Jeffrey A. Dengler signs a copy of his book “The Minersville Mansion.” PHOTO BY JACQUELINE DORMER
Originally published in the Pottsville Republican-Herald on January 23, 2022.
POTTSVILLE - When asked if she believes in ghosts, Billie Jo Schuettler hesitates before saying yes. Her daughter Madeline, co-founder and president of the Kutztown University Paranormal Association, is more certain. She has believed in ghosts her whole life and sees them quite often, which she attributes to having “an open mind” on the subject. Through “paranormal networking,” Madeline met Kutztown author and paranormal investigator Jeffrey A. Dengler. Dengler had been researching a supposedly haunted house in Minersville, and he invited Madeline, as well as Paranormal Association members Madison Frye, Alyssa Frye, Brianna Petriga, and Paula Rucker to join him.
Madeline Schuettler and Jeffrey A. Dengler. PHOTO BY JACQUELINE DORMER
“You could definitely feel a paranormal presence as soon as you walked in,” said Madeline, 20.
Their findings are detailed in Dengler’s new book “The Minersville Mansion,” which Dengler signed copies of at the Schuylkill County Historical Society Saturday.
“He’s so professional and respectful to the spirits,” Madeline said of Dengler, “and such a great person.”
The mansion in question, on the corner of Front Street and Sunbury Street, was built in 1904 by Dr. Elmer Straub. From then on, the house was in the possession of doctors, including Straub’s son Elmer Jr.
The Minersville Mansion. PHOTO BY LINDSEY SHUEY
“I believe they’re still here,” he said.
Dengler added that the ensuing legacy of pain and illness within the mansion’s walls contributes to its ghostly reputation.
In the mansion’s attic, Dengler and Madeline recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), supposedly the spirit of a little boy speaking from beyond the grave. They asked the boy if he wanted to be their friend, and the boy said no.
“We came to the conclusion that he might be a little shy,” Madeline said.
“I think it’s wonderful that she’s so involved in investigating with Jeff,” Billie Jo said. “It’s something that she enjoys and she believes in, so we always support her.”
In 1938, a dentist named Pauloski moved in. In 1968 it became the home of Dr. Arthur Dinicola, who would reside there until his death in 2015.
In 2018, a woman named Teresa moved in. Shortly thereafter, she reported unusual sights and sounds. Dengler kindly offered his services, though he admits he got lost in the 23-room mansion.
“So many turns and stairways,” he said. “It’s like a movie, actually.”
When the mansion caught fire in February 2021, even the firefighters got lost. The fire, which took place three years to the day after Teresa signed the mortgage, “cooked” the mansion’s hidden stairway and the apartment it led to. Teresa moved to a farm in Berks County with her husband, and the mansion now sits unoccupied. The cause of the fire is unknown.
“I always lived in Minersville,” said MaryNell Starner, “and I always thought that place had to be haunted, just passing by it.”
Starner claims to have seen ghosts.
“Actually, I’ve seen misty figures” she said. “More feeling than seeing.”
This is in line with Dengler’s philosophy regarding ghosts - that they are not seen, but felt with intuition and understanding.
Some came to the book signing for a ghost story. Others were interested in the local history, which they knew firsthand. Dr. Dinicola was Debbie Klotunowitch’s childhood doctor, and she remembers him as a good doctor and “sweet man.” She believes in ghosts, but hasn’t seen any yet. Growing up, Mike Wasilus of Ashland was the Dinicola’s neighbor, and he remembers playing ball with the Dinicola boys. He doesn’t believe in ghosts.
“Maybe I will after I read the book!” He said.
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