Friday, October 5, 2012

Ghost of Archibald Gardner at Gardner Village - West Jordan, Utah

Through the mid 1800s, Archibald Gardner was a pioneer who is responsible for building a large part of the infrastructure in two states and a town in Canada where his family immigrated in 1822 to from Kilsyth, Scotland where he was born.  His final days were spent in Utah and some say his spirit still haunts one of his original mills that he constructed in 1848.


The original grist mill at West Jordan, Utah
The original grist mill at West Jordan, Utah

Gardner built his first grist mill in 1837 in Alviston, Ontario.  After migrating southward, he moved to Utah Territory in 1847.  He built a grist mill on Mill Creek on what is now West Jordan, Utah which became very successful.  He built more mills, bridges, canals, tunnels, etc. and helped build the local economy.

After a time he moved to Afton, Wyoming where he built more mills.  He moved back to Utah in 1896, continuing to build and expand his business. Archibald Garner Died in 1902 and was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Archibald Gardner, pioneer and business man in the 19th century American Southwest
Archibald Gardner, pioneer and business man in the 19th century American Southwest

Today the site of Archibald's grist mill in West Jordan is the site of Gardner Village, a series of shops and restaurants, and boutiques.  The original grist mill which for a time was Archibald's Restaurant, is now Country Furniture & Gifts.  It is said that the spirit of Archibald Gardner still haunts his old mill.  The spirit has been known to turn lights on in the middle of he night after the storekeepers leave.  Poltergeist like activity has also been known to occur in the store.  Items seem move by an unseen force, things have been found in places where they were not left, and there was even a sighting of Archibald himself.  An apparition in bib overalls which was there one minute and gone the next.



The site of Archibald Gardner's original grist mill.  Formerly Archibald's Restaurant, now Country Furniture & Crafts
The site of Archibald Gardner's original grist mill.  Formerly Archibald's Restaurant, now Country Furniture & Crafts

A high rate of paranormal activity seems to occur when the building is remodeled as if Archibald is disturbed by the changes although the spirit seems relatively harmless.

Gardner Village hosts a Witchfest every October where fun displays of witches can be seen and participants are even invited to dress up and join the fun at certain times.


Gardner Village hosts a Witchfest every October.  Some of the festivities involve public participation.
Gardner Village hosts a Witchfest every October.  Some of the festivities involve public participation.

Country Furniture & Gifts at Gardner Village
West Jordan, Utah
Phone - 801.566.2842

Gardner Village is located at 1100 West 7800 South, West Jordan, UT 84088 USA.

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