Brant Museum & Archives
Brantford, Ont
April 13, 2023
“We should totally pay for the vehicle behind us,” said Rachel and they pulled through the drive thru at the local Tim Hortons. Everyone laughed and agreed. The Tim Horton’s employee thought that we were super nice (which we are), but they had no idea who was in the vehicle behind us. After a few more laughs, stop lights and wondering where we were going. We pulled up to the location and got out to stretch our legs. “Thanks for paying for our Tim’s!” said Lisa as she exited her vehicle. We stood outside the museum for a few moments, taking in its exterior. The old façade, along with a newer addition would make for a unique layout. It was time to gather our equipment and head inside.
Built in approximately 1870 by Fredrick Brendon, a local Druggist, it was sold to William Cochrane in 1883. Eventually the house would be sold a few more times before being purchased by the Brant Historical Society in 1951 and turning into the museum it is today. William Cochrane was a highly respected Reverend who vehemently preached about and for stricter Sabbath observance. Rev. Cochrane founded the Young Ladies’ College of Brantford in 1874, where he would be the Governor and a lecturer in philosophy. John Cohoe would be the next owner, purchasing the property in 1901. He carried out several renovations on the property, which included adding a north wing to the house. When the Brant Historical Society purchased the building, they were already growing out of their current location – the basement of the Carnegie Library. As one of the oldest historical societies and museum in the province, the Brant Historical Society began to convert the old house into a museum. In 1967, a large extension was added to the building that would be used as a research, programming and lecture area, as well as space for smaller displays.
Built in approximately 1870 by Fredrick Brendon, a local Druggist, it was sold to William Cochrane in 1883. Eventually the house would be sold a few more times before being purchased by the Brant Historical Society in 1951 and turning into the museum it is today. William Cochrane was a highly respected Reverend who vehemently preached about and for stricter Sabbath observance. Rev. Cochrane founded the Young Ladies’ College of Brantford in 1874, where he would be the Governor and a lecturer in philosophy. John Cohoe would be the next owner, purchasing the property in 1901. He carried out several renovations on the property, which included adding a north wing to the house. When the Brant Historical Society purchased the building, they were already growing out of their current location – the basement of the Carnegie Library. As one of the oldest historical societies and museum in the province, the Brant Historical Society began to convert the old house into a museum. In 1967, a large extension was added to the building that would be used as a research, programming and lecture area, as well as space for smaller displays.
The team entered the building and was immediately greeted by Lillia, our host for the evening. Lillia has an amazing knowledge of the building and its objects and we were super gracious to have her guide us through. “Why is my head wonky?” asked Lisa as she entered the front hallway. The team had decided to start from the basement and work their way up. As they walked to the back of the building towards the basement stairs, Lisa was feeling more disoriented. “The farther back I go, the dizzier I get,” she said. Rachel, Paula, Alison and Ryan headed down the steep basement stairs with Lillia to check it out. “I don’t really want to come down,” said Lisa, as she stood in the doorway looking down. Rachel assured her that she didn’t have to if she wasn’t comfortable. Although it was a basement, its tight quarters didn’t provide much space, so the team looked around and then headed back upstairs. Rachel and Lisa entered the boardroom. “My heart,” said Lisa. “Did someone die of a heart attack in here?” she asked. “Like I really can’t breathe right now,” she added. “Man or woman?” questioned Rachel. “Man,” Lisa answered. Rachel did a quick sweep of her notes. “Angina Pectoris,” answered Rachel (According the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Angina (formerly Angina Pectoris) is defined as “the medical term for chest pain or discomfort caused by a temporary disruption in the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. People describe angina discomfort as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling – usually in the centre of the chest, behind the breastbone.”**) “I also have someone who died of heart failure, myocardial failure,” she added. “Like there is a lot. Someone died in this house of heart disease, but it was a woman,” she continued. Lisa was adamant that it was a man. “So yes, a few men died from heart issues,” said Rachel. “Is one named Wilbur, or something?” asked Lisa. “I’ve got a William,” replied Rachel. “Did William die from heart?” she asked next. “Angina Pectoris,” answered Rachel. “Is he 1800s or 1900s?” asked Lisa. “He is 1800s,” replied Rachel. “Late?” questioned Lisa. “When he died? Yes,” said Rachel. “Thank you, thank you,” said Lisa. This indicated that she was validated and the feelings had been released. The team then made their way up the staircase. “Oh, look at the wooden spokes!” exclaimed Lisa. “Did you count them?” asked Rachel. Lisa laughed and said no. This may not seem significant, but prior to our visit, Lisa had sent Rachel impressions that she was getting about the location. One of those impressions was that she felt “like there was or maybe still is a wooden handrail that has at least 30-50 wooden spokes.” The team then entered a room that was set up to resemble old storefronts of Brantford. “Neat!” exclaimed Sheena. “Somebody is talking about something being a dream,” said Lisa. “And heart issues,” she added. “I think you’ll get activity in here,” she said. Alison agreed. The team then made their way around the corner and then eventually back into the original house. This room was now set up as a Kitchen, although it was more than likely a bedroom back in the day. “I am being choked,” said Lisa, who then lost her voice. “I’m being choked or hanged,” she said, sounding like she was struggling to breathe. “Where their hangings around here?” she asked Rachel. “You’d have to ask,” she replied, unsure. “Yeah, I feel like I was hanging or hung,” added Lisa. “That’s not to say that it didn’t happen here. They didn’t talk or publicized that,” said Rachel, in regards to suicides. “It’s a male,” said Lisa. Paula questioned if it could be connected to an artifact that was on display. Lisa was also wondering the same thing. Rachel and Alison then ventured in to the room with the wedding dress on display. Both of them immediately felt a weird feeling. “I don’t feel well in this room at all,” said Alison. “I feel like I can’t even keep my eyes open,” she added. “Like I feel dizzy,” she said. Lisa was also feeling dizzy again, but had no idea that Rachel and Alison were feeling similar. Lisa then entered the room where Rachel and Alison were and still could feel off balance. “Ya, there is something in this room I don’t like at all,” she said. During this time Sheena and Ryan had ventured to the attic to take a look around. Both came back down and said that it was quite creepy up there. The team now entered the front room, that was also, more than likely a bedroom. Lillia mentioned that it could have been the Master Bedroom at one point. “This is where the woman died of a heart attack,” Lisa blurted out. Meanwhile, Lisa was still struggling with her voice, but seemed to slowly be getting back. Ryan was looking at her, trying to figure out what was going on. “I felt like I was hung,” she explained. “Was it a suicide?” he asked. “I feel like it was at the courthouse,” replied Lisa. “Is there any location close to us where they would have done legal hanging?” Alison asked Lillia. “Yes. Victoria Park at the Courthouse,” she answered. With that, Rachel, Alison and Paula headed to the attic to check it out. They tried to convince Lisa to join them but she was still feeling disoriented and dizzy. After a few minutes, everyone was back on the second floor. The team entered the bedroom to the left of the attic stairs. “I am not sure about the energy here,” said Lisa. “I feel like the man was very stern, very crass,” she added. “Like authoritative?” questioned Sheena. “Yes, but in an asshole way,” answered Lisa. “So, like military,” stated Sheena. “Maybe?” Lisa questioned. “The gentleman here right now is rude. Not a nice guy,” said Lisa. At this point Rachel, Alison and Lisa were feeling clammy, as if the humidity was turned up. “William was a Reverend. He was very church. So could this be who we are feeling?” Rachel questioned. Lisa wasn’t exactly sure, but was leaning towards the energy being his. It seemed that at this point everyone was hot and starting to sweat. It seemed like it would be a good time to get a little cool, fresh air, grab equipment and start the investigation.
Once the team was cooled down, they grabbed the equipment and headed to the second floor. They decided to start the investigation in the first room, that is set up like the old storefronts. Rachel placed the REM pod in the back corner to the left. The Flux was placed at the opposite end, between the doorways. The 360 Puck was placed just below the Flux. The EMF trip wire was stretched out across the room and up the steps to the upper landing, where they have reported seeing an apparition of a little girl. Ryan placed the K2 meter on the floor. We all adjusted and got comfortable and began the investigation. Lisa turned the ghost box on. A male voice was heard right away – ‘God’. “It just said God,” said Lisa. A male voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Out’. “We are not here to hurt you or send you away. Nothing we have will hurt you,” said Alison. “We are here for a bit. We have drove a very far way to talk to you,’ she added. A female voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Thank you’. “Thank you,” repeated Paula. “You’re welcome,” said Alison. A male voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Go’. Rachel then turned the Tempest. It spoke almost immediately – ‘I cannot see’, ‘Gentle Person’. “Who is the gentle person?” asked Alison. The Tempest spoke again – ‘It was me’. “Who is the child?” Alison asked next. The Tempest spoke again – ‘Where I am’. “How many are here with us right now?” asked Rachel. Alison was sure she had heard ‘eight’ come through the ghost box, but Lisa thought she had heard ‘ten’. The Tempest spoke again – ‘It was me’. A female voice as then heard through the ghost box – ‘Boy’. “What’s the boy’s name?” asked Alison. A male voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Kid’, ‘Yup’. “Is there a little girl in this room?” asked Rachel. The Tempest spoke – ‘Spirits are here’. “Do you know my name?” asked Ryan. A male voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Hello’. Ryan tried to engage more, but there were no responses. “There are lots of interesting lights. Can you make them light up?” asked Rachel. “Are you able to light up some of our equipment?” she questioned. Everything remained inactive. “Who is here with us tonight?” asked Ryan. A voice was heard through the ghost box, although only the first two words were clear – ‘We can’t ______’. Rachel was positive that the third word was ‘leave’. “Who can’t leave?” she asked. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Girl’. “Which girl?” questioned Rachel. A voice was heard through the ghost box – “Don’t you play’, followed by ‘Leave them’. “We want to know!” exclaimed Alison. “Would you like to talk to us?” asked Ryan. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Bad’. “What’s bad?” he questioned. “Can you tell us again? Who’s bad?” he asked. No response was heard. “I cannot get a deep breath right now,” stated Lisa, who was sitting on the bench beside the doll house. “Who is here with us? Can you tell us your name?” asked Rachel. No response. “Why are you still here?” questioned Ryan. Lisa then began to feel as if someone was standing behind her. “Someone just put their hand on my shoulder and it was not kind,” she said. She also said that she felt as if this person was putting pressure on her left side. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Damn it’. “Is this the Reverend?” asked Rachel (although it was not heard at the time, our audio recorder captured an EVP – watch the clip below to listen!). “Who’s the Reverend?” asked Ryan. A female voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Decanter’. Ryan then indicated that he heard a noise coming from the attic above us. “Who is the man everyone sees here?” asked Rachel. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Ed’. “Pretty sure that said ‘Ed’,” she said. “Is there somewhere else in this place you’d like us to go?” she asked next. No response. “Why are you still here?” questioned Ryan. A female voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Wish I knew’. A male voice was also heard through the ghost box – ‘Heavenly Father’. Alison was certain she heard the male voice. “Reverend Cochrane, are you here?” asked Rachel. “Do you think what we are doing is the devil’s work?” she questioned. No response was heard. Lisa was still feeling the presence of a male and the pressure on her shoulder. “What did you do while you were here?” asked Ryan. No response. “Did someone pass from pneumonia?” Lisa asked. “I think so,” answered Rachel. “Male?” questioned Lisa. Rachel wasn’t sure, but Lisa indicated that the impression had dissipated so that it had been validated. A female voice as heard through the ghost box – ‘Get out of here’. “We are not getting out of here,” Lisa replied back. “What is keeping you here?” asked Ryan. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Men’, followed by another voice – ‘Leave’. Rachel and Sheena both indicated they had heard something coming from a back corner of the room. “Is there someone over there?” asked Rachel. “Who did I just here?” she added. No response. Lisa was still feeling as if someone was touching her shoulder. “I don’t like how he’s pushing on my shoulder. Squeezing it in an uncomfortable way,” she said. “It is your left shoulder?” questioned Ryan. Lisa nodded. “Cause your left is sitting lower than you right,” he stated. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Us’. “Who’s us?” asked Rachel. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Reverend’. “Who is the little girl here?” asked Ryan. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Her name’, ‘Emma’. “What’s Emma’s last name?” asked Rachel. No response. “Are their ‘M’s’ here?” asked Lisa. “Yes, cause hundreds of people were named Mary at that time,” Rachel said jokingly. Lisa was beginning to get irritated. “Listen, this guy and I are not gonna be friends,” she said out loud. “Which was the religion that this guy doesn’t like,” asked Ryan. “Catholic,” responded Rachel. “What did you have against Catholics?” asked Ryan. No response. “This is your opportunity to talk to us,” said Ryan. Again, nothing. “Do you have a problem with us being here?” asked Rachel. “We just need to know. You can light up our equipment,” she added. A female voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘I can’t come here’. The team continued to asked a few more questions, but no responses were heard and the equipment remained in active. They decided to move up to the landing and into the other, larger room to continuing investigating.
Once everyone had gathered on the upper landing, the REM Pod was placed on a table near the doorway that lead into the original portion of the building. The music box was placed just inside the door frame, facing into the original building (away from the team). The EMF Trip Wire was placed across the exhibit room and into the original building. Rachel placed the Flux on the floor between herself and Alison. The 360 Puck was put in the middle of the room. The team got situated and Lisa turned on the ghost box. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Don’t come in’. “Don’t come in,” Lisa repeated. “That’s what I heard,” added Alison. “I’m sorry. Too late,” said Rachel. “We have permission to be here. We aren’t going to cause you any harm,” Alison added. “Who is the gentleman that gets seen in here?” asked Rachel. Lisa then indicated that she could see someone walking back and forth in the original portion of the building. Rachel then took the time to explain how changing the light to red or green on the Flux could help whomever was there to communicate with them. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Bad, bad’. “That room is really dark. It looks like it has gotten darker in there,” Ryan observed. The Tempest spoke – ‘I am’. “You are what?” questioned Rachel. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Dead’. “Congrats. We knew that,” Rachel responded. Lisa was now focusing on the original portion of the building. “Can you see the person walking back and forth over there?” she asked Ryan. “I keep seeing a larger statue figure, moving. Not sure if its just my eyes,” he replied. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Bad’. The Tempest also spoke – ‘There are more here’, ‘Bring more’. “Bring more what?” asked Rachel. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Her’. “Who is her?” inquired Rachel. No response was heard. Ryan began taking photos in the hopes to capture what he was seeing in the original building. He did get something interesting (see below!) and spent the next few minutes trying to figure out and recreating what he had captured. The Tempest spoke – ‘You must go’, ‘It is time’. “It is time for what?” asked Rachel. The Tempest spoke again – ‘Come back’. “We would like to speak to the female here,” said Lisa. The Tempest spoke – ‘I don’t think so’. The team decided that it was best to try out the Estes Method to see if anything would come through. “I don’t know if this is a good idea,” said Rachel. “I don’t know if I want to even put the blindfold on,” she added. Ryan wasn’t paying attention, as he was preoccupied with what he though might have been a shadow. “I don’t know if I’m seeing something move or the lights are playing to my eyes,” he said. “I see something moving back and forth. I think it’s a manifestation of energy,” Lisa responded. “It’s got to be those lights,” he reasoned. Rachel was now ready to begin the experiment. “I’m going under!” she exclaimed as she put the headphones on and the blind fold.
***The Estes Method is an experiment where an individual puts on noise cancelling headphones that are connected to a Ghost Box and a blindfold. They are unable to hear any questions being asked by other investigators. The individual then repeats anything that they can hear from the ghost box. With the blindfold on, they are unable to see, which heightens the other senses***
“He’s there. Lisa.” Rachel said. “Who’s there?” asked Ryan. “Is that you that keeps walking back and forth?” he added. “Was that you in the photo?” asked Paula. Rachel then indicated that it sounded like tin cans being knocked together. “Like cowbell,” she described. “What is you name?” asked Lisa. “Black,” said Rachel. “What’s black? Your name or what you are?” asked Ryan. No response. “Is there something you want to tell us?” asked Alison. “What happened in this house?” added Ryan. “I win,” said Rachel. “What is it that you win?” questioned Ryan. “Look,” said Rachel. “I am looking. Convince me you’re here,” said Ryan. “What’s your name?” asked Lisa. “Wrong one,” said Rachel. “Are you keeping spirits here?” asked Alison. “Really,” said Rachel. “Yes,” said Alison. “Do you want us here?” asked Ryan. “What. My baby,” said Rachel. “What about the baby?” asked Ryan. “That girl,” said Rachel. “What girl? Tell me about the girl,” Ryan asked. “What’s the girls name?” added Paula. “What is the point,” said Rachel. “We want to know about you,” stated Ryan. “Share your story,” Alison added. “Would you like to speak with us?” questioned Ryan. “Hurting,” said Rachel. “What or who is hurting?” asked Ryan. No response. “Can you move something to let me know you’re here?” he asked next. “Thank you,” said Rachel. “What are you thanking us for?” he asked. “The boy’s room,” said Rachel. “Tell me more about the boy’s room,” he said. “The right,” said Rachel. “What do you mean by that? Tell me more,” he asked. “Bob,” said Rachel. At this point everyone (but Rachel) heard a noise, although the audio did not catch it. “What happened in the attic?” Ryan continued. “Holy,” said Rachel. “I don’t know if it was holy,” Lisa added. “Fuck you,” said Rachel. Lisa wasn’t shocked, but she started getting goosebumps. “What did you do here?” Ryan asked next. “Did you harm anyone here?” he added. No response. “Don’t want to talk anymore?” asked Paula. “Your,” said Rachel. “Maybe someone else wants to talk? Who else is here?” questioned Paula. “Who is the little girl that comes around here?” added Ryan. “Leave,” said Rachel. “We aren’t leaving. We just want to have a conversation. I am interested in hearing what you have to say,” he said. “Leave,” said Rachel. “Nope, not happening,” Ryan replied. “Not yet,” added Alison. “Go,” said Rachel. “I don’t want to anger you. Just chat. I’m interested in what you have to say,” Ryan said. “I doubt it,” said Rachel. “What do you doubt? I’m genuinely curious. What was life like? What happened here?” he asked next. “Do you have a problem with us coming into that room?” he questioned, in regards to venturing into the original building. “Too many,” said Rachel. “Too many what?” questioned Ryan. “No,” said Rachel. “What does that mean?” he quizzed. “Your way,” said Rachel. It was at this moment that Rachel felt something she didn’t like and tapped herself out of the experiment. “I’m done,” she said. “I felt someone come up and push me backwards. I also felt like there were two men standing behind me on either side,” she described. Sheena then took over the experiment. “Would you like to talk to my friend Sheena?” asked Lisa. But there was no response. Suddenly a whiff of baked goods floated through the room. Rachel, Lisa and Ryan could all smell it. “Excuse me,” said Sheena. Rachel and Paula started asking questions about the house but were not getting any responses. “Cute,” Sheena blurted out. “Cute?” questioned Rachel. “Is this the Reverend?” asked Lisa. No response. “Do you want us to go somewhere else? Another room we should be in?” asked Alison. “How many spirits are here right now?” she added. No response. Rachel turned off the Flux and the 360 Puck, as they were not getting any hits. “I’ve turned everything off. How’s that?” she asked. Still no response. Sheena tapped herself out. “I’m not getting anything. Just a high-pitched hum,” she said. Alison was next to try the Estes Method. She got herself situated and began. “Hello,” said Alison. “What do they always talk to her?” Rachel jokingly asked. “No,” said Alison. “Okay, never mind,” added Rachel. “Give up,” said Alison. “You are speaking to the wrong crowd,” Rachel stated. “Is there something you don’t want us to find out?” she questioned. “War, war,” said Alison. “What war? There have been several,” asked Paula. No response. “Is it a spiritual war?” questioned Rachel. “Nailed it,” said Alison. “Are you fighting inner demons from what you did?” she asked next. “No,” said Alison. “Are you proud of what you did?” asked Rachel. “Get,” said Alison. “Are you the Reverend?” she asked next. “Me. Go. Done. Out. Get out,” said Alison. “We will get out when you light up our equipment,” Rachel bargained. “That’s all you have to do,” added Ryan. “Me,” said Alison. “Yes, you,” replied Rachel. “I am. Pardon,” said Alison. “I haven’t seen you light up anything,” responded Rachel. “No. Ed. Bullshit,” said Alison. Startled, Lisa informed the group that she was certain she just heard a growl. “No. It’s here. Ed. Ed,” said Alison. “Who are you? I don’t even know. Ed who?” asked Rachel. “Chap,” said Alison. “Chap? You’re a man?” Rachel quizzed. “Kids,” said Alison. “What about the kids?” asked Ryan. “Why,” said Alison. “Why? So, I know who I am looking for,” Rachel replied. “Why. I don’t know. Dead,” said Alison. “Why are you dead?” questioned Rachel. “Who just growled?” Lisa asked. “Out. Run,” said Alison. “We aren’t going to run,” replied Lisa. “Did you hurt?” asked Lisa. “No. Bullshit. Stop. Stop,” said Alison. “I will not stop,” stated Lisa. “Did you try to stop him?” she asked next. “Wait. Sorry,” said Alison. “Did he hurt you?” she asked. “Get out. Now. Wait,” said Alison. “I just heard a doorbell,” she described. “Look out. Look out,” she said next. Lisa blurted out the name Mary. “Christ,” said Alison. “That was a female voice,” she added. “Is this Mary? William’s wife?” asked Rachel. “Mine. Mine,” said Alison. “What’s yours?” questioned Rachel. “It’s mine,” said Alison. “Mary, are you William’s wife or daughter?” asked Rachel. “Wait. No. Help. Help. Why,” said Alison. “It sounds like two people having a conversation,” stated Paula. “Who’s calling for help?” she asked. “Steve. Dead. Awesome. Problem. Out. Dead. Leave. Get out,” said Alison. “Notice how we are still sitting here? Not getting out yet,” stated Rachel. “Can’t. You. Leave,” said Alison. “You want me to leave?” questioned Rachel. “Yeah. Yeah,” said Alison. “Oh cool. If you want us to leave, I would need you to do something. Light up the equipment, make something go of,” Rachel said. “Touch Rachel,” added Paula. “Why touch me? Touch Ryan,” responded Rachel. “Hi,” said Alison. Both Rachel and Paula greeted back. “Why me,” said Alison. “I don’t know. Why you?” quizzed Rachel. “Had enough,” said Alison. “Oh really?” she questioned. “Get out. Get out,” said Alison. “No,” Rachel said sternly. “Get out. Here,” said Alison. “I am only here to learn about you and your story,” she stated. “Get out,” said Alison. “Stop being pushy,” Paula said gruffly. “Umm. Oh shit. No. Good evening,” said Alison. “Good evening. What is your name?” asked Rachel. “My name is Rachel and I’d like to know who I am talk to,” she added. “Ditto/Diddle,” said Alison. “Ditto, or Diddle?” Rachel questioned. “What the hell. Tattle. Death,” said Alison. “Was there death in this house?” asked Rachel. “It’s good,” said Alison. “There was a good death in this house?” she questioned. “Need. I got it,” said Alison. “What did you need? And what did you get?” “A little,” said Alison. “A little what?” “Ready to feel,” said Alison. Sheena, Lisa and Ryan indicated that they had heard a noise, but it was not picked up on audio. “Run. Out. Get out,” said Alison. “Why do you have to be rude?” questioned Rachel. “Leave. Fuck you,” said Alison. “Are you the Reverend? Fredrick, who first owned the house? The Verity’s?” “No. That’s a wrap,” said Alison. “Someone who owned the land?” “No. Fuck that,” said Alison. “Someone who has stuff here? That you’re attached to?” asked Paula. “Stop,” said Alison. “Are we asking too many questions?” “Go. Leave. Um. Dead,” said Alison. “That you are,” Rachel stated. “Dead,” said Alison. “That you are,” she repeated. “Dead. Dead,” said Alison. “Yup, you are,” agreed Rachel. “Eight/Ate,” said Alison. “Eight as in the number, or ate as in food?” questioned Rachel. “Be nice. Cool it. Hey,” said Alison. “It really sounds like they are arguing with each other,” noted Rachel. “No. I guess. Fuck you,” said Alison. “Did you do something to somebody that you shouldn’t have?” asked Rachel. “Good. Did it. Got it,” said Alison. “What did you do?” “Did it. Ashley. That’s it. Rape. Why me,” said Alison. “We don’t know why. Tell us,” said Paula. “I do. Got it. Leave. Now. Leave. Bitch. What’s that. Hello. Hello,” said Alison. “Hello,” responded Rachel. “I’m here,” said Alison. “Who’s here?” “A man,” said Alison. “A man’s here?” “He’s mean,” said Alison. “He’s mean?” “Ow,” said Alison. “Who’s the mean man?” “He’s mean. The man,” said Alison. “What is his name?” “You know what. No,” said Alison. “I don’t know what,” “That’s all,” said Alison. “Who is the mean man?” “Don’t mess,” said Alison. “Give us a name,” said Paula. “That’s it. Dean,” said Alison. “Who the heck is Dean? Maybe he was the one who was hung?” questioned Rachel. “Ed. Bad Ed,” said Alison. “Bad Ed? Who is bad Ed?” “Bitch. I’m back,” said Alison. “Who’s back? We have no idea who we are talking to. If you could just tell us your name it would be easier,” said Rachel. “One. Fuck you. Angry,” said Alison. “You’re angry? Why are you angry?” “Leave,” said Alison. “No, not yet.” “Bye,” said Alison. “No, not yet.” “Go,” said Alison. “Not yet.” “Leave. Yup. Get out. Me. I’m done. Different. Man. Jerk,” said Alison. During this time, Ryan was taking photos. “Who’s a jerk? You don’t like the pictures?” asked Rachel. “Go. Go. That’s it,” said Alison. “You will have to do something to get us to go,” Rachel stated. “Run,” said Alison. At this point, it seemed that the team was getting the run around from whomever was coming through the ghost box. Rachel decided that maybe, turning off some other pieces of equipment would help. “Okay. Turn it off,” said Alison. “Turn off what? The light? We did,” said Rachel. “Yup,” said Alison. “You’re welcome,” said Rachel. Sheena then indicated that she was sure she saw movement in the original building. “Pete. Hung. Yup,” said Alison. “Pete was hung?” “Why. They don’t know,” said Alison. “Who doesn’t know?” “Help,” said Alison. “Who needs help? “Bully,” said Alison. “Who’s a bully?” asked Paula. “Me,” said Alison. “You’re a bully?” “Killed. Twenty. Killed,” said Alison. “You killed twenty? In the war?” “Yeah,” said Alison. “What war?” “I did. Killed,” said Lisa. Rachel was rifling through her notes to see if anything made sense. “Stephen, 1945. RCAF. He was the hired help’s husband. Said he died in active service,” she read out loud. “Leave. Killed,” said Alison. “There was a lot of people hung at the Brant County Courthouse,” said Ryan. “Really. Says who,” said Alison. “Says the historical record, that’s who,” he stated. “Ranges 1839 to 1952,” he added. “Another former resident, her husband was a gunner, but he was dead before she moved in here,” added Rachel. “Leave. Allowed,” said Alison. “You want us to go to another spot in the house?” No response. “James Taylor was hung for killing a thirteen-year-old boy,” said Ryan, reading from his quick google search. “I hate him,” said Alison. “That one was 1914,” he added. “Breathe,” said Alison. “Should we take a breather?” questioned Rachel. “Get out. Out. Bitch,” said Alison. “That wasn’t very nice,” replied Lisa. “I have been called a lot of names tonight,” Rachel joked. At this point the EMF Trip wire activated and changed colour. “Now get out,” said Alison It was decided to tap Alison out and respect the wish of whomever we were communicating with, since this is what we asked them to do for us. We gathered the equipment and headed downstairs to debrief and get a bit of fresh air.
***The Estes Method is an experiment where an individual puts on noise cancelling headphones that are connected to a Ghost Box and a blindfold. They are unable to hear any questions being asked by other investigators. The individual then repeats anything that they can hear from the ghost box. With the blindfold on, they are unable to see, which heightens the other senses***
“He’s there. Lisa.” Rachel said. “Who’s there?” asked Ryan. “Is that you that keeps walking back and forth?” he added. “Was that you in the photo?” asked Paula. Rachel then indicated that it sounded like tin cans being knocked together. “Like cowbell,” she described. “What is you name?” asked Lisa. “Black,” said Rachel. “What’s black? Your name or what you are?” asked Ryan. No response. “Is there something you want to tell us?” asked Alison. “What happened in this house?” added Ryan. “I win,” said Rachel. “What is it that you win?” questioned Ryan. “Look,” said Rachel. “I am looking. Convince me you’re here,” said Ryan. “What’s your name?” asked Lisa. “Wrong one,” said Rachel. “Are you keeping spirits here?” asked Alison. “Really,” said Rachel. “Yes,” said Alison. “Do you want us here?” asked Ryan. “What. My baby,” said Rachel. “What about the baby?” asked Ryan. “That girl,” said Rachel. “What girl? Tell me about the girl,” Ryan asked. “What’s the girls name?” added Paula. “What is the point,” said Rachel. “We want to know about you,” stated Ryan. “Share your story,” Alison added. “Would you like to speak with us?” questioned Ryan. “Hurting,” said Rachel. “What or who is hurting?” asked Ryan. No response. “Can you move something to let me know you’re here?” he asked next. “Thank you,” said Rachel. “What are you thanking us for?” he asked. “The boy’s room,” said Rachel. “Tell me more about the boy’s room,” he said. “The right,” said Rachel. “What do you mean by that? Tell me more,” he asked. “Bob,” said Rachel. At this point everyone (but Rachel) heard a noise, although the audio did not catch it. “What happened in the attic?” Ryan continued. “Holy,” said Rachel. “I don’t know if it was holy,” Lisa added. “Fuck you,” said Rachel. Lisa wasn’t shocked, but she started getting goosebumps. “What did you do here?” Ryan asked next. “Did you harm anyone here?” he added. No response. “Don’t want to talk anymore?” asked Paula. “Your,” said Rachel. “Maybe someone else wants to talk? Who else is here?” questioned Paula. “Who is the little girl that comes around here?” added Ryan. “Leave,” said Rachel. “We aren’t leaving. We just want to have a conversation. I am interested in hearing what you have to say,” he said. “Leave,” said Rachel. “Nope, not happening,” Ryan replied. “Not yet,” added Alison. “Go,” said Rachel. “I don’t want to anger you. Just chat. I’m interested in what you have to say,” Ryan said. “I doubt it,” said Rachel. “What do you doubt? I’m genuinely curious. What was life like? What happened here?” he asked next. “Do you have a problem with us coming into that room?” he questioned, in regards to venturing into the original building. “Too many,” said Rachel. “Too many what?” questioned Ryan. “No,” said Rachel. “What does that mean?” he quizzed. “Your way,” said Rachel. It was at this moment that Rachel felt something she didn’t like and tapped herself out of the experiment. “I’m done,” she said. “I felt someone come up and push me backwards. I also felt like there were two men standing behind me on either side,” she described. Sheena then took over the experiment. “Would you like to talk to my friend Sheena?” asked Lisa. But there was no response. Suddenly a whiff of baked goods floated through the room. Rachel, Lisa and Ryan could all smell it. “Excuse me,” said Sheena. Rachel and Paula started asking questions about the house but were not getting any responses. “Cute,” Sheena blurted out. “Cute?” questioned Rachel. “Is this the Reverend?” asked Lisa. No response. “Do you want us to go somewhere else? Another room we should be in?” asked Alison. “How many spirits are here right now?” she added. No response. Rachel turned off the Flux and the 360 Puck, as they were not getting any hits. “I’ve turned everything off. How’s that?” she asked. Still no response. Sheena tapped herself out. “I’m not getting anything. Just a high-pitched hum,” she said. Alison was next to try the Estes Method. She got herself situated and began. “Hello,” said Alison. “What do they always talk to her?” Rachel jokingly asked. “No,” said Alison. “Okay, never mind,” added Rachel. “Give up,” said Alison. “You are speaking to the wrong crowd,” Rachel stated. “Is there something you don’t want us to find out?” she questioned. “War, war,” said Alison. “What war? There have been several,” asked Paula. No response. “Is it a spiritual war?” questioned Rachel. “Nailed it,” said Alison. “Are you fighting inner demons from what you did?” she asked next. “No,” said Alison. “Are you proud of what you did?” asked Rachel. “Get,” said Alison. “Are you the Reverend?” she asked next. “Me. Go. Done. Out. Get out,” said Alison. “We will get out when you light up our equipment,” Rachel bargained. “That’s all you have to do,” added Ryan. “Me,” said Alison. “Yes, you,” replied Rachel. “I am. Pardon,” said Alison. “I haven’t seen you light up anything,” responded Rachel. “No. Ed. Bullshit,” said Alison. Startled, Lisa informed the group that she was certain she just heard a growl. “No. It’s here. Ed. Ed,” said Alison. “Who are you? I don’t even know. Ed who?” asked Rachel. “Chap,” said Alison. “Chap? You’re a man?” Rachel quizzed. “Kids,” said Alison. “What about the kids?” asked Ryan. “Why,” said Alison. “Why? So, I know who I am looking for,” Rachel replied. “Why. I don’t know. Dead,” said Alison. “Why are you dead?” questioned Rachel. “Who just growled?” Lisa asked. “Out. Run,” said Alison. “We aren’t going to run,” replied Lisa. “Did you hurt?” asked Lisa. “No. Bullshit. Stop. Stop,” said Alison. “I will not stop,” stated Lisa. “Did you try to stop him?” she asked next. “Wait. Sorry,” said Alison. “Did he hurt you?” she asked. “Get out. Now. Wait,” said Alison. “I just heard a doorbell,” she described. “Look out. Look out,” she said next. Lisa blurted out the name Mary. “Christ,” said Alison. “That was a female voice,” she added. “Is this Mary? William’s wife?” asked Rachel. “Mine. Mine,” said Alison. “What’s yours?” questioned Rachel. “It’s mine,” said Alison. “Mary, are you William’s wife or daughter?” asked Rachel. “Wait. No. Help. Help. Why,” said Alison. “It sounds like two people having a conversation,” stated Paula. “Who’s calling for help?” she asked. “Steve. Dead. Awesome. Problem. Out. Dead. Leave. Get out,” said Alison. “Notice how we are still sitting here? Not getting out yet,” stated Rachel. “Can’t. You. Leave,” said Alison. “You want me to leave?” questioned Rachel. “Yeah. Yeah,” said Alison. “Oh cool. If you want us to leave, I would need you to do something. Light up the equipment, make something go of,” Rachel said. “Touch Rachel,” added Paula. “Why touch me? Touch Ryan,” responded Rachel. “Hi,” said Alison. Both Rachel and Paula greeted back. “Why me,” said Alison. “I don’t know. Why you?” quizzed Rachel. “Had enough,” said Alison. “Oh really?” she questioned. “Get out. Get out,” said Alison. “No,” Rachel said sternly. “Get out. Here,” said Alison. “I am only here to learn about you and your story,” she stated. “Get out,” said Alison. “Stop being pushy,” Paula said gruffly. “Umm. Oh shit. No. Good evening,” said Alison. “Good evening. What is your name?” asked Rachel. “My name is Rachel and I’d like to know who I am talk to,” she added. “Ditto/Diddle,” said Alison. “Ditto, or Diddle?” Rachel questioned. “What the hell. Tattle. Death,” said Alison. “Was there death in this house?” asked Rachel. “It’s good,” said Alison. “There was a good death in this house?” she questioned. “Need. I got it,” said Alison. “What did you need? And what did you get?” “A little,” said Alison. “A little what?” “Ready to feel,” said Alison. Sheena, Lisa and Ryan indicated that they had heard a noise, but it was not picked up on audio. “Run. Out. Get out,” said Alison. “Why do you have to be rude?” questioned Rachel. “Leave. Fuck you,” said Alison. “Are you the Reverend? Fredrick, who first owned the house? The Verity’s?” “No. That’s a wrap,” said Alison. “Someone who owned the land?” “No. Fuck that,” said Alison. “Someone who has stuff here? That you’re attached to?” asked Paula. “Stop,” said Alison. “Are we asking too many questions?” “Go. Leave. Um. Dead,” said Alison. “That you are,” Rachel stated. “Dead,” said Alison. “That you are,” she repeated. “Dead. Dead,” said Alison. “Yup, you are,” agreed Rachel. “Eight/Ate,” said Alison. “Eight as in the number, or ate as in food?” questioned Rachel. “Be nice. Cool it. Hey,” said Alison. “It really sounds like they are arguing with each other,” noted Rachel. “No. I guess. Fuck you,” said Alison. “Did you do something to somebody that you shouldn’t have?” asked Rachel. “Good. Did it. Got it,” said Alison. “What did you do?” “Did it. Ashley. That’s it. Rape. Why me,” said Alison. “We don’t know why. Tell us,” said Paula. “I do. Got it. Leave. Now. Leave. Bitch. What’s that. Hello. Hello,” said Alison. “Hello,” responded Rachel. “I’m here,” said Alison. “Who’s here?” “A man,” said Alison. “A man’s here?” “He’s mean,” said Alison. “He’s mean?” “Ow,” said Alison. “Who’s the mean man?” “He’s mean. The man,” said Alison. “What is his name?” “You know what. No,” said Alison. “I don’t know what,” “That’s all,” said Alison. “Who is the mean man?” “Don’t mess,” said Alison. “Give us a name,” said Paula. “That’s it. Dean,” said Alison. “Who the heck is Dean? Maybe he was the one who was hung?” questioned Rachel. “Ed. Bad Ed,” said Alison. “Bad Ed? Who is bad Ed?” “Bitch. I’m back,” said Alison. “Who’s back? We have no idea who we are talking to. If you could just tell us your name it would be easier,” said Rachel. “One. Fuck you. Angry,” said Alison. “You’re angry? Why are you angry?” “Leave,” said Alison. “No, not yet.” “Bye,” said Alison. “No, not yet.” “Go,” said Alison. “Not yet.” “Leave. Yup. Get out. Me. I’m done. Different. Man. Jerk,” said Alison. During this time, Ryan was taking photos. “Who’s a jerk? You don’t like the pictures?” asked Rachel. “Go. Go. That’s it,” said Alison. “You will have to do something to get us to go,” Rachel stated. “Run,” said Alison. At this point, it seemed that the team was getting the run around from whomever was coming through the ghost box. Rachel decided that maybe, turning off some other pieces of equipment would help. “Okay. Turn it off,” said Alison. “Turn off what? The light? We did,” said Rachel. “Yup,” said Alison. “You’re welcome,” said Rachel. Sheena then indicated that she was sure she saw movement in the original building. “Pete. Hung. Yup,” said Alison. “Pete was hung?” “Why. They don’t know,” said Alison. “Who doesn’t know?” “Help,” said Alison. “Who needs help? “Bully,” said Alison. “Who’s a bully?” asked Paula. “Me,” said Alison. “You’re a bully?” “Killed. Twenty. Killed,” said Alison. “You killed twenty? In the war?” “Yeah,” said Alison. “What war?” “I did. Killed,” said Lisa. Rachel was rifling through her notes to see if anything made sense. “Stephen, 1945. RCAF. He was the hired help’s husband. Said he died in active service,” she read out loud. “Leave. Killed,” said Alison. “There was a lot of people hung at the Brant County Courthouse,” said Ryan. “Really. Says who,” said Alison. “Says the historical record, that’s who,” he stated. “Ranges 1839 to 1952,” he added. “Another former resident, her husband was a gunner, but he was dead before she moved in here,” added Rachel. “Leave. Allowed,” said Alison. “You want us to go to another spot in the house?” No response. “James Taylor was hung for killing a thirteen-year-old boy,” said Ryan, reading from his quick google search. “I hate him,” said Alison. “That one was 1914,” he added. “Breathe,” said Alison. “Should we take a breather?” questioned Rachel. “Get out. Out. Bitch,” said Alison. “That wasn’t very nice,” replied Lisa. “I have been called a lot of names tonight,” Rachel joked. At this point the EMF Trip wire activated and changed colour. “Now get out,” said Alison It was decided to tap Alison out and respect the wish of whomever we were communicating with, since this is what we asked them to do for us. We gathered the equipment and headed downstairs to debrief and get a bit of fresh air.
After a ten-minute breather, the team headed back inside and decided to do a quick session on the first floor. The entered the board room and each took a seat around the table. The REM pod was placed on the floor near the doorway, along with the 360 Puck. The Music Box was placed on the table, facing the doorway. The Flux was placed in the middle of the table, along with the K2 Meter. Lisa turned on the ghost box and we began. “Who’s here with us tonight?” asked Ryan. A female voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘I don’t know’. “There is a red circle on the floor. If you go near it, it will light up and make a noise. It won’t hurt you,” said Rachel. “There is a blinking blue light on the table. One side is red, one side is green. You can use it for yes or no,” she added. “If you walk by the end of the table, there is a music box. It will light up and make noise,” she continued. “I’m feeling William,” said Lisa. “William, is there a reason why you are so mean?” asked Rachel. “Can you just talk nicely for a few minutes? Then we will be on our way,” added Lisa. “You can even bang upstairs now,” Rachel suggested. A female voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Two’, ‘Madam’, ‘No’. “They’re having a conversation with each other,” Paula pointed out. “Where you hung?” she asked. “What did you do here?” added Ryan. Lisa noted that the K2 Meter had activated. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Leave’, ‘Lisa’. “What do you want to say to Lisa?” asked Ryan. “We are interested in what you have to say,” he added. “We want to know your story,” said Paula. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Nine’, ‘I’m the only one’. “Was there a woman hung over there?” as Lisa, in regards to the courthouse. “I think there was one,” answered Ryan. “The woman who was hung, did her name start with the letter ‘B’,” she asked. Ryan went back to look at the info he had found earlier. “Right now, I feel like I am a female getting choked,” she added. The K2 meter seemed to activate when we talked about the hangings at the courthouse. “Where you hung at the courthouse?” asked Sheena. “Betsy Jacobs found dead in house. 1905. Choked and beaten body found. Joe Bennett killed Betsy,’ Ryan read. “Did Reverend Cochrane read their last rites? He was in the house till 1898. No idea where he went after that,” said Rachel. A male voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Leave’. “Are you ablet o make our equipment light up?” asked Rachel. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Leave’. Lisa then indicated that she smelt what she could describe as tires burning. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘His name is Joe.’ “Joe killed Betsy,” said Ryan. “Do you have any connection to this house?” Rachel asked. But there was no response. “How many of you are with us right now?” she asked next. A voice was heard through the ghost box – ‘Three’, ‘Four’. The team continued to ask questions about hangings and the surrounding areas, but no discernable responses where captured. The K2 Meter would activate periodically when we talked and questioned the hangings done at the Courthouse, but it was few and far between. Feeling that the team had overstayed their welcome, it was decided that it was time to call it a night. We thanked our lovely host, Lillia, for allowing us the opportunity to investigate, packed up our gear, and hoped in our vehicles for the drive home.
The Brant Museum and Archives is truly a unique location. The upper rooms that are decorated to resemble old storefronts are remarkable and give the upper level an interesting perspective. Their exhibits are well thought out and beautifully arranged. History exudes every corner of the building. It also comes with its fair share of energies and paranormal occurrences. Do we think that the Brant Museum and Archives is haunted? Yes!
For more information and to plan your visit, check out their website: Brant Museum
** https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/angina
The Brant Museum and Archives is truly a unique location. The upper rooms that are decorated to resemble old storefronts are remarkable and give the upper level an interesting perspective. Their exhibits are well thought out and beautifully arranged. History exudes every corner of the building. It also comes with its fair share of energies and paranormal occurrences. Do we think that the Brant Museum and Archives is haunted? Yes!
For more information and to plan your visit, check out their website: Brant Museum
** https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/angina