Stranahan House

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS:
People who kill themselves sometimes are afraid to go to the other side, because of what may await them there. They relive their suicide, or wander around, a lost soul. (Slater Hall * Skirvin Hotel)
Frank Stranahan, a son of a minister, suffered from depression, and a broken spirit; not only because of his financial losses, and the guilt of letting down his investors; mostly friends and family, but also because he was dying of cancer, unable to do anything to start over again to repay them. He tied himself to a heavy metal object, and threw it into the river. Ivy's relatives, who lived in the family home just across the river from them, saw Frank jump, and tried to save him, but he drowned.
People who die before their time, sometimes to stay in this world, not ready to go to the other side for a variety of reasons.
Children in other stories on this web site have chosen to stay where they are familiar.
(Robert E. Lee Mansion * The Olde Pink House * Collingwood Art Center * Washoe Club * Bullock Hotel * Monteleone Hotel)
A very young Seminole girl came to see Miss Ivy, but collapsed in the doorway, and died.
People who have unfinished business with this world, choose to ignore the light and stay.
(The Capitol Building * Infirmary for Women * Liberty Hall)
Ivy's sister, Pink, who was 7 months pregnant, came to stay with Ivy because her husband was on a business trip. She had lost her last three pregnancies, and had hoped that this pregnancy would result in a live child. Upon hearing that her husband was a two timer, and had another woman who was the real wife, she went into premature labor, and once again the baby was stillborn. She died a week later in the parlor of Stranahan House, because of bleeding. She had refused to go to the hospital. Paranormal investigator, John Marc Carr, in his book, HAUNTED FORT LAUDERDALE, that perhaps she is still trying to get her husband arrested because of the EVPs he recorded in the parlor.
People who can't let go of the unfairness of their death, sometimes stick around to do what they were doing before they died. In some instances they complain, are resentful or get chuckles by teasing the living.
(Waverly Sanitarium * Maysville * County Line BBQ Restaurant * Kolb Ridge Court)
Brother Albert loved the fact that his room, (the small guest room), had its own entry. Being a bit of a black sheep in a rebellious mood, He got involved with a wild crowd, enjoying the party scenes, the drinking and the loose women. An unintended consequence was that he caught TB from a prostitute. He died 6 months later in his room at Stranahan House. He is still sulking, and resentful that his choices led to his end, but can be playful, and a bit inappropriate.
Sometimes people stay in this world after their death because loved-ones are staying, and they want to care for them. (LeDuc Mansion * St. James Hotel * Whaley House )
Ivy was a very giving person, living what she believed, using her gifts to benefit others. She took care of her family members. As so many members of her family have decided to spend their after-life here, she has chosen to do so as well.
Augustus Cromartie — Ivy's father. When he was very sick, Ivy took him in, and had him stay in the large guest room, where he died. He was rather fond of Ivy.
MANIFESTATIONS:
There are 6 entities that make this Stranahan House their home: one little girl and five members of the Stranahan Clan. To read the full account, visit Haunted American Tours Top Ten Haunted and read John Marc Carr's book, HAUNTED FORT LAUDERDALE & visit his web site
Upon entering the Stranahan House, there is a welcoming aura, a friendly, cordial atmosphere, as both Entities of Mr. and Mrs. Stranahan are in residence
The entity Frank Stranahan
He must be pleased to see his labor of love in such good condition, and that it is now a museum. Frank had hosted many events at his house, so tourists coming in to look wouldn't upset him, though vagrants don't fit that category.
When homeless people have tried to sleep on the first floor veranda, an angry male spirit would bang on the outside of the house, and sometimes literally chase them off the property.
Both Staff and visitors have seen the apparition of Frank Stranahan, as he must have the need to supervise the living, as he did while alive.
Some of the apparitions seen inside the house have been attributed to him, perhaps keeping the staff on their toes, as he perhaps keeps on eye on the living.
The apparition of Frank Stranahan has been seen jumping into the New River, as he relives his suicide.
The entity Ivy — Still a gentle spirit, gracious hostess with a courageous mind to serve others; is very active indeed.
Always a gracious hostess, caring for people in her home.
The third floor attic has a very narrow, difficult steps with no rail leading up to the attic. Staff that have had to go there to retrieve items needed below worry Ivy, who doesn't want any of the staff to fall.
Staff feel an unseen presence close to them, and sometimes feel a cold gentle hand on their back, to steady their way up and down the stairs. While alive, Ivy always worried about folks falling from the attic.
The friendly unseen presence of Ivy, and her actual apparition is accompanied with the aroma of her favorite perfume.
Ivy shows her dislike to some by blowing in their ear, and will give others that she likes "a warm feeling".
The entity known as Augustus Cromartie — A bit of a quiet, but stern grump!
Likes to hang out in his old bedroom, the gift shop, and supervise closely the staff who work there.
Shows his displeasure by startling the gift shop staff when they annoy him by changing things.
Throws books on the floor, makes the room cold.
The entity known as Albert
Being dead hasn't improved his character, his maturity or his manners.
Albert likes to play around, teasing the staff of Stranahan House, much to their discomfort.
He knocks things over, moves objects, shuts doors and shows a lack of respect for the living.
If he doesn't like a person, he has yelled, VP — "GET OUT!"
He doesn't just bother the staff, but also likes to tease the visitors.
He has made his room cold for men, and warm for women.
He has been rather cheeky and forward with some women visitors.
When John Marc Carr and his group tried to get him to move on, at the request of the staff, Albert replied snidely in an angry EVP, "You need suffrage!" (Haunted Fort Lauderdale)
The entity known as Pink, Ivy's sister — Is finally enjoying motherhood!
Her unseen presence has been noticed in the parlor. it is thought that Pink and her newest baby are together here. If she couldn't have a live baby while on earth, she has this little baby in her after-life, and can finally experience motherhood at The Stranahan House. She also yearns to get back at her unfaithful husband.
Two bright orbs travel around together in the parlor.
In a parlor seance, led by John Marc Carr, leader of South East Florida Ghost Research, Pink came forward, and in EVPs, cheerfully announced her presence, and asked where Clark was. Clark was the name of the Fort Lauderdale Sheriff.
The entity of the young Seminole girl.
Her sweet little voice is picked up on an EVP, answering a question from an investigator. Also, EVPs of her singing and chanting has been recorded as well.
Death hasn't affected her sweet tooth! She likes to take candy out of the candy jar that sits on Frank's desk in his office, though she can't eat it. It is found in a pile in the attic.
STILL HAUNTED?
YES INDEED!
The personal experiences of the staff, and visitors has been backed up by hard evidence gathered by The Stranahan House official paranormal investigators, SEFG.