In 1961, a night watchman in Big Rapids, Michigan, captured a mysterious creature on camera. This is the story of that encounter, shared by his son.
Key points
The Night Watchman’s Job
The man, who worked as a night watchman at a manufacturing plant, lived in a house across the street from the factory. The plant was located near a large wilderness area known as the Hay Marsh. Today, this area is officially called the Hay Marsh State Game Area.
As a child, the son noticed that his father was always nervous about letting them play outside after dark. The father often mentioned hearing coyotes or even bears while walking the perimeter of the factory at night.
A Strange Encounter
One summer night in 1961, around 3:00 a.m., the father decided to take a break. He walked back to the house to enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet roll on the porch. From there, he had a clear view of the factory property.
Suddenly, he noticed movement near a chain-link fence behind the building. He felt uneasy, knowing that no one should be there at that hour. Grabbing his gun, he watched closely. To his shock, he realized that what he saw was not a person at all.
See more: Real dogman case files
The Creature Revealed
The figure was much taller than a human. It was covered in brown-gray hair and had broad shoulders and a powerful chest. The creature alternated between walking on all fours and standing on two legs. It seemed to be searching for something along the driveway.
The father could hardly believe his eyes. He quietly moved into the house to grab his Kodak Signet 35mm camera, which he cherished. He had a passion for photography, having inherited it from his father, who owned one of the first camera stores in Ohio.
Capturing the Moment
When he returned to the porch, the creature was moving slowly under the lights. He adjusted the camera for a long exposure, trying to hold it steady despite his shaking hands. With a deep breath, he snapped a picture.
Just seconds later, the creature dropped back down to all fours and disappeared into the woods.
Sharing the Photo
After the encounter, the father sent the photo to a local newspaper and several magazines. One publication, called Mysterion, featured the photo in their spring issue of 1962. The father kept a copy of the magazine for years, but it was lost after he passed away. However, his son still has the negative strip of the image and his father’s beloved Kodak camera.
The Legacy of the Dogman
The story of the Dogman in Big Rapids has intrigued many over the years. Sightings of this creature have been reported in various locations, often described as a wolf-like being with human features.
While skeptics may dismiss these encounters as mere folklore or misidentifications, the son believes his father’s experience was real. The photograph remains a piece of evidence that continues to spark curiosity and debate among cryptozoologists and paranormal enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The tale of the night watchman and his encounter with the Dogman is a fascinating chapter in Michigan’s folklore. It serves as a reminder that the world is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Whether you believe in the Dogman or not, stories like this keep the spirit of exploration alive.
If you’re interested in the unknown, keep an eye out for more stories about strange creatures and unexplained phenomena. You never know what you might discover!
