When Ghost Stories Come Out of the Woodwork

It's that creepy time of year when the nights are getting longer, there's a chill in the air, Halloween is just around the corner and ghost stories come out of the woodwork. And, as with most years, it's the time of year when I am busy collecting (and telling) ghost stories. I've picked up several stories over the past year. A house on 6 Avenue South where the owner found the name Julia written on the mirror in the mist. The Administration Building on the north side. The person telling me the story spoke of mischievous spirits who like to bother the cleaners and move objects -- often only to return them a short time later. To the Lethbridge Lodge and the report of a woman dancing in Anton's all by herself -- and when there shouldn't be anyone there. Or the Sandman Inn where the sounds of a young boy crying are heard. Or a residential location in Lethbridge where a "tallish Dutch woman" is seen to wander. To the Youth Treatment Centre where many strange things have been reported. Or the one hospital in southern Alberta where many of the residents seem to have the ability to know when someone is going to die. One resident, who herself passed away a few years ago, would try to get staff and visitors to leave when she knew the "man in black" was visiting. The staff from the institution reported this she "used to come into the room, into the hallway and she used to tell us to get out of this building, get out, you gotta get out of this building. And she’d be pushing us all towards the door. She was 100 or so years old then. Pretty much bed ridden but she’d get up on those days that she knew someone was going to die. She’d say that man in black is back. And she'd be pushing us out the doors, trying to protect all of us." It's been a good year of story collecting but I'd love to get even more. If you have some you want to share, send them my way. And, who knows what other stories will be created this Halloween season.

Things to Do, Stories to Find

In between handing out candy tonight, I put together a list of some of the places I still need to research in southern Alberta. These are places where I've heard rumours and stories or have had little pieces of information provided but not much. Or I've just had people say "is it true there's a ghost in such and such?" but they have no details or information. So these are on my to-do list for the next few months.

Please email or contact me if you have anything you wish to add to these places.

Basement of 54 (??)
FLVT (??)
Champion Hotel (??)
old Carol's Care on 8th Street (dishes being broken)
Sandman Inn (crying child reported)
Owl Acoustic Lounge (??)
old Fire Hall No 1 (??)
Cecil Hotel in Fort Macleod (??)
Youth Treatment Centre (??)

Ghosts May not Sleep but Ghost Story Hunting Takes a Break, Sometimes

Someone asked me the other day if I picked up any new stories at all in the last while (maybe because I haven't been posting on the BLOG as regularly as I once did). I could only smile and say "well, only about 10 just this past week." While I haven't had much time of late to share stories, I have certainly had the opportunity to collect them.

One told to me in September was about the old Schweitzer Bakery building on London Road in Lethbridge. Two of the staff were working when one noted that a man walked past here and to the back of the building. She wasn't too worried because she knew another staff was back there and would redirect the man. The other person heard the man, went to speak to him but there was no one there (even though there was no other exit out of the room).

Just this past week I had another story told to me of a place along the Enchant Highway between Enchant and Vauxhall. Years ago, when I was in High School, I had heard some weird whisperings about this place. But this time I was told the complete story.

The house on the property had burned down years ago but there was a garage left. Two men, Bill and Clifford, were working on a car in the garage. They had a light on above the car which suddenly went off. When they went to check, they saw the light had been unplugged from the wall (though there was no one else around). They plugged it back in and returned to work -- only to have the light once again unplugged! After this occurred several times the two men decided that they had to get out of there.

They went outside and saw in the yard a woman completely dressed in white carrying two suitcases. As they watched, she floated upwards and disappeared. Considering that one of the rumours of the property was that the husband had murdered his wife and hidden the body they of course quickly left after that.

I was also told of a Daycare in Lethbridge that I should check into. A hotel. A restaurant. And quite a number of other buildings. The hunt for ghost stories of southern Alberta continues.

Lethbridge YWCA

Well, I've been on a bit of an hiatus from writing the blog. But I've been busy this last summer collecting stories.

Had a fabulous time visiting with several staff from the YWCA collecting stories of their building. They were a little surprised that one of the ghosts said to haunt the place was a man. Imagine my surprise when I researched the history of the property only to find that a man died and had his funeral there! One of the homes knocked down for the YWCA was the home of Dr. Robert McClure, first permanent dentist of Lethbridge. He suffered ill health for several years and passed away there in 1915. Perhaps he's the reason people have reported a strong male presence on the 4th floor?

I also heard of a woman and child who are seen in the building. Toys are found moved when staff return in the morning and it is said that one of the ghosts was even caught on the camera.

Guardian Spirits

September may be my favourite time of the year but October is certainly one of my busiest so sorry for not posting anything for a while. I have in the meantime been able to conduct several interviews with people who have ghost stories of southern Alberta and I have heard some amazing ones.

I have found a ghost (well, actually, two ghosts) with purpose!

When I started collecting these stories I knew that I wanted to take a folklore approach -- write them down so they're preserved for future generations, write them down so people can see if changes have been made to the stories, write them down so there's an understanding of southern Alberta through the stories we tell.

In order to do this respectfully and properly, I read many folklore studies done in other parts of the world. And one thing several writers in Europe notes is that the "purposeful ghost" seems to be on the decline. Hundreds of years ago a lot of ghost stories were about ghosts that came back for a reason -- revenge, to help someone right a wrong, to show someone where the treasure was and so much more.

But the stories of the past 100 or so years were more about ghosts that didn't seem to have any more purpose than to just be -- to hang around, to startle people, etc but not to "DO" anything.

One of the people I interviewed last night said that two of the spirits of the Galt Museum (the old Galt Hospital) were there as "guardians" to protect the building and make certain it was taken care of. She said they had a true affinity for the building and wanted it protected and preserved.

As a historian and a person who thinks historic buildings are among our greatest assets, I am so glad to think that this building, and maybe others?, have guardian spirits.

Odds and Ends

It's funny what you find when you research. And today's blog is bits and pieces from various research areas.

The first is from the 1913 City Council Records. When we look at "Haunted History" some of the same themes keep coming up from the earliest times of Lethbridge history.

"That Mrs. J.F. Jackson be advised that the license for the practice of palmistry and clairvoyance is $250.00 per year without rebates for any shorter period. The last permit dates back some years."

In 1909, both the Fire Chief and Police Chief were earning $125.00 per month so that was a rather expensive business licence. There is no information as to whether or not Mrs. Jackson agreed to the cost and paid it.

Secondly, back in October 2009 one of my early blogs was about a ghost story told about Highway 36 between Vauxhall and Brooks. I have searched all year to try and find someone who can add something to that story. But no matter who I talked to, I could never find someone who could provide details. I have come to the conclusion that this story is likely an Urban Legend that has been identified with this lonely stretch of road. What do you think? Is it truly a ghost story? Or not?

And, last, another location that I'm starting to get some good stories about but which I would love to get a great deal more. The Lethbridge Health Unit (which used to, of course, be the train station) has had many strange things occur there. One staff said that when she starts there she was told by co-workes that strange things happen there and she has experienced the footsteps and noises from the attic. And, she's quick to add, she knows no one was up in the attic as the door going to the attic is in her office!

While most people only experience noises at the train station, I was also given a story of someone who went for a vaccine and reported seeing a woman in Victorian dress standing outside waiting for a train that never arrived...

Stories from 50+ places in southern Alberta

Yeah! I have now collected stories from over 50 places from across southern Alberta -- houses, garages, hospitals, theatres, hotels, schools, parks, and so many more. But I'm certainly looking for more so please get in contact with me if you have stories you want to share -- don't worry, you can be anonymous!

It's always interesting to me where I get stories. I was talking to someone this weekend, someone I see quite often, and she sheepishly (and finally) told me about a story she had. She was on a tour of a historic building and, though she has never had the experience before or afterwards, she felt a deep, insistent, gut feeling or voice deep inside her that said -- "you gotta move, you gotta move, you gotta move, I want to see." She said that she responded immediately to its deep urging and moved to the side and the voice and the feeling both instantly disappeared. I asked her what she thought the voice was about and she felt that it was curious about what we were doing and wanted to get inside our group. She felt it wanted to see and hear what we were doing. Since she was standing in a part of the building that has had many other reports, it was interesting to connect her story with all of the others I've been collecting.

I also had someone come forward about her house west of Taber. Her son has reported seeing people walk through the house. She has reported several times a woman peeking around the kitchen door and watching her as she watches TV in the living room. She has also had someone tap repeatedly on the shower curtain when she was in the shower (even though she was the only one home). And late at night the blender started all by itself...

So, keep the stories coming. I can't wait to hear what else is happening around southern Alberta.

Why are schools so often reported as haunted?

First, Happy Friday the 13th!

Many of our local schools have ghost stories associated with them. And one of my friends asked me why. Why are there so many ghost stories from schools?

I think it's partly to do with all of the emotions and activities that take place in schools. I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that schools are full of kids and kids can create some great stories.

Let me explain. Galbraith School is said to be haunted.

Well, a few weeks ago I had a group of young people in the museum and one burst out that there was a ghost at Galbraith School. I replied that, yes, I had heard that but no one could ever provide me with background as to who the ghost was supposed to be.

He told me the first principal of the school had gone crazy, murdered his family and then killed himself -- and that he now haunts the school.

At that point, I had to laugh. I told him the first principal had been killed in action during the First World War and that none of that was true.

He looked at me quietly and then said, well, then it was the second principal. I said, no, the second principal was a woman and only was principal for 6 months before she moved to Ontario. And, before he could say anything, I said and no, it's not the 3rd principal either. The 3rd principal was also a woman and was principal for 20 years before she, too, moved to Ontario.

I felt a little guilty bursting his bubble (but I really can't allow people to misrepresent history) and I really had to chuckle how incredibly detailed, fabulous and spooky his story was -- even if none of it was true.

Mommy, can I please go play?

This story was told to me 3rd hand and I hope to follow it back to its source and find the rest of the details.

A little boy was down in Indian Battle Park (the park down by the river in Lethbridge) with his family. He asked to be allowed to go and play with the other kids he saw playing in the park. But his Mom wouldn't let him. Because, while the son could see the kids, his Mom couldn't! Are there ghost kids playing down by the river?

This is the 1st time I've heard a story of ghost kids in Indian Battle Park (though there are lots of reports of other types of ghosts). Very curious to follow up more on this.

A Sister of Mercy

I spent some time tonight speaking with someone who used to work at St. Michael's Hospital. We talked about the ghost that was said to be present there. According to the stories a nun, commonly just called "Sister," was said to have roamed the halls of St. Michael's. She took care of people -- would sit by them and comfort them. She would make staff aware when medication was out of date. She would draw the attention of staff to problems and concerns.

The person with whom I spoke to tonight never saw anything herself but said she worked with several nurses who firmly believed in Sister's presence. And has promised to give me a contact number for one of them. I'll let you know if I hear anything new.

I have often wondered if Sister stayed with the property through the expansion. Of all the ghost stories in Lethbridge she's one that I always found most comforting. Someone who was so devoted to ensuring that people were taken care of when they were most vulnerable. I hope she's still there protecting those who need her.

If you work at St. Michael's (or used to work at St. Michael's) and have stories to tell, I would love to hear them.

Ghost Along the Coulees

I was told this evening of a few ghost stories in the river valley along the west side of the Oldman River just near the High Level Bridge here in Lethbridge. I know a lot of runners love to go along that area but, because of all of my research, I can only think of all of the people who have died in that area. Either from coulees collapsing or falls in the river or related to the bridge.

Tonight I was told a ghost story by someone who runs in that area and she said that a phantom runner has joined her along that spot. Has anyone else experienced anything in that area? Certainly ghost stories related to the river valley shouldn't come as a surprise.

Oh, the things I've heard

I haven't posted for the last while as I've been busy delivering ghost stories at various places and life itself has just kept me busy.

One of my favourite times of year is when I get to go and talk ghost stories to groups from around the area. Because not only do I get to share ghost stories, but I get to hear a lot of ghost stories I hadn't heard of before as well as new stories for older haunted places.

I really have to do more now regarding the old Hamilton Junior High (which of course was once LCI but is now Allan Watson and the school board office). Every time I hear a new ghost story from that place it just gets creepier and creepier. While in a lot of places the ghosts are more about sounds and smells, at this place several people have reported full apparitions. And not just for a few seconds but have interacted with the apparition for minutes at a time. And the really neat thing is that it ranges from young kids to adults and everyone in between.

If you went to school there or have taught there or just know of strange occurrences, please don't hesitate to pass them along.

Ghost Stories of Old

I went through the old newspapers looking for ghost stories. Partly to see how long some ghost stories have been around. But also to see if there were stories that we have since stopped telling.

The 1923 Lethbridge Herald has 2 ghost stories related to the North West Mounted Police. One, that takes place at the Big Bend detachment north east of Wateron, has a horse and rider coming up to the house in the middle of the night. When the rider knocks on the door, the Mounties bid him to enter but no one does. After having the noctural visitor knock three times on the door, the Mounties go out and look for him. They find no sign of a horse or a rider. They also find no tracks of man or beast in the freshly fallen, pristine snow.

The other takes place at the Standoff Detachment. The sergeant there invited a friend out to the detachment for Easter. In the evening after supper the men went outside to smoke. They noted a light and fire in an empty building. As they investigated the light and fire abruptly vanished. And the stove in the house was stone cold and covered in years of dust.

There was also a 1962 story of a ghost in Fleetwood School. According to the article kids at the school reported a Blue Ghost, a mysterious blue light that appeared and glimmered at the top of the building. The story went like wildfire through the student population. Some kids even claimed that 2 children were in hospital because of the ghost. A Herald reporter and photographer went and investigated and found that on a full moon, when the moon was just in the right place, the Blue Ghost appeared. But they realized that when they took a photograph of it, it was simply the moon creating the ghost (at least on that night). Was it always just the moon or did Fleetwood school really have a ghost? If you were a child in Lethbridge during the 1960s do you remember hearing about the Fleetwood ghost? If you have a story, please don't hesitate to share it.

Nicholas Sheran Ghost?

I hadn't thought of this ghost story for a very long time until someone asked me about it today. We were talking today about the death of Nicholas Sheran, who drowned in the Oldman River in 1882. His body was never recovered. Someone asked if there was a ghost story with him. The story I've heard is that there are reports of a grey ghost, dripping wet, seen walking through Indian Battle Park. I can only assume that the ghost is meant to be Nicholas Sheran (especially the dripping wet).

I don't have many details about this story. Has anyone seen it? Is it only at a certain time of the month such as a full moon? Or is it one for foggy days?

Why does Lethbridge have so many ghost stories?

What is it about Lethbridge? I can think of at least 17 places that have ghost stories attached to them. Hmmm. Maybe it's the wind.

One place I recently heard of related to a ghost story was the old Isolation Hospital on 7th Avenue South. Someone reported seeing a woman dressed as a nurse and said she could feel herself back in time. Anyone else have any stories about that place?

I've also heard rumours of ghost stories for the college. But only that they think it's haunted. I've never had a really good story for that place. So if you have a good college story, don't hesitate to share.