The Archives: NAGS Century Manor #2

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers (NAGS) returned to Century Manor in Hamilton, Ontario for a follow-up investigation. This time, additional guests were brought in to investigate:

Notes from Dr. Gord:

Having arrived at Century Manor in Hamilton, Ontario at 9:35pm, the NAGS team was eager to start this investigation. The team was joined by Pauline, the psychic from the Shadows of Niagara novel, Beth and the Creepy Bastard team consisting of Elvis, Tommy and Don. We split in to two teams and proceeded on in. On my team were Kevin, David, Beth and Tommy. The other John, Steve, Pauline, Elvis and Don. We headed for the 3^rd floor to work our way down while the others worked their way up.

The 3^rd floor really gave me no feeling at all. One room I got the feeling of dread but I chalked this up to the fact that the room, while modest in size contained absolutely no windows. It was here that I set up a placement of a penny to see if it would move, upon examining it later, it had not. The rest of rooms minus the lovely lavatory full of love in the toilet provided nothing. From there we headed for the first.

As I approached the 1^st floor I was attracted to the 2^nd floor. I told David to come with me. It was here that we found three rooms with activity. The first that we found was RM 241. Here David got the name “Albert” and a sensation in the throat. We placed a penny in this room, and found later it had not moved. Next one was RM 237. While David and I were asking the spirits for a sign, here we both felt distinct cold spots in the room. Also everytime I asked for a sign we would get a sound at the radiator. The last room I found with something was RM 220. It was here that I had a mental vision of a elderly woman with short white hair, eyes were either blue/black but she was sitting up in her bed, under a blue blanket, yelling at either me or someone else. It was then that I picked up the name “Miriam”

Due to time restraints, we headed to the first floor. It was here that I received another vision. I didn’t see the room number but it down towards the fire hose. If you are standing in front of it, the room was to the left. I went in and it was here that I had the vision in my head of a young male in his twenties, pacing his room anxiously, wearing a red housecoat. Steve later reported to me that his team had also received a sign of a pacing male in the same room. Other than that was a quiet night.

Notes from GhostBoy:

Equipment Pauline and I Brought:
Trifield EMF Detector
Dr. Gause, Gause Metre
2nd EMF Detector
Chinese Compass
Blessed Salt
White Sage
Navajo Shaman Stone
Eagle Feather
Red Cloud’s Arrow

Revisiting Century Manor was an exciting opportunity for me. I knew this time I would have to be better prepared and so I prepared to protect myself as much as possible. This time I even had with me my Native American items to cleanse and protect me throughout the investigation.

Pauline Raby, the medium I had worked with previously on Shadows of Niagara, was invited to participate in the investigation. Ironically, she had given me a batch of protection items including a Shaman’s stone from the Navajo Tribe of Arizona.

Pauline had no prior knowledge of our previous investigation. In fact, she had no idea where or what she was going to besides it was a structure in Hamilton, Ontario.

Upon arriving at Century Manor, Pauline began walking around and feeling the building out. She had indicated that the building held a lot of energy and we would have a good investigation tonight.

The teams split up, and our team consisted of myself, Pauline, Creepy Bastard, BinaryGuy and Naz. Our team decided to investigate the first floor and we proceeded to the North Wing.

The First Floor

Pauline entered the “Viewing Room” where a two-way mirror split two rooms in one. Here she felt as if chloroform or anesthic was used on a person against their will. She indicated that there is a ghost in this room, but it is very “mild.”

The Gause Metre did not pick up anything unusual in this room, however, the group did feel mild cold spots and a tingling feeling in different areas of this room. The recorder also picked up the name “Paul” in this room.

I exited this room ahead of the team because I could hear audible footsteps in the hallway. When I went to check, no one was there.

The team proceeded to the last room on the left on this wing and I was tagging along in the rear. Immediately my stomach started turning over and I belched. Pauline said that the room was very, very heavy and there was a death associated with it related to digestion and even starvation. She indicated that we may feel frontal pressure on the head while in this space. A few in our group did.

Pauline found where the ghost of this room was hiding. At this time my right hand was twitching and I asked Pauline if she could tell if this person had a nervous twitch to them. Pauline indicated it was more like convulsions than a twitch. BinaryGuy then confirmed he, too, was experiencing a weird feeling on this right hand.

As we investigated this room I saw a flash of light go around Pauline. At this time Pauline said it went behind her and Naz indicated his arm was brushed by something. Everyone noted that the room got suddenly cooler. Pauline indicated that this was a male entity.

As we went through the other rooms Pauline felt the psychometric energies and indicated a lot of it wasn’t related to ghosts at all. We proceeded to the alcove and Pauline said she is getting more male energies. Naz indicated he smelled wood and I confirmed I could smell it also. Pauline also indicated she could smell wood.

In the hall again, I went up to Naz and stared at his face. Something was indicating for me to “Hit Him,” and to “Knock him down.” I did not like these feelings and turned and walked away from the group, down the hall and for a drink. Naz later indicated he knew something was up and began a prayer to his Norse Gods.

We proceeded to another room and Pauline immediately felt something was in it. She proceeded to help the team feel the entities in this space. There was a feeling of coolness in certain locations. When Pauline announced us in this room she said that it was freaking some of the ghosts out. I heard an audible scream after she spoke coming from the hallway. BinaryGuy, Creepy Bastard and I were in a circle and something went right inside. I took a step back and BinaryGuy indicated he could feel it.

A moment later BinaryGuy hushed us and we all heard a moaning sound coming from the hallway. We then exited the room and went to the South Wing of the first floor. Pauline and I entered the first small room (Rm 134) on the left hand side and an EVP of a spirit talking and moaning was recorded here.

Pauline said the person must have went crazy in this room and most likely would have paced the room and touched the walls all the time. Upon exiting Pauline wanted to go directly to Room 126 – the room Creepy Bastard did not want to enter the last time he was in Century Manor. This was the same area I felt something in Room 125 and David in Room 124 on our previous investigation. Something was going on in this corner of the building.

A clear voice indicated on the recorder “Get me water” as we entered room 126. Pauline indicated it was a very suffocating room – the person was asthmatic and had a dry throat. They would cough and spit up.

Another EVP was captured overtop of Pauline’s voice. It says, “I want you,” or perhaps “I warned you.”

BinaryGuy noted that the one wall was cold while another was hot. I felt cobwebs all over my body. Pauline said when she was in the previous room, she heard the ghost say that they were moved to 126. I smelled cedar and others in the group confirmed this wood smell again.

Pauline also wanted to investigate Room 125 and she indicated the room felt clear. Naz indicated the room did not feel bad to him.

We proceeded up the front steps to the 3rd Floor

The Third Floor

The heaviness felt on our previous investigation was felt again by Naz and myself going up the steps. At the top of the steps a sharp pain, almost a stabbing feeling went into both my thighs. I dropped to a squatted position and then composed myself and carried on with the group.

We proceeded into the “Exercise Room” and Pauline felt that it was active on the Third Floor. We proceeded following Pauline’s lead to Room 304 where David felt a lot of energy on our last visit. Here Pauline felt a lot of sadness and abuse attributed to the ghost in this room. She indicated it was disciplined by its parents – perhaps a little too much. We all felt cold spots and a weird energy in this room. I felt that the person(s) in this room were pushed around and even pushed up against the walls. Pauline indicated the ghost was scared to death (no pun intended). And again, she felt it was a male spirit.

Pauline had us perform a sacred circle and invited the spirit to present itself. At this time I was way off balance and felt like falling backwards all the time. Several others felt as if they were being pulled backwards as well. Some felt something brushing the back of their hair.

Pauline felt nothing ghostly in the “Holding Room” however, the name “Kathryn” was presented in this room on the recorder. The voice is identical to my own, however, I never said this name during this investigation. The name Kathryn seems to come up whenever I am with Naz.

Pauline indicated to us that she was told we need to go to another room on this floor and we proceeded to go to the front room. Here we would encounter what the team considered to be a very nasty spirit.

As Elvis entered the room and proceeded to the back Pauline indicated to him that the spirit was right there. Elvis could feel it and Pauline indicated that the word “Slaughter” came to her. She continued to say that this person committed slaughter. Both Naz and I indicated that the ghost was angry and was trying to swear at us. I got “f**k you, you sons of bitches.” And Naz got “f**k you! f**k You! f**k You!”

All in our group were affected by this spirit and we all felt it was big and what some would consider evil. It felt as if the spirit was running around the room and trying to get us out. Pauline indicated we would not be able to communicate with this spirit intelligibly.

I felt as if this ghost strangled someone and was also involved in stabbing his family to death. We left this space and continued down the back steps to the Second Floor.

The Second Floor

Pauline indicated that there was a lot of confusion on this floor. As I walked past everyone I went to the area where I got the name Richard Buckle (Richard Bucke was the actual name of the 1st Superintendent Dr.) As I walked past I called his name and Binary Guy indicated a rush of cold wind went past him just as I did.

Pauline investigated a few rooms but felt only what was left behind, but no ghosts entities. In the hallway Pauline closed a door and the recorder picked up “I see him,” as I walked further down the South Wing.

Pauline felt rapes and sexual abuse occurred in one room of the second floor (the area where the Dr.’s would have been.) Naz indicated he felt that someone’s throat was held and perhaps strangled. Pauline continued to say the person was a person of responsibility.

Pauline entered Room 241 and said she could feel something in there but it was somehow attached to the room next door (Room 238).

In Room 238 Pauline matched my previous statement that the person in this room died there and committed suicide. The light flickered eerily in this room and Pauline continued to say this person was also involved in slashing themselves. Cold spots and weird feelings encompassed our entire group. One time I swore I saw piece of paper fall to the ground, but no one dropped any. Pauline indicated she noticed something also.

An EVP recorded here says, “I can’t get out.”

It was difficult concentrating on this investigation as Pauline was picking up on so many ghosts and feelings in Century Manor and I was trying to catch up to her. It also indicated to us that as a group and individually we can confirm our feelings in the rooms and spaces of this haunted building. Several times Pauline went to the rooms we felt activity in on our previous encounter with Century Manor.

To me, Century Manor is by far the most haunted building in Hamilton.

Notes from nAz:

Like the last investigation, we spilt up into two teams.

Team 1 – Kevin, Dr. Gord, Makeajazznoise, Beth, Tommy

Team 2 – GhostBoy, CreepyBastard, Pauline, BinaryGuy, nAz.

Upon starting the investigation I had two recorders, One, I placed in the middle of the first floor left hallway near the end. The other I carried with me.

Team 2 started the investigation on the right section of the first floor.

Before I begin, let me say that Pauline’s gift is extraordinary. I am glad I was able to be there to experience it. Pauline’s presence also is a credit to the NAGS Team as she confirmed many of the rooms and areas that NAGS targeted on our first trip into the Manor.

The second trip into Century Manor was much different than the last. The atmosphere was more relaxed yet we were rushed. Because of time restraints GhostBoy brought the team to all of the rooms indicated in our last investigation for confirmation through Pauline and the chance to get a clearer understanding / communication with the spirit’s present.

Areas – Events of Note:

Right Wing – 1^st Floor:

After we checked the viewing room out, I went into the hallway as I realized I had forgotten to pray to my gods for insight and protection. While I was praying, I noticed GhostBoy walk up to me, stare into my face, then walk away. Puzzled by his actions, I asked him later on why he did that. He informed me that he had this overwhelming urge to hit me. Interesting, did a spirit know what I was doing & wanted to interrupt?

Small room with “dutch” doors with adjoining office space. Here we could sense a spirit pacing between rooms. You could literally feel the spirit moving from room to room. Here is where I got the evp “Out, Get Out”.

3^rd Floor:

Heading up to the 3^rd floor, I again felt that strange apprehension. GhostBoy felt it as well, for we both stopped on the stair case near the 3^rd floor at the same time.

Small room at top of stairs. Here is where I got the evp “There’s a girl up here”.

Shortly after entering the “gym” my recorder picked a female scream.

Room 304:

Here the spirit’s were running around the room. Pauline was attempting to find out more about the spirit(s), but they kept moving back and forth. We formed a circle & let the spirit’s know we meant them no harm. While in the circle many felt that they were being pulled backwards & Ghostboy actually stumbled back. During the circle, the “baby” finger of my right hand felt hot! Pauline said it was part of a inner dowsing mechanism. While in circle, it was discovered that the spirit in the room was disciplined heavy in life & was nervous with our presence.

Room 303 (?):

This is the room I did not even see the last time I was here. Oddly enough I didn’t even pick up on spirit activity here.

Room 302 (?):

Whoa. This room had activity from the moment I entered. After I took several steps in I actually started to drool. Everyone’s voice seemed muddled. I actually had difficulty listening to what Pauline & the team were saying. Was this the result of this individual being drugged? When I got near the back of the room I was overwhelmed with the spirit’s rage. I got annoyed with the team & actually at one point wanted to start screaming “Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck!!!” I was too overcome with this emotion to really pick up on anything else.

Room 305 (?):

Small room with bathroom at the top of the back stairs.

While standing in front of the open door, I felt something rush by me and enter the room. Pauline felt it as well. She stated it went into the bathroom & was gone. Pauline asked if the window was broken as the spirit had disappeared. We pushed open the bathroom door & shone a flashlight into the room, sure enough, the window was broken!

I’d like to apologize to you the reader of this report. The 2^nd floor of Century Manor was a blur. We went to every room of note during our last investigation. In every room & even some others we encountered spiritual activity. It was also on this floor that our escort had come to inform us that our time was up. This had rushed our time as well. Quite possibly I can blame the sense of confusion on this floor for my lack of mental & physical note taking as well. J

I’d like to thank CreepyBastard, Tommy & Binary Guy for inviting NAGS to Century Manor for a second visit!

What I would love to do is spend several hours just listening to the activity at this location. Century Manor is worth the time and effort!

The Archives: NAGS Century Manor

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers (NAGS) investigated Century Manor in Hamilton, Ontario. Joining us would be future members of The Shadows Project as well as sensitives M.T. Rivers and Ladyce. Below are the results of the investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

Before I begin my notes on our investigation, I will assure you that I had no prior knowledge of this building besides that it was a former mental institution, located in Hamilton and was supposedly haunted. I limited my exposure to information and the only web site I read was Hamilton Paranormal (www.hamiltonparanormal.com).

When we first pulled up and I exited the vehicle I was overwhelmed by the architecture and presence of this building. It was huge, but like the other historical places had been vandalized and subjected to neglect.

As I walked around peering into the windows and admiring the building I had the impression that the building’s patients were subject to coughing and fever and I wrote down Spanish Influenza as it came to me. Further research would be needed to determine if this was correct. For some reason I was also drawn out to the Mountain Brow area and had the feeling that there was an energy there as well.

Our guide allowed us entrance to the building and we split into two teams. Myself, Kevin, David and Tom (a skeptic and friend of NAGS) used the front steps to reach the 3rd floor while the other team investigated the first floor.

The Third Floor

Upon entering the very last steps to enter the third floor I felt the air get thicker and almost a blockage of passage. As we proceeded into the room labeled “Classroom” I immediately noted that this was going to be a good investigation as I could feel a lot of energy in the building.

As we made our way around, David split off and went to room 304. As I entered I commented to him: “You look spooked.” He was standing near centre of the room and glanced over at me and it appeared as if he had just saw a ghost. He indicated that he felt something in the room. Even though this room was facing West and the sun was just beginning to set, this room was noticeably cooler in certain areas than other rooms which had no presence of sunshine for many hours. I felt that this place would perhaps be a library of sorts but also felt a lot of neglect would have happened in this room.

Next, Kevin and I entered room 305, which was completely dark with no windows. We both indicated it was hard to breath but attributed it to the closed and unused room. But there was definitely more to this room than we first thought.

Tom had been inspecting the various rooms and even managed to look into the attic and noted it looked creepy but he didn’t get anything out of the ordinary.

We proceeded to room 305, closed the door and tried to make communication with whatever spirit was in this room. I distinctly heard a spirit say it was a holding room and I wrote down “Hold. Hold.” In my notes. We asked the spirit to present itself and the only noticeable audible sounds were a crack in the ceiling. When I asked the spirit if this was initiated by them or was it a natural sound caused by the building the sound echoed again from the same location. We continued to investigate room 304 and the cold spots. David indicated he felt that this room was active. Kevin and I agreed and even Tom felt the cold areas.

The Second Floor

The Second Floor of Century Manor is where I believe most of the activity would be taking place. As I entered the one wing I was overwhelmed with a feeling of fear, disgust, apprehension and discomfort. I’ve been to some of North America’s most haunted and terrifying locations but this area was starting to give me the “creeps.”

I immediately saw movement in the hallway near the window and walked slowly down, inspecting each room as I went along. I noted to Kevin that this was “Where they kept the real F$#$-Ups.” In general, I feel compassion for those suffering from mental illnesses – but this wing had something more to it, and I felt anger toward it in some strange way.

It was something more than just mental illness and it was later revealed through historical research after the investigation that Century Manor was used for holding the criminally insane. Indeed, murderers, rapists, serial killers and others considered the scum of society were placed here.

As I walked past a common room I glanced at a chair placed in its centre. The chair moved and I not only viewed this, I heard it – it scraped a good quarter inch across the floor. I stopped, sat down and began snapping photos as quickly as I could. I met up with Kevin and indicated that I had saw a chair move and before I could finish my sentence he said he had also.

We continued to investigate the second floor and in each room we found a little something left over from the past. I felt that in room 238 a suicide had occurred. Hopefully, through further research we can determine if my feelings were accurate.

As we approached the second wing I kept getting the name “Richard.” As I entered what I believed to be the nurses station, I also got the name “Bluckey” but as I entered room 247 I indicated to Kevin I am getting the name “Richard Blucke” or “Buckle” and I wrote these notes down. Kevin indicated he knew the last name and wanted to tell me how it is referenced but I indicated I did not want to know at that time.

As we continued through the building other rooms presented me with death, fear, anguish, evil, and a host of uncomfortable feelings. The second floor processed a lot of negative, strong feelings. It was very, very uncomfortable in some of the rooms.

I made an indication to one of the isolation rooms not for Kevin to enter it and I just past it right by. There was an extreme physical force and emotional block there and it was potentially harmful.

Later, with courage and the biggest guy I could find (Creepy Bastard from our message boards), we entered the room and closed the door. I tried to communicate with the spirit but all I could get was “F#$% you! F$%$ You!” and then, “Are you a doc?” and I answered, “No.” and then I got: “The Dr. isn’t coming!” I felt this room could have been a lock-down chamber and the unfortunate home of a resident ghost who isn’t exactly friendly to say the least.

The Basement

Even though the basement was very old, creepy and had a good atmosphere for ghostly endeavors, I didn’t find it active at all. It was odd, however, that each room in the basement, including the tunnels to other buildings had a single chair residing in them.

The First Floor

I felt rushed on the first floor but continued to investigate as much as I could nonetheless. I didn’t feel that there was a strong energy here, but there was definitely something. Perhaps the people on the first floor weren’t as violent or mentally ill as those above. There were rooms again where death and fear was present. I even locked myself in one isolation room where the only light coming through was through a 4-inch glass window. I had a hard time with the feelings in the room and somehow used my fingers to pull the heavy door open using the window ledge (There was no inside door handle of course).

The first floor also gave me the feelings of children, but this feeling was a bit different. I don’t know if they were children here or just visiting. Later, Tom and I found evidence that a “Day Care” was open in Century Manor at some time. How insane is that?

It is interesting, also to note, I did not pick up on any female energies and our research indicated later that Century Manor was indeed used for males only. I had the impression before our investigation it was most likely used for both.

When we proceeded out of the building it was like a vale was lifted and the feeling of freedom was overpowering. It felt good to leave.

That Night

I returned home to find my wife already tucked into bed. As I snuck in and covered up I was thinking of what tomorrow would bring. I felt a little uneasy and suddenly the sheet lifted and a cold breeze touched our feet. My wife commented that I had uncovered her, however, I did not move. The room was warm but the area where the sheet had lifted was cold. I used the excuse that I was going to get a drink and as I walked around I could see shadows darting about my house. I definitely believe I had brought something back with me.

I began a native cleansing ritual and cleared my home. That night, my youngest son was troubled and kept needing to be put back to bed and assured everything was all right. Both my wife and I had a very hard time sleeping that night. In the morning I awoke with a very stiff neck, physical bruises on my legs, an ear infection and swollen throat. I began the native cleansing ritual one more time. This time, it worked and whatever decided to attach itself to me, went away.

From now on I am suggesting our team cleanse itself after each investigation for protection. This isn’t a game nor a joke.

BTW- The name I picked up on the second floor – Richard Buckle – is in fact the first Dr. Superintendent of Century Manor! Dr. R.M.Bucke very close.

Notes from Kevin:

When we first pulled up to Century manor, I was in awe of its size and incredible architecture.It was unbelievable to think that Century Manor was just one building of what used to stand on the grounds.

We arrived early, I took the opportunity to walk the parameter of the manor and snap some pics while we still had some daylight.

Steve the security guard arrived and gave us some quick ground rules and opened up the front door.

At this point we split into 2 teams. I decided to join John, David and Thomas to the 3rd floor.

I would first like to point out that I am skeptical to the point that if I can prove something scientifically I will, but what I personally experienced, I could not explain.

As I followed John up the stairs to the 3rd floor I felt the air get heavy, at first I dismissed this feeling as humidity. John and I walked into room 305; it was small and dark due to their being no windows. The air was even heavier in here, John agreed when I explained the feeling, I got the feeling of some sort of Punishment, and John made a similar comment. We all entered the room, leaving it dark. John asked if there was something present to make it known, we all heard an odd bang on the ceiling of the room, when asked again if something was there, the noise was made again. This could have been said to be coincidence, yet with the noise happening again upon being prompted, it seemed to be legit.

We moved our way into room 304, David mentioned that he felt somewhat uncomfortable in this room, and very cold, John made the point that if anything, room 304 should have been warmer than the others, since the sun was coming in the windows. Personally I didn't get anything from room 304, infact I didn't feel the heavy, humid feeling I had received on the stairs in room 305. Which proved to me it wasn't just the later; it seemed to only be in certain areas.

We made our way down to the second floor, I split up from the group and was drawn towards the reception desk, I still can't explain why, but I did feel colder in that area. I went to inform John of my findings, and as I passed the alcove I was also drawn to a lone chair sitting in the middle of the area. I snapped some pics, not really having a reason to do so, as I started to walk away; out of the corner of my eye I am sure I saw that chair move. I dismissed this thinking my mind was playing tricks on me, and hurried to John to inform him of my drawn feeling at the reception desk. It was at this point that John had mentioned the chair moving and I explained that I had thought I had seen this happen as well.

John and I went to the reception desk, and this is where he picked up the name Richard Buckle, as soon as I saw him write this name down, I knew he has something, and wanted to tell him, since I had done my research on the Manor in advance I knew the name of the first Superintendent of the hospital was Dr. Richard M. Bucke. I waited until our after discussion to inform John of this.

I personally didn't get much more, I admit I am amateur, and I am learning to open myself up a lot more thanks to John and nAz. I was actually pleased and excited with myself about the feelings I got from Century Manor and how close I was to what others of more experience felt.

Notes from nAz:

N.A.G.S. members present: Kevin, makeajazznoise, GhostBoy, nAz.

Other Investigators: NovRaine, Ladyce, CreepyBastard, Tom, BinaryGuy.

Upon arrival at Century Manor, we all split up to check out the grounds and take a look at the building. Many of us all took pictures of the exterior of the building & tried to get a feel for the place.

As our guide arrived to let us into the building we all split up into two teams.

Team 1 – Kevin, GhostBoy, makeajazznoise & Tom.

Team 2 – NovRaine, Ladyce, nAz, CreepyBastard, BinaryGuy.

Team 1 went directly to the 3^rd floor to kick off the investigation, & Team 2 started on the ground floor.

Century Manor – Ground floor.

First impressions: I was amazed at the size of the place, the large open hallways, the tiny “cells where patients were locked up.

Hallway – Ground Floor.

Patient “Cell”.

The patient rooms locked from the outside via deadbolt. Lights for the room were by switch on the outside as well. Many of the doors looked like thay had been replaced as a couple of the doors looked older than the rest & had little windows for staff to look in on. Ineach “wing” there appeared to be several offices and common areas for the patients. One common area still had a television stand on the wall.

I personally did not pick up on anything paranormal on the ground floor. One impression I did have was the other side (right) wing seemed to have a orderly nature about it. Nothing indicated this as right and left sides of the building were identical. Possibly, those housed in the right wing were more “lucid” than the rest.

After getting our bearings & becoming accustomed to the atmosphere of the Manor, Team 2 moved into the basement to continue the investigation.

The basement was really damp & musty. I expected it to be “creepy” because of the nature of the building, but it was not. The basement contained several tunnels that lead to other buildings on property. Also, it contained the boiler room and what appeared to be coal storage rooms. What was interesting was the fact that in each of the rooms, there was a single chair. All of the chairs were very dirty & looked to have years of dust on them. Nothing paranormal was picked up on in the basement by myself.

The next stop for Team 2 was the 3^rd floor. As we were walking up the stairs, we encountered Team 1 headed down to the 2^nd floor.

Once we got to the 2^nd floor I started to get a panicky feeling. I stopped to figure out this feeling. What could possibly be bothering me about the 3^rd floor? I continued up. As I rounded the steps up to 3, I was feeling downright terrified! I stopped again. I was getting an impression. People were literally dragged up to this floor kicking and screaming! I snapped a picture. Only later did this picture confirm this thought.

If you notice, to the right of the picture, there is a safety grate over the stairs heading down… this prevents the patients from jumping or falling.

As I was almost up the stairs NovRaine was coming back down, saying it was bad, bad up there. She didn’t come back up.

The 3^rd floor’s air was heavy and thick. It was almost hard to breathe. I really didn’t want to be up there. Maybe it was a good thing, but I did not enter most of the rooms on 3. I did visit what appeared to be a “gym” without the equipment. There were different hooks on the walls and a slogan “Fit Five Levels Achieved”.

The Gym.

The wall slogan.

Before I left the 3^rd floor, I spotted the ladder for BinaryGuy to take a picture of the attic. I was happy to leave the 3^rd floor. It had a certain aura of hopelessness about it. There were a couple of rooms that I did not go in, if we go back – I will, but at the time I didn’t want to.

2^nd Floor.

This floor of the entire building is the most active. Walking onto this floor, I could feel it right away.

The 2^nd floor of the building house a Nurse’s Station, what appeared to be an Administration office and another administration office on the other side. It also contained what appeared to be a kitchen or Dining area & dish room.

The Left wing appeared to have the most damage by water and vandals. Lights & ceiling tile framing had been pulled down and there was broken glass in the hallway. The floor had identical patient rooms as the first floor.

One room in the Right wing stand out to me the most. When I entered the room, it seemed that I passed through a spirit. Every nerve ending in my body came alive. When I started talking to the energy, something unexpected happened. I suddenly had severe pain in my right and left temples & directly above the temples on either side of my forehead. The pain was incredible. It was so bad that I had a headache immediately. It continued during the rest of the investigation, on the way home & when I woke up in the morning. What could possibly cause that type of pain?

The common room in the right wing was carpeted. Here NovRaine had a weird experience with losing her balance. She didn’t fall, just was “wobbly”. CreepyBastard had also witnessed this as he had entered the room as well. This room also contained some spiritual energy. All I picked up was a feeling of waiting, sadness & impatience. I felt like pacing the floor.

The entire teams eventually met up on this floor & called it a night. Our escort locked the building & we were done.

I have never been happy to leave a place like I was there. What a relief. I must say this, even though I had two encounters with spirits directly, the entire building had an “ether” about it. It was one of sadness, negativity, hopelessness, wandering. It was everywhere you went. The atmosphere was very oppressive. Leaving was like a weight off your shoulders.

I’m sure I have forgotten something as so much happened that night.

Notes from David:

While I by no means have any background nor do I claim to have any "Psychic" or "medium" qualities... the experiences I have had with this group have taught me to open myself and have a sense for the areas we investigate. This location had some very negative energy. While I was thrilled with the experience and hope to go back soon... it was a good feeling walking out of century manor. Not wanting to steal words, all credit to nAz for saying this, “nailed it" when he said the "atmosphere was oppressive". Good words nAz!

I'd like to express my thanks to "Creepy Bastard" for getting us in for this adventure, and again I offer any assistance I can to his upcoming project on this locale. Thanks as well to his crew BinaryGuy and Thomas aka "AceFrehley” and to NovRaine & Ladyce for joining us on this experience.

Our group started on the 3rd floor. I found on the way up it was difficult to climb the stairs. By the time I got to the top it felt like I had ran up 10 flights of stairs rather than walked up 3 (please... no old man jokes here guys!). The air was thick and almost hard to breath on this floor. I (for lack of a better word) "felt" presence(s) in 4 of the 6 rooms I entered on this floor.... particularly in room 304. I felt cold, and "tingly". I was in the room alone and when the others entered the room the feeling changed. This wasn’t the first time on this night that happened (more later). John told me I looked spooked, and I agreed. It’s hard to describe what happened there, I think something was trying to communicate, but I wasn’t receptive enough to understand. When I went into room 308 for some reason I immediately said (I had a tape recorder rolling) "someone was abused in here". Again, I can’t explain how or why theses things were coming to me... but they did a lot on this night.

At least 8 to 10 rooms in that building gave me feelings of a presence.

Another notable event for me was when I entered room 241. Walking into the room the air was very heavy, I found the room to be ice cold, and a smell. I felt that someone died in that room. It smelled "spicy"... reminiscent of, not quite like pumpkin pie (not that nice but)... but kind of like nutmeg or cloves. I was in the room freezing, and then Tom came in... And the cold dissipated and I could no longer smell the spicy smell. I asked Tom if he smelt anything out of the ordinary. I think he thought I was making a "pull my finger" type joke ;-) and left the room. I never even got a chance to go into the (facing building) left wing of the 2nd floor as I went back up to 3rd floor awhile, and revisited room 241 in hopes of another encounter... but it didn’t happen.

We visited the basement, while interesting, and I think would be a great place to shoot a music video, I got no sensations out of the ordinary. I did however have my flashlight (with new batteries) die while in one of the cold storage chambers. There had been an old rusty chair in (guarding?) the doorway... as well as the standard one chair in the middle of the room. I found that odd... there was one lone chair in the middle of every room throughout the basement.

I toured the first floor last, amongst the entire group at this point. We were rushed at this point, as we were in the basement as well... as the security guard was getting impatient. I found room 124 gave me the impression of a presence and very cold. Others in the group thought this of adjoining rooms (John) 125 and (Creepy Bastard) 126, so we concurred that maybe something happened in that particular corner of the building.

In all... this was an incredible experience. We sure wish that Dr.Gord was there. (Added since Gord just asked me if he was in the novel I was writing). I am really looking forward to going back

*Also of note* I did not realize until seeing our front page that it was Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital that we were visiting.... and that it closed in 1995. All of the lead up and preparation for the visit it was referred to as Century Manor... and I never made the connection until now. In the early 90’s (until '94) I worked with the association for community living... and worked with a lot of seniors that were placed into the community after leaving H.P.H. I remember that all of those people I worked with were all terrified of being sent back to HPH.

EVPs Recorded:

1. Female voice "Screams", and then says "Help" another possibility is "Get them out!" you be the judge DOWNLOAD

2. A whisper is heard near the end of this recording, it is unclear what it is saying. DOWNLOAD

3. Appears to be the sound of running water, when there was no source of water anywhere in the manor. DOWNLOAD

4. Sound of a loud moan, it was first thought to be a door, but later determined that it was not. DOWNLOAD

5. Female voice whispering "Hey Yeah" listen carefully. DOWNLOAD

6. After the security guard is done speaking you hear a male voice say "What Is That". DOWNLOAD

7. 2nd floor hallway male voice saying "Grab him" DOWNLOAD

8. Room 238 male voice stating "Get up" or possible "Get out" DOWNLOAD

9. Room 304 possible females voice after GhostBoy takes some notes stating "Come again" DOWNLOAD

10. Room 304 same voice as above after GhostBoy takes notes stating "Come and get me" DOWNLOAD

11. Room 308 Fitness room, female screaming "Help me!" DOWNLOAD

12. 2nd Floor large room, male sounding grunt. DOWNLOAD

13. 2nd Floor unidentified room strange noise. DOWNLOAD

14. 2nd Floor hallway, odd noise cuts into the recording. DOWNLOAD

15. Century Manor odd noise mized in with sound of footsteps. DOWNLOAD

16. Field outside of Century Manor male voice says "Run!". DOWNLOAD

The Archives: NAGS The Screaming Tunnel

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers (NAGS) investigated Niagara Falls' Screaming Tunnel. NAGS was accompanied by guest investigator Toadfuss. Below are the results of the investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

The Screaming Tunnel in Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most widely-known haunted hot spots. The legend of the Screaming Tunnel has been handed down to generation to generation and each time I hear the story – the legend is different.

What is for certain is that there are spirits trapped within the walls of the tunnel. As outlined in my investigations with Pauline Raby for the book Shadows of Niagara, these entities appear as if they have been disrespected by teenager and adults looking for a quick scare.

On the NAGS investigation of The Screaming Tunnel it was continually being visited to by crowds of teens and adults looking to test the legend. After much giggling and screaming the teens and adults left the tunnel.

I entered the tunnel first and took only a few steps into its dark, muddy interior. I could feel the energy of the tunnel and announced that we were not there to disrespect the entities as did the previous individuals. NAZ and I entered the tunnel together and walked its length. Near the end of the tunnel I asked NAZ if he could hear a female talking. He indicated he had not and the recorder did not pick the voice up. NAZ and I split up several times while in the tunnel. At this point I was just “feeling” an energy present, but could not detect any other paranormal activity.

Toadfuss joined us within the tunnel and said he could see little “lights” zipping about. NAZ said that he seen these also, but I could not see them. Toadfuss had to make an exit and so we said our good-byes and then continued our investigation.

Kevin, Dr. Gord and makeajazznoise continued through the tunnel and to the house ruins behind the tunnel. As expected, they did not find any town, nor any other buildings as indicated by other paranormal web sites.

Meanwhile, Naz and myself remained in the tunnel and we decided it may be best to contact the spirit at the front of the tunnel (near Warner Rd.) We had our equipment set up and asked very specific questions of the spirit. Naz indicated he could see the lights flashing and zipping about again. I did not see these, however, a misty horse figure appeared at one point. I also received the name of “James”.

After asking specific and probing questions of the spirit I decided to push the envelope further and ask the spirit if he knew he was dead and continued on this topic. Suddenly, without warning the back of my neck was pinched very hard. I swore and grabbed my neck and proceeded out of the tunnel. The feeling stopped almost instantly but the pinched tendons and muscles ached.

Physical evidence of a ghost is no surprise to me and I decided to return where I had left Naz and ask some specific questions about the sensation I had felt such as: “Why did you do that?” Is this the pain you have felt?” etc. etc. I did not get a reply.

The group joined us shortly thereafter and we congregated near the spot where two independent psychics felt the spirit of the female would be (More details of this can be found in the book Shadows of Niagara).

At this point, Dr. Gord indicated he felt cold on one side. Kevin, also indicated he could feel it. I moved in behind Dr. Gord and could also feel it near his left side. However, I kept my attention on the opposite end of our group because I could see faint movements out of the corner of my eye. Naz later stated he saw and felt the same. Makeajazznoise made a comment that the tunnel seemed to get darker and it appeared so. We didn’t get anything else out of this space and so we moved to our second location where I was physically touched.

At this point we made our circle and tried to make contact with the spirit. Dr. Gord indicated that he could see something on the ground, but none of our team could see it. We continued this investigation, however, nothing out of the ordinary occurred thereafter.

Notes from nAz:

This was my second trip to the Screaming Tunnel, my first with the NAGS team. The Team met up with Toadfuss onsite.

GhostBoy entered the tunnel first, I followed soon behind. The rest of the Team & Toadfuss waited at the entrance.

Near the end of the tunnel GhostBoy asked if I had heard a female voice, I did not, nor did my recorder pick up anything. I ventured through the tunnel and investigated the rear, checking out the new construction. After returning to the “entrance” the rest of the team went to investigate the “well” and surrounding area leaving GhostBoy, Toadfuss & myself.

It’s important to note that during this investigation several groups of people interrupted as they too checked out the tunnel and it’s urban legend.

When GhostBoy, Toadfuss & myself reentered the tunnel, that when things started to pick up. Both Toadfuss and I picked up on little lights “swirling” about. Toadfuss remained near the “rear” of the tunnel and GhostBoy and I went to the front to attempt communication. GhostBoy started asking questions of the spirit. Suddenly, GhostBoy clasped the back of his neck as if in pain. He walked away towards towards the front of the tunnel while I remained where I was. When GhostBoy came back he asked the spirit not to do that again & continued questioning the spirit.

The rest of the NAGS team came back in time for two carloads of people to arrive and Toadfuss to leave. After the people had left, the entire NAGS team attempted to communicate with the spirit’s in the tunnel. We first started at the rear of the Tunnel.

While in a circle, members of the group mentioned cold spots & I saw movement in the center of the tunnel. I could not sense anything specific except for the feeling that the spirit was holding back. Next we attempted the same thing at the entrance to the tunnel.
While in circle, Dr.Gord saw something near the ground, again towards the center of the tunnel. Nothing else was felt nor seen during this session.

What I can say about my personal experiences in the tunnel was this, several times while I was walking in the tunnel I could feel someone walking next to me. As I was with GhostBoy, I thought it was him, but he was either several feet ahead or behind.

EVPs Recorded:

1. Male voice asking "Are you some demon?" DOWNLOAD the same EVP slowed down to make it more understandable DOWNLOAD

2. John states "I 'm here to help you" a male voice replies with "Hey". DOWNLOAD

3. John states "Touch us" and a male voice replies "How?" DOWNLOAD

4. John says that Pauline will come, and a male voice says "John". DOWNLOAD

5. Male voice, it is currently undetermined what is being said at the regular speed it was recorded. DOWNLOAD the same EVP slowed down DOWNLOAD

6. John states "Please respond", and a male voice states "Not exactly home". DOWNLOAD

7. John states "Is it when we asked it to present.", nAz says "Yes" and over top you hear a male voice clearly state "NO!". DOWNLOAD

8. nAz states "Other times it was just the red and the orange flashes", a male voice can be heard at the end of this sentence, but what is said is undetermined. DOWNLOAD

The Archives: NAGS Fort Mississauga

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers investigated the historic Fort Mississauga in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Below are the results of this investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

We continued our tour to Fort Mississauaga and along the trail the team felt a very cold chill take over and then leave a minute or so later. It was a hot night and the coldness felt was never truly encountered again that night. We entered the fort and turned right and towards the first powder magazine tunnel. Inside I could feel a presence that was annoyed and defensive. A bat then decided to fly around me and cling to my leg and then my shoulder. It let go and I proceeded out as to not disturb it. I sat near the stump with Naz and stared at the sky. At this time I was getting words which sounded Native. “Oni na Ganashe” was repeated. Research indicates that these sounding words mean “Water” in the Seneca Language. Senaca peoples could have visited or stayed for periods of time at this ancient native fishing village (now Fort Mississauga).

Naz indicated that he could see something in the far field and indicated that his eyes were not allowing him to focus in that direction. I witnessed several strange lights and shadows in that direction but could not pin-point anything. Naz and I continued around the Blockhouse and through the tunnel. The feeling of being watched was the only thing I could report on. We exited the tunnel and met up with the rest of the team. At this time Naz saw a shadow near the second powder magazine. I investigated second and alone. I was presented with a full-figure apparition of a man and got the name “Robert” – a name that continually is recorded on EVP in this area. I asked if I could proceed and asked if the team was allowed to continue and it nodded. I could not focus on any one part of the face. When I looked at the eyes, it faded and I could see a nose and chin and shoulder. When I focused in on that part the top part of the head was visible. I told the team to go meet Robert and they entered the tunnel. Later, I proceeded into the tunnel with them and we concentrated and asked for the ghost of Robert to make himself known. At this time, makeajazznoise indicated that the entrance to the tunnel was getting “smoky” and we felt various cold chills but nothing of immediate interest.

Then we heard footsteps outside the entranceway and a twig snap. Kevin investigated and saw nothing. The footsteps continued and then I investigated and saw no living person. Comfortable we weren’t being interrupted by anyone we continued to the first tunnel and here the activity level rose.

I felt two spirits in this area. One old, and one younger, but not too young. The older one was more inviting and entertained by us whereas the young one felt we were trespassing and dishonouring his land. When we concentrated and tried to communicate with the spirit I said “You are of the spirit world” and immediately I felt a very cold chill run through my entire body and my internal organs felt they were spastic and then tied in knots. I was not comfortable and asked the spirit not to do this. It complied and we continued and felt various cold chills. Naz made the comment that “This is a microphone it will record your voice” and immediately I could here the words, “Don’t your ears work?” The entranceway got extremely dark at certain times and the feeling of being held across the shoulder was present near the end. When we exited I was asked to “bring tobacco” when I visited again.

Fort Mississauga was definitely the highlight to our Niagara on the Lake tour.

Notes from nAz:

The walk up to the Fort started my night. There was a very cold breeze that I felt only that once. I commented on it to GhostBoy & he confirmed the temperature drop. That same breeze was not felt again.

Upon arriving at the front gates of the Fort, I was greeted with the feeling of welcome back. I personally have visited the Fort on several occasions. This was my first time visiting with the NAGS team.

After we were through the gates, the team went their different ways to investigate the grounds as some has never been to the Fort. GhostBoy went into the right hand side magazine & I stood looking at the Blockhouse. GhostBoy came out telling me of what he had heard & joined me on the earthworks near the hollowed out stump. While sitting at the stump getting a feel of the activity there, I noticed movement in the open common area to the right. The strange thing was, my eyes wouldn’t focus on that spot. Everything was a blur. Now keep in mind I work midnights so my night vision isn’t lacking. I saw shadows & white lights. The activity disappeared when the team came back through the tunnel to the river bank.

GhostBoy and I then made our way through the tunnel to the river & checked the area out. When we came back through, I saw a shadow figure infront of the second magazine.

GhostBoy investigated & then returned saying go in and ask to see Robert. The team and I went to investigate. This is when my recorder picked up “Get Out”. While we were in the powder magazine the entrance when smoky & distorted, then we heard activity outside. We heard footsteps & a twig snap. Kevin initially investigated & found no one. This activity ended our session inside the magazine. The team decided to hold a similar session to communicate with the spirits in the first magazine. Here is where the activity increased. Immediately I felt a presence in the “room” with us. GhostBoy must have as well, as he said out loud “Do you know that you are in the spirit world?” Immediately after making that statement GhostBoy’s breathing became labored & I felt a negative emotion. It actually made me worry. Right after GhostBoy’s breathing returned to normal, my external microphone that I was holding wiggled 3 times as if someone touched it. I said out loud “This is a microphone, if you speak it can record your voice.” Oddly the recorder did not pick up this movement. Several of the team members reported cold spots in the room & the dark mist at the entrance. When we left GhostBoy reported hearing “bring tobacco”. That ended our night.

EVPs Recorded:

1. I greet Robert, the apparition I saw and it answers me and recognizes me saying. "Robert...John" DOWNLOAD

2. Male voice stating "Get out" DOWNLOAD

The Archives: NAGS St. Mark's Cemetery

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers (NAGS) investigated St. Mark's Cemetery in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Below are the results of the investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

We proceeded through the front gates and around the side of the church where I took the team to see the famous “marked” gravestones. I did not feel any ghostly activity and we continued to the Foam tragedy gravesite and again, no feelings developed.

The team split into two at this point and Naz and myself proceeded around through the American rifle pits and to Brock’s Seat (Where American Soldiers ‘dug in’ during the War o1812 and where General Brock contemplated strategy during the War of 1812). We met up with the team and Naz indicated that he felt like he was being watched. I, too, felt that I was being watched at this time but did not feel threatened or fearful.

We continued to investigate the cemetery near the large crypt and then I was being drawn through a newer section of the cemetery. The name “Eliza” or “Elizabeth” kept repeating and I followed my instincts alone through the cemetery. The recorder picked up the name “Elizabeth” at this time.

I came to an older gravestone and without light I could not identify the name or inscription – but I was sure it had to be Elizabeth, when I traced it with my finger. I went back and retrieved a flashlight from Kevin. I found the tombstone again and confirmed it was Elizabeth Kerr’s headstone, she had died at the age of 32 in 1794. While concentrating and asking why I was being brought here the words, “with child” were predominate. I asked Naz if he got anything and he confirmed that he felt a nervousness to the site and something about “babies”. Naz then felt we should leave immediately and we proceeded to exit the graveyard of St. Mark’s.

Notes from nAz:

GhostBoy brought the team to St. Mark’s Cemetery. This was the first time I had been at this location. Initially I did not feel anything at the site. GhostBoy took us to several War of 1812 era tombs & the Memorial of the Foam tragedy. Oddly, as GhostBoy was explaining the incident, my right ear popped as if from pressure. At this point the team split up and GhostBoy showed me where the War of 1812 rifle pits were situated. GhostBoy also explained the meaning of the large rock near the rifle pits known as Brock’s Seat & how it came to “rest” in the cemetery. After GhostBoy and I met up with the rest of the team near the middle of the cemetery, I started to notice activity. Shadows moving ahead of us and the feeling of being watched. As we started to investigate the area in which I saw the movement, GhostBoy was drawn to another area to our south. He came back looking for a flashlight, saying he had heard the name Elizabeth. We went with him to investigate a certain marker, it contained the name Elizabeth! The group made a circle around the marker & spoke to the spirit. I picked up “worry” and “my babies”. After we were finished, I picked up the feeling that we should go, really strong. The team agreed. That ended our visit to St. Mark’s Cemetery.

EVPs Recorded:

1. On the way of being drawn through the cemetery the voice says, "Elizabeth" recording is very distorted. Later the grave found was in fact Elizabeth. DOWNLOAD

The Archives: NAGS Butler's Burial Grounds

The Niagara Amateur Ghost Seekers investigated Butler's Burial Grounds in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Below are the results of this investigation:

Notes from GhostBoy:

It was especially dark and I continued towards the crypt and announced who I was and what were doing. I didn’t feel anything at this time and then continued back and saw that the majority of our group was near the tombstones and proceeding down towards he main crypt. I continued up the hill and the team went down. At this time the recorder picked up the word, “August.”

As I watched the last person exiting this area of Butler’s Burial Ground was being followed by an entity. At first I thought it was a teammate but as I focused in I could clearly see that it was transparent and moving unnaturally. I snapped a bunch of pictures as this happened and only one picture developed. The rest were simply black with no visuals. I later found that the last person to leave this area was makeajazznoise and indicated what I have witnessed. At this time the recorder was interrupted and then recorded “I need water.”

We continued our investigation and before leaving we circled and tried to concentrate on the spirits that remain behind. I didn’t get much except for the feeling that we should leave.

Notes from nAz:

Upon arriving at the tomb I was impressed at it’s seclusion. There were houses along the back and to the left, yet it seemed secluded & private.

My initial feelings were nil, nothing. The team and I checked the area including the tombstones.

The most interesting aspect of our visit was makeajazznoise commenting on how the soldiers haven’t had coffee in over a hundred years, so he should finish his Tim Horton’s. After reading about GhostBoy’s evp when the spirit said “I need water” I put the two together!

EVPs Recorded:

1. Male voice says "August", DOWNLOAD An interruption on the tape where virtually no sound is recorded and the crickets fade and then the voice says "I need water" DOWNLOAD

For an updated investigation please visit: www.theshadowsproject.com