Intro to 'The Limestone City' - Canada's Most Haunted City

Photo Copyright Marica Sutic

When it comes to haunted places, there are few cities in Canada that can compare to Kingston, Ontario. The city's heritage, geographic location and construction combined play a key role in the amount of paranormal activity that has occurred there.

Centuries ago when European explorers came to North America, the waterways surrounding Kingston were vital routes for fur trappers and traders. This made the area highly sought after by the different nations seeking an alliance with natives and control over the trade.

Photo Copyright Marica Sutic

Soon after an important military influence became established. The strategic placement of its many garrisons were monumental in their protection of Upper Canada in times of conflict. Kingston is situated at the point where these three main waterways (Lake Ontario, The Rideau Canal and the St. Lawrence River) converge. One popular theory in the paranormal field is that water acts a conduit for paranormal activity. Energy is drawn to energy. Water has and will always be a powerful and vital element, perhaps these waterways provide the necessary "charge" needed for manifestations. Kingston is nicknamed 'The Limestone City' for its many beautiful, historic buildings constructed entirely out of this rock. Limestone is abundant in the region, and the buildings in Kingston were literally built from the ground up. Limestone is believed to both absorb energy and amplify paranormal activity.  The 'Stone Tape Theory' hypothesizes that human energy can imprint in natural materials made up from the elements of Earth; playing over and over like a recording when released.

Recently I was fortunate to spend a weekend here - wandering the city while being taken in by the charm of this historical gem.

Pennhurst State School and Hospital

Opened in 1908, Pennhurst State School and Hospital was a place where the disabled and mentally challenged were brought with the intent for proper treatment and care. Unfortunately,  society cast them into a place of miserable hell, where all were stripped of any dignity and respect. Home to thousands, many whom were children, Pennhurst was a place of tremendous suffering and unnecessary loss of life. In 1968, a young reporter named Bill Baldini brought cameras into the facility exposing the dangerous conditions at Pennhurst. The result was the televised report: Suffer the Little Children. After numerous reports of abuse and a lawsuit, Pennhurst finally closed in 1987.

To this day, it is difficult to grasp the horrors and atrocities that took place within its 120 acres. Patients were crammed into rooms, tied down to their beds and left unattended for hours - where they eventually perished from neglect. Those that were deemed "disobedient" were punished and put into seclusion rooms with no regard for their safety.  Inhumane experimental therapies and surgeries were also conducted, where more than 75% of the people died on the table. The result: innocent, trapped spirits, unable to crossover and leave the confines of the place that took their souls.

There are multiple paranormal reports from this facility which is now abandoned and left to decay with time. Witness have seen shadows and full bodied apparitions, heard screams, loud bangs and have had the overwhelming feeling as if they were being watched. A number of paranormal investigators have been though this massive compound. An investigation for the television show Ghost Adventures was also conducted here.

Paranormal evidence:
Ghost Box Session Dom Ghosthunter

Nashville's Haunted History: Union Station Hotel

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a hidden haunted gem called the Union Station Hotel. This beautifully restored 19th-Century railroad station was built to bring the city's numerous railroad companies under the same roof. Rich in history, it is the tragic train collision of 1918 that many associate with the numerous hauntings reported at this site.

On a fateful morning in 1918, a train travelling from the station collided head on with another train at a section of track called Dutchman's Curve, tragically killing 101 people. Spectators came in droves to see the aftermath of the accident. Witnesses described seeing badly burned bodies scattered amongst the wreckage and those whose remains were completely torn apart from the impact.  The injured and dead were brought back to the station where a makeshift morgue and hospital were made.

The ghost of a young man wearing a WWII uniform has been spotted as well as the apparition of a woman wearing bloody torn clothes. Hotel guests who stay on the 5th floor have reported hearing banging sounds late at night and hearing the sounds of disembodied voices. Lamps, televisions and other electronics will turn on and off for no apparent reason. Also, objects tend to move and go missing with no explanation.

Great Train Wreck of 1918 

Ghost Soldiers of Old Fort Niagara

 Photo © 2014 Marica Sutic

With more than 300 years of history, Old Fort Niagara is believed by many to be haunted with the ghosts of soldiers from its past.  With a history soaked in violence, death and misery, it is no wonder there are so many claims of paranormal activity at this location.  Once occupied by three nations - France, Great Britain and the United States, today Fort Niagara sits along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario perfectly preserved as it appeared in the 1700's.  

Recently, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Old Fort Niagara, and attend the Para-History Festival taking place on site. A number of paranormal investigators were in attendance, along side members of the TAPS family and former Haunted Collector, Brian Cano. After saying hello to a few friends, I excitedly headed out to explore the grounds and take a step back in time.

A short distance from the building where the festival was being held, is a small  fenced in cemetery with numerous headstones, many of which are unreadable. Two monuments to honor the fallen soldiers from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 are also in the cemetery. Beyond the cemetery, near the gated entrance to the fort, stands a historic, inactive lighthouse that served a great importance during its operational years.

Photo © 2014 Marica Sutic

Filled with excitement, like a kid in a candy store, I made my way over to the fort. My eyes were immediately drawn to the magnificent sight of the French Castle. It is within these impressive stone walls, where sightings and stories of paranormal activity are a plenty. As I stepped inside my eyes were drawn to a stone well. A longtime local legend tells a story of a decapitated French soldiers' body being thrown down the well and his head tossed in the nearby lake. According to this legend, a bitter feud erupted between two French soldiers over their love for the same woman, ending in the horrific murder.  It is said that the spectre of this headless soldier has been seen wandering the parade grounds and within the buildings on moonlit nights. * I have found no historical records to validate this story.*

 Photo © 2014 Marica Sutic

I continued my exploration of the building and grounds, taking numerous photographs; allowing my senses to guide me. I didn't capture any anomalies on film,  and I felt very comfortable throughout my exploration of the fort. At times I thought I heard a few odd sounds, but the winds were fierce coming off the nearby lake and I dismissed the sounds as mother nature being the cause. When I returned to the location of the event, I spoke to a number of paranormal teams who have investigated the site before. They told me that they captured a number of clear EVPs in the French Castle. Also, the sound of heavy boots coming from the upstairs level was heard and numerous shadow figures have been seen. Later that evening, a public investigation was being held at the fort. I did not participate and am waiting to hear from those that did as to what, if any, evidence was captured. I look forward to returning to this beautiful historic location in the nearby future.

Fort Pulaski: The History and the Haunts

Haunted Fort Pulaski: Located on Cockspur Island, Georgia, near the mouth of the Savannah River, stands a battered "monument of military ingenuity". This massive fortification, shaped like a truncated hexagon, played a critical role in the American Civil War. Named in honor of the "Soldier of Liberty", Casimir Pulaski,  the fort took nearly twenty years to complete construction and consisted of a moat, parade ground and two powder magazines. Fort Pulaski also served as the southern most destination along the many vast and intricate safe havens for slaves known as the Underground Railroad.

On April 10, 1862, under the command of Colonel Charles H. Olmstead, Confederate militia occupying the fort came under Union attack. After a 30 hour bombardment by the Union's innovative Parrott Rifle cannon and percussion shells, Colonel Charles H. Olmstead surrendered.

Today Fort Pulaski stands as a vivid reminder of these past events, including the story of The Immortal 600.

"To the dead and living comrades of the Immortal Six Hundred, Confederate officers, prisoners of war, who were confined in the stockade on Morris Island, South Carolina, under fire of our own guns shelling that island; and who were subsequently starved on rations of rotten corn meal and onion pickle at Fort Pulaski, Georgia, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, 1864-65, by order of Edwin M. Stanton, United States Secretary of War to all who remained true unto the end, under the terrible ordeal of fire and starvation, this history is affectionately inscribed with a comrades love. J. OGDEN MURRAY. "

These unimaginable events have imprinted the fabric of time, leaving energy to remain on the grounds.
  

Haunted Niagara

Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Hall -  ©2014 Marica Sutic

One of my all time favorite places to wander and immerse myself in haunted history is Niagara-on-the-Lake. As I wander the streets of this quaint town, I am surrounded by buildings and homes that date back 200 years-  each with their own story to tell.  This charming Canadian town played a key role in the War of 1812, and is considered to be "Canada's most haunted town".

Walking along Queen Street, my mind takes me to the story of "Sobbing Sophia". Sophia Shaw was the love of Major General Isaac Brock. Brock was tragically killed in the battle at Queenston Heights before the two lovers could wed. Sophia was devastated by the news of Brock's death and never recovered from the loss of her love. She died young - from what many say was a broken heart. To this day locals say that her sobs can be heard reverberating throughout Queen Street.

The Olde Angel Inn- ©2014 Marica Sutic

Another popular place where I stopped to enjoy a cold pint and the friendly atmosphere of one of Ontario's oldest inns was at The Olde Angel Inn. One step through its doors and you are immediately taken back in time. This small, cozy inn is the site of Captain Colin Swayze's murder. With hopes for one last rendezvous with his lover, Captain Colin Swayze retreated to the Inn where he found himself surprised by American troops sent to search the place. The Captain hid inside an empty barrel in the basement to escape detection. Tragically, the invaders used bayonets to stab and slash at everything in sight -including the barrel - leaving Captain Colin Swayze fatally wounded. Visitors and employees have seen shadows and heard strange sounds coming from the Colonel Room. Place settings in the dining area have been eerily moved around, and the sound of footfall across the wooden floors have been heard often.
 
Stay tuned! I will be heading back to Niagara-on-the-Lake soon and bringing back more ghostly tales from Canada's most haunted town.

Savannah's Haunted Brewery

Established in 1999, Moon River Brewing Company is considered to be the most haunted location in Savannah, Georgia. Built by Elazer Early in 1821, the building was once the City Hotel, and also served as a post office as well as bank. Often times hotel patrons clashed and violence brought on by booze and pride erupted. In 1932 a feud broke out between Dr. Philip Minis and James Stark, which ended in Minis killing Stark with a pistol shot to the chest. Minis was later acquitted of the crime and went on to become a prominent surgeon. The hotel came to a close in 1864 just prior to the city's invasion by Union troops. The building managed to remain unscathed during the Civil War, and was used over the years for a number of businesses.

There have been many reports of paranormal activity at this location; capturing the interests of paranormal television shows and investigators in recent years. The building consists of three floors, each having their own hot spots of ghostly activity. Employees have seen shadow figures and objects move, heard voices and have had the feeling of being pushed when on the stairs.

St. Patrick Church and Cemetery

St. Patrick Church and cemetery is located in Kickapoo, Illinois. Built in 1837 this small, stone church was the first established Catholic church, and is the oldest in the state. The cemetery next to the church is the burial site for the Irish Catholic immigrants who resided in Peoria County. Back then, it was customary for the women of the town to prepare the body for burial. They would wash, dress and lay out the body on a candle lit table in preparation for the wagon transfer to St. Patrick's Church. After the mourners bid their farewells, the body was taken to to its final resting place in the cemetery. Following the burial, mourners would gather and feast on the grounds to celebrate their Irish Catholic faith.

Stories of supernatural activity have been reported here over the years. Passerby's say they have seen figures (dressed in 19th century clothing) picnicking in the cemetery and the spectre of an old man wandering the grounds holding a lantern up to the headstones at night. Legend says that a murder took place nearby, and it is the lost soul of the man, who was killed, searching for his wife.

Other notable Illinois haunts: Haunted Places in Illinois

Ghostly Apparitions: Banff Springs Hotel

Located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, nestled within the majestic Rocky Mountains rests the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Built in the Golden Age of the Canadian Pacific dynasty, this luxury Scottish Baronial style hotel is rich in ghostly lore.  Visitors and staff have reported seeing ghostly apparitions on many occasions.

It is said, in the 1920's, a bride nicknamed "the doomed bride"  tragically fell to her death when her wedding gown caught fire by the candles that lit the stone staircase. Panic overcame her and she slipped - tragically falling to her death. Employees report hearing strange sounds emanating from the bridal suite and seeing the apparition of a women in a flowing white gown on the staircase.
 **It has proven difficult for me to find any source of information about who this woman was, and if in fact the tragedy took place. 

Another well-known resident apparition is that of a former employee, named Sam McCauley who was a Scottish immigrant and longtime bellhop at the hotel. Shortly after retiring in 1967, Sam passed away and it is said he returned after his death to continue the job he loved. Visitors who have lost their room key have been approached by a man dressed in a 1960's style bellhop uniform, who assists them - then vanishes the moment spoken to.

There are many other reports of paranormal activity throughout this castle-like hotel; from faces appearing in mirrors, to bar-stools spinning on their own and tables moving by an unseen force.  With so much traffic though it's doors, who's to say that some energies have not imprinted or returned to such a magnificent place.

There are also a number of ghostly, unusual tales in and around the facility itself.  "Nearby Lake Minnewanka ("Lake of the Water Spirit"), which was believed to hide a half-man, half-fish demon by the Native Americans in the area." (Source: Dark Destinations)

This place is in the top 10 must visits on my paranormal road trip bucket list!

Haunted Gettysburg Orphanage

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has been a mecca to Civil War history buffs and

Photo credit: Gettysburg Tour Center

paranormal investigators for years. Thousands of people descend upon the town each year to watch the reenactment of America's deadliest battle, and to gain knowledge about those who lived and died there during that time. There are few places in Gettysburg one can venture to that are free of ghostly encounters.

A place well-known for its paranormal activity is the Soldier’s National Museum. In the 1860's and 70's it housed the orphans whose fathers fought and died for the Union. Rosa Carmichael was a teacher and disciplinarian at the orphanage. She was a wicked women who despised the innocent children. Rosa would abuse and torture the orphans by shackling them to walls and by locking them in a dungeon-like room she created in the basement. In that dark, dank room she would tie their hands together and force them to stand upright in vats of water until they nearly drowned. In 1876 she was convicted, fined and run out of town for her cruelties, and the orphanage was permanently closed.

Today, the museum is one of the most haunted locations in Gettysburg. Many believe it is Rosa whose ghost lingers in the building. A number of paranormal groups, including the television shows Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters have done investigations here. The tragic events that occurred here are certain to have imprinted the fabric of time; creating an atmosphere most suitable for hauntings.

Haunted Buffalo: Iron Island Museum

Buffalo's Iron Island Museum is said to be the place where sceptics become believers.  A host of paranormal activity has been documented at this location in recent years. Cold spots, the sounds of footsteps and voices, objects moving and strange shadows are some of the witnessed oddities happening within its walls.  

The building was built in the late 1800's and was an Episcopal church for years before becoming a funeral parlour in 1958 up until 2000;  when, The Iron Island Preservation Society of Lovejoy then acquired it. Shortly after taking ownership they made a number of startling discoveries. Most disturbing was the discovery of over 20 boxes of cremated human remains in a storage closet. Relics and antiques from the World War era were also found.

In recent past, the crews from Ghost Hunters and Ghost Lab have investigated the building; both capturing strong evidence to support reports of the paranormal activity. Teams of paranormal investigators continue to come to the museum with hopes of documenting their own veritable evidence.

An upcoming event, which I am most excited for, will be next weekend on October 18 & 19. Brian J. Cano (Haunted Collector) and Chris Mancuso (SCARED!) are going to be in town and invite the public to join them on a paranormal investigation.

There are a number of tickets remaining for both nights. Be sure to get in on this awesome event! All proceeds go to the museum.

For tickets, please go to http://www.ironislandmuseum.com/

URGENT: Ashmore Estates Heavily Damaged by Storm

The historical Ashmore Estates building was heavily damaged by last nights storm. The following (via facebook ) is what information I have at this time. Please read, and if you can help please do. Thanks guys!

Ashmore Estates (as seen in Children Of The Grave 2) hit by tornado last night . Please help From Ashmore 

"We can't check FB easily right now, so if you're asking what you can do to help, this is what you can do:
 1. repost that we are selling all the props, costumes, and other haunt paraphernalia asap.
 2. Come over any time today, and bring your gloves, mud boots and muscles. We need to move a lot of things very quickly.
 3. Bring us cardboard cartons and boxes.

 Thank you so much. Our grief and shock over these losses is eased by how you, our community of friends and loves ones, are reaching out to us

 Please help Ashmore Estates hit hard by storm & tornado. Contact Scott - EVERYTHING MUST GO: Due to last night's storms, we have to *immediately* sell all costumes, props, software, animations, the solar powered marquis sign, and all other haunt paraphernalia. Please call Scott. We have no power and no access to FB (Big Momma is typing this), so please contact us via phone as necessary. (217) 512-9499"

*** Any further updates will be posted ASAP here. ***
Update: "This building is now devastated due to a tornado two nights ago. In need of clean up crews and supplies as well as support. Please help, you can donate directly to Scott at Ashmore Estates...Anything will help". (Christopher Saint Booth)

Children Haunted by Ghosts

It's common for kids to have nightmares, and the majority of the time they are nothing more than frightening dreams. However, there are cases where children experience a terrifying, recurring nightly vision of someone or thing that has parents convinced it is not just a bad dream.

One such a case involves a 5 year old boy named Dagan who is haunted by a 'man with grey skin'.  The boy began telling his parents that the 'man with grey skin' sits at the foot of his bed at night and talks to him. Dagan's father says that they have evidence that there is something happening, claiming the ghost has moved furniture in the bedroom which is impossible for Dagan to do himself. Another creepy thing happened in the home that the family spoke of - a strange face appeared on a newly plastered wall. The family has also stated that the neighbors who are on the other side of the plastered wall have also had unexplained activity happening in their home.

Article Source: The Anomalist & Daily Mail ( photos incl.)

I hope that this family can get to the source of these disturbances and rid their home of whatever is causing them. I also wish little Dagan peaceful nights ahead. I too experienced frightening disturbances in my bedroom at night as a child and do not wish them on anyone - especially innocent children.

Soul Catcher: Trail of Fears

Talented filmmakers Philip and Christopher Booth recently released another paranormal documentary film called Soul Catcher: Trail Of Fears. A dark and tragic period in American history is brought back to life by the Booth Brother's. The film takes its viewers on a "supernatural expedition" into the Native American spirit world - exposing the horrifying reality of Indian boarding schools and the inhumane injustices done to the children that were taken from their parents and sent there.  Some of the best EVP and thermal imaging evidence to date has been captured in this film.  A must see!!



This movie, along with their other films, can be purchased online at Spooked TV.

Ghost Of Goodnight Lane

Director Alin Bijan brings us a chilling, new, independent, horror film inspired by actual events occurring at his production company, Media World Studios, located in Dallas, Texas. The film is called "Ghost Of Goodnight Lane" and stars Billy Zane (Titanic), Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls), Danielle Harris (Halloween), Matt Dallas (Kyle XY), along with Richard Tyson (Black Hawk Down) is currently in production and being filmed on location at the haunted studio.  Story Line: "When the staff inside a renovated film studio finds a co-worker dead one morning, the pieces of a forty year puzzle add up to an angry ghost who has let the last person step inside her house. But will they ever get out alive?" (IMDb)

For a number of years, Bijan, staff and visitors have experienced paranormal activity there. They began keeping a daily log of the strange events which includes seeing an apparition of an unknown man, heavy equipment moving on its own and a person getting slapped in the face by an invisible hand. Recently, a paranormal investigative team came to the studio and conducted a series of field tests. Their findings along with the recorded EVP evidence concluded that the building is haunted.

As a huge fan of horror films, especially those based on true events, I am excited for this film. I will post the trailer as soon as it is released.

Here is a clip from Good Morning Texas - Billy Zane Does Dallas 
Also be sure to read Paranormal Experts: Ghosts Haunt Dallas Film Set!

Tour Haunted Hampton Court Palace

Win a haunting evening at Hampton Court Palace - Two tickets on the ghost tour plus a night in the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa up for grabs

Hampton Court Palace Ghost Video Footage

Haunted Hotspots in Vancouver

"FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER - The apparition of an elegant woman in red is said to roam the corridors on the 14th floor. It’s rumoured she was a former guest.

THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY - It’s said that two ghosts haunt this landmark Gastown restaurant. A conductor can be seen sitting in the trolley and a man dressed in red in the women’s washroom." Source: Ghost sightings rampant at city heritage sites by Kristen Thompson

Hauntings of Lemp Mansion

Reported to be Missouri's most actively haunted location, the Lemp Mansion is a legendary paranormal hot spot. In the late 1800's it was home to the Lemp Family who were a prominent family in the area who owned and operated a local brewery. The Mansion was built from the tremendous wealth the brewery brought the Lemp Family.

Unfortunately the Lemp's were met with a number of tragic deaths, five of which took place in the home and four of those as suicides. One of the deaths was that of an illegitimate son of William Lemp, Jr. who was born with Down's Syndrome. This was an embarrassment to the family and the boy was locked away in the attic of the house. He eventually passed away in his 30's, and is said to be one of the ghosts who haunt the building.

Today the mansion has been restored into a lovely theatre, restaurant and bed and breakfast. Prior to this, it was a boarding house for a short time in the 1970's. It was at this time that rumors of the hauntings surfaced from residents. As the rumors spread, fewer tenants could be found who would live there and eventually the place fell into ruin. It was in 1975 that a man by the name of Dick Pointer, along with his family, purchased the property turning it into a restaurant and inn. Immediately, workers began to complain of vanishing tools, strange sounds, and seeing apparitions in the house. Many of them quit the job site in fear of the strange activity inside.

Visitors can tour the mansion, and most likely will experience something along the way. Paranormal investigators come from all over the country to witness and document the activity. For more information about the history of this place and the hautings read: The Haunted Lemp Mansion in St. Louis.

Ghost Hunters Investigate The Philadelphia Zoo

Dating back to 1874, The Philadelphia Zoo is America's first Zoo. Staff at the Zoo have experienced unexplained flickering lights and seeing apparitions in human form along with other strange phenomena.

An all new season of Ghost Hunters will kick off September 1 at 9/8 C on SyFy. The team investigated the Zoo earlier this year - their findings will air Wednesday night.

Lakers Staying in Haunted Hotel

Lakers Staying in Haunted Hotel