Century Manor – Haunted? Part 2

* Disclosure: If you do not like creepy posts, I’d skip this one. Some of the information and images may be disturbing*

This beautiful Victorian building is full of rich history, previously discussed in Part 1. The decaying state of the structure and the ominous graffiti adds to the eerie aesthetic and atmosphere.

As I watched the video my husband had initially sent to me, it indicated it was haunted. And as I was reading and doing research I came across countless videos and articles regarding paranormal investigations and encounters. So it caused me to wonder, are they true?

I already admired the building; Victorian architecture is some of my favourite and the history is intriguing. I knew I wanted to go photograph the outside, even if they allowed people in (which they do not), I wouldn’t have gone inside. I really just wanted to be respectful of the building and it’s former patients/staff.

I prefer not to involve myself in paranormal investigating, but to watch in pure fascination and curiosity from afar.

As I was taking the final shot of the day, the one above, I noticed a Security SUV to my right as I was about to take the photo. I tried not to look nervous, not sure if I’d be in trouble to taking photos, so I politely waved/smiled at the gentleman as he drove by. He smiled and waved back, rounding the corner going toward the back of the building. I quickly took my photo before walking up the hill toward Century Manor. And then I saw him coming back…

Now, my husband was in the car with our daughter toward the back of the building. He was already on high alert, noticing two young guys walking around the building when we got there. They thankfully left me alone. I’m a tough chick, he knows, but he will always be my protector and I insisted to go take the photos alone quickly. So when the Security guard stopped at the curb and rolled down his window, my anxiety spiked. I played it cool, at least I tried.

He asked if he knew me, and I said nope I’m not from around here, that I’m here visiting my husband’s family for the weekend. He said I looked like a friend of his, but he hadn’t seen her for years. As the chit chat went on, I bravely asked “Is this place actually haunted?” He immediately replied “Oh yes it is! I’ve investigated in there myself with my daughter..” He proceeded to tell me that other security guards, who no longer worked there, also had pretty significant experienced; however he wouldn’t go into detail, no matter how hard I prodded for it. I asked if there were shadow people and such. He joked “Well there are shadows, especially if you’re using a flash light you know…” He went on to recount that he’s heard disembodied voices, things moved or thrown, unexplained noises and he’s used some paranormal investigating equipment, he specifically mentioned the Spirit Box. He said he’s had a voice tell him to ‘Shut up’ and his daughter was told ‘Fuck you Whore’. Excuse the profanity used, this is what he told me. He said there have been quite a few paranormal investigations in there.

During our discussion, I had my phone in hand the entire time, and at one point my husband called. I hung up not wanting to be rude; you think with all the true crime documentaries and podcasts I watch I would learn not to care about being rude to a stranger….I digress. I immediately sent him a text, but I already saw his car rounding the corner and he parked right in front of the SUV. When I saw him get out, I knew he was in defensive mode. I smiled at him and let him know the gentleman was kind enough to stop and chat with me about the manor. He relaxed and joined in. The security guard proceeded to tell us a bit about the history and other haunted locations he’s investigated, including Albion Falls, Dunbar Castle, etc. All locations in or around my husband’s hometown. Neat huh!?

I forgot to ask the guy if he had a paranormal investigation Instagram or anything, but we ended on a very pleasant note. We said our goodbyes, I wished him luck on his future paranormal adventures and we left.

I can only imagine what it would have been like to be in that building, in the dark knowing there is no real way to protect yourself. Gives me shivers! He and his daughter are brave let me tell you.

So there you have it folks, it is confirmed by an employed Security guard, that Century Manor is indeed haunted. There is so much content online that if you are curious go check out some videos.

But I had a wonderful experience there; got some great photos and felt fairly calm around the outside of the building, as did my husband. Hopefully it becomes a heritage site in the future, it should be preserved for historic purposes, not just for the lost souls that still reside there.

Next stop on our historic location adventure…I’ll keep ya posted.

Ciao!

***All credit goes to the following websites and the kind security guard I spoke with. There is so much information out there, if you would like to do your own research/investigating***

1. https://www.ontariogenealogy.com/hamiltoninsaneasylum.html
2. http://asylumprojects.org/index.php/Hamilton_Psychiatric_Hospital
3. https://www.centurymanorpreservation.com/history
4. https://freaktography.com/abandoned-century-manor/
5. https://mysteriesofcanada.com/canada/shocking-horror-stories-from-canadas-creepiest-abandoned-asylums/