Built as two separate buildings in 1796, the Hawley-Beckenridge House underwent massive renovations in order to merge the buildings into the beautiful house that exists today.
This location on Mississauga Road played a large role in the underground railroad as several freed slaves found temporary refuge in the house. In fact, it is believed that at least six of those very slaves were buried in the backyard.
Yet despite the fact that the house aided many in their struggle to live free lives, the house continues to exist with an aura that is not as positive. Though it cannot be confirmed that the bodies buried in the backyard are at all responsible, frequent reports lead many to believe that the spirits of several angered slaves may still be living inside the house.
Unwelcome guests are often greeted at the house by the slamming of doors, where no one was there to do so. The large brass knocker on the front door is often repeatedly banged with brute force, and some have answered a knocking at the back door only to find that no one was there.
Apparitions such as a woman dawning a long, flowing dress, briefly seen before she disappears in a puff of smoke have plagued this house. What can only be described as a smoky, foggy-like figure has been seen standing at the foot of the stairs and a woman, appearing to be in her mid 30s, clothed in a bonnet and a long dress is often briefly glimpsed at prior to disappearing right before the fireplace.
by: Chase Kell
