Bison Theatre (Wishing Well Antique Mall)
225 E. Main, Shawnee, OK 74801
History
The Bison Theatre was reportedly built in the early
1900's. It was designed to accommodate film as well as
stage shows. The theatre closed in the mid 1950's
apparently due to the public's waning interest at the
advent of television. Since its closing, it has housed
other business types. Today it is home to the Wishing
Well Antique Mall. Originally the building had seating
for patrons on the ground floor as well as a
balcony/mezzanine area. It is reported that the balcony
area was for use by the African-American patrons while
the building was a theatre. The Caucasians were seated in
the downstairs area. The building has been remodeled to
feature the downstairs area as its main focus, while the
upstairs is not for regular use. The upstairs area still
shows some signs of the art deco designs on the walls and
facade.
At this time the C.O.P.S. team has not found
substantiation to the claims, but it has been told to us
that there was an incident where an actor, dressed in a
bank robber costume, was killed in the alley behind the
theatre by a law official many years ago. More research
will follow to find facts to support this claim. You can
also find stories and reports on the internet about a
robbery that took place on November 23, 1930.
Reports of Paranormal Activity
• Disembodied voices
• Footstep sounds on unoccupied stairwell
• Unexplained noises
Investigation October 12th & 13th, 2007
The Central Oklahoma Paranormal Studies team was asked by
Lori Goat, reporter for the County Wide News/Shawnee Sun,
to conduct an investigation of the Bison Theatre as to
aid her in writing a news article for the Halloween
edition of the newspapers. The owner of the building was
contacted by Mrs. Goat as well as C.O.P.S. to obtain
permission. Please note that this site has been
investigated earlier by C.R.I.S. (Contact Research
Investigation Specialists). C.R.I.S. has an investigation
report and video on their website
(http://criscontactresearch.com).
Due to the size of the building, C.O.P.S. restricted the
area to be investigated to the second floor.
Persons present during the investigation: C.O.P.S.
members were Tony, Russ, Joe, and John. Visitors,
responsible parties and guests were, Jay, Kristi, Jack,
Riley, Lori, and Jason.
At approximately 2130hrs, 10-12-2007 the team began
setting up the DVR cameras and stationary audio
recorders. Russ, Joe, and Jason began taking baseline
readings and measurements of the investigation area.
Conversational interactive response communications were
conducted during baseline measurements. There was no
evidence of any paranormal activity during this time.
At approximately 2340hrs, 10-12-2007 the team and guests
began the investigation while positioned in the hallway
on the west side of the building. Interactive response
communication techniques reveled many unexplained noises
that apparently coincided with our questions. We asked
that if anyone wanted to make themselves known they
should knock three times. Three knocks were heard by
several members of the group. The test was conducted
again, with similar results. The group attempted to
obtain different responses in some other form besides
knocks, like moving objects, visual appearance, touch,
activating the E.M.F. meters, etc. This request was not
met.
The group then took a break outside. Upon returning at
approximately 0030hrs, 10-13-2007, we positioned
ourselves in the center area of the building. The group,
while seated, remained quiet to observe the surroundings.
There was no apparent paranormal activity during this
time. After about 30 minutes, Kristi asked some
questions. The E.M.F. meter in the center of the room
apparently activated in conjunction with her questions,
but after reviewing the video footage the activation was
apparently caused by a stray cell phone signal. (Cell
phones make a very distinctive and recognizable
disturbance to audio and video footage.)
At approximately 0130hrs, 10-13-2007 the investigation
began to come to an end. Kristi asked John to go to the
base of the stairs on the East side of the building to
see if there was any evidence of paranormal activity
there. While the rest of the team began breaking down the
equipment, John stationed himself alone at the base of
the stairs with a video camera. He reported no unusual
noises, feelings or anything otherwise.
Conclusion
It is an honor for the C.O.P.S. team to investigate such
an important part of Oklahoma's history as the Bison
Theatre in Shawnee Oklahoma. The evidence collected
yielded no concrete substantial results other than what
was stated above, but some personal experiences were had
by those present. While it is not prudent for our team to
conclude that a site is haunted after only one
investigation, it is fair to say that this site does have
potential to produce paranormal activity. C.O.P.S. would
like to thank Rowanna, the owner, for allowing us into
her business. Her warmth and hospitality is something
that anyone would welcome when visiting her shop.
Equipment Used
• Four Camera DVR System
• Sony Handycam Video Camera
• Sony ICD-B120 Audio Recorder
• Sony ICD-B500 Audio Recorders
• RCA RP5022A Audio Recorder
• RCA RP5012B Audio Recorder
• K-II EMF Detectors
• Fieldpiece IR Thermometer
• Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera
Weather/Environmental Data
Mean Temperature: 73 °F
Dew Point: 55 °F
Average Humidity: 64%
Precipitation: 0.00
Sea Level Pressure: 29.88 in.
Wind Speed Average: 13 mph
Max Wind Speed: 22 mph
Max Gust Speed: 31 mph
Visibility: 10 miles
Sunrise: 7:32 AM
Sunset: 6:55 PM
Moonrise: 9:53 AM
Moonset: 7:58 PM
Moon: waxing