This article details the haunted history of Oshawa, Ontario, sharing stories of paranormal encounters and historical crime. Alicia Bertrand invites submissions of spooky tales. The tales include ghostly encounters at the public library, a haunted market, and a museum with spirited apparitions. Legends of duels, tragic deaths, and macabre crimes are also retold.
Tag Archives: local history
The Gavel vs. Wrecking Ball: The History and Partial Demolition of the Peterborough Courthouse and Jail
By Alicia M. Bertrand, M.A. March 24, 2024 Peterborough’s courthouse has stood atop a hill overlooking parts of downtown Peterborough and casts a sense of authority over its citizens since 1842. The courthouse is one of the earliest courthouses constructed in Ontario. The threat of solitary life in a tiny jail cell of the PeterboroughContinue reading “The Gavel vs. Wrecking Ball: The History and Partial Demolition of the Peterborough Courthouse and Jail”
A Prince Edward County Cemetery Adventure
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. August 25, 2023 On August 19, 2023, my dad, brother, fiancé and I travelled to several cities in Prince Edward County to search for my ancestors’ headstones. There were highlights and challenges that I’d like to share with readers so that if anyone wants to go on a similar journey, youContinue reading “A Prince Edward County Cemetery Adventure”
Toronto’s Christmas Time Train Incident: A Tragedy for the Engineer, a Blessing for Passengers
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. In December 1906, dozens of Torontonians were out on trains and streetcars getting their last-minute Christmas shopping done, or travelling for the holiday to visit friends and family. On December 22, 1906, passengers of the express Canadian Pacific Railway (C.P.R) train from Toronto to Hamilton, and passengers on the other trainsContinue reading “Toronto’s Christmas Time Train Incident: A Tragedy for the Engineer, a Blessing for Passengers”
A History of Murder and Mayhem 2021: a Presentation in Partnership with Oshawa Public Libraries
Interested in Oshawa’s history or true crime? I’ll be presenting my research into Oshawa’s dark past in a presentation in partnership with the Oshawa Public Libraries on August 26th, 2021 at 6:00 PM EST via Zoom. Registration is limited so get your spot now! I would love for you to attend if you’re interested! EvenContinue reading “A History of Murder and Mayhem 2021: a Presentation in Partnership with Oshawa Public Libraries”
Two Families Under Lockdown (1918 vs. 2020): A Micro-History Case Study
Photos from Findagrave.com, it is of the Allen couple’s headstone. Originally published on LinkedIn: March 11, 2021 If you live in a home that is over 100 years old and you’re going stir-crazy from the COVID-19 lockdown/stay-at-home orders, imagine the person who sat in your house in 1918-1919 to avoid the Spanish Flu pandemic. AfterContinue reading “Two Families Under Lockdown (1918 vs. 2020): A Micro-History Case Study”
History and Oddities: When Humans Attempted Flight
Photos from Undiscovered Scotland, and the Oshawa Museum. Originally published on LinkedIn: September 27, 2019 There are several stories throughout history that explore how humans have tried, and failed, to fly before the Wright brothers successfully soared. Here are two examples, one from Stirling Castle, Scotland in 1504 (or 1507 depending on the source), andContinue reading “History and Oddities: When Humans Attempted Flight”
Ancestry by Alicia 