Flint & Genesee is an area rich with history and remnants of the past. As the air cools and people start to see shapes in the shadows, the mind turns to those pieces of history that remain. Flint author Paul Counelis’ book, “Michigan Paranormal: Haunted Flint,” details some of the stories that people have passed down over the years about local ghosts. We were able to catch up with Counelis to learn more.
What drew you to write about the paranormal in Genesee County?
I have had a deep interest since an experience I had at a house off of Court Street when I was a teen. Many strange things happened, and it made me interested in the lore and stories from around Flint, some of which I’d heard for years, and some that were new to me.
How did you go about researching your book?
I started with stories that I’d heard, and then I would dig into what I could find out about those locations. I then put out a call for Flint people to talk to me about their experiences, and I would then delve further into it. I also visited the locations that were still around.
What were the most haunted places you learned about in your research?
I would say one that came up most often was Diane’s Pawn Shop, which was interesting. It’s now closed, unfortunately. To me, I’d say the Unitarian Universalist Church on Miller Road felt the strangest.
What do you think makes people so fascinated by ghosts and the paranormal?
The idea that you might just be sitting there watching TV or something, and there’s an active presence in the room, holds an intrigue. You hear the stories and wonder what truth there is to them; it’s human nature.
Do you have other books like this that people may be interested in reading?
My recounting of that house off of Court St. is out currently, and it’s the truest account that I could give with no embellishments. It’s called “Marshall’s Gully,” and it doubles as the story of a bunch of kids out on their own for the first time, having a very weird, shared experience that none of us can really explain. The initial book is available for purchase right now on Amazon, and there will also be a special expanded revision coming early next year with the subtitle of “A Haunting Off Court Street.”
Counelis’ books, “Michigan Paranormal: Haunted Flint,” “Marshall’s Gully,” and others are available for purchase now. For more stories of the area’s haunted history, you can check out “Haunted Flint,” by Joe Schiapani and Roxanne Rhoads. You can also take in a reading of gothic horror from author Jeff Vande Zande at the University of Michigan-Flint library on Oct. 23. And for fun and freaky events sure to put the chill down your spine, be sure to check out the Explore Flint & Genesee event calendar for more October fun than you can shake a bone at.
