With Halloween approaching, some of St. Thomas and Elgin County’s most historic locations come with stories that are a little more chilling than others.
Railway City Tourism has put together a guide to some of the area’s reportedly haunted locations, sharing local legends, unexplained encounters, and ghost stories passed down over the years.
The Haunted St. Thomas guide highlights several locations for those interested in the paranormal, including some familiar landmarks and historic buildings.
One of the best-known names on the list is Alma College. The former girls’ school opened in 1878 and was considered one of the region’s most haunted locations. Although the building was destroyed by fire in 2008 and has since been torn down, the stories associated with the property have lived on.
One legend centres on a music teacher named Angela, who was rumoured to haunt the school’s western tower. Stories of footsteps, unexplained voices, crying and apparitions of young girls have also been associated with the former school grounds.
The Princess Avenue Playhouse is another stop in the tourism guide. Originally built as a church in 1907, the theatre has reportedly been home to several spirits, including a young girl known as Maisie and a playful presence nicknamed Mort. Paranormal investigators have also visited the building over the years.
The historic St. Thomas Courthouse, dating back to 1853, has its own collection of ghost stories. The grounds were the site of executions, including those of Frank and Fred Temple in 1935. Some accounts describe unexplained noises and missing objects inside the building.
Former school properties are also feature in the guide. Wellington Street School, built in 1898, and the former Myrtle Street School, which opened in 1904, have both been associated with reports of ghostly children appearing in windows and other unexplained sightings.
Outside St. Thomas, the Sparta Tearoom is said to be home to two mischievous spirits. The building’s former inhabitants reported unusual occurrences, including objects moving or falling from shelves and doors opening and closing unexpectedly.
Two additional locations associated with local ghost lore are the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital and Old St. Thomas Church, both of which have been linked to stories of unexplained activity.
While there is no way to verify the supernatural claims, these stories have become part of the area’s history and folklore.
Railway City Tourism’s guide offers more details about the locations and the legends surrounding them, making it a starting point for anyone interested in exploring the region’s spooky side this Halloween.
Visitors are reminded to respect private property and avoid trespassing.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
