Ernest Vegesack: Expert Occultist

Detroit Free Press, December 26, 1897

When the time finally comes for me to write a book it will be under the nom de plume of Ernest Vegesack (pronounced veggie-sack) because Ernie Meatsack sounds profane and unseemly for such an upstanding voice as my own.

Vegesack was an expert occultist, gave correct life readings according to the art of palmistry, did horoscopes, advice on everyday affairs and phrenology.

He held court at both 200 Woodward Avenue and 158 Lafayette Avenue.

Detroit Free Press, February 11, 1898

World To Burst; John D. Blamed

Detroit Free Press, November 17, 1910

Detroit mystic Jacob Forlow held the belief--he considered it a seismic theory--that the Earth's mantle being so compromised from the boring of oil, would collapse in upon itself.

Chiefly to blame for this cataclysmic event was none other than oil tycoon John D. Rockerfeller.

The veracity of his claims held widespread sway over the general public despite their reticence to openly tout or bemoan the postulation.

The only caveat to this universal claim to truth was that it would take centuries for the "bursting" to occur. Further complicating the equation is the prospect for a Green New Deal. But surely Forlow considered that feeble attempt into the mathematics. Cross cancel and divide, I say, because oblivion awaits us either way.

Forlow's foray into predictions had only ripened to doom and gloom when he mastered the taming of the weather. Meteorological ascents being the barometer which differentiates the mere mystic from the sage.

Detroit Free Press, June 29, 1911

Fooled: Conan Doyle vs. Houdini: Who's Right?

Detroit Free Press, February 10, 1926

See Mystic Spencer produce Spirit Paintings on the stage of the Fox Washington Theatre this week.

While I was hoping that Mystic Spencer was a local psychic & crystal gazer it seems that he was a regional performer, oft in Ohio and the Midwest.

The Coshocton Tribune, September 14, 1922

Hereafter, The Raczkowskis Are Off Psychic Strangers

Detroit Free Press, December 20, 1919 (enlarge)

This story isn't exactly a spiritualist wet dream but more for the huckster in every psychic. As such when George Boudreaux scammed George and Mary Raczkowski, 799 Riopelle Street, out of a cool $820 via a sleight of hand and eventually through the wooing of their daughter Isabel it was only a matter of time before the police got involved. But not until Boudreaux was arrested for the innocuous crime of alleged operation of a Ouija board did justice find him. At that point the Raczkowskis jumped into the fray and further charged the besmirched occultist with theft.

Sawyer and His Company of Wonderful Mediums in a Remarkable Demonstration at the Detroit Opera House

Detroit Free Press,October 30, 1910

SPIRIT POWER IN THE LIGHT 

LONDON OPEN LIGHT SEANCE

A table rises from 4 to 5 feet and floats in mid-air. Spirit hands and faces are plainly seen and recognized by friends. A guitar is played and passed around the room by an invisible power. Flowers are brought and passed to the audience by hands plainly seen and bells are rung, harps are played and other tests of starting nature take place in the presence of these wonderful mediums.

ALL ARE INVITED