Porterville Ghost Society - Investigations

Featured Investigations

The Zalud House The Zalud House is actually a residence that has been transformed into a museum. It is listed in the National Registry of Historical Places and is one of Porterville ’s hidden charms. It was not always this way however. Several of us remember walking by the house as children (rather quickly as we passed on by) because it looked “spooky”. It was overgrown, untidy and appeared ominous. As we grew older and became more enlightened, we realized what a grand place it must have been. After being willed to the city by the last remaining resident, Pearle Zalud, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and turned it into the beauty it is today. PGS has had the good fortune to develop a partnership with the City of Porterville which has resulted in regular investigations of the home. We have collected evidence that proves this place has genuine paranormal activity. We hope that our investigations generate interest to help maintain the Zalud House Museum .

The Spencer/Isham House This house was first noticed by team members after we started investigating the Zalud House (just down the street). It just seemed like we were drawn to it so we started to ask around and see if we could get permission to investigate it. PGS approached Jim P. about the house and he arranged for us to start investigating. The house has changed hands through the years and is currently used as alternate building space for the City. The home has proven to have paranormal activity and it seems there is always something new to be discovered.

The Barn Theater Most of us in PGS remember this place all of our lives. Some members have even taken part in the productions and the plays. Everyone has heard of theaters possibly having a resident ghost, the Barn Theater is no different. In operation since 1948 (and it honestly started out of a real barn), it was originally the brainchild of Peter Tewksbury, who later became well known in Hollywood as a director and actor. The newer building (with part of the original barn) was built on the present site in 1952. http://barntheater.porterville.com/

Colonel Allensworth 1842 -1914 Born into slavery, Allen Allensworth escaped as a runaway slave during the Civil War, joining the Union Army. In 1871, he became a minister, and in 1877 he met and married Josephine Leavel, a young school teacher and talented pianist and organist. In 1886, he accepted a commission in the Army as a Chaplain to serve in the all Black 24th Army Infantry. When he retired in 1906, he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was not only the highest ranking Chaplain in the Army, but the highest ranking Black officer of this time. THE TOWN OF ALLENSWORTH IS BORN After his retirement from the Army, Colonel Allensworth, Professor William Payne, and three other Black men decided to establish a self-governed town for Black people. They envisioned a place where Blacks could own property and achieve their full economic potential free from the discriminatory laws and practices of the time. In 1908 Allensworth and Payne incorporated the California Colony and Home Protection Association and started looking for the best possible location for their town. The site finally selected was midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and had plenty of inexpensive farm land and several artesian wells. The new town grew rapidly as enterprising Black men and women - nurses, business owners, educator, farmers, ranchers, retired soldiers and crafts people - purchased town lots, started farms and built homes. It was not long until the prospering town had a school, church, library, and post office. Businesses included a hotel, machine shop, bakery, drug store, and barber shop. In its heyday, Allensworth bustled with activity. The town was a railroad transfer point, providing a steady stream of customers for Allensworth's many businesses. The grain and cattle merchants of Allensworth used the railroad to move their products to market. While the town's shops and stores supplied day-to-day needs for living, the church and school provided for the spiritual and educational needs of the town's people. The women of Allensworth organized formal debates, concerts, plays, club meetings and other social activities that brought people together transforming the town into a closely-knit community. ALLENSWORTH’S DECLINE In 1914, Colonel Allensworth was killed in an accident. During a business trip to San Francisco, he was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the street. The death of this dynamic leader was a severe blow to the town. While capable leaders stepped forward and kept things moving for a time, other problems doomed the community. In the early years, access to plentiful supplies of good water was easy. As each year passed, growing agricultural demands increased up stream diversions and deep-well pumping throughout the San Joaquin Valley, lowering the natural water table. The result was a significantly diminished quantity and quality of water available to the people of Allensworth. During these years, income associated with Allensworth railroad shipping business began to decline as trucks gradually replaced trains for transporting farm products to market. During the 1920s and 30s, many people were forced to seek work elsewhere. The needs of World War II called more of Allensworth's young men and often their families followed. ALLENSWORTH TODAY The downtown of Historic Allensworth is now preserved as Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. California's first historic park that recognizes the contributions made by Black pioneers to the development of California. The aim of the park is to perpetuate for public use and enjoyment of the township called Allensworth, dedicated to the memory and spirit of Colonel Allen Allensworth, a distinguished Black pioneer of California.