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The case of the Goodin family gained international attention, along with that of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who were assisted by a priest and a young seminary student. The Warrens called the event, "one of the most famous well-documented poltergeist cases in history.”
In November 1974, police and fire authorities were called to a house on Lindley Street in Bridgeport, where they were said to have encountered bizarre occurrences, including moving furniture, flying pictures and a floating refrigerator. Official reports from members of the police and fire departments describe things like rattling furniture and a small girl being slammed against the wall.
The story was picked up by local and world media. The movie "The Exorcist" had been released less than a year before, and thousands of onlookers gathered in front of the small, one-story home, hoping to catch a glimpse of the occurrence. There were also reportedly stories of a talking cat, an exploding crucifix, levitating refrigerators and misty apparitions. After the Bridgeport police superintendent called the incident a hoax, the hype around the home died down.
Now, 43 years later, Bridgeport native Hall examines the events in his new book, "The World's Most Haunted House: The True Store of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley Street." Hall will be accompanied in his library presentation by author, broadcaster and "paranormal adventurer" Paul Eno, who was the young seminary student during the case and is one of the few surviving eyewitnesses.
Hall, who has worked as a professional magician, said he was a skeptic like everyone else until he went back to original newspaper articles, audio interviews of first responders, and city records. He used these documents to retell the story of the Goodin family, hoping to add context to a ghost story he now believes.
"There were over 100 witnesses," Hall has said. "This is one of the most witnessed hauntings in history."
The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. and is free of charge. Registration is required online at danburylibrary.org or call (203) 797-4505, option 3. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For additional information contact Aurelio Muraca at (203) 797-4505, ext. 7726.
The Danbury Library is located at 170 Main St.
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