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Well it certainly has been an eventful spring/summer here at the Mansion; no surprise to Mansion fans and groupies.  Despite the decline in Tourism, we have managed to survive the present trend and are here to tell about it

Bob spent most of the spring trimming trees and assembling the branches in huge piles to be burnt. One day he returned from town to find two of the piles on fire.  Near the piles, with branch pokers in hand, stood three soot-faced women, proud to be of assistance.  You never know who will show up to help.  He said “how did you know I was going to burn them today?”  The third pile still sits, waiting to be ignited. 

The summer’s rain, which wreaked havoc on many gardens around this end of the Province, had no apparent effect on our vegetable garden in the field.  Due to time factors, the garden had not been planted in a couple of years, leaving the once-soiled patch just another clump of tall grass.  In early spring, Bob decided to dig the tiller out from somewhere, ( we won’t ask where) and got to tilling.  Soon, the old garden took shape, and within weeks, the seeds he planted began sprouting.  Now, pumpkins and squash plants have rambled over the tomato plants, completely claiming  most of the area. Blooms peek out from below lush green leaves. Somewhere in between, cucumbers spread across a narrow space, fighting for their right to grow.  The beauty of the garden is a photographers delight; definitely Harrowsmith-worthy.

As in keeping with Mansion tradition, dahlia’s grow here and there; near the back entrance, along the coach house, in the garden near the Ice house, and along a tree boundary of the front yard near the old wagon.  During the ‘pruning of the hedge,’ we discovered a lean Maple tree growing up through the shrubbery.  With the hedge pruned, the maple stands a couple of feet above the tree-line.  What a nice surprise.

I agree with Gertie when she suggested Bob dig a little pond somewhere on the grounds.  What a lovely addition to the landscape. He didn’t seem very enthusiastic.  My prediction is that in time, you will see a little pond at the Mansion.  Now, on to other news.

 

We Need You

The Producers of WTN’s Rescue Mediums are looking for haunted houses in this end of the province to feature in upcoming shows.  If you, or anyone you know lives in a haunted house and would like to become involved, contact the mansion for details.  Also, we will be hosting an evening for people who live in haunted houses and who wish to share their story  We are always interested in meeting those living with ghosts.  Details will be posted on the Special Events page.

We Thank You All

We would like to thank everyone who sent in stories to be included in our 25^th Anniversary book.  The book is well underway, and as always, a much larger project than anticipated.  Stories are still being accepted until the end of October.

We want to acknowledge those who have sent us pictures of their ‘orbs.’  In our spare time, we will be compiling a collection for our web site; an Orb gallery.  Keep those pictures coming. They’re great!  

A big thank-you to those who helped with wallpapering the upstairs.  Many hands make light work. 

Also, special mention to those who have given gifts  for the gardens.  Our most recent and noteworthy gift has been a magnolia tree, a token which reflects the Savannah Georgia connection.  Georgia is known for it’s beautiful magnolia trees.  You will notice it as you enter the front yard from the side parking lot. 

The Mansion is a host of wonderful gifts and tokens which have been given kindly over the years.  With these gifts come the spirit of the giver, and together their collective energies make up the spirit of the Mansion.  We thank you all. 

Paranormal News

Our appearance on WTN’s  Rescue Mediums in June was a huge success.  The rafters  bulged and the floor boards creaked as anxious Mansion fans gathered in the parlor and living room to view  it on a big screen TV.  There was not a seat left in the house.  Many sat on the floor and stood in doorways.   Edna Dargie, Program Research Co-ordinator, and Michael Lamport, Producer, arrived from Toronto to join the viewing party.  You could hear a pin drop as spectators fixed their attention on the show. ( between gales of laughter of course) During the commercials, everyone raced to the dining room to chat over appetizers prepared by Gert.  Michael kindly left us a recorded copy of the show.  Thanks Michael.

Vacation Packages

 Click on Vacation Packages on our web site to find new packages available.  Due to popular demand, we have devised a special haunted weekend package.  Also a Women’s Get-away package has been added.   

Monthly Gathering of Like Minds

Our monthly gathering has been going full swing since early spring.  Each social brings new faces, and with them new stories, theories, perspectives and ideas.  The focal point of the evening has been a guest speaker; however we decided to try something different in July. 

Many who have attended  have been blessed with spiritual gifts; abilities which when shared, contribute to the spiritual growth of those around them.  So, instead of hosting a speaker, we thought it would be fun to exchange these gifts.   During the evening, individuals were given the opportunity to sample psychic readings, tea leaf readings, reflexology, palm readings, and reiki treatments.   It was an educational and recreational  experience.

These gatherings are held on the first Friday of each month and are open to interested individuals.  No reservation necessary.  

Other News

 As we speak, plans are underway for our 25^th Anniversary Bash which will be held October 1-10.  An entire week will be scheduled for this event.  A detailed program will be posted on the Special Events page of the web site.  Anyone who has ever been employed at the Mansion is asked to contact Bob in regards to this Special Event.

A big Congratulations to Marg, long-time Mansion employee who got married at the Mansion in June.  We wish you many years of happiness.