Toronto is home to a rich tapestry of ghost stories linked to its historic buildings. With a past marked by tragedy and turmoil, the city has accumulated numerous tales of the supernatural. This Halloween, we explore three of Toronto's most haunted sites, revealing the eerie echoes of their histories. **The Don Valley Brick Works** The Evergreen Brick Works, located in the Don River Valley, is now a vibrant eco-friendly space. However, its history is steeped in hardship, particularly for the young workers who labored there. In 1882, William Taylor discovered a fine clay deposit on his farm, leading to the establishment of the Don Valley Pressed Brick Company in 1889. The factory thrived, producing up to 100,000 bricks daily at its peak. Yet, the success came at a cost. Many workers, including children, faced grueling conditions. "Like all Victorian factories in the early days, children worked there, boys," said Margo MacDonald, a ghost researcher. Despite laws prohibiting child labor, many young boys, some as young as ten, were employed. They performed dangerous tasks, such as working inside lit kilns. Adult workers also endured harsh conditions, with long hours and frequent accidents. The plant closed in 1984, having produced around 43 million bricks used in iconic structures like Massey Hall and Casa Loma. MacDonald noted, "A lot of the red brick buildings in Toronto are famously known to be haunted." **The Hockey Hall of Fame** The Hockey Hall of Fame, located at Yonge and Front Streets, has a dark history tied to a tragic event in 1953. Before it became a shrine to hockey, the building served as a Bank of Montreal branch. On March 11, 1953, 19-year-old bank teller Dorothea Mae Elliott took her own life in the women’s washroom after reportedly struggling with personal issues. Elliott was described as a vibrant young woman, but her death left a lasting mark on the building. Following the incident, employees reported strange occurrences, including footsteps and unexplained movements. "Her ghost is seen in the building sometimes, and her screams are sometimes heard," MacDonald said. **The Keg Mansion** The Keg Mansion, a well-known steakhouse on Jarvis Street, was once a grand residence for Toronto’s elite. Built in 1868, it became home to the Massey family, prominent figures in Canadian history. After Hart Massey’s death in 1896, his daughter Lillian took over the estate, becoming a notable philanthropist. Lillian’s death in 1915 was marked by loneliness and suffering, and her spirit is said to linger in the mansion. Staff and patrons have reported ghostly encounters, adding to the building's haunted reputation. These stories reflect the darker chapters of Toronto's history, reminding us that the past is never truly forgotten. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the tales of these buildings continue to captivate and intrigue, offering a glimpse into the city’s haunted legacy.
Toronto's Haunted History: Ghost Stories from Notable Buildings
Canada News9 hrs ago
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