“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Janie Masterson Realtor GRI CLHMS Trusted Real Estate Resource

Casper the Friendly Ghost!

Have you seen the movie "An American Haunting"? it's based on a true story from right here in Adams, TN. Not too far from where I live! I stay as far away from the actual property and the cave as other call it and I would never, ever go on the tour. But for anyone that is interested here is some information on the Bell Witch.

There is no greater ghost story in the history of America than that of the Bell Witch of Tennessee. Many books have been written on this subject! The strange occurrances were in Robertson County between 1817 and 1821 but in short, the family of a local farmer named John Bell was plagued by a mysterious and violent spirit for nearly four years. The haunting involved spectral creatures, disembodied voices, unbelievable violence and even resulted in the death of John Bell --- all at the hands of the infamous Bell Witch.

The haunting began in 1817 when the Bell family began experiencing strange phenomena in their home. First, the house was plagued with knocking and rapping noises and scratching sounds.

Casper is my Kind of Ghost

Blankets were pulled from beds, family members were kicked and scratched and their hair pulled. Particularly tormented was young Elizabeth Bell, who was slapped, pinched, bruised and stuck with pins. At first, John Bell was determined to keep the events secret, but soon confided in a friend, who then formed an investigative committee. John Bell's friends soon learned that the strange force in the house had an eerie intelligence. It soon found a voice and from that day on was seldom silent.

The spirit identified itself as the "witch" of Kate Batts, a neighbor of the Bell's, with whom John had experienced bad business dealings over some purchased slaves. "Kate" as the local people began calling the spirit, made daily appearances in the Bell home, wreaking havoc on everyone there. People all over the area of soon learned of the witch and she made appearances, in sounds and voices, all over Robertson County.

The ghost became so famous that even General Andrew Jackson decided to visit. He too experienced the antics of the witch and his carriage wheels refused to turn until the witch decided to let them.

John Bell fell victim to bouts of strange illness, for which Kate claimed responsibility. While he was sick in bed, the spirit cursed and prodded him, never allowing him to rest. One day, he went to bed and never recovered. He was found senseless in his bed one morning and a strange bottle was found nearby. Bell's breath smelled of the black liquid in the bottle, so a drop of it was placed on the tongue of a cat and the animal dropped dead. John Bell soon followed suit and Kate screamed in triumph. She even made her presence known at his funeral, laughing, cursing and singing as the poor man was buried.

Kate didn't vanish immediately after the death of her proclaimed enemy, though. She stayed around, threatening Betsy Bell to not marry the man that she truly loved, Joshua Gardner. The witch would never say why, but she did allow the girl to later marry the local schoolteacher, Richard Powell. Kate soon left the family but promised to return in seven years. She did come back and plagued the family again for two weeks. She soon departed but many believe that she may not have gone far.

Who was the Bell Witch? Was she really a ghost, who claimed to be connected to a living person? Or did the resentment and the hatred of the real Kate Batts create an entity of its own? Or could the haunting have been poltergeist activity linked to Betsy Bell? No one will ever know for sure -- but whoever, or whatever, the Bell Witch was, many believe that she has never lef
t.

More on the story as we get closer to Halloween...................

The Neighborhood is Such An Important Element When Looking For Your New Home

Clarksville, TN and Ft. Campbell, KY have some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the country. I have a tour of Clarksville that I provide to all of my relocating buyers. Give me a call and we'll hop in the van for a nice ride, a scenic tour, and a nice bite to eat at a local restaurant that you'll love.

1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence. Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are not.

2. Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are. This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods.

Are there parks nearby?
Is it scenic and visually appealing?
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood clean? Yards, streets, parks?
Are there nice trees and foliage?
Do the lots have large or small yards?
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?
Is it a safe neighborhood?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
Are there many houses for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
What is the average age of the people in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area?
What is the proximity to schools?
Are there community events or organizations?

3. Walk around in the neighborhood. The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.

You can reach me anytime on my cell at 931 801-3348 or visit me on the web at WWW.JANIEMASTERSON.COM OR EMAIL AT JANIE@JANIEMASTERSON.COM

Wings of Liberty Museum ~ Ft Campbell

Fort Campbell's historical artifacts that are housed at the Pratt Museum eventually will be moved to the Wings of Liberty Museum, which is to be built near U.S. Highway 41A North and Tiny Town Road. This is something that Clarksville and Ft. Campbell has wanted and waited for a long time!

The 80,000-square-foot museum will be built in phases, with numerous aviation and military aircraft and vehicle exhibits to be added depicting the storied history. The facility will be interactive and put visitors "in the action" of yesterday and today's battles, in addition to having a 200-seat IMAX-style theater, snack bar and gift shop.

The Fort Campbell Historical Foundation continues to raise money for the project and has a variety of ways the community can donate. For information about the Wings of Liberty Museum or how you can contribute contact me at 931 801-3348.

Janie Masterson janie@janiemasterson.com

CLARKSVILLE, TN HOME OF FT. CAMPBELL,KY 101ST AIRBORNNE WELCOME HOME

CLARKSVILLE, TN HOME OF FT. CAMPBELL,KY 101ST AIRBORNNE WELCOME HOME

Sgt. Matthew Castine, 24, kisses his son, Xavior, on Saturday morning after returning from a 15-month deployment to Iraq as his wife, Kala, looks on. Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team remove their gear after returning to Fort Campbell early Saturday from a 15-month deployment to Iraq. Miguel "Iston" Maldonado, 3, anxiously waits with his mother, Elizabeth, 22, for their soldier, Sgt. Miguel Maldonado, a member of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans" to return at 1:30 a.m. Saturday from Iraq. (Jake Lowary/The Leaf-Chronicle Thank you Lord for bringing our soldiers home to us.

Great Food and Great Atmosphere ~~ 101st Airborne Restaurant Nashville, TN

101st Airbornne Restaurant 1362 Murfreesboro Pike


Visit 101st Airborne and you`ll discover a restaurant known for it's seafood and steaks. So many locals hang out there!. An average dinner will cost around $12 to $20, and you should dress casually and bring the kids.

More Reasons to Go: They have a DJ that plays great music if you plan to go on the weekend.

Details to Note: Reservations are not necessary. Carryout is available. Parking can be arranged.

Ways to Pay: Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Discover and CASH of course.