The Paranormal Blog

Each Friday we will have a look at the stories and experiences that have been related to us over the years that are amongst our personal favourites. These will include Crypto, Ghosts, Hauntings, UFO's, and other strange events that may be considered Fortean, from in around the Toronto, Canada area .... and since they are from our own personal files will likely not be found elsewhere on the web .... enjoy!

We were asked and told about the ghost at Gravenhurst Opera House or The Op.

I'd like to say it was some recent sightings but to be honest, it was more or less about the stories of "Ben" (as covered in Barbara Smith's wonderful book, Ontario Ghost Stories). Ben is reported to be the unfortunate spirit of a lighting man who fell to his death from a catwalk in flies of the theatre.

Ben is supposed to leave cold spots, slam doors, play with light fixtures, walk around (the sound of phantom footsteps) and the usual mild poltergeist activity that we've come to expect from a ghost in a theatre including one moment of close contact according to Ms. Smith.

A volunteer was working and felt hands rest on her shoulder from an invisible source. She merely informed the unseen entity she was "very busy" at which point the hands were removed and she continued her work no worse for ware for her ghostly experience.

Our recent e-mail did mention that Ben might still be around and lately loves to wreak minor havoc on the lighting in the dressing areas although never too much to take away from the productions.

Does "Ben" still linger? We'd like to know. If you have any information about Ben or any ghostly experience in The Op or anywhere in Gravenhurst, please let us know.