The Catskill Chronicle

HASBROUCK, NY (May 28, 2014) – A team of trained ghost-hunters will search this summer for wayward spirits and unhappy spooks at the Old Stone House in Hasbrouck, NY.

The historic building, now a regional center for arts education and exhibits, was the site of the mysterious 1840 murder of prominent local politician Anthony Hasbrouck. Some say his lingering specter, even today, is responsible for the strange sounds, odd drafts of wind, and eerie glows of light on dark nights in and around the house.

“It’s a really historic building,” says Alana Sherman, who heads a group running the center, “and sometimes weird things do happen in old places even without the presence of ghosts. But,” she adds, “in just a little while, we may know more.”

The Old Stone House was originally constructed in the 1700s – back when the largely forgotten French and Indian War raged throughout the Catskills – and since then has undergone numerous renovations and additions. Over the decades, it served as a boarding house, restaurant, creamery, post office and school. That wide range of activities, says Sherman, “opens a thousand opportunities for ghosts to linger behind, and sometimes make themselves known in modern times.”

At a recent public meeting, supporters agreed that the question of other-worldly activity should finally be explored. A team of experts from NYS Tri-County Paranormal, one of nearly 2,700 similar groups nationwide, offered to look into the various tales. They assured the group they will conduct their investigation with “an open mind” on all things spiritual.

Special monitoring equipment will be set up before twilight on the evening of June 21, designed to “catch” signs of the spirit realm even if they appear for just a fleeting moment. Both visible and audible traces will be sought, the researchers say, with full-spectrum recordings maintained for subsequent detailed study.

After analysis is complete, results will be presented and discussed at a July 31 gathering at the building, with or without any ghosts in attendance.

Since 1977, The Old Stone House has been the site of classes in art, ballet and pottery, and presents monthly exhibitions of paintings and sculpture.

A 501(c)3 organization, it is supported almost exclusively by community contributions and occasional fund-raising events. Located at 282 Hasbrouck Road, in the wider community of Fallsburg, it’s conveniently reached from Grahamsville, Monticello, Liberty and Ellenville, plus the surrounding area.

Directions and additional information can be found on the web site at www.TheOldStoneHouseOfHasbrouck.org.