Mini Lights
mini-lights
I would like to see what she can find out about the the "mini-lights" stories involving the area around Boca Ciega High and the nearby cemetery. Not sure if anyone still knows what I'm talking about...
A.V. 10.21.06
Have you heard any stories about Mini Lights? If so, please enter them in our guest book below.
Mini Lights, Midget Lights
The information I have on the urban legend of the "Midget" or "Mini Lights" was told to me from my masseuse, Josh. One day I was enjoying Josh's most wonderful massage and we were discussing strange occurrences in Saint Petersburg and this story just came out of nowhere. Josh told me that he used to hang out with his African American high school friends at the park while enjoying a few beers and social time. The story of the "Mini/Midget Lights" is mainly a local African American urban legend.
The legend states that there was an old woman who lived on 5th Ave S, just off of what is now 16th St S. She lived in a nice home and had either owned the land in front of her home or it belonged to the city. Either way, the land was eventually taken and a park was built. This did not sit with the old woman and that is when it all began.
This woman was known to be affiliated with the circus (Ringling???) and had two midgets living inside her home. It is said that at dusk she would send out these two midgets with bats to drive out the "trespassers" from the land she so loved. These midgets turned into two balls of light, thus the "Mini Lights" as the tale has been passed on through time.
Josh said that at dusk his friends would become agitated and the park would quickly empty. He swears they were all very serious and scared to death saying the "Mini Lights" will get you.
Josh took Vicky and I to the small bridge that covers a small creek in the park. This apparently was the only way to get out of the park and this was the prime area of attack by the mini lights. As we were on the bridge we encountered a man and Josh asked him if he had ever heard of the mini lights and explained it to him as he did not know. He just moved to the area.
This urban legend is a hit or miss. Some people who are familiar with this legend refuse to even talk about for fear of bringing the "Mini Lights" about. Almost like it is taboo to even mention them. I was amazed that someone even sent an email inquiring about this urban legend. I wish she would write more on what she knows. I am highly curious.
I see that this is listed at Boca Ciega, which is in Gulfport. I'm not sure what to make of this.
Update. the woman lived on what is now 7th Ave S. The park is Campbell Park.
Jen S.
Merry Lights, the Troll: This reminds me of a second myth that I have heard relating to the Brooker Creek area. It is that of "Merry Lights", the troll who allegedly lives under the Brooker Creek Bridge. The story I heard is that he can be summoned by calling out his secret name three times. I have heard similar stories of people being terrified to be out there, or of kids who try to summon the troll by using a secret name for him. I don't know if these are related or not.
Brandy
Memonite, Minnie Lights, Midgets
I finally remembered to bring home my notes on the "mini lights"
These versions were given to me by a co-worker whose family moved here in the 1940s.
All versions have the midgets and a woman in them, but the location and the "word" change. No one seems to know exactly where the midgets came from, but they apparently lived with the woman or at least on her property
1) If you walked around her house 3 times at night and said the word "Mennonite" then she and the midgets would come out and chase you. This version has her living near a church off of 22nd Av S between 16th and 19th St.
2) The lady's name was "Minnie" and this is where the name of "minnie lights" comes from. If you waslked around her house 3 times calling her name, the same as above would happen.
3). In the other variation she would come out of her house, now in the urban legend located off Booker Creek, and would send the midgets to chase you down. This version was told to the kids at the Boys and Girls Club from what I understand.
Hope this will help with the Urban Legends info!
Mary
Member research on the legend, preliminary research:
INVESTIGATION 5 - 27 - 07
Report by Evie
6 members and 2 prospective members met in the Roser Park Area of St Petersburg to investigate the legend of the troll that lives under the bridge. The legend says if you go near the bridge and say Merri-lights 3 times and then say I believe, a troll will come out from under the bridge.
Although it is the policy of "SPIRITS Group" that we do not try to invoke entities, we knew of no other way to disprove the legend then to go there and say the words.
Nothing happened when we said the words around 3 of the bridges in the area. A couple of our sensitives did feel a heavy sad feeling in a certain area. At the time, we were standing right below a house that had one time been an unwed mothers home.
I took 19 pictures and did not get a single orb but did get a lot of beautiful pictures of the creek and surrounding area. It was a beautiful day for a walk and we did have a lot of fun and comradery. Of course there is always the reward of meeting for lunch at the end of the hunt.
Area 2: Heavy feeling. Two people also reported feeling an anxious feeling here at the start of the trail leading to the second bridge, further down in the park.
Area 1: Heavy feeling (tree area). At the start of the investigation, two people sensed a heavy, desperate presence in the area of the trees overlooking Brooker Creek and Campbell Park.
We attempted invocation under or next to each of these bridges, all stemming from Booker Creek to 8th Street South. These are photographed in the directions and order that we came to them.
Conclusions: Mostly Busted
To finish this investigation, we need to try to check in the Gulfport area, particularly Boca Ciega High School. The two areas are not far from each other.
Both Debbie and Brandy noted that most of the legends happened at dusk. However, because of the nature of the locations cited we felt more comfortable doing daytime investigations. It would be interesting to try to do the second series of locations (Gulfport) in the evening if possible, or to see about checking the original areas at dusk.
Brandy's thoughts:
Overall, I believe that there are multiple invocations listed and I find some interesting connections to the transformation of the story.
Mennonites: Mennonites do believe in an “inner light” related to the religious experience. This makes me wonder if a Mennonite did come to the area. I am currently starting reseach into the Mennonites of neighboring Manatee county, and I do believe it possible that some cross-county settlement could have occurred. South St. Petersburg is within plausible travelling distance to Manatee county; perhaps a member of the congregation did move into the area. Old St. Petersburg seems to be mostly a combination of mainstream conservative Protestant tradition mixed with Catholic and some Jewish settlers. There may have been some ignorance of smaller or newer denominations that came to St. Petersburg, which evolved over time to a ghost light (or mini light) story.
Merry Lights: The troll appears to be an adoption of the legend to the bridges in the area, and seems to be a combination of the legend and Grimm’s fairytales (or the old European stories of trolls associated with gaurding bridges).
Mini Lights: The other story listed a woman associated with the circus; this is also plausible. Sarasota (Manatee County) holds the Ringling Circus Museum and the Ringling family has a long lasting legacy out there. I have toured several of the areas, as well, that are reputed to be haunted by the Ringlings. There is also Gibsonton, not far from this area (Gibsonton is between Tampa and Bradenton, I believe), which was known as a hometown for the local members of the old "freak shows". It recently gained notoriety for the Lobster Boy killing several years ago. However, that the midgets, apparently, transform into balls of light is a rather unique twist to this.
With so many possibly legitimate links to the past, these odd "fairy tale twists" to the stories makes me wonder if the legends have a bit of basis in fact but, as aged legends they have taken on a more mystical transformation as time went by.
Brandy's Report
Present: Partha, Verna, Juanita, Jeanne, Evie, Mary, Debbie
EMF on 0 –100 scale as wires ran all around us. Basic readings started at 3.0.
IR reading was 79 degrees when pointed towards the ground.
Start time: 10:00 a.m.
We started by reading the various urban legends. We discussed how to investigate them, and decided to follow the park, then go under the bridges and head towards the 7th Ave. South area. We would attempt to check a second area (near 22nd Ave South) afterward.
As we started to look through the park area, Verna sensed something heavy and ominous directly behind us. We moved in that direction, and ended up climbing under the bridge.
We attempted to invoke Merry Lights, Mini Lights, and Mennonite under bridge 1. No results, changes in temperature or EMF.
Moved to the second bridge and attempted this again. This smaller bridge appeared to be the one described in Jen’s original scouting attempt. Invoked all three, no results. EMF went down to 2.0, so switched to the next scale.
Mary and Verna reported a heavy feeling at the top of the trail leading to the second bridge.
Bridge 3: tried invocation, 10:45. No results.
Bridge 4: Work bridge: tried invocations. Debbie later told me that she felt heaviness by the bridge. Recorded a .6 EMF.
Bridge 5: 8th Street South. EMF 1.2 Invocations; no results.
We did a recheck of the two areas of heaviness: We tried to find the source of the first heaviness. We moved back towards the other side of Campbell Park but found nothing. Heaviness was still there, but lighter according to Mary and Verna.
Moved to the head of the trail (near the second bridge) to test the second heavy spot. Debbie also felt it, describing it as extreme worry or anxiety; tensions around her shoulders. Attempted to see if anything would communicate, but not response.
We attempted to go to the second area of reported activity but there was a church in session. We drove around the block, but no results and we did not feel it an appropriate time to stop with the service in session.
May 28 addendum: After the investigation, no anomolous reactions, trolls, or ghost lights viewed, despite the invocations.
Mary's report:
Present: Brandy, Jeanne, Debbie, Evie, Partha, Verna, Juanita and Mary
Date: May 27, 2007
Equipment: Several digital cameras, an EMF meter and a digital thermometer.
The weather conditions were clear and warm with a slight breeze. Humidity was not high.
In an attempt to verify or debunk the urban legends of the "Minnie Lights," the "Midget Lights" and "Merry Lights (the troll who supposedly lives under a bridge)," the SPIRITS visited the area most identified with the legends. This is now known as Campbell Park which is bordered by Booker Creek. (We also visiited a second location on 22nd Av S, but found nothing that resembled a park. This location has been pretty well ruled out). Although the legends of the lights have them appearing at dusk, because of the area, we opted for a daylight visit.
There is no clear-cut location for any of the variations. Using the legend of the troll, we called out at several foot bridges for him as well as the highway bridges. Despite our efforts, neither midgets nor trolls came forth!
No picture had anything unusual except one. That picture showed what looked like a white, transparent, incomplete orb However, a second picture taken of the same location from a different angle. revealed that it was merely a patch of creek water in the sun which reflected trees! So much for the paranormal!
There was something else of note, however. When we started on our investigation, both Verna and I felt that something tragic had occurred at the section of Booker Creek on the west side of the bridge. The home that sits above this part of the creek, is partially obscured by trees. The bank leading down to the creek is very steep. Just to the east of this is the 9th St bridge going south. This homesite was platted in 1915 with the home itself built in 1922 according to property records. In 1927 it became the Florence Crittendon Home for unwed mothers and continued as such into 1976 when the name was changed along with its focus. It actually now consists of 5 buildings, two from 1922, one from 1945, one from 1950, and one from 1989.
On making full circle of the area, as we crossed the bridge next to the home from the opposite direction, again both Verna and I felt the same sense of tragic loss at exactly the same time. In my notes I jotted down "1940s", "death from a height (?)". To me it was a female presence, lost and alone. Perhaps with research we will be able to determine if what may have happened here. Was it the residual feelings and emotions of young girls, far from family and friends, whose babies were given up for adoption at birth, or was it in fact an actual death?
With the exception of 2 other spots, one of which I felt some "darkness" (when the group returned to this spot, there was nothing) and one of which Debbie felt sadness (I felt tightness across my shoulders here), there was nothing else remarkable about the investigation. There were no EMF spikes of note.
In my opinion the SPIRITS have debunked the legends of the troll and the lights!
Mary
Area 3: Debbie reported a dark/heavy feeling on this bridge (below). She stayed to try for video and EVP, with no results.
Debbie's Report
Urban Legend
Mini Lights - Midget Lights - Merry Lights
The Legends of Booker Creek
Sunday May 27, 2007 Debbie’s Report
Investigators Present: Myself, Brandy, Evie, Mary, Juanita, Jeanne and two potentials Verna and Partha.
Equipment used: Sony digital recorder, Casio Exilim Camera and Sony Digital Camcorder
This urban legend has taken a few spins over the years. There is the legend of the Troll Under the Bridge that has a secret name and if you guess the secret name and say it three times the Troll will appear. The Troll’s secret name is Merry Lights.
Also, regarding the Booker Creek area at Campbell Park, you will find a legend that has origins relating to the local African American community. As we discovered during our investigation, the Roser Park area had begun as predominately an African American neighborhood and within this community lived an older woman, reportedly connected to the Ringling Circus who resided with two-midgets who acted as her protectors. It was believed that these midgets eventually became the Mini Lights that would attack anyone after dark to drive the intruders away from this woman and the area she loved.
We began investigating Campbell Park and Booker Creek at approximately 10:00 a.m. From where we met up at 6th Ave S and MLK S, we moved toward the fenced off area quickly spotting Booker Creek. Partha trail blazed and led us under the first bridge, the MLK overpass, where we attempted to both invoke the Troll and the Mini Lights. The
SPIRITS of St Petersburg do not by habit invoke entities but in order to test the legend of the Troll it was necessary to attempt to summon it. This Merry Lights summoning produced no positive activity under any of the three bridges we investigated. At each location we also tried to invoke other spin offs to the legends.
No paranormal events took place but due to our morning investigation start time it was not expected to produce any. Unfortunately, this very lovely area of St Petersburg has a not so nice reputation after dusk that has nothing what so ever to do with a troll or midgets. I have to wonder what might have happened if we had investigated these legends beginning at dusk.
All in all a good morning for walking the park and then sitting around together for lunch, reviewing pictures of the park and swapping tales with friends and fellow ghost hunters.
Additional Post-Investigation Research: (Mary)
This morning (5-27) we did some urban legend hunting, part of which resulted in a discussion of an older home that now appears to be apts on the corner of 9th St and 7th Ave South. This is where we had a sensation that something happened, so I wanted to do more research.
This used to be the Florence Crittendon home for unwed mothers in the 50s (at least) thru probaby the early 70s. In its early years at least it was a home for mostly teen moms whose children were mostly, if not entirely, put up for adoption. I wondered some about it and so found this out. This comes from a sermon preached by a man who lived from 1875-1929. There are a number of these homes located throughout the country. The oldest ones I found were established in 1897 in both Houston and Charleston, S. Carolina.
Here is the part of the sermon dealing with the founding of the homes:
Charles Crittendon has told us the story of his conversion, that thereby God might be glorified and the blessedness of 
His truth more fully understood by the people. He told us how, while a successful businessman here in New York, a millionaire, enjoying every comfort and ease that money could buy, he was a saved man but, as he frankly confessed, not really dedicated Christian. The church was simply a good, decent institution what was worthy of support, and he gave it some nominal perfunctory cooperation; but he had no active interest in the service of God’s great kingdom through the church.
His truth more fully understood by the people. He told us how, while a successful businessman here in New York, a millionaire, enjoying every comfort and ease that money could buy, he was a saved man but, as he frankly confessed, not really dedicated Christian. The church was simply a good, decent institution what was worthy of support, and he gave it some nominal perfunctory cooperation; but he had no active interest in the service of God’s great kingdom through the church. Then he tells us how his little daughter Florence - his only child - was stricken with sickness and for weeks lingered, growing frailer and weaker all the while. She was the idol of his heart and the center of his life’s ambition. He brought to New York the greatest doctors that money could employ, yet the disease baffled all their skill.
He tells us how, at the close, he could not bear her out of his sight. He held her frail, wasted little body upon a large pillow on his own knee until, at last, despite the doctor’s efforts and the solicitude of friends, she was called away and he was left brokenhearted.
So bitter was his grief that his reason almost tottered upon its throne. Every day for a month he went to her grave to carry flowers and to fall prostrate upon the ground in his agony.
On one of these days, however, he was again pouring out his grief at her grave, he tells us, when a voice came to him, Florence is not here; her poor form of clay rests beneath this sod, but Florence has gone to God. And you now, O Charles Crittendon, must walk in the Godward way. Up from the ground he arose with peace and comfort in his heart for the first time. He went out from that day into his wonderful career of Christian service and philanthropy. He surrendered his business connections and devoted his fortune entirely to works of good. He went over the earth preaching the Gospel of God’s love and establishing everywhere the Florence Crittendon Homes for fallen women.
Thus it was that God’s great voice came to him through his sorrow. And the Heavenly Father overruled that dark providence to bless mankind. If these things had not thus transpired, doubtless it would have meant simply another successful businessman who would eat, drink and be merry to the end of his days, and another society girl to dream and dance and spend a useless life; but through the marvelous providence of an infinitely wise and loving God, even the shadow was turned into brightness, and gladness was brought out of gloom.
I was thinking on the way home that perhaps this was the Minnie property overlooking Campbell Park. I am still researching to see what we can find.
-------------------
Here is info on the property at 9xx 7th Av S. It was built in 1922 and plotted in 1915. The property use is institutional: "Club, Lodge, Union Hall, Civic Club, Health Spa, YMCA, Boys Club, Girl Scouts".
There are a total of 5 bldgs there now :
Bldg 1 built 1922, Bldg 2 = 1922, Bldg 3 = 1945, Bldg 4 = 1989, Bldg 5 =1950
I also found the "official" address of Campbell Park Campbell Park 601 - 14th Street South.
Member Reports
Verna's Report
Minnie Lights, Merry Lights and/or Midget Lights Investigation
Date: May 27, 2007
Present: Verna, Partha, Brandy, Debbie , Evie, Juanita, Mary, and Jeanne
Time: 10:00am
After reaching the Booker Creek area, I met with The S.P.I.R.I.T.S to investigate the urban legend regarding the Minnie Lights, Midget lights and/or Merry lights. During the introduction provided by Brandy I became aware of a sensation that was coming from right near the creek. The feeling that came upon me felt very heavy and alluring. It was like I was attracted to this specific area. The sensation was somewhat hovering over an area in the trees right near the bridge that connects the road from one side to the other. The group decided to head in that direction to start the investigation. When we arrived in that vicinity, the feeling was still there and it was stronger in some places rather than others.
There was a small trail that led us to the underneath of the main bridge. The feeling that I was still having was only associated to the right side of the bridge. Basically that was where I originally sensed anything. Once underneath the bridge there was a strong scent of natural gas. Immediately it was verified that there were gas lines running underneath the bridge. While under the bridge, Brandy and Debbie followed the urban legend of calling out to the Minnie Lights, Midget Lights and or Merry Lights three times. At that time I did not sense anything underneath the bridge. I followed Partha to the left of the bridge and began to feel a very sickening feeling near the creek. As we continued to a bridge that was located on the lower level, my feelings balanced out. We crossed the bridge and ended up on the other side of the main road. We came across several historical markers that gave us a look into the history of that area. Mary had offered some information about a large home that was situated by the bridge. This home at one time was for unwed mothers. It is a possibility that there might be a connection to the feelings that were felt there.
As we were walking back across the bridge to go back to the original starting place, Mary and I both felt a very sad heavy feeling crossing the bridge at the same time. At that time I felt that I was not alone with what I was sensing. When reaching the area that we started at, I still had a feeling that something was there. At that point we decided to head towards another area to be investigated. Upon reaching that area there was a Sunday service being held and had to reschedule that investigation another day.
When arriving home and going through the photographs that I had taken, I was unable to identify anything that was unusual. I feel that the legend involving the Lights may just be a local story to entertain some and I am not quite sure the lights there exist. I believe that there may be something else hanging out there at the bridge at Booker Creek.
Jeanne's Report
Our group decided to try our investigation of Booker Creek on a Sunday morning. It was early, so we had the place to ourselves. Members present were Brandy, Debbie, Evie, Mary, Juanita, and two potential new members, Verna and Partha. We walked toward the bridge, and Verna immediately felt a heavy feeling. There was a large house across the creek. Mary said that it had once been a home for unwed mothers. We followed the path down under the bridge. At this point, I turned on my digital recorder, and we tried the invocation. The sound of the rushing creek was fairly loud, so I didn't know if I would have any luck with EVP's. I also took pictures. We crossed under the bridge, and walked over to the next bridge. It was a small foot bridge over the creek. Several members felt a heavy feeling there. We tried the invocation again, and I took more pictures, and recorded the conversation. We walked down the street past another foot bridge and continued to take pictures. We saw turtles, and a family of ducklings swimming in the creek, but alas, no trolls. On later review, I found nothing in my recordings. I was right about the noise of the creek being too loud. My photos showed nothing unusual either, but they were nice. This is a lovely old area of town, and I'd like to visit it again.
Juanita's report
Investigating Urban Legend of Merrylights. As we crossed the street from Campbell Park, Verna said she felt something in the area just before the white fence. She stated she felt sad & that the atmosphere around her
felt heavy. Mary stated that the house across rom us used to be a home for unwed teens in the 50's & 60's.
We climbed down under the bridge & saw a small wooden bridge. While walking under the bridge towards the wooden bridge, Verna said she felt something bad had happened there. While she was talking, I had cold chills
up & down my arms. Mary stated there was another area by the bridge where she had a shortness of breath.
At the head of the path back up to the road, both Mary & Verna stated they felt a heaviness in the air & Deb stated she had a senseof worriedness when Brandy was taking her picture. Brandy did several incantations under the bridges, but no troll manifested itself. No one saw anything on their cameras & no reactions on any meters.
Sumbitted by reader (July 18, 2008): I'm 28 years old I was born and raised here in St.Petersburg. I grew up hearing
About the Mini- Lights. I wonder about them and know so many people that believe in them. Most of my family believe in them also. Don't even speak of them to my sisters! From what I know of the story is that they are little green people who
will chase or kill u and that you -- better not speak disrespectfull about there mother! They live around or between the park and Booker Creek. It is also said they live near or on railroad tracks mostly on the tracks on 31 St S. I know the creek is a scary place mostly at night but you it must be night to see the Mini-Lights. Ask anyone who grew up in st.petersburg and they will tell you about the Mini- Lights well those who are not scared to speak of them. I would love to hear more or help in busting the myth. I that most people that grew ip in s st.petersburg believe in them.
