Field Investigation: May 27th, 2009
Time: 2130 - 0200
Location: The Levee Cafe, Hastings MN
Geomagnetic and Solar conditions: Geomagnetic Field - Quiet, Solar Activity - Normal
Moon: Waxing Gibbous
Members Participating: Erin, Josh, Judy, Juli, Mark, Rich and Tim
Background Information:
HPT team member Juli had in interest in this location and was instrumental in arranged this
investigation. The business is located in a brick building near the Mississippi River in downtown
Hastings. The recent history of the building had it serving as a City Council Chambers for several
years before moving and allowing this business occupy the space. Prior to its current location, the
Levee Cafe was located on east Second Street.
One story that HPT found intriguing was that of an “entity” being seen at either the top of a
staircase leading to the upper banquet room or the entity being seen on a landing visible from the
dining room. No other information other then this incident has ever been repeated. Juli and Erin
initially with this location with Juli providing follow-up. Once permission was granted, Juli
submitted the permission and confidentiality forms for review and signature by the location. An
investigation date of Wednesday, May 27 th was agreed upon with an arrival time of 2100. Prior
to the investigation, Tim requested a short meeting between the team members, which was held
in the upper banquet room.
Investigation:
Judy, Juli, Erin, Mark and Tim arrived at the location at 2100. After meeting with Brian,
entrepreneur, the team members brought in their equipment and went to the upper banquet room
for a short meeting, after which the team began setting up infrared cameras in areas identified by
Juli and Erin. Josh arrived shortly after setup and Rich arrived after him. After the equipment and
base were set up, the team assembled outside the restaurant to allow Justin from Hastings Cable
Channel 14 to perform a walk through and interview the Brian and Kathy another employee of the
location who had agreed to remain behind and lock up after the investigation.
At approximately 2230, the team members began traveling to their assigned areas to begin the
investigation. Tim was to remain at base and monitor the infrared, (IR) cameras, Erin and Rich
were assigned to investigate the bar area, dining room and kitchen areas, with Juli and Mark
beginning their rotation in the basement area. Tim started his rotation at base where Laura from
the Levee Café joined him. During this time at base, Tim and Kathy had some discussions about
what the team members were doing while in their various assignments. Tim did request that
Kathy refrain from discussing any experiences she had at the location so as to influence him or
other team members. Tim also explain that was the reason he and the team remained outside
during the walk through with Justin.
After the first rotation completed at approximately 2315, the team reassembled at the base area
for a break and new assignments for the team members. After a short period of time, Erin and
Rich made their way into the bar area which was part of the area assigned to them. Shortly after
the remaining team members made their way back to base. Judy earlier stated that she could not
stay very late, and since the group needed an updated picture they all decided to go down by the
river for a few pictures.
While the team was assembling in the dining area, Erin and Rich approached Judy and Josh and
began questioning them about what sounded like someone walking rapidly across the banquet
room floor of if they came part way down the stairs. Neither team member stated they either
walked fast or went near the stairs until they were about to end their rotation. After the team all
assembled, Tim suggested that the team go down to the river and park area to snap a few new
team photos. After assembling and take about 10 pictures, the team then returned to the location
to resume the investigation. The team members then went to their second rotation
assignments…with Judy departing, Tim was assigned with Erin, Josh, Juli and Rich made their
way up to the banquet room with Mark monitoring the DVR.
As Erin and Tim descended the stairs, Tim stopped at the bottom to perform a personal clearing
before moving down into the basement. Erin and Tim both remarked about how quiet the
basement was with nearly all the power shut off. The only noise that either of them could detect
was the sound of the ice machine. Erin noted the time of just shortly after midnight. They both
made their way to the cage area in the basement where liquor was secured. Tim tried calling in
the caged area but was not able to obtain a response. Shortly after they began their vigil, Erin
thought that she heard something in response to the calling. She asked Tim if he heard anything
to which Tim replied he did, but dismissed it as the ice machine. Tim tried using the EMF meter,
but found that it was not providing accurate readings due to the amount of EMF emitted by pipes,
conduit, etc. The two investigators kept calling for while when Tim thought he saw what looked
like a half moon arch a short distance from him. Erin replied that she did not see anything since
she was facing the other direction. Erin asked Tim if he heard what sounded like someone
walking across the floor upstairs. Erin suggested calling Mark on the radio to see if he heard
anything, to which he replied that there were no other investigators on the main floor.
They then moved into an area that Juli identified as being one they should investigate, that being
in a small, enclosed area with a golf bag sitting about five feet out from the wall. Tim again asked
Erin if she saw a flash emitting from behind them. Erin stated that she did see something but
thought it was either the led from Tim’s recorder or his headlamp. Tim replied that it was neither,
his headlamp remained off and the led from his recorder could not have illuminated it since it was
strapped to his arm. Tim then stated that he thought he saw something pass by on his right side
as he was facing out of the cage area. Erin then stated that she saw something green move by
Tim’s right side. Tim stated that what he saw was white, but they both agreed they did see
something move past him.
Suddenly both investigators stated that they saw something move between them. Tim stated he
saw it out of the corner of his eye and with Erin a couple feet behind him and to the right, said she
saw something walk between her and Tim. Erin then stated that she was glad that Tim had seen
something to verify that she was not seeing “things”. Erin then thanked the “entity” for moving
past her. She also stated that as the entity moved between her and Tim, she put her hand out to
try and “feel” the entity. She stated she could not feel anything even thought she had her arm out
at about waist height on the entity. Erin then remarked that “it” was tall. Tim stated that he could
not tell the height, but could see it move past them. Tim then asked Erin is she could “douse” the
light on her camera screen. Erin then said she would turn it off. Erin again tried calling the entity
buy informing it that if it had a story to tell or something to say now was the time to do it.
Tim then remarked to Erin how quiet it was in the basement, and also in the kitchen area.
Whereby the Mississippi Belle kitchen and basement were a lot noisier, this place was very quiet.
Both Erin and Tim remarked how dark it also was compared to “The Belle”, with there being no
ambient light in the basement itself and very little filtering down the stairs from the “Exit” sign at
the top of the stairs. Erin again remarked how black it was to which Tim stated that there is black
and then there is BLACK, and he was waiting for something else to move in front of him. Erin
again remarked about what moved between them earlier, to which she tried to describe it when
Tim asked “White?” Erin then said she thought it almost looked gray like “Casper.” She then
laughed and stated she had not seen any Casper’s, but thought that could be what they would
look like.
Tim then remarked that the entity looked a lot like the female he had previously seen at the
abandoned cemetery. Tim then told Erin all he honestly could say is he saw something move
quickly between them. Again Erin added that she stuck her hand right into the entity but could not
feel it at all. She said he passed by but she could not feel it at all, and then it kind of surprised her
by how fast and unexpected it happened. Tim also stated that he was surprised by it too, and said
he did not feel anything as the entity passed by his right side, to which again Erin lamented she
did not feel anything either, even though she stuck her hand into the middle of it.
Erin then addressed the entity and stated that that was what the team was there for, to
experience things like that and to interact with them. She went on to thank the entity for showing
themselves to the team members and invited it to do it again. Erin and Tim then turned on the
light to illuminate the area they were in and both investigators said that there was nothing there
that could account or provide a reasonable explanation for what they had seen. The both
admitted that they were the only two down there to which Erin stated that she could not stick her
hand into a regular being. Both the investigators agreed not to tell the other members who had
not been down in the basement what they had seen. Erin then took a couple of pictures while she
and Tim moved over to where a concrete ramp was. Tim remarked that it was kind of weird to see
that, to which Erin informed him that that part of the basement was once a service station and
that was the ramp to get the cars down into it from the street. Tim was very surprised to hear this.
Erin then stated that she knew a little bit about the place and lead Tim over to where there was a
boxing ring again to Tim’s surprise. The two then moved onto the boxing ring. Erin then pointed
out the ropes and corner posts for the ring. She then stated that this was once the site of the
Hastings Golden Gloves Boxing Association. Tim then suggested that they stay there for a while
to see if they picked up anything to which Erin remarked that she was just about to suggest the
same thing.
The Team members turned off their headlamps and began calling to see if they could get a
response. Tim asked if anyone boxed there, or worked in the service station here, and if there
was to please let the two investigators know. Almost immediately after this statement, Tim asked
Erin if she could see almost like a red glow beginning to become more visible in front and around
them. Erin replied that she did see the same thing that Tim was seeing. Both investigators
checked to insure that they had no lights or any other devices that would cause this affect.
Suddenly, something startled Erin to which Tim said that there was something moving around
them. Tim then said that something just walked right in front of him. Erin said she did not see it
because she had her eyes closed because “someone” was teller their story. Tim then said that it
was like a kaleidoscope down there with the red light effect. Erin then said it was more then just a
boxing ring or match that took place down there, and it was bad. Tim then remarked that it
appeared to him almost like there were scenes changing in front of him. Again Erin stated that
someone wanted their story told. Erin then asked it “they” got beat to death down there? She then
asked if they could make a noise. She no more then asked this question then Tim stated that it
seemed to be getting darker down there again and the red hue was fading, and it was not as
bright as it was to which Erin added that maybe that is the message the entity wanted to send.
Tim again stated that something had moved right in front of him earlier and that it was bigger then
he was. Tim said he was looking at his shoulders from his eye level. Erin then remarked that
somebody got carried away down there and beat someone bad down there, maybe to death.
Tim again reiterated that something was moving around by the investigators again. He then
asked if there was some other way that they could show them that this was a sign they wanted
their story told. Erin then stated that they were open to their story. They were not going to
condemn them, think that they were weak or anything, they were just there to learn about them.
Tim reinforced Erin’s statement by saying that they were not there to judge them at all. He then
added that if there was something they wanted to tell, something they wanted to say to get relief
from there…Erin interrupted Tim and said “He’s right there…” and she pointed toward a ring post
by the wall to which Tim immediately said he saw “him” again. Erin said he appeared to be almost
in gold.
Tim again added that something moved right in front of him and Erin said she saw something
move in front of Tim only about 5 feet away, to which Tim added that was where he saw it too.
Erin then stated, “You are here with us…” She then said, “Tim, oh...” That she wished there was a
way they could really prove they were there. She then asked if she could try and take their
picture. Erin then took a series of three pictures and again added that she would love to have
their story told and that things happen and that mistakes are made. Both of the investigators then
heard a loud thump near or on the stairs. Erin then suggested to Tim that he call Mark on the
radio to see if someone was moving in the kitchen or down the stairs. Tim tried calling Mark on
the radio numerous times, but was not able to reach him, event though they were closer to base
while in the ring then they were before. Erin suggested that it could be the location though. Tim
then said that he could hear someone talking to which Erin said that she could see someone
standing in the ring along side the ropes by the corner. Erin then asked Tim if he could see it. Tim
answered that he could see something but that it was almost like a light blue or gray form. Erin
said that something did move in front of them again, but could still see something standing there
in the corner. Again Tim said something moved in front of him to which he laughed a little. Erin
again remarked how happy she was that they were being so active for her and Tim, and then
there appeared to be a lot of them there. Both Erin and Tim thanked the entities for they signs
they had been shown and that if they wanted to say something to them, that they could because
the team members were wearing recorders to record whatever message they wished to convey.
She added that they could not hear them now, but later when they went home. Immediately Erin
said she was seeing another “light show” to which Tim added that something just moved behind
Erin and him again. Erin then remarked that it was cold behind her suddenly also. Tim then tried
to scan or pan around him and Erin to try to pick up on anything else.
Tim then asked Erin if she heard something like a camera going off to which he again stated that
something was moving behind them. Erin invited whoever was there to come and join them. Tim
again said that he saw a flash just off to his right again. Again Erin said she hoped they were
talking and that they investigators could pick up something on their recorders. Tim then asked if
they were coerced into a fight?
Erin then said that she was not seeing the red anymore and that she was feeling pressure in her
ears. Tim told her that he was getting a headache centered in the middle of his forehead. Tim
then said he was trying to visualize things with his “third eye.” Erin told him he was trying too hard
and that he had to relax it a bit. She said that she had done that before too and Juli told her she
was trying to hard and to relax a bit. Erin then asked Tim if he wanted to move to another spot
since it felt like things were dying down in that area. Tim again remarked that it was getting very
dark, to which Erin said that it was dark down there and that she could still feel the cold on her
back. Tim then said he saw something move right in front of Erin, between him and her. He said
he turned around that thought that he was looking at Erin when suddenly it was gone. Erin said
she was looking off to her right and did not notice anything in front of her. Again Tim asked Erin if
she did see the reddish hue they had seen earlier, to which Erin agreed. Erin said she got a
thought of blood down there, like someone was beat severely, or lured in. Tim then remarked that
as they learned more about the history of the town, there were more “naughty things” that they
were finding out about. He no more then finished the sentence when something flashed right in
front of him again.
Erin again said she felt like someone was trying to tell their story. Again Tim said that he was
seeing something white flash down on the floor. Erin then stated that she was going to take some
more pictures to which Tim asked the entity if this was what happened. They did not want to go
down there at all, and the one time they did it was a mistake, a fatal mistake. Erin then asked if
they choked the entity because she was getting a choking feeling. Tim then said he tried to make
contact with his spirit guide to which she just kept telling him “Get out of there…” Erin then told
Tim that they had to go, she was not feeling hands around her neck but feel…Tim then said he
could hear his spirit guide telling him to get out. Again Erin said that she did not really feel hands
around her neck, but was feeling her airway constrict.
They made their way back into a shower area and found that the floor was very wet. The two
decided to stay in the area for a while, so Erin sat on a chair a couple feet in front of Tim. They no
more then got into the area when Tim said that he was seeing the red hue appearing again to
which Erin said she too was again seeing it. Erin then told Tim that she was able to virtually see
the entire room it was so red and bright to her. Tim agreed that he two was able to see the walls
and some outlines of pipes and stuff too in the room. Tim said it looked to him like there was a
light somewhere bright enough that he was able to see shadows on the walls. Tim then told Erin
that he just saw something move between them again and all he saw was a shoulder when Erin
blurted out “He’s over there.” She said that he was off to her right, and that it walked past Tim and
in the direction of the door and out the door. No sooner had the “red man” then the room they
were in would start to go dark again. Erin stated that it was almost like the entity was giving the
team members a tour. Tim said it was like he was following the two into the room, illuminating it
and leaving, allowing the room to darken again. No sooner had Tim finished this statement when
Erin said it was getting dark again, to which Tim agreed.
Leading the way, Erin remarked that he walked out the door in the shower room before, and that
he went out “there” meaning the main area of the basement again. As Erin and Tim were moving
in the larger basement again, Erin stopped and asked Tim to stand in one particular spot. Tim
moved to the spot and said that the floor was a bit uneven. Erin remarked that her ears felt like
they were filling up. Tim said he was not really feeling anything there especially that particular
sensation. As they were moving Tim’s head brushed up against a wire startling Erin. Tim said he
was wondering what was hitting him in the head and found the wire hanging down.
The two investigators moved into another area where they had to climb up some large steps.
Again the two no more then moved into the area when they both remarked that the room was
getting red again. Tim then said he saw something move in front of him again and he was seeing
what looked like a wall appearing about 5 feet in front of him. Erin was not able to see what Tim
was. Tim went on to add it looked like a stonewall just in front of him. Erin then asked, Tim, do
you get it, the red man?” Immediately Tim heard a noise and asked, “What was that?” Erin said it
sounded like a tinkling sound, and that the noise was coming from upstairs. Again Erin asked Tim
to think about the “red man” reference to which Tim asked if she meant Native American. Erin
stated that was exactly what she meant, to which Tim replied to could be entirely possible.
Tim again tried to reach Mark on the radio but was not able to reach him at all, so Erin and Tim
moved closer to the staircase leading to the basement. Again they both experienced what
appeared to be a reddish hue descending around them. The both remarked that it was not a
prominent as it was in other parts of the basement. Erin then noticed something that was casting
a slight shadow on the stairway. From their position, they were not able to gain a clear view of
what was in the stairwell, but assumed that it was just something placed on the steps.
Both Erin and Tim remarked to each other how this particular area did not feel as “heavy” as
other areas in the basement. Erin also remarked that it felt “newer” to her too. They both agreed
that the atmosphere, especially in the ring area felt much “closer” or heavier.
As the two turned to go up the stairs, they discovered that whatever was casting the shadow on
the stairs was no longer there. The two both stopped for a minute and were amazed that they
were expecting to see a broom or something else propped up against the wall, but found there
was nothing, nor a shadow on the steps any longer. Erin remarked that she thought there was
something between her and the stairs. Tim then asked Erin if what she saw was fairly tall,
pyramidal in shape and up against the right side. Erin agreed that she did see the same thing.
Tim walked towards the stairs to insure there was nothing there while Erin snapped a couple
more photographs. They then both heard someone approaching the stairs and found that Juli was
coming down to get them due to the length of time they were in the basement. All three
investigators agreed that the basement was very interesting, and agreed not to disseminate any
information until after the investigation was completed.
Juli then said that both her and Marks radios were dead. Tim then stated that he tried to call out
but was not able to reach anyone and thought the area they were in could have prevented them
from communicating. Juli then said that earlier when Tim called up to them to ask if anyone was
walking around upstairs that she tried to call back, but the radio went dead in her hand. Juli then
asked how the batteries were. Tim stated that he charged up one radio and replaced the batteries
in the other three just prior to the investigation. Erin then asked Juli if someone was walking
around upstairs. Juli said that they were walking around in the banquet room. Tim then asked if
anyone was walking in the main floor, she said that no one was down there except for Mark and
Laura by the DVR. Tim then stated to both Erin and Juli that he found it difficult to believe that
they would be able to hear the sound of boards creaking when the floors appeared to be made
out of concrete. Erin and Tim then went on to tell Juli that they were hearing creaking and what
sounded like someone walking fast across the floor above them. Tim then asked Juli if she heard
a strange beep like Erin had mentioned hearing before that became louder as they walked to the
stairs.
Erin then asked if Juli had come down because Erin and Tim had been too long on the vigil. Juli
said that she was not there for that, but to let Tim know about the radio issue. Juli stated that
earlier when she and Josh were down there, they were able to pick up a signal nearly everywhere
in the basement. The three investigators then went back up the stairs and over to where Mark
and Laura were at the DVR. Juli then asked Mark and Laura if they were walking around, to
which Mark replied that they were not. Tim then went on to describe what they heard, a sound
like someone walking on a wooden floor quickly. Mark then stated that he too thought that the
floors were concrete, to which the rest of them agreed they were. Mark then asked what had
happened down they, to which Tim replied that he would have to go down there and find out for
himself.
The team again took a short break before beginning the next vigil. Laura was conversing with Erin
and stated that when she goes into the basement to get ice, she literally runs back up the stairs
because of the uncomfortable feeling she gets while down there. She also stated that to a certain
degree she addresses whoever may be down there. Tim then stated that possibly talking to “it” is
one thing the team recommends clients doing who believe they have something paranormal in
their residence. He went on to add that sometimes a simple acknowledgement is usually
sufficient due to the fact if there is something there; it is probably just trying to some attention or
affirmation that the residents know they are there.
She went on to add that she got a feeling that there were “eyes” on her and that they seemed to
follow her up the stairs. She also added that she did not like to be there alone and tried to avoid it
if possible.
Erin, Juli and Tim discussed who had yet to have a turn down up in the banquet room. It was
decided that Juli would take Mark and Rich down into the basement for this vigil and Erin and Tim
would investigate the banquet and upstairs rooms while Josh remained stationed at the DVR.
As Juli led Mark and Rich down to the basement, Erin and Tim made their way up to the banquet
area on the second floor. The two investigators made they way through the banquet room down a
hallway and into an additional kitchen area on the second floor. The two attempted calling in this
area for a short period of time. They then moved back into the banquet area where Erin asked
Tim to call down to Josh and have him listen while she walked briskly and fairly hard on the
hardwood floor. After she walked across, Tim called down and asked Josh if he heard that, to
which he replied “Yes.” She then tried walking at a normal pace and he again called down to
Josh, who stated that time he could not hear her. Erin said what she heard sounded like someone
walking down the stairs. Josh then asked Tim to walk over towards the upstairs bathrooms while
he listened. Tim walked across the floor, called down to Josh who stated he did not hear
anything. Tim again tried stepping hard and stomping one foot on the floor to see if he could get
some of the hardwood floor to creak or make a sound.
He found that he had to use considerable force to get any sound. Erin then took some
photographs in the banquet area and again tried calling.
After a short period of time the two sat down at a table for a while and discussed what they had
heard about activity at the location, to include someone being seen at the top of the stairs. Tim
told Erin about something Judy had seen up there, that being what appeared to be a male
passing by her and swinging an arm. Erin mentioned that when Tim went back towards the
bathroom, she believed she saw “someone”, or what appeared to be outline of someone over by
the top of the stairs, or the stairs area. Erin stated that she felt the “entity” in the banquet area
was just “hanging out”, while the ones in the basement “meant business”.
Erin and Tim then discussed what they had experienced in the basement area with “something”
walking around and near them, the reddish hue that appeared to become visible in the various
areas and the heaviness that was also felt in some areas. Erin and Tim again discussed this “red”
that they saw and wondered if it meant blood or what the meaning could be, like someone getting
punched in the face. Erin also stated that she got the name Bill, or Bobby or something like that
for a name down there. They also discussed the first incident they experienced where they both
saw “someone” walk between them and Erin trying to put her hand out to “feel” who or whatever it
was. They again reaffirmed that the “entity” appeared to be quite tall…about 6’ 3” to 6’ 5” or so,
especially since Tim thought his eyes were only at shoulder level to whatever moved between
them. Erin also mentioned when they were in the ring and seeing the “guy” leaning back and
looking at them like what do you want? Tim then added that he was positive he saw something
walk right in front of him while they were in the ring. They both stated that whatever “it” was
seemed to move at a normal gait. They again discussed similarities in there experiences to
include seeing the reddish hue, how when one of them saw something the other investigator also
saw the same thing in the same area at the same time. Erin also mentioned that she did have a
cool sensation behind her like someone was standing there. Erin also said that she was positive
there was something on the stairway in the basement, and how when they turned the lights on, it
was no longer there.
They both stated that they did not feel anything oppressive or bad as they had in the dish room at
the Mississippi Belle. No areas in the Levee felt anything near that location. Erin did mention that
while in the ring, she did begin to feel something “heavy” just before the two departed. They also
mentioned that they hoped that Mark and Rich would experience something while in the
basement also. They also discussed Laura’s concerns about the basement. Erin again stated that
she did not feel anything bad, but more mischievous then anything in the basement.
Tim agreed saying that whatever was down there was just checking he and Erin out. The “entity”
seemed to follow them around and just circle them, but did not want to interact any more then
that. The entity did not affect Tim like others have with a heaviness in the chest, but he did
mention that while he was watching the monitors, he did get a sudden, unexplained headache,
that seemed to subside after a short time.
Erin did share that while in the ring she did feel a choking sensation begin. Tim again stated that
he felt a need to leave the area suddenly, and that if they did not, something bad could happen to
one or both of the investigators.
Erin again reiterated that she was not feeling much up in the banquet room, and that if there were
anything there it would be on or near the stairs. They also discussed the mirrors and windows
and how light could be reflected casting strange shadows. Suddenly both the investigators heard
something up in the room. Tim said it almost sounded like a conversation or singing, but Erin said
it sounded more like guitar music to her. They both checked the windows and found that there
were no cars outside to account for what they heard. Both the investigators said that they could
hear something like a conversation behind them again. Erin mentioned that she was picking up
an occasional word or short conversation. Then both agreed that it might be possible that the
ductwork could possibly act as a conduit for the sound too.
The two again engaged in some casual conversation for a while, knowing that in the past they
have gotten EVP’s while two investigator was just talking. After a short time, Erin asked Tim to go
over to the top of the stairs were there were a set of double doors to see if Tim could see an
outline of someone. Erin stated that she had seen what appeared to be the outline of someone
several times against or near the doors. They both stayed in the area for a short period of time in
the hope they would be see what Erin believed she had seen. They went back and sat down at
another table with Tim moving from one side of the table to the other. After a while, Erin remarked
that since Tim moved, she did not see anything in the area of the stairs.
Erin then mentioned to Tim that they had the investigation scheduled for a fourth rotation, but did
not believe they really needed it. Tim agreed and said if anything they would put more team
members in the basement for a while. Tim then informed Erin that he caught something out of the
corner of his eye that moved quickly around the corner by the stairs. Erin then said that that was
the same area she was seeing the outline of someone. They then moved back over to the stairs
and tried calling to see if they could get a response. Erin then said that if there was someone
there, they did not have a strong connection to the location. They then discussed other locations
within the City that they would like to investigate. After about another 20 minutes in the banquet
room, Josh called up to Tim to let him know that a message had popped up on the laptop, so Erin
and Tim decided to go back downstairs.
After another quick break, the team broke down and packed up the equipment and concluded the
investigation.
Synopsis:
The Hastings Paranormal Team was allowed to conduct an investigation at the site on May 27 th
2009. The team was familiar with stories that there were reports of an entity being seen at the top
of the stairs, also the historic background of the structure was enticing to the team also.
Juli and Erin were the team members who made initial contact with the site. They spoke to Brian
who agreed to allow the team to conduct an investigation at the site. Brian revealed to Juli and
Erin some of the activity that had been reported at the site. This consisted of the entity being seen
on the stairs, the sound of footsteps when no one was in the upper banquet room and once
incident where Brian was locked inside a caged area where the alcohol was secured. These
incidents were not revealed to the remainder of the team prior to the investigation so as to not
taint the investigation or influence any experiences the team may encounter.
During the course of the investigation, Team members did have a variety of personal
experiences. Some of these included seeing what they believe was an entity moving around them
in the basement. Sounds or noises that when investigated, could not be explained. At least two
investigators believed that “something” touched them in the basement. Other reports from
investigators included a sick feeling while in the basement, and sensitive team members “picking
up” on at least three different and separate entities.
Occurrences or Experiences:
Two members believed they encountered at least one male entity which they both saw at the
same time
Numerous EVP's were recorded
Sensitive team members detected the presence of multiple "Entities" within the structure
Unexplained sounds (Footsteps) for which a reasonable explanation could not be found
One investigator began to feel ill while in the basement, this feeling went away after the
investigator went back upstairs
Conclusion...
The Levee Café in Hastings MN, being located in the historic downtown area, has long had
rumors of paranormal activity occurring within it. Stories relayed by employees of the restaurant
ranged from items being moved or manipulated, auditory phenomenon reports of “walking” either
in the upper floors or on the stairway, a feeling of uneasiness or that of “not being alone” or
watched in the basement area, and one report of an individual being locked within a secured area
in the basement while alone in the site. After review of submitted written reports from participating
members, evidence collected during the course of the investigation, and personal experiences
investigators experienced combined with the reports of activity reported by employees, there is
sufficient evidence to conclude there is activity of a paranormal or unexplained nature occurring
at the Levee Café. While the activity is varied and does appear to be occurring in the upper
banquet room, dining and bar areas and basement, it is not of the nature or weight to at this time
conclude that the location is haunted.
It is recommended that the Levee Café and Hastings Paranormal Team remain in contact with
each other so that any new or escalation of activity be recorded and reviewed for further
evaluation. It is also recommended that additional research into the background of the location be
done to see if any historic events may be the basis or catalyst for any of the activity/evidence
reported or collected.