Ghost Guide Daniel – – Lillian was the only daughter of Hart Massey. She was educated at the Wesleyan Woman’s College in Hamilton (where the Royal Connaught is today). Eventually becoming Matriarch of the family and mistress of the haunted Keg Mansion.
Dying in 1915. Only 6 years after her husband.
According to the infamous legend … the death of the Keg Mansion Maid happened just after Lillian’s death.
..:: Quick Links ::..
LEGEND | ORIGIN? | GHOST | HOUSE HISTORY
In this article expect violence, death & an obsessed ghost maid! Reader discretion is advised…
Related Podcast Episode
Lillian Massey’s Maid
Lillian Massey was beloved by many. The public, and her staff inside what is today’s Keg Mansion on Jarvis Street in Toronto.
It’s the staff… particularly one maid who made the ghostly legend infamous.
Did this Maid take her mistress’s death too hard?
The Legend of Keg Mansion
She served in the house. As tension hung over everyone. Word finally arrived back from Santa Barbara, California, stating Lillian Frances Massey was dead.
When the Maid learned of Lillian’s passing, she was witnessed walking into the main foyer and up the grand staircase.
We know she went to the oval vestibule.
A striking feature near the 2nd floor washrooms. An oval hole in the floor, blocked off with wooden rails. Looking into the main foyer.
*Want Most Ghost Stories?
This was near the haunted woman’s restroom
Bringing a length of rope which she fashioned into a noose. One end wrapped to the railing. Pushing herself up and dropping over the side.
The tragic story ends with house staff finding her lifeless body swinging near the staircase.
Her death due to grief … maybe!
The Other Legend
But there’s another version of the legend! Given by those who can’t answer one question,
“Why did the maid love Lillian enough to take her own life?”
A story around the Maid’s secret affair with a Massey man … a happily married one.
For unknown reasons, she feared the affair would be exposed after Lillian’s death. Not wanting to face consequences was enough to cause her tragic end.
But note … there’s no historical proof for either legend.
Real Origin of the Legend?
The Murder of Charles Massey
As talked about in the above Ghost Guide Daniel Podcast episode (see embedded episode at start of article) … the legend may stem from the murder of Charles Massey.
This is a true story! Historic account of a maid named Carrie Davis. A woman who worked for Charles and his family.
On Feb 8th, 1915, she rushed out of the house as Charles walked up the drive. Pulled a gun, yelling, “You ruined my life!”
Firing the gun at Charles. Who later died.
*Thanks to budding historian’s (Christy Jeffray) post on the Ghost Guide Daniel Facebook page … the connection was made…
- Charles Massey was murdered by a maid on Feb 8th, 1915.
- Lillian Massey died (and legend was born) on Nov 3rd, 1915.
Meaning… the ‘media circus’ case of Charles Massey was fresh in the minds of the public when Lillian died.
Makes sense the Legend of Lillian’s Maid stems from this real event.
The Maid’s Ghost
Do you trust a legend? On either side, many believe “Lillian’s Maid” is the resident ghost of the now, Keg Mansion on Jarvis Street.
Many have witnessed the Maid’s ghost.
Including Keg Steakhouse staff members locking up at night.
Common ‘Glimpse’
It’s simple. While walking to secure the front door. It’s late at night after a long service. Seeing movement from the corner of their eye.
Spinning around … it always comes from the grand staircase off the foyer.
They call it a “glimpse”. A flashed image enough to affect the toughest witness. Too quick to frighten, but always remembered.
What they see … a woman hanging down from the second floor. Her lifeless body swinging from a noose.
A second later and she’s gone.
Lillian’s Maid is only seen by the grand staircase. No where else in the Keg Mansion. And always hanging from a noose.
History of the Keg Mansion
Historic energy is ghostly energy. There’s no difference. And today’s Keg Mansion in Toronto is very historic.
Located on Jarvis Street, the pinnacle of Victorian Toronto high society.
Where families of the city’s rich escaped their busy lives. Away from work, but still in the city they built.
Jarvis is lined with strong monuments to the past. Unique mansions never copied… and one of the most impressive, the Keg Mansion.
Built for McMaster
The house was built in 1867 for Arthur McMaster.
The last name is familiar to Canadians. It’s the same family who founded McMaster University, now located in the City of Hamilton.
Arthur was the nephew of William McMaster, who founded the University.
Why was the family in Toronto?
Because the first McMaster University was in the current day Royal Conservatory of Music on Toronto’s Bloor Street (pic below).
Later moving to Hamilton for expansion. Taking over open land in the Westdale neighbourhood.
Bought by Massey Family
In 1880, Hart Massey bought the house.
Hart’s daughter, Lillian Massey, eventually took over the house. She ran all family interests, including many of the family charities.
At the time, a woman running her prominent family’s interests was extremely rare. That didn’t matter to the Massey family, or any family, friends or contacts
Because … Lillian demanded (and deserved) respect.
She renamed the house Euclid Hall after a street in Cleveland, Ohio (where the family lived for a time).
Massey Family in Toronto
The Massey’s are (arguably) the most prominent historic family in Toronto.
Hart was an industrialist who founded many new buildings. Including structures for the University of Toronto. And, of course, Canada’s first concert hall named after them, Massey Hall.
Hart Massey’s Grandson’s
Grandson’s Vincent and Raymond were also famous. But in very opposite ways.
Vincent Massey became the Governor General of Canada in 1952. Well known for helping establish the National Library of Canada and the Canada Council of the Arts.
And Raymond Massey was an actor.
Oscar Nominated Actor
Raymond was known for great roles in Hollywood. Got an Oscar nod in 1941 for playing Abe Lincoln in “Abe Lincoln in Illinois”.
A Canadian playing Lincoln!?! Outraged Americans yelled! They were silenced by his amazing performance.
Someone once said,
“Raymond wouldn’t feel his Lincoln impersonation is complete until getting assassinated”
Someone
Timeline of House History
After the Massey’s left, Euclid Hall (aka Keg Mansion) was…
- Given to the Victoria College in 1915 as the first home of radio station CFRB (now called Newstalk 1010)
- Made into an art gallery
- Transformed into a restaurant
- And finally, bought by The Keg
The Keg Steakhouse Restaurant bought the house at 515 Jarvis Street in 1976.
The Keg is a steakhouse known for re-purposing historic buildings as unique dining spaces.
Like an old factory in St. Catharines. And, of course, a haunted mansion in Toronto.
2 replies on “Keg Mansion in Toronto | The Legend and Ghost of Lillian’s Maid”
My family and I visited today and the little boy told me his name is, Charles James Mc Master.
Cool! Not much talked about the McMaster family in the house.