Fort Pierce news. (Fort Pierce, Fla.) 190?-1920, 1908-07-17
SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSED
The Florida Photographic Concern
Shows Local Enthusiasts a
Trick With a Hole in it.

AS result of the visits of travelling
mediums there has been quite revival
of interest among those spiritualistical-
~ inclined in this vicinity, and the Sc
ances have been we'll patronized by cit
liens of Fort Pierce. Many OF the per-
formances have been remarkable and
mysterious. Among the strange evil
dences of supernatural power displayed
are photographs showing some local
sitter surrounded by strange faces peep.
ing through misty clouds. The fact
that these pictures were taken against
plain background in plain view OF
spectators who are certain that no
image other than that OF the local and
living subject appeared before the
camera has lent an air of profound
mystery to the matter; though none of
the faces appearing in the pictures
were recognizable,
Several of these spooky photographs
had been brought to the attention OF
H. E. Hill, of the Florida Photographic
Concern, and many we're the questions
propounded as TO the possibility of pro-
ducing such results by photography as
known to those of the profession still
in the flesh. Mr.. Hill pronounced the
! feat simple and practical trick that
any skilled photographer might readily
produce. This was disputed by DR..
Farnsworth, who possesses one Of these
spirit pictures as well as many years
experience as photographer himself
The climax was reached in the mat
ter, however, Wednesday afternoon,
when Mr., Hill happened to drop into
the Atlantic Hotel, where the Faber
Brothers also have one of these mystic
rious pictures. Upon request it was
shown Mr.. Hill, who pronounced it
dead easy" Mr.. Faber, of course.
was glad to "be shown" and before
the discussion ended Mr.. Hill rhoned
to his studio for a view camera, while
representatives of the local newspapers
were also called up on the phone and
invited to witness the result of local
operator in the realm of mystery. A
PLAIN black cloth, provided by Miss
Faber was tackled up in the Office Of
the hotel and one of the ladies occupied
chair Immediately against it. The
exposure was soon made and the plate
holder was handed 10 Mr.. Conkling, of
the Tribune, for safe keeping. There
being another plate in the holder it
was suggested that Miss Faber occupy
the chair, and another exposure was
made. With the plateholder in pos.
session of the newspaper men the party
then proceeded TO the studio of the
photo grapher where they entered the
dark room and closely watched every
part Of the operation of development,
To the surprise of all, except Mr.. Hill,
the plate clearly showed the picture of
the young lady who first occupied the
chair, and grouped about her in dark,
billowy clouds were seven distinct
faces, which, when printed short time
later proved 10 be Hon. C. T. McCarty,
DR.. G. P. Platts, Mr.. L. NJ. Dawson
aud others not so clearly recognizable,
but resembling others who have re-
Gently departed this life from this 10
cality. The second plate showed
ghostly figure lowering over Miss Fa-
Der in a more or less protecting atti-
tude.
Mr.. Hill says he is not in the bust
ness of making, spirit pictures, and
that he INDUCED in this operation
merely TO convince some of our citizens
that they are liable to gross imposition.
Another amusing incident of tho at.
FAIR, which every photographer will
readily understand, was the instanta.
reous disappearance Of the entire
image from one OF the pictures while it
was being examined by Mr.. Faber.
Mr.. Hill assures US that there is
nothing supernatural about the matter
IL is simply Photographic trick.
II there are any doubling Thomases,
we have copies of the pictures at this
ONCE which we will be glad to show to
any enquirers.
IN CIRCUIT COURT OF THE sEvEN,rz III.