With spooky season fast approaching, my second half of this fall wish-list will have a special feature - Ghost Towns! Cemeteries are beautiful all year round. As much as I love the green grass and blue skies, once the skies turn grey and the leaves golden and red, that is the time to go cemetery touring in my opinion. I also find winter cemeteries haunting beautiful as the snow muffles any surrounding sounds and makes the cemetery seem impossibly quiet and still. I think I will be doing a winter/Christmas tombs-day wish list later this year! But for now we will focus on fall ð
Donnybrook, ON ⛪ðŠĶð
First on the list is a small hamlet in Huron County called Donnybrook. Settled in the 1800's, the small town thrived for about 50 to 60 years until the early 20th century. Unfortunately for Donnybrook there are not buildings or landmarks associated with the location, except a cairn and large cemetery. This tiny ghost town is located in the countryside, a mere 20 minute drive from the coast of Lake Huron. I think this location would be exceptionally beautiful if the fall due to the quietness of the secluded location and the promise of a large, old cemetery in the cool autumn breeze.
Bushfield, ON ðģðŠĶð
My second ghost town in my fall wish-list is another small hamlet named Bushfield. Established by an Irish settler in 1850, it was almost completely abandoned by 1910. During its busier days, it was extremely popular due to the fact that it was home to one of the first and only Roman Catholic Churches in the near area. This saw many people flood in to attend the services, and the church itself lasted until 2005. What remains of Bushfield - you guess it- a cemetery. St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cemetery still stands on the grounds next to church. I am excited to see this location in person, knowing how many people trekked there in the times of horses and buggies to attend the monthly mass. I'm certain the cemetery should have some gorgeous, old headstones that sit amongst the quiet hills and fields of the countryside. It is also located only 10 minutes away from Donnybrook, making Bushfield the perfect accompaniment on a spooky ghost town excursion.
Sunshine, ON ☀️ðŠĶð
The last location for part 2 of my fall wish-list is a small, abandoned village with the lovely name of Sunshine, ON. Sunshine was a milling community which lasted from 1860 to 1920. The local communities of Blyth and Brussels played a role in its decline as both had railway crossings built - solidifying them in the economy. Sunshine, with it's lumber supply run out, became abandoned and all that stands today is its Methodist Cemetery. Located 5 minutes away from Bushfield, Sunshine seems like the perfect addition to my list. It is so interesting to see how many ghost towns are located in the area and even how close they are to each other. This ghost town trip is sure to be just the thing to kick off spooky season and to visit and learn about historic cemeteries in my own backyard.
ððð
Thanks for reading!
Research credits to:
Ghosttownpix.com
Google Maps