The True Story of the Harvey Murders 1889

 

The Unfortunate Man: Guelph’s Most Shocking True Crime Story

In March 1889, the Royal City was shaken by a tragedy so shocking that businesses closed, crowds filled the streets, and newspapers declared that no event in Canadian history had inspired such grief, fascination, and horror.

The Unfortunate Man retraces the final days of William Harvey—a respected accountant and devoted church leader whose life collapsed under the weight of financial disgrace, culminating in one of Canada’s most haunting crimes.

Through dramatic recitation, hear vivid newspaper accounts, courtroom testimony, eyewitness descriptions, and Harvey’s own final words brought chillingly to life.

More than a true crime tour, this is a powerful exploration of Victorian Guelph, public morality, faith, justice, mental illness, and the fragile line between respectability and despair.

A story that stunned a nation.
A tragedy that still echoes through Guelph’s streets.

90 minutes • Gentle walk • Mature audiences

Book a Private Tour

Enjoy The Unfortunate Man as a private walking tour for your own group of four or more. CONTACT ME

The Butter Maker of Connemara by Charlene Herrold from Heads & Tales

This is a rehearsal recording so it's very rough but the quality of the writing is all there.

This story will soon be ready to be performed at your next storytelling event.

How can you have it at your event - Go HERE for details.

Now relax and enjoy this tale...

You draw the title. I take the leap. Heads & Tales

That's the spirit behind Heads & Tales.

It works well in intimate community spaces, libraries, galleries, studios...

You can access my Booking Information HERE

There’s something electric about stories shared live in a room full of attentive listeners.

A hat full of titles.. A room full of words.

Each performance is different depending on what titles are drawn from the hat.

Up next: Thursday July 2 at 6:00pm. Guelph Library West End Branch, 21 Imperial Road

Stay up to date with walking tours, storytelling performances and show offerings

Would you like to stay in touch?

From time to time, I send a brief email about upcoming walking tours, storytelling performances, and new projects. If you'd like to receive occasional updates, simply send me a note at JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com and I'll add you to Friends of JayWalking.

I write only when there is something genuinely worth sharing.

Guelph Arts Council's Historic Walking Tours

In addition to JAYWalking Guelph, I volunteer to lead some of the Guelph Arts Council's Historic Walks.

 Up next for me is Altar & Hearth - Exhibition Park Sunday May 31 at 10:00am.

Order on-line OR $10 cash. Just show up. I will meet you at the Guelph Public Library - Main Branch on Norfolk Street. Free parking. We depart promptly at 10am. Approximately 90 minutes.

There is some very cool stuff on this tour: fascinating information about the history of Exhibition Park, the first airplane to fly over Guelph, great neighbourhood stories, Jean Little's house...

Uncertain about the weather? Call me that morning to confirm if the tour is a 'go' 519 820-3269

100% of proceeds go toward the Guelph Arts Council - one of Ontario's oldest and finest arts councils.

Be proud Guelph. Hurray!

Audience endorsements and reflections on Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, a storytelling performance blending humour, history, and emotion.

What people are saying.

“What I saw was so touching, funny, and honest.” — Alec Harmer, Manager, River Run Centre

“Jay’s shifts between characters feel completely natural—like a room full of people."
— Audience member

“Jay’s changes in persona are impressively natural. His command of the stories has the feel of the best kind of Irish pub—full of characters, each clearly and distinctly present. Most enjoyable and entertaining.” -- Audience Member

“I so loved spending time with Jay. There’s a deep humour in these stories—even in the most tragic moments—that feels oddly comforting right now.”
— Audience member

Guelph Walking Tour 2026

The 2026 season is off to a roaring start.

Reserve your spot by contacting me directly. 

Groups of 4 or more. Any day, Any time. No service charges, no pesky fees.