Ghost of Nellie Fitchett Methodist Laddies College Hawthorn VIC

[KANACKI]

Australia is full of places with alleged haunting. Schools and colleges are no Exception. There are stories that the ghost of a former student still haunts on occasion the Methodist Laddies College hawthorn. Over the year many past students claimed to have seen her..... in one of the upstairs rooms.

The story of Nellie Fitchett (1880–1897) remains one of the most told (and mis-told) tales in MLC’s history.

Nellie was the youngest daughter of our Founding Principal, Rev Dr William Henry Fitchett.  She was just 18 months old when her father became Principal in 1882. 

Nellie started school at MLC when she was six years old and quickly excelled as a student, pianist and sportswoman.  In 1896 she achieved top ranking among the piano students and received the Senior Tennis Prize. Her name is mentioned frequently in the school magazine of the day, The Bluebell, as she played the piano on many occasions. 

Tragically, she became suddenly ill with meningitis and died in December 1897. We are fortunate today to have vaccines against this terrible illness that claimed so many young lives. 

Nellie’s death greatly affected everyone at MLC. The Bluebell tribute stated: “She had always been willing to provide accompaniment for a song or chorus, always the same happy, gentle, loving-hearted girl whom everyone loved and respected, and yet she went about us so simply and unassumingly that we hardly realised how much she contributed to the brightness of College life.”

Rev Dr Fitchett expressed his gratitude to all those who sent condolence messages to the family: “Human sympathy is very sweet, and God’s grace is all-sufficient. If those who have shown so generous a sympathy with us ever have to share our sorrow, I pray that they may also know our consolation.”

In years to come, fanciful stories were told about how Nellie died, and some people even referred to her as the ghost of MLC. Responding to this claim, many have said that it would have been the friendliest ghost one could wish for as it would always have welcomed students to the school that Nellie Fitchett so loved.

The beautiful stained glass window on the east wall of Fitchett Hall was given to the school by Rev Dr Fitchett to honour the memory of his Filia carissima – dear daughter. The window depicts a young woman with a book in one hand and an uplifted torch in the other, symbolising Knowledge. It is a simple, but beautiful tribute to a caring, talented, intelligent young woman.

Does the ghost of this much loved student still looks after the present students 100 odd years after her death?

Kanacki

[KANACKI]

Another thing to consider is the alleged ghost of Nellie Fitchett  a ghost or just part of min time slip from a time when she was alive?

There has been many theories of stone tape recording absorbed by buildings only to later be replayed given due certain environmental conditions to trigger the time slip.

Perhaps the design of the original building Tidderman house in the picture below contributes to these mini time slips?

Kanacki

[KANACKI]

It should be added that we tend to forget hauntings can happen in various forms and not all haunting are from traumatic events. Some ghosts have an emotional bond with such places and for one reason or another never leave. However some ghosts are not conscious entities but rather stone tape recorded images from the past. Some time a trivial event due a special set of circumstances is recorded in that moment and time and is replayed later like a mini times slip?

Kanacki

[Simon2]

You have certainly presented a conundrum in this Post KANACKI; well done.

Very sad that Nellie died before she had a chance to experience more of life and yes, there are Ghosts who are very kind and gentle and just love to continue to exist in the time that she died or as you say it could be due to a Time Slip.

I don't really think the answer matters as the story of wonderful Nellie, will, in a sense, keep her "alive".

[KANACKI]

Hello Simon that is what's great about these ghost stories. they are a intrinsic part of our folklore.

Kanacki

[Simon2]

You are quite correct KANACKI, but more importantly you are bringing these stories to us.

Thank you once again.

[KANACKI]

Once again thank you Simon. I only hope it stimulate others to tell there stories in the Spirit of something we all have a passion for.

Kanacki

[Simon2]

I agree KANACKI, we need others to share their stories, no matter how "bizarre they think the story is".

They may find others have had similar experiences.

[KANACKI]

Definitely!

Kanacki

[KANACKI]

i wonder how many collage students have seen her over the years?

Kanacki

[Simon2]

Yes, this would be interesting to know my friend.

[KANACKI]

Hello Simon

I think there was a children's TV show based on her?

Kanacki