At the South Dumfries Historical Society meeting in March, a new Board was elected by the membership. Well, a "new-ish" board....
Joann MacLachlan, one of those people who is far too busy in retirement, submitted her resignation from the board which was reluctantly accepted given that she has been a great help to us (and despite not coming on the board initially, she has been with us in a support role since our founding meetings).
She will find, of course, that we will continue to lean on her for help now and then, but we wish her the best in all her other activities.
At the same time, David Judd agreed to stand for election to the Board and we are delighted to have him as part of the team now.
David has a great deal of experience as a newspaperman, but he has also worked with the Brant Historical Society for years and helped them in many ways. He has been involved as part of their Board of Directors, as a member of their publications committee and as an annual guest speaker for their December meetings.
He is already excited about our upcoming Jane's Walk and is helping us to organize this first time event. Welcome aboard, David!
Betty Ames, Gwen Hunter, Cliff Jones and David Simpson return as Board members for this term.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Nina Moore Jamieson one-act play revived this June
Actress Maja Bannerman will be reprising her role as author Nina Moore Jamieson on Thursday, June 25th, 2009 at McFarland House in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The performance will start at 2 PM.
"Tales from Hillside House," was first presented at the Cobblestone Festival in Paris three years ago. Joann MacLachlan of the Historical Society helped to edit and re-arrange sections of the book "The Cattle in the Stall" by Nina Moore Jamieson for the production.
Mrs. Jamieson grew up in Dundas and moved to St. George after her marriage.
She contributed regular columns and poems to Toronto newspapers about the life of a farm wife.
When she died young after a battle with cancer, friends collected together and published her works as "The Cattle in the Stall." Mrs. Jamieson is buried in the St. George United Church cemetery.
The pieces in her book have such a nice, conversational quality to them that they translated very well into a one-act, one-woman play - especially when brought to life by a talented actress like Ms. Bannerman.
McFarland House is a historic house operated by the Niagara Parks Commission. It is located at 15927 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - just a short distance south of Niagara-on-the-Lake on scenic Niagara Parkway. The main floor and the tea garden of this historic building are wheelchair accessible.
For more information on McFarland House, visit:
http://www.niagaraparks.com/heritage/mcfarland.php
For more information on Maja Bannerman, visit:
http://www.parasollane.ca/
"Tales from Hillside House," was first presented at the Cobblestone Festival in Paris three years ago. Joann MacLachlan of the Historical Society helped to edit and re-arrange sections of the book "The Cattle in the Stall" by Nina Moore Jamieson for the production.
Mrs. Jamieson grew up in Dundas and moved to St. George after her marriage.
She contributed regular columns and poems to Toronto newspapers about the life of a farm wife.
When she died young after a battle with cancer, friends collected together and published her works as "The Cattle in the Stall." Mrs. Jamieson is buried in the St. George United Church cemetery.
The pieces in her book have such a nice, conversational quality to them that they translated very well into a one-act, one-woman play - especially when brought to life by a talented actress like Ms. Bannerman.
McFarland House is a historic house operated by the Niagara Parks Commission. It is located at 15927 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - just a short distance south of Niagara-on-the-Lake on scenic Niagara Parkway. The main floor and the tea garden of this historic building are wheelchair accessible.
For more information on McFarland House, visit:
http://www.niagaraparks.com/heritage/mcfarland.php
For more information on Maja Bannerman, visit:
http://www.parasollane.ca/
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Added incentive for Jane's Walk participants!
The Brown Dog Cafe is on board for our upcoming Jane’s Walk.
Owner Curtis Chandler is enthusiastic about the Cafe being a stop on the walk.
He has suggested the walk end at the Old Mill on Main Street South.
He’ll talk about the building and the renovations that were done to convert it to a coffee shop, veterinarian’s office and other offices.
He’ll also provide a couple of plates of freshly made apple fritters for the folks on the walk.
Plan to join us on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:30 pm, starting at the Museum.
Owner Curtis Chandler is enthusiastic about the Cafe being a stop on the walk.
He has suggested the walk end at the Old Mill on Main Street South.
He’ll talk about the building and the renovations that were done to convert it to a coffee shop, veterinarian’s office and other offices.
He’ll also provide a couple of plates of freshly made apple fritters for the folks on the walk.
Plan to join us on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:30 pm, starting at the Museum.
Woodland Cultural Centre news
The Woodland Cultural Centre is partnering with Toronto's Harbourfront Centre to bring Planet IndigenUs events to Brantford between August 14 - 23, 2009.
Planet IndigenUs is a multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing professional Canadian Aboriginal artists in an international context. Providing a unique and provocative experience of the contemporary realities that define indigenous artistic expressions, the guiding themes of this festival are Identity, Rights, and Continuity.
Music, dance, visual arts, craft design, theatre, literary art, film, performance art, and an international indigenous art and food market fill this exciting two-weekend event. Interactive performances, workshops, and hands-on artistic/community collaboration projects help advance artists’ careers, develop local, national and international links, and build new audiences of indigenous art.
Weekday activities include artistic residencies, master classes, workshops, lunchtime concerts at Harbourfront Centre’s SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage, presentations of new work, screenings, readings, receptions, panel discussions and debates.
http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/planetindigenus/index.cfm
Announcements of events and headliners for this festival will begin next week.
In the meantime, you can visit the Museum at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Museum Hours are Monday to Friday 9 am until 4 pm, and Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Admission rates are: Adults $5.00; Seniors (65+) S4.00; Students (ages 6-16) $3.00 and those 5 & Under FREE.
Also at the Woodland Cultural Centre:
First Nations Art 2009: This Exhibition run from May 1 - July 5, 2009.
OPENING RECEPTION - FRIDAY, MAY 1st at 7 PM.
Established in 1975, this exhibition is one of the longest running annual exhibits that provides established and emerging First Nations artists an excellent opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in a fine art gallery setting.
http://www.woodland-centre.on.ca/
Planet IndigenUs is a multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing professional Canadian Aboriginal artists in an international context. Providing a unique and provocative experience of the contemporary realities that define indigenous artistic expressions, the guiding themes of this festival are Identity, Rights, and Continuity.
Music, dance, visual arts, craft design, theatre, literary art, film, performance art, and an international indigenous art and food market fill this exciting two-weekend event. Interactive performances, workshops, and hands-on artistic/community collaboration projects help advance artists’ careers, develop local, national and international links, and build new audiences of indigenous art.
Weekday activities include artistic residencies, master classes, workshops, lunchtime concerts at Harbourfront Centre’s SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage, presentations of new work, screenings, readings, receptions, panel discussions and debates.
http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/planetindigenus/index.cfm
Announcements of events and headliners for this festival will begin next week.
In the meantime, you can visit the Museum at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Museum Hours are Monday to Friday 9 am until 4 pm, and Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Admission rates are: Adults $5.00; Seniors (65+) S4.00; Students (ages 6-16) $3.00 and those 5 & Under FREE.
Also at the Woodland Cultural Centre:
First Nations Art 2009: This Exhibition run from May 1 - July 5, 2009.
OPENING RECEPTION - FRIDAY, MAY 1st at 7 PM.
Established in 1975, this exhibition is one of the longest running annual exhibits that provides established and emerging First Nations artists an excellent opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in a fine art gallery setting.
http://www.woodland-centre.on.ca/
Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Brantford
The Canadian Military Heritage Museum in Brantford has a new, updated website that will provide on-line visitors with a better idea of what is available at the Museum. You can find the website at www.cmhmhq.ca
They will be hosting a Giant Yard sale in their parking lot on Saturday, June 6th, 2009.
The collection itself is huge and fills a large building on Greenwich Street in Brantford.
Take the Wayne Gretzky Parkway south to Colborne Street. Turn left (east) at Colborne Street to Locks Road. Turn right on Locks Road and follow it to Greenwich Street. Turn Right on Greenwich Street and look for the sign.
Hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed Mondays).
They will be hosting a Giant Yard sale in their parking lot on Saturday, June 6th, 2009.
The collection itself is huge and fills a large building on Greenwich Street in Brantford.
Take the Wayne Gretzky Parkway south to Colborne Street. Turn left (east) at Colborne Street to Locks Road. Turn right on Locks Road and follow it to Greenwich Street. Turn Right on Greenwich Street and look for the sign.
Hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed Mondays).
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
St. George Memorial Hall and St. George Old School declared "surplus" and budget for local history slashed
At a meeting of the Corporate Development Committee last night, the councillors present voted to accept staff's recommendation that the St. George Memorial Hall (home to our Museum) and the St. George Old School "be declared surplus to the needs of the County."
Staff is further "authorized to work with interested parties to transfer ownership of these properties; and further that any offers of purchase and sale or agreements to transfer ownership be brought to Council for approval."
The Northfield Hall and Bethel Hall were also declared surplus by the Committee. Other halls and community centres will be dealt with at later meetings.
According to the staff recommendation, "This is the first step towards disposal of these properties which could result in a lowering of ongoing operational costs."
Also on the Agenda last night, and a surprise to me, was the Historical Grants.
Without any heads-up to the SDHS (or the Brant Historical Society I am told) several grants were cut by over half.
Our grant went down from $3,500 to $1,500,
The Brant Historical Society went from $28,400 to $14,000,
The Brant OGS (Ontario Genealogical Society) went from $3,000 to $1,000,
Salt Springs Church Heritage Society went from $1,000 to $500;
and the Paris Museum went from $32,500 to $27,000.
The total budget was reduced from $68,400 to $44,000 "with the intent of further reductions in future years."
The Recommendation was passed by the Committee.
Staff is further "authorized to work with interested parties to transfer ownership of these properties; and further that any offers of purchase and sale or agreements to transfer ownership be brought to Council for approval."
The Northfield Hall and Bethel Hall were also declared surplus by the Committee. Other halls and community centres will be dealt with at later meetings.
According to the staff recommendation, "This is the first step towards disposal of these properties which could result in a lowering of ongoing operational costs."
Also on the Agenda last night, and a surprise to me, was the Historical Grants.
Without any heads-up to the SDHS (or the Brant Historical Society I am told) several grants were cut by over half.
Our grant went down from $3,500 to $1,500,
The Brant Historical Society went from $28,400 to $14,000,
The Brant OGS (Ontario Genealogical Society) went from $3,000 to $1,000,
Salt Springs Church Heritage Society went from $1,000 to $500;
and the Paris Museum went from $32,500 to $27,000.
The total budget was reduced from $68,400 to $44,000 "with the intent of further reductions in future years."
The Recommendation was passed by the Committee.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Bell Homestead visit at St. George-German School
On Friday, April 3rd, the students in Mrs. Stoner's and Mrs. Radke's Grade Two classes had a visitor from the Bell Homestead, National Historic Site.
The students learned about "Boats that Float!"
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell built hydrofoils in his later years? This two hour session introduced students to the exciting world of water through hand-on experiments.
The students explored the properties and behaviours of various liquids and solids, and then the children built a floating boat.
All this in a historical context with a local angle.
This week will also see the return of GEM Fest to St. George-German School - in which classes will learn from a variety of presenters from local galleries and museums.
Good stuff!
The students learned about "Boats that Float!"
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell built hydrofoils in his later years? This two hour session introduced students to the exciting world of water through hand-on experiments.
The students explored the properties and behaviours of various liquids and solids, and then the children built a floating boat.
All this in a historical context with a local angle.
This week will also see the return of GEM Fest to St. George-German School - in which classes will learn from a variety of presenters from local galleries and museums.
Good stuff!
Kevin Sylvester coming to St. George on June 8th
We are pleased to announce another upcoming speaker for the South Dumfries Historical Society.
Author, Artist & CBC Radio personality KEVIN SYLVESTER will be coming to town on Monday, June 8th, to talk about "WEIRD" OLYMPIC STORIES.
The gold medals handed out in this talk are for inept athletes, shameful scandals, freakish weather, cheaters, chokers and much worse!
Kevin Sylvester is the bestselling author of Sports Hall of Weird. He is also a reporter, radio sports host, producer and documentary-maker, as well as an illustrator.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English (with a minor in Latin) from St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto, and is working on a degree in Fine Arts at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He has also worked for over a decade with CBC National Radio Sports.
Kevin lives in Toronto with his family.
His latest book, Gold Medal for Weird, is a nominee for the 2009 Silver Birch Award presented by the Ontario Library Association.
On June 8th, he will be coming to talk to students at St. George-German School in the afternoon and then will give a public talk at the St. George United Church Hall (9 Beverly Street East) at 7:00 PM.
FREE ADMISSION - ALL WELCOME!
See Kevin's blog at: www.kevinarts.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
New website and email addresses for the SDHS
The Brant FreeNet, which had been our generous host for many years, has closed shop.
We now have a new web address and email address in place thanks to the help of Syd Bolton at the Personal Computer Museum (Brantford).
Our old website can now be accessed at: www.southdumfrieshistory.ca
We will be working on updating the content on the page soon!
Our new email address is:
If you have the SDHS in your bookmarks or address book, please update this information.
Friday, April 3, 2009
How History Happened...Behind the Scenes at Hamilton Special Collections
"How History Happened... Behind the Scenes" promises to be an interesting talk.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 2:00 PM.
Location: Central Library, Local History & Archives Department (3rd Floor)
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, L8R 3K1
Cost: Free
Call 905-546-3200 ext 3298 to register.
Short Description: Margaret Houghton will give you the full backroom tour of the Central Library’s Local History & Archives Department that includes not only tens of thousands of local historical documents and photographs, but other surprising treasures.
(Margaret came and spoke to the SDHS last year about her book "Hamilton at War - on the Homefront" - about the ways World War II affected local people. The book is available at the St. George library to borrow.)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 2:00 PM.
Location: Central Library, Local History & Archives Department (3rd Floor)
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, L8R 3K1
Cost: Free
Call 905-546-3200 ext 3298 to register.
Short Description: Margaret Houghton will give you the full backroom tour of the Central Library’s Local History & Archives Department that includes not only tens of thousands of local historical documents and photographs, but other surprising treasures.
(Margaret came and spoke to the SDHS last year about her book "Hamilton at War - on the Homefront" - about the ways World War II affected local people. The book is available at the St. George library to borrow.)
How History Happened...at Ancaster's Old Town
Another talk in the Hamilton Public Library's series entitled "How History Happened..." will take place at Ancaster's Old Town and discuss the Wynnstay Estate.
Starts:April 28, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Location: Ancaster Branch, 300 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, L9G 2B9
Cost: Free
The event description: Join us for a glimpse behind the gates of the magnificent Wynnstay Estate, a historically significant property designed for Ancaster’s Dalley family by the prominent landscape architecture firm Dunington-Grubb.
The estate, along with the buildings that were designed by architect John M. Lyle, is currently the home to the Mount Mary Retreat Centre. The guest lecturer is an architectural historian,
Sharon Vattay, PhD, Associate of Goldsmith Borgal & Company Limited, Architects (Toronto).
Starts:April 28, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Location: Ancaster Branch, 300 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, L9G 2B9
Cost: Free
The event description: Join us for a glimpse behind the gates of the magnificent Wynnstay Estate, a historically significant property designed for Ancaster’s Dalley family by the prominent landscape architecture firm Dunington-Grubb.
The estate, along with the buildings that were designed by architect John M. Lyle, is currently the home to the Mount Mary Retreat Centre. The guest lecturer is an architectural historian,
Sharon Vattay, PhD, Associate of Goldsmith Borgal & Company Limited, Architects (Toronto).
How History Happened...Warplane History
The Hamilton Public Library is hosting a series of talks entitled "How History Happened..." and the next one is about Warplane History.
Monday, April 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Location: Sherwood Branch, 467 Upper Ottawa Street Hamilton, L8T 3T3
Cost: Free
Erin Napier, Curator at the Warplane Heritage Museum, will talk about the scope of the collections, her role as a curator and how she plans exhibits. She will also be bringing some artifacts from the Museum.
Monday, April 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Location: Sherwood Branch, 467 Upper Ottawa Street Hamilton, L8T 3T3
Cost: Free
Erin Napier, Curator at the Warplane Heritage Museum, will talk about the scope of the collections, her role as a curator and how she plans exhibits. She will also be bringing some artifacts from the Museum.
Murdoch Mystery set in St. George airs Saturday
You may recall a little bit of excitement last August when a television crew set up at Sunnyside Mansion, on St. George's Main Street, to film an episode of the Murdoch Mysteries.
The episode, entitled The Green Muse, aired on Wednesday evening and repeats this Saturday, April 4, 2009 on CITY TV at 8:00 pm.
The series is based on books written by Maureen Jennings and her husband has his own blog on which you can find some photographs taken during the filming:
http://idenford.blogspot.com/2008/08/mrs-kitchen-owned-sunnyside.html
The series has its own website at www.murdochmysteries.com
The episode, entitled The Green Muse, aired on Wednesday evening and repeats this Saturday, April 4, 2009 on CITY TV at 8:00 pm.
The series is based on books written by Maureen Jennings and her husband has his own blog on which you can find some photographs taken during the filming:
http://idenford.blogspot.com/2008/08/mrs-kitchen-owned-sunnyside.html
The series has its own website at www.murdochmysteries.com
A little bit of Jane Jacobs (from 1969)
The CBC Online archives have a clip you can watch and see Jane Jacobs being interviewed about how she feels Toronto and Montreal worked at the time (March 2, 1969). It is a little introduction to the woman who has inspired the Jane's Walks that will be held this coming May 2 & 3, 2009, including the one the SDHS will be hosting in St. George.
You can see the video at: http://archives.cbc.ca/society/education/clips/6895/
Jane's obituary on the CBC website, from April 25, 2006, can be found at this link:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/obit/jacobs_jane/
You can see the video at: http://archives.cbc.ca/society/education/clips/6895/
Jane's obituary on the CBC website, from April 25, 2006, can be found at this link:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/obit/jacobs_jane/
Doors Open Brant 2009
Doors Open Brant will be on Saturday, September 26th in 2009.
The St. George Museum & Archives is scheduled to be one of the sites open.
For a complete list of participating sites and local maps, contact Doors Open Brant:
Telephone: 1-800-265-6299
E-mail: billmary68@dtmn.com
Website: www.doorsopenbrant.ca
More site listings are to come, but here is a sneak peek at a few:
Brantford Arts Block/Temple Building
80 Dalhousie Street, Brantford
(519) 753-9400
www.brantfordartsblock.ca
Year Built: 1909
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brantford’s newest art centre provides gallery space and performance, studio and work areas for artists of all skill levels. The Brantford Arts Block is located in a heritage-designated, Masonic-style building, erected in 1909, that served as the Brantford Masonic Lodge for many years. View never-before-displayed historical photographs of Brantford.
Devlin’s Country Bistro
704 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant
(519) 484-2258
www.devlinscountrybistro.com
Year Built: 1834
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This 1834 building was the birthplace of Ontario Premier A.S. Hardy (1896–99). A later owner, F. Foster, operated it as a wholesale grocery store. George Devlin purchased the store from William Eadie and, four generations later, Devlin’s Country Bistro is now a fine-dining restaurant. Lunch available.
Henry Ellis House
693 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant
(519) 484-2447
Year Built: 1796
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Built by a Mount Pleasant settler and co-founder in 1796, this building has served as a store and an inn. On August 3, 1876, the first of a series of tests of the telephone was made here. Standing in the store, Alexander Graham Bell heard the voice of his uncle, David Bell, conveyed from the telegraph office in downtown Brantford.
Personal Computer Museum
13 Alma Street, Brantford
(519) 753-8825
www.pcmuseum.ca
Year Built: 1934
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This fascinating museum is located in a 1934 building constructed of reclaimed bricks from the Brantford Opera House. Play with interactive computers dating from the mid-1970s to the 1990s, browse through thousands of magazines and books or try your hand at Pong, one of the first computer-based games, installed on a 1953 Canadian-made Admiral television set.
Riverside Glen Retreat and Healing Centre
357 Brant County Road 18, Brantford
(519) 759-5033
www.riversideglen.com
Year Built: 1905
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Built in 1905 by Fredrick Mann, a prominent coal merchant, this two-and-a-half-storey house is reminiscent of the French country style. On eight acres of Carolinian forest, it overlooks the Grand River and the river’s Oxbow bend. The property has an outdoor labyrinth and a gatehouse studio that is used for yoga, workshops, art exhibits and other events.
Robert Hall Originals Pewter Studio
138 Sugar Maple Road, St. George
(519) 448-1236
www.roberthalloriginals.com
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Observe the ancient art of pewtersmithing in the largest such studio in Ontario, with over 3,000 items on display. Learn about pewter and how it’s created. The showroom is filled with natural rocks, minerals and gemstones from around the world, and with one-of-a-kind gemstone jewellery, crafted and hand-finished on site.
Schell Residence
147 Brant Avenue, Brantford
(519) 446-3200
Year Built: Pre-1875
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
R.S. Schell, manager of Royal Savings and Loan, built this stately High Victorian/Second Empire home sometime before 1875. The most notable features of the two-and-a-half-storey house are the mansard roof clad in octagonal slate and the Edwardian hip roof veranda supported by Tuscan columns. The residence is located in the Brant Avenue Heritage Conservation District.
Six Nations Forest Theatre Pageant
843 Seneca Road, Ohsweken
Year Built: 1948
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Since 1948, people of all races have gathered in this natural outdoor amphitheatre to take a journey back in time, an entertaining history lesson that helps erase the stereotypical image of the Indian and show him as part of a rich, meaningful culture, ignored and misrepresented in recorded history. The presentation of original plays promotes understanding among cultures.
Six Nations GREAT Opportunity Centre
16 Sunrise Court, Ohsweken
Architect: Two Row Architect;
Year Built: 2003
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This innovative, multipurpose community facility, based on a design concept of a group of converging longhouses, was opened in 2003 and pays homage to a traditional longhouse village where all types of activities co-existed. The barrel-vaulted steel structures and linkages serve as focal points for community gatherings, social functions, education and a resource training centre.
Six Nations Heritage Trails
Six Nations Tourism Centre, 2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken
(519) 758-5444
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The trail begins at the tourism centre, adjacent to Chiefswood National Historic Site, home of poet Pauline Johnson. The trail’s natural beauty includes the Carolinian forest with a variety of tree species, medicinal plants used in aboriginal culture, a small marsh and seasonal migratory birds. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic area and exhibits at the tourism centre.
Two Roses Bed & Breakfast
6 Thompson Road, St. George
(519) 448-9999
www.tworosesbnb.com
Year Built: 1880
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This elegant mansion, situated on an elevated half-acre with a commanding view from all vantage points, is one of the oldest homes in the area. Known as Braeside, it was built in 1880 for a Mr. Thompson, a successful local businessman. With its striking Victorian architecture, grand ceilings and antique décor, this B&B exudes an inviting, cosy charm.
The St. George Museum & Archives is scheduled to be one of the sites open.
For a complete list of participating sites and local maps, contact Doors Open Brant:
Telephone: 1-800-265-6299
E-mail: billmary68@dtmn.com
Website: www.doorsopenbrant.ca
More site listings are to come, but here is a sneak peek at a few:
Brantford Arts Block/Temple Building
80 Dalhousie Street, Brantford
(519) 753-9400
www.brantfordartsblock.ca
Year Built: 1909
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brantford’s newest art centre provides gallery space and performance, studio and work areas for artists of all skill levels. The Brantford Arts Block is located in a heritage-designated, Masonic-style building, erected in 1909, that served as the Brantford Masonic Lodge for many years. View never-before-displayed historical photographs of Brantford.
Devlin’s Country Bistro
704 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant
(519) 484-2258
www.devlinscountrybistro.com
Year Built: 1834
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This 1834 building was the birthplace of Ontario Premier A.S. Hardy (1896–99). A later owner, F. Foster, operated it as a wholesale grocery store. George Devlin purchased the store from William Eadie and, four generations later, Devlin’s Country Bistro is now a fine-dining restaurant. Lunch available.
Henry Ellis House
693 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant
(519) 484-2447
Year Built: 1796
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Built by a Mount Pleasant settler and co-founder in 1796, this building has served as a store and an inn. On August 3, 1876, the first of a series of tests of the telephone was made here. Standing in the store, Alexander Graham Bell heard the voice of his uncle, David Bell, conveyed from the telegraph office in downtown Brantford.
Personal Computer Museum
13 Alma Street, Brantford
(519) 753-8825
www.pcmuseum.ca
Year Built: 1934
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This fascinating museum is located in a 1934 building constructed of reclaimed bricks from the Brantford Opera House. Play with interactive computers dating from the mid-1970s to the 1990s, browse through thousands of magazines and books or try your hand at Pong, one of the first computer-based games, installed on a 1953 Canadian-made Admiral television set.
Riverside Glen Retreat and Healing Centre
357 Brant County Road 18, Brantford
(519) 759-5033
www.riversideglen.com
Year Built: 1905
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Built in 1905 by Fredrick Mann, a prominent coal merchant, this two-and-a-half-storey house is reminiscent of the French country style. On eight acres of Carolinian forest, it overlooks the Grand River and the river’s Oxbow bend. The property has an outdoor labyrinth and a gatehouse studio that is used for yoga, workshops, art exhibits and other events.
Robert Hall Originals Pewter Studio
138 Sugar Maple Road, St. George
(519) 448-1236
www.roberthalloriginals.com
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Observe the ancient art of pewtersmithing in the largest such studio in Ontario, with over 3,000 items on display. Learn about pewter and how it’s created. The showroom is filled with natural rocks, minerals and gemstones from around the world, and with one-of-a-kind gemstone jewellery, crafted and hand-finished on site.
Schell Residence
147 Brant Avenue, Brantford
(519) 446-3200
Year Built: Pre-1875
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
R.S. Schell, manager of Royal Savings and Loan, built this stately High Victorian/Second Empire home sometime before 1875. The most notable features of the two-and-a-half-storey house are the mansard roof clad in octagonal slate and the Edwardian hip roof veranda supported by Tuscan columns. The residence is located in the Brant Avenue Heritage Conservation District.
Six Nations Forest Theatre Pageant
843 Seneca Road, Ohsweken
Year Built: 1948
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Since 1948, people of all races have gathered in this natural outdoor amphitheatre to take a journey back in time, an entertaining history lesson that helps erase the stereotypical image of the Indian and show him as part of a rich, meaningful culture, ignored and misrepresented in recorded history. The presentation of original plays promotes understanding among cultures.
Six Nations GREAT Opportunity Centre
16 Sunrise Court, Ohsweken
Architect: Two Row Architect;
Year Built: 2003
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This innovative, multipurpose community facility, based on a design concept of a group of converging longhouses, was opened in 2003 and pays homage to a traditional longhouse village where all types of activities co-existed. The barrel-vaulted steel structures and linkages serve as focal points for community gatherings, social functions, education and a resource training centre.
Six Nations Heritage Trails
Six Nations Tourism Centre, 2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken
(519) 758-5444
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The trail begins at the tourism centre, adjacent to Chiefswood National Historic Site, home of poet Pauline Johnson. The trail’s natural beauty includes the Carolinian forest with a variety of tree species, medicinal plants used in aboriginal culture, a small marsh and seasonal migratory birds. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic area and exhibits at the tourism centre.
Two Roses Bed & Breakfast
6 Thompson Road, St. George
(519) 448-9999
www.tworosesbnb.com
Year Built: 1880
Dates/Hours Open: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This elegant mansion, situated on an elevated half-acre with a commanding view from all vantage points, is one of the oldest homes in the area. Known as Braeside, it was built in 1880 for a Mr. Thompson, a successful local businessman. With its striking Victorian architecture, grand ceilings and antique décor, this B&B exudes an inviting, cosy charm.
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