Boston’s Crimes & Haunts – Blonde Witch Of Lime Street

Boston’s Crimes & Haunts – Blonde Witch Of Lime Street. It was in the spring of 1923 in this small 4-story brick home that one of the most debated psychic research projects ever began.

Blonde Witch Of Lime Street

It began innocently enough when the Margery’s husband, Dr. LeRoy Goddard Crandon became intrigued by areas of science, such as telekinesis and séances. His interest, turned passion, led him to even build a table exactly to the specifications of a case reported in Belfast of one Kathleen Goligher. In May of the same year, Dr. Crandon decided to put his table to the test by inviting some friends over to hold a séance with himself and Margery. During the course of the meditation, he found that the table moved, but only when Margery participated in the rituals. The experiments continued and word quickly began to spread of the Blonde Witch of Lime Street.

While many believed the events to be the real thing, a handful of skeptics remained, including Harry Houdini who flew into Boston in July to observe the matter in person. Houdini, a master of illusions himself, quickly deduced and discovered a switch which Margery used to perform her tricks. While this may have deterred most, Margery continued the charade to countless followers. It is said that many of these followers were seduced by her “charms” during these séances. The so-called charms partially been attributed to the low cut dresses she reportedly wore during these sessions.

Strong opinions swayed both ways over the summer, even drawing an interest across the pond. Famous Sherlock Holmes, writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (pictured here), was so riled over the debate that he printed an ad in Boston newspapers stating, “JB Rhine is an Ass.” J.B. Rhine (Joseph Banks) is widely considered to be the “Father of Modern Parapsychology” and was obviously a strong proponent of Ms. Stinson. As part of his study, Rhine sought to investigate the existence and causes of psychic abilities.

• Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mina_Crandon
• Address: 10 Lime Street, Boston, MA
• Cost: Free