Magician Dave Vaught came to me with a problem.  He'd always wanted to do the Phantom Cargo Cage.  Trouble is, it takes about three seconds to perform.  How could we get more stage time out of it...WITHOUT dancing?

(He's a great guitar picker, but you DON'T want to see Dave Vaught dance.)

Knowing Dave is a Tennessee Boy, I decided to pick at the local folklore and found "The Bell Witch," one of the most well documented hauntings in the world.  The original house is no longer standing, but some of the materials were used in other structures...and I wondered, using those parts, could you build a house that's already haunted?

A combination of Cargo Cage, Crystal Casket and  Spirit Cabinet began to form...

We started with a table and built an open framework on top of it...smaller than most Sub Trunks.  While we won't reveal Dave's whole routine here...you'll have to go see him present it...the frame was purportedly constructed from lumber salvaged from a haunted house that had burned to the ground.

Next, we fabricated the side panels, rear door and peak section complete with a lighted window -- to indicate "somebody's home."  The inset images show close ups of the distressed hardware, carving and airbrush detail.

The removable, slat-front door was fitted into place and a folding roof added to make it nice and dark inside so the "ghosts" will show themselves...and they do.

You know, even in the daylight, the thing's still kinda creepy.

When he's not out performing with it, Dave keeps this illusion on display in the showroom at Top Hat Magic Supply in Bristol, TN.  Stop by and check it out!