Legends and Lore – Prince Edward County Moments

Cow tipping – myth or fact?

watercolour — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 23:25:53 +0000

Is cow tipping an urban legend? Have you ever tried to tip over a cow?

Cow tipping, the supposed pastime of quietly sneaking up to an unsuspecting cow and giving it a nudge to topple it over, has taken on an almost mythical quality. The idea is that cows, unlike their more agile goat counterparts and less volatile bulls, are the perfect candidates for this curious act of entertainment.

Picture this: a cow, standing there, perhaps peacefully grazing, minding its bovine business, when a group of adventurers decides to test the cow-tipping waters. But let's face it, cows are not exactly petite creatures. Sneaking up on them isn't as simple as it sounds, and that's just the beginning. In fact, Wikipedia suggests that this endeavor would necessitate "at least four and possibly as many as fourteen people" – hardly a covert operation!

Nonetheless, the County grapevine buzzes with stories where the bravado of young men, perhaps fueled by liquid courage, has led to dares involving cow tipping.

But let's get real. Cow tipping, as the legend portrays, might be more folklore than fact. However, there are instances where cows, well, kind of tip themselves over. Our own apple orchard in Cressy has witnessed a bovine tale that's a bit more believable. As the apples ripened, neighbouring cows couldn't resist the temptation and would break free to indulge in their yearly apple banquet. Despite being over 2 kilometers away, their powerful sense of smell and impressive memories drew them to the feast. After a hearty apple binge, the cows would start bellowing like partygoers reveling in a bit too much merriment. Eventually, they'd plunk themselves down on the ground, patiently waiting for their owner to escort them back to their barn. We decided to leave this tipsy cow adventure to the bovines themselves – herding inebriated cows? Now that's a tale that might not tip in our favour!

Local controversy about cow tipping ...

.. Jim: Cow tipping is a complete myth.
.. A&J: Jim you have just spoiled our holiday we were hoping to see cow tipping, hahaha.
.. Daniel: Unless of course, the cow in question is tipsy.
.. Ev: I was born in the county, a true county girl. I was never waited on by a cow so never needed to tip one.
.. Phil: @ jim . Re:cow tipping a myth…. I’m guessin cuz ‘you personally’ never done it…. Try it, watch out for bulls they don’t give as easily. Need a few guys r’ gals, sneek up in the dark and ya push them over – they flip right over on ther backs… Lol
.. Amy: Cow tipping- absolutely real.
.. Seymone: Cow tippin was real as my Dad did when he was a kid.

Have you tried cow tipping? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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Beneath the boughs of hope: The legend of the Wishing Tree

watercolour — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 04:26:38 +0000

"I Wish Upon a Tree" - The tale of the County's magical landmark

Long ago, in the heart of Prince Edward County, a grand and towering maple tree stood as a testament to time and dreams. This massive tree, known as the Wishing Tree, held secrets of wishes and whispers from generations past. While the tree's story unfolded before my birth, its enchanting history has been passed down through the voices of my parents and grandparents, a tale brimming with magic and community.

Legend had it that the Wishing Tree was not just any tree — it was a colossal wonder, the largest maple tree in existence east of the Rocky Mountains. Stretching more than 160 feet toward the sky, with a girth of 18 feet, it stood as an awe-inspiring testament to nature's grandeur.

The tree's legacy as a wishing tree began centuries ago when the Indigenous people of the region saw it as more than just a tree. It was a sacred meeting place, a trading hub, and a space of tranquility. Under its leafy canopy, elders convened, and tribes gathered to share stories and wisdom. As the elders conversed, the children would pluck pieces of bark from the ground and send them fluttering into the branches above. If a piece caught onto a branch, it was believed that the wish whispered by the thrower would be heard and granted.

With the arrival of European settlers, the enchantment of the Wishing Tree spread to new hearts. Families ventured to the tree for picnics, bonding amid its natural splendour. Couples in love made their way to the tree's shade, entrusting their whispered dreams to its ancient branches. As the region flourished, a pathway was carved around the tree, and in 1837, the "Wishing Tree Lodge" was erected nearby, echoing the tree's allure.

In the early 1900s, the dawn of the automobile age brought tourists from afar, drawn to the mystique of the Wishing Tree. Each visitor sought to capture a piece of its magic, posing beside its towering presence for photographs to treasure. Yet, the tree's popularity proved bittersweet. The constant stream of traffic took a toll on the very roots that had anchored it for centuries.

In 1925, nature's fury struck in the form of lightning, leaving scars on the Wishing Tree's proud frame. Valiant efforts were made to save the ailing tree, pruning away the damaged branches, but time had begun to take its toll. By the early 1940s, the Wishing Tree succumbed to its inevitable fate.

In reverence to its memory, the tree's rings were counted as it lay on the ground, revealing its astonishing age of 731 years. From a sapling that first took root around 1200 AD, the Wishing Tree had witnessed centuries of dreams and hopes. Yet, its own popularity had hastened its decline, a poignant paradox of its legacy.

Today, the Wishing Tree's physical presence has vanished, lost to the currents of time. The lodge that stood as its companion remains, transformed into a private abode. Perhaps the smaller maples that now dot the landscape are descendants of this once-mighty giant. Our memories of the Wishing Tree persist only through aged photographs and the echoes of local lore.

Have you, too, heard whispers of the Wishing Tree's magic? Share your tales in the comments, and let us keep its spirit alive in our shared stories.

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Ghosts and Graveyards

watercolour — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 19:09:04 +0000

The County is rich with tales of haunted places, weaving a chilling tapestry that extends from cemeteries to castles.

Whether you're a firm believer in the supernatural or just a tad curious, it's hard to shake the shivers that creep up your spine as you delve into these eerie accounts.

Frozen in Time: The ghostly legacy of the Garibaldi's tragedy

Among the spectral narratives, one stands out like a frozen apparition in time – the tale of a sailor whose tragic demise left an indelible mark on the shoreline.

November 17, 1880, etched a harrowing episode into history's annals. That fateful day saw the schooner Garibaldi caught in the clutches of a winter tempest, mercilessly flung off its course and driven ashore at Weller's Bay. Under the shroud of night, only a trio of the ship's crew and the cook managed to find refuge on the shoreline. The captain, mate, and a solitary sailor clung to their ice-enshrouded vessel through the agonizing hours.

With each crashing wave, the ice's grip tightened, forming an icy shroud around the ill-fated ship. As dawn broke, revealing the extent of the tragedy, rescuers ventured forth to the stranded vessel. What met their eyes was a scene of chilling sorrow – the ship had transformed into a frozen tableau. The captain and the lone sailor, bound to the rigging, bore the brunt of nature's wrath. Tragically, the mate's struggle for survival came to a tragic end; his life extinguished amidst the icy grip, captured in the core of a massive ice block. His ghostly silhouette etched a haunting memory of his final moments – hands raised above his head, a desperate gesture to stave off his cruel destiny.

Whispers still reverberate, recounting how his ethereal presence walks the shoreline of Weller's Bay, a constant reminder of the icy grip that claimed him so long ago.

Beyond Mortal Boundaries: The tale of Ira Chadsey and his white horse

In the late 1800s, a farmer by the name of Ira Chadsey, located near Wellington, had an intriguing vision for what awaited him beyond life's horizon. His curious declaration echoed through time: he would return after death, not as a mere spirit, but as a majestic white horse. To guide his ethereal journey home, he constructed stone markers, intricate cairns, that would stand sentinel in the afterlife. These 20-rod spaced cairns, towering six feet high, were meticulously crafted from field stones united by mortar, forming an enigmatic perimeter around what is believed to be his horse paddock.

The story meanders through a tapestry of truth and imagination, weaving whispers of rumoured apparitions — a spectral white horse that has been said to tread upon the farm's grounds. Yet, in the pages of history, Ira Chadsey marked himself an agnostic in the 1871 census, leaving one to ponder whether the tale of reincarnation was merely an exquisite embellishment, a mirage of fantasy against the backdrop of reality.

Fast-forward to today, where the once-farm now stands transformed into a winery, christened By Chadseys' Cairns, an homage to the enigmatic legacy of Ira. Amidst the lush vineyards and the embrace of time, one of their most celebrated wines takes the stage: "White Horse." A name that encapsulates not just a beverage, but the spirit of a story, a journey, and the enduring presence of a farmer who dreamed beyond the confines of his mortal coil.

Phantom Rappings: The puzzling poltergeist of Picton's attic

In the year 1939, the Ackermans, a family residing in Picton, found themselves entangled in a puzzling enigma. Every Thursday evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a peculiar phenomenon would unfold within their home — mysterious knocking and thumping would resonate from the attic door, persisting for an hour or two.

News of this predictably eerie occurrence had quickly spread, capturing the attention of both the media and the local community. And then came that memorable evening, the 17th of August, 1939, when the Ackerman house was encircled by twenty-three vehicles, each filled with curious individuals eager to witness the spectral spectacle firsthand. The allure of the mysterious had drawn them, like moths to a flickering flame.

As the crowd grew in number and anticipation, the situation escalated to the point where the intervention of law enforcement was necessitated. Police officers were summoned to the scene, tasked with the delicate mission of dispersing the throng of onlookers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the supernatural.

Curiously absent from the records is any mention of when or why the mischievous poltergeist decided to cease its peculiar nocturnal activities. The Ackermans were left with their curious predicament, a riddle without resolution. It's a circumstance that leaves one wondering — if only the services of the "Ghost Busters" had been available in those times, perhaps the enigma would have met its match. Alas, those iconic saviours of the supernatural didn't make their appearance until the 1980s, leaving the Ackermans to navigate their paranormal conundrum unaided.

Specters of the Stage: The haunting legacy of Picton's Regent Theatre

Amid the hushed grandeur of the world's historic theatres, whispers abound of spectral figures wandering the darkened stages and labyrinthine corridors.

Among them, Picton's Regent Theatre stakes its claim to the realm of the supernatural, where the ethereal presence of Miss Louise Cook, a former owner, lingers. Even when the lights fade and the curtains close, Louise's spirit reportedly still treads the aisles and casts a watchful eye over the ticket booth. Over time, numerous theatre employees have shared accounts of encountering her ghostly apparition.

Adding to the spectral tapestry, the theatre now boasts an "official future ghost." The year 2020 brought a fundraising draw winner, Ryan Aldred, who has earned the perpetual right to join the ranks of the theatre's phantoms. It's an intriguing twist that Louise Cook, if her ghostly awareness persists, might welcome. In witnessing the theatre's resurgence as a vibrant hub of activity, she could very well find herself in the company of a fellow spirit in the years to come.

Ghosts of Hillier: The story behind 'The Root Cellar'

The ethereal presence within her former Hillier home stirred the imagination of author Janet Lunn, giving birth to the enduring novel for young readers, "The Root Cellar."

In the dynamic era of the 1970s and 80s, Janet and her husband Richard inhabited their aged farmhouse, where echoes of the supernatural manifested. Among the occurrences were glimpses of a woman's silhouette adorned in a flowing dress and bonnet, caught humming in the kitchen, accompanied by the enigmatic sound of footfalls without a corporeal source. Even the family dog couldn't escape the eerie unease.

Curious minds can delve further into the narrative of "The Root Cellar" through its Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Root_Cellar.

Elegance and Echoes: The ghostly secrets of Castle Villeneuve

Perched gracefully on Bridge Street, overlooking Picton Bay, Castle Villeneuve stood as a captivating testament to French Gothic architecture. Its grandeur was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a symphony of design, an opulent masterpiece adorned with intricate plasterwork, stately ballrooms, cascading porches, and the whispered history of servants' lives tucked within its quarters.

However, the tales that resonate beyond its architectural brilliance are those of enigma and spectres. Those who once served within the castle's walls recount the mysteries concealed in secret chambers and the ethereal presence of apparitions. One can't help but wonder if the former inhabitants, now at rest, found the allure of this splendid abode too captivating to part with – their connection to this luxurious haven extending beyond the boundaries of life itself.

Learn more about Picton's castles ...

Watcher of Shadows: Uncovering the mysterious forces within an abandoned building

Once a bustling military barracks and later repurposed as a facility for the mentally disabled, this now abandoned building stands as a silent witness to its storied past. Over time, its enigmatic aura has lured in paranormal investigators seeking to uncover the mysteries hidden within its walls.

Among the echoing corridors, there arise tales of apparitions belonging to former patients and stern military officers. The air whispers with echoes of unseen footsteps, and voices long gone seem to linger in the corners of these deserted chambers. Curiously, photographs have captured inexplicable light anomalies, hinting at a spectral presence that defies explanation.

Yet, the true essence of eeriness lies not merely in the visual and auditory anomalies. Many who have ventured into its shadows have been overcome by an uncanny sensation, as if unseen eyes were fixed upon them — a sensation that sends shivers down the spine and leaves a lingering feeling of being watched by something beyond the realm of the living.

For those eager to delve into the investigations that have transpired within these haunted walls, a trove of paranormal exploration reports can be found at: theparanormalseekers.ca/prince-edward-heights---picton.html

Grains of Time: The phantom workers of Roblin's Mill

Roblin's Mill, a testament to history, came to life in 1842 under the hands of Owen Roblin, a descendant of a United Empire Loyalist. This mill, perched in Ameliasburgh Township, hummed with life, processing grains and weaving stories for generations. However, as the years rolled on, the wheels of time slowed, and in 1920, the mill's purpose dwindled, leaving it abandoned and forgotten.

But fate had a different plan, and in 1964, just as the shadows of demolition loomed, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority stepped in, cradling the mill's legacy with caring hands. They whisked it away to Black Creek Pioneer Village, sparing it from the merciless grip of time.

Yet, as the mill found a new home, a curious phenomenon danced between its timeworn walls. Whispers among Black Creek's employees spoke of the "old ones," spectral echoes of labour long past. The mill's giant wheel, dormant for winter, stirred with a life of its own, as if the spirits of bygone workers still toiled to grind flour that only the ethereal could taste.

Perhaps local poet Al Purdy's words ring true in this spectral theatre:

Those old ones
you can hear them
lost in the fourth dimension
what happened still happens
a lump rises in your throat.

As Roblin's Mill stands anchored between history and the unseen, its echoes carry the cadence of both the living and the spectral, an enduring tribute to time's ceaseless dance.

Guardian of the Grave: The spirit of the sailor's dog

In the hushed hours of the night, a sense of mystery lingers around the South Bay Mariner’s Cemetery, where an intriguing tale of devotion and loss unfolds. The heart of this story lies with a black Labrador dog, a steadfast companion whose loyalty transcended even the bounds of life and death.

The echoes of history tell us of a sailor, a figure of the lakes who once walked the decks of a schooner anchored at the nearby Port Milford. This sailor's life took a tragic turn when, in the depths of a drunken haze, he tumbled down the hatch of his vessel, succumbing to the injuries that ensued.

Beside this mariner stood his faithful black Labrador, a friend who shared his days aboard the schooner. When tragedy struck, the bond between master and dog was evident even in death. The loyal canine refused to abandon the ship that had been their shared home, and only reluctantly stepped ashore when compelled to do so. The dog's unwavering devotion, it seems, extended beyond the earthly realm.

Whispers among the locals attest to the haunting presence of the black Labrador's spirit, a mournful reminder of the sailor's fate. As the night settles in and the world grows still, some say they've heard the phantom howls of the faithful companion, an ethereal lament for the master long since departed.

In the South Bay Mariner’s Cemetery, the stories of lives lived and lost interweave with a bond unbroken, echoing through the ages as a testament to the enduring connection between humans and their four-legged friends.

Beyond the Threshold: The intriguing tale of Maple Rest's ghostly visitor

Nestled within the serene landscapes of Sandbanks, the Maple Rest Heritage House stands as a testament to Victorian elegance, now open for vacation rentals.

However, the old-world charm of this historic abode comes with an intriguing twist — a tale of the unexplained. Numerous guests have shared their encounters with a mysterious presence, a diminutive male figure that seems to traverse the boundaries between realms, making its ethereal appearances near the back porch. Clad in a hat and jacket, this spectral visitor is often described as slightly hunched, as if bracing against the chill of another time.

Curiously, these sightings often occur with an inexplicable sense of weightlessness, almost as if the figure were defying the constraints of the physical world. A whispered rumour among those who've experienced these enigmatic encounters is that this apparition could be reliving some long-forgotten memory or perhaps still fulfilling a task from beyond.

Winter's icy grip only deepens the mystery. On one frost-laden night, a curious guest ventured outside to confront the apparition's enigma. Yet, as they stood in the hushed snowscape, they discovered an eerie truth — there were no footprints in the snow, no trace of a corporeal presence that could have accounted for the ghostly figure.

As the Maple Rest Heritage House continues to enchant visitors with its Victorian allure, it also leaves them pondering the nature of the spectral resident that defies time and reason, leaving behind only questions and a touch of otherworldly wonder.

Consecon's Legacy: The Fox Sisters and the spiritualist movement

The origins of Modern Spiritualism can be traced back to the remarkable Fox sisters of Consecon. Maggie (Margaretta) Fox (1833–1893) and Katie (Catherine) Fox (1837–1892) were born in Consecon. However, in December 1847, the family relocated to a cottage in Hydesville, New York.

In a seemingly ordinary moment, an impromptu séance would mark the beginning of their extraordinary journey. The sisters made contact with the spirit of a deceased pedlar during this session. Little did they know, the pedlar's body had been hastily interred in the cellar of their cottage.

This fateful séance thrust the two farm girls from Upper Canada into the spotlight, launching them into careers that would become both famous and controversial as the world's foremost mediums and spiritualists.

Mysterious Headstone: An engraved enigma at St. Mary Magdalene churchyard

In the serene churchyard of the historic St. Mary Magdalene church in Picton, an unusual headstone stands as a curious testament to the passage of time. The inscription on the grave marker reads: "Wm. Pierce, Died Feb 31, 1860."

This intriguing tombstone has become the subject of both local lore and wider attention. A 1936 article in the old Toronto Telegram suggested a quirky explanation for the odd date, attributing it to an absent-minded stone cutter rather than a bewildering shift in the calendar. The intriguing nature of the inscription led the tombstone to gain a moment of fame when it was featured on an episode of Ripley’s Believe It or Not in the 1960s.

As the years have passed, the question lingers: Is there more to this story than meets the eye? Could the spirit of Wm. Pierce still wander, perhaps slightly perplexed, awaiting the correction of his puzzling headstone? The enigma endures, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of the past that echo through the present day.

Echoes of Doubt: The haunting tale of Thomset and Lowder

The year was 1883 when the Prince Edward County jail witnessed a grim spectacle: the hanging of Joseph Thomset and George Lowder for a crime that might have stained their hands with another's blood unjustly.

Their convictions seemed to be painted by hasty brushstrokes of amateur detective work, orchestrated by a zealous police chief craving recognition as a crime solver. The community's thirst for revenge only exacerbated the situation, creating a distorted narrative of guilt that may have masked the truth.

In the shadow of the gallows, Thomset and Lowder faced their fate, but their demise was far from swift. Left suspended, their bodies convulsed violently, the ropes constricting the air from their lungs, a torturous suffocation that stained the conscience of the onlookers. The profound horror of that moment lingered in the collective memory, casting a dark pall over the County and etching the story deep into its fabric.

Yet, in the aftermath of tragedy, the truth found its whisperers. A gravestone, humble and crudely inscribed, stands sentinel in Picton's Glenwood cemetery, a testament to those who believe that Thomset and Lowder were victims of a grave miscarriage of justice. The words etched upon it, "Hanged. 1883. Unjustly," speak for voices silenced long ago and echo the somber reminder that justice isn't always as it appears. The tale of Thomset and Lowder endures as a haunting reminder of the past's shadows, urging us to question, to seek the truth, and to ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten.

Unseen but Unforgettable: The silent tenant on Queen Street

In the 1970s, my friends embarked on a new chapter of their lives by moving into a charming older house on Queen Street in Picton. What they initially believed to be a home solely for themselves soon revealed its secrets — a silent resident from beyond, an unseen occupant that would soon earn the moniker of a "house ghost" – not just a guest, but a permanent fixture of the home.

As the days turned into weeks, peculiar occurrences began to unfold. Mysterious sounds echoed through the house, and fleeting shadows danced in the corners of their eyes. The presence, they surmised, was that of a woman, a specter who seemed eager to make her unseen presence known. Subtle as it was, a palpable aura seemed to envelop the rooms, creating an ambiance of inexplicable familiarity.

Time would unveil the truth behind this enigmatic presence. It was revealed that a woman, a former dweller of the house, had met her end within those very walls. The house had become a vessel of her memories, an echo of her past life, and it seemed she was determined to communicate her lingering essence to the living inhabitants.

Among the intriguing interactions, one incident stood out vividly — the kitchen soap dish. Like a playful hint from beyond, my friends would often discover the soap dish moved from its resting place on the countertop to an unexpected location at the centre of the kitchen sink. It was as if the unseen resident was trying to assert her presence in a way that could not be ignored.

In the quietude of the nights, the echoes of her existence lingered, intertwining with the creaks of the aging house. What began as an unsettling mystery slowly transformed into a comforting bond, as my friends realized that they shared their living space with a spirit whose history was forever intertwined with their own.

Grant Howes: A legacy beyond bounds

Grant Howes, the driving force behind the revival of the craft cider industry in Ontario, left an indelible mark that extended beyond his accomplishments. Grant was not only known for his larger-than-life personality but also for his generous spirit, freely sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion. He assumed the role of mentor for numerous individuals within the industry, leaving an enduring legacy of guidance and inspiration.

Tragically, Grant's journey came to an unexpected end when he peacefully passed away in his sleep at the age of 60. His untimely departure left a void that echoed through the hearts of his family and an extensive circle of friends. Despite his age, Grant possessed an unquenchable zest for life, leaving behind unrealized potentials and unshared wisdom.

However, those familiar with the County Cider Company have noticed a lingering presence—a sense that Grant's remarkable spirit may still permeate the cidery's grounds. His boundless determination and vigor seem to defy the confines of mortality. An intriguing figure in this tale is a majestic raven, an embodiment of Grant's enduring energy. Since his passing, this enigmatic raven has appeared, gracing the cidery's surroundings, almost as if it were keeping a watchful eye over the ongoing operations. Should you decide to venture to the County Cider Company, I encourage you to take a moment to look around, for you might catch a glimpse of Grant's raven companion. It's a comforting thought, one that suggests that Grant's remarkable spirit may continue to traverse realms, reminding us that some individuals leave an imprint that transcends the boundaries of existence.

Help to spread the spookiness

Do you have County ghost stories to share? Feel free to drop them in the comments below or send an email to anne@countymoments.ca. I'm eager to hear from you and learn about more intriguing tales!

Lurking in the depths: The lore and reality of lake monsters

watercolour — Fri, 08 May 2020 14:59:23 +0000

The allure of lake monster tales has always captured my imagination, a fascination likely stemming from my residence on an island enveloped by the deep, enigmatic waters of Lake Ontario.

Similar to ghost stories, the enchantment lies in their allure and thrill, as long as they remain in the realm of fantasy. Yet, the notion of colossal lake creatures harbouring an eerie reality can send shivers down one's spine. The Scottish Loch Ness Monster, the American Chessie, and the BC Ogopogo are some of the well-known names, but globally, over fifty lakes have witnessed hundreds of reported sightings. These aquatic cryptids, described across centuries and cultures, bear uncanny resemblances—elongated, snakelike forms with green, brown, or grayish skin, often topped by a head reminiscent of a horse or a dog.

Legends of gargantuan, scaly serpents in the Great Lakes trace back centuries, rooted in the beliefs of Algonquin and Iroquois people who regarded these creatures as nearly invincible. In the 1600s, French explorer Pierre Radisson chronicled his encounters with colossal snake-like beings in the Great Lakes in his diary. Since then, numerous accounts of massive lake serpents have continued to surface.

In 1805, four fishermen near Kingston mistook what they thought was an overturned rowboat for a horrifying encounter. As they approached, the boat transformed into a colossal snake, propelling them to paddle fervently towards shallow waters along the shore. Their dread only deepened as the serpent continued to glide, back and forth, seemingly watching their every move.

Eastern Lake Ontario is a hotspot for recurring colossal lake serpent sightings.

In 1833, the captain of the schooner Polyphemus recounted an astonishing tale of encountering a colossal serpent in the waters near Kingston. Described as dark blue with brown spots, stretching about 175 feet in length, the creature seemed poised to engage their vessel. Yet, it swam beneath the ship, its serpentine body undulating as it journeyed towards the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. For around 15 minutes, the crew and passengers bore witness to its retreat, its body submerged, and head above the water, moving with an almost mesmerizing rhythm.

Another schooner captain, in 1840, reported a peculiar sight while sailing past Main Duck Island — a "sound asleep" serpent, fifty feet long, dull brown with a dragon-like head, scales on its back, and a tail resembling a harpoon head. Having personally observed the plethora of water snakes inhabiting the island's rocky crevices, some growing to substantial sizes, this account makes me shudder!

In 1881, a boat on Eastern Lake Ontario encountered an "amphibious presence up to forty feet in length with a disproportionately large head." Later that year, the crew and passengers of the steamer Gypsy witnessed a snake-like creature measuring around twenty feet, gliding through the Rideau Canal.

Multiple sightings spanning several years in the vicinity of Kingston and the eastern basin of Lake Ontario earned the creature the moniker "Kingstie." The media caught wind of these reports in 1980, resulting in a newspaper headline that boldly proclaimed, "Long Live Kingstie!"

As fantastical as these accounts may seem, dismissing them outright poses a challenge. Marine biologists acknowledge that the vast size and depth of the Great Lakes continue to harbour mysteries within their murky depths. With certain species of prehistoric fish and reptiles having adapted and thrived in these waters for centuries, the question remains — could colossal serpents be part of this hidden tapestry, lurking just beneath the water's surface? Or are these monsters confined to the shadows of our imagination?

This story was featured in County Magazine Spring 2021 issue.