In the world of paranormal exploration, certain places beckon the curious, offering a unique blend of history and high strangeness. Viewpoint Books, nestled within the captivating Old Post Office Building at 548 Washington Street in Columbus, Indiana, is one such enigmatic location. On June 19, 2022, I was invited to investigate a series of paranormal claims – mysterious footsteps, objects moving unaided, and a spine-tingling encounter with a full-bodied apparition in the store’s basement. In this post, we will dive into my paranormal exploration, weaving it with the remarkable historical tapestry of this iconic building.

A Historical Timeline

To truly grasp the essence of Viewpoint Books and its potential for the paranormal, let’s embark on a historical journey through time:

• 1887: Shortly after Charles F. Sparrell designed the theater adjacent to Keith’s Arcade, known today as The Crump Theatre, he was commissioned by Francis T. Crump to craft a Victorian Romanesque masterpiece. This edifice would be a post office in 1897, leased by the U.S. Government. Postmasters such as Thomas Rush, W. A. Stevens, W.F. Coats, and John M. Davis presided over its operations, supported by a dedicated team comprising three clerks, five carriers, and two substitute carriers. Notably, the building received improvements in 1900, solidifying its role in Columbus’ history.

• 1912: A pivotal moment arrived when the post office relocated to the Columbus Federal Building at Seventh and Washington streets. Speculation swirled about the vacant space, with rumors hinting at a transformation into a modern hotel.

• 1915-1917 From ads in Republic Newspaper, we know that the undertaker service, Walter Hathaway & Co., was a tenant in the 544 building address.

• 1921: The building’s history was tinged with melancholy when Dr. J. W. Arnold passed away due to heart disease in the home of Frederick Robbins, the residence located within the Old Post Office Building.

• 1929: Another solemn event occurred as Mrs. Emma Waughtel succumbed to pneumonia at the Home Hotel, situated at 6th & Washington streets, which she and her husband had just taken charge of and moved into a few months prior.

• 1942: Changes unfolded as storerooms at 544 and 546 Washington St., owned by Francis Overstreet, underwent remodeling. Over the years, the building was home to various tenants including a meat market, shoe shop and law and loan offices.

• 1972: The building’s narrative continued to evolve when Merle Nelson transformed it into the Nelson Bible Mart, then formerly the Indiana Gas Co. In 1980, her dedication to preserving history earned accolades for renovations, including to the roof, second-floor bay window, a basement lift and interior remodeling.

• 2002: Store ownership transitioned as Family Christian Stores took the reins.

• 2006: A transformation unfolded as the upper-level space was converted into four condos, adding a literal new layer to the building’s identity.

• 2007: The latest chapter began when Terry and Susan Whittaker relocated Viewpoint Books to 548 Washington Street, ensuring the continuation of this iconic location as a beloved bookstore.

• 2016: Ownership transitioned once more, this time to John and Beth Stroh, who upheld the building’s rich heritage.

The Haunting Investigation

Our investigation at Viewpoint Books unveiled moments of strange phenomena. Beyond what witnesses had reported, I documented electronic voice phenomena, interactions with meters being set off due to environmental fluctuations, intelligent and relevant ITC responses, and my personal favorite — a motion sensor alarm being set off on the stairwell leading to the basement where the claim of the full-bodied apparition occurred. These encounters paint a picture of a building that seemed to exist in two realms – one of the living and one of the spectral.

A Haunting Beauty

Viewpoint Books may be haunted, but that’s not a negative connotation. Hauntings can be more than just manifestations of sadness; they can also be glimpses of beauty and imagination intertwined with history. The building’s past serves as a conduit, preserving memories that transcend time. It raises questions: Do memories intersect and at times cross our paths? Is it former employees revisiting their old workplaces or the collective energy of those who once dwelled within? Maybe the undertaker service of Walter Hathaway & Co. is a catalyst for high strangeness in that area?

Perhaps there is a link between the ITC response of Emma and the historical passing of Emma Waughtel. Maybe the entire downtown of Columbus holds time differently, especially in the Sixth Street block with its rich history of an old Catholic church, graveyard, secret societies and ritualistic skeletons.

Ultimately, the phenomena of ghosts may never yield a complete understanding. Perhaps they are meant to be experienced, reminding us to leave a positive imprint on these historical structures and those who traverse their thresholds. How we treat them, and the kindness we extend to those who visit may begin a new chapter that resonates until the end of time. As we navigate the beautifully haunting realm of Viewpoint Books, we are invited to cherish the present, embrace the mysteries, and honor the enduring spirits that linger within. After all, every ghostly encounter is a reminder that our impact on the world echoes long after we are gone.

— Evel Ogilville

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All historical info graciously harvested by the voracious Eunice Specter.