, (Joanne or Jenny), who was a pregnant woman abused and slapped around when in the house. In the back area they came upon a main storage room that houses old computer equipment and various office supplies. Michele and Kate both felt as if something was hiding behind standing shelves in this very dark room. These mischievous spirits were trying to lure Michele and Kate to go back there so that they may give them a fright. Needless to say, none of them cross the threshold.

This EVP recording is of Michele talking, saying "that makes sense" then a voice quickly shouts over hers, saying "girl" or "earl"?? LISTEN (.wav 135 KB)

On the inside of this same room, and on the visual side of the shelves was the apparition of a man holding back an angry and growling dog. The word, "Bitches" became very prominent in this room, referring to Michele and Kate. The anger became too much, so they turned away from this room and continued the investigation.

On the far end, just past the supply room was a door, standing open, that leads right into a brick wall. "They were definitely trying to hide something", Michele said when looking at this sight. They tried to figure out if there was still more building past the door, or if it was maybe an old stairwell leading outside, which was a popular feature on older homes.

Their negative buddy must have gotten bored with their actions, as he began to pull at Kate's shoulder. This was immediately felt by Kate as a cold sensation, and confirmed by Michele. He was laughing and finished his game by sticking out his tongue in their direction.

They finished their tour of the old section by visiting the entrance to the tunnels. A large wooden door covered the stairs that led into the earth. They started to dare each other to open it. Steph and Daniel immediately jumped into action and began trying to open the cover, but having no success. They located a bar and Daniel got out of the way (his feet were too big to fit on the side of the door) as Steph pried the door open. After keeping it open for a few seconds, she quickly let it drop and quickly moved back towards them. Steph explained that a wind of complete negative energy rushed towards her when the door was opened. When asked what she saw, she replied "Stairs leading into darkness".

As they left the old area, Michele picked up some tired energy coming from Diane. The spirit of an older woman, a grandmotherly figure, was moving around her and very anxious to leave and go home. Michele described the spirit as leaning her head on Diane's shoulder in movement that jestured sleep.

This EVP recording is of Michele talking and another voice cutting in which sounds like a woman whispering, perhaps saying "Anna" LISTEN (.wav 108 KB)

Here's an edited version, where we amplified the volume and cropped it LISTEN (.wav 36 KB)

Other side of Basement and Lounge
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They walked out of the older area and headed to a well-lit spot that contained some computer server equipment and a small bathroom. Michele sensed that a miscarriage happened here due to drug intake. Kate saw the spirit with the 'J' name (mentioned above) very sick, running from the lounge area to the small bathroom. A lot of sadness filled this area.

In the lounge, their negative chum again made his presence known, as Michele saw him relaxing on the couch with his feet up on an ottoman. He waived at them and then disappeared. Daniel felt a slight cold breeze when Michele told them that he had left.

This room was filled with a lot of masculine energy. Michele was picking up on the sound of grunts, and voices (slurring their words like drunks) that seem to be making fun of them. Kate commented on how the negative annoyance was "perpetually on crack", and that drugs and alcohol were very popular down here.

This EVP recording is very spooky. Kate metions, "they're not going to follow us upstairs." Then you can hear Michele saying, "hmm?" Then Kate once again repeats, "they're not going to follow us upstairs." Then you can clearly hear a voice saying "don't cout on it". It sounds like a womans voice, perhaps someone with a British accent. LISTEN (.wav 183 KB)

Here is an amplified and cropped version of the above EVP saying, "dont count on it" LISTEN (.wav 36 KB)

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Here is another interesting EVP. Just as we're about to go upstairs, Michele or Kate says, "we can move on?" Dan replies, "Okay." You can then hear an echoed woman's voice clearly saying, "I'll be waiting." LISTEN (.wav 77 KB)

They made their way up the stairs to the lobby area. Michele told them that their friend said, "Bye-bye ladies" when they reached the top of the stairs, and that this comment included Daniel.

The Main Floor

Mid-size Sound Proof Room
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Here's an EVP where you can sort of make out a woman whispering, "Yes" or even "Yes Stephanie"over top of the talking (Stephanie is the one who made a comment, then laughed) - warning, this one is quite loud - LISTEN (.wav 42 KB)

Diane led everyone to a sound proof room in the middle of two main broadcast rooms. Upon entering, at the same time both Michele and Kate commented that they had weak knees. Kate sensed an older man was prominent in this room, and that he was wearing a tweed suit, which Michele furthered the description by saying it was brown and that he was wearing glasses. He had facial hair he was careful to shave off when it go too scruffy. He was married, however the wife died many years before him. The numbers 27 to 29 were very prominent, which could be ages or years (as in 1927).

They both picked up on some children playing around at our feet. Although Michele sensed that they were well-behaved kids, they were still kids; running around, brushing against our legs, and playing with the phones. Kate saw a little girl with blonde hair and pigtails, dressed in a pink dress. Michele furthered this by adding that she was wearing frilly little ankle socks. A young boy attracted their attention and Michele said his name was Daniel and that he was around six years old. The way these children were dressed showed that they were alive in the 1920's or 1930's and not related to the pregnant women with 'J' name.

97.7 HTZ FM sound booth or main studio
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Upon entering the booth, Michele picked up that Diane's grandmother likes to stand over her and watch her work. A positive energy was filled the room as they entered, but this was quick to change as their negative friend followed Kate in. She kept hearing the name Booger over and over again in her head and this was quick to be connected with their negative guest. Michele coined in saying, "Booger the Brute". Their guest was fond of playing musical instruments, mainly the guitar or drums, and saw himself as a big rock star. Finally, a name was realized for their annoying friend, however this only seemed to make things worse with him.

Iron Mike's broadcast room
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They walked in on Iron Mike Benson as he was broadcasting his show. During a break, he was very generous with knowledge of the building and happenings over the years.
Click here to learn the HISTORY of the Merritt House

Kate turned to Daniel and mentioned that Booger had positioned himself on her back. He quickly turned and snapped a picture, at which point Kate said Booger wrapped his hands around her neck and smiled for the camera.

The Rose Room
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Michele sensed there was a fight between a man and a woman the moment they walked into the Rose Room. The husband, resorting to pulling her hair, kneeing her in the stomach and just beating the woman and smashing her head against the furniture and floor. Kate felt soreness on her face that could only have come from a punch, realizing she was picking up on a fraction of what that poor woman had to feel.

Michele sensed their features. The woman had long, brown hair that was streaked red with blood, and the man had short dark hair with an earring in his right ear. For Michele, the smell of burning hair and skin filled the room.

Michele stayed back as everyone left to head for the next area. They later found out that she tried to assist the woman in crossing to the other side, in hopes of ending her pain. Soon after, Michele told them that the woman did not leave because she was worried about her husband, and wanted him to come with her.

Here's an EVP of a woman sighing "oh!" It's just after Michele says, "he's still here" LISTEN (.wav 261 KB)

Here's a nice clip of Michele explaining the woman in the Rose Room and her situation (there is no EVP in this one). LISTEN (.wav 543 KB)

The Safe Haven
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This mini studio is where a DJ/announcer would always see a female spirit out of the corner of his eye. But when he would look back, she would disappear. Michele sensed that this room was thought as a safe haven for the female spirit. She would come to hide out in here because she thought of the DJ as her protector.

Back Office on Main Floor
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Diane explained that the door of this room would frequently lock on its own. Kate quickly sensed that the spirits were attracted to the rock posters that covered the walls of this office, and that they thought they were "cool". Michele picked up on a man, with glasses and a goatee, who had a very foul mouth. Kate furthered this by seeing this man sneaking a "quickie" with his girlfriend in the office. "The spirits liked to watch" Michele joked.

The Second Floor

Second floor landing
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Michele felt as if someone was trying to push her over the banister. She felt a strong psychic pull in this area, and was very weak at the knees.

Boardroom on Second floor
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When entering the boardroom, Michele heard both a mother and baby crying. She sensed deep sadness, pain and yelling. After some time, Michele mentioned seeing an older man with a pipe in his mouth. Diane gasped in shock because there had been numerous accounts of people smelling pipe smoke in that area.

Michele sensed that the old man died of a heart attack. He was a well-liked and educated man. He referred to himself as "higher class", and called the negative spirits in the basement "animals". He loved opera music, art and literature. Michele saw that one of his hands shook and Kate mentioned the drink in his hand, a yellowish liquid that may have been brandy.

In the past this room was used to discuss business, and fittingly is a boardroom today. Lush Red drapes used to cover the windows. Kate picked up on a woman named Elizabeth, who had curly hair and like to sit in the corner.

The Attic

Here's an interesting EVP. We were walking up the creaky stairs to the attic. The first odd thing is that it appears to be Dan saying "hanging". The odd thing is that Dan swears he didn't say it, and further more, none of us recall him saying it either! There is also a whisper in the background, just after the "hanging", but we can't make out what it is saying. LISTEN (.wav 148 KB)

They slowly climbed up to the attic, as the negative energy was strong enough to reach them at the base of the stairs. Once in the attic, they gathered into the middle of the landing and felt as if they could not move from this spot. They had full view of all five dark rooms and could see various stored items in each one. Michele focused her attention on the room that faced the back parking lot. Her words to describe it were, "Evil, evil, evil". Oddly enough, at the same moment Michele felt as if there were bugs crawling in her hair and on her skin. She asked if they could check for any trace of these bugs, but there were none to be found.

Michele and Kate didn't want to enter this room, so Stephanie and Daniel, with flashlight in hand, slowly entered into the darkness. They realized that this was the maid's quarters because of its apartment like setup, with an ensuite bathroom. Both Michele and Kate saw a body hanging in front of the window. They later learned that when the house was used as a hospital, they would hang a body in front of the window so the passing carriage knew to stop and pick up the dead.

Stephanie points out that this room must have been the maid's living quarters. You can then hear a woman's voice saying something like, "Of course Stephanie". Then Michele's voice kicks in. LISTEN (.wav 201 KB)

Here's an amplified and cropped version LISTEN (.wav 30 KB)

At this point, they huddled back together in the middle landing and slowly moved towards a room adjacent to the maid's quarters. Michele and Kate saw a young boy lying beneath the low support beams in this room. Michele realized that this was the young boy who confronted her the night before in her home, and that he was left alone, sick and dying in this room. Turns out this was a death room, where they would throw the dying to live out their final moments in the dark. It was filled with an extreme amount of sadness from these many other deaths.

Here's another EVP containing two different spirit voices. You can hear Stephanie mumbling something in the background. Then you can clearly hear a female voice saying "What's that?" Immediately after that, you can hear a male voice kick in saying something like "The Well" or "The Wall" LISTEN (.wav 121 KB)

Here's an amplified and cropped version LISTEN (.wav 32 KB)

They changed their attention to one of the middle rooms. Stephanie commented on how the light sconces on the walls were all turned upside down. The negative energy finally got the better of them, so they made their way down the stairs. They said their goodbyes and Diane led them out of the house.

Here's an EVP of a man's whispering voice. First you hear Stephanie saying, "i feel like something's staring there looking at us." Then Michele says "yeah." Then Dan says, "Do you get that feeling?" and Michele responds one again saying "yeah." Then you can hear a man whisper, "To warn us" or "toward us" LISTEN (.wav 203 KB)

Here's an amplified and cropped version LISTEN (.wav 38 KB)

Outside, in the parking lot

Kate sensed that Booger was still there, attached to her back and would not leave her alone. Michele confirmed that this was true and insisted that a clearing be done to get rid of Booger before they headed home. Michele fought with Booger for a few minutes, and the harder that Booger held on, the more Kate became uncomfortable and began to tremble.

At one point, Michele stared off into the sky and said that Kate's spirit guides were coming to help. Just at that moment, Michele said that Booger was gone and the floodlights over the carriage house flickered.

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