The Seaford Poltergeist
Bottle caps popped, objects flew, and furniture moved in a Long Island home. Police, scientists, and reporters witnessed events. The 'Popper' poltergeist was never explained.
In February 1958, a Long Island family experienced one of America’s most documented poltergeist cases. Nicknamed the “Popper” for its tendency to pop bottle caps, the entity attracted police, scientists, and media attention.
The Events
According to documented accounts:
The disturbances began on February 3, 1958, in the home of James Herrmann:
- Bottle caps popped off containers
- Holy water bottles opened repeatedly
- Objects flew across rooms
- Furniture moved and tipped over
- Bleach bottles unscrewed themselves
The Investigation
The case attracted serious attention:
- Nassau County Police investigated extensively
- Detectives Robert Tozzi and Joseph Tozzi were assigned
- The Long Island Lighting Company checked for vibrations
- Duke University parapsychologist J.G. Pratt investigated
- Building inspectors found no structural issues
Key Events
February 9: A reporter witnessed a bleach bottle pop open.
February 20: Detective Tozzi saw a porcelain figure fly across a room.
February 24: Multiple objects moved in the presence of investigators.
February 28: A globe flew from a desk, witnessed by Sergeant McConnell.
The Focus
Activity centered on Jimmy Herrmann, age 12:
- Events occurred only when he was present
- Classic poltergeist pattern (adolescent focus)
- He denied causing any phenomena
- No fraud was ever proven
Theories Proposed
Pratt and Roll: Parapsychologists suggested psychokinesis—unconscious mental energy from Jimmy.
Underground Streams: Some suggested geological factors (not supported by evidence).
Hoax: Despite investigation, no mechanism for fraud was found.
Genuine Poltergeist: Many investigators concluded the activity was genuine and unexplained.
The End
The poltergeist activity ceased:
- Events stopped on March 10, 1958
- The family life returned to normal
- Jimmy grew up without further incidents
- The case remains unexplained
Significance
The Seaford case is important because:
- Multiple credible witnesses (police, scientists)
- Extensive documentation
- No fraud was discovered
- It followed classic poltergeist patterns
- It remains one of America’s best-documented cases