As we head towards Halloween, it’s appropriate to address a question that we are frequently asked: is the house haunted?
A lot of people look at our house, which is noticeably older and bigger than its neighbours, and think – it’s got to be haunted, right? Even though our building is big and square, rather than the asymmetrical style house one thinks of as a haunted mansion. It is old – built in 1855 and therefore 170 years old this year. And it is technically Victorian, but it’s built in a more Georgian style.
Sorry to be boring, but I don’t believe in ghosts. So the short answer, as far as I’m concerned, is no. But it’s October so let’s go a little deeper than that.
Who might be haunting the house?
Generally, we think of former inhabitants of a house as haunting it. There are plenty of Prings to choose from, but they didn’t live here for long and none of them died here. Most of the other residents did not stay for long. The tenants of the building are a bit of a revolving-door for the next thirty of so years after the Prings leave. However, in 1908, the Hopkins family arrives.
We’re on better ghost footing with them. William and Mynora Hopkins lived here, and raised their children here, for decades. As far as we can tell, William Hopkins did indeed die here – at least, this is his last recorded address. More to the point, William Hopkins was a doctor. Indeed, not only was he a doctor, he was the coroner!
This building is listed as the place of death for at least one grisly death. In 1926, a man working at the docks was involved in a gory industrial accident and had his throat slashed. He was rushed here – presumably in the hopes that the doctor might save him. However, he was declared dead on arrival.
So it’s not impossible to imagine the good doctor, or one of his unfortunate patients, haunting this house.
Haunted Hamilton!
If you would like to explore the haunted stories of Hamilton while you’re here in town, there are a few great options. Ghost Walks and tours are available throughout Southern Ontario. The City offers tours of the municipal cemeteries. And right across the road, in Beasley Park, our local neighbourhood association is holding a Pumpkin Parade on November 1st.
So enjoy the Spooky Season while you’re in Hamilton! Happy Halloween!
Recent Comments