Around the house the spirits soar
Reaching upwards evermore…
…a little local folklore
“…One day I was a wee boy my great-aunt
died and was buried on Thetis Point. In the years after a
figure of a “Lady in White” was seen on the rocks
looking out to sea. This rock became known as White Lady Point,
and the beach in Thetis Cove became named as White Lady Beach,
to all our local folk.
Tale as told by Wilf Gouge, born June 30, 1897
Grandson of Peter Calvert the pioneer of
Four Mile House established 1858.
The White Lady was Wilf Gouge’s great-aunt who came
to stay with the family when her husband, a sea captain, went
on a long voyage. She would take daily walks to Thetis Point
(just behind Four Mile) and stand high up on the rocks looking
out to sea. She passed away after a lengthy illness before
her husband returned. In the years after a lady in white was
seen frequently by locals standing on the rocks looking out
to sea waiting for her man.
The staff at Four Mile over the years has constantly heard
noises in the early morning, a teaspoon tapping against a
teacup in the present empty dining room, a voice softly calling,
the image of a customer sitting quietly at a table seen out
of the corner of ones eye in passing…only to vanish
upon closer inspection, leaving the chair slightly ajar at
the table; and footsteps heard upstairs late at night. Small
items missing suddenly and when we ask for it to be returned
we find the item lost the last time returned instead, resting
in the same spot. Almost like a humorous lost and found in
a quiet corner of the kitchen.
Jake is another one of out resident ghosts at Four Mile.
Jake Matteson was a Scottish gentleman who came by ship in
the late 1840’s. He was reputed to have staked the land
before the original owners and had plans drawn to build a
home for his sweetheart. He kept his gold on a rope, in and
old well on the property. Before he could execute his plans
he “died suddenly”. We are still looking for that
gold. (We found two “old wells” during various
stages of renovation…no gold yet!)
A women in full length gown has been seen infrequently in
full daylight standing in an upper window looking down at
the gardens. One can sense her enjoyment of the spring and
fall work being done by the gardeners. We are sure that this
is Margaret.
Margaret’s mother Elizabeth was the lady of the Manor
and was said to have healing powers and extensive knowledge
of herbs and their properties, she learned the language of
the local natives and was renowned as a medicine women for
the local folk. When she died the local natives danced the
mask dance in her honor (one reserved for chiefs and great
warriors). At her funeral they all took part in accompanying
her casket to the graveside.
There is a warm healing spiritual essence here around the
house, that one can feel, as you sit back and enjoy the ambiance
and fine Westcoast cuisine of Four Mile House.
|
