Todmorden Mills, Toronto

In 1794-5 Isaiah and Aaron Skinner built a sawmill and grist-mill near the current Todmorden site. A third share in the mill property was held, 1799-1805, by their brother-in-law, Parshall Terry, a member of the first Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada, who had moved to this area by 1798. Terry lived nearby until his death in 1808. Later the mills were jointly owned by Colin Skinner and John Eastwood. By 1823, THomas Helliwell had built a brewery and a distlillery in the immediate vicinity and within four years Eastwood and Skinner had constructed the second paper mill in Upper Canada. A village called "Todmorden" after the English home of the Helliwells grew up to the north-east of the mills.

Located in the Don River Valley Todmorden Mills' historic millers' homes, the Brewery Gallery, the Paper Mill Gallery and Theatre and the relocated Don train station all tell a story about early industry in this city. There is also a 10 hectare valley and wilderness park featuring a new wild flower preserve, as well as a Discovery Walk and bicycle trails along the Lower Don Trail.

What isn't in the brochure are stories of at least two former residents who have decided to stay in the area. The first is of an apparently harmless old woman who has been seen numerous time by staff, walking around the theatre late at night. The second seems to be a mischevious little spirit that move props and furniture around in the storage lofts and has possibly been sighted as a grey spectre passing hastily above the stage area windows.

In recent years, others have come forward with stories about Todmorden. One spirit is believed to be that of the former lady of the house who died during child birth and the second is that of her child that perished not two years later in an unfortunate mill accident. In one instance a muffled disembodied voice of female was heard talking in aother room and in the same room, a female apparition was seen in one of the windows.

If anyone has any additional information on this or any other location or event, please forward it to info@hauntpursuit.com.