Walterdale Playhouse

Walterdale Playhouse

Address: 10322 83 Ave. NW Edmonton

Folklore:

Legend says that a firefighter had lost his life in the building sometime in 1910. This ghost known as  "Walt the Wraith" visits the hall, seen in his firefighter gear. Sometimes he appears with a horse-drawn fire carriage, horse included.

Hauntings:

Horse manure smell and the sound of horse hooves clapping are often heard. Sometimes the loud clanging of the bell can be heard throughout the building. Lights are seen flickering, or shut off abrubtly on their own, and visitors feel the presence of an unknown, invisible figure in the room with them. People claim to feel a chill or even the touch of someone not there. .

It is said the ghost of Walt sometimes visits as plays are beginning, most commonly seen in the back stairwell or the green room.

History:

Before Strathcona was part of the city of Edmonton, the Walterdale Playhouse functioned as Strathcona's No.1 Firehouse. Originally built in 1910, it served Strathcona until 1912 when Strathcona and Edmonton merged. At that point, it served Edmonton as the No.5 Firehouse.

The building served as a firehouse  for the city until 1954. Afterwards, it had served as a furniture warehouse for two decades until it began its career as a playhouse in 1974.

The building serves as both a provincial and city historical site.

Information Sources
Wikipedia, Edmonton Journal, cbc.ca, hauntedplaces.org, walterdaletheatre.com

Image Source
Cbc.ca/Edmonton City Archives, Walterdale Theatre