Bridgeport Poltergeist

In November 1974, a small house in Bridgeport, Connecticut became the center of intense poltergeist activity. Police, firefighters, and the famous Warrens all witnessed phenomena.

The Goodin Family

According to documented accounts:

The disturbances centered on the Goodin family home:

• Gerard and Laura Goodin
• Their 10-year-old daughter Marcia
• Activity began suddenly in November 1974
• Events were witnessed by authorities

Phenomena

Witnesses reported:

• A 400-pound refrigerator moving on its own
• A television levitating
• Chairs flying across rooms
• Tables flipping over
• Loud crashes and bangs
• Objects moving in sealed rooms

Official Witnesses

What makes this case notable:

• Bridgeport police officers witnessed events
• Fire Chief John Gleason saw phenomena
• Journalist Paul Eno was present
• Multiple independent witnesses corroborated accounts

The Warren Investigation

Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated:

• They arrived shortly after activity began
• Witnessed phenomena firsthand
• Concluded it was genuine poltergeist activity
• The case became part of their files

Police Involvement

Bridgeport Police:

• Responded to multiple calls
• Officers saw objects move
• They could not explain the events
• The case was covered by local media

The Focus

Activity centered on Marcia, age 10:

• Classic poltergeist pattern
• Events occurred when she was present
• Pre-adolescent focus common in such cases
• She was not accused of fraud

Media Attention

The case attracted significant coverage:

• Local newspapers reported events
• Television crews visited
• The story spread nationally
• It became one of 1974’s notable paranormal cases

The End

The poltergeist activity:

• Subsided after several weeks
• The family remained in the home
• No definitive explanation was found
• It remains one of Connecticut’s famous cases

Significance

The Bridgeport case is notable for:

• Multiple credible witnesses (police, fire officials)
• Warren involvement
• Well-documented timeline
• Classic poltergeist characteristics

Sources

• Warren case files
• Contemporary newspaper accounts
• Paul Eno’s investigations