Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Friday, October 4, 2024
Halloween Walking Tour
William Harvey, who was dubbed “The Unfortunate Man” was sentenced to hang for his crimes on October 31, 1889.
This is in all likelihood the most compelling true story to come out of Guelph in the 19th century and each year around Halloween JayWalking Guelph brings this story to life.
“What I find fascinating about this true tale is that nothing is resolved in the end. We don’t know if Harvey was insane as claimed by the alienists (psychiatrists) or a cold calculating murderer as the law saw it. And of course the big question, why did the citizens of Guelph label this murderer “Unfortunate”?, says Jay of JayWalking Guelph.
That of course is for you to find out during this 90 minute walking tour. It’s not just a walk of course. You’ll hear newspaper accounts of the murder, in all it’s detailed horror, trial testimony arguing for and against Harvey’s mental condition and finally a shocking true account of the hanging as you stand on the very spot where it took place. The jail yard of the Wellington County Courthouse is one of the prettiest yet most disturbing locations in all of Guelph and it is particularly atmospheric at night in October.
“This is not a tale for the faint of heart, yet at the same time it is a touching story of love and family”, Often real life is far more frightening than any Halloween inspired imagining and this story will stay with you long after it’s conclusion. That’s one of the reasons I love recounting this tale on the streets of Guelph every Autumn”, says Jay.
For tickets to this Guelph Halloween tradition visit JayWalking Guelph Eventbrite or contact Jay directly at jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com to reserve. 2 dates to choose from, Friday October 25 and Saturday Oct 26. Tour departs promptly from 8 Douglas Street in front of The Red Brick Cafe. Tours are limited to 16 people and at time of printing both tours are 50% sold.
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