The Olive Hill Poltergeist

In November 1968, the Callahan family home near Olive Hill, Kentucky, was the site of a poltergeist outbreak that included stone-throwing, house-shaking, and unexplained noises. The case was investigated by parapsychologist William Roll.

The Phenomena

The house vibrated and shook without apparent cause. Stones pelted the building and materialized inside rooms. Loud crashes occurred without source. The family was terrified by events they could not explain.

The Investigation

William Roll, a prominent parapsychologist, investigated the case. He documented the phenomena and identified Roger, the family’s twelve-year-old son, as the apparent focus. The activity correlated with Roger’s presence.

The Pattern

As with other poltergeist cases, the activity centered on an adolescent experiencing stress. Roger’s emotional state seemed to influence the intensity of the phenomena. When he was calm, activity decreased.

The Resolution

The phenomena gradually decreased and eventually ceased. Roger showed no conscious awareness of causing the events. The family returned to normal life.

Assessment

The Olive Hill case added to Roll’s extensive research on poltergeists. It supported the theory that poltergeist phenomena represent unconscious psychokinetic release by stressed individuals, particularly adolescents.