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Dalton Hall - UPEI

Dalton Hall, one of the oldest buildings at the University of Prince Edward Island, was built between 1917 and 1919 and originally served as a student residence. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for paranormal activity, with reports of sudden cold spots, unexplained puddles of water, and eerie apparitions. Many believe these hauntings are tied to the tragic death of student Ivan Molloy in 1931. In 2008, the PEI Ghost Hunters Society (PEIGHS) investigated the hall, adding to its legend as one of the most haunted locations on campus.

Dalton Hall, a prominent fixture on the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) campus, boasts a rich history intertwined with tales of the supernatural. Constructed between 1917 and 1919, it was the second building erected for St. Dunstan's College, the precursor to UPEI. The hall was named in honor of Sir Charles Dalton, a prosperous fox rancher from Tignish, whose generous contributions funded its construction. Originally serving as a male residence, Dalton Hall was officially blessed and opened by the Papal Nuncio on September 25, 1919. In 1972, it underwent renovations to transition into office and classroom spaces.


Architecturally, Dalton Hall is a testament to the Collegiate Gothic style, characterized by its hipped roof adorned with gabled dormers and large wooden brackets. The structure features decorative brickwork, bay and oriel windows, and bas-relief sculptures of saints, reflecting its Roman Catholic heritage. These design elements contribute to its status as one of the most ornate buildings on campus.


Beyond its historical and architectural significance, Dalton Hall is enveloped in eerie legends. Dr. Edward MacDonald, a UPEI professor, uncovered numerous accounts of paranormal activity during his research on St. Dunstan's University. Reports from former students and staff describe unexplained cold spots, mysterious puddles of water appearing without a discernible source, and sightings of apparitions. These phenomena are often linked to the tragic death of Ivan Molloy, a student who, in 1931, perished from exposure after missing the campus curfew. His body was discovered behind a snowbank in the area now known as Brown's Court. Many believe that Molloy's spirit lingers in Dalton Hall, manifesting through these unexplained occurrences.


In May 2008, the Prince Edward Island Ghost Hunters Society (PEIGHS) conducted an investigation at Dalton Hall, the second oldest building on the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) campus. Dalton Hall has long been associated with reports of paranormal activity. The PEIGHS investigation aimed to explore these claims, focusing on unexplained phenomena such as sudden cold spots, mysterious puddles of water, and sightings of apparitions. While the detailed findings of this investigation are not extensively documented, a video summarizing their exploration is available on YouTube and can also be found here on our website.


In recent years, Dalton Hall has undergone significant renovations. Between October 2017 and October 2018, the building was transformed into the Student Experience Hub consolidating various student services under one roof. The $7.8 million project included interior upgrades such as new ventilation and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and architectural enhancements, along with exterior improvements. These renovations aimed to modernize the historic building while preserving its architectural integrity.


Whether drawn by its storied past, architectural beauty, or the allure of the paranormal, Dalton Hall continues to captivate the imagination of students, faculty, and visitors at UPEI.

 

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