|
Frank Beban, one of British Columbia’s leading timber barons, built his mansion on 160 acres of farmland three miles north of Nanaimo. In 1953 the estate was sold to the city of Nanaimo for use as a park, and eventually became the Nanaimo Tourism headquarters in 1997.
At one time the main floor served as a day care centre.The operator of the day care often heard stories from preschoolers about an oddly dressed child playing with a red rubber ball. Many of the children spoke of their invisible playmate. The invisible friend was drawn by many of the children at the day care, and the patron was apparently shocked by the similarity of the pictures.
At first the ghost was thought to be a little girl. Later it is thought the strange child was one of the Beban’s Chinese servants — a young boy who died in the house.
Several staff members have reported bizarre encounters.
The boiler room and old servants’ quarters leave many feeling uncomfortable. Strange messages left on the answering machine, water taps turning on and off and doors mysteriously opening and closing are just a few of these unexplained occurrences. Although the staff seems undeterred in working in the building, with very few exceptions, no one will remain there alone in the evening.
Another Vancouver Island-based story involves a Tofino restaurant that has a troublesome ghost. A man named Morris was apparently once a chef at the establishment. Morris reportedly made the chowder at the Schooner Restaurant decades ago, and whenever anything strange occurs, staff is convinced Morris’ presence still lingers there.
Nanaimo and Tofino are not the only Vancouver Island cities that claim to have had experience within the realm of the paranormal.
The Qualicum Heritage Inn is also believed to have been visited by strange presences.
The Qualicum Inn (now closed) was built in 1935 as a boy’s private boarding school. It was sold in 1970 and turned into an inn. While the inn remained in business many of the staff and guests have reported bizarre events and sightings. A worker at the front desk complained of busy signals on the telephone and strange unexplainable printer performance.
One of the inn’s managers once felt the eyes of a painting following him around his office.
A woman staying at the inn with her husband told of a strange dream she had. She dreamt that she was sleepwalking, but as it turns out described rooms and hallways she could only have known in such detail if she had actually seen them.
Another guest, traveling with her grown son, heard strange noises in her room on the third floor. Her son, staying on the fourth floor described the same experiences in his room.
These are but a few eerie stories shared from our local Vancouver Islanders. We invite you to submit more spooky stories if you have any at our COMMUNITY FORUM @ www.islandtimesmagazine.ca
The stories used in this article are based upon the research of the Vancouver Island Paranormal Society. For more information, visit www.vanisleparanormal.c
Written by Deedre Statz
|
Some Island Halloween Events
Dracula Spectacula!
- This hilarious musical comedy spoof has been a smash hit in Europe
- and Australia for over 30 years. This Musical is suitable for all ages.
- Oct 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct 18 at 2 p.m.
- Oct 21-24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay
The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Audiences experience the magnificent interiors and grounds of
- Victoria’s Craigdarroch Castle as setting for the tale of the
- brilliant but misguided Dr. Jekyll who unleashes the bestial
- Mr. Hyde through a mysterious potion. This show is not suitable
- for younger children.
- Craigdarroch Castle at 250.592.5323 ext 31
Ghost Tours at the Old Courthouse
- October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, and 30 Ghost Tours start at 8 p.m.
- October 31, tour starts at 3 p.m. and is a special tour for children
- and families. Come dressed for Halloween.
- The Ghosts of Victoria Festival 2009
- Oct 18- 31
- For details about festival events, visit:
- www.discoverthepast.com/festival.htm
Nanaimo’s Halloween Howl
- Oct 25 Noon to 2 p.m.
- Join us for a Howling good time. Bring the entire family for an
- afternoon of games, contests and lots of treats. This dog featured
- event will include prizes for the best home-made costume and more.
- Entrance is by donations with proceeds going to the Nanaimo SPCA.
- Tiny Tails Playcare, 3057-B Barons Road, Nanaimo
Monster Mash
- Halloween-themed swim, Oct 30 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Strathcona Gardens, Campbell River
- 250-287-9234
Pumpkin Art Tour at Victoria Truth Centre
- Oct 30 to Nov 1, 5-9 p.m.
- Hundreds of pumpkin carvings set up in themes.
- info@pumpkinart.ca
- 250-384-6112
Halloween Concert
- University of Victoria Orchestra, October 30 8 p.m.
- János Sándor, conductor
- University Centre Farquhar Auditorium
- University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria
- 250-721-8480
Fifth Annual Halloween Howl
- Oct 31 3 to 5 p.m.
- A free, family-oriented with activity stations, entertainment stages
- and a bouncy castle will be set-up throughout the shopping centre.
- Merchants participate by giving out candy to the kids.
- Contact the Burnside Gorge Community Centre at 250-388-5251.
- Mayfair Shopping Centre 221-3147 Douglas Street, Victoria
Voices from the Past Ghostly Walking Tours
- Oct 18,19,25,26, 6 and 8 p.m.
- Join St. Ann’s Academy staff for a 90-minute guided tour through the
- restored 1858 chapel and the historic grounds of St. Ann’s Academy.
- Call (250) 953-8829 or stanns.academy@gov.bc.ca
- 835 Humboldt Street, Victoria
|
