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The Ghosts of Storytelling at By David Juliusson the Garrison Fort York
is dark outside and the wind is blowing. It Inside the building the walls glow by candlelight. A Grade 7 group is chattering nervously while sipping their hot chocolate, unsure of what is about to happen. Suddenly the room quiets down and a costumed interpreter begins to speak. “This is the story of Mr. Fox’s Courtship.” So another evening of storytelling at Fort York’s Ghosts of the Garrison begins. When people think of storytelling at Fort York, they might know it as a component of the “living history” Overnight program. While that is where we do the majority of our storytelling, there are five other distinct events in which storytelling plays an important part. In February, the fort is one of many venues for the Toronto Festival of Storytelling. Last year, George Blake created a story around John Graves Simcoe and his support of the 1793 Act banning the importation of slaves into Upper Canada – 41 years before slavery was outlawed in the British Empire. During the March Break Time Machine, visitors are led into a darkened Officers’ Mess, lit only by a tin lantern, where they hear strange tales from the Fort’s rich lore of characters and events. In June, the Buffalo Jump Peace March meets at Fort York and tales are told by various First Nations Elders. Traditional storytelling is 4th 5th also part of the Tecumseh Festival, October and this year.
Also in October, Fort York will hold its 4th annual Ghosts of the Garrison evenings. Participants will gather in the Blue Barracks and Fort York staff will lead small groups around the fort. There are some people who claim to have seen ghosts and the staff will tell of these stories. They will also tell two stories in which apparitions are seen elsewhere in Toronto said to be solders from the Garrison. As participants are led into the Officers’ Mess, the Officers’ Kitchen and the Soldiers’ Barracks, a strange phenomenon happens. They will encounter ghosts in candlelit rooms who tell their unique stories. One speaks of robbing the dead after a battle, another tells the story of the mouthless child. These stories are 19th actually taken from early century story books and folk tales. Sometimes they are highly amusing and, in at least one case, downright scary. At all times they are interesting. This year the Ghosts of the Garrison will be seen on 23rd, 24th Thursday, October Friday, October and 30th. Thursday, October The cost is $10 for Adults, Seniors and Youth, $5 for Children 12 years and under. Book early. Each evening is restricted to 100 participants and sells out quickly. Groups are welcome. Call the office Monday through Friday at 416-3926907 to register. Meet in the Blue Barracks for Hot Chocolate between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The program runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. David Juliusson is a full-time program officer and has been with the fort since 1989. Volunteers are needed for this event to assist with visitor reception and refreshments. High School Students welcome!
If you are interested, please call Richard Haynes at 416-392-6907 xt. 223
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