Long before the Town Hall was built, a servant girl at the Leland Hotel, Sarah Marselles, was killed in October of 1873. The old Leland Hotel once was a theme of pretense, but adds a wrinkle of its own – a once false window on the third floor with only empty sky behind. What secrets did this hotel keep?
While attempting to retrieve wood for the stove from a wood box, Sarah inadvertently bumped a loaded rifle which discharged, killing her instantly. Some say her female shadow wanders the Town Hall park at night
There are those that have seen her wearing a white Victorian-style dress from time to time. This ghost is purportedly inclined to throw objects and sing lullabies in the night.
Sometimes you are greeted by a faint, sweet “hello”. Every once in a while, Sarah’s fragrance- a pleasant aroma of lavender and roses- lingers and you can smell it in the air on Mill Street.
Sarah sometimes reveals her presence by literally appearing to some and usually, her apparition is only visible from the shoulders up. More rarely, her entire body materializes in vivid detail and witnesses typically describe Sarah as a beautiful young woman with long brown hair, usually dressed in white.
Have you seen her?
where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and theSherbrooke Record and and Screamin’ Mamas (USACome 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. Tales of Almonte and Arnprior Then and Now.
Jules “Julie” Pilon of the Leland Hotel– Weather Man
Leo Doyle of the Leland Hotel in Carleton Place –Calling All Doyles
The Leland and Rathwell Hotels on Bridge Street
When was the First Car Fatality in Carleton Place?
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