Paranormal 718, a Queens-based group that performs free paranormal investigations along the East Coast, was at the Thomas Paine Cottage, looking to communicate with whatever spirits may be inhabiting the historic location.
The results were shocking, eerie and conclusive enough to turn even the biggest skeptic into a believer.
“The owner, John (Wright) has heard things in the house, but never seen anything out of the ordinary,” founder Vincent Sinatra, a 10-year veteran investigator, said. “People want to believe what they want to believe. I can’t put voices on a recorder.”
Sinatra, who was joined by his partner Philip Orlando – and their wives, Denise and Suzanne – wired up the cottage with recorders, infrared and night vision cameras, and using their investigation tools, were able to distinctly pick up a voice that identified itself as “Jack.”
While exploring the house, using a “spirit box,” which makes it easier to communicate with the disembodied, the team was able to make great progress in the attic, where the spirit said “Vin,” (for Sinatra) when asked to identify someone in the room. Later the voice would say “war,” and was emphatic about “not being a red coat,” who wore a “green” uniform.”
When asked if we should leave the attic, the voice promptly responded “in a minute,” twice.
John Wright, the executive director for the cottage, speculated that the voices may have potentially belonged to members of the Deveaux family, who were French loyalists that called New Rochelle home in the 1700s, predating Thomas Paine himself.
The voice on the recorder audibly answered in the affirmative when asked if he was hiding from the Red Coats. When Sinatra informed the ghost that it was just the man taking care of the grounds, to which the voice said “John,” sending chills down every spine in the attic. He also shared an incredulous “what?” when informed that he was among the dead.
“It’s friendly. Whatever it is that’s inhabiting (the attic,) I have no doubt that it is a very pleasant, very peaceful spirit, even if it didn’t know it’s dead,” Sinatra mused. “It’s pleased with how (John) is handling the grounds. This is one of the most consistent places we’re ever investigated.”
Paranormal 718 is still compiling all of the data, information and recordings from Saturday night’s investigation. A full report is expected as early as the end of the week. Keep following the Daily Voice for complete coverage moving forward.
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