In this episode of Antiques Mysteries, we explore a hauntingly enigmatic site tucked deep within Portland’s Forest Park: the so-called “Witch’s Castle.” But this isn’t your typical ghost story. Rather than simply recounting eerie tales, this episode delves into the evolution of a ruin — a structure steeped in history, myth, and memory — and what its story can reveal about the power of folklore and the passage of time.

The episode is structured to take you on a journey through the layers of history surrounding this mysterious landmark, from its beginnings as a 19th-century homestead to its eventual transformation into a decaying monument to the city’s forgotten past. We’ll trace the path from Danford Balch’s troubled legacy, to the construction of the stone building in the 1930s, and then to its gradual descent into the realm of local legend and paranormal lore. Each section of the story unravels a different chapter in the structure’s life — and the various people and events that have given it new meanings over the decades.

You’ll hear about the initial use of the building as a park shelter, the later vandalism and graffiti that turned it into a site of youthful rebellion, and the strange experiences of those who encountered something more than just stone and moss. This episode also focuses on the ritualistic performances that have become part of the Castle’s current identity — blending goth culture with Portland’s alternative youth scene.

Through firsthand accounts and evocative storytelling, we uncover how this ruin has become an accidental monument, not to Portland’s formal history, but to the stories that rise from its shadows. The “Witch’s Castle” serves as a canvas for the imagination, where the boundaries between history, myth, and personal memory blur.

What truly sets this episode apart is how we explore the forgotten details beneath the surface — such as an enigmatic engraving from 1907, long before the building even existed — suggesting that the Castle may hold more mysteries than we realize.