Brockville's Historic Criminal Past

I was lucky enough to be included in the dress rehearsal of the Brockville's Historical Criminal Past Walking Tour Tuesday evening. The Brockville Museum (5 Henry Street) will be running this tour every Friday at 3:00  and 7:00 PM beginning Friday, July 1st (Canada Day) until Labour Day.

Katelyn Ressler, from Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, who is studying dramatic arts at St Lawrence College, was hired by the museum for the summer, and she was the one who led us on the tour. This energetic young lady took us on a loop along trails, through parks, and the downtown core, and even through a back alley.  We would stop now and then to be told tales of  murder and mayhem, robbery and burglary.....and yes, apparently there is a difference, which was explained to all of us, in terms we could easily understand and remember.  We even heard how a crime was committed in the early 1800's in order to have a courthouse more centrally located in Brockville instead of where it was in Johnstown at the time.

We've all heard that crime doesn't pay, but the crimes in the Brockville area kept the courthouse busy, and the newspaper in business, which in turn provided jobs for the residents. Perhaps crime does pay after all.  Now this tour can be had for a mere $6 charge, though it's not recommended for children under 10 years of age. It's a great way to spend a lovely summer evening. If you are interested, you should call ahead to reserve a spot.  613-342-4397

I had expected other drama students to pop up along the way to act out the stories, but I'll have to wait for the Spirit Walk in August for that kind of action.  I'm sure that will be great fun, and can hardly wait.