Chris Pennell believes there are ghosts that live in his home. He said more ghosts reside in Old Town Spring where he owns The Spirit Quest Center and hosts the Spring Ghost Tour with his wife, Ginger.
After more paranormal experiences than he can count, Pennell said he does not flinch when encountering a spirit.
“They’re all friendly—we have a rule that you have to be a friendly ghost to [stay here],” Pennell said.
The Spirit Quest Center is located within the reportedly haunted Whitehall House. The business headquarters houses a gift shop, alternative healing advisers and serves as the starting location for the ghost tour. Tours cost $22 per person—$34 on Halloween night—and include a glass of wine or beer.
Pennell said he uses his businesses to help others cope with their fears of the unknown. The Spring Ghost Tour teaches participants how to recognize and deal with ghosts in their lives.
“A lot of people think it would be scary [to encounter a ghost],” Pennell said. “It’s not scary—well not for us. We’re so used to [paranormal] things that it is normal.”
The ghost tour introduces participants to prominent ghosts, such as two members of the original family that lived on the property in the early 20th century when Old Town Spring was still a bustling railroad community, Pennell said. He claims the spirits still reside at Whitehall House.
Another allegedly infamous ghost duo in Old Town Spring, the Courting Couple reportedly can be seen holding hands and sitting on a porch swing on the balcony, Pennell said. He claims people who sit on the swing can feel it propel forward without using force.
The Pennells provide infrared cameras during the late night tours allowing tourists to explore the grounds and take photographs. A projector screen set up in the building’s dining room allows less adventurous guests the opportunity to watch potential paranormal activity live from their seats.
After a tour of Whitehall House, participants visit allegedly haunted monuments in Old Town Spring, such as the hanging tree and The Doll Hospital building. The Pennells usually hold tours twice per week in October with fewer held after Halloween.
“We want it to be educational for people because it’s a history tour of Old Town Spring—even when we talk about ghosts,” Pennell said. “I will try and explain things to them so that there won’t be any fear.”
The Spirit Quest Center also hosts catered dinners that begin with food before a paranormal investigation of the 120-year-old Whitehall House led by the Pennells, who have 15 years of experience as paranormal investigators. Some of the tour and dinner guests might even receive a friendly gesture from the local spirits, the tour host said.
“We have things that happen where people might get touched, and it could be in broad daylight,” Pennell said. “When it happens, don’t worry. They’re just saying, ‘Hello.’”
