By LAURA HOKSTAD
As horror fans, we like to think we know the “rules” for surviving a horror movie. We know things like, Don’t go into the haunted house, don’t follow the strange noise into the basement, don’t mess with evil dolls, and as Randy Meeks from Scream told us, “Don’t say ‘I’ll be right back.’” Well, last week, a group of the RUE MORGUE Crew did all those things and more as we attended the Isabella Street Séance hosted by Jaymes White.
This is the eighth consecutive year that Jaymes has hosted these traditional Victorian-style séances. In the past, the séances have taken place at many haunted locations around Toronto, such as Black Creek Village and the Beverly House. This year, Jaymes has chosen the Foy-Smith Mansion on Isabella Street for his foray into the spirit realm. This location, Jaymes says, has seen its fair share of evildoers. The home was once a hospital and was visited by Herman Webster Mudgett, better known as Dr. Henry Howard Holmes or H. H. Holmes, notably one of America’s first documented serial killers.
As a tarot card reader and a witch, séances have always been an interest of mine. I grew up playing with the Ouija board and trying to contact the dead. I remember, when I was younger, my friends and I would walk through the local graveyard, trying to connect with any spirits that had recently passed on. So, as you can imagine, when we were invited to a real Victorian-style, séance I was eager to attend.
The historic Foy-Smith Mansion is a house of dark secrets.
This was my second year attending one of Jaymes White’s séances, and it did not disappoint. The Foy-Smith house is a beautiful 130-year-old home. We were free to explore all three floors of antique décor and dimly lit rooms, winding staircases and a basement that felt right out of a classic horror film.
Once we arrived at the home, our group, with Jaymes’ guidance, formed a circle, joined hands and called out to any spirits of past residents that might still be haunting the premises. The highlight of the evening came when we heard a loud noise that led us to the basement – where we found a surprise. The whole experience was shocking, spooky and a whole lot of fun.
Afterward, I asked Jaymes a few of my burning questions, and here is what he had to say.
How did you select Isabella Street As this year’s séance, what research goes into finding these haunted locations?
Jaymes White, host of the Isabella Street Séance
We were approached by a developer about this location because he claimed a lot of weird stuff happened to him. We then reached out to the current tenants. Some years, it takes longer to get the locations, but we are persistent until we find the right fit.
Opening yourself up to the spirits of the dead each night must take a lot of energy. How do you protect yourself? I know I brought, like, five of my own crystals!
My whole life, nothing really happens to me, but it happens to everyone around me. I feel maybe that is my weird gift in the world. I have honestly never really had any issues. But my advice for people attending? Bring as many crystals as you can! [Laughs]
@laurhok #RueMorgueMag Crew braved the haunted Isabella St. Séance last night hosted by Jaymes White. #ruemorguemagazine #séance #haunted #hauntedtiktok #ghosthunting #hauntedtoronto #fyp #fypシ #spooky
♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound
What’s been the most shocking revelation you’ve experienced with your séances at Isabella Street so far?
We have had two people see themselves in the house – almost like a doppelganger. It was very surreal. Also, [during] one séance, three people claimed a shadow came into the room and touched them, and it injured their shoulder where they were touched.
The RUE Crew at the Foy-Smith Mansion
Have you noticed if the séance that falls on a Full Moon or Friday the 13th was extra active?
The funny thing is, we found those séances to be less active. I am not sure why but this year they were much quieter.
I don’t know if you remember, but last year, a mysterious doll appeared at the end of the séance and chose me to come home with. I still have it. Honestly, I’m afraid to get rid of it. I know you have a hearty collection of cursed Ouija boards. So, any tips for living with cursed objects?
It is exciting that you have that weird doll that came out of nowhere. That must be like the best souvenir ever. My tip for keeping haunted/cursed items is to never fear them. Never let it get to you or bother you. Almost ignore it, and I promise you will have no issues.
The Isabella Street séance runs until November 25th. For more information, visit jaymeswhite.com.
