Ask Hattie

Your Ghost Host, Hattie McBride

Hattie was the victim of Coalmont's first murder. The town was established in 1911, and she purchased land at the east end of Main Street in 1912, where she lived in a small cabin. She was a member of the world's oldest profession, and Madam Hattie was a wealthy woman at the time of her death in November, 1920. She was found in the remains of her burned home, and there was no question that foul play was involved. The police did not investigate her murder, despite ample evidence and suspects, simply because of her profession. The residents of Coalmont were incensed, and a large number attended her funeral at the Granite Creek Cemetery to pay their respects. Hattie's headstone, recently repaired by local Chris Goodfellow, is one of the most prestigious at the cemetery. As a result of her murder, terrified Coalmont residents demanded, and received, their first police officer.

The remains of Hattie's house are buried under a pile of lumber on the north side of the east end of Main Street. The place has an eerie feeling about it, and some dogs appear nervous in the vicinity. It has been reported that on still summer evenings, a faint wisp of perfume is carried on the gentle breezes. The sound of clicking heels can sometimes be heard travelling along the moonlit boardwalks in Coalmont. During her lifetime, Hattie would have been privy to most of the town gossip and would have known the area and residents well. We like to feel that her gentle spirit is still with us, and available to answer your questions about Coalmont and area, past or present. You'll never know unless you ask !

Mrs. Hattie McBride (Video) by Montgomery Warren

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Mrs. Hattie McBride (Lyrics)

Mrs. Hattie McBride
Knew what it took to survive
In nineteen hundred and twelve
In Coalmont, she was their belle
Mrs. Hattie McBride

She ran a business that thrived
She ran that business with pride
She was a popular gal
They bought what she had to sell
Mrs. Hattie McBride

She knew the residents well
But Hattie would never tell
All of the secrets she knew
That's something she wouldn't do
Mrs. Hattie McBride

In 1920, they say
Someone took her life one day
And burned her house to the ground
Inside, the body was found of
Mrs. Hattie McBride

Suspects were more than a few
But the police wouldn't do
Anything much because she
Was just a floozy, you see
Mrs. Hattie McBride

The townsfolk didn't agree
That they should treat her that way
There at the cemetery
Respect is what they all paid to
Mrs. Hattie McBride

Some of the people here say
She never did go away
Sometimes, under the full moon
You can still smell the perfume of
Mrs. Hattie McBride

E, F#, A, B, E, B7
July 25 © 2015 MWGROSE