Creffield and the Holy Rollers made page one headlines from 1903 to 1907. When I was researching Holy Rollers: Murder and Madness in Oregon’s Love Cult I spent months transcribing hundreds of articles. I’m not sure why I was so obsessive. Maybe it was my way of immersing my self into a cult without joining one. Anyway, I’m posting them all for those who are really interested in the story, or are interested the history of journalism, or are interested in how a scandalous story played out in the "media" in a by gone era. Since I no doubt made typos and unconsciously corrected papers' typos, these web pages should not be cited in anything serious (e.g. your dissertation). For such projects they should only be used as starting points and you should refer to the original sources. If you want a shorter version of the story, buy my book. Enjoy.

December 30, 1903: Owner of Property Refuses to Permit Séances

 

Frank Hurt's HouseHEADLINES IN PAPERS FOR THE SAME ARTICLE

 

Evening Telegram (Portland) 12/30/1903 p4

Creffield Again Out in the Cold

 

Weekly Herald Disseminator (Albany) 1/7/1904 p2

Holy Rollers Again Scattered

Owner of Rented Property Refuses to Permit Seances.

 

[Telegram Coast Special]

Corvallis, Ore., Dec. 30--Mrs. Beach, the owner of the house across the river in Linn County in which the Holy Rollers have been holding their seances, has ejected the entire outfit from the premises. She says the house was rented by Frank Hurt with the understanding that no one should live there but himself and wife, and she does not propose for her property to be used as a Holy Roller tabernacle. So that one more Apostle Creffield and his followers are scattered.

 

It was rumored yesterday that Creffield had secured quarters somewhere in Corvallis, but a diligent search last night by a few citizens interested in his whereabouts failed to locate him. It is not believed that he will attempt to do business in this vicinity as it is a well known fact that several determined citizens have mutually agreed to donate him a coat that will shed water and keep out the cold.

 

 

Corvallis Gazette 1/1/1904 p2

It is rumored that Mrs. Beach, the owner of the house across the river where the colony of Holy Rollers has been located has succeeded in forcing them to vacate the premises and it is also said that Parson Creffield is now in hiding near this vicinity. To save trouble, this gentleman should be hunted up and made to leave this section of the state for good. The story of one of his victim consigned to a living death in Salem, bereft of reason, is fresh in the minds of every father and mother in Corvallis. Who knows whose daughter will be the next victim. We have no room in our county for men who murder reason. Save your own neck, Parson Creffield, and the quicker you go the better for you.

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