THE WITCHES WELL AND HOLY HOLY HOLY ALTAR (Updated July 4th, 2014)

by Chris Chaos

July 4th, 2014

This trip was a long time coming, for about 2 months we kept making plans to go back for the update but weather and circumstance kept getting in the way. But on this 4th of July during Hurricane Arthur we experienced a cool down with the temperature so we decided to go.

We pulled up the Prospect street, a hidden little road nestled next to THE MOUNT in Mount Holly, New Jersey. All looked the same at the onset, but we did notice quite a few of the larger older trees have collapsed. We entered the trail and we see they did make it a bit more accessible by adding wood beams every few feet to help with footing. Some of the trails were a bit more wide also.

 

The WITCHES WELL was to the left of us and up a hill, it appeared that they put up a more heavy duty fence along with more security cameras. More on this shortly.

We continued up the path a few more feet and saw more trees that fell over. The main path that leads to the HOLY HOLY HOLY ALTAR also had a few wooden beams inserted to help in the climb. About halfway up I saw what appeared to be a white dog laying off to the side..upon approach I saw that it was actually a goat....about 20 of them behind an electrified fence! Bonus! They were there to clean up some of the rogue vegetation that is

present on THE MOUNT. The coolest one was the solid black horned goat.

Passing the goats a few more feet we came upon The Altar where in previous times many supposed witches met their doom by hanging. The Judgment Table is still there but the only the base of the pole that was used to hang the witches remains. On my 1st visit here most of the pole still stood. About a year ago they added the benches here in an attempt to make the location a little more family friendly and to take away some of the mystic that has been associated with these grounds. I noted that sex magik rituals still take place here due to the paraphernalia behind the Altar along with condom wrappers.

 

Proceeding up THE MOUNT we came across the 2 Geodetic survey sites on top that are positioned all across the USA to measure earth quakes and tectonic plate movement. One of the 1st settlers of Mount Holly also used to have a house up here. Many of the bricks and masonry rubble can still be found spread out across the land here.

Venturing down THE MOUNT we passed The Holy Holy Holy Altar again and preceded to the Mount Holly Cemetery which has a tribute site to a witch that could not be buried within the property of the cemetery. Sadly many vandals destroyed the gifts left here and they could be found smashed and scattered all over the grounds.

After visiting the Witch Tribute site we headed back to the beginning and ventured up the huge hill to the left of THE MOUNT. At the top of the hill is a big barb wired fence with several security cameras that take photos of anyone attempting to vandalize or trespass onto the property were THE WITCHES WELL is. There are quite a few legends associated with this location, but 2 stand out. The 1st is that a witch was thrown down the well but did not die, instead she lived for a few days and cursed the land. The townspeople then built the brick building over the well in an attempt to seal her in. Legend states that if you knock on the huge metal door you will hear 3 knocks come right back at you from the witch. The 2nd legend is that a witch summoned the Jersey Devil and then he killed her, then the Jersey Devil was cast in the well and the brick structure built over him.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO GO TO:

www.facebook.com/Cursedbook

or

https://www.youtube.com/user/armpitstate

(Chris Chaos is a long time resident of South Jersey who once again resides in and writes from Gloucester City, New Jersey.  He is a filmmaker, a business owner, writer, urban explorer and investigator of the odd and weird, a proud parent, happily taken and a connoisseur of hot wings. Chris can be reached at AxisVideo@aol.com)

The Witches Well: Jersey Devil Mount Holly NJ

by Chris Chaos

Does the Witches Well hold the Jersey Devil? There was a legend that the Jersey Devil is sealed inside a stone altar on top of a mountain. This mountain is known as THE MOUNT in Mount Holly New Jersey.

Legend has it that the Jersey Devil was chained up here and if you put your ear up to the metal door you can hear him thrashing around. Another legend was that this site was the capstone that went all the way to Hell.

Yet another legend goes that one of the 1st (suspected) witches in the area was thrown down this well and she survived the drop and clawed and screamed for help and cursed all those that threw her into the well. Later on the shed was built over the Well to stop the haunting that was occurring. Recently the township put up a barbwire fence with stop motion cameras that actually yell at you when triggered. "Stop! You have been caught on camera and this will be used in your prosecution, turn around now!" it states when you venture too close. Why would they spend all this money for this security? What is really here? Without breaking the law and jumping the fence you currently cannot reach The Witches Well, but you can see it through the fence that was erected. If you go in the warm months be aware of the mosquitoes, they are plentiful and very hungry.

There is also a gravestone located in the cemetery right near this area and a woman is buried there. The grave reads: "Thus is the fate of all who turn from God, you are here because God hates you." This lady, who was a suspected witch, supposedly summoned the Jersey Devil and he killed her. Afterwards JD was caught and chained up and cast into the Well.

The Witches Well Video

(Chris Chaos is a long time resident of South Jersey who once again resides in and writes from Gloucester City, New Jersey. He is a filmmaker, a business owner, writer, urban explorer and investigator of the odd and weird, a proud parent, happily taken and a connoisseur of hot wings. Chris can be reached at AxisVideo@aol.com)

THE JERSEY DEVIL SPOTTED!?!?!

THE JERSEY DEVIL SPOTTED!

by Chris Chaos

    

The photo of what was thought to be the Jersey Devil (Photo Courtesy of Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

In the summer of 2013 there were news reports (and a photo!!) that supported that the Jersey Devil did exist. The photo made its rounds all over the internet, along with much speculation on what was depicted.

It is curious to note that the animal in the photo does not have wings as many popular renditions of the Jersey Devil portray him as possessing. Also this animal does not have cloven hooves as many eyewitnesses reported. That aside, to the casual photo gazer, the creature in this photo can appear pretty misleading.

A few months later, another photo taken at the same location and of the same creature, but from an alternative angle, surfaced.

 Alternative angle of the hairless squirrel (Photo Courtesy of Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

This photo clearly showed what the creature was...a squirrel. Now this was either a hairless squirrel or one that suffered from mange or rabies (due to it lacking hair). But you could clearly see that it was a squirrel and not the Jersey Devil.

Also it came to light that the photo was taken in Oklahoma and not in New Jersey as originally reported. As a side note, the photo in question was also making the rounds as proof of the Chupacabra.

Here is a link to the video by Axis Video:

For more info:

The Search for the Jersey Devil

(Chris Chaos is a long time resident of South Jersey who once again resides in and writes from Gloucester City, New Jersey. He is a filmmaker, a business owner, writer, urban explorer and investigator of the odd and weird, a proud parent, happily taken and a connoisseur of hot wings. Chris can be reached at AxisVideo@aol.com)

Ghost Hunting, Paranormal Research and the Preservation of History Rich Locations

by Chris Chaos/CNBNews.net

The Origin and Background of “CURSED”

 A few years ago it was decided to produce a documentary and an accompanying book entitled “CURSED”, it was to be an exploration and documentation into abandoned buildings, investigation of supposed haunted locations, preservation of history, lore and documenting architectural wonders. 1st on the list was an exploration into the very cursed section of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. This location served jumping point for a few unsolved murders from many years ago near Haddon Lake, an attempted suicide where a man drove his car 100mph into a McDonalds killing several of its workers and where a transsexual accused of molesting neighborhood children had a shoot-out with the police when they came to serve a warrant. Then the CURSED project branched off into other locations that were in danger of being torn down and lost to modern memory that were shrouded in some sort of dark past. While researching and documenting we visited dozens of locations in the NJ and PA area researching the history and documenting through video, photo and writing up reports. Looking back many of the buildings have been torn down since then and something else was built in its place. We hope their legends can live on through CURSED.

 Some of the locations that we investigated were abandoned mental facilities, prisons, schools and hospitals. One thing that was noticed about many of the popular ghost hunting shows were the cast were lacking credibility, experience and knowledge on the backgrounds of the ghosts they were talking to...most were former mental patients or criminals..the celebrity ghost hunters also had no real world experience in dealing with these “formal people” (or people in general for that matter). I wished to expand my talents into the psychological field so I took a position with V.O.A. and Bancroft which deals with the criminally insane, people with brain/mental disorders, victims of crimes, atrocities and the like. With the training they provided and more exposure to the living people contrasted to and bled over into these abandoned buildings where I might encounter their ghostly counter parts. Learning how to talk and associate with these people in real life experience gave the edge to interact with any specters that might be encountered in our expeditions. Knowing how to talk to these possible ghosts may put them at ease and make a bridge for an open dialog.

 The "CURSED" book series is an investigation into the paranormal, the unexplained, local lore and upholds the preservation of history, culture and architectural landmarks.

 How it differs from what is already out there:

 Many of the popular Non-Fictional Ghost/Paranormal TV shows (for entertainment purposes) have been glamorized and have producers on board that feel they ''have to" present something paranormal to the audience and have a tenancy to add in false items to spice the story up and to mislead the viewers. The reality of the situation is 90% of the time when a "haunted" location is investigated nothing happens. When we visit a location we educate ourselves prior to the visit concerning the story behind the lore and take it into account and attempt to either confirm or disprove the different stories, and usually there are several different versions of the same legend. Whether the stories are true or false and regardless of the lore and possible tales of hauntings, we always document what we find thru photos, videos and draft up a report of what may have occurred for public record and for the "CURSED" version of the book. "CURSED" also is not limited to "ghost hunting" as many of the current TV shows are, we also believe in preserving our local legends and history. Many of the former Asylums ( and abandoned buildings) are considered an eyesore and a burden to the community, so investors and people with no appreciation for history come in and buy the land up to use for strip malls, super stores or condos, effectively destroying all the history and lore that might have been associated with the location.

 Yes it is "fun" to go on urban explorations through old abandoned buildings and landmarks to see what can be found, but it is also important to not deface or damage the property like so many prior that vandalize the locations. Respect the location and the neighbors that may be adjacent to the location that you are exploring. Many locations that are visited have strict "No Trespassing" rules put in effect by the local police (or County Sheriff) due to many "troublemakers" flocking to the areas after hearing about it from popular magazines or TV shows, and sometimes that does ruin it for the investigators that are there simply to observe and document the place before it gets torn down by modern convenience.

 Our primary scope of location is Southern New Jersey since that is where we are based out of, but we have been invited and will also document other locations. We are not limited by geographical constraints.

 Chris Chaos of Axis Video/Pine Barren Films

 TOPICS and locations included in the book are:

Introduction

Qualifications of an investigator

“HOLY HOLY HOLY Altar” Mount Holly, NJ

“THE WITCHES WELL” Mount Holly, NJ

“The Fairview/Edgewater Abandoned Trail Tunnel” NJ

“Gloucester City Ghost investigation” Gloucester City, NJ

“THE HANGING TREE” Presidential Lakes, NJ

“Paulinskill Viaduct” NJ

“Walpack Center” Walpack, NJ

“Shades of Death Road” NJ

“Ghost Lake” NJ

“The Fairy Hole” NJ

“Jenny Jump” NJ

“What is the deal with ghosts and doors?”

“The 1754 Mount Holly Farmhouse Massacre” Mount Holly, NJ

“A Word About EVPs”

“Menantico Colony of Vineland” Vineland, NJ

“BOODY MILL ROAD” Mullica Hill, NJ

“The Devil’s Tower” Alpine, NJ

“THE PURGATORY HOUSE/ROAD” Route 70 and Purgatory Road Vincentown, NJ

“THE CREEPY DOLL HOUSE”, Mount Ephraim, NJ

“Palace of Depression”, Vineland NJ

“Profanity House” Allamuchy, NJ

“Lambertville High School”, Lambertville NJ

“The Mary Ellis Grave” New Brunswick, NJ

“Zurbrugg”, Riverside NJ

“Leeds Point”, NJ

“Atison” NJ

“LAKE PARK CEMETERY” Swedesboro, NJ

SKILLMAN Psych Center and grave yard NJ

“BURLINGTON COUNTY COUNTRY CLUB”, Burlington County NJ

CENTRALIA, PA

“ESSEX COUNTY PSYCH CENTER” NJ

“CAPE MAY ABANDONDED BUNKER” Cape May, NJ

WITCHCRAFT ROAD, Viginville, PA 3.06.13

Batsto Village, New Jersey (3.10.13)

Emilio Carranza Crash Monument Tabernacle NJ

"The Oaklyn Suicide Nazi Tree" Oaklyn, NJ

“The Haddon Lake Curse” Haddon Heights, NJ

 If you would like to purchase the book here are the details:

 Cursed: An Explanation of the Unknown

Authored by Mr Chris Chaos, Contributions by Ms Chrissy McManis

 8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm)

Full Color on White paper

50 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1494233945 (CreateSpace-Assigned)

ISBN-10: 1494233940

BISAC: Travel / United States / General

 https://www.createspace.com/4535622

 Follow the books progress here:

 https://www.facebook.com/Cursedbook

HOLY HOLY HOLY: The Altar of Judgment and THE WITCHES' WELL

This week we will explore 2 mystical locations, both based in Mount Holly, NJ

HOLY HOLY HOLY: The Altar of Judgment and THE WITCHES' WELL
Mount Holly, New Jersey

by Chris Chaos

 Does Holy Holy Holy hold the Jersey Devil? The Witches Well: There was a legend that the Jersey Devil is sealed inside a stone altar on top of a mountain. This mountain is known as THE MOUNT in Mount Holly New Jersey. We went to this location several times, the 1st time we scouted it out and took many photographs, the 2nd time we went back and filmed some video.

Legend has it that the New Jersey Devil was chained up here and if you put your ear up to the metal door you can hear him thrashing around. Another legend was that this site was the capstone that went all the way to Hell.

Yet another legend goes that one of the 1st (suspected) witches in the area was thrown down this well and she survived the drop and clawed and screamed for help and cursed all those that threw her into the well. Later on the shed was built over the Well to stop the haunting that was occurring. Recently the township put up a barbwire fence with stop motion cameras that actually yell at you when triggered. "Stop! You have been caught on camera and this will be used in your prosecution, turn around now!" it states when you venture too close. Why would they spend all this money for this security? What is really here? Without breaking the law and jumping the fence you currently cannot reach The Witches Well, but you can see it through the fence that was erected. If you go in the warm months be aware of the mosquitoes, they are plentiful and very hungry.

There is also a gravestone located in the cemetery right near this area and a woman is buried there. The grave reads: “Thus is the fate of all who turn from God, you are here because God hates you.” This lady, who was a suspected witch, supposedly summoned the Jersey Devil and he killed her. Afterwards JD was caught and chained up and cast into the Well.

The Holy Holy Holy Altar of Judgment
Mt. Holly, NJ

A few hundred feet from the Witches Well and up a somewhat steep hill is the Altar that was used to judge the witches many years ago. The altar is a white (painted grey) concrete table (4 feet by 8 feet by 4 feet), It has the words “Holy Holy Holy” inscribed across it. In front of the slab are old wooden benches, set in a square. Much graffiti has been marked onto the altar and tales of modern day sex magic and animal sacrifices have taken place here. Right next to the altar is the gallow that they used to hang the witches with, but it has been long knocked down and only the stump remains.

On October 22, 1730 over 300 people had gathered to witness the trial of two people, a man and a woman, who had been accused of witchcraft. The charges included "making their neighbors sheep dance in an uncommon manner, and with causing hogs to speak, and sing Psalms, to the great terror and amazement of the King's good and peaceable subjects in this province." This took place 40 years after the famous witch trials in Salem, Mass.

We took video and photos of both locations, but nothing out of the ordinary occurred while we were there. We hope to go back at night and see if we obtain different results.

UPDATE: May 2013

We went back to this location in May 2013 and it really has changed. Someone redid the path leading from the street up to the HOLY HOLY HOLY ALTAR and it is now smooth and mulched and there are now park benches in front of the altar. The witch (that was buried outside of the cemetery) along with her grave and markers are still there. It seems that the community is tired of the kids going up there and “doing things they should not be”, so they are trying to make it a bit more touristy and to demystify the legends that surround this location. The area appears friendlier to the average person but is still mostly only known to the locals and those whom seek out and research these types of locations. In the Fall we plan to go back and gain more video and investigate a bit more to provide more updates. There are several trails spread out around The Mount that lead from The Mount itself, The Witches Well, The Holy Altar and the cemetery that we will also be investigating a bit deeper in depth.

(Chris Chaos is a long time resident of South Jersey who once again resides in and writes from Gloucester City, New Jersey. Chris can be reached at AxisVideo@aol.com)

Read more at:  https://www.facebook.com/Cursedbook