Whitehern Mansion in Downtown Hamilton is nestled behind the modern architecture of Hamilton City Hall. Serving as a time capsule for one of the city’s most influential families.
Starting with Dr. Calvin McQuesten and leading to the tragic end of his son, Isaac. And a return to glory with the reason this house remains today.
And the rise of ghostly encounters through attempted containment. Featuring the experience by a worker named Jennifer. Leading us to believe the family remains and are grateful.
by Ghost Guide Daniel
Hidden Mansion called Whitehern
Tucked away behind Hamilton City Hall, you’ll find a contrast in architecture. Among encroaching rectangular and glass modernism is a historic mansion with preserved lands. As if modernism never happened.
This is Whitehern Mansion.
*On many Downtown Hamilton Ghost Walks, guests wonder, “Why was this house kept when so much history was lost?”*
The answer … a very important man once lived here.
The McQuesten Family
In 1852, Dr. Calvin McQuesten brought his family from Boston to Hamilton. A medical doctor, he slowly transformed into an industrialist.
His friends thought he was foolish to start over in Canada, but he proved them wrong. Built wealth by purchasing and building businesses. And in 1852, he bought Whitehern as his family’s grand home.
However, the family’s golden age was brief. In 1885, Dr. Calvin passed away, leaving the empire in the hands of his firstborn son, Isaac Baldwin McQuesten.
Tragedy of Isaac McQuesten
Isaac lacked his father’s business acumen. A downfall assisted by a recession.
Under his leadership, the family’s wealth evaporated. Businesses shuttered. Employees who once loved the McQuesten’s … now thrown in the street. Turning their anger on Isaac.
As the family’s mounting debt grew, Isaac spiraled into alcoholism.
Then, on the night of Wednesday, March 7, 1888, he reached a breaking point. While sitting in the house’s study, at his father’s old desk. He drank, before taking a lethal dose of “sleeping draught” (liquid old-time sleeping pills).
His wife found him unconscious in the study at midnight. And despite the doctor’s attempts throughout the night, Isaac passed away the following morning.
Isaac died with massive debt. There’s some confusion on how much. I’ve found references to over $900,000 ($31 million today), but also $90,000 (about $3 million today). With much lower assets.
But in an amazing act of insight, Isaac had Whitehern placed in a Legal Trust for his wife, Mary. Ensuring it would not be taken in collection and stayed with the family.
Isaac’s Son Saves the Legacy
The McQuesten’s were saved by Mary (Isaac’s wife) financial wizardry. But also the community which partly failed under Isaac’s mistakes.
Citizens who had previously resented the family took pity on Isaac’s widow and many children. Helping them through charity.
Until a new esteemed member grew up. This is Thomas Baker McQuesten.
Thomas was a genius like his grandfather (Dr. Calvin). But not for industry. He went into Politics.
Eventually being elected as the fourth ever Minister of Highways in the 1930s. Not long after, the automobile experienced its boom.
And during his terms, McQuesten changed Hamilton & the Golden Horseshoe region. With the creation of…
- The QEW Highway
- The Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls
- The Burlington Skyway
- The High-Level Bridge (called the TB McQuesten Bridge)
- And writing the initial plans to the Royal Botanical Gardens
- And among the team getting McMaster University to Hamilton
It is because of his impact on the region that Whitehern Mansion was kept for future generations to experience.
Hidden Gem with Hidden Ghosts
Whitehern is a great museum! I highly recommend the history tours to anyone, whether a history nut like me or not. It features many personal family stories that are fascinating.
However, I do disagree with them on one thing … ghosts! Staff and guides are discouraged from talking about anything outside of legit history. Which includes rumors, legends and ghost stories.
While this aims to maintain the museum’s reputation, it means true ghostly experiences get lost.
Fortunately, I’ve been aware of some stories over the years. Making my own ‘ghost-torical’ archive.
Including the following…
A Sign through Disembodied Legs
One former staff member, Jennifer, recalls a quiet afternoon. She was securing an antique seat. Setting up a velvet rope around it to stop guests from mistakenly sitting down.
As she leaned over to check the knot, a presence approached behind her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw feet standing under her outstretched arm.
Thinking it was a coworker, she turned to look up. And to her horror, the feet led to legs … and then nothing!
A pair of disembodied legs stood behind her. She froze, unable to scream. After a few moments, the legs vanished.
For most of us this is terrifying. But the energy around Jennifer calms those fears. Instead, forcing a sudden and overwhelming sense of calm to wash over her.
This is a common story among some who’ve worked at Whitehern. Whether cleaning, tending the gardens, or protecting antiques. The staff often report a feeling of being watched, alongside quiet and protective gratitude.
It seems the McQuesten’s are still thanking them for caring about Whitehern Mansion.
*Join us on the Downtown Hamilton Ghost Walks – Running on rare dates every season since 2003