Gas, Fear, and Hysteria: The Mysterious Mad Gasser of Mattoon – What Really Happened? #WeirdDarkness
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Deep Dive
What were the effects of the gas attacks in Mattoon, Illinois?
Victims experienced intense nausea, vomiting, partial paralysis, and a burning sensation in their mouth, lips, and throat. These effects were temporary and wore off within an hour or two.
Why did the police initially suspect robbery as the motive for the gas attacks?
The Kearneys, one of the affected families, had a large amount of money in their house at the time of the attack, leading them and the police to initially suspect robbery.
What physical evidence was found during the gas attacks in Mattoon?
Witnesses reported footprints, a soaked cloth, a skeleton key, and an empty lipstick tube. Some victims also claimed to see a tall man in dark clothing near their homes.
Why did the local police eventually dismiss the gas attacks as mass hysteria?
The Commissioner of Public Health, Thomas Wright, suggested that the incidents were exaggerated due to hysteria. The local police chief later claimed that the odor was likely from industrial facilities nearby, implying no actual attacks had occurred.
What role did the FBI play in the investigation of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon?
The FBI discreetly dispatched two agents to Mattoon, though their exact involvement and findings remain unclear. Their presence coincided with the local authorities downplaying the incidents.
What similarities exist between the Mad Gasser of Mattoon and Spring-Heeled Jack?
Both cases involved mysterious figures who terrorized communities without causing permanent harm. Spring-Heeled Jack, like the Mad Gasser, left witnesses with fear but no lasting injuries.
What was the last reported incident of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon?
The final reported incident occurred on September 13, 1944, when Bertha Birch claimed to see a woman dressed in men's clothing near her window. High-heeled shoe imprints were found under the window.
What theories have been proposed to explain the Mad Gasser of Mattoon?
Theories include mass hysteria, industrial chemical leaks, a lone inventor testing a new product, and even a covert military experiment. Some also suggest a paranormal or extraterrestrial connection.
Why might the Mad Gasser have targeted specific homes in Mattoon?
Some speculate that the attacker may have been familiar with the victims' routines, as suggested by Beulah Cordes' claim that the attacker might have been targeting their pet dog.
What connection, if any, exists between the Mad Gasser of Mattoon and similar gas attacks in Virginia?
The gas attacks in Virginia (1933-1934) and Mattoon (1944) share similarities, including the sickly sweet odor, temporary paralysis, and the discovery of high-heeled shoe prints. Some suggest the same person or group may have been responsible.
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