Premier Paranormal Researchers San Marcos Area Paranormal Society
Embedded in the historic town of
San Marcos, Texas lies stories of
those who have died but cling to the
life they once had. Legends of
paranormal happenings all across
the Lone Star State abound. For
thousands of years, San Marcos,
Texas has been inhabited by both
the living and the otherworldly.
From folklore and hearsay to
hauntings and unexplained
occurrences, you don’t have to look
very far for someone with a spooky
tale or experience to share.
SMAPS (San Marcos Area
Paranormal Society) was founded in
the spring of 2014 by Frank
Gonzales, his wife Norma, and his
sister Irma Gonzales. The San Marcos Area Paranormal Society (SMAPS) team possesses all of the attributes necessary to excel in the investigation and research of the area’s peculiar and supernatural events: experience, determination, unwavering curiosity, and
a thirst for truth. Having grown up in a home where paranormal activity was prevalent, Frank
and his family decided to investigate and document their experiences on Facebook. In due
course, people began to send them messages requesting that they investigate claims of
paranormal activity in their home or business. Due to the increasing number of requests, an
office was opened in town and new members were recruited.
The team members include a medium, empaths, and technicians who maintain all the
equipment. In the majority of cases, the most difficult part about the activity is not knowing
what is causing it or what to do about it. SMAPS has observed that people in the community begin to open up and share what unexplained events are happening
to them once they discover there is a local paranormal team to support them. Otherwise, they typically refrain from talking about it because of their fear of being ridiculed. After a bit of education about how energies work, how to use different types of sages and crystals, and how to ground themselves, SMAPS' clients feel more at ease with their situation and are better equipped to take more control of their lives.
SMAPS provides its services free of charge and makes the investigation process as stress-free as possible. Clients are initially briefed on the methods and equipment that the team will utilize during the investigation and provided with an itinerary for the process. Once
the investigation has been wrapped up and reviewed, team members will consult with the client(s) regarding their findings and proposed solutions. Removing haunted objects from the home and performing cleansings are just a couple of examples of how SMAPS may bring about a resolution to a paranormal event.
Aside from helping residential and private clients, SMAPS also conducts investigations at
notable haunted "hot spots" like the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The Menger Hotel
is one of Texas' most famous and oldest hotels, listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. There are several ghosts said to live in the hotel today, which continues to cater to
travelers. The hotel was opened by William Menger in 1859, on the site of Menger’s
brewery, the first brewery in Texas. Among its notable guests were Sam Houston, Generals
Robert Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, and Presidents McKinley, Taft, Eisenhower, and
Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Mae West. Some 32 ghostly entities are said to reside at or regularly visit the historic Menger Hotel. Their pleasant behavior suggests that they aren't bothered by sharing the old hotel with the living!
The SMAPS team has also conducted research in theaters, libraries, wineries, and Bed and Breakfasts. They have hosted local events including National Paranormal Day and host a booth at the San Antonio Paranormal Fest (held every September) as well as a Trunk or Treat display at local schools for the children. This team has been featured in the local newspaper, a local magazine, the university newspaper, and a television station in Austin. One of the team’s video clips from an investigation has been . used in the show Strange Curiosity produced by Brad Klinge. It has also been used in the public television program Strange Town presented by Austin PBS.
By attending and hosting more public events in the future, the members hope to further
promote the paranormal field and to promote it to a wider audience. The SMAPS team
recognizes the importance of bonding with their local community and sharing everything
they know and do with those who may not normally get involved in the paranormal field,
even if they are familiar with it. The team also intends to collaborate with other teams for
the purpose of events and educational functions, which will further the field of research as
a whole.
For more information, email SMAPS at sanmarcosparanormal@yahoo.com or follow them on Facebook @sanmarcosareaparanormalsociety, Instagram @smparanormal. And subscribe to their YouTube channel @sanmarcosareaparanormalsoc2992.
Do You Recommend SMAPS?
- Yes