Total Recall

A single bark hidden in an audio edit shouldn’t rattle anyone, but it did. While revisiting our interview with paranormal investigator and podcaster Tom Stewart, we hear what sounds like a dog barking right in the middle of a word. Tom hears it too and tells us he has a “ghost dog” that hangs around the basement where he records. It’s a small moment that hits hard, because it echoes the same question that drives this series: how often does the unexplained brush right past us while we’re busy living?

Then we step back into Watseka, Illinois and the notorious Watseka possession case. Mary Roff is “back” inside Lurancy Vennum’s body, and for a brief stretch it almost feels normal to the Roff household. But when the Vennum family visits, the fragile peace snaps. Tom Vennum demands a reason, a why he can hold in his hands, and the scene spirals from disbelief to insults to violence. The episode lays bare the raw nerve beneath paranormal history: what happens when fear replaces compassion, and when a family decides a haunting is something to punish instead of something to understand?

As more townspeople come calling, curiosity turns into a kind of test. “Mary” recalls names, faces, and long-forgotten details with unnerving clarity, including a retired doctor’s leech treatments and memories that cut straight to the bone. Whether you hear possession, trauma, or something stranger, the story forces a real conversation about identity, memory, and what counts as evidence in small town folklore and paranormal storytelling.

Listen now, then subscribe, share with a friend who loves true history and the paranormal, and leave a rating and review. What do you think the bark was and what do you think is really happening in Watseeka?

Transcript

Welcome To Small Town Whispers

Speaker 3 0:11

Welcome to Small Town Whispers, where history, folklore, and the paranormal collide. I'm Bethany Yucuis Borden, and I lived in Watseka, Illinois from 1988 to 1999. For over a decade, I walked the same streets, saw the same houses, and even had friends connected to the story we're about to dive into. This isn't just history for me, it's personal. If you're here for the first time, you will probably want to go back to episode one and start from the beginning. I am reading excerpts from the book Watseka each week, and you will be thoroughly confused if you jump in today. There are also some very gripping and authentic porchlight stories throughout this series, including the fantastic storytelling of paranormal investigator and fellow podcaster Tom Stewart on last week's episode. Did you happen to hear anything extra in our interview? Listen close here.

Speaker 1:53

But when we would go into those bushes, that dog would refuse to come in there, no matter what, whether his owner was calling him or not.

Speaker 3 2:00

Did you hear a dog bark? I must have listened to that twenty times while I was editing. I know it wasn't my dog, and it's right in the middle of his word, so I didn't think it was something on his end. He did confirm after I sent it to him that he did in fact hear a dog barking and does have a ghost dog in his house. It actually hangs out a lot in the basement where he records. We were just trying to get some stories, but looks like we might have created one more.

Speaker 2:26

That dog would refuse to come in there, no matter what, whether his owner was calling him or not.

Family Reunion

A Violent Vennum

Speaker 3 2:34

I'm still so grateful for every interaction I have with people by doing this podcast. I've been researching this topic since I did my senior paper on the paranormal in high school. I spent many hours in the library at WCHS reading every book they had on the topic. I don't recall that many, actually. I'd love to get my hands on that paper. There is so much on this earth that we don't understand, and I'm glad to be aligning with other people who are willing to explore the possibilities and share their experiences. If you have a story to share, don't forget to email us at PorchlightWispers at gmail.com or reach out to us on the Small Town Whispers Facebook page. Now back to the story. It took everyone in the family about three days to adjust to Mary being back home. The boys occasionally called her Rancy, and she would correct them. For the most part, Mary made it easy to believe it was her in there with all her prior knowledge of Watseka and the Roff family. Nervie's husband Henry had to admit she seemed to be Mary, but he was still wary of Asa's decision to let Lurancy Vennum move in. He wasn't the only one in town that thought this way. Many agreed that this new doctor must be up to something. How did he convince Colonel Peters that Lurency Vennum should remain free to roam the town? The doubters included Lavinia Durst. She and her gossiping partner Sarah Thayer could not understand the decisions being made and were already conspiring about getting Reverend Baker involved. Dr. Stevens visited Asa's office to check in about Mary and received a very good report. Mary was quickly becoming part of the family again. The only concern was that she wouldn't eat a bite or drink a sip of anything. She claimed she still takes her tea in heaven. It bothered their housekeeper Charlotte the most. Dr. Stevens assured him this was okay and that he felt confident enough to leave Watseka and go home for a while. Mary had assured him she would be in Lurancy's body for about three months. The doctor quietly left town so as not to upset Mary. The day after the doctor left town, Tom, Lurinda, and Henry Vennum paid the Roff family a visit. The Vennums dressed their best for the occasion. Ann and Asa entertained them for a few minutes in the parlor while waiting for Rancy to come down in the new dress she'd made. Lurinda and Henry had accepted the situation, but Tom was still struggling to understand why it happened to his daughter. Ann reminded him that even she struggled to understand it all. And this is where we return to the book Watseka, America's Most Extraordinary Case of Possession and Exorcism, on page 226. Everything is just so beautiful, she gushed as Anne rose to meet them. I never saw such a beautiful house in all my born days. And look, Tom, there's a fireplace with tiles around it. Oh I always said I wanted to have a fireplace with tiles, just like that one. Didn't I always say that, Tom? Tom grunted and shook hands with Asa. Then he introduced Henry to misses Roff. Minerva's husband was not there. The boys had been sent to their room while the visit took place. Asa didn't want any more confusion than was necessary. Lurancy is still upstairs in her room, Ann explained. We've been working on a new dress, and she's going to wear it tonight. She shouldn't be too long. Please take a seat, misses Vennum. Why don't you sit here on the sofa with me? And Mr. Vennum, you can take that chair next to Mr. Roff. Master Vennum, you can pull that chair up next to your father's. Men always have things to talk about, don't they, Mrs. Vennum? She smiled. They talk more than us women, Lurinda agreed. But you'd never get them to admit it. And they say we gossip. She leaned back on the sofa, getting the feel of the softness of the horsehair under the red velvet. She liked anything that's smacked of elegance. You sure have a nice place, misses Roff. You sure do. Thank you, Ann said. Then, I know you are worried about your daughter, but you needn't be. She is fine. Perfectly fine. You mean she is rancy again? Tom asked harshly. Or does she still think that she's your girl? No, she is still under the control of my daughter, Asa put in quickly. It's not that she thinks she's my daughter, Mr. Vennum. She is my daughter. At least in her mind. The body is still your daughter, but the mind that powers that body belongs to my daughter. I've tried to explain things to Mr Vennum, Lurinda said. But somehow it just won't stick. I had a long talk with that nice doctor Stevens. He came by the house before we left and explained what was happening in great detail. Mr Vennum, unfortunately, wasn't home that day. I wish he had been. Maybe he could understand things better. I understand things, but I don't know why they are happening to our Rancy. He waved a hand at Lurinda before she could continue. I know that Rancy is sick in the head and sick in the body, and that your daughter came from Spirit Land and took her over, and will be with her till she's cured and can be her old self. I know all that. What I don't know is why. Why? Why what, Mr Vennum? Why it had to happen to our girl? Why with all the girls all over the world who get sick did this thing of your daughter coming in have to happen to her? Why was Rancy chosen? What is so special about Rancy that this should be happening to her? Is she becoming some kind of Catholic saint or something? I don't think any of us can answer that, Mr. Vennum, Asa said. We don't any of us understand the workings of the spirit world. It's something we just have to accept. Tom was adamant. I can only accept what I understand. If it ain't before Pa's eyes where he can touch it, he won't buy it, Henry said. But I know what Pa means. He means When I need you to explain myself, Master Henry, I'll ask you. Tom was getting embarrassed. Don't need no kid of mine telling the world what I'd think just after I've gotten through saying it. Sorry, Pa. Anne got up from the sofa. I'll go and see what's taking Lurancy so long. I can understand you perfectly, Mr. Vennum. It is very difficult even for Mr. Roff and myself to understand the whys of spirits and the things they do. Even more difficult for us to understand why they waste time on us imperfect mortals. But they do. I believe that they do. Dr. Stevens has seen much more than I have, and he is convinced that spirits are operating in the human realm all the time, and doctor Stevens is a learned man. You'll surely agree, won't you? Yes, I do. He is a good man, and he saved Rancy's life. I'll always be grateful to him for that. If it hadn't been for him, she'd be locked up over in Springfield this very minute. There were footsteps on the stairs. Oh, I think your daughter is coming down now, Minerva said. Then she called Mary is that you? Yes, Nervie. We're in here in the back parlour. Lurancy came in through the double doors to the parlour. Oh ma, she said, looking at Ann. Just see how nice the dress fits. It really is. Then she stopped.

Speaker 2 10:24

I'm sorry. I didn't know we was having company.

Speaker 3 10:27

We ain't company, child. We're family. Yeah, Henry added. How you doing, Rancy? Lorancy looked at them.

Speaker 2 10:35

I'm sorry, but I don't think we've been introduced. Papa, are these folks new neighbors?

Speaker 3 10:40

These are the Venoms, Asa said. Mr. and Mrs. Vennum, and this here is young Henry Vennum. Aw, come on, Rancy, Henry said. Say hello to Ma. She's been looking so forward to seeing you. Lorancy passed a hand over her forehead.

Speaker 2 10:56

My name is not Rancy, or whatever you called it. My name is Mary Roff. I hate to be insistent, but I wish people wouldn't keep getting us mixed up. She walked behind Ann's chair, standing there with one hand on her shoulder.

Speaker 3 11:09

This keeps happening all the time, and it's wearying. Lurinda started searching her bag. She was about to have the sniffles and wanted her handkerchief near. Rancy, honey, don't you recognize your own ma? Of course I do. This is my ma. This lady right here. And I suppose he's your pa? Tom asked, pointing to Asa.

Speaker 2 11:30

Of course he is. My pa is Mr. Roff, the lawyer. And me? Who am I? Henry asked. You? What kind of funny game is this? You were just presented to me as named Henry. So I suppose you're Henry. And to make the circle complete, that lady is Mrs. Vennum, and he is Mr. Vennum, and that lady over there is my sister Nervie Alter. And I am Mary Roff.

Speaker 3 11:56

She added that last bit with a note of finality to her voice, hoping this name business would be finished. She is still bewitched, Henry said. There is nothing of witchcraft here, young man. Asa spoke up quickly and loudly. I don't want that kind of talk used in this house. Your sister Lurancy has gone away from her body, and my daughter Mary has taken over for a few weeks. It has nothing to do with witchcraft. Then he lowered his voice. I'm sorry, but people must understand the difference. Especially you people, especially Lurancy's family. You people must understand. If you don't, it will just make matters worse and take Lurancy that much longer to get better. If she gets better, Tom remarked. She will, Ann assured him. How do we know? The end of Lorinda's nose had turned pink. It looks like she is getting worse instead of better. Worse? Minerva said. Well before she was out of her mind, but she was still Rancy. Now she's out of her mind and her body, and she's somebody else. Don't you call that getting worse? Lurancy's voice was startlingly loud.

Speaker 2 13:12

No, I don't. Can't you people understand that Lurancy is being helped? Can't you get it through your heads that she is being cared for? Is your ignorance about the working of spirit that dense that you cannot fathom what is taking place? Don't you call your ma ignorant, Tom shouted. And don't you shout at me either. Your wife is not the only ignorant one in your household. And if you had tried to understand your daughter and given her love, we might not be in this situation right now. But you locked her in a room and even kept her tied to the wall like some animal. When she needed compassion, you gave her trains.

Speaker 3 13:48

Please, Mary, and reached up to comfort the girl. You mustn't speak to the venoms in that tone of voice. They didn't know what they were doing. They're sorry.

Speaker 2 13:58

Now they're sorry. They are only sorry that their daughter didn't die. They can understand physical death, but can't fathom the kind of spirit rest Lurancy is having. If they could have locked her up or buried her in the ground, then they would have understood. But they are lacking in many human qualities, and one of them is compassion.

Speaker 3 14:15

Maybe it would have been better if you had died, Tom yelled. Then it would all have been over. You would have been six feet under and your ma would have suffered, but she'd have gotten over it. Alive and crazy like you are now is even worse than being dead. Mr. Roth stood up. Really, Mr. Vennum, I cannot permit you to talk that way in my home. We have taken your daughter in to give her protection while she is being healed. Can't you understand that? Tom turned on him. And who asked you to take her in? You did, sir. You came to my office and asked me to take her to my home. Only after that merry thing inside her kept insisting on it, Tom was still shouting. She kept up that yammering till we had to agree.

Speaker 2 14:59

That yammering, as you call it, was the only way I could take the body out of that negative environment.

Speaker 3 15:06

In a flash, Tom was over beside her. And I should have taken a switch and beat the piss out of your negative environment, young lady. This is all play acting, and I won't have no more of it. You're coming back home with me. He reached out and grabbed her arm. You're coming back to your own house where you belong. Lurancy stared at his fingers. Take your hand off me, mister. You get your things and let's get out of here. You don't belong here. Take your hand off me. Lurinda talked through the tears that were falling faster now. Rancy, do as your paw says. Don't get him riled up. Please. And don't get me riled up. The girl reached across and grabbed Tom Venom's stout fingers with her own. They came down on him like steel claws, pulling his hand away and flinging it aside. He looked at his hand, stunned by the unexpected strength and the pain. God damn you, girl, he shouted. You'll do as I say, or else. He swung at her, but her arm was already up, protecting her. His wrist smashed into her forearm. Asa heard the crunch across the room. Tom howled and fell to the floor, clutching his wrist and cursing. Lurinda was frightened. She began to cry louder. Lurancy walked to the parlor doors, then turned and without even glancing at her father, said, I'm going up to my room now.

Speaker 2 16:30

I'm sorry this had to happen, but nothing must stand in the way of this body's treatment. Nothing and nobody. She looked at Ann and Asa, her eyelids not moving. I had one reason for coming back, and I fully expect you to make certain this type of interruption shall never happen again. I don't want to see these people until Lurancy is ready for them. I trust they will not be allowed back here until I've given you permission.

Town Curiosity And Uncanny Memories

Speaker 3 16:54

Good night, everyone. As they heard her footsteps ascending the stairs, Lurinda began sobbing. My baby, my own baby girl. She doesn't want me anymore. Oh my god, Tom, Rancy doesn't love us anymore. In the days that followed, some of the townspeople who had known Mary came to call. It was more curiosity than friendship. They all wanted to see the girl that looked like Lurancy Vennum, yet talked like Mary Roff. None of them were disappointed. There was old Doc Fowler, who came asking if he could be of some assistance even though he had been retired for three years. He had never had the venoms for patients. Yet Lurancy knew him immediately. Did you bring those things in the bottle?

Speaker 2 17:40

In the bottle? What things? Those slimy things like small snakes that you used to put on my neck. You know, they drank my blood and made me feel better. You remember the leeches? Of course I do. I also recall that I wanted you to leave some here so I could have them as pets, and you wouldn't do it. You said they cost too much money and had to come through the rebel lines up the Mississippi.

Speaker 3 18:02

Good heavens! That's right. I'd forgotten that. In order to get them during the war, I had to have a friend send them from New Orleans by riverboat. Extraordinary.

Speaker 2 18:12

That's what they've all been saying. Everyone seems to think it's so strange that I have a memory at all. You know, I bet I recall things that other people have already forgotten. My memory always was good, wasn't it, Ma?

Speaker 3 18:25

Ann nodded. Mary never forgot a face or a birthday or a street number. I never bothered to write things down that I wanted to recall. I'd just tell them to Mary, and she'd have the information whenever I needed it. Well, the way I hear it, the Venom girl didn't have no great shakes at recall. At least that's what the teachers are saying, anyways, the doc said. That's true.

Speaker 2 18:46

That girl wasn't the brightest when it came to her books. But she was young and didn't have no real training at home, like I did. My ma taught me to read when I was hardly five years old. Didn't she, Ma? Remember how we looked at the books and the words in that little book and you taught me to read it before I started to school?

Speaker 3 19:04

Good heavens! Anne laughed. Now it's my turn to say extraordinary. I'd clean forgotten that you knew how to read before the first grade started.

Speaker 2 19:13

You see? I got my paw's brains. The rough brains are the best brains in town. Do you remember Tessie?

Speaker 3 19:20

Doc Fowler would always remember Tessie.

Speaker 2 19:23

The cat?

Speaker 3 19:24

Old Tessie, the cat?

Speaker 2 19:25

Yes, of course I do. Do you recall how she died? How she died? She shook her head. Well, I suppose she got run over with a wagon or something, didn't she?

Speaker 3 19:36

No, he said. Go back in your mind, Mary, and see if you can recall how Tessie died. Lurancy shut her eyes and concentrated. The smile she wore turned into a frown, and then into a shudder, as she opened her eyes and stared at Mrs. Roff.

Speaker 2 19:53

Ma, now I recall how Tessie died. Oh Ma, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to kill Tessie. I loved that cat as much as anyone did. I know, daughter, I know. It happened a long time ago. I cut off her head, didn't I? I mean, that's what I recall people telling me.

Speaker 3 20:13

Yes, you did, Mary, the doctor said. But you were out of your mind when it happened. You didn't know what you were doing. He shook his head. Extraordinary. Absolutely extraordinary.

Porchlight Whispers And How To Share

Speaker 1 20:35

Now, join me under the porch light. The place where memories meet the present and voices from the past still linger in the dark. Tonight we listen not to the pages from a book, but to the people who have felt the unexplained and found the courage to share it. Welcome to Porchlight Whispers.

Speaker 3 21:01

It's gonna be short this week. We've loved hearing your stories from Illinois, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. And next week, we're headed to the Chicago area for even more incredible tales. But the porchlight is still on, and we need more stories. If your hometown has a mystery, a ghost story, a family legend, or an unexplained moment, send it our way and step into the porchlight with us. You can email us at porchlightwispers at gmail.com or send us a message on our Small Town Whispers Facebook page. I want to send a genuine thank you to everyone who's already contributed and listened. If you don't have a story yet, maybe it's coming. Pay attention.

Speaker 1 21:56

Share your experience and let your small town whispers. Become part of ours.

Speaker 3 22:02

And with that, the porch light dims, but the whispers stay with us. Join us again next time when another voice steps into the light. If this show resonates with you, hit follow, share it with a friend who loves true history and the paranormal, and leave a rating and review. It really helps us get discovered. If you'd like to support the show, feel free to send a little something the following ways: Venmo, Bethany-Borden-1, PayPal, Bethany Borden 865, Cash App, Money Signs Small Town Whispers, or you can go to buzzsprout.com slash 253 9508 slash support. These are all listed at the end of each episode description. This podcast does take a lot of time and energy, and any little bit would help. Please share your stories with us at Porchlight Whispers at gmail.com or send a message on the Small Town Whispers Facebook page. Did you know we're on YouTube? I dare you to put it on at bedtime. Don't forget to tell a friend or family member about the show. And mostly, thank you for simply listening. It means the world.