Oshawa Museum - Revisited
Oshawa, Ont.
August 23, 2025
HISTORY
Located at the very end of Simcoe St. South in Oshawa you will find the Oshawa Museum. Managed by the Oshawa Historical Society, the museum is made up of three separate houses – Henry House, Guy House and Robinson House. All of which stand on their original foundations. The first to be acquired was the Henry House in 1960, followed by the Robinson House in 1964. In 1985, the Guy House was opened as the third and final building. In 2003 a devasting fire destroyed much of the office space and a portion of the archives in the Guy House. Even though this was detrimental to the museum, it did not stop the Historical Society and its volunteers from rebuilding, rebranding and reopening. Today, all three houses stand strong, as a testament of time and appreciation, showcasing the history of early Oshawa and the lakefront.
Located at the very end of Simcoe St. South in Oshawa you will find the Oshawa Museum. Managed by the Oshawa Historical Society, the museum is made up of three separate houses – Henry House, Guy House and Robinson House. All of which stand on their original foundations. The first to be acquired was the Henry House in 1960, followed by the Robinson House in 1964. In 1985, the Guy House was opened as the third and final building. In 2003 a devasting fire destroyed much of the office space and a portion of the archives in the Guy House. Even though this was detrimental to the museum, it did not stop the Historical Society and its volunteers from rebuilding, rebranding and reopening. Today, all three houses stand strong, as a testament of time and appreciation, showcasing the history of early Oshawa and the lakefront.
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ROBINSON HOUSE
Built around the mid-1850s, the Robinson house stayed in the family name for its entirety. The first owners/inhabitants of the house were Ruth Robinson (nee Tennick), her daughter Eunice and her son-in-law, Richard Welch, and their family. Ruth’s husband, John, may have never even been at or in the house as he moved to Iowa and resettled there. John Robinson was born on May 16, 1790. He married his first wife, Ann Boynes, in 1812. They would have two children. Records show that the second child, a boy, died in 1815. This death year is the same as Ann’s. The question is, did they both die during childbirth or shortly after? In 1818 John would marry Ruth Tennick. Together they would have 10 children – all surviving into adulthood. Their youngest child, Eunice, was only 9 when John packed up and headed to Iowa. Again, it is unsure if he went for work and just never returned, or if the marriage was over. Records show that John married a woman by the name of Mary Lawrence in Iowa in 1864. They would have six children, with the last being born in about 1872. John Robinson died on June 19, 1875. Ruth Tennick was born on February 27, 1798. After being “abandoned” by her husband, she would live with her youngest daughter and her family. Ruth died on March 29, 1864. Her youngest daughter, Eunice and her family would inherit the home and continue to live there. |
Robinson House
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John Robinson
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Ruth Tennick
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Ruth Eunice Robinson was born on October 9, 1838. She married Richard Elwood Hastings Welch on April 4, 1859. Richard, born in October 1826 was a military man, and also worked at the Port of Oshawa. Together they had seven children, with six of them surviving into adulthood. Richard Welch died on January 2, 1878, with a cause of death listed as General Dropsy. Eunice would live another 13 years, passing away on July 20, 1891, with a cause of death listed as Hemiplegia.
Before their deaths, the Welch’s moved out of the home. This is when Cornelius Robinson would move in. Cornelius was the older brother of Eunice, but the youngest son in the family. Born on February 4, 1834, he married Mary Jane Nelson in October 1857. Together they would have 12 children. Sadly, only five of those children would survive into adulthood. Mary Jane Nelson was born on March 16, 1840 and died on August 18, 1917. The cause of death listed was Senile Paresis.
Cornelius was a well-known resident of the city and an iconic figure at the lake. He was described as an eccentric man, a dark man, and one that wore earrings. He would pass away on June 22, 1921, with a cause of death listed as Natural
Before their deaths, the Welch’s moved out of the home. This is when Cornelius Robinson would move in. Cornelius was the older brother of Eunice, but the youngest son in the family. Born on February 4, 1834, he married Mary Jane Nelson in October 1857. Together they would have 12 children. Sadly, only five of those children would survive into adulthood. Mary Jane Nelson was born on March 16, 1840 and died on August 18, 1917. The cause of death listed was Senile Paresis.
Cornelius was a well-known resident of the city and an iconic figure at the lake. He was described as an eccentric man, a dark man, and one that wore earrings. He would pass away on June 22, 1921, with a cause of death listed as Natural
Richard Welch
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Cornelius Robinson
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Mary Jane Nelson
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Upon his death, his daughter Eunice Ann Robinson, would inherit the home. She was the eldest surviving family member at that time. Eunice Ann was born on April 27, 1877. She married William James Maynard on July 3, 1907. Together they would have four children. While the family lived in Toronto, they used the house as a vacation home. Five years into owning the property, William slipped while walking by the pier and drowned. His death date is listed as July 18, 1926 with a cause of death as Accidental Drowning. With this tragedy, Eunice declined to return to the home. Although it would remain in her name, it was rarely used by the family. The house would sit vacant, leaving it open to trespassers and daredevils. Local children spread rumors that it was haunted.
In 1964, the City of Oshawa purchased the house with the intention of demolishing it and improving the park. The Oshawa Historical Society saw the potential in the home and put forth proposals to save it. This worked and in 1965 the ownership was transferred to the society. On October 25, 1969 the Robinson House was officially opened to the public. |
Eunice Ann Robinson and William James Maynard on their wedding day.
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Guy House, 1937
GUY HOUSE
Whlie the exact build date of this house is unsure, it was either built in 1846 when Malcolm Wright acquired the lot, or in 1848 when Samuel Philips acquired the lot.
Malcolm Wright was born on September 29, 1794. He married his first wife, Mary Stevens on May 27, 1819/1821. Together they would have five children, with records showing they all survived into adulthood. Mary Stevens was born in 1803. She died in 1828. Malcom would remarry Elizabeth “Betsey” Louisa Terwilleger on April 29, 1832. Together they would have six children, all surviving into adulthood. Bestey Terwilleger was born in 1805. She would pass away on April 2, 1878 with a cause of death listed as Congestion of the Lungs. Malcom Wright would pass away on October 21, 1881.
Whlie the exact build date of this house is unsure, it was either built in 1846 when Malcolm Wright acquired the lot, or in 1848 when Samuel Philips acquired the lot.
Malcolm Wright was born on September 29, 1794. He married his first wife, Mary Stevens on May 27, 1819/1821. Together they would have five children, with records showing they all survived into adulthood. Mary Stevens was born in 1803. She died in 1828. Malcom would remarry Elizabeth “Betsey” Louisa Terwilleger on April 29, 1832. Together they would have six children, all surviving into adulthood. Bestey Terwilleger was born in 1805. She would pass away on April 2, 1878 with a cause of death listed as Congestion of the Lungs. Malcom Wright would pass away on October 21, 1881.
Samuel Phillips was born in April 1827. He married Elizabeth Argall around 1849. Together they had seven children, all appearing to have survived to adulthood. Elizabeth Argall was born in 1819. She died on March 20, 1899. Samuel Philips died on July 23, 1885. The Philips grave marker is the largest and the most detailed bronze memorial in Union Cemetery.
In 1861, James Odgers Guy would purchase the property from Samuel Philips and move his family into the house. James Odgers Guy was born on February 21, 1828. He immigrated to Canada, from England, in 1842 with his parents. On January 1, 1852 he married Rachel Luke. Together they would have seven children – six of them would survive into adulthood. Rachel Luke as born on June 5, 1829 and died on July 4, 1914. Her cause of death is listed as Old Age with Progressive Cardiac Weakness. James Guy was a businessman and Harbour Master of the Port Oshawa Co. In 1884 he would sell the house and property to William Northcott. In 1908 he was referred to as “Oshawa’s Grand Old Man”. James O. Guy would pass away on April 5, 1909 with his cause of death listed as Pneumonia.
In 1861, James Odgers Guy would purchase the property from Samuel Philips and move his family into the house. James Odgers Guy was born on February 21, 1828. He immigrated to Canada, from England, in 1842 with his parents. On January 1, 1852 he married Rachel Luke. Together they would have seven children – six of them would survive into adulthood. Rachel Luke as born on June 5, 1829 and died on July 4, 1914. Her cause of death is listed as Old Age with Progressive Cardiac Weakness. James Guy was a businessman and Harbour Master of the Port Oshawa Co. In 1884 he would sell the house and property to William Northcott. In 1908 he was referred to as “Oshawa’s Grand Old Man”. James O. Guy would pass away on April 5, 1909 with his cause of death listed as Pneumonia.
Malcolm Wright
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James Odgers Guy
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Rachel Luke
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William Northcott was born on December 18, 1836. He married Jane Cox and together they would have eight children, all appearing to have survived into adulthood. Jane Cox was born on September 29, 1839 and died on November 28. 1919. William Northcott would pass away on April 14, 1913.
In 1913, the house was then purchased and lived in by Arthur David Henry, a descendant of the Henry family. Arthur as also the proprietor of the pavilion that was located where the beach parking lot is now. Arthur David Henry was born on December 4, 1861. He married Carrie Bell Clifford on January 27, 1892. The did not have any children. Carrie Bell Clifford was born on January 31, 1865 and died on February 21, 1925. Her cause of death is listed as Albuminuria due to kidney disease. Arthur Henry sold the pavilion and house in 1920 to the Barnhart’s. His death date is listed at August 22, 1938, with pneumonia and uremia as the causes.
The last family to own the house was the Barnhart family. William and Viola Barnhart were well known at the lake for their dancehall pavilion. While they did not live in the house, they did live in one of the other cottages on the land. The Barnhart’s would renovate the house and turn it into a triplex. Over the years many individuals would love in the apartments, calling the house their home. The City of Oshawa purchased the house in 1968. Although it was in a state of disrepair, the Oshawa Historical society was able to save it, and in 1985 it opened to the public.
In 1913, the house was then purchased and lived in by Arthur David Henry, a descendant of the Henry family. Arthur as also the proprietor of the pavilion that was located where the beach parking lot is now. Arthur David Henry was born on December 4, 1861. He married Carrie Bell Clifford on January 27, 1892. The did not have any children. Carrie Bell Clifford was born on January 31, 1865 and died on February 21, 1925. Her cause of death is listed as Albuminuria due to kidney disease. Arthur Henry sold the pavilion and house in 1920 to the Barnhart’s. His death date is listed at August 22, 1938, with pneumonia and uremia as the causes.
The last family to own the house was the Barnhart family. William and Viola Barnhart were well known at the lake for their dancehall pavilion. While they did not live in the house, they did live in one of the other cottages on the land. The Barnhart’s would renovate the house and turn it into a triplex. Over the years many individuals would love in the apartments, calling the house their home. The City of Oshawa purchased the house in 1968. Although it was in a state of disrepair, the Oshawa Historical society was able to save it, and in 1985 it opened to the public.
Arthur David Henry
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William & Viola Barnhart
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HENRY HOUSE
The Henry family purchased this plot of land in 1815. The house was then constructed around 1840. However the Henry family was not the first to live in the house. Joseph Wood would be the first person to live in the newly constructed home. In 1849 he was the new Harbour Master, but that wouldn’t last for long. That same year he would help the former Harbour Master, George Mothersill, with a boat full of sick and infected immigrants. Through their efforts of trying to provide medical attention, both Mothersill and Wood would contract cholera and succumb to the illness. Joseph Wood died on August 29, 1849. He was buried at the cemetery on the hill that overlooked the lake. It is not known if Woods was married or had children. |
Henry House
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Thomas Henry would move into the house with his family in 1849. Thomas Simon Henry was born in Ireland on February 2, 1798. He came to Canada in 1811. He married his first wife, Elizabeth “Betsey” Davies on July 20, 1817. Together they would have six children. Their first born, Nancy, only survived 8 days. The others would survive into adulthood. Betsey Davies was born on September 1, 1800. Sadly, she would only survive 29 years, passing away on November 12, 1829. Their youngest child just over a year old. Thomas would quickly remarry a woman named Lurenda Abbey on November 2, 1830. Together they would have ten children, all surviving into adulthood. Lurenda Abbey was born on May 24, 1808. She was said to have been a ‘crippled’, with her legs always bandaged up. She would pass away on May 25, 1888. Thomas Henry was described as being six feet tall. He was also a Reverend and spent many days and months away, preaching at Christian churches. Thomas Henry died on September 20, 1879. His cause of death is listed as bowel complaint.
Rev. Thomas Simon Henry
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Lurenda Abbey
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After his death his three youngest children would live in the house with their families:
Joseph Gorham Henry was born on December 11, 1841. He married Alberta Malvina Gamsby on November 5, 1878. They would have four children, all surviving into adulthood. Alberta Gamsby was born on November 20, 1850 and died on January 22, 1935. Joseph Gorham Henry died on March 1, 1926.
Jesse Ezra Henry was born on August 10, 1844. He married Arvilla Bernice Gamsby on January 26, 1868. They would have three children, all surviving into adulthood. Arvilla Gamsby was born on January 5, 1846 and died on May 31, 1932. Jesse Ezra Henry passed away on September 20, 1930.
The last Henry family member to live in the house was William Thomas Henry, the youngest son of Thomas and Lurenda Henry. William Thomas Henry was born on July 27, 1849. He married Ann Eliza Lucretia Stone on December 25, 1878. Together they had four children, all appearing to survive into adulthood. Ann Eliza Lucretia Stone was born on January 17, 1859 and died on March 25, 1935. Her cause of death is listed as appendicitis with acute gangrene. William Thomas Henry died on December 6, 1922 with cause of death listed as cancer of the stomach.
Joseph Gorham Henry was born on December 11, 1841. He married Alberta Malvina Gamsby on November 5, 1878. They would have four children, all surviving into adulthood. Alberta Gamsby was born on November 20, 1850 and died on January 22, 1935. Joseph Gorham Henry died on March 1, 1926.
Jesse Ezra Henry was born on August 10, 1844. He married Arvilla Bernice Gamsby on January 26, 1868. They would have three children, all surviving into adulthood. Arvilla Gamsby was born on January 5, 1846 and died on May 31, 1932. Jesse Ezra Henry passed away on September 20, 1930.
The last Henry family member to live in the house was William Thomas Henry, the youngest son of Thomas and Lurenda Henry. William Thomas Henry was born on July 27, 1849. He married Ann Eliza Lucretia Stone on December 25, 1878. Together they had four children, all appearing to survive into adulthood. Ann Eliza Lucretia Stone was born on January 17, 1859 and died on March 25, 1935. Her cause of death is listed as appendicitis with acute gangrene. William Thomas Henry died on December 6, 1922 with cause of death listed as cancer of the stomach.
Joseph Gorham Henry
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Jesse Ezra Henry
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William Thomas Henry
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Ann Eliza Lucretia Stone
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In 1913 Charles Robson would live in the house. Charles Robson was part of the prominent Robson Leather family in Oshawa. Charles Norman Robson was born on October 22, 1872. He would marry Mabel Williams on October 24, 1911. They would have two sons, both surviving into adulthood. Mabel Williams was born on April 24, 1889 and died on May 25, 1969. Charles Norman Robson died on March 12, 1935. His cause of death is listed as meningitis, streptococcus.
The next owners of the house appear to be Robert Samuel McLaughlin and George McLaughlin in 1914. At this time, R.S. McLaughlin and George McLaughlin had began their investment into make the lakefront a public park for the citizen of Oshawa to enjoy. Both men were very prominent community members. R.S. McLaughlin founded McLaughlin Carriage Works, which later morphed into General Motors of Canada. George McLaughlin was Vice President of the company.
The next owners of the house appear to be Robert Samuel McLaughlin and George McLaughlin in 1914. At this time, R.S. McLaughlin and George McLaughlin had began their investment into make the lakefront a public park for the citizen of Oshawa to enjoy. Both men were very prominent community members. R.S. McLaughlin founded McLaughlin Carriage Works, which later morphed into General Motors of Canada. George McLaughlin was Vice President of the company.
Robert Samuel McLaughlin
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George McLaughlin
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The Mackie Family
From 1917 to the early 1920’s the Mackie family would call this limestone house their home. During this time, one of the front rooms was turned in a rest area for mothers and small children. This was done by the local Council of Women. It also served as a shelter for people waiting to take the streetcar on Simcoe Street. Harold Alexander “Alex” Mackie was born on October 18, 1883. He would marry Annie Beatrice Hunking on January 15, 1913. They would have two sons, both surviving well into adulthood. Annie Beatrice Hunking was born on February 4, 1885 and died on February 3, 1962. Alex Mackie would pass away on January 2, 1944 with a cause of death listed as coronary thrombosis.
In the 1930s, Ned and Lina Smith would move into the home. Ned was a motorman on the Oshawa Railway at the time. He also helped plant many of the trees at the park and helped care the Buffalo when they were brought it. Nathan/Naison “Ned” Smith was born on February 3, 1889. He married is first wife, Minnie Jane Clark on October 31, 1904. They had one daughter, who may have survived into adulthood. Minnie Jane Clark was born on January 23, 1888 and died on September 1, 1907. Her cause of death is listed as acute rheumatic endocarditis. Ned would remarry on February 11, 1911 to Emmeline “Lina” Taunton Essery. They would have no children together. Lina Taunton Essery was born on January 16, 1883 and passed away on March 19, 1946. Her cause of death is listed as cerebral hemorrhage.
In the 1930s, Ned and Lina Smith would move into the home. Ned was a motorman on the Oshawa Railway at the time. He also helped plant many of the trees at the park and helped care the Buffalo when they were brought it. Nathan/Naison “Ned” Smith was born on February 3, 1889. He married is first wife, Minnie Jane Clark on October 31, 1904. They had one daughter, who may have survived into adulthood. Minnie Jane Clark was born on January 23, 1888 and died on September 1, 1907. Her cause of death is listed as acute rheumatic endocarditis. Ned would remarry on February 11, 1911 to Emmeline “Lina” Taunton Essery. They would have no children together. Lina Taunton Essery was born on January 16, 1883 and passed away on March 19, 1946. Her cause of death is listed as cerebral hemorrhage.
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The last resident of the Henry House was Harry Smith. Harry Smith was born on May 5, 1890. He was an employee of the Parks Board of Management and took care of the surrounding area. He married Kathleen Elsie (Catherine) Tye on January 2, 1915. They had one son, who passed away in infancy. Now, its unclear if Kathleen Elsie was alive or not at the time that they were living in the house. The city directory lists a woman named Elsie as Harry’s wife, living with him in the house. However, there are records that indicate Elise died in 1917, while visiting family in England. Her infant son also died in England in 1917. Both deaths caused by the flu pandemic. Did Harry marry another woman named Elsie? Harry Albert Smith died of February 20, 1980.
During their tenancy at the house, on November 29, 1958, a fire broke out. This caused significant damage and as a result, the Smiths moved out. Seeing this as an opportunity the Oshawa Historical Society got ownership and swiftly went to work restoring the house. On May 21, 1960 it was opened to the public as a museum. Between 1988 and 1989 the home would once again go through extensive restoration. This was to make sure the building was safe and could further stand the elements and time. |
Harry Albert Smith
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For more information on the museum, the houses, their exhibits and/or the lakefront itself, check out their website at oshawamuseum.org
Rachel's Experience
Initial Thoughts
Growing up in the area, I have always known about this museum. I have seen the museums change names at least three times and have visited plenty of times over the years as I was a part of a Brownie and Girl Guide group. Also, growing up in Oshawa and the area, we would always visit the park and enjoy the old wooden playground that once stood where the new rocket ship play centre sits now. For me, the museums haven’t changed that much, but what has changed is significant. As a member of Brownies and Girl Guides, we would always say that the Henry house was haunted. Even though it was just a “story” to us at the time, it definitely makes me think back to that time and try to figure out why we always thought it was haunted.
The Paranormal Seekers did investigate the Museum back in 2009. During the years, we have added to our equipment, how we investigate and how we research. Being the lead researcher, I dived deep into the history of each house, but I also researched the entire waterfront and harbour. This led me down some interesting paths and gave me a whole new perspective on the entire lakefront.
Guy House – I have seen this house go from blue to its current yellow colour, and suffer a devasting fire. It has always been an interesting house to me, and one that has a bit of a history that couldn’t be figured out. When you are young and learning about history, I always though that only the Guy family lived in this house. But during my most recent research, to find out that a few families had lived there and that it was once a triplex (three apartments) really baffled me, but made me want to research more about the house and its former inhabitants.
Robinson House – This house always stands out as spooky, but I have never felt that way about it. The last time I had visited the house, the front floor had a school house exhibit and a general store exhibit on the main level. It was quite weird to see that both of these exhibits have been changed to their newest one – Untold Oshawa. Their second floor Carrying Place Exhibit was still the same as it has been all these years, but had no expanded into the other two rooms. For me, the house was still calm and ominous, but had this quiet reflective feel about it.
Henry House – This house has always been described as haunted. While the inside still looks the same as I remember it all those years ago, a few things have changed. I did notice that the hair wreaths had moved to the parlour room, and were no longer in the dining room. Leave it to me to notice something that small. This house was filled in an inquisitive energy, but it also had a very comfortable feel to it. It was a very familiar feeling, but that could be due to me being there a few times before. Out of all three buildings, this was the building I felt would provide us with the most activity.
Investigation Thoughts
Robinson House – during the investigation of the Robinson House, it seemed to be very quiet. The REM box that was on the stairs leading to the second floor did activate a few times. We attempted to debunk it, but no matter what we did we could not replicate it going off. These was a definite energy in the building, but it seemed to want to observe us more than communicate. With the house being so calm, we didn’t spend a lot of time investigating. There were a few artifacts that had a stronger energy to them, which indicated to me that the energy attached to them wanted them more out in the open than in storage. All in all, the house seemed to exude contentment.
Guy House – This house gave me a lot more than I had expected. There was a definite presence in the house which felt to be male. On the second floor, there was quite a bit of activity in the room at the top of the stairs on the right-hand side. The K2 meter, that was sitting no where near anything electronic, was activating consistently. The Music Box was also doing the same thing. Seeing that this was being used as a form of communication, I took it upon myself to ask whomever was with us, questions. In return the music box would respond if the answer was “yes”. We also had the ghost box on and got some interesting response. At on point the ghost box said “In Crimp”, or something along those lines, but I definitely heard the word crimp. Wondering if it was a ship or harbour term, I quickly googled it. To my astonishment, I found out that a Crimper, or Crimp for short, in shipping terms, was a person who would get local men so intoxicated and take them to ships at the harbour, toss them on board and head out to sea. These men were pretty much kidnapped and/or tricked into become sailors. This term is also referred to as “Shanghaiing”. Since Oshawa as a harbour, this could have been happening. The question will be, was this someone who was employed as a crimper, was a one from ship that was docked, or perhaps someone who had been forced to be a sailor against their will? It is definitely something I would love to look more into and see if we can find a connection.
During this ghost box session, we also communicated with the namesake if the house, James. O. Guy. He was quick to let us know he was around, but he was quiet otherwise. He seems to be content as well about the museum being in his space.
Henry House – The second we set up equipment in this house, it began to activate. The EMF Trip wire was activating like someone was walking from the front room down the hallway and vice versa. The K2 Meter was activating while it was sitting on a couch that was once owned by one of the Henry daughters. At one point, the REM pod, that was sitting on the couch beside our host, activated as if someone had sat down beside her. The SLS camera also mapped a figure by the doorway to the dining room, and when we were doing the live video, it also mapped a figure behind Alison. This figure reached out numerous times and touched her head. Eventually it was joined by a second figure. This was quite interesting as both of these figures appeared to be smaller, but they were also floating quite a bit above the ground. Alison did an Estes Method session in the Parlour room, which yielded some pretty interesting communication. I did and Estes Method session on the second floor. However, I am unsure what the questions were and what my responses were. I was told that there were also some interesting responses to the questions being asked, as well as some laughs. Although my responses sometimes were all over the place and hard to keep up with. We did our last communication session in the Kitchen and back bedroom area. There were a few interesting responses on the Spirit Talker and the EMF Trip Wire in the hallway and front room continued to activate as if someone was moving from that room and down the hall way.
The Henry House provided us with the most activity during our investigation.
After Thoughts
Upon conclusion of the investigation, I can say with certain that this time around yielded different experiences than our first investigation. The Robinson House is the most quiet out of the three, considering it was the most “feared” by the local children when it was abandoned back in the day. The Guy House has James O. Guy still checking in and keep watch. It may also a few individuals from the harbour. I would love to dive deeper into this and perhaps find out if Oshawa had anyone who was known as a “Crimp”. The Henry house is the most active out of the three museum buildings. This building has stories to share. Being built out of Limestone, it is no wonder that this house has held on to all of these energies through out the years. The hauntings are not negative in any way, and all seem to be content with how things are going.
Is the Oshawa Museum haunted? YES.
The Oshawa Museum has done an amazing job throughout the years, showcasing the history of Oshawa, including the lakefront and local Indigenous history. We highly suggest visiting the museums and taking in all the information you can. We can’t wait to further our research and investigating the location again (hopefully)!
Growing up in the area, I have always known about this museum. I have seen the museums change names at least three times and have visited plenty of times over the years as I was a part of a Brownie and Girl Guide group. Also, growing up in Oshawa and the area, we would always visit the park and enjoy the old wooden playground that once stood where the new rocket ship play centre sits now. For me, the museums haven’t changed that much, but what has changed is significant. As a member of Brownies and Girl Guides, we would always say that the Henry house was haunted. Even though it was just a “story” to us at the time, it definitely makes me think back to that time and try to figure out why we always thought it was haunted.
The Paranormal Seekers did investigate the Museum back in 2009. During the years, we have added to our equipment, how we investigate and how we research. Being the lead researcher, I dived deep into the history of each house, but I also researched the entire waterfront and harbour. This led me down some interesting paths and gave me a whole new perspective on the entire lakefront.
Guy House – I have seen this house go from blue to its current yellow colour, and suffer a devasting fire. It has always been an interesting house to me, and one that has a bit of a history that couldn’t be figured out. When you are young and learning about history, I always though that only the Guy family lived in this house. But during my most recent research, to find out that a few families had lived there and that it was once a triplex (three apartments) really baffled me, but made me want to research more about the house and its former inhabitants.
Robinson House – This house always stands out as spooky, but I have never felt that way about it. The last time I had visited the house, the front floor had a school house exhibit and a general store exhibit on the main level. It was quite weird to see that both of these exhibits have been changed to their newest one – Untold Oshawa. Their second floor Carrying Place Exhibit was still the same as it has been all these years, but had no expanded into the other two rooms. For me, the house was still calm and ominous, but had this quiet reflective feel about it.
Henry House – This house has always been described as haunted. While the inside still looks the same as I remember it all those years ago, a few things have changed. I did notice that the hair wreaths had moved to the parlour room, and were no longer in the dining room. Leave it to me to notice something that small. This house was filled in an inquisitive energy, but it also had a very comfortable feel to it. It was a very familiar feeling, but that could be due to me being there a few times before. Out of all three buildings, this was the building I felt would provide us with the most activity.
Investigation Thoughts
Robinson House – during the investigation of the Robinson House, it seemed to be very quiet. The REM box that was on the stairs leading to the second floor did activate a few times. We attempted to debunk it, but no matter what we did we could not replicate it going off. These was a definite energy in the building, but it seemed to want to observe us more than communicate. With the house being so calm, we didn’t spend a lot of time investigating. There were a few artifacts that had a stronger energy to them, which indicated to me that the energy attached to them wanted them more out in the open than in storage. All in all, the house seemed to exude contentment.
Guy House – This house gave me a lot more than I had expected. There was a definite presence in the house which felt to be male. On the second floor, there was quite a bit of activity in the room at the top of the stairs on the right-hand side. The K2 meter, that was sitting no where near anything electronic, was activating consistently. The Music Box was also doing the same thing. Seeing that this was being used as a form of communication, I took it upon myself to ask whomever was with us, questions. In return the music box would respond if the answer was “yes”. We also had the ghost box on and got some interesting response. At on point the ghost box said “In Crimp”, or something along those lines, but I definitely heard the word crimp. Wondering if it was a ship or harbour term, I quickly googled it. To my astonishment, I found out that a Crimper, or Crimp for short, in shipping terms, was a person who would get local men so intoxicated and take them to ships at the harbour, toss them on board and head out to sea. These men were pretty much kidnapped and/or tricked into become sailors. This term is also referred to as “Shanghaiing”. Since Oshawa as a harbour, this could have been happening. The question will be, was this someone who was employed as a crimper, was a one from ship that was docked, or perhaps someone who had been forced to be a sailor against their will? It is definitely something I would love to look more into and see if we can find a connection.
During this ghost box session, we also communicated with the namesake if the house, James. O. Guy. He was quick to let us know he was around, but he was quiet otherwise. He seems to be content as well about the museum being in his space.
Henry House – The second we set up equipment in this house, it began to activate. The EMF Trip wire was activating like someone was walking from the front room down the hallway and vice versa. The K2 Meter was activating while it was sitting on a couch that was once owned by one of the Henry daughters. At one point, the REM pod, that was sitting on the couch beside our host, activated as if someone had sat down beside her. The SLS camera also mapped a figure by the doorway to the dining room, and when we were doing the live video, it also mapped a figure behind Alison. This figure reached out numerous times and touched her head. Eventually it was joined by a second figure. This was quite interesting as both of these figures appeared to be smaller, but they were also floating quite a bit above the ground. Alison did an Estes Method session in the Parlour room, which yielded some pretty interesting communication. I did and Estes Method session on the second floor. However, I am unsure what the questions were and what my responses were. I was told that there were also some interesting responses to the questions being asked, as well as some laughs. Although my responses sometimes were all over the place and hard to keep up with. We did our last communication session in the Kitchen and back bedroom area. There were a few interesting responses on the Spirit Talker and the EMF Trip Wire in the hallway and front room continued to activate as if someone was moving from that room and down the hall way.
The Henry House provided us with the most activity during our investigation.
After Thoughts
Upon conclusion of the investigation, I can say with certain that this time around yielded different experiences than our first investigation. The Robinson House is the most quiet out of the three, considering it was the most “feared” by the local children when it was abandoned back in the day. The Guy House has James O. Guy still checking in and keep watch. It may also a few individuals from the harbour. I would love to dive deeper into this and perhaps find out if Oshawa had anyone who was known as a “Crimp”. The Henry house is the most active out of the three museum buildings. This building has stories to share. Being built out of Limestone, it is no wonder that this house has held on to all of these energies through out the years. The hauntings are not negative in any way, and all seem to be content with how things are going.
Is the Oshawa Museum haunted? YES.
The Oshawa Museum has done an amazing job throughout the years, showcasing the history of Oshawa, including the lakefront and local Indigenous history. We highly suggest visiting the museums and taking in all the information you can. We can’t wait to further our research and investigating the location again (hopefully)!
Paula's Experience
Robinson House: While investigating the Robinson House at the Oshawa Museum’s Multi-Cultural History Centre, a number of devices registered unusual activity. One instrument displayed the name “Greta,” prompting the team to photograph information about a historical Greta linked to the site. During the same session, participants Cathy and Alison sensed a presence they described as a “Victorian woman,” connected with a travelling trunk believed to belong to her. They felt she expressed sadness that the trunk is not presently exhibited, suggesting a personal attachment to the artifact and a possible link between the object and the building’s layered history.
The Guy House:
During a recent investigation at Guy House (part of the Oshawa Museum) the upstairs rooms showed noticeably different activity from the rest of the building. EMF readings fluctuated in those areas during the session. When a direct question was asked, the music box unexpectedly began to play, which the team recorded as an affirmative response. At one point the word “crimped” (understood here as linked to “crimping” or “shanghaiing,” i.e., forced recruitment of sailors) was perceived on an instrument or by members of the team. That detail is striking because a harbour master lived in the house in the 19th century — a role that naturally connects to maritime practices and the history of ports. While there is no documentary evidence linking the house to crimping, the convergence of maritime association and the invoked term makes for a compelling line of inquiry for future historical and investigative follow-up.
The Henry House:
During the investigation at Henry House (Oshawa Museum), the team experienced the highest level of activity recorded that evening. Floor lights placed at the entrance and in the room arranged as an office repeatedly flashed. The SLS camera captured two distinct images which was exciting. A bell located on the office desk rang unexpectedly, and the K2 meter displayed multiple bursts of electromagnetic activity. All phenomena were concentrated in the front portion of the home, indicating that this section may hold particular historical or environmental significance deserving of further study.
The Guy House:
During a recent investigation at Guy House (part of the Oshawa Museum) the upstairs rooms showed noticeably different activity from the rest of the building. EMF readings fluctuated in those areas during the session. When a direct question was asked, the music box unexpectedly began to play, which the team recorded as an affirmative response. At one point the word “crimped” (understood here as linked to “crimping” or “shanghaiing,” i.e., forced recruitment of sailors) was perceived on an instrument or by members of the team. That detail is striking because a harbour master lived in the house in the 19th century — a role that naturally connects to maritime practices and the history of ports. While there is no documentary evidence linking the house to crimping, the convergence of maritime association and the invoked term makes for a compelling line of inquiry for future historical and investigative follow-up.
The Henry House:
During the investigation at Henry House (Oshawa Museum), the team experienced the highest level of activity recorded that evening. Floor lights placed at the entrance and in the room arranged as an office repeatedly flashed. The SLS camera captured two distinct images which was exciting. A bell located on the office desk rang unexpectedly, and the K2 meter displayed multiple bursts of electromagnetic activity. All phenomena were concentrated in the front portion of the home, indicating that this section may hold particular historical or environmental significance deserving of further study.
Cathy's Experience
Robinson house: Walked in and was drawn mainly to the top of the stairs on the indigenous floor. As we are not able to use our equipment I sat there and asked questions. We had the REM pod on the 3rd stair I believe and it would respond to my questions.
I then went upstairs to the third floor with Alison and we were drawn to some of the stores pieces of furniture in there. But mostly Alison kept saying there is a woman who is sad. It had to do with her travel luggage. Said it was leather. I started to look for it and finally found it. It was a beautiful leather round travel bag tucked away between other stored pieces. Once I found it the woman was happy but said she wanted it on display. That was so exciting to help spirit out. On the second floor in the indigenous room with I felt the presence of a warrior chief but not the original older chief. A much younger one that received that title from an elder. I kept feeling. Didn’t want it not ready. It was acquired by something really bad happening.
The Guy house: Mainly energy I felt was in the basement. I kept thinking of water; Ships and water. Stories untold of Lake Ontario. After speaking to one of the museum staff she informed me that there was an anchor on the shelf that was recovered
The Henry house: It had a good energy for the most part. The bell had gone off a few times as we asked questions in the parlour / sitting room. A few times in the kitchen. Always felt though like you were being watched like what are you doing in my house.
The most memorable one for me was when Alison was doing the Estes. She said my name - "Hi Cathy". A couple of times then kept asking me to sit with her - "Come sit with me". It was repeated 3 times. I said I would move closer. It was a feeling of comfort. That night my aunt passed away. Our team member Paula said that was probably my aunt coming through asking me to sit with her.
I then went upstairs to the third floor with Alison and we were drawn to some of the stores pieces of furniture in there. But mostly Alison kept saying there is a woman who is sad. It had to do with her travel luggage. Said it was leather. I started to look for it and finally found it. It was a beautiful leather round travel bag tucked away between other stored pieces. Once I found it the woman was happy but said she wanted it on display. That was so exciting to help spirit out. On the second floor in the indigenous room with I felt the presence of a warrior chief but not the original older chief. A much younger one that received that title from an elder. I kept feeling. Didn’t want it not ready. It was acquired by something really bad happening.
The Guy house: Mainly energy I felt was in the basement. I kept thinking of water; Ships and water. Stories untold of Lake Ontario. After speaking to one of the museum staff she informed me that there was an anchor on the shelf that was recovered
The Henry house: It had a good energy for the most part. The bell had gone off a few times as we asked questions in the parlour / sitting room. A few times in the kitchen. Always felt though like you were being watched like what are you doing in my house.
The most memorable one for me was when Alison was doing the Estes. She said my name - "Hi Cathy". A couple of times then kept asking me to sit with her - "Come sit with me". It was repeated 3 times. I said I would move closer. It was a feeling of comfort. That night my aunt passed away. Our team member Paula said that was probably my aunt coming through asking me to sit with her.
Chantel's Experience
I have recently done an investigation at the Oshawa Museum. I don't really know the area that well so I didn't know much about the history of the property. But that being said it didn't disappoint with the activity we got. The Henry House was the place that had the most energy for me. The other places on site did have some activity as well but The Henry House gave us a lot more responses and feelings. I would love to go back and really focus more on the Henry House
Spirit Talker Words
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ROBINSON HOUSE
NO LEAVE US SHOP PLEASE MOVE FORWARD I SHOULDN’T BE DEAD GRETA INADEQUATE JOYFULLNESS YOU’RE MISINTERPRETING ME RUINATION SHIP WE LIKE THE DARK OVER HERE AMELIA NICE SHOES SURGERY MICHAEL I’M ENJOYING THE COMPANY CARL YOU CAME BACK HAVE MEMORIES YOU MUST HELP CURTAINS BURNED COOL HEAR MY VOICE YOU ARE CURIOUS DOCTOR UNDERSTAND ANN MUM USE SOMETHING ELSE THREATENING AMANDA PLEASE WAIT AND LISTEN THREAT SCOTT YES WE’RE HERE JOHN YOU MATTER BUTTERFLIES HIS YOU’RE ALREADY CURSED A MAN HERE GROUP THE CHILDREN ARE PLAYING NO GO AWAY AGONY HUMAN DAMAGE BODIES BELOW ORB TAP MR THOMPSON HUGHES SORRY IF I SCARED YOU YOU ARE RESOURCEFUL WE HAVE EYES ON YOU |
GUY HOUSE
YOU ARE COURAGEOUS THEY SHOT ME IT’S NICE TO TALK AGAIN YOU’RE VERY RESPECTFUL INJECTED SHOULD BE SCARED STELLA MABEL MY HEAD SHIT I FEEL HOPELESS I’LL AFFECT YOU GAMBLE DANGEROUS THE WOODS HALL YOUR VIBE IS DUST GENTLENESS GIRL I DON’T MEAN HARM GUILT IT’S ABOUT TO BEGIN BELITTLE DARK ENTITY HERE DESCRIBE FAMILY |
HENRY HOUSE
YOU’RE STILL HERE OUR SETTLEMENT IVY WINDOW BABY THE CHILDREN PLAY NO GET OUT PAUL BLACK EYES DO YOU THINK I’M REAL? BATTERY I DON’T MEAN TO SCARE YOU DISASTER INTROVERT PREDICT WALK FORWARD GREEN HAIR THE DISEASE TOOK ME ACCEPTANCE BLAME FLASH PAIN MANY DEATHS DON’T SLEEP HERE DREAD I KNOW YOU ROMAN |