Episode Postmortem: "The Asylum"
Tuesday February 26, 2008 8:45 AM
Case File: 2007.11.43F
Code Name: "Asylum"
DIRECTOR'S LOGS
These logs have been condensed and edited, but to the best of our ability, they remain an accurate account of the case.
OVERRULED
Originally, we turned down the idea of investigating the old asylum. My team, myself excluded, thought it was overdone and cliché. "What is the moral or scientific benefit of doing a nearly abandoned building?" Eilfie and the gang asked. I understood where they were coming from, so I didn't hold their decision against them. We've all seen the countless television specials of investigators going in to abandoned buildings and running out screaming towards the end. My team didn't want to be a part of that genre. The core of the problem, especially with Eilfie, came down to respect. An asylum, for instance, has many terrible and sad memories. Eilfie and the gang didn't want to go in and desecrate the memories of the dead. I assured her that we wouldn't do that, because that's not what PRS is about. If we went in to the asylum, I said, we would treat the place with the utmost respect. And like all cases, we would see if there was anything we could do to help.
FRANK'S BOX
This is another subject that was heavily debated behind-the-scenes. We were intrigued by this device, as is most of the paranormal community. It is perhaps one of the most controversial subjects within the paranormal realm today. Many individuals feel that Frank's Box is an evolution of EVP. Some feel that Frank's Box is worse than the Ouija Board. Then, of course, there are those who believe that Frank's Box is a complete hoax.
The controversy surrounding Frank's Box is also what makes it compelling. I had internally debated many times over whether or not to bring the Box on to the show. Strictly speaking as someone who is spiritual, I felt that if the Box did what people said it could do, then the implications of bringing it on national TV were pretty high. I didn't want to contribute to a new fad of spirit communication. I thought very heavily about it and shared my concerns with Sergey and Eilfie, both of whom echoed the same thought: it's likely that the Box would eventually make it on a television program, so there was no stopping that. However, we had an opportunity to give our take on the box and we all agreed that we'd be honest and open about it.
Here is my honest assessment of the Box:
Although invented by another man, Chris Moon has built a name for himself as being the operator of the Box. According to him, only 30 people in the world are able to actually operate and accurately interpret the box. To my understanding as told to me by Chris, there are "technicians" on the other side who have been trying to get through to us just as we have to them. Chris has his own technician, who is who did most of the talking during our session.
According to Chip, Mr. Moon has gotten a lot of heat for his use of the Box. Some investigators accuse Mr. Moon of only using the Box for paid gigs. In other words, he charges a fee to operate the Box. I do not know if Mr. Moon actually charges. I only know that he did not charge us for his services.
The box itself is intriguing. Mr. Moon preferred to be near a window so he could get a good signal. When the camera crew was away, he turned the Box on and spoke to his technician. I could clearly hear a voice communicating with him.
90% of the time, the sounds coming out of the Box were inaudible. However, Mr. Moon had no problem deciphering the messages.
Like I said on the program, there were moments when the voices were clear. During those times, the responses coming from the Box were coherent to the questions we asked. For example, when we asked how many spirits were there, a voice said, "there are seven."
Josh, our engineer, was so unbelievably skeptical about Frank's Box. He still is to this day, but he can't deny a few, select clips.
That's ultimately what it boils down to. The Box leaves you wanting more, exactly like a Ouija Board session. It gives you just enough to keep you intrigued, but when you look at the overall picture, there's not enough evidence to validate this Box. Quite the contrary, many questions arise about its validity.
There was a private, unfilmed session with the use of Frank's Box where we had the opportunity to ask private questions. The Box gave some answers about the future and we'll see if there's any truth to those.
Now that I've had time to think about my interaction with the Box and process it, I feel comfortable in saying that I am not convinced about its validity. However, Frank's Box should not be dismissed, either.
For the non-paranormal researchers, I do not in any way, shape or form recommend you using this Box. I am not a fan of spirit communication devices, especially for personal use. Whether they actually work or not, these devices can take advantage of you. Sometimes we want to believe so hard that we can get wrapped up in the practice. A good example is the "Paranormal Intervention" episode, where Carolann focused way too much time on EVPs. As of now, I do believe in the supernatural, and therefore, I believe in the possibility that spirit communication devices can work. If they do, I believe it's possible that many people can put themselves at risk by toying around with these devices. If there is a spirit world, let's let the researchers build a bridge between the worlds, not taking the spirits' time and energy to ask what the lucky lottery numbers are or who you'll marry when you grow up.
For the researchers, I think that this Box deserves to be researched. Frank Sumption, the developer, has put the schematics for the device online. For most paranormal groups, getting a Frank's Box is like getting concert tickets to Hannah Montana. I only hope that their intentions for the Box are for research and not personal or selfish use.
Will PRS bring Frank's Box in to future cases? As of right now, I don't know. I'd only bring it in if we had the opportunity to study it further.
THE CLIENTS
Throughout the investigation, it became very clear to all of us that there were, in fact, clients. In this case, they were the spirits/memories of the souls who passed through Willard, especially the 5,000 souls buried in an unmarked field. Upon inspecting the field, we found a small section of graves for those who served the military. There was also a Jewish memorial. The rest of the field, however, was completely empty. You would never even know it was a cemetery.
After speaking to many current and past employees, we began to really feel for the people who passed through the facility. We ultimately decided that we would do our best to do something special.
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE
This was actually the last episode we filmed for season one. It was only fitting that we went out with a bang. During the investigation, I pulled aside Chris Bozak, the producer for the episode, and asked him if he could help me with an idea. I told him that I wanted to hold a memorial service for the patients buried on the grounds. He was on it, calling several people, trying to arrange something at the last minute. A newspaper reporter in the area did her best to spread the word.
I can't thank Chris and this reporter enough for helping us bring this service to life.
We brought in a Christian pastor, a Roman Catholic priest, and a Muslim priest. One of the members of our crew was Jewish and we asked if she could say a prayer for the Jewish souls on the grounds. What transpired that day was truly moving for all those involved. I definitely feel that we injected that facility with something positive.
CLOSING DIRECTOR'S LOG
There were definitely a handful of unusual events that took place at the old asylum, both on and off camera, that we couldn't explain.
Evidence and experience aside, I think it's important to honor the memory of the souls who passed. I hope that in doing so, we can somehow correct or at least heal the mistakes of the past.
Asylums should not be seen as fun locations to get thrills and chills in. They are not theme parks. In my opinion, investigating these buildings should be done with respect and compassion. Whether or not you believe in spirits, you are a human being, and therefore, you can at least acknowledge that terrible events took place in some of these buildings.
Please show respect for the departed if you choose to investigate these areas.
Comments (16)
Couldn't the "technician" be a living person? Llike the way walkie-talkies work? I don't believe it at all. Got my hopes up and when I realized what i thought was going on I was like COME ON!
Posted by George | February 26, 2008 10:02 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:02
I found the results of using Frank's Box intriguing. Just for arguments sake, however, it is interesting that the operator preferred to use it near windows where "it would get a better signal." The operator also said that the box picks up (among other things) "random radio fragments," or something to that effect. What if some of those "random fragments" were being broadcast from a partner of the operator using a hand-held walkie-talkie nearby? They could have made sure in advance that the box was tuned to receive the corect "random radio fragments." This would also explain the male voice (the technician "on the other side") saying that Lucy was present. Just a thought.
Posted by Ken | February 26, 2008 10:07 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:07
Just noticed that the 'comments' tally - the one on the first page with the 'Read More' button, still reads zero. The webmaster might want to check that.
Posted by Ken | February 26, 2008 10:14 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:14
Ryan, I am going on 72 and have investigated the paranormal for app. 51 years. Things that happened to me while a child up to about 14 led me to become interested in the paranormal.
I have been disappointed in other groups on television as they "dab" at it. To attempt to declare a place haunted or not haunted in 8 hours is "silly". Fun to watch, but can't take seriously.
Your show is serious and is to be commended for not leaving the subjects " In the dark" so to speak, if you get my drift.
I'll throw in the old chestnut, " Keep on keeping on"..
Posted by Jimmy Johnson | February 26, 2008 10:52 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:52
I echo the comment posted by Ken. Why would a spirt need to be near a open window "for a better signal"? To me, Frank's box(evidence?) would be too easy for someone to fake.That being said;I'm not discounting the possibility that it's possible. I'm a nurse of many years and have in the past worked in mental hospitals. I know the spirts are real.I've seen some really spooky things over the years that I can't explain. And, the look of fear on your face when "the box" said "demons", reminded me of some of them. Your doing great work. Keep it up.
Posted by Russell Johnston | February 26, 2008 11:56 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 11:56
I loved this episode the most because i am familair with Willard. Years ago I was treated at a facility on the grounds there (dick Vandike clinic)and had the opportunity to walk around and explore. We actually snuck into a vacant building through a broken window but didn't stay more than a minute because we were scared. When we went back and told others of our adventure someone asked us if we ran into Lucy! Creepy huh? last night when I heard that name mentioned I had goose bumps and nightmares all night. Those grounds are so beautiful, it seems such a waste for prime water front property on Seneca lake. I'm glad you were able to set the spirits there free. My wife and I plan to take a ride back up there this weekend because the show left such an impression on us. We will say a prayer while there for Lucy and all the other souls . Thanks for a great show, keep it up!
Posted by scott | February 26, 2008 11:56 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 11:56
I was hoping to find an answer here, but I didn't see it. Maybe someone involved might be able to respond to this.
Did you guys leave an active demonic presence in a facility that currently houses a large number of people seeking help for drug addictions? Next up: Is there anything that can be done, or are there too many prime victims for a demon to get it's claws in to effectively keep it away?
Thanks for the program. I've been enjoying it immensely.
Posted by Elise | February 26, 2008 1:04 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 13:04
Elise: The building investigated by the PRS does not house the drug treatment facility -- there are other buildings on the grounds. The investigation was in a building lightly occupied by the facility's employees, such as guards. No one lives there full-time.
Posted by Andrew | February 26, 2008 2:09 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 14:09
Thanks Andrew. That's good to know, otherwise that looks like a massive unending spiral of pain and horror.
Posted by Elise | February 26, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 14:38
I just had a comment in general---I wish the shows were longer. I love the show and I feel a half an hour isn't allowing enough time to get in "deep"...KWIM?
Come on A&E---make it an hour. They deserve the hour just as much, if not more, than the other ghost hunting shows.
Posted by Marlene | February 26, 2008 4:34 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 16:34
I think Frank's Box was not explained very well. Correct me if I'm wrong, but franks box picks up random AM signals. Meaning, the voices are actually from radio stations.
This is my non-expert interpretation of what I've read about Frank's Box:
It is not that spirits actually speak through frank's box, but simply affect and adjust existing sounds from AM frequencies mixed with noise. The spirits are asked to sculpt existing sounds to express their voice, rather than being asked to create sounds.
I would presume manipulating existing sound takes considerably less energy for a spirit than creating sound -- making this media more accessable to spirits who have a fainter grasp on "reality".
Also, electromagnetic forces, rather than sound-waves, may be more in "tune" (pardon the pun) with the spirit world. It is more common to hear a spirit using EVP than it is to hear a spirit with no electromagnetic media.
With this in mind, Frank's Box needs to be near a window to better pick up stronger radio signals, to give the spirits a better foundation to work from. Kind of like giving a sculpter a large, soft piece of clay to mold from rather than a small, dry piece of clay.
Of course, it's also possible that Chris's "Frank's Box" is wired to receive and transmit on more mundane levels, giving him the ability to communicate with an accomplis. Without taking apart the Frank's Box used in the show, we'll never know.
Like I said, this is just my non-expert, inexperienced opinion. I've never used a Frank's Box, nor am I an electrical engineer.
Evan
Posted by Evan | February 26, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 16:58
I'm just interested in what happened with the demon. Did you resolve that situation when you prayed? Or did you let it lie until a priest could come in? Also, I found Frank's box interesting, but maybe there could be a way for some of your own tech team to investigate its usefulness and truthfulness? That would be cool in itself.
Sincerely,
Chasity
Posted by Chasity | February 27, 2008 2:04 AM
Posted on February 27, 2008 02:04
I am in total agreement with Elise: your show needs to be at least an hour. And, I'll even take it a step forward by saying that in certain special cases where more work is involved or more days spent on a particular case could and should warrant a 2-hour special.
To the PRS team: Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. It is refreshing to see such an up-front, honest way of dealing with things we have so little experience in the proper way of handling such a sensitive subject. So many of us have experienced unexplainable situations but never knew exactly how to deal with such events. I never knew, before your show, that my pastor was right all along: "Prayer does indeed help". Thanks again and I can hardly wait for Season 2!
Posted by Katy | February 27, 2008 2:40 AM
Posted on February 27, 2008 02:40
I would like to say that this episode needed to be at least an hour long. There was too much going on at once. And yes, I agree with the previous posters that I would like to know what happened with the Demon? That seemed very serious and I would like to know how it was handled. The vortex was very impressive.
Thank you for the great shows!
Posted by Mike | February 27, 2008 1:51 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 13:51
This episode really did need to be longer. It seemed like there was a lot that must have been left on the floor of the editing room. What happened with the demon? Have there been further incidents at the asylum? I love the show, I just wish this episode could have been longer! Squeezing that much content into 20 minutes just isn't fair!!
Posted by Devon | February 27, 2008 5:56 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 17:56
I was so moved by the thoughtful, caring and respectful ways through which you all worked to aid the souls, living & non connected to the Willard site.
I've worked as a teacher and counsellor at a state hospital with children, teens & seniors. I believe that the compassionate and couragous healing you set into motion at Willard will continue to bring peace exponentially to the community of the living forgotten - those who are the remaining families & loved ones of the inmates at Willard.
Thank you so much for holding the Willard service so that these folks could finally have a santified way to remember. honor & share goodbyes.
Many of these family members shown at the memorial service lived in a time when it was believed that incarceration was the most merciful or only choice for their family member held at Willard.
These families lived for decades in emotional prisons of pain of their guilt, isolation and dispair. The public distain & ignorance involved with having a family member with a mental illness or developemental condition often kept families believing that it was best to forget their loved ones at Willard to cover up their existance for lifetimes long.
Thank you for also including in the service the employees & their families of Willard who also so strongly needed to thank & honor those in their family who dedicated so many of their years, prayers & souls to do their best to care for Willard,s forgotten.
This way, their families could maybe begin to understand the very importance of their work at Willard & why it meant so much to them.
Thank you for giving these families a chance to love, to honor to release & to make peace.
I believe that the increasing light & peace you give through your work will yield you exponentially in knowledge and light to you in return.
Keep up your inspiring work !
Blessings,
Jana
Posted by Jana | February 28, 2008 6:50 PM
Posted on February 28, 2008 18:50