Meet The Author Of This Unusual Book Series!
Kevin Collier is an author, illustrator and works as Art Director for the Grand Haven Tribune newspaper in Grand Haven, Michigan. His "Strange Grand Haven" book series is about unusual and paranormal sightings and happenings in Grand Haven, the Tri-Cities, and Ottawa County area. Three books have been published in the series, with a fourth in production. Enjoy each edition featuring information on area ghosts, cryptids, and U.F.O. sightings. The books are available at The Bookman on 715 Washington Avenue in Grand Haven. Pick up one or the entire set today!
Now You Can Buy the SGH Book Series Online!
Now you can purchase Strange Grand Haven books online at a significant saving directly from the printer. You will need to register using your email address and create a password. Then, you will need to type in your address for shipping. All books can be purchased using a credit card and the information is secure. We recommend choosing the cheapest postal shipping option as Lulu Publishing has consistently shown that books are delivered to your mailbox in as little as a week from date of purchase. All four Strange Grand Haven books will be available from Amazon.com in early 2012.
Only $7.95 each publisher (plus postage) shipped directly to your home!
ORDER SGH BOOKS ONLINE HEREClick on the above link to go to Strange Grand Haven books page, then choose from the titles you want.
SGH is Also a Weekly Newspaper Column!
Strange Grand Haven is a weekly series in the pages of the Grand Haven Tribune! Follow the legends, haunts and strange history of our hometown published every Monday in the Tribune!
Click on Titles Below to Read Columns Online
Grand Haven Carnival Freak Shows (August 1, 2011) Meteors Strike Lake Michigan Near Grand Haven (August 8, 2011) Buried Treasures of Ottawa County (August 15, 2011) Baby in the Mailbox (August 22, 2011) Shortest Sports Career (August 29, 2011) Ottawa County UFOs 3 Days Before Roswell (September 6, 2011) Lottery Winner Loses (September 12, 2011) Rattlesnakes in Ottawa County (September 19, 2011) Lunatic Prays Chicago Mayor top Death (September 26, 2011) The Legend of Mrs. Tuttle (October 3, 2011) Headless Man Buried in Lake Forest (October 3, 2011) Serial Killer's Grand Haven Wish (October 17, 2011) The Death of Rev. Spindler (October 24, 2011) Halloween Day in Grand Haven History (October 31, 2011) Hot Air Balloon Mystery (November 7, 2011) Tot Crashes Car and Becomes GM CEO (November 14, 2011) The Hunchbacks of Grand Haven (November 21, 2011) Missing GH Boy 1962 (November 28, 2011) Lightning Fatalities (December 5, 2011) Vaudeville Performers in GH (December 12, 2011) Christian Displays on Dewey Hill (December 19, 2011) One-armed Horseman of Lamont (December 26, 2011) Mole Man of Ottawa County (January 2, 2012) 1st GH Mail Man (January 9, 2012) Daughter Drops Dead on Mother's Grave (January 16, 2012) Car and Occupants Vanish (January 24, 2012)
The Strange Grand Haven Book Series Index
STRANGE GRAND HAVENPublished September 2009 • Lulu Press
STORIES INSIDE: Grand Haven residents report a ghost “patrolling” C. & W. M. railroad tracks. Plane vanishes off Grand Haven shoreline over Lake Michigan. Two Grand Haven men witness “enormous creature” in Elk Rapids. Washed ashore near Grand Haven, Rosa Belle wreck remains a mystery. Civil War veteran, “Mr. Bond,” dwells in Crockery Cemetery. Residents witness glowing lights beneath surface of Lake Michigan. Meteor strikes Lake Michigan, explosion visible for 50 miles. Ottawa County Sheriff, 5 deputies, and others report bright light. Triangular-shaped craft, “the size of a football field,” flies over Dewey Hill. Grand Haven woman witnesses and films “V-shaped” U.F.O.’s. Stonehenge structure seen on Nunica horse farm. National Weather Service radar tracks multiple U.F.O.’s witnessed in Tri-Cities. “Dogman” pack reported in Hofma Nature Preserve and along Lakeshore Drive. Whale-Muskie hybrid raises havoc for residents on Crockery Creek. Huge snake in road lunges at West Olive men; State Trooper responds. Bigfoot spotted in woods of Spring Lake and Nunica? Could Grand Haven be Michigan’s Roswell? Cougar seen prowling in Grand Haven Hofma Preserve area. 1870’s bank robbery treasure buried in Grand Haven’s Five Mile Hill. Ghost of custodian witnessed haunting old Grand Theatre. Legendary Hodag beast lurked just outside of Grand Haven. Mystery still surrounds 1897 “airship” witnessed over Grand Haven. Little girl lurking in Grand Haven home wants her shoes back. Grand Haven man has a close encounter of the third kind. Murdered woman’s spirit resides in Grand Haven consigment shop. 1909 “Stearns Bayou Water Monster” remains a mystery. Lights seen over Lake Michigan travel horizon in seconds. Town near Nunica now buried, Spoonville vanishes to time. Feral humanoid creatures said to prowl Ottawa County woodlands. Wing strut found in home’s rafters 50 years after airplane crash. “Aunt Bea” apparition watched over her house on Washington Avenue. Indian burial sites discovered in Grand Haven and Crockery Township. Ship sails off Grand Haven coast, sinks, is never found. Grand Haven’s “Stairway to Hell” said to be passageway to afterlife. Grand Haven residents see Milwaukee over Lake Michigan. “Blue Man” apparition highlights a very active Lake Forest Cemetery. Coopersville hitchhiker pulls a disappearing act with drivers. Spirits of running boy, woman who died in a fall, reported at Kirby Grill. Boy playing in Nunica Cemetery likely ghost of Stephen Huffman. Triangle of lights viewed from Kirk Park, jets pursue objects. Apparition repeatedly uses front door to enter home of Grand Haven man. Independence Day tidal wave hits Grand Haven State Park, kills 10. Grand Haven man claims to witness chupacabra “suck blood” out of cat. Two figures prominent to Grand Haven go down with the Titanic. Great grandfather of famous Titanic victim put Grand Haven on the map. Woman sees a “Man in the mirror” in Washington Avenue duplex. Baby Face Nelson robs Peoples Savings Bank in Grand Haven. Paranormal experiences span four decades for Grand Haven woman. Unwelcome “guests” haunt the halls of Spring Lake Holiday Inn. Fruitport couple observes triangular light formation. Ghost of sitting woman in Hopkins Street house. Human remains and caskets left behind beneath Central Park. Man and companions spot Narwahl whale off Grand Haven south pier. Grand Haven surfer uses board to rescue a drowning dog. “Sea Monster” witnessed in Grand River off Harbor Island. PURCHASE ONLINE NOW.
STRANGE GRAND HAVEN 2
Published June 2010 • Lulu PressSTORIES INSIDE: Capital Airlines Flight 94 reports a strange aerial object over Coopersville. Buddy Holly gases up in Grand Haven en route to Fruitport Pavilion concert. Johnston Boiler crews witness multiple ghosts, according to company newletter. Colorful Cadillac sparks curiosity with Grand Haven area motorists. Keepers escape lighthouse moments before it collapses into Lake Michigan. Was Thomas Ferry, Ulysses S. Grant’s acting V.P., President for one day? Wild turkeys attack four Grand Haven postal carriers, disrupt mail delivery. Apparition dubbed “Charlie” resides upstairs at American Legion Post #28. Hundreds of Tri-Cities students participate in Snow Day ritual. Dillinger robs Fruitport bank using secret tunnels, buries loot in Pomona Park. 1916 historic Nunica lightning storm strikes many, injures baby in crib. 1855 stabbing in Spring Lake becomes Ottawa County’s first recorded murder. Freed slave run out of Spring Lake after attempting to form a black colony. Two planes collide over Grand Haven airport, cause still remains a mystery. Farmer near Nunica goes on rampage, butchers his entire family with axe. Jilted man kills young Ottawa County school teacher with axe. Two brothers, 11 and 14, suspects in Fruitport hatchet murder of boy, 13. Influenza outbreak and “Great Fire” nearly wipes Nunica off the map. Eyewitnesses report “lost entrance” to Grand Haven’s Lake Forest Cemetery. Reason behind death of Coopersville’s rock and roll legend remains a mystery. Innovative 1901 lifeboat crosses Lake Michigan, arrives at Grand Haven port. Late 1800’s loggers likely looked over their shoulders for “the Hidebehind”. Coopersville “shoe tree” sparks curiosity, and revives the legend of serial child killer. First cross atop Dewey Hill in 1923 ignited hate, fear and controversy. Eastmanville eyewitness spots planes confronting object over Lake Michigan. Did Judge free murderer of Dennison shopkeeper, or acquit an innocent man? Eastmanville’s “Man without an identity” was Ottawa County mystery for 58 years. Eerie un-mailed 1963 JFK Christmas card on display at area Bed and Breakfast. Two JFK caskets arrived at Bethesda, one empty, according to Coopersville man. Grand Haven weatherman once present at Lincoln shooting, and neighbor of Surratt. Actress working with Grand Haven’s Lyman twins recalls Lincoln assassination. No Grand Haven tribute for Lymans, but unlikely place in Florida bears the name. Grand Haven man wonders if he and wife had their own “close encounter” at home. 911/National Weather Service excerpts of 1994 Ottawa County U.F.O. event. 911 dispatchers claim 1994 U.F.O. calls continued, but were ignored. Grand Haven sees victim of Sausage Vat Murder case months after disappearance. Grand Haven’s Amityville Horror, family moves into Fulton Street house in 2001. Crewman’s body from Andaste sinking washes ashore at his childhood home. German settlement unsettled over “witch” casting spells on livestock. Teen claims she was bitten on the neck after seeing Vampire flick at theater. Namesake vessel “City of Grand Haven” entombed in Wisconsin mud for 75 years. Strange cause behind demise of “futuristic” Grand Haven bicycle. Housewife discovers her adoption when named sole heir of $1.6 million estate. Airplane crashing at Van Wagoner/US-31 exit comes to rest within feet of home. Coopersville and Ferrysburg witnesses report U.F.O.’s one day apart in 1989. Grand Haven Elks Lodge 1200 becomes subject of paranormal investigations. Is the Wendigo Indian folklore, or a surviving West Michigan shape shifter? Remains of school foundation in Spring Lake marks origin of animator’s career. 1955 twins of Coopersville woman called “biggest in Michigan history." PURCHASE ONLINE NOW.
STRANGE GRAND HAVEN 3
Published November 2010 • Lulu PressSTORIES INSIDE: Area witnesses claim to see “Lantern Lady” in the tower of 508 Washington house. Century-old penny believed to remain hidden beneath Washington Street. Roosevelt receives warm welcome in Central Park, Nixon talks of “change.” Annie Martin was perhaps the unluckiest woman in love in Ottawa County history. War of 1812 cannons in Central Park never saw battle until recycled for World War II. Polkton Township father and son hang themselves in same barn 9 years apart. Half a rattlesnake bites and kills Ottawa County farmer in 1891. Explosion at A&P grocery store has a “chilling” effect on downtown bystanders. Lightning bolts have killed several residents during Ottawa County’s first century. 1914 carnivals featured freak attractions, and one creature was on the loose. Creature in the Grand River thought to be a serpent, mermaid or submarine. Woman’s husband is killed en route to her sister’s funeral in Spring Lake. Couple who died in 1956 may hold record for longest marriage in Ottawa County. 1,000 “flying saucers” drop from sky in Grand Haven, 1950 Tribune reports. Air compressor tank explodes, rockets through roof of Fant Monument Works. Grand Haven man’s sight restored after living 27 years in total darkness. Pioneering aerial photographer was Grand Haven’s “Unibomber” in his time. Followers of King Strang terrorize Grand Haven along Lake Michigan coastline. Skeleton of child wrapped in 22-year old newspaper, and hidden in attic, uncovered. “B.O.” ghost in Harbourfront Place thought to be janitor from Story and Clark era. Grand Haven assisted living center has more than a few unwelcome residents. Who is Jacob Glerum and what did he purchase for the city of Grand Haven? Grand Haven’s popular tourist attraction Pere Marquette 1223 train has a dark past. Whether the Ku Klux Klan ever had a foothold in Grand Haven is still a mystery. Woman drops dead at her mother’s grave in Spring Lake Cemetery. Man convicted of murder, but freed by judge, puts a man who beat him in prison. Project Blue Book unable to identify object seen by Nunica woman in 1958. Man wonders if 1800’s Franklin Street house he grew up in is still haunted. Mayor of Coopersville is no show at Del Shannon celebration; key to city revoked. Likely most horrific area auto accident kills man who survived the initial crash. They may not be visible but “Smiley,” the Fruitport water tower, has a set of “ears.” Fire of October 1, 1889 remains the worst in Grand Haven history. Spring Lake native Winsor McCay is target for extortion in perceived sordid love affair. Early township pioneer dumps 3,000 eels into Jubb’s Bayou near Crockery bridge. The coincidental births and marriages in the Ruiter and VanderZwaag familes. Democratic presidential candidates “write off” Ottawa County, and for good reason. How the last Democratic Presidential candidate to win Ottawa County did it. It’s not about skin color when it comes to the Ottawa County vote, it’s the (R) and (D). Most popular names in Ottawa County’s history and ones likely to live longer. Tribune employee Walter VanHall knew paper’s owners, spanning 119 years. Grocery store owner Jurrin Ball was likely longest working Grand Haven merchant. Mary A. White and Esther Dean Nyland top list as teachers with most years. Grand Haven’s Hatton family gets national attention when daughter dates JFK Junior. According to historian, Spoonville created the first Michigan school bus. Research reveals the origin of the name “Melon Heads” connected to Felt Mansion. Chappell family nearly wiped out by typhoid, survivors become doctors. Grand Haven inspector approves passenger increase, ship capsizes, killing nearly 1,000. Brother of slain president lived in Ottawa County, as did assassin’s relatives. Remains of five vessels rest near Grand Haven’s North and South piers. Did schooner have a “phantom passenger,” a stash of cash, and a dog that survived? Did nation’s “first” serial killer rob graves in Grand Haven cemetery? PURCHASE ONLINE NOW.
STORIES INSIDE: Shadow man occupied upstairs of Docking house at 919 Elliott Street / Did crashed P. T. Barnum balloonist hide out in Ottawa County to avoid a murder charge? / Folklore and facts behind Chester Wood and the Allendale Lynching Tree / Inventor en route to Grand Haven port tests life vest constructed of lead / 5-year-old Ottawa County boy who crashed his dad’s car became President of GM / Man loses claim to lottery when partner dies before winning number is drawn / Witnesses recall paranormal activity in Bastian-Blessing Grand Haven plant / Death of St. John’s Evangelical Pastor Friedrich Spindler remains a mystery / Friendly crow stalking student enters Grand Haven High School to pay her a visit / Half-wit known as “The Tobacco Kid” took a liking to the chew as a baby / Inbreeding of Grand Haven’s “Dutch” leads to Hunchbacks roaming the city / Baby becomes object of parental abductions when father discovers his wife is a bigamist / Spirit of Borculo student murdered by evil teacher said to haunt old school / Zeeland State Bank robbery of 1882 likely earliest in county with highest $$$ loss / Disputes over religion and property cause farmer to kill his wife, then himself / Whatever became of Tommie R. F. D., the Grand Haven mailbox baby? / 90-year-old Grand Haven woman stops C&O passenger train dead on its tracks / Detroit Free Press calls human moleman “the queerest man in Ottawa County” / Lunatic kills parents of girl, orphan becomes focus of custody battle between relatives / Could legend of Mrs. Tuttle on Buchanan St. link back to New Haven, Connecticut? / Case of missing Georgetown Township man spins into a circus of murder suspects / Man who created Grand Haven tower clock kicked out by poor parents at age of seven / 1884 feud in Blendon Township ends with man being tarred and feathered / Herman Miller never worked at worldwide office manufacturer that bears his name / Disgruntled farm hand murders employer, becomes target of County’s closest lynching / Ottawa House Hotel in Port Sheldon said to be burial location of $250,000 stash / Was “headless man” buried in Potter’s Field the only body recovered from the Chicora? / Man’s major league baseball career began and ended on the same day, dies in asylum / “Flying Saucers” made Tribune front page 3 days before famous Roswell edition / Good dog rescues a family of five, bad dog attacks kids on a school bus / A cannon explodes at 4th of July celebration killing school teacher / Acclaimed author, critic of men and marriage, tied the knot in Grand Haven / Ottawa County “lunatic” farmer claims he killed Chicago Mayor using prayer / Two Ottawa County residents make good on debts dating back decades / Man in Howlett-Loutit Mausoleum was witness to creation of the Morse Code / Aged Coopersville man experiences unexplained youthful rejuvenation / Uncle Tom’s Cabin “cremated” in 1878 at Nunica railroad junction / Latvian natives discover you can’t get justice in Grand Haven after losing home / Maid was afraid to touch switches in first Grand Haven home to be “electrified” / Grand Haven Rotary Club, students amazed at new device called “televison” PURCHASE ONLINE NOW.
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STRANGE GRAND HAVEN 2Published June 2010 • Lulu Press
STRANGE GRAND HAVEN 3Published November 2010 • Lulu Press
STORIES INSIDE: Shadow man occupied upstairs of Docking house at 919 Elliott Street / Did crashed P. T. Barnum balloonist hide out in Ottawa County to avoid a murder charge? / Folklore and facts behind Chester Wood and the Allendale Lynching Tree / Inventor en route to Grand Haven port tests life vest constructed of lead / 5-year-old Ottawa County boy who crashed his dad’s car became President of GM / Man loses claim to lottery when partner dies before winning number is drawn / Witnesses recall paranormal activity in Bastian-Blessing Grand Haven plant / Death of St. John’s Evangelical Pastor Friedrich Spindler remains a mystery / Friendly crow stalking student enters Grand Haven High School to pay her a visit / Half-wit known as “The Tobacco Kid” took a liking to the chew as a baby / Inbreeding of Grand Haven’s “Dutch” leads to Hunchbacks roaming the city / Baby becomes object of parental abductions when father discovers his wife is a bigamist / Spirit of Borculo student murdered by evil teacher said to haunt old school / Zeeland State Bank robbery of 1882 likely earliest in county with highest $$$ loss / Disputes over religion and property cause farmer to kill his wife, then himself / Whatever became of Tommie R. F. D., the Grand Haven mailbox baby? / 90-year-old Grand Haven woman stops C&O passenger train dead on its tracks / Detroit Free Press calls human moleman “the queerest man in Ottawa County” / Lunatic kills parents of girl, orphan becomes focus of custody battle between relatives / Could legend of Mrs. Tuttle on Buchanan St. link back to New Haven, Connecticut? / Case of missing Georgetown Township man spins into a circus of murder suspects / Man who created Grand Haven tower clock kicked out by poor parents at age of seven / 1884 feud in Blendon Township ends with man being tarred and feathered / Herman Miller never worked at worldwide office manufacturer that bears his name / Disgruntled farm hand murders employer, becomes target of County’s closest lynching / Ottawa House Hotel in Port Sheldon said to be burial location of $250,000 stash / Was “headless man” buried in Potter’s Field the only body recovered from the Chicora? / Man’s major league baseball career began and ended on the same day, dies in asylum / “Flying Saucers” made Tribune front page 3 days before famous Roswell edition / Good dog rescues a family of five, bad dog attacks kids on a school bus / A cannon explodes at 4th of July celebration killing school teacher / Acclaimed author, critic of men and marriage, tied the knot in Grand Haven / Ottawa County “lunatic” farmer claims he killed Chicago Mayor using prayer / Two Ottawa County residents make good on debts dating back decades / Man in Howlett-Loutit Mausoleum was witness to creation of the Morse Code / Aged Coopersville man experiences unexplained youthful rejuvenation / Uncle Tom’s Cabin “cremated” in 1878 at Nunica railroad junction / Latvian natives discover you can’t get justice in Grand Haven after losing home / Maid was afraid to touch switches in first Grand Haven home to be “electrified” / Grand Haven Rotary Club, students amazed at new device called “televison” PURCHASE ONLINE NOW.
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Special Book Edition Available!
A Special Edition Featuring all of the Ghost Tales
from the pages of Strange Grand Haven 1-4
A Special Edition Featuring all of the Ghost Tales
from the pages of Strange Grand Haven 1-4
Ghost Haven is a 72-page paperback you can purchase directly from the publisher for only $7.50 plus shipping. This special book compiles all of the ghost stories, paranormal claims and haunted places originally presented in Strange Grand Haven books 1-4. Now you can own this special "all-ghost" edition, which recaps the most famous paranormal spots in Grand Haven and Ottawa County and also uncovers for the first time many undiscovered haunts. It's the perfect collection for any paranormal enthusiast and ghost hunter. Delivery in 10 days or less on average.
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We are dedicated to investigating paranormal events. We try to find the truth in the things that "go bump in the night" by debunking them using common sense and science. We look for what's really happening to show you the things that you may not see and we document the things that we can't debunk. We take the things that we can't explain away and place them on the internet for others to see and try to find out if someone else can explain them. Most things are explainable, if you know what to look for. We've been doing this for 3 years and we are still learning things we never thought were possible. We always try to treat people with respect and honesty. We know that if someone has a problem that may be paranormal, they may be uncomfortable trying to seek help. They are afraid of what others might think. We have had our own experiences, which have pushed us to try and find answers. We will try to find answers for anyone without a judgmental attitude. There is no reason anyone should be afraid of the dark. We can help.
ALSO: CHECK OUT G.R.A.S.P.P. PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS
Gathering Research And Stories of Paranormal Phenomena
We are dedicated to investigating paranormal events. We try to find the truth in the things that "go bump in the night" by debunking them using common sense and science. We look for what's really happening to show you the things that you may not see and we document the things that we can't debunk. We take the things that we can't explain away and place them on the internet for others to see and try to find out if someone else can explain them. Most things are explainable, if you know what to look for. We've been doing this for 3 years and we are still learning things we never thought were possible. We always try to treat people with respect and honesty. We know that if someone has a problem that may be paranormal, they may be uncomfortable trying to seek help. They are afraid of what others might think. We have had our own experiences, which have pushed us to try and find answers. We will try to find answers for anyone without a judgmental attitude. There is no reason anyone should be afraid of the dark. We can help.VISIT THEIR WEBSITE or you can SEND THEM AN EMAIL
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Have a STRANGE story to tell?
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL KEVIN COLLIER
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL KEVIN COLLIER
