Bar Harbor’s Ghostly Tales | Geddy’s
Maybe, Jessica Fletcher should have lived in Bar Harbor, instead of Cabot Cove?
In New England, October is the month of chilly weather, brilliant fall foliage, woolly sweaters, all-things pumpkin, the Patriots … and, of course, Halloween. So, we thought it only befitting to write about the ghostly tales of Bar Harbor’s past. Rich in history, it’s no wonder that this charming seaport town is filled with colorful and mysterious legends. Just ask town residents. Or, perhaps, take a Bar Harbor ghost walking tour to learn more about these tales and other haunted stories.
Haunted Ghost Tours in Bar Harbor
In Bar Harbor, Bar Harbor Ghost Tours and Red Cloak Tours offer haunted walking tours of the area – sharing the history, famous legends, and spooky frights. Clearly, these tours are not for the faint of heart … and are sure to give you goosebumps! Also, keep in mind that tour protocols have changed, amid Covid. Changes include: limited tour capacity, social distancing, masks, reservations, no interior access to Criterion Theater, TeleTours … and, coming soon, digital tours. So, please check-out their websites. Also, given the popularity of these tours, book early … and don’t forget to bring comfy shoes!
Bar Harbor Stories, Truth or Legend?
The locals often speak of strange occurrences and ghosts that walk the streets at night. Ghosts are even rumored to inhabit the local theater and some of the summer estates, referred to as ”cottages.” In the 1900’s, during the Gilded Age, these lavish cottages were occupied by wealthy industrialists and financiers. Their extravagant lifestyles were not without reproach.
Join us as we take a look at some of Bar Harbor’s mysterious tales. So, curl-up with a warm blanket in front of the fireplace, and walk with us through Bar Harbor’s past. The stories are from Marcus LiBrizzi’s Ghosts of Acadia, Jennifer Pictou, Owner, Bar Harbor Ghost Tours, and from Amy Roeder, former Executive Director, of the beautiful (but very haunted) Criterion Theater.
Bar Harbor Club – Most Haunted Site in Town
At the heart of many of these myths is the old Bar Harbor Club. This prominent and prestigious town fixture was reserved exclusively for the “Who’s Who” of the rich and famous. The historic club was built in 1929 by J.P. Morgan. In the 1980s, it was abandoned for 20 years – experiencing years of neglect and decay, before being renovated in 2009.
Background – In the late 1800s, the land itself was reputed to be cursed. Prior to the club being built, early white settlers referred to the spot as “devil’s half acre.” It was as an Indian Settlement Camp for Native Americans, who had been displaced from their homes. As waterfront property values began to rise in Bar Harbor, the Native American Indians were uprooted again from their internment camp and relocated to a tent village at the present site of the Bar Harbor Athletic Grounds.
Perhaps, this is why the Bar Harbor Club is filled with stories of alleged murders, accidental deaths and unexplained spirits. One such story has to do with a young woman who was mysteriously murdered during the time the club was abandoned. While her body was never found, the young woman’s perfume is reputed to mysteriously fill the air of certain rooms. In fact, people claim to see her spirit roaming the hallways late at night. It is for this reason, or for all of these reasons, that the Bar Harbor Club retains its reputation as one of the most haunted places in town.
The Ledgelawn Inn in Bar Harbor – Most Famous Haunted Cottage on MDI
Presumed to be one of the most famous haunted cottages on Mount Desert Island, The Ledgelawn Inn was built in 1904. It was constructed on the foundation of older structures, each with their own unique mysterious past. This could explain why it’s considered to be a landmark of the paranormal. There have been many sightings of phantoms floating freely through the air and unexplained sounds of slamming doors and faint heated arguments.
In its early years, The Ledgelawn Inn was a private residence of lavish summer parties and elegant balls with the wealthiest of society. However, these extravagant celebrations came to an abrupt end with Mary Margaret. The story is told of an extremely rich and beautiful young woman who was jilted by her fiancée shortly before her wedding day. Despondent and dressed in her white wedding gown, Mary Margaret tragically hung herself from the 3rd floor rafters with her wedding veil. Later, when the Ledgelawn was turned into an Inn, the site became known as room #326. Guests claim that her spirit continues to haunt the residence. There have been many sightings of white apparitions floating through the air. Without a doubt, Mary Margaret is the most famous ghost in Bar Harbor.
Another story is often told of an attractive young maid. In the 1930’s, she was found dead at the bottom of the Ledgelawn’s back staircase. She appeared to have been pushed to her death in a struggle. The maid was rumored to have been having an affair with her married master. Because of his prominent status, the alleged murder was quickly hushed-up and never investigated. This could explain why she continues to haunt the place – slamming doors and arguing with someone in the distance. Perhaps, her murderer?
Bar Harbor Historic 1932 Criterion Theater – Most Haunted Place in US
According to both Amy Roeder, Former Executive Director of the Criterion Theater, and Jennifer Pictou, Owner, Bar Harbor Ghost Tours, the Criterion Theater has an intriguing history of paranormal activities, claiming five distinct spirits. One such story is told of the owner of the Criterion, George McKay. He built the theater in 1932, during the prohibition era, with a secret underground rum runner tunnel. George was a friendly but somewhat unsavory character. He was indicted for rum running and incarcerated in prison for a year.
After WWII, George hired a distant nephew to manage the theater. Apparently, his nephew had returned from the war with “shell shock” (PTSD). He was having a difficult time keeping a job in town. On occasion, he was also known to drink excessively. One night, he got drunk with a lit cigarette in his hand. The cigarette started a fire on his horsehair mattress, and he perished in the fire. However, he is still seen walking down the house left aisle, tapping people on their shoulders, and knocking on the stage. Another story is told of the ghost of long-time projectionist Roy Blake, who is believed to haunt the theater too.
Frequent paranormal activities makes the Criterion Theater possibly one of the most haunted places in the United States.
These are only a few of the stories of Bar Harbor’s haunted past. For more spooky stories, be sure to experience one of Bar Harbor’s haunted ghost tours. Truth or legend? Perhaps, we’ll never know … or will we? What are your thoughts? Share your stories with us. For additional information on Bar Harbor, be sure to contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Happy Halloween … and “Boo” from Geddy’s, 🙂
Heather
