Historical hauntings in downtown Napanee

Historical hauntings in downtown Napanee
November 6, 2010
By Katrina Geenevase
The Napanee Guide

was a spooky weekend made even spookier.

The Napanee BIA hosted its first History and Hauntings tour in the historic downtown core this past Saturday and Sunday evenings.

While tiny witches and goblins were roaming the streets collecting treats Sunday, ghosts from Napanee's past were likely watching unseen from the darkest corners of the town's historical buildings, according to local paranormal buffs.


Lisa Bird, co-ordinator for the Napanee BIA, wanted to combine her love of history with her fascination with the paranormal.
"People are so curious. It's the thrill factor, to come out on Halloween of all nights, and share the ghost stories, and learn a lot about the history that's definitely around in this town," she said.

Bird says appreciating local history is important in a small town like Napanee.

"It's typical of any place that you live. You take your town for granted. You have to really learn to appreciate the history that's involved. The community that we're living in, the direction that were going in, is a great direction. Thanking the people from the past, from the saw mills, Allan Macpherson. We are still seeing the vibrancy of the downtown core carrying on today. We have those people to thank," said Bird.

Lori Broad, who was along for the tour on Sunday night with her daughter Holly, agreed it's important to be knowledgeable about the past.

"We're very interested in our town and want to learn more about its history," said Broad.

With the help of friends, Bird scoured the shelves of the local archives, the museum, and documented many stories from people who have had paranormal experiences.

The history and hauntings tour included seven stops at local businesses and residences, each with its own story of an otherworldly visitor.

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As Bird found out, there was no shortage of stories to share, from missing sandwiches to unexplained footsteps in attics. One local business even reported seeing the apparition of man dressed in a suit.

"It's the unexplained. Until the stories can prove to be debunked, it can be kind of interesting to know. What is it that is making these sounds? Why do you have certain feelings in buildings you go into? It's that total thrill – what doesn't exist, does exist. It's the unknown," said Bird.

Bird references one local residence built of limestone, which has been the home of several tenants in the past.

Bird says many of these residents have reported leaving with unexplained feelings of depression.

Historical documents show the dwelling used to house juvenile delinquents sent from overseas to become farm workers.

The question is, did these helpless children leave some of their sadness behind when they left?

Bird said Limestone is known to conduct high levels of energy, making it easier for ghosts to make their presence known.

She is encouraging the community to come forward with their own tales to tell for future walks, hoping for more stories – and more ghosts to pay a visit to.
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