There is a tale that has been told time and time again that a local man insisted he receive a tax break because his home was full of ghosts. He argued to the town tax collector that the existence of ghosts lowered his property values. Of course the home owner didn’t sleep there, but two of his tenants agreed with his story and said the ghost downstairs did silly things like holding the door open or holding people. But one woman sits night after night in the kitchen hearing things that she does not see, and in all honesty she is quite bored of the whole ordeal. The woman is certain the ghost downstairs is an elderly woman as she has seen her outside in the summer and wears a headdress and costume of the Queen Anne period.
The house was built for a former mayor and secret passage ways have been found behind decorative panelling, queer spaces under the bedroom floors, and great cupboards have been traced that lead from one floor to another. But every footstep is distinct, some louder than others, especially the hollow sounding ones that come from behind the stone walls in the basement. The tenant said that after all these years she would give anything to catch him or her, but each time she has crept up behind the noises there is nothing. She really thought she had one the other night when the ghost pushed her up against the wall and she felt a powerful hand in front of her.
So the owner decided to take the town to court and brought one of his tenants as a witness for the ghost infestation of his home. She told the court that one night she went to sleep and awoke seeing two bare arms coming out of the wall above her head. People began to shake their heads and the town asked her what she had to eat that night.
She simply replied, “A Cheese Sandwich.”
During the investigation it was also said that the ghost of a large horse called Black Bess lived with the rest of the spirits. After some private discussion the appeal for lower taxes was denied. So did the ghosts continue to haunt the home? As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes”.
Author’s note– some of this story is true, including the tax break story. But, the author has added some embellishments.
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and Screamin’ 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.
Update on the Time Capsule in Springside Hall
Time Capsule in the ‘Hi Diddle Day’ House?
The Morphy Cram House — Springside Hall
The Hi- Diddle-Day House of Carleton Place – Puppets on a String
The Ghost Lovers of Springside Hall – A True Love Story
Do You have an Archaeological Find in Your Carleton Place Basement?
Feeling Groovy by the Lake Ave East Bridge
October 13, 1977 George W. Raeburn of Lake Ave East— Artist and C. P. R. Man
What if You Had a Fire and No One Came?
Friday October the 13th– 6:30.. meet in front of the old Leland Hotel on Bridge Street (Scott Reid’s office) and enjoy a one hour Bridge Street walk with stories of murder mayhem and Believe it or Not!!. Some tales might not be appropriate for young ears. FREE!–
Here we go Carleton Place– Mark Your Calendars–
Friday October the 13th– 6:30.. meet in front of the old Leland Hotel on Bridge Street (Scott Reid’s office) and enjoy a one hour Bridge Street walk with stories of murder mayhem and Believe it or Not!!. Some tales might not be appropriate for young ears. FREE!–
Join us and learn about the history under your feet! This year’s St. James Cemetery Walk will take place Thursday October 19th and october 21– Museum Curator Jennfer Irwin will lead you through the gravestones and introduce you to some of our most memorable lost souls!
Be ready for a few surprises along the way….
This walk takes place in the dark on uneven ground. Please wear proper footwear and bring a small flashlight if you like.
Tickets available at the Museum, 267 Edmund Street. Two dates!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1211329495678960/
OCT 28th
Downtown Carleton Place Halloween Trick or Treat Day–https://www.facebook.com/events/489742168060479/
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