Paranormal Postcard: Exeter, New Hampshire
Welcome to 'Paranormal Postcards,' where we dig into the chilling tales and supernatural mysteries lurking within the towns and cities we know and love or want to visit.
This week's guide highlights Exeter, New Hampshire, with a throw back to an old UFO sighting plus a look at the potential haunting at the Exeter Parks and Recreation building.
The Exeter UFO Incident
In the early morning hours of September 3, 1965, Norman Muscarello was walking home from his girlfriend's house when he saw a group of pulsating lights in the sky. The lights were so bright that he could not see the object itself. Norman ran away from the object and hid behind a stone wall. He continued to watch the object, which was flashing its lights in a pattern. The object eventually flew away.
Norman went to the police station and told his story to Officer Reginald Toland. Officer Eugene Bertrand then arrived at the station and heard Norman's account. Bertrand and Muscarello went to the area where the object had been seen. As they were walking towards the woods, they heard horses and dogs making noises as if they were frightened. The object then reappeared, rising out of the woods behind the corral. Bertrand described it as "a huge, dark object as big as a barn, with flashing lights the color of blood." The object was performing impossible maneuvers, making turns at right angles. Bertrand drew his pistol but did not fire. He and Muscarello ran back to the squad car and radioed for backup.
Officer David Hunt arrived and the three men continued to look for the object. The object reappeared over the tree line and hovered there. The entire area was bathed in brilliant red light. The three witnesses still could not make out its shape because of the brightness of its lights. The object then moved across the field at a height of one hundred feet and disappeared into the distance.
Officer Bertrand drove Norman home. Norman's mother was upset because she did not know where he had been. Bertrand explained what had happened and added that two policemen had seen the same thing.
The U.S. Air Force learned that the witnesses had spoken to the press and issued a statement attacking their reputations. The Air Force claimed that the witnesses were mistaken and that the lights were likely caused by a weather balloon or other conventional object.
The Exeter UFO incident is one of the most well-known UFO sightings in history. The fact that three witnesses, including two police officers, saw the object and described it in similar terms lends credibility to their story. However, the Air Force's explanation of the lights as a weather balloon or other conventional object is also possible. Ultimately, the true nature of the object that Norman Muscarello and the two police officers saw remains a mystery.
The Exeter Parks and Recreation Building
The Exeter Parks and Recreation Building is a 19th century building that is said to be haunted. Employees and visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots.
One of the most common reports is of a woman in a long white dress who is seen walking down the hallway. She is often described as being very sad or even crying. Another common report is of a man in a top hat who is seen standing in the doorway of the building. He is often described as being very tall and thin.
There have also been reports of strange noises, such as footsteps and disembodied voices. Some people have also reported feeling cold spots, even when the rest of the building is warm.
The origin of the haunting is unknown. Some people believe that it is the ghost of a former employee who died in the building. Others believe that it is the ghost of a Native American who was killed on the land where the building now stands.
Whatever the origin of the haunting, it is clear that the Exeter Parks and Recreation Building is a place where strange things happen. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it is a place that is sure to give you a chill.
Here are some additional details about the alleged haunting:
The haunting is said to be most active in the basement of the building.
Some people believe that the haunting is related to the Exeter UFO incident, which occurred in the same area in 1965.
The building has been featured on several paranormal television shows, including "Ghost Hunters" and "MysteryQuest."
If you are interested in visiting the Exeter Parks and Recreation Building, you can do so during regular business hours. However, be warned that you may experience some strange phenomena.