Since I published the Almonte Gazette clipping about the Pakenham Witch I have gotten a few notes from folks about witches or as my friend Mindy Cardwell calls it: “Having the Sight”. One woman sent me this information as long as I did not name names or location, but still wanted me to post the story.
In a 100 year old house down a quiet road in Lanark lives a witch. She is a happily married mother of four and although she owns a broom you will not see her riding around on it when the moon is full. The fact of the matter is<; she is a white witch and many of her friends and neighbours would confirm this fact.
A white witch uses her powers for good as opposed to a black witch, and she has had the sight since her Grandmother chose her to continue the family gift when she was 6 years old. When her beloved Grandmother died she was given her family Bible with many entries about casting spells and the effects of the full moon. Her Grandmother warned her not to wish for anything or dwell too long on issues because it would definitely come to pass.
She was once in charge of a local school field trip and the farm they wished to go visit denied the request to visit the farm. The next day the owner was bitten by one of his llamas who had never bit anyone before. She had told her husband before marrying that she was a witch, but he didn’t believe her, and over the years he has learned better. If you see a witch point at you his advice to you is to run quickly and hide.
During a full moon is a busy time for those “having the sight”. Burning different coloured candles for whatever luck you want or sleeping with a full wallet under your pillow during a full moon is some advice she threw out- but there are times when knowing the future is no fun. She has seen death and illness, and unfortunately these things have come true. No matter if you believe or not; I do believe that these people with sight are messengers reminding us to look for opportunities to create and manifest the magic of life.
Pakenham Witches. —Because we are deriving very little and in some cases no butter from our travelling starved cows, many believe the cream is bewitched by a maliciously inclined man or woman, supposed to receive power from the devil. It is astonishing how many Protestants, even church members,believe as strongly in superstition than they do in the Bible. We are inclined to ask what Protestant religion is doing when superstition is cultivated to such an alarming extent, W e must be getting back near the time when the witches were burned, and perhaps in our next we can give you the gratifying news of the capture and burning of this one.–Almonte Gazette Pakenham August 6 1880
There was no conclusion in the paper at all..
Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 02 Oct 1936, Fri, Page 1
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.
An Interview with the Witch of Plum Hollow–Mother Barnes— The Ottawa Free Press 1891
My Grandmother was Mother Barnes-The Witch of Plum Hollow
A Bewitched Bed in Odessa
The Witch of Plum Hollow – Carleton Place Grandmother
Different Seasons of Witches in Lanark County
Local Miracle Story– Woken From a Ten Week Coma
I have been writing about downtown Carleton Place Bridge Street for months and this is something I really want to do. Come join me in the Domino’s Parking lot- corner Lake Ave and Bridge, Carleton Place at 11 am Saturday September 16 (rain date September 17) for a free walkabout of Bridge Street. It’s history is way more than just stores. This walkabout is FREE BUT I will be carrying a pouch for donations to the Carleton Place Hospital as they have been so good to me. I don’t know if I will ever do another walking tour so come join me on something that has been on my bucket list since I began writing about Bridge Street. It’s always a good time–trust me.
Are You Ready to Visit the Open Doors?
lindaseccaspina 