Leaskdale Manse - The Lucy Maud Montgomery House
Leaskdale, Ontario
December 5, 2015
“You're never safe from being surprised until you're dead.”
― L.M. Montgomery
The old house stood nestled amoungst other buildings on the seemingly busy road. The cool, damp weather added to the atmosphere. We had arrived at our destination for the evening and were awe-struck over the grandeur of the historical house that stood before us. This night could go any which way and we were prepared for what could be waiting for us on the other side of the door. We gathered up our equipment as our wonderful guide, Tess, unlocked and opened the door. This was going to be a night to remember.
Located in a little village just north of Uxbridge, sits a historic location, built in the late 1800’s. This house may look like any old, ordinary farm house, but its inhabitants where anything but. The local Reverend lived in this house, with his family. His wife, originally from the East Coast, was already well known before marrying the Reverend and moving to the area. Born in Clifton, PEI, Lucy Maud Montgomery came to Ontario in 1911 after the death of her Grandmother and 5 year secret engagement to her husband, Ewan MacDonald. Her book, “Anne of Green Gables” was published a few years before her arrival to Ontario, making he a local “celebrity”. During the 15 years they lived in Leaskdale, Maud (as she liked to be called) and Ewan had 3 boys, however, only 2 survived (Chester and Stuart). There were also cases of severe depression and other mental illness within the household. The family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926 and then to Toronto. Maud passed away in 1942. Ewan passed away in 1943.
Before we begun to set up, Tess gave us a quick tour of the house. Telling us which rooms were inhabited by whom, where Maud liked to write and read, and where Ewan would come up with his sermons and speeches. As we were walking around, Jay and Jim decided to hang back so they did not hear what was being discussed. After our tour and being dive bombed by flies looking for warmth, we began to set up the DVR camera system. Cameras were placed in rooms were Maud and Ewan would have frequented the most. One camera was also placed in the bedroom that was once Chester’s and Stuart’s. During set up, Rachel walked around to take base readings with the Mel Meter. She noted that the EMF meter would spike in areas around the Parlor room and front hallway. It was strange because after a few seconds, the EMF readings would drop back down to zero. No matter how many times Rachel returned to the areas that had the EMF influx, she could not replicate the reading. After we had set up, Tess disclosed to us that because Maud documented everything, she had taken many photos of each room in house. These photos were then used to place furniture a other items in their exact locations as the picture indicated. This house was set up just as Maud and her family would remember.
December 5, 2015
“You're never safe from being surprised until you're dead.”
― L.M. Montgomery
The old house stood nestled amoungst other buildings on the seemingly busy road. The cool, damp weather added to the atmosphere. We had arrived at our destination for the evening and were awe-struck over the grandeur of the historical house that stood before us. This night could go any which way and we were prepared for what could be waiting for us on the other side of the door. We gathered up our equipment as our wonderful guide, Tess, unlocked and opened the door. This was going to be a night to remember.
Located in a little village just north of Uxbridge, sits a historic location, built in the late 1800’s. This house may look like any old, ordinary farm house, but its inhabitants where anything but. The local Reverend lived in this house, with his family. His wife, originally from the East Coast, was already well known before marrying the Reverend and moving to the area. Born in Clifton, PEI, Lucy Maud Montgomery came to Ontario in 1911 after the death of her Grandmother and 5 year secret engagement to her husband, Ewan MacDonald. Her book, “Anne of Green Gables” was published a few years before her arrival to Ontario, making he a local “celebrity”. During the 15 years they lived in Leaskdale, Maud (as she liked to be called) and Ewan had 3 boys, however, only 2 survived (Chester and Stuart). There were also cases of severe depression and other mental illness within the household. The family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926 and then to Toronto. Maud passed away in 1942. Ewan passed away in 1943.
Before we begun to set up, Tess gave us a quick tour of the house. Telling us which rooms were inhabited by whom, where Maud liked to write and read, and where Ewan would come up with his sermons and speeches. As we were walking around, Jay and Jim decided to hang back so they did not hear what was being discussed. After our tour and being dive bombed by flies looking for warmth, we began to set up the DVR camera system. Cameras were placed in rooms were Maud and Ewan would have frequented the most. One camera was also placed in the bedroom that was once Chester’s and Stuart’s. During set up, Rachel walked around to take base readings with the Mel Meter. She noted that the EMF meter would spike in areas around the Parlor room and front hallway. It was strange because after a few seconds, the EMF readings would drop back down to zero. No matter how many times Rachel returned to the areas that had the EMF influx, she could not replicate the reading. After we had set up, Tess disclosed to us that because Maud documented everything, she had taken many photos of each room in house. These photos were then used to place furniture a other items in their exact locations as the picture indicated. This house was set up just as Maud and her family would remember.
Jay and Jim remained on the bottom floor, while Rachel, Karen and Susan ventured upstairs to Chester and Stuart’s bedroom. Sean headed to the Master Bedroom. Paula and Lisa stayed at base and monitored the DVRs. The lights were turned out, and the investigation began.
In the children’s room Karen, Susan and Rachel set up and prepared to do an EVP and Ghost Box session. “Is there anyone in here with us right now?” Karen asked. “I felt some energy in here earlier,” she continued. Lisa notes at this time that when Karen stated she had felt energy in the room on an earlier visit, there was some strange movement around her on the DVR camera. “We heard you use to share a bed when it got cold out,” stated Karen. The three of them sat quiet for a minute before Karen continued asking questions. “Is this your toy gun? If so, can you maybe move one of the guns for us?” she asked. “Don’t be afraid to come visit us. We are all Moms with sons. Come play with us,” Karen said. “Maud, if you’re here, Thank You for allowing us to be in here,” stated Karen. “We would be so honored if you would spend some time with us. We have some meters here if you can light them up,” she went on to say. The three of them were quiet once again. Nothing seemed to be happening. “The Ovilus hasn’t said a word,” Rachel remarked. It was then decided to do a P-SB7 Ghost Box session. “Is there anyone in here with us?” asked Rachel. “Can you tell us your name?” she continued. An inaudible voice is heard. “Can you tell us your name again, please?” Rachel asks. But no reply was heard. The room seemed to go eerily quiet. “Is there anyone in the room with us?” Rachel asked again. This time there was a response! A very clear “Yup” is heard through the P-SB7 and at the same time the Ovilus spoke its first word – ‘Spirits’. “How many are in this room with us? More than one?” Karen asked. “What’s your name? Don’t be shy or afraid,” Karen went on to say. No response. “Maud, is that you?” asked Karen. A female voice is heard through the P-SB7 – “Yes”. “Can you tell us the name of one of the little boys that use to sleep in this room?” Rachel asked. Again, no response. More questions were asked, but nothing was heard through the P-SB7 or Ovilus. As they ended the session the Ovilus spoke again – ‘Suffix’.
Meanwhile, down on the main floor, Jim and Jay decided to sit in the Study. “I felt pressure on the neck, like choking,” said Jim. Jay agreed. “I felt the same upstairs,” he said. As they moved about the Study, Jim was drawn to the photos. “Looking at these pictures, I felt like there was a weight on my shoulders. A pressure on my temples,” stated Jim. Jay once again agreed. “Someone in here had a headache, a stroke. Could have died from it,” Jim said. “Whatever it is, it’s a very strong feeling,” Jay said. Jim continued on about how he felt this choking sensation. “I’m still feeling like I’m choking. Like from a tight collar, and now a really upset stomach,” he said. Jim then asked Tess about the men in the photos. Tess revealed that Maud had male pen pals that she enjoyed talking to and vice versa. “As soon as you start talking about her I see lights. They are pleased you know all this stuff,” Jim said to Tess. Jim and Jay decided to take a seat in the Study. “You know when you eat too much?” asked Jay. “Like acid reflux,” Jim stated. “Yeah, a lot of pressure on the stomach,” said Jay. “It feels like intestines, neck and head. Almost feels like I want to be sick. Poisoned?” Jay questioned. Jim and Jay then discussed how they were feeling, when a cold chill set upon them. “I feel all goose bumpy,” stated Jim. “You would think that you could see your breath in here,” followed Jay. “Joey, Jonathan, Joseph?” questioned Jay. Jay continues to ask why he is getting these names or if it’s a name similar. “I can see someone sitting in the chair,” Jim states. “We’re friends of the future,” joked Jim. At this point, Jay and Jim decided to venture to the next room. As they come into the hallway Jay states that he feels like he is drunk, lightheaded. He also notes how he can hear something. “Kids? I hear giggling,” he says. “It feels like they are just high enough to put their arms on the table,” Jay went on to say. Jim agrees.
Back on the upper level, Rachel and Paula made their way into the Master Bedroom. Sean had been holding vigil in the room, alone. He had stated that he had heard breathing earlier, but nothing since. “Are you in here Maud?” asked Paula. Rachel had turned the P-SB7 back on to continue communication. “What room are we in right now?” Rachel asked. All was quiet. Rachel continued to ask questions. “How many children did you have?” “Three” was what was heard coming from the ghost box. “Can you tell us the name of your husband?” What sounded like ‘Ewan’ was heard. “Do you like us in here?” Rachel asked. “What?” was heard from the ghost box. Rachel repeated the question, but no response was heard. After a handful more of questions with no responses, it was decided to end the session. Rachel decided to ask one more question before turning off the device. “Do we need to go to another bedroom?” she asked. “Please” was what was heard from the ghost box. With that, Paula and Rachel headed back into the hallway and towards the other bedrooms.
Jim and Jay had now decided to join the rest of us on the upper level. They both joined Karen, who was still in the children’s bedroom. As Rachel was walking down the hallway the Ovilus spoke – ‘Run’. As Jay, Jim and Karen sat in the children’s room, Rachel, Paula and Sean took their turns in monitoring the DVR system. While in the children’s room the Ovilus said another word – ‘Multiple’. Jay, Jim and Karen were describing how each of them kept feeling like things were surrounding them, touching them and walking past time. The DVR system was also picking up on unexplained movements and a few light anomalies. Karen decided to read a story to the children and began to talk about how they family came from Prince Edward Island. The Ovilus said another word at this time – ‘Rewind’. Rachel joked about how it probably meant to go back and re-state that as the children were born in Ontario and not PEI. As the session in the children’s room continued, Rachel monitored the cameras. At one point Karen stated out loud that she felt like something went through her arm. Rachel noted that at this time a strange light anomaly can be seen going through Karen’s arm.
In the children’s room Karen, Susan and Rachel set up and prepared to do an EVP and Ghost Box session. “Is there anyone in here with us right now?” Karen asked. “I felt some energy in here earlier,” she continued. Lisa notes at this time that when Karen stated she had felt energy in the room on an earlier visit, there was some strange movement around her on the DVR camera. “We heard you use to share a bed when it got cold out,” stated Karen. The three of them sat quiet for a minute before Karen continued asking questions. “Is this your toy gun? If so, can you maybe move one of the guns for us?” she asked. “Don’t be afraid to come visit us. We are all Moms with sons. Come play with us,” Karen said. “Maud, if you’re here, Thank You for allowing us to be in here,” stated Karen. “We would be so honored if you would spend some time with us. We have some meters here if you can light them up,” she went on to say. The three of them were quiet once again. Nothing seemed to be happening. “The Ovilus hasn’t said a word,” Rachel remarked. It was then decided to do a P-SB7 Ghost Box session. “Is there anyone in here with us?” asked Rachel. “Can you tell us your name?” she continued. An inaudible voice is heard. “Can you tell us your name again, please?” Rachel asks. But no reply was heard. The room seemed to go eerily quiet. “Is there anyone in the room with us?” Rachel asked again. This time there was a response! A very clear “Yup” is heard through the P-SB7 and at the same time the Ovilus spoke its first word – ‘Spirits’. “How many are in this room with us? More than one?” Karen asked. “What’s your name? Don’t be shy or afraid,” Karen went on to say. No response. “Maud, is that you?” asked Karen. A female voice is heard through the P-SB7 – “Yes”. “Can you tell us the name of one of the little boys that use to sleep in this room?” Rachel asked. Again, no response. More questions were asked, but nothing was heard through the P-SB7 or Ovilus. As they ended the session the Ovilus spoke again – ‘Suffix’.
Meanwhile, down on the main floor, Jim and Jay decided to sit in the Study. “I felt pressure on the neck, like choking,” said Jim. Jay agreed. “I felt the same upstairs,” he said. As they moved about the Study, Jim was drawn to the photos. “Looking at these pictures, I felt like there was a weight on my shoulders. A pressure on my temples,” stated Jim. Jay once again agreed. “Someone in here had a headache, a stroke. Could have died from it,” Jim said. “Whatever it is, it’s a very strong feeling,” Jay said. Jim continued on about how he felt this choking sensation. “I’m still feeling like I’m choking. Like from a tight collar, and now a really upset stomach,” he said. Jim then asked Tess about the men in the photos. Tess revealed that Maud had male pen pals that she enjoyed talking to and vice versa. “As soon as you start talking about her I see lights. They are pleased you know all this stuff,” Jim said to Tess. Jim and Jay decided to take a seat in the Study. “You know when you eat too much?” asked Jay. “Like acid reflux,” Jim stated. “Yeah, a lot of pressure on the stomach,” said Jay. “It feels like intestines, neck and head. Almost feels like I want to be sick. Poisoned?” Jay questioned. Jim and Jay then discussed how they were feeling, when a cold chill set upon them. “I feel all goose bumpy,” stated Jim. “You would think that you could see your breath in here,” followed Jay. “Joey, Jonathan, Joseph?” questioned Jay. Jay continues to ask why he is getting these names or if it’s a name similar. “I can see someone sitting in the chair,” Jim states. “We’re friends of the future,” joked Jim. At this point, Jay and Jim decided to venture to the next room. As they come into the hallway Jay states that he feels like he is drunk, lightheaded. He also notes how he can hear something. “Kids? I hear giggling,” he says. “It feels like they are just high enough to put their arms on the table,” Jay went on to say. Jim agrees.
Back on the upper level, Rachel and Paula made their way into the Master Bedroom. Sean had been holding vigil in the room, alone. He had stated that he had heard breathing earlier, but nothing since. “Are you in here Maud?” asked Paula. Rachel had turned the P-SB7 back on to continue communication. “What room are we in right now?” Rachel asked. All was quiet. Rachel continued to ask questions. “How many children did you have?” “Three” was what was heard coming from the ghost box. “Can you tell us the name of your husband?” What sounded like ‘Ewan’ was heard. “Do you like us in here?” Rachel asked. “What?” was heard from the ghost box. Rachel repeated the question, but no response was heard. After a handful more of questions with no responses, it was decided to end the session. Rachel decided to ask one more question before turning off the device. “Do we need to go to another bedroom?” she asked. “Please” was what was heard from the ghost box. With that, Paula and Rachel headed back into the hallway and towards the other bedrooms.
Jim and Jay had now decided to join the rest of us on the upper level. They both joined Karen, who was still in the children’s bedroom. As Rachel was walking down the hallway the Ovilus spoke – ‘Run’. As Jay, Jim and Karen sat in the children’s room, Rachel, Paula and Sean took their turns in monitoring the DVR system. While in the children’s room the Ovilus said another word – ‘Multiple’. Jay, Jim and Karen were describing how each of them kept feeling like things were surrounding them, touching them and walking past time. The DVR system was also picking up on unexplained movements and a few light anomalies. Karen decided to read a story to the children and began to talk about how they family came from Prince Edward Island. The Ovilus said another word at this time – ‘Rewind’. Rachel joked about how it probably meant to go back and re-state that as the children were born in Ontario and not PEI. As the session in the children’s room continued, Rachel monitored the cameras. At one point Karen stated out loud that she felt like something went through her arm. Rachel noted that at this time a strange light anomaly can be seen going through Karen’s arm.
Karen, Susan and Jay decide to move their investigation to the Master Bedroom, Jim followed as well, while the rest still remained at the DVR’s to monitoring the system. Rachel was describing some of the places the cameras were located when the Ovilus said another word – ‘Record’. “Yes, it is recording. They do record,” Rachel said out loud. A short time later Jim re-joined the members monitoring the cameras. The second he walked into the room, the Ovilus spoke – ‘Jim’. “Well Hello to you too!”¸he exclaimed. A few more minutes passed and the rest of the team re-grouped in front of the monitor. The Ovilus said another work – ‘Descend’. “You want us to go downstairs?” Karen asked. And with that, everyone made their way down to the first floor.
Once on the main floor, the team split up. Rachel, Paula and Susan headed into the Study, while Jim, Lisa, Karen and Jay made their way to the Parlor. Sean decided to go rogue and remain on the upper level. As the girls made their way into the study, the Ovilus spat out another word – ‘Hide’. Rachel and Paula sat on the couch, while Susan took a seat in an office chair. Karen decided to join the girls and as she entered the room she caught a strange light anomaly on her camera. After reviewing thing piece of footage, it was decided to do an EVP and a P-SB7 session. It was at this time that the Ovilus said another word – ‘Cleansing’. Before the sessions were started, the girls discussed the history of the family coming to this town. They discussed how things may have been or could have been in hopes of enticing a response or, perhaps a correction. After the discussion, the P-SB7 was turned on and the session started. Rachel was designated as the question asker. “Can you tell us what room this is?” A male voice is heard – “Study”. “Can you tell us what your name is?” A similar male voice is hear – ‘Ewan’. “Can you tell us what your last name is?” Another male voice is heard, and what sounds like ‘MacDonald’. A few more questions were asked, but no responses. “Are you male or female?” continued Rachel. This time, a female voice is heard – ‘Female’. “Can you tell us your name?” No response. “Do you write books in here?” A woman’s voice is heard – ‘Yes’. “What books did you write in here? Or could you tell me the name of the main character of the books you wrote in here?” There was no response from the P-SB7, but Rachel had noticed the Ovilus had spoke – “Ann”. “It said Ann!” exclaimed Rachel. “No frickin’ way!” shouted Susan. “This is amazing,” she went on to say. Rachel continued to ask questions. “What colour is the gables?” she asked. A voice is heard through the ghost box – ‘Green’. “Oh my god. This is so cool!” exclaims Rachel. After this response, no others were heard and the Ovilus remained quiet.
Once on the main floor, the team split up. Rachel, Paula and Susan headed into the Study, while Jim, Lisa, Karen and Jay made their way to the Parlor. Sean decided to go rogue and remain on the upper level. As the girls made their way into the study, the Ovilus spat out another word – ‘Hide’. Rachel and Paula sat on the couch, while Susan took a seat in an office chair. Karen decided to join the girls and as she entered the room she caught a strange light anomaly on her camera. After reviewing thing piece of footage, it was decided to do an EVP and a P-SB7 session. It was at this time that the Ovilus said another word – ‘Cleansing’. Before the sessions were started, the girls discussed the history of the family coming to this town. They discussed how things may have been or could have been in hopes of enticing a response or, perhaps a correction. After the discussion, the P-SB7 was turned on and the session started. Rachel was designated as the question asker. “Can you tell us what room this is?” A male voice is heard – “Study”. “Can you tell us what your name is?” A similar male voice is hear – ‘Ewan’. “Can you tell us what your last name is?” Another male voice is heard, and what sounds like ‘MacDonald’. A few more questions were asked, but no responses. “Are you male or female?” continued Rachel. This time, a female voice is heard – ‘Female’. “Can you tell us your name?” No response. “Do you write books in here?” A woman’s voice is heard – ‘Yes’. “What books did you write in here? Or could you tell me the name of the main character of the books you wrote in here?” There was no response from the P-SB7, but Rachel had noticed the Ovilus had spoke – “Ann”. “It said Ann!” exclaimed Rachel. “No frickin’ way!” shouted Susan. “This is amazing,” she went on to say. Rachel continued to ask questions. “What colour is the gables?” she asked. A voice is heard through the ghost box – ‘Green’. “Oh my god. This is so cool!” exclaims Rachel. After this response, no others were heard and the Ovilus remained quiet.
The girls decided to join everyone else in the Parlor room for their final session. As everyone entered the room, the Ovilus spoke – “Talking”. “Well this is a Parlor room,” noted Paula. As we all sat down, Rachel notices that the EMF is starting to rise, slowly. We decide to do one last P-SB7 ghost box session and include our host for the evening, Tess. Rachel and Karen led the session, asking if anyone was with them in the room and if they could say their names. “Is there a Chester in the room with us right now?” asked Karen. What sounds like a small child’s voice is heard through the ghost box, but we could not make out what it was saying. Karen continued to ask questions, but no responses. “Are you watching us?” asked Karen. The P-SB7 made a strange static noise, followed by the Ovilus saying a work – “Order”. “Do you like Karen? Do you like Karen giving you orders?” Rachel asked. Karen continued to ask questions, but no responses. “Would you like me to leave the room?” asked Karen. The Ovilus spoke – “Property”. “Would you like me to leave the property?” Karen asked, astonishingly. No response was heard. Rachel and Karen continued to ask questions, but no responses were recorded. At this point Karen gets up and exits the room. “Seat”, the Ovilus says. “Karen, it wants you to ‘seat’, come back!” shouts Rachel. Karen returns to the Parlor room. “You like us all sitting in here?” asks Rachel. The Ovilus spoke again – ‘Girl’. At this point, Karen once again leaves the room, but this time heads upstairs. “You going to bug Karen when she gets back upstairs?” Rachel asks. No response. However, a few minutes later we hear Karen let out a yelp. She had forgotten that Sean was still on the upper level, and when he made a noise, it had alarmed her. The group continued their EVP/ ghost box session. “Count”, the Ovilus said. Paula begins to count and stops at six. “What comes after six?” Rachel asks. “Seven,” responds Paula. “You’re not supposed to answer that!” joked Rachel. The team continued to ask questions, but no responses were heard. It was also noted that the EMF reading, that was steadily climbing earlier, had now dropped back down to base reading. It was then decided that our hosts for the evening were getting tired (It was quite late at this point) and it was our cue to end our investigation.
As the evening came to an end and the equipment was packed up, we were still in awe over the beauty of the house. As we stood outside, discussing the evening, it was clear to the team that this was not just a historic house, but a home. A home where children were raised, good times where had and bad times were pushed through. Though we may not know every intricate detail of Maud’s life, we do know she enjoyed her time at the house and its gardens and surroundings inspired her creativity. We pulled out of the driveway and headed towards home and into the fog.
“I've had a splendid time," she concluded happily, "and I feel that it marks an epoch in my life. But the best of it all was the coming home.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
As the evening came to an end and the equipment was packed up, we were still in awe over the beauty of the house. As we stood outside, discussing the evening, it was clear to the team that this was not just a historic house, but a home. A home where children were raised, good times where had and bad times were pushed through. Though we may not know every intricate detail of Maud’s life, we do know she enjoyed her time at the house and its gardens and surroundings inspired her creativity. We pulled out of the driveway and headed towards home and into the fog.
“I've had a splendid time," she concluded happily, "and I feel that it marks an epoch in my life. But the best of it all was the coming home.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables