My friend Heidi and I visited Vicky and Phil Elsing at their store Elsing’s 2^nd Hand Shop in Stoughton, WI on Sunday, September 21, 2008.  We arrived and were greeted by Vicky and Phil in the front, street level room of the store around 12:20PM.  The first 30-45 minutes were spent introducing ourselves, talking about our backgrounds, how we came to buy our respective properties and our subsequent experiences with the paranormal including the subjects of mediums and investigations.  Oh yes, apparently I look like a farmer.  Thank you!  That’s a compliment Vicky.  After some exploration on the first and lower level floors we walked down the block and had lunch at the Koffee Kup Restaurant then returned to the store, did some more investigating, shared more history about the store and Willow Creek Farm, said our final “good byes” and departed around 4:45PM.  Both Heidi and I enjoyed our drive up to Stoughton but even more so the time that we spent with Vicky and Phil.  I can tell you that not only are the Elsing’s delightfully cordial and hospitable but they have a very haunted store!  Isn’t it fun Vicky and Phil?  Thanks for the great day!

My Experiences

When we first arrived, after introductions and comparing notes, we ventured into the large back room lined with display shelves and merchandise.  I didn’t feel anything unusual.  Next, at the Elsing’s suggestion, we ventured down into the lower level of the building.  I took the lead down the stairs, turned right at the bottom and proceeded down a short corridor.  At the end of the corridor I had a choice to enter the furniture room directly in front of us or turn left into a corridor with three other display rooms off of it.  My inner voice told me to turn left and proceed to the end of the corridor past the three rooms.  I followed those instructions without hesitation.  Everyone followed and at the end of the corridor I turned saying something like, “they’re here”.  I felt that certain energy and heaviness that can’t be precisely articulated or described.  I just knew we weren’t alone especially at the end of the corridor.  Later, I sat alone in the furniture room and introduced myself to the “spirits” telling them that Heidi and I came to meet them and introduce ourselves.  I also talked about my family at Willow Creek Farm.  I told the “spirits” to give me a sign if they wanted to say “Hi”.  Immediately, I heard the sound of something like scissors blades or a knife being sharpened.  I thought it might be something Vicky, Phil or Heidi was doing upstairs because I could faintly hear their voices.  But then I realized it was really coming from the hallway outside of the furniture room.  I asked the “spirit(s)” to let me know if they were trying to communicate with me and again, almost immediately I heard the same sound.  Hmmmm?

Phil took us upstairs after lunch while Vicky went home to get Otis and Baxter.  We walked the floor and at one point I ventured to the area at the back of the building where the Chief of Police fell, purposely jumped or was pushed to his death.  I felt a cobweb brush the entire backside of my left ear as I drew within two feet of the fateful windows.  I swiped around my ear and couldn’t feel any cobwebs.  Then I touched my ear and didn’t feel any cobweb residue.  I looked around and there were no cobwebs.  Now, if I was walking forward and walked into a cobweb wouldn’t I feel it at the front or side of my ear?  I really think I was touched by the Chief or even better one of the brothel girls!  Hmmmm?

Heidi’s Experiences (in her own words)

At arrival, I felt nothing but focused on the conversation between you and the owner.  When we went into the basement, I felt an overwhelmingly heavy feeling, almost as if I had gained about 50 lbs.  I was slightly lightheaded once we entered the book room.  I had no visual experiences.  We went back upstairs, and later, I went back down to the basement by myself.  I entered the holiday room, and wandered about slowly.  I smelled a woman's perfume.  It did not linger, but seemed to move.  I checked to make sure nothing in the area I was standing in could have smelled like the fragrance I smelled.  I didn't touch anything though.  I walked into the bookroom, and then came back to the holiday room, and smelled the same fragrance again in the doorway...approximately 10 feet from where I smelled it earlier. It disappeared quickly but could be smelled faintly a few feet away.

When we were on the first level, I felt a slight stroke on the back of my hand.  There was nothing there.  Then, when walking around, I asked for proof, and something moved on a shelf about 4 feet from me, though I did not turn quick enough to see it.  I only heard either wood or glass moving on the shelf.  Finally, before leaving, Vicki asked me to stand in a certain spot and asked if I felt anything there.  I thought she meant between her and I.  So I said no...I didn't feel anything between us, but I did feel energy over my right shoulder.  Since the sun was to my left, I thought this was a bit different, but assumed it was probably from the store next door.  Apparently, a woman had crashed into the building to my immediate right.  Is that what I felt??  I don't know.  I can't prove anything.  But I don't have to.