Corpus Christi Spook Central hunts ghosts around the Coastal Bend

By: Andrea See | Foghorn

Have you ever searched for misplaced keys only to find them in the spot you thought you put them in the first place even though you knew you had already looked there? Maybe you’ve felt a sudden cold chill in a warm room or as if you were being watched when you know you’re alone. If so, you may have reason to call Corpus Christ Spook Central (CCSC).

Founded in 2005 by Margaret Prescott and her son Monty, CCSC has become one of the Corpus Christi area’s leading sources in paranormal investigation.

From historical homes and cemeteries, to businesses and private homes, and even a few news stations, Spook Central will go anywhere to get the ghost.

Prescott’s interest in the paranormal began when she was growing up. At 16, she saw her grandmother who had died when Prescott was 15 and she often heard her grandfather calling to her. Her son Monty had similar experiences with his grandfather (Margaret’s father). “That kind of made me start to wonder what is on the other side and if I saw her, does that mean others can come back as well?” said Prescott.

Over the years, these family events had Margaret wondering how many other people were experiencing the same things and how many of those people were scared of those experiences, so she began her quest to help people understand the other side and not be afraid of it.

In the three years of its existence, CCSC has investigated much of Corpus Christi and cite the historical Sidbury House and Blackbeard’s on the Beach as being two of the more active places in the area.

Several instances of electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) were recorded at both locations and in the case of Blackbeard’s, an apparition was recorded. They have also investigated as far as away as Louisiana and have an upcoming trip to Arizona in the works. In addition to investigations, CCSC also sponsors interactive public activities such as ghost tours through Heritage Park on Halloween and Friday 13.

Over the summer they will be holding their first public investigations in which the public will actually be able to participate and use professional ghost-hunting equipment.

The first public investigation will be held in May at the historical Ward-McCampbell House on Chaparral St.

It is rumored that Mary Alice Ward McCampbell stood watch over her family and home from the second story porch during a 1919 hurricane and flood. She died in 1920 from pneumonia that was supposedly the result of her exposure to the elements. The second public investigation will take place in early June at the Berclair Mansion in Beeville. A paranormal conference is also in the works.

While these public events typically include an admission fee, CCSC itself does not charge for any of their services nor do they accept donations.

All financial obligation falls to the investigators themselves, including providing some of their own equipment and travel costs. “All money that is raised from any kind of ghost tour or public investigation goes back to the restoration of the historical location or home [being investigated],” said Monty Prescott.

CCSC is always looking for more members with more than a passing interest in the spirit world, but there are some criteria. Members must attend at least three meetings, have their own transportation, be willing to use some of their own equipment and have a serious interest in the paranormal.

“This isn’t something to be done just for the thrill,” said Monty Prescott.

His mother agreed, pointing out that someone cannot “just walk into a place and expect to see a ghost.” There is a lot of work involved and at times a lot of waiting.

“I did this for a year and a half before I actually saw anything,” she said. “A ghost just doesn’t come out and say ‘Hi.’ It doesn’t happen like that. You’ve got to have the passion; you’ve got to have the patience. The desire has to be there. You got to want to learn as much as you possibly can.”

Those who would like to learn more about upcoming events or who would like to request an investigation can go to CCSC’s website, www.ccspookcentral.com. The site also includes findings from past investigations and links to other sites of interest.

Requests for investigations can be made by calling Margaret Prescott at 361-442-3382. Because the group’s calendar remains full, it may take some time to get an appointment. However, cases involving children get top priority.

Do-it-Yourself Ghost Hunt You don’t need much to conduct your own ghost hunt. A handheld tape or digital recorder and any type of camera (digital, video, 35mm, or even a disposable) are enough to catch your own EVPs and visual evidence. For more advanced hunts, a laptop with photo or audio software can be used in conjunction with the other equipment to get a closer look at the evidence.

Talk the Talk Paranormal – Above normal Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) – Voices recorded on an electronic device such as a tape recorder or video camera that were not heard by the naked ear at the time of the recording. Electro-Magnetic Frequency (EMF) - EMFs are around us all the time through electrical sources such as power lines, etc. High EMF readings can cause feelings of unease or nausea to someone who is sensitive to them, but do not of themselves constitute a haunting. A paranormal EMF reading may be suspected if there is a consistent base reading followed by a sudden spike that dissipates. Orbs - Energy that takes the form of a ball of light when caught on video or in still photos. Again, not considered solid evidence of a haunting, but can be considered paranormal, especially when accompanied by other types of activity.

By: Thomas Saldana | Foghorn

Photos by Thomas Saldana | Foghorn
Joel Lemons of the Mighty
Ducks catches the ball during the
championship game.

The finale of the 4-on-4 Flag Football Tournament, hosted by Del Mar’s Intramural Department, was held last Tuesday after a two-week voyage to the championship game for teams, All Day Err Day and Mighty Ducks. The Ducks won 50-46.

The game was fitting for a championship as two teams collided and pushed eagerly to the very last seconds. All Day Err Day had no hesitation going into the game and scored after winning the coin toss and taking first possession.

The quarterback of All Day Err Day threw “Hail Mary” passes to the end zone throughout the game and connected perfectly with his two wide receivers across the playing field. Team Mighty Ducks used to their advantage the fact that All Day Err Day only had three players. The Mighty Ducks continued to switch between their seven players wearing out All Day Err Day.

Despite the difference in team numbers, both teams made the championship game an edge-of-your-seat performance, a ping-pong-like match with scores going back and forth throughout.

In the first half of the game, the quarterback of The Mighty Ducks was forced to sit out due to a severely jammed finger; an injury that would aid All Day Err Day in coming out on top by the end of the half. The score was 28-21 All Day Err Day lead after a last-second touchdown gave the team a quick edge over Mighty Ducks.

In the second half, Mighty Ducks came on with full force and scored two back-to-back touchdowns giving them the lead in the game with 35-28. All Day Err Day had a few crazy plays that scored them many touchdowns, but on three occasions they failed to convert the extra point opportunities, falling behind the Mighty Ducks.

All Day Err Day played tactically through each game with only three players, pushed to the end and in the last two minutes of the game scored again, bringing the score to 50-46, placing them only four points behind Ducks.

With a minute 10 seconds left, the Mighty Ducks gained control of the ball and slowly began winding down the clock. They spent the last 40 seconds pitching the ball back and forth until time ran out.

The Mighty Ducks won the game and completed their season undefeated. The playoff games that moved the Mighty Ducks and All Day Err Day to the championship were also held that day.

The Mighty Ducks went up against The Rustys in a back-and-forth game that the Mighty Ducks showed they were out to win. They had no hesitation in the second half of the game and shut out The Rustys quickly.

Team All Day Err Day played a championship-like game against DMC Intramural Sports. The game bobbled back and forth from start to finish with All Day Err Day taking the win in the last four seconds of the second half. All Day Err Day used the same tactics in this game that they did in the championship due to the fact that they were playing the playoff and championship games with only three players.