All Episodes

March 21, 2021 71 mins

In Let's Get Dark's very first "Midnight Session" episode (those with a paranormal/esoteric subject matter) we discuss the very first Poltergeist in a housing project in the US: the haunting of 13 year old Ernie Rivers and his grandmother Mabelle Clark. Ernie had a tumultuous childhood, which culminated in an incredibly active and physical poltergeist that tormented him & his grandmother for months in 1961. The fact that they lived in public housing, meant that various officials began interceding in their lives, and the activity escalated so terribly that Ernie was removed from his grandmother's custody. There were elements of race and class discrimination rampant throughout their entire ordeal, and one has to wonder how differently the situation would have been handled had they not been a poor black family. But, when it came down to it, no one who witnessed the activity in the apartment could rationally explain what was taking place there.

What happened at 125 Rose Street to Ernie and Mabelle? Join us as we take a dive into the "Project Poltergeist" rabbit hole, and Let's Get Dark.

Our source for this episode was the amazing article at Medium.com by Saleah Biacaflor
https://medium.com/truly-adventurous/project-poltergeist-745f2d498849

Check out our website for all the links and to pre-orde our new glow-in-the-dark shirt! 

Support the show

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2

Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2

Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.