Black Creek Pioneer Village
***Video will be added shortly!***
Black Creek Pioneer Village
August 23, 2014
After months of anticipation, the day had finally arrived. We gathered in the parking lot of this multi-building location almost an hour before we were set to walk through the doors. As we talked amongst ourselves, the time seemed to tick away slowly. Finally, it was time to gather equipment and head inside the gates to meet our wonderful “tour guide” for the evening. As we stood inside the building we talked with the security guards that were on duty. They were very interested in what we do and how. One shared his stories of the location and told us that the Burwick House was the one place he believed was most active. It was at this point that Jim, our wonderful host, showed up. After a quick introduction, we started our journey back in time.
Located in north Toronto and in operation since 1960, Black Creek Pioneer Village is a step back in time. This multi-building location has buildings dating back to the early 1800s. All, but a couple, have been moved to the location from throughout Ontario. During daytime hours, the park hosts a lot of pioneer-type activities including interpreters in period clothing. It is literally a living history lesson.
As we walked down the boardwalk towards the village, the everyday facilities started to disappear. There were no longer any lights, automatic doors or bathroom facilities. Luckily for us, it was still light out, so we still were able to see where we were headed. Due to how large the place is, and how many buildings were present, we decided to pick the buildings that have reported activity. Those buildings were: The Halfway House Inn, Richmond Hill Manse, Burwick House, Stong Homestead #2, Daniel Flynn House, and the cemetery. Our first stop was The Halfway House Inn.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
August 23, 2014
After months of anticipation, the day had finally arrived. We gathered in the parking lot of this multi-building location almost an hour before we were set to walk through the doors. As we talked amongst ourselves, the time seemed to tick away slowly. Finally, it was time to gather equipment and head inside the gates to meet our wonderful “tour guide” for the evening. As we stood inside the building we talked with the security guards that were on duty. They were very interested in what we do and how. One shared his stories of the location and told us that the Burwick House was the one place he believed was most active. It was at this point that Jim, our wonderful host, showed up. After a quick introduction, we started our journey back in time.
Located in north Toronto and in operation since 1960, Black Creek Pioneer Village is a step back in time. This multi-building location has buildings dating back to the early 1800s. All, but a couple, have been moved to the location from throughout Ontario. During daytime hours, the park hosts a lot of pioneer-type activities including interpreters in period clothing. It is literally a living history lesson.
As we walked down the boardwalk towards the village, the everyday facilities started to disappear. There were no longer any lights, automatic doors or bathroom facilities. Luckily for us, it was still light out, so we still were able to see where we were headed. Due to how large the place is, and how many buildings were present, we decided to pick the buildings that have reported activity. Those buildings were: The Halfway House Inn, Richmond Hill Manse, Burwick House, Stong Homestead #2, Daniel Flynn House, and the cemetery. Our first stop was The Halfway House Inn.
The Halfway Way House Inn was built in 1849 and was originally located at Kingston Road and Midland Ave in Scarborough, Ontario. Today it is the location of the Black Creek Historic Brewery and Restaurant. We decided that this would be a good place to have our base. Since it is now a restaurant, we figured it would be the one location in the village that would most definitely have power. And we were right. We also decided that this would be a good place to set up our DVR cameras and let them run as we investigated the other buildings. As we entered The Halfway House, the smell was the first thing that hit you. One could describe the smell as “that old museum smell”. It was then that it hit the team. We were no longer in the present time, but now in a time we were unfamiliar with. We took a quick tour of the building and then began to set up the DVR system. The building is said to be the home of a lady in blue. She has been seen in the upstairs ballroom and on the balcony. There is also reports of activity happening on the staircase. We set up the cameras in the areas that had theses reported happenings and left with the hopes that we would capture something (sadly, upon review, we have nothing).
Our next location to visit was the Cemetery. Townline Cemetery is the original name and was in use from 1845 to the 1920s. The cemetery is in its original location and several local founding families are interred here. We entered the cemetery through the back gate, behind the church. As we wandered amongst the stones the Ovilus spoke – ‘Gently’. As we stood there, it spoke again – ‘Hide’. “Did you tell us to hide?” Colin asked. No response. “Do you want us to play hide and seek?” Brenda then asked. Again, no response. As we walked through the cemetery, Jay and Brenda were drawn to the church. It was then that Brenda seen a disembodied hand sweep over Jay’s head. Without knowing this, Jay turned around to Brenda and said he felt as if someone had just touched him on the head. We then gathered near the gate and decided that it would now be a good time to try a P-SB7 Ghost Box session. After asking a variety of questions, with no response we thought we would switch it over to another frequency. “It’s so low”, Rachel said in regard to the volume of the ghost box all of a sudden. “Yup” was the response that was heard from the box. “It’s Colin, Rachel and Vanessa here talking to you. Want to tell us your name?” asked Vanessa. “Jim” was the next response out of the box. Some more questions were asked, but again no response. “Jim, I think you’re afraid”, Colin stated. The ghost box responded – “Ya”. After this last response, the box went quiet so we thought we would roam the grounds a bit more before starting the next session. Brenda, Jay and Susan were once again looking around the church. It was here that Brenda and Jay both began to describe how they thought they had seen a set of red eyes staring back at them. Thinking that it was obviously a reflection of something, they tried to re-create, but could not reproduce what they had seen. Thinking we were all leaving, Brenda headed out the cemetery gate. When she rounded the corner she realized she was alone. She headed back to the cemetery where the rest of the group was still investigating. “Colin, did you just leave the cemetery?” Brenda asked. “No, haven’t left at all”, replied Colin. “I could have sworn you were ahead of me and I was following you out of the cemetery. Who the heck was that then?” Brenda asked. We had no clue, as all of us were accounted for within the gated cemetery. It was then that the Ovilus spoke – “Return”. Was this in response to Brenda coming back to the cemetery after being led away by an unknown figure?
We decided now would be a good time to conduct a quick EVP session before we headed to the next area. Vanessa asked a variety of questions but no answer. “Who just said ‘Hello’?” Colin asked. “No one” commented Rachel and Vanessa. “Are you sure? No one said ‘Hello’” continued Colin. “I swore I just heard someone say ‘Hello’ as clear as day.” No one heard a thing, and we shrugged it off as Colin was just hearing things. But little did we know, that upon evidence review, we had captured a male voice. This male voice was captured about 9 seconds before Colin had asked if anyone had said hello and it also spoke over Rachel’s voice. This male voice we captured said just that – ‘hello’. (See Audio Clip for EVP! Bottom of Page!) It was now time to head to our next location. As we were leaving the cemetery the Ovilus once again spoke – “Bury”. How fitting for a cemetery
We decided now would be a good time to conduct a quick EVP session before we headed to the next area. Vanessa asked a variety of questions but no answer. “Who just said ‘Hello’?” Colin asked. “No one” commented Rachel and Vanessa. “Are you sure? No one said ‘Hello’” continued Colin. “I swore I just heard someone say ‘Hello’ as clear as day.” No one heard a thing, and we shrugged it off as Colin was just hearing things. But little did we know, that upon evidence review, we had captured a male voice. This male voice was captured about 9 seconds before Colin had asked if anyone had said hello and it also spoke over Rachel’s voice. This male voice we captured said just that – ‘hello’. (See Audio Clip for EVP! Bottom of Page!) It was now time to head to our next location. As we were leaving the cemetery the Ovilus once again spoke – “Bury”. How fitting for a cemetery
We headed across to the Richmond Hill Manse. As we were walking across the gravel road the Ovilus spoke – “Veronica”. Is this name related to where we are going or where we came from? We have yet to find out. The Manse was originally located on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill and was built in the 1830s. Again, upon entering the building, we were overwhelmed by the same kind of old-timey smell. The Manse is a two floor building, with the second floor being off limits to visitors of the village. However, we were given special access to the upper floor. The stairs are very short and steep and it is very clear as to why they would not allow the public to go up and down them. Rachel was the brave one to go up there first. Followed by Vanessa, Brenda, Jay and eventually Susan. When we entered the upper floor area, we talked about the things we were seeing up there and how it may have been set up when it was actually lived in. It was then that the Ovilus spoke – “Talking”. Brenda then began to describe what she was seeing. “I see someone. About 5’6” or 5’7”. They peer around the bedroom door on the right. They intend to shut this door on me”. It was shortly after that Brenda picked up on the name “Sarah”. Rachel decided that it would be best to head to the first floor and look around. As she was joking about the stairs, the Ovilus spoke – “Pine”. Was that an indication that the stairs Rachel was joking about were made of pine? We have yet to find out. Vanessa also decided that she would venture back down to the first floor.
Rachel, Vanessa and Colin split so that each where in one room. Colin stayed in the kitchen area. Vanessa stayed in the parlor room area. Rachel decided to head into the room that was set up as the study. In this room was a small desk with a bible. As Rachel sat in the room, she felt calm and quiet. The ovilus then spoke – “Hours”. An EVP session was tried, but nothing was captured. Vanessa then entered the study and joined Rachel. “Make a banging sound in this room” Vanessa asked. The Ovilus spoke again – “Loud”. “I feel like the books are going to come flying off the shelves”¸ commented Rachel. It was then that Vanessa walked towards the desk that the bible was sitting on. “Any particular verse you like, Rev?” asked Vanessa. Just as she was about to touch the bible, Vanessa felt someone touch the back of her head. Taking a moment to digest what happened, Vanessa goes back to the bible. “I’m going to read from your bible”, Vanessa said as she opened up the bible to a random page. She began to read the first paragraph that caught her eye. “…Males be circumcised…” Vanessa read. “Piece of penis? I’m confused. Is this the old testament?” Vanessa questioned. They giggled about how random and slightly off-key that the paragraph she read was about that. It was a hilarious moment that will stay with them for a long time. The rest of the team then joined. “Dennis” Brenda blurted out as she stood in the hallway. The Ovilus then spoke – “Size”. “Was that you touching me?” Vanessa asked in regards to feeling touched a few minutes before. It was then we captured an EVP that says “No” (EVP is posted, take a listen! Find it at the bottom of the page!). The ovilus then spoke – “Short”. “Short temper? Are you a short dude? What?” questions Rachel. No response. It was then that Vanessa’s video camera went completely dead. Susan also mentioned how her digital camera’s battery also drained while she was upstairs. The ovilus spoke again – “Fiddle”. “I think you touched my chinny-chin-chin”, Vanessa mentioned. She then joked how maybe her chin was ‘fiddled’. We decided to use the P-SB7 ghost box to see if anything would come through. “Is the Rev here with us tonight?”, asked Rachel. A female voice came through voice box “Stop”. “Can you tell me what your name is?” Rachel asked. No response. “Can you tell us what your name is Rev?” Vanessa continued. Again, no response. Brenda had then picked up on the name of James, but could have been Jim. It was then that Rachel looked down and had seen that the Ovilus has spit out a word – “Jim”. Colin then reported to us that he heard banging on the door behind him. No audio was picked up. He asks for the banging to be repeated, but nothing. “James, if that’s you, can you knock on the door? Or was your name Jim?” Brenda asked. And then that’s when it clicked in. Rachel remembered that during her research of the Richmond Hill manse, she had found the name of the original Reverend who had once called the house his home – Reverend James Dick. So the name ‘Jim’ is a shortened version of the name ‘James’. And the slang for male genitalia is ‘Dick’. What a fitting way for a man who was once called eccentric to tell us he was there. “With a name like that, no wonder he would drink”, Brenda exclaimed. “I smell alcohol,” she continued to say. “I feel so drained right now”, Jay stated. And with that, we decided that it was time to leave the location and make our way to the next.
At this point, we decided to head back to the Halfway House Inn to check on everything and gather new batteries. As we walked backed to base, we questioned ourselves on if this ‘Jim’ followed us from the cemetery and into the Manse. As we crossed over the pond, Rachel and Paula were discussing the area. “They have horses here,” stated Rachel. “Then why are we walking?” questioned Paula. The Ovilus then spoke – “Send”. “Send me a pony!” joked Rachel as they made their way to the doors of the Halfway House Inn.
Upon entering the Halfway House, Jay had noticed that camera 4, which was located in the ballroom upstairs, had somehow fallen over. To this day, we still do not understand how it was possible or why. This is because camera 4 seems to have gone black shortly after we left, which is a weird occurrence in itself. While everyone was getting new batteries for equipment, Rachel double checked her research to see if James (or Jim) Dick was any part of the Richmond Hill Manse. To her amazement, and the teams, it was! “I can’t believe his name is James Dick!” exclaimed Rachel. “And he touched me,” Vanessa concluded.
After a 15 minute break it was now the time to split up. We split into 3 groups and would now rotate between the last 3 houses on our list to investigate: The Stong Homestead #2, The Burwick House, and The Daniel Flynn House. We figured the smaller the group, the less noise contamination we would have. Group one was Jay and Brenda. They were headed to the Stong Homestead #2 first. Group two was Vanessa and Susan. They were headed to the Daniel Flynn House. Colin, Paula and Rachel made up group 3. They were headed to the Burwick House. After an hour, they would rotate so each group would have a chance to investigate each house.
Rachel, Vanessa and Colin split so that each where in one room. Colin stayed in the kitchen area. Vanessa stayed in the parlor room area. Rachel decided to head into the room that was set up as the study. In this room was a small desk with a bible. As Rachel sat in the room, she felt calm and quiet. The ovilus then spoke – “Hours”. An EVP session was tried, but nothing was captured. Vanessa then entered the study and joined Rachel. “Make a banging sound in this room” Vanessa asked. The Ovilus spoke again – “Loud”. “I feel like the books are going to come flying off the shelves”¸ commented Rachel. It was then that Vanessa walked towards the desk that the bible was sitting on. “Any particular verse you like, Rev?” asked Vanessa. Just as she was about to touch the bible, Vanessa felt someone touch the back of her head. Taking a moment to digest what happened, Vanessa goes back to the bible. “I’m going to read from your bible”, Vanessa said as she opened up the bible to a random page. She began to read the first paragraph that caught her eye. “…Males be circumcised…” Vanessa read. “Piece of penis? I’m confused. Is this the old testament?” Vanessa questioned. They giggled about how random and slightly off-key that the paragraph she read was about that. It was a hilarious moment that will stay with them for a long time. The rest of the team then joined. “Dennis” Brenda blurted out as she stood in the hallway. The Ovilus then spoke – “Size”. “Was that you touching me?” Vanessa asked in regards to feeling touched a few minutes before. It was then we captured an EVP that says “No” (EVP is posted, take a listen! Find it at the bottom of the page!). The ovilus then spoke – “Short”. “Short temper? Are you a short dude? What?” questions Rachel. No response. It was then that Vanessa’s video camera went completely dead. Susan also mentioned how her digital camera’s battery also drained while she was upstairs. The ovilus spoke again – “Fiddle”. “I think you touched my chinny-chin-chin”, Vanessa mentioned. She then joked how maybe her chin was ‘fiddled’. We decided to use the P-SB7 ghost box to see if anything would come through. “Is the Rev here with us tonight?”, asked Rachel. A female voice came through voice box “Stop”. “Can you tell me what your name is?” Rachel asked. No response. “Can you tell us what your name is Rev?” Vanessa continued. Again, no response. Brenda had then picked up on the name of James, but could have been Jim. It was then that Rachel looked down and had seen that the Ovilus has spit out a word – “Jim”. Colin then reported to us that he heard banging on the door behind him. No audio was picked up. He asks for the banging to be repeated, but nothing. “James, if that’s you, can you knock on the door? Or was your name Jim?” Brenda asked. And then that’s when it clicked in. Rachel remembered that during her research of the Richmond Hill manse, she had found the name of the original Reverend who had once called the house his home – Reverend James Dick. So the name ‘Jim’ is a shortened version of the name ‘James’. And the slang for male genitalia is ‘Dick’. What a fitting way for a man who was once called eccentric to tell us he was there. “With a name like that, no wonder he would drink”, Brenda exclaimed. “I smell alcohol,” she continued to say. “I feel so drained right now”, Jay stated. And with that, we decided that it was time to leave the location and make our way to the next.
At this point, we decided to head back to the Halfway House Inn to check on everything and gather new batteries. As we walked backed to base, we questioned ourselves on if this ‘Jim’ followed us from the cemetery and into the Manse. As we crossed over the pond, Rachel and Paula were discussing the area. “They have horses here,” stated Rachel. “Then why are we walking?” questioned Paula. The Ovilus then spoke – “Send”. “Send me a pony!” joked Rachel as they made their way to the doors of the Halfway House Inn.
Upon entering the Halfway House, Jay had noticed that camera 4, which was located in the ballroom upstairs, had somehow fallen over. To this day, we still do not understand how it was possible or why. This is because camera 4 seems to have gone black shortly after we left, which is a weird occurrence in itself. While everyone was getting new batteries for equipment, Rachel double checked her research to see if James (or Jim) Dick was any part of the Richmond Hill Manse. To her amazement, and the teams, it was! “I can’t believe his name is James Dick!” exclaimed Rachel. “And he touched me,” Vanessa concluded.
After a 15 minute break it was now the time to split up. We split into 3 groups and would now rotate between the last 3 houses on our list to investigate: The Stong Homestead #2, The Burwick House, and The Daniel Flynn House. We figured the smaller the group, the less noise contamination we would have. Group one was Jay and Brenda. They were headed to the Stong Homestead #2 first. Group two was Vanessa and Susan. They were headed to the Daniel Flynn House. Colin, Paula and Rachel made up group 3. They were headed to the Burwick House. After an hour, they would rotate so each group would have a chance to investigate each house.
The Stong Family’s Second House was built in 1832 and is located on its original site. It was the second homestead, as they had outgrown their first house which is also still located on the property. There was a sad mishap back in the day, when one of the Stong’s sons’, Michael, was accidently killed in what has been described as a ‘hunting accident’. Brenda and Jay were the first group to visit this house. Upon entering the house the EMF detector begins to blink like crazy. As they began to walk around, Brenda felt a cool breeze go down here back. At that exact moment, the EMF detector went off again. The EMF continued to go off at random spots within the home with no explanation. On the second floor, strange sounds and sights are heard and seen by both Jay and Brenda. They also notice that one of the barrier chains begins to swing at a rapid pace. This continues for a few minutes while they investigate the upper floor. Brenda picks up on what she believes is someone who suffered from hemorrhoids. Jay also picks up on a possible dental ailment. Hearing weird noises, feeling cold and sick, Jay and Brenda get up to move back down to the main floor. “I feel if we go up to the attic, the door will shut and lock on us,” Jay says to Brenda. Brenda agrees and they decline to go up to the attic. Upon returning to the main floor, the rooms begins to feel colder and colder, to the point that Jay and Brenda were waiting to see their breath. It was then that Rachel messaged to say it was time to switch.
The second group to visit the house was Susan and Vanessa. Though the house seem to be active for the first group, Susan and Vanessa did not have any experiences or activity in the house.
The last group to visit the house was Rachel, Paula and Colin. As the three of them walked through the dark path that went through the back yard of the Stong homestead the Ovilus spoke – “Run”. Was something telling them to hurry up and get to the house or was there something more sinister lurking in the dark bushes? As the group entered the house and looked around the first floor, the ovilus spoke again – “Last”. “Yes, this is the last house,” Rachel said. She was referencing the fact that this was the last house that her group would be visiting that night. As they walked around the first floor, looking at all the things laid out, the ovilus again spoke – “Loose”. “What’s loose?” asked Rachel. But there was no response. The group decided to visit the second floor at this point. After a quick tour, they picked a spot to do an EVP session. “Any Stong family members here with us tonight?” Rachel asked. “Can you make a noise?” Nothing. “Michael, are you here with us tonight?” asked Rachel. Again nothing. The group sat in the quiet still house. The ovilus then spoke – “Double”. Rachel questioned this. “Double what? What’s double? The fact that there are two Stong Homesteads on this property?” She asked. They sat quietly again before Colin asked the next question. “If there is anyone up here with us can you make a sound? Let us know you are here,” He said. “See that little box sitting over there? Can you make it light up?” Paula then asked. But no response. “Michael, I know you like to play tricks on people. Can you maybe play a trick on us?” asked Rachel. Once again, nothing. The group sat up on the second floor for a while longer, asking questions in hopes of getting a response. But all was quiet. As they were getting up to make their way back down stairs, Rachel felt cold and got the chills. Could this have been a Stong family member quickly making their presence known before we left the upper floor? Perhaps it was Michael.
Back on the main floor, the group once again looked around. There was a small table set up in the room to the left that had some old looking dolls placed on it. Rachel noted to everyone that the following day, the village was having a doll festival. The ovilus spoke – “Mercury”. Unsure if this had anything to do with the doll festival or the house, Rachel continued to view the display. Sitting on the display was a sign that read “Please do not touch me. Human allergy.” “That’s creepy,” exclaimed Rachel as she now distanced herself from that display. As the team continued their exploration, Rachel noted that the kitchen had a smell. “Smells really sweet…” Rachel said. But before she could finish her sentence, the ovilus spoke – “Teacher”. After a few more attempts at capturing and EVP, the group decided that it was now time to call it a night and head back to base. Just as they were leaving the house, the ovilus spoke for the last time – “Laugh”. Was this the spirit of Michael laughing at us because we could not find him? We may never know.
The second group to visit the house was Susan and Vanessa. Though the house seem to be active for the first group, Susan and Vanessa did not have any experiences or activity in the house.
The last group to visit the house was Rachel, Paula and Colin. As the three of them walked through the dark path that went through the back yard of the Stong homestead the Ovilus spoke – “Run”. Was something telling them to hurry up and get to the house or was there something more sinister lurking in the dark bushes? As the group entered the house and looked around the first floor, the ovilus spoke again – “Last”. “Yes, this is the last house,” Rachel said. She was referencing the fact that this was the last house that her group would be visiting that night. As they walked around the first floor, looking at all the things laid out, the ovilus again spoke – “Loose”. “What’s loose?” asked Rachel. But there was no response. The group decided to visit the second floor at this point. After a quick tour, they picked a spot to do an EVP session. “Any Stong family members here with us tonight?” Rachel asked. “Can you make a noise?” Nothing. “Michael, are you here with us tonight?” asked Rachel. Again nothing. The group sat in the quiet still house. The ovilus then spoke – “Double”. Rachel questioned this. “Double what? What’s double? The fact that there are two Stong Homesteads on this property?” She asked. They sat quietly again before Colin asked the next question. “If there is anyone up here with us can you make a sound? Let us know you are here,” He said. “See that little box sitting over there? Can you make it light up?” Paula then asked. But no response. “Michael, I know you like to play tricks on people. Can you maybe play a trick on us?” asked Rachel. Once again, nothing. The group sat up on the second floor for a while longer, asking questions in hopes of getting a response. But all was quiet. As they were getting up to make their way back down stairs, Rachel felt cold and got the chills. Could this have been a Stong family member quickly making their presence known before we left the upper floor? Perhaps it was Michael.
Back on the main floor, the group once again looked around. There was a small table set up in the room to the left that had some old looking dolls placed on it. Rachel noted to everyone that the following day, the village was having a doll festival. The ovilus spoke – “Mercury”. Unsure if this had anything to do with the doll festival or the house, Rachel continued to view the display. Sitting on the display was a sign that read “Please do not touch me. Human allergy.” “That’s creepy,” exclaimed Rachel as she now distanced herself from that display. As the team continued their exploration, Rachel noted that the kitchen had a smell. “Smells really sweet…” Rachel said. But before she could finish her sentence, the ovilus spoke – “Teacher”. After a few more attempts at capturing and EVP, the group decided that it was now time to call it a night and head back to base. Just as they were leaving the house, the ovilus spoke for the last time – “Laugh”. Was this the spirit of Michael laughing at us because we could not find him? We may never know.
The Burwick House was originally located on Pine Street in Woodbridge (formally Burwick) and built in 1844. Rachel, Paula and Colin where the first group to visit this location. After being let into the building, the three of them scoured the first floor before deciding to go up to the second level. As they climbed the stairs, Paula was quickly taken back by a white mannequin that is located right at the top of the stairs. “You know, that’s going to scare the crap out of somebody,” Rachel stated. Little did she know, that when Jay and Brenda visited after them, Jay got the scare. As they walked about the second floor, the Ovilus spoke – “Demon”. “It said ‘Demon’,” stated Rachel. “Is something bad in here with us?” asked Colin. He continued, “You call yourself a demon?”. No response. Rachel, feeling brave began to provoke. “Think you’re so bad? Make a noise,” she said. “I don’t think you’re a demon. Just an angry spirit,” she continued. “I don’t believe in demons. Prove me wrong,” Rachel stated. “I don’t believe in demons either,” Colin followed up with. But nothing. “Make a noise, tap. Do something for us,” Colin asked. Silence. “Don’t be afraid. Do something. Can you tell us what your name is?” Rachel then asked. More questions were asked, but no response. They returned back down stairs. “If you’re such a big, scary demon show yourself. Do something. A bang. A knock… Oh look the door is open,” Rachel states. When she asks Colin and Paula if it was left open, they both say they think it was. However, none of us saw our host leave after letting us in, so we are unsure.
They decided to take a break and sit at the table in the kitchen area to do an EVP session. As they are about to sit down, they discuss if the chairs are sturdy enough. The ovilus then spoke – “Ours”. A bunch of questions were asked, but no response. “Can you make this thing light up?” Paula asked in regards to the K2 meter in her hand. Paula then placed the meter in the hallway that leads to the front of the house. “Can you make the colours light up? They are pretty,” she continued. The ovilus then spoke – “Main”. “Is it in the main hallway?” Rachel asked. No response. More questions were asked, but no responses. It was then that we could hear Vanessa and Susan, who were across the gravel street in the Flynn House having a scream (See Video posted for a good laugh!). Shortly after Rachel noticed what appeared to be a light turning on underneath the door behind the stairs. She also swore up and down that she saw a shadow walk by. Paula explained how it must be a reflection of something as she could see lights coming in from outside, but doesn’t know how. “We really want you to make a noise.” Colin said. “Can you make a noise?” he continued. Nothing. “Do you know a James Dick?” he asked. The ovilus spoke – “Zero”. Paula then began talking about the light coming in from outside. The ovilus spoke again – “Indirect V”. “What is ‘Indirect V’?” Colin asked. Good question, since none of them knew an answer. Rachel, Colin and Paula continued to ask questions, but no response. The ovilus spoke 2 more times – “Card” and “General”. These may be in reference some playing cards located in one of the parlor rooms, and possibly a former resident that may have been in the military? The next group to come in may just find out.
Brenda and Jay were the next group to enter the Burwick House. Upon entering the house Jay said he had an eerie feeling. As the wandered the first floor they came across a painting. Brenda notices that it is titled “The Offering”. “This is not a good symbol,” she says to Jay. They continue through the first floor rooms, where Jay comes across a piano and seems to hit all the notes with a creepy tone. “Stop that,” Brenda tells Jay. Surprisingly, Jay listens. Jay then wants to go into the basement. “No, you do not want to go down there. Something feels evil,” Brenda tells Jay. As they make their way to the second floor, Jay gets the scare of his life – the white mannequin. After catching his breath they visit the bedrooms. Jay is drawn to the room with the old rocking horse. He begins to rock it. Brenda was then drawn to look to the doorway, where she began to get an uncomfortable feeling. “Yup, don’t touch it,” she tells Jay, in regards to him rocking the horse. “I feel that this room was a knitting room,” Brenda says to Jay as they discuss the room with the mannequin. “A woman sits in the chair by the window,” she continued. As the visited the others rooms, Brenda picks up on the name ‘Rosemary’. They returned back downstairs and spent some time in the one parlor room. In here, Brenda felt her ankle burning. It was also where Jay said he felt a cool breeze, in which Brenda was quick to remind him that no windows were open and pioneers did not have air conditioning. They returned to the kitchen, where they took a seat at the table. It was here that they heard what they thought were raccoons fighting, as the noise was so loud and close. They were certain that the rest of the team had heard it. Upon further investigation, no one else had heard the noise. When Rachel radioed that it was time to switch up, Jay and Brenda headed outside. Jay still had a strong desire to visit the basement, but Brenda was quick to reprimand him. “NO! You are NOT going to the basement!” she quipped at him. The reason behind this was due to a feeling that the basement harboured a dark energy/demon like being. What Brenda did not know, what that the ovilus had said ‘Demon’ while Rachel, Paula and Colin were there an hour earlier.
Vanessa and Susan were the last group to visit the Burwick House. During their time in the house, they managed to investigate the first floor only. During an EVP session they asked for something to show that it was there. Brenda then piped up over the walkie talkie, giving them a scare and a good laugh (Check out the video!).
They decided to take a break and sit at the table in the kitchen area to do an EVP session. As they are about to sit down, they discuss if the chairs are sturdy enough. The ovilus then spoke – “Ours”. A bunch of questions were asked, but no response. “Can you make this thing light up?” Paula asked in regards to the K2 meter in her hand. Paula then placed the meter in the hallway that leads to the front of the house. “Can you make the colours light up? They are pretty,” she continued. The ovilus then spoke – “Main”. “Is it in the main hallway?” Rachel asked. No response. More questions were asked, but no responses. It was then that we could hear Vanessa and Susan, who were across the gravel street in the Flynn House having a scream (See Video posted for a good laugh!). Shortly after Rachel noticed what appeared to be a light turning on underneath the door behind the stairs. She also swore up and down that she saw a shadow walk by. Paula explained how it must be a reflection of something as she could see lights coming in from outside, but doesn’t know how. “We really want you to make a noise.” Colin said. “Can you make a noise?” he continued. Nothing. “Do you know a James Dick?” he asked. The ovilus spoke – “Zero”. Paula then began talking about the light coming in from outside. The ovilus spoke again – “Indirect V”. “What is ‘Indirect V’?” Colin asked. Good question, since none of them knew an answer. Rachel, Colin and Paula continued to ask questions, but no response. The ovilus spoke 2 more times – “Card” and “General”. These may be in reference some playing cards located in one of the parlor rooms, and possibly a former resident that may have been in the military? The next group to come in may just find out.
Brenda and Jay were the next group to enter the Burwick House. Upon entering the house Jay said he had an eerie feeling. As the wandered the first floor they came across a painting. Brenda notices that it is titled “The Offering”. “This is not a good symbol,” she says to Jay. They continue through the first floor rooms, where Jay comes across a piano and seems to hit all the notes with a creepy tone. “Stop that,” Brenda tells Jay. Surprisingly, Jay listens. Jay then wants to go into the basement. “No, you do not want to go down there. Something feels evil,” Brenda tells Jay. As they make their way to the second floor, Jay gets the scare of his life – the white mannequin. After catching his breath they visit the bedrooms. Jay is drawn to the room with the old rocking horse. He begins to rock it. Brenda was then drawn to look to the doorway, where she began to get an uncomfortable feeling. “Yup, don’t touch it,” she tells Jay, in regards to him rocking the horse. “I feel that this room was a knitting room,” Brenda says to Jay as they discuss the room with the mannequin. “A woman sits in the chair by the window,” she continued. As the visited the others rooms, Brenda picks up on the name ‘Rosemary’. They returned back downstairs and spent some time in the one parlor room. In here, Brenda felt her ankle burning. It was also where Jay said he felt a cool breeze, in which Brenda was quick to remind him that no windows were open and pioneers did not have air conditioning. They returned to the kitchen, where they took a seat at the table. It was here that they heard what they thought were raccoons fighting, as the noise was so loud and close. They were certain that the rest of the team had heard it. Upon further investigation, no one else had heard the noise. When Rachel radioed that it was time to switch up, Jay and Brenda headed outside. Jay still had a strong desire to visit the basement, but Brenda was quick to reprimand him. “NO! You are NOT going to the basement!” she quipped at him. The reason behind this was due to a feeling that the basement harboured a dark energy/demon like being. What Brenda did not know, what that the ovilus had said ‘Demon’ while Rachel, Paula and Colin were there an hour earlier.
Vanessa and Susan were the last group to visit the Burwick House. During their time in the house, they managed to investigate the first floor only. During an EVP session they asked for something to show that it was there. Brenda then piped up over the walkie talkie, giving them a scare and a good laugh (Check out the video!).
The Daniel Flynn House was built in 1858 and could be found on Yonge Street in North Toronto (formally called Newtonbrook, Ontario). The Flynn family was the original inhabitants. Vanessa and Susan were the first team to visit the Flynn House that evening. Nothing is noted about their experiences, but they managed to capture some rather hilarious moments on video (Make sure you check it out!)
The second group to visit the Flynn house was Rachel, Paula and Colin. Mrs. Flynn is said to still roam the property, so it was fitting to address her upon entering the house. “Oh Mrs. Flynn,” Rachel said as she entered the house. Rachel then noted how the house was so tiny compared to the others. “Mrs. Flynn, are you here with us?” asked Rachel. No response. “I hear you don’t like men,” Colin said. “Was your husband really mean to you?” continued Colin. Again, we received no response. The ovilus then spoke – “Angry” “Who’s angry? You angry that there is a man in your house?” Rachel asked. “Tell us why you’re angry,” she continued. All was quiet, but Rachel thought she heard Paula whisper. When she asked Paula if she had said something, Paula assured her that she had not said a peep. Questioning his feelings of being welcome, Colin asked the next question. “You angry that I am in here?” Nothing was recorded. “Do you still like going to the rhubarb patch?” asked Rachel. The ovilus then spoke – “Affair”. Was this in reference to a possible affair within the family? Rachel was a bit confused. She remembered reading about someone’s husband having another wife, but could not remember which location it was (turns out it was another house, that was close by). Another EVP session was conducted, but nothing was found during review. A question and answer session was used using the Ovilus but nothing of significance came out. Colin even left the house to see if he was causing the spirit of Mrs. Flynn to hide, but nothing came of that either. The team decided that it would be best to move on to their next location. “Bye Bye Mrs. Flynn.” Rachel said as she closed the door behind her. It was then that Rachel noticed a rather large spider trying to make a home by the door handle. Not wanting Brenda and Jay to have a scare or get bit, she decided it was best to get rid of the arachnid. Paula questioned Rachel’s antics. “And what did it do to you?” asked Paula. “It existed,” was Rachel’s quick-witted response. With that, the team left the house and met the others at the crossroad.
Jay and Brenda were the last team to visit this location. “I feel like I could sleep in here,” Jay tells Brenda. What is funny, is that Rachel said the exact same thing shortly before they switched up locations. The Flynn house was a very quiet experience for Jay and Brenda. Nothing was felt or picked up in the house. Brenda messaged Rachel to let her know that she felt nothing was going to happen and that they were going to go back to The Halfway House to check on equipment and do a quick investigation while the rest of the team continued on in their current locations.
After looking through the reports of activity at the Flynn House, Rachel came to a possible conclusion. Mrs. Flynn is said to be the spirit who haunts the Flynn House. Her husband, Daniel, was an abusive man. In return, the spirit of Mrs. Flynn dislikes any man that visits her home. This may explain why both teams with men in them (Rachel, Paula and Colin, as well as Jay and Brenda) didn’t experience anything within the house. Mrs. Flynn just did not want to entertain the men that were in her house.
While Rachel, Paula and Colin investigated the second Stong Homestead and Vanessa and Susan were investigating the Burwick House, Jay and Brenda had finished their investigation and the Flynn house. They headed back over to the Halfway House Inn to do a quick little investigation and to start the dismantling of the DVR cameras. As they walked around the building Brenda and Jay saw and heard odd things. At one point both Jay and Brenda could hear a woman talking out loud. However, upon evidence review, had not captured it on audio. They had also heard footsteps on the coming from the upper floor, but could not find out the source. Brenda had also thought she had seen someone come up from the basement and cross the hallway into the back room. But again, no one else was in the building. The other teams now began to come back to base to help with tear down and start packing it up.
It was now time to call it quits. Once again, we all gathered at the Halfway Inn House and began to pack up the DVR cameras and the rest of our equipment. We made our way back down the boardwalk towards the lights that would lead us back to the present time.
Is Black Creek Pioneer Village haunted? Did former owners and residents of the buildings that were moved to the location, move with them? It is a very good chance that that is what has happened. But don’t let us tell you everything. Come to the village yourself and explore the possibility. Who knows, maybe you will have an experience you won’t forget.
To visit this wonderful, history filled location and learn more about the pioneer life, visit www.blackcreek.ca and if you’re brave enough, maybe we will see you at 9pm on their annual Ghost Walk happening on October 25, 2014. For more info, check out their ‘Whats On’ page.
The second group to visit the Flynn house was Rachel, Paula and Colin. Mrs. Flynn is said to still roam the property, so it was fitting to address her upon entering the house. “Oh Mrs. Flynn,” Rachel said as she entered the house. Rachel then noted how the house was so tiny compared to the others. “Mrs. Flynn, are you here with us?” asked Rachel. No response. “I hear you don’t like men,” Colin said. “Was your husband really mean to you?” continued Colin. Again, we received no response. The ovilus then spoke – “Angry” “Who’s angry? You angry that there is a man in your house?” Rachel asked. “Tell us why you’re angry,” she continued. All was quiet, but Rachel thought she heard Paula whisper. When she asked Paula if she had said something, Paula assured her that she had not said a peep. Questioning his feelings of being welcome, Colin asked the next question. “You angry that I am in here?” Nothing was recorded. “Do you still like going to the rhubarb patch?” asked Rachel. The ovilus then spoke – “Affair”. Was this in reference to a possible affair within the family? Rachel was a bit confused. She remembered reading about someone’s husband having another wife, but could not remember which location it was (turns out it was another house, that was close by). Another EVP session was conducted, but nothing was found during review. A question and answer session was used using the Ovilus but nothing of significance came out. Colin even left the house to see if he was causing the spirit of Mrs. Flynn to hide, but nothing came of that either. The team decided that it would be best to move on to their next location. “Bye Bye Mrs. Flynn.” Rachel said as she closed the door behind her. It was then that Rachel noticed a rather large spider trying to make a home by the door handle. Not wanting Brenda and Jay to have a scare or get bit, she decided it was best to get rid of the arachnid. Paula questioned Rachel’s antics. “And what did it do to you?” asked Paula. “It existed,” was Rachel’s quick-witted response. With that, the team left the house and met the others at the crossroad.
Jay and Brenda were the last team to visit this location. “I feel like I could sleep in here,” Jay tells Brenda. What is funny, is that Rachel said the exact same thing shortly before they switched up locations. The Flynn house was a very quiet experience for Jay and Brenda. Nothing was felt or picked up in the house. Brenda messaged Rachel to let her know that she felt nothing was going to happen and that they were going to go back to The Halfway House to check on equipment and do a quick investigation while the rest of the team continued on in their current locations.
After looking through the reports of activity at the Flynn House, Rachel came to a possible conclusion. Mrs. Flynn is said to be the spirit who haunts the Flynn House. Her husband, Daniel, was an abusive man. In return, the spirit of Mrs. Flynn dislikes any man that visits her home. This may explain why both teams with men in them (Rachel, Paula and Colin, as well as Jay and Brenda) didn’t experience anything within the house. Mrs. Flynn just did not want to entertain the men that were in her house.
While Rachel, Paula and Colin investigated the second Stong Homestead and Vanessa and Susan were investigating the Burwick House, Jay and Brenda had finished their investigation and the Flynn house. They headed back over to the Halfway House Inn to do a quick little investigation and to start the dismantling of the DVR cameras. As they walked around the building Brenda and Jay saw and heard odd things. At one point both Jay and Brenda could hear a woman talking out loud. However, upon evidence review, had not captured it on audio. They had also heard footsteps on the coming from the upper floor, but could not find out the source. Brenda had also thought she had seen someone come up from the basement and cross the hallway into the back room. But again, no one else was in the building. The other teams now began to come back to base to help with tear down and start packing it up.
It was now time to call it quits. Once again, we all gathered at the Halfway Inn House and began to pack up the DVR cameras and the rest of our equipment. We made our way back down the boardwalk towards the lights that would lead us back to the present time.
Is Black Creek Pioneer Village haunted? Did former owners and residents of the buildings that were moved to the location, move with them? It is a very good chance that that is what has happened. But don’t let us tell you everything. Come to the village yourself and explore the possibility. Who knows, maybe you will have an experience you won’t forget.
To visit this wonderful, history filled location and learn more about the pioneer life, visit www.blackcreek.ca and if you’re brave enough, maybe we will see you at 9pm on their annual Ghost Walk happening on October 25, 2014. For more info, check out their ‘Whats On’ page.
EVPS
| bcpv_cemetery_-_hello.mp3 |
| bcpv_manse_-_no.mp3 |