Episode number 142: The Nathan Hale Homestead

[onemillionsubscribers]

Gina was having a good summer. She was one year closer to finishing off her grad school degree at Duke Universoty. That said she still was planning on keeping up her growing business during the summer months. Talking about and visiting haunted houses and locations over the whole good old US of A was weirdly well loved. She was fairly sure that most of her patrons were people who just needed something exciting to watch on their phones late at night.

It still was fun for her and after the overhead netted her enough to cover expenses. It helped that this was something she liked doing. Investigating things that people didn't know the truth of.

Like if it was mold or actually bloody walls. In most cases she could confirm that it wasn't actually something paranormal. Then there were other times like now. The country home belonging to a Revolutionary War hero located in a small town in Connecticut looked incredibly well kept. She had gotten permission from the local historical society to do filming over here. She was told to be careful with the gardens and to stay off the local horse trails.

Simple enough. She had her van parked and was pulling out equipment when a shiver ran down her spine. It was weird but looking up at the house? Gina could have sworn she saw someone in one if the upper windows. That .Just be one of the locals who volunteered to help maintain the place.

With a flourish Gina pulls out her cell phone to start pre-recording.

"So by popular request? Guess what my favorite 'ghosties'," she hates the name her fan's gave themselves but whatever! They like it. "That's right, the one and only Captain Nathan Hsle Honestead located in Coventry down in Connecticut!"

Gina gives some background on the property. Captain Hale being the youngest son in the family with his father being a Deacon of the local church. There are a few other interesting points that Gina thinks are actually pretty interesting.

Such as this Hale family being connected to the same Reverend John Hale who was connected to the Salem witch trials. Gina really wanted to get into that right away but, experience told her to lead into that. Walk around inside and actually look at the whole house.

Virgina Matthews does not believe this place is as haunted as they think. She thinks it is far mire likely that the hype from being within a few hours drive of Salem and this being a slightly off the beaten path country home has the locals wanting more than there is. She has seen true hauntings and this doesn't feel like one. That is, of course, up until she steps inside and she swears this place shouldn't feel this chill right by the old kitchens. It should be warm still given how hot it had been on the drive out here.

"Okay ladies and gentlemen,this is where I'm going to be doing my set up for tonight. The staff told me earlier that they had no problem with me setting up my equipment." She sets her phone down and starts to pull out a few different pieces of monitoring equipment she had brought along. Gina has this weird feeling that keeps settling in.

She knows that something feels off. Since she ca not place it she keeps working. Later once she is filming different rooms and getting temprature readings then she will do whatever naval gazing is needed on why she feels bothered.

It should be nothing. Even if there sometimes really is something strange in the neighborhood.

Comments

[ivebeenslimed]

He gave a nod in understanding and smiled in return. "My friends and I will figure out what to do with the book once I get back home. It won't get into the wrong hands again or innocent ones for that matter... Let's see about having some tea and go talk with Auntie," Peter stated. He then turned to Gina, knowing she must feel out of place and wanting to do something. While it was a small gesture, it would help bring her into the conversation too. She did bring them all unintentionally together.

"Gina, would you be able to put some tea together? I think they would appreciate the gesture."

He knew that the others couldn't drink the tea, but it was more the atmosphere he was setting and something they could connect with. "Is there anything that Auntie may relate to? Something I can converse with to help?"

[onemillionsubscribers]

"Yeah, I gave my favorite electric kettle on hand. Shouldn't take too long," she said giving the ghost a respectful smile before dipping away. Gina is just tall enough that she couldn't exactly hide behind Peter for too much longer.

It was getting almost silly standing in the background without anything to do. Going off to make tea would be easy.

"She'll be pleased. She was watching young Miss Matthews working. It was quite curious to see just how carefully she set her things up. Not as many seekers of the supernatural are respectful. Is that a lesson you have passed along?" His ancestors is leasing him back up to the room that his Aunt prefers to stay in.

[ivebeenslimed]

"To be honest, we're learning as well as Gina is. We're the first ones to really think about dealing with ghosts on this level. When I first got into this, I thought I was just going to be putting ghosts away. I never assumed that I was going to be helping a lot of them move on. And found out over the years that's what a lot of ghosts needed was help.

We've made mistakes, but we've also learned from them to on how to handle things. For instance, I would have originally just captured you and been done....and I'm glad I didn't. I realized I needed to listen first.

Watching Gina now....I would have loved to take on students and show them what to do and what not to do. I didn't know we had that much of an impact. But now that I'm aware, I may take that back with me when I return. What a lot of people don't realize that even if a place is haunted, you still need to show some sign of respect and a basic knowledge of what you're walking into. That's where Gina stood out. She didn't act like she was going to own the place or do as she pleased.

I appreciate you not harming her and that you were actually looking out for her well being," Peter said. "And I'm glad I listened to you instead of busting you."

He found it actually wholesome to be talking with the other. He was never close to his family. And there were times he wish he was given that chance to do so. His father is the only thing he had left that was his family.

[onemillionsubscribers]

"Then by the time you perhaps meet her again by the...long way you will have learned more pearls of wisdom. You have insight into people. That has value. The ability to turn that mirror on yourself and see what you would like to change has a currency of it's own." As they settle into the room a slow change comes to the room. The ghost of a young woman, no older than seventeen appears.

She looks between her mother and Peter then smiles.

"Hello! I remember you! Weren't you here before? I'm ever so sorry I didn't appear...unfortunately I suffer a little from being easily distracted! There are so many fun people to watch as they come through." The young lady and her energy is just light and engaging. She must have been very sweet in life.

Gina for her part is getting the tea ready. She didn't expect to have more than one guest but she has some luck. Mugs left behind in secret spots by volunteers. She just has to clean them up first. It's lucky for her that she's always well prepared.

[ivebeenslimed]

Peter could only smile at the young girl's energy. He really wasn't expecting his aunt to be so young. But then if she died at a young age....it would make sense she stayed at the age she was. He couldn't help but pity that she died so young.

"I'm afraid that this is my first time being here." Peter replied. "I understand that you receive a lot of guests here, so it's pretty easy to mix up faces. I'm Doctor Peter Venkman. It's an honor to finally meet you, Auntie. You might be more intrigued by my young friend Gina."

[onemillionsubscribers]

"Oh that's a pity," his aunt said. His ghostly great-aunt would like to see him around more. She could also consider crossing over but the young lady has enjoyed watching the towns children come by. It's almost comforting to see. "I did watch her when she was setting up. Miss Gina seemed very respectable.... Is she as kind as she looked? It's so hard to tell."


Gina for her part is about to come back up with tea in tow. She had wanted to give the trio time to talk. It didn't hurt that it meant she was also thinking about how to edit out actual time travel for whatever ends up going on her channel. It would be nice to let people enjoy the story of this place.

[ivebeenslimed]

"I think after you talk with Gina, you'll be able to figure out. Trusting in your gut feeling is usually a good rule to go by. I bet you can learn a lot from her. As I've learned a good deal as well from the small interaction I've had." Peter stated.

"What did you use to do in the past?" he asked curiously. Maybe it could help him provide some other answers he wanted to know. "Did you have any hobbies or games you like to do? Or books that you would read?" Granted he knew back then that things were so different then now. But he felt there would be some kind of connection that can be formed.

[onemillionsubscribers]

"My brothers would go riding the horses o fishing down at the lake. I worked on my needle point and... I liked poetry. George Keate. I learned to read from the Bible as well as a few theological books Mama and Papa approved of." His Aunt had been a young lady. They had things expected of them including learning to run the household. Sums and numbers would have also been very important for her to know.

"We played games outside when the weather was good. Blindman's Bluff was popular. Did you ever play Quoits?"

Gina is quietly listening as she sets things out. She knew how to set out tea. She had learned a bit while trying to prove a so-called spirit medium had been lying to people. It had turned out Gina had been right but the real proof had come about from tea drinking.

[ivebeenslimed]

Right. Peter kept forgetting it was that far back. His history of the time was rusty. He was never one to pay attention in school. It really had to hold his interest for him to pay attention. "Can't say that I had. We used to play baseball and did some horse back riding at one point. Can't say I'm very fond of horses though.... Mine would never listen to me."

Peter ushered for Gina to join them once he saw her finish taking care of the tea. "Can you tell me about Quoits? I've never heard of it before."

[onemillionsubscribers]

Gina, meanwhile, had been vibrating with questions once she heard things. Her infinite curiosity is what keeps her going. Gina had never ridden a horse but she was more focused on the needle points. She had heard a few things.

Gina took her seat and made sure all four cups were filled. She'll wait before jumping in.

"You use these metal rings. The idea is to toss the rings until they catch on a stake in the ground. The first person or team to reach twenty-one wins."

Gina thought that sounded a lot like playing horse shoes.

[ivebeenslimed]

Peter snapped his fingers once he realized what she was talking about. "Now that I think about it we do have a similar game... Only we call it horse shoes. Same concept, but using a horse's shoe. Now that Gina is with us I'm sure the two of you have questions for each other."

He moved to focus on the tea now that it was served, giving them a chance to speak. Every once in a while he was generous enough to let others speak and not dominate the entire conversation. It was trying to work on that as it was a big complaint from the rest of the guys.

[onemillionsubscribers]

Gina and his aunt ended up having some things to talk about. Gina had questions that his aunt was happy to talk about. Elizabeth Strong who is Peter's many times grandmother just enjoyed hearing the chatter from her daughter. It was good to see two young women talk.

When the tea is drunk through and Gina covers her mouth to mask a yawn, the two ghosts exchange a knowing look. Elizabeth turns to Peter.

"You had uncles. There may be distant cousins of yours in New York should you wish to look."

Gina sleepily nods slowly. "There's websites in this time. People can track their family lines."

[ivebeenslimed]

"I'll be sure to research and reach out to them. This has been a rather informative meeting." Peter stated. " We really appreciated your time and the knowledge you shared. I think it's time we wrap things up. Let Gina pack up her gear and I can collect spud and return back to my time."

He smiled glad that the conversation went well and that well everything ended well. What started out to be a disaster ended up closing up some loose ends. Peter found he always enjoyed those type of situations. He would rather see a spirit go in peace then to have to keep them trapped.

[onemillionsubscribers]

"Of course," his ancestor agreed with him. "We would not bring harm to any who visit us. No matter how long it has been we still believe in hospitality....I would prefer your green friend go with you."

Gina avoids commenting on that. She just says her goodbyes to the younger looking ghost. Once one reaches past the first century, do decades even matter?

"I'll just go pack up. Shouldn't be long," she offers. There's something to be said about a nice and peaceful haunting like this one.

[ivebeenslimed]

Peter gave a smirk. "The spud tends to stow away when he's not supposed to. I apologize for him interfering with plans." He then called out for Slimer to join them and say goodbye. He then turned to Gina.

"I'll come find you in our actual time and we'll catch up then. I'm glad to have had this opportunity."

[onemillionsubscribers]

Three weeks from that trip, Gina had posted a thoughtful video on the history of the Nathan Hale Homestead. She talked about what life was like living there. It was filled with kernels of knowledge and laced with Gina's respect for what the family had been like.

She did not confirm if there were real ghosts there. Instead she talked about the rumors. While part of her wanted to tell the truth out of respect for the ghosts who were happy there she chose to just talk around the truth.

The comments section wasn't too exciting. People enjoyed the talk about the history of a very traditional looking Colonial homestead.

She sent some clips of the heat photography to her advisor, the professor enjoyed seeing her work in the field and did not notice what Gina had carefully left out. Instead she invited Gina to come to a special lecture with a guest speaker that was sure to capture her attention. It helped there was the tempting offer to join her professor for a quick dinner afterwards.

[ivebeenslimed]

It had been a whirl wind since he got returned to his time. He was quick to explain what happened and as promised they took care of the book so it was protected and not left for the wrong hands to find. Peter always remembered the young lady he had met. And he kept an eye on her as time progressed. To where they are now.

He watched her videos and even read any paper she had written. Every so often he would leave her information under different alias. He hoped that by having this particular lecture at her school, he would finally get to meet Gina in the correct time frame.

Peter hated doing lectures, but he found it was a way to connect with the people who were fascinated by the paranormal. It also helped keep their names alive in the world when they couldn't do much anymore. Already someone was asleep in his lecture. And to get even with that he threw a few pens in the student's direction.

"I certainly hope I didn't disturb your rest there, Sleeping Beauty. You can leave now or pay attention." Peter stated unabashed by the scene. A handful of students were laughing and filming it. While others appeared shocked by the behavior and method Peter used. Others just didn't seem phased.

[onemillionsubscribers]

It started early in her career online. Different people offering her advice in the comments. Different types of hooks for attaching her equipment. Ways of finding proof.

One time when she had to take a break due to an injury Gina had exchanged stories with someone. They had been kind to her and it made Gina feel less alone.

When she presented her new companion to the show, a kitten who broke into her van, she took votes on names. Egon won and so grew the legend of a menace of an orange cat who was in theory part Maine Coon.

Gina enjoyed the lecture. She was tired from the road but downing coffee lije it was the one thing keeping her alive.

She hid a grin from behind her thermos. Peter was funny. She was glad her advisor hadn't warned her of who would be here.

It was a great surprise. Shame on her classmates for not understanding this was a legend.

[ivebeenslimed]

There at least weren't any more interruptions or shows of disrespect after Peter made a show of the student. He taught academia for a long time and knew what to do. And while his method were sometimes questionable it got through to the students. That's all that mattered to him. He learned how to get people to be engaged with his class or lectures. He paid attention to what failed and what worked. He took advice as well.

It wasn't till the end he made his way toward Gina, wanting to talk with her. He spent time talking with various students and getting pictures taken and a few autographs. It humbled him when people did ask for such things, as it was getting less and less. They were becoming a thing of the past.

"I was hoping to see that furry companion of yours." Peter greeted with a smirk.

[onemillionsubscribers]

"His legend grows," Gina says with a soft laugh. "My advisor insisted on meeting him when Egon wandered onto one of our Zoom meetings."

Egon the cat has a number of fans. Gina has considered selling mugs with his face to cover the cost of some his favorite treats.

"I hadn't thought I would see you again after your...almost guest apperance." It was the most polite way Gina could think of to reference their first meeting while respecting the Hale Homestead ghosts.

[ivebeenslimed]

"Well it was a good thing I kept your information on hand and a note of what year to keep an eye out for you. I've also been commenting in your streams alot. You just have to figure out my username," Venkman replied.

"Most of what happened felt like a dream. Who would have thought that time travel could be a thing with spirits? Let's go have dinner together and talk more over that. It'll be my treat."

[onemillionsubscribers]

"I assumed you would have," she smiles a little. Peter had treated her like one of his students. It had felt nice especially when sometimes she felt misunderstood by her family. At least her younger brother had started to kind of started to treat her a little kinder.

She doesn't get along with her Mom. "I had the chance to get some other readings on a place that.
..seemed to gave similar qualities. I think a ghost of sufficient power could pull objects or people through time."

The light house episode. "I am always game for food. Oddly work burns more calories than one would think."

[ivebeenslimed]

"Egon had said that it could happen, but it wasn't something that happened a lot. It often takes a lot of power and drains them. So if they were to do it, it's typically a last chance sort of deal. It was just good that this happened with you around and not someone who wouldn't have understood." Peter replied.

He found a simple diner that he spotted along the way up to the university. While he didn't mind a fancy restaurant to eat it from time to time, a good diner always won him over.

"I hope you don't mind eating at a diner?" he questioned. He could eaisly find something else if it wasn't something she liked.