This site was investigated by the South Jersey Ghost Research Group on 09-08-07 from 9:30 PM – 1:00 AM. There were 8 people from the group on site. They took 1093 photos, 31 of which were positive for paranormal activity. One of the motion sensors actually registered as well. That'll make the hair stand up on ya. This was SJGR's first visit to this historic building in Philadelphia, PA. During the course of the investigation, investigators experienced every thing from smells to impressions of celebrity names, much of which was perceived in the basement area.
The physical evidence collected consisted of 4 EVPs and 31 positive photos with energy orb anomalies in them. 2.8% of positive photos obtained falls within the normal range for any location, but some photos correspond to events investigators were experiencing at the time the photo was taken. Neither anomalous EMF nor temperature readings readings were recorded during this investigation. However, the motion sensor detected unseen movement in an area without investigators on one occasion.
At 12:16 AM, Investigator Haines recorded this spirit voice saying "I don't want to go" around the same time a chair was heard moving behind investigator Davis. And, that was enough for me to stop reading. If you want to have the cr@p scared out of you go to the site (see below) and click on the audio to hear the ghost.
Naturally, something this historic, spooky and old has an AGS listing:
The building at 1507 Orthodox Street houses the FRANKFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY (11) (open Tues. 8 to 10 p.m., Thurs. 2 to 4 p.m.; adm. free), founded in 1905 to preserve the records and history of Frankford. Built in Georgian Colonial style, of red brick with limestone trim, it houses interesting collections of relics, manuscripts, and pictures dealing with historic Frankford. --- Philadelphia: A Guide to the Nation's Birthplace, 1937; page 528
The historical society collects, preserves and presents the history of Northeast Philadelphia and the region as a museum and a library. Recognizing the neighborhood of Frankford as the historic and geographic gateway to the region, HSF documents and interprets the history of the people, places, events and traditions of the greater Northeast Philadelphia area and serves as an advocate for the preservation of the region’s historic resources. Through its collections and programs HSF provides opportunities for its members, the surrounding community, and the general public to explore and appreciate the history of Northeast Philadelphia and its place in the world. (courtesy of this historical society website)
This beautiful Federal-style house was built in the 30s specifically to house the Frankford Historical Society, and still serves the community today in the same capacity. The structure is made of brick, has a fancy entrance with a pediment, entablature, two columns and a gated front door. The name of the society is incised on the entablature. To the right of the entrance, about eye high is the most unusual date stone. It is a large stone tablet, inset into the brick. It reads:
This Building
Was Erected in The
Year 1930 By
William Henry Smelley
For the Historical Society
Of Frankford
In Memory of His Wife
Margaretta Smedley
And His Brother
Franklin Smedley
President of the Society
1903 - 1924
On the right side, stuck in the ground a few inches from the brick front is an historical mile marker which reads 5T Not sure what it means. My guess is 5 miles from Torresdale. Torresdale is another, once incorporated town which eventually became part of Philadelphia. There is another historical milestone on the left side, in a similar position which reads 7M to P. This has gotta mean 7 miles to Philadelphia.
The historical has a nice and very informative website which can be found HERE
Address
Historical Society of Frankford
1507 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124