The Death of Catrine da Costa Based On Actual Events: Remains of Swedish sex worker Catrine da Costa (born Catrine Beatrice Bäckström) were found in Solna, north of Stockholm, in the late summer of 1984. Catrine had been dismembered and parts of her body, in plastic bags, were found one kilometer apart on July 18... Continue Reading →
Tranquille Sanatorium
Location: Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada Credit: Wikipedia Tranquille Sanatorium is located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, and was built in 1907 to treat tuberculosis, otherwise known as ‘The White Plague.’ The grounds that the hospital was built upon were previously used for ranching before the British Columbian government purchased the land for the construction of... Continue Reading →
The Disappearance of Ambrose J. Small
Ambrose J. Small (January 11, 1866 – vanished December 2, 1919) was a Canadian theatre magnate, who owned theatres in several Ontario cities including the Grand Opera House in Toronto, the Grand Opera House in Kingston, and the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario.On December 2, 1919, Ambrose disappeared and his body was never recovered. He... Continue Reading →
The Donnelly Family
Johannah & James Donnelly The "Black" Donnelly's were an Irish family who emigrated to Ontario. Five of the family were murdered by an armed mob in the township of Lucan Biddulph in February 1880 and their farm was burned down, the culmination of long-standing conflict between the family and other residents. No one was convicted... Continue Reading →
The Murderous Maids of Le Mans
The Gruesome Story of the Papin Sisters Léa (left) and Christine (right) Papin Christine Papin (March 8, 1905 – May 18, 1937)Léa Papin (September 15, 1911 – July 24, 2001 or 1982 - see below) Christine & Léa Papin were two French sisters, live-in maids, who were convicted of murdering their employer's wife and daughter... Continue Reading →
Have You Heard of Aqua Tofana?
Aqua Tofana (also known as Acqua Toffana, Acquetta Perugina, and Aqua Tufania and Manna di San Nicola) was a strong poison that was reputedly widely used in Naples, Perugia, and Rome, Italy. During the early 17th century Giulia Tofana, or Tofania, a woman from Palermo, made a good business for over twenty years selling her... Continue Reading →
Hamilton’s Dark History – Burkholder Cemetery
This is the old Burkholder United Church on Mohawk road circa 1900. In October 1794, Jacob Burkholder, and his wife, Sophia de Roche arrived on Hamilton Mountain and were one of the first families to settle in the area. The cemetery is located on Mohawk Road in Hamilton. It was established on a portion of... Continue Reading →
Hamilton’s Dark History – Lover’s Leap
Albion Falls is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hamilton and for good reason. This magnificent waterfall is a very popular spot, even though many don’t know there is a darker history to it. From the top of the falls, you’ll see a trail which leads off to the right. If you follow... Continue Reading →
Stories Behind The Tombstones
Thelma Ortenrio Taylor Gender: FemaleDate of Birth: February 7, 1911Born: Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaDate of Death: April 9, 1921Death: Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaAge at Death: 10 yearsLocation: Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaCause of Death: Abscess of left lung general septic condition 4 monthsDescription: A lung abscess is a microbial infection of the lung that results in necrosis of the pulmonary... Continue Reading →
History’s Dark Moments – Jimmy Hoffa
What Happened To Jimmy Hoffa?