150 REFLECTIONS Spring 2017 - VOLUME 42 - Architectural Conservancy of ...
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Spring 2017 VOLUME 42 150 REFLECTIONS ISSUE 1
Interested in hosting a future Ontario Heritage Conference?
We are presently looking for communities who would be interested in hosting our Annual
Ontario Heritage for future years starting with the 2019 opening. Hosting a conference is a great
way to showcase your community and all the great work you do in heritage conservation.
For more information and deadline please view the RFP posted on
www.communityheritageontario.ca
Stratford/St. Marys Ontario Heritage
Conference, May 12-14, 2016 co-hosted
by ACO and Community Heritage Ontario.
Photos Liz Lundell
CONTENTS
1 From the President
by Catherine Nasmith
2 Sir John A. Macdonald Was Here
by Lindi Pierce
4 Public Works in Ontario: An architectural legacy
Spring
by Sharon Vattay
Issue
2017
6 William George Storm: Toronto’s Architect
by Loryssa Quattrociocchi
8 New Province, New Farmhouses
by Shannon Kyles
10 Victorian Inspiration: Yesterday’s Buildings Inspire Tomorrow’s Architects
by Jacob Drung
12 Merrickville's Alloy Foundry: A landmark business older than Canada
by Mark Oldfield
14 Misener House, Westfield Heritage Village
by Jamie MacLean
16 Homer Ransford Watson: Renowned artist of Doon
by Jean Haalboom
18 Halton Hills 150 Project: Celebrating Lucy Maud Montgomery in Norval
by Patricia Farley
20 Eric Arthur and Barnum House: The founding of Architectural Conservancy
Ontario
by Richard Longley
22 A 150th Present for Prescott
Basilica of Our by Bonita Slunder
Lady Immaculate
28 Norfolk Street 24 The Gore Centennial Fountain, 1967
Guelph, Ontario by Marilyn Scott
Photo: 25 An 1875 home becomes Ridge House Museum
Loryssa by Marlee Robinson
Quattrociocchi,
2016 26 The Old Town Hall, 1867, Cookstown
by Elaine Splett
27 Bois Blanc Island’s Blockhouse Bonfire, 1867
by Debra Honor
28 The National Arts Centre’s Rejuvenation
by Victoria Angel and Jennifer Mallard
Spring 2017
Editorial Committee
Susan Ratcliffe, Guy Burry, Leo Calogero, Liz Lundell, Dan
Schneider
Managing Editor
Liz Lundell
Photo Editor
Guy Burry
Spring
Issue Graphic and Layout Designer
2017
Leo Calogero
Suite 403, 10 Adelaide Street East,
Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3 Template Designer
T 416.367.8075 Jeniffer Millburn
F 1.877.264.8937
F 416.367.8630
Contributing Authors/Editors/Photographers
E info@arconserv.ca
www.arconserv.ca
Victoria Angel, Younes Bounhar, Jacob Drung, Patricia
Farley, Jean Haalboom, Debra Honor, Shannon Kyles, Norm
President Li, Richard Longley, Liz Lundell, Jamie MacLean, Jennifer
Catherine Nasmith Mallard, Catherine Nasmith, Mark Oldfield, Lindi Pierce,
Loryssa Quattrociocchi, Marlee Robinson, Megan Ryan,
Vice-Presidents Dan Schneider, Marilyn Scott, Bonita Slunder, Elaine Splett,
John Harrison Sharon Vattay
Christine Rier
Leslie Thompson
Publisher
Secretary Architectural Conservancy Ontario
Shannon Kyles
Architectural Conservancy Ontario gratefully acknowledges the
Past President ongoing support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and
Richard Longley the Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Minister
Executive Members-at-Large SSN: 0704-0083
Phil Carter © 2017 ACORN is a publication of Architectural Conservancy
Kae Elgie Ontario. No parts of this publication can be reproduced without
Jean Haalboom permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by our writers
Sarah Hill and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Architectural
Jocelyn Kent Conservancy Ontario.
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B
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Canada 150 — Looking Back and at Canadian history, painting back in key
Looking Forward missing figures and stories. Painting in
historic European styles from the seven-
Canada 150 celebrates Canadian history teenth to twentieth century, Monkman
since several British colonies became inserts his artistic muse, Miss Chief Eagle
the Dominion of Canada. In “A Fair Testickle, a two-spirited figure into sev-
Country”, John Ralston-Saul points out eral tableaux. In a repainting of the Fa-
that many of the things that make us thers of Confederation, called “Daddies”
distinctly Canadian, such as embracing Miss Chief lounges suggestively in the
the newcomer, come from Canada’s foreground, her back to the audience.
indigenous peoples. Ralston-Saul’s
thesis is that Canada has three founding The show will be touring Canada until
cultures: French, English and First Na- 2020, with two more stops in Ontario. Catherine Nasmith
tions. He also points out that the British While nothing can compare with the ACO President
Photo: Sue Roden
approach to indigenous Canadians was actual show, which has sculpture, paint-
markedly different from the partnership ing and historic artifacts, some of the
between the French and First Nations paintings from the show can be seen on
initiated by Samuel de Champlain. The Kent Monkman’s website. http://www.
French encouraged trade and intermar- kentmonkman.com/events/
riage. Champlain allied with the Huron
Notwithstanding all the great things
and Wendat against the Iroquois.
Canada is in 2017, I am finding it hard
Two hundred years later, the Iroquois, to celebrate Canada 150 on the heels
under the great leader Tecumseth, of the Truth and Reconciliation Com-
fought with the British during the War of mission. Rather, I am wondering about
1812. Part of that alliance was an agree- ACO’s role in re-building Canada’s narra-
ment that significant territory between tive, to include all of our stories. As Gord
Canada and the United States would be Downie received his eagle feather in
deeded to Tecumseth and the Iroquois if 2016, he said he was thinking ahead to
the British won. Canada 300, “I will personally then cele-
brate the birth of our country, celebrate
Canada would not exist as an indepen- the next 150 years. It will take 150 years
dent country were it not for Tecumseth’s or seven generations to heal the wound
forces and his brilliant military col- of the residential school. To become a
laboration with General Brock, yet how country, and truly call ourselves Canada,
much are we taught about Canada’s it means we must become one. We must
indigenous heritage? walk down a path of reconciliation from
now on. Together, and forever.”
The University of Toronto Art Museum’s
Canada 150 project, Shame and Preju- — Catherine Nasmith
dice: A Story of Resilience created by
Cree/Irish artist Kent Monkman offers
illumination. Monkman, a highly skilled
painter, sculptor and curator puts a
spoonful of humour in his medicine. The
show takes a very tongue in cheek look
Spring 2017 ACORN 1
Sir John A. Macdonald Was Here
by Lindi Pierce
Bellevue House, 35 Centre Street, Kingston, built 1838-40. Photo Lindi 169-171 Wellington Street, Kingston, part of an adaptive reuse project,
Pierce, 2014 which will add residential units above the 1835 brick structure. Photo
Lindi Pierce, 2017
Sir John A. Macdonald, “the man who The young lawyer represented 1843). Here their son Hugh John, who
made us” as biographer Richard Gwyn commercial and criminal cases at the was to grow up to become Premier of
dubbed him, maintains an enduring 1834 Prince Edward County Court House, Manitoba, was born in 1850. The double
presence through the architecture of the a grand classical statement in ashlar with house is of limestone and has a six bay
Kingston and Bay of Quinte regions. Many a monumental portico. Legend has it Georgian form, with parapet walls, stone
buildings associated with Macdonald that Macdonald defended himself here corbels, and a later shed dormer and
survive 150 years after Confederation on a charge of assault following a scuffle classical portico.
— places where our new country’s first (he was quite the rapscallion). As eldest son of his clan, John A.
Prime Minister lived and practised law In 1835 John A. returned to Kingston assumed responsibility for his widowed
before and during his political career. to establish his law practice. The mother, sisters Louisa and Margaret, and
In 1820, Hugh and Helen Macdonald early stone house at 110-112 Rideau Margaret’s husband. Macdonald rented
and wee son John immigrated to Upper Street (c.1810), owned by the family’s a number of homes to accommodate the
Canada from Scotland. After stays in Macpherson relatives, became home to family, and serve as his legal residences
Kingston, and later on the south shore of Macdonald, his parents and sisters. while he represented Kingston as
Hay Bay, the family relocated about 1829 John A. Macdonald and his first wife Member of Parliament. The refined stone
to Stone Mills (now Glenora) in Prince Isabella are remembered in two well- house at 134 Earl Street (1866) with its
Edward County, where Hugh managed a preserved homes in the city. Bellevue parapet end walls, squared coursed
mill. House (built 1838-40) at 35 Centre stonework and recessed entry with
Loyalist Peter Van Alstine’s 1806 Street is the (then) rural home to which ashlar voussoirs and keystone is but one
stone mill was home to the young John they relocated in 1848-49, for Isabella’s example.
A. on summer holidays from his studies health. Here the couple’s first son died. John A. Macdonald’s law career
in Kingston. Of local limestone, the mill is The picturesque Tuscan villa, with its can be traced through a number of
four storeys in height with a loading door exotic white stucco walls, square tower, Kingston commercial buildings. At age
and flanking windows at each level. Its balconies and pennant-like vergeboards, 15 he apprenticed as a lawyer at 171
gable end faces Adolphus Reach, its back is now a National Historic Site. Wellington Street. The building is now
nestles under the escarpment edge. The From 1849-52 John and Isabella part of an adaptive reuse project, which
picturesque mill is now a private home. resided at 180 Johnson Street (built will add set-back residential units above
2 ACORN Spring 2017
the 1835 brick structure and an adjacent
Second Empire style bank building. The
dormered three storey building is visible
in the photo, under a green shroud.
From 1849-60 Macdonald’s law
office was housed at 343 King Street
East. The simple four bay structure with
roof dormers and tall chimneys is now
a popular pub. Sir John A. would have
approved.
Macdonald and his law partners
moved to 93 Clarence Street in 1860.
The brick façade has been modernized,
retaining second storey sash windows
and window hoods, and cast iron shop
front elements. Appropriately, the
building accommodates law offices.
Kingston City Hall was begun in 1843
with great optimism while Kingston was,
briefly, the capital of Canada. Fronted
by a classical pediment on monumental
columns and topped by a circular drum
and dome with cupola, City Hall is one of
the province’s finest classical buildings.
Here, John A. served as Alderman at the Prince Edward Country Courthouse, built 1832-34. Photo Lindi Pierce, 2015
beginning of his career; as Prime Minister,
he lay in state here after his death in 1891.
There are countless other buildings
in Ontario associated with Sir John A.
Macdonald. Homes or offices in Hay Bay,
Adolphustown, Napanee and Picton,
both extant and lost, await further
research. This year will see a proliferation
of “Sir John A. Slept Here” publications.
A particularly fine example is Sir John A’s
Napanee, by Jennifer Bunting, former
archivist at the Lennox and Addington
Museum and Archives. New research
will make it even easier to follow our first
Prime Minister’s architectural trail.
About the Author
Lindi Pierce is a Belleville-based heritage
writer and regular contributor to County
and Quinte Living, Country Roads, and
Outlook, the newsletter of the Hastings
County Historical Society. She shares her
passion for heritage architecture on her
blog Ancestral Roofs. Lindi is a member of
ACO Quinte. Kingston City Hall where Macdonald served as alderman at the beginning of his career and
lay in state after his death in 1891. Photo Lindi Pierce
Spring 2017 ACORN 3
Public Works in Ontario
An architectural legacy by Sharon Vattay
The buildings of the Asylum for the Insane in Mimico (now Toronto) designed by Kivas Tully and constructed between 1888 and 1894 have been adap-
tively reused as the Lakeshore Campus of Humber College. Photo Courtesy of Sharon Vattay
If one were to take stock of the of Ontario the power to appoint an the establishment of the Department
public buildings of Ontario that post- architect and engineer whose duties in the late-1860s were the repairs and
date Confederation, a common thread included “the preparation of maps, plans improvements to the existing Parliament
would reveal itself — that thread is and estimates for all public works which Buildings in Toronto – buildings that pre-
the connection to the then newly- are about to be constructed, altered dated Confederation (having originally
established Department of Public Works or repaired.” The first architect to join served as the seat of government
for the Province of Ontario. It was under the new Department of Public Works for the Province of Upper Canada).
the British North America Act of 1867 that was Kivas Tully (1820-1905). Already Another building that came under the
certain classes of public works (including well-known as the architect of Lincoln Department of Public Works’ purview
prisons, hospitals, asylums, and schools) County Courthouse in St. Catharines at the time of Confederation was the
came under the jurisdiction of the (1848-49), Trinity College in Toronto unfinished residence of the Lieutenant
Province of Ontario. Simultaneously, (1851) and Victoria Hall in Cobourg Governor, also located in Toronto. This
a Federal Department of Public Works (1856-60), Tully assumed responsibility residence designed by architects Gundry
was also established and assigned the for the design, construction, alteration and Langley for the viceregal of Upper
construction of building types such as and maintenance of numerous public Canada would, upon Confederation,
post offices and custom houses. buildings across the province for close to become the home of the first Lieutenant-
Subsequent to Confederation, an three decades. Governor of Ontario, His Excellency the
“Act respecting the Public Works of Tully’s reports to the Commissioner Honorable William Pearce Howland who
Ontario” (which received assent on 23 of Public Works, beginning in 1868, held the position from 15 July 1868 to 11
January 1869) gave the Lieutenant- summarize the dozens of projects over November 1873.
Governor of the newly-created Province which he presided. Initial projects upon Other early projects designed and
4 ACORN Spring 2017
supervised by Kivas Tully under the Plans by Kivas Tully were approved on reused for a variety of purposes – the
aegis of the Department of Public Works March 9, 1868, and were forwarded to former East Durham Registry Office in
of the Province of Ontario included the Councils throughout the Province for Port Hope and the former North York
Ontario Institution for the Education their own use. The plan was used in Registry Office in Newmarket are both
and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb in numerous counties and cities including used as local archival repositories and the
Belleville (1868-70; demolished 1922); the St. Catharines (1869); Pembroke (1869); former Renfrew County Registry Office
insane asylum in London (1869-70); the Cobourg (1869); Goderich (1870); Owen in Pembroke is now incorporated into
Ontario Institution for the Education and Sound (1870); Cornwall (1870); London the rehabilitated courthouse complex.
Instruction of the Blind in Brantford (1870; (1870); Port Hope (1870); Cayuga (1870); With the designation of many of the
demolished 1971); the Central Prison Walkerton (1870); Picton (1871); Whitby Department of Public Works buildings
in Toronto (1871; demolished 1920); an (1873); Bracebridge (1876); Sault Ste. under the Ontario Heritage Act that
insane asylum in Hamilton (1870); and Marie (1878); North Bay (1886); Brampton architectural legacy may thankfully
the Andrew Mercer Ontario Reformatory (1890); and, Minden (1895). survive for many years to come.
for Females in Toronto (1878; demolished While many of the post-Confederation
1969). buildings designed and built under Kivas About the Author
The construction of Land Registry Tully and the Department of Public Works’ Sharon Vattay, Ph.D., is an architectural
Offices was also directed by the purview have been lost over time, we are historian based in Toronto. She served two
Department of Public Works. Across the still able to appreciate many sites that have terms on the ACO Provincial Council and
Province, these buildings performed come to constitute the physical legacy of was one of the founding members of the
an important function, being designed the post-Confederation Department of re-established Hamilton Region Branch of
to safely store deeds, lot surveys, and Public Works. The buildings of the Asylum the ACO. Currently Sharon is an associate
land instruments. Upon a suggestion for the Insane on Lakeshore Road in at GBCA (Goldsmith Borgal and Company
put forward by the Inspector of Registry Mimico/now Toronto (1888-1894) have Architects), preparing conservation
Offices, it was determined that all been adaptively reused as the Lakeshore strategies for properties throughout the
Registry Office buildings should be Campus of Humber College. A number province.
erected according to a uniform plan. of the Registry Offices remain and are
Construction of the former North York Registry Office in Newmarket was also directed by the Department of Public Works. These buildings were de-
signed to safely store deeds, lot surveys, and land instruments. Photo Courtesy of Sharon Vattay
Spring 2017 ACORN 5
William George Storm
Toronto’s Architect by Loryssa Quattrochiocci
Although the Cumberland and Storm Esplanade Avenue at Yonge Street. This
partnership was dissolved in 1863, Storm was announced in the November 8,
continued to work under the firm’s name 1865 issue of The Globe where it stated
until 1866. After that point, Storm worked that “the Great Western Railway Station
largely on his own. He dipped his toes in was in the process of being erected by
all realms of architecture: he designed Mr. Storm, architect, near the foot of
institutional, ecclesiastical, commercial Yonge Street.” It was also mentioned that
and residential buildings throughout the “when finished it will become one of the
province, and displayed his versatility as finest buildings on the continent.” This
an architect by building in various styles sentiment was shared in the January 2,
dominant during the century. 1865 issue of The Leader which stated
Great Western Railway Station (1864-5), Yonge His earliest commission was the that “the building, when complete, will
St., northeast corner of Esplanade East, 1867.
Photo Octavius Thompson, Courtesy of the Wesleyan Methodist Church (1852) be second to none this side of Boston.”
Toronto Reference Library in Cobourg. It was built in the early Evidently, such bold statements would
The province of Ontario is by no English Gothic Revival Style, which have only been made if the writers had
means short of architectural jewels was popular in Britain during the mid- full confidence in Storm’s architectural
thanks to the tenacity and fervour to-late nineteenth century and was abilities. This suggests that by then
of nineteenth-century architects. In transmitted to Canada through British- Storm had become a highly respected
reflecting on the feats made by these trained architects (such as Storm) and Toronto architect.
architects, as well as others working in clergymen and the circulation of Gothic During the 1860s, Storm would
our nation during the last 150 years, one Revival church pattern books. be afforded the opportunity to leave
particular figure comes to mind: William In 1862, Storm received the his mark on one of the city’s most
George Storm (1826-92). While Storm commission to design the offices of the fundamental buildings: Osgoode Hall.
periodically ventured outside of the City Northern Railway Company on Front The building was originally constructed
of Toronto – designing buildings from Street West at Brock Street. His design in 1829-32 and designed by John Ewart
Muskoka to Cobourg and everywhere must have been positively received with the assistance of W. W. Baldwin
in between – it was in Toronto that he as, two years later, he designed the with both Palladian and Neoclassical
most profoundly helped shape the built passenger and freight station of the architectural details. Throughout the
environment throughout the mid-to- Great Western Railway Company on building’s history, it served as the
late nineteenth century.
Osgoode Hall (1829-32), Queen Street West, 1910. Photo Courtesy of the Toronto Reference Library
Storm immigrated to Upper Canada
from Burton-upon-Stather, Lincolnshire,
England, in about 1830 and settled in York
(Toronto). After receiving training from
his contractor father during the 1840s,
Storm was articled to the prominent
Toronto architect, William Thomas (1799-
1860), who was responsible for, among
other important designs, St Michael’s
Cathedral, Toronto (1845-48). In 1848
or 1849, Storm entered the office of
Frederic William Cumberland (1820-81);
their relationship proved to be positive
as the two men entered into partnership
for nearly 12 years.
6 ACORN Spring 2017College (1880), Old City Hall (1882-7) and
Victoria University (1890-92). An architect
of this magnitude and prowess warrants
recognition and praise as we reflect on
this nation’s 150 years of architectural
progress.
Sources
• "Great Western Railway; Opening of
the Yonge Street Station; Excursion to
the Falls; Lunch at the Clifton House,
Speeches, &c.," The Globe Toronto (5
March 1866), p.2
• Hill, Robert G., Biographical Dictionary of
Architects in Canada 1800-1950 (2009)
• Morriss Shirley G., “Storm, William
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, King Street West (1874-6), 1899 Illustration
George,” Dictionary of Canadian
John Ross Robertson’s Landmarks of Toronto (1904) Biography, vol.12 (University of Toronto/
Université Laval, 2003),
headquarters for the Law Society of monumental structure was constructed • “New Buildings in Toronto: Gratifying
Upper Canada. In 1844-6, the centre and in Georgetown rubble walling with Ohio Signs of Progress! Buildings, Stores,
west wings were added to the designs of blue and brown stone facing, and varied Church, &c.,” The Globe Toronto (8
Henry Bowyer Lane. In 1857, Cumberland by the introduction of relieving arches November 1865), p.1
and Storm replaced the centre wings and and bands of Queenston red-brown • Parks Canada, “Osgoode Hall National
added other decorative and structural stone. The red, polished granite columns Historic Site of Canada,” in Canada’s
components, and in 1865, the law school are from the Bay of Fundy. Storm loosely Historic Places.
was added to the rear of the east wing to modelled the design on that of Kirkwall • “Progress of Toronto: Improvement
the specifications of Storm. The building Cathedral. This depicts Storm’s intellect During the Year 1864,” The Leader (2
was listed as a National Historic Site of as an architect; by modelling the design January 1865), p.1
Canada in 1979, and the wrought iron for his church in Toronto – which was • Robertson, John Ross, Landmarks of
fence that Storm designed in 1866 was designed for the Scottish Presbyterian Toronto; a collection of historical sketches
listed as one of the features contributing population – on an important cathedral in of the old town of York from 1792 until
to the building’s heritage value. Scotland, he was aligning his church with 1837, and of Toronto from 1834 to 1904
Interestingly, the “cow gates” through an important ecclesiastical building in (John Ross Robertson: Toronto, 1904)
which the grounds are entered are similar the congregation’s motherland. Although • “Tenders Wanted,” The Globe Toronto (13
in design to cattle gates that were built to St Andrew’s is in the “Scottish baronial December 1880), p.7
contain livestock. It has been rumoured style of design”– whereas Kirkwall was a • “The New St. Andrew’s Church,” The
that these gates did once repel cows and Gothic/Romanesque hybrid – his edifice Leader (8 February 1867), p.8
other animals, although here has been no was praised in the April 21, 1875 issue of • “The New St. Andrew’s Church: Laying
proof to support this. The Globe as “a very fine specimen.” of the Corner Stone- Description of the
The following decade, in 1874, Storm Suffice it to say, there are far more Edifice,” The Globe Toronto (21 April 1875),
was tasked with designing the new buildings that bear the mark of this p.4.
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on exceedingly brilliant architect. By the time
King Street West to replace the original of his death in 1892, Storm had designed About the Author
building on the south-west corner of nearly 80 buildings in the province. Loryssa Quattrociocchi is the Vice Chair of
Church and Adelaide streets, which was Although some are no longer extant, and ACO NextGen. She holds a Masters degree
built in connection with the Church of others were somewhat smaller projects, in Art History and Visual Culture from
Scotland in 1830. The cornerstone for Storm was evidently a well-respected the University of Guelph and is currently
the new church was laid on April 20, architect, working on other important a D.Phil. in History student at Oxford
1875, and the opening service took buildings in Toronto, including Toronto University specializing in architectural
place on February 13, 1876. The new General Hospital (1878), Upper Canada history.
Spring 2017 ACORN 7New Province, New Farmhouses
by Shannon Kyles
Much information has been written Fergus may be original. If so, they would Canadian (and American) style.
— some insightful (MacRae, Blumenson), have been “laid in hair mortar” (p 133, The anonymous author explains that
some tedious (me) — about the many 1864). The rest of the article is equally “In building hollow walls, care should
Ontario buildings that fall into categories luminescent. be taken to tie the outside and inside
or styles of architecture that are based, for The L-shaped farmhouse, a perfectly bricks every fourth course. The interior
the most part, on European precedents. obvious building shape, was probably surface of the exterior bricks should be
Italianate, Regency, Georgian, Queen the result of a growing family. Looking well plastered as the walls are built. If this
Anne — all started in Great Britain or on at the skeleton of the farmhouse in is carefully done, a warm and dry house
the continent. Most buildings, however, Flamborough, one can see a three-bay will be the result.” It is interesting to note
were not following any particular style Georgian with a gabled wing added to that a plaster vapor barrier, which is what
and were brought about by ordinary the front. This early farmhouse, once a the article describes, and a three-inch
people whose motivations were more general store, was most likely a single- trapped air space between two wythes
practical than aesthetic. These building family dwelling. Then, when the owners of plastered bricks will not only last a
footprints were then copied, nurtured few hundred years, but is approaching
and augmented by builders and current building code standards. It’s all
craftspeople who transformed the basic about the trapped air.
building type into art. Make no mistake. The Canada Farmer directly and
Without great craftspeople, there cannot indirectly tells about many interesting
be, and never could have been, great trends in housing. An article about
architecture. freshening up a log cabin appears in
The modern heritage enthusiast February, 1864. By adding a porch and a
is lucky to have, for guidance on roof gable, an old place can look “tasteful,
Confederation-era residences, The Plans for a new home published in The Canada even ornamental.” Also published in 1864
Farmer explain why this stone farmhouse in
Canada Farmer journal from 1862 to Fergus is so similar to others across the province. are various porch designs for log cabins.
1867, which offers delightful illumination Photo Shannon Kyles This clearly indicates that a lot of people
on what the average home owner was were still living in log cabins at the time
building. The Canada Farmer can be decided to put on a store, they added of Confederation.
accessed through your local library and the retail section to the front. Over the The other basic building type, the
within its pages one finds inventive ways years, passing land owners may have Gothic Revival cottage like the one in
to eliminate the corn weevil, the new and remarked on the value of a shaded front Caledon, is also detailed. The reference to
improved three-legged milking stool, porch, as well as the interesting shape. “white brick” is to painted brick, not the
and the proper way to dry horse manure Other builders fancied a small roof gable lighter-coloured yellow brick that was
so that it provides both insulation and in the back portion to allow for more available after 1867 when the railroads
comfort. As well, several articles present light in the bedrooms. A bay window made transportation of heavy building
the plans, elevations, and best-practice could be added when the crops were materials practical.
building methods for a new home. consistently good. From the humble, The first few styles are for smaller
For those who keep their eyes rubble stone store in Flamborough, families and smaller houses. By 1867,
open — and not necessarily on the through a few generations of opulence when there was clearly excitement in the
road — while driving along Ontario’s and developing taste, one gets the air, two new styles were detailed. One
older trade routes, these articles explain same building footprint presented in was an Italianate Farmhouse for a family
why an incredible stone farmhouse Lynden with paired cornice brackets, needing eight bedrooms. Interestingly,
in Fergus is so similar to the fabulous an ornamental Italianate porch, and they had no indoor bathrooms. The first
brick farmhouse in Goderich, some 130 ginger-breaded wraparound porch. The bathroom appears in the over-the top
kilometers away. It is similar right down building is called a “Suburban Villa.” The design for a “Country House.”
to the “wood work [painted] a warm thing to remember is that this building We are lucky to have so many of
drab colour.” The shingles on the roof in style won’t be found in England. This is a these beautiful farmhouses still intact,
8 ACORN Spring 2017dotted across the countryside and adding charm to the green Photos: Shannon Kyles
spaces of the province. We are even luckier to be able to look Top left: The Farmhouse in Flamborough had a retail
up the building methods and the reasoning behind many of the section for a general store added to the front.
construction decisions. We can only hope that these buildings Top right: A “Suburban Villa” in Lynden with paired
will be properly restored and kept for another few hundred cornice brackets and an ornamental Italianate porch,
years. 1876.
Bottom left: Gothic Revival cottage in Caledon.
About the Author Bottom right: By 1867, when there was clearly excitement
Shannon Kyles is an architectural historian and professor at in the air, Italianate houses such as this one in Guelph
Mohawk College in Hamilton. She also serves on the Executive made their appearance. The style was detailed in The
Committee of Architectural Conservancy Ontario. Canada Farmer.
Spring 2017 ACORN 9Victorian Inspiration
Yesterday’s Buildings Inspire Tomorrow’s Architects by Jacob Drung
Before the construction of Highway these places, which had previously seen that I have, as I want to create buildings
401, the King’s Highway 2 brought cars little ornament added to buildings. His that will excite the occupants and give
and drivers on a scenic journey from work began to declare that Canada was them the feeling that I so often got at
Windsor to the Quebec border. Much of its own nation and its people deserved Thorn Hedge Place.
the highway travels through a beautiful a more robust and independent On the eve of Canada’s 150th
corridor bound by the majestic St. architecture. It ushered in an era of birthday, I think this story tells how
Lawrence River on one side and rolling growth and prosperity, and remained heritage architecture is both living
hills — filled with treasures of early tasteful, while respecting its more stoic history and an inspiration for the
Loyalist architecture — on the other. This architectural predecessors. future. Johnston was an early pioneer
is especially true in the Brockville and One such property that Johnston in the relatively modest areas of Eastern
Prescott area, where it is not uncommon designed was Thorn Hedge Place, just Ontario, and his buildings reflect this.
to see grand stone estates and churches outside of Prescott, Ontario. This home He was respectful of the area’s past, but
juxtaposed with humble farmhouses was originally designed for James Quinn, designed for a bright and exciting future,
and chapels. Maitland, a small town owner of one of the largest breweries and created buildings that spoke to the
east of Brockville, is a stunning example. on the St. Lawrence. Built in the early newly minted “Canadians.”
Within a few square kilometers, one 1870s, it is a beautiful three-storey Much of Ontario’s heritage
finds Maplehurst, an imposing home Italianate gem with an amazing view of architecture reflects this optimism. The
built for an English nobleman in 1829; the river in the front, and fields divided Victorian buildings are inspirational,
the Church of St. James, built 1826, one by stone fences at the rear. The home showing the hope of a new immigrant
of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival was complete with a grand mahogany family, or the pride of a hard- working
style in the province; the well-preserved staircase, imported from England, and industrialist and that is why they are
remains of an early windmill on the a marble fireplace from the quarries of worth protecting. They, in turn, continue
river; and the Blue Church, a beloved Vermont. to inspire those of us today to make bold
one-room meetinghouse, which may be I came to know this house when I moves and create inspirational designs
one of the smallest places of worship in was a child visiting my aunt and uncle just as Johnston did, while respecting
Ontario. who lived there. Ever since I was young, our surrounding context.
Much of the architectural styling I would take on the role of the young Creating designs for an exciting
within these towns and villages remained master, exploring the attic and tower, future, while remaining true to what
the same between the beginning of sliding down the banister and running came before is crucial to maintaining
the nineteenth century and the time of around the trails behind the home. the amazing architectural landscape
Confederation. However, as the fortunes Looking back, as early as the first grade, that we have. Ontario’s rich architectural
of people in these river towns grew and I remember that while other children history is something worth preserving,
the Ottawa elite discovered the beauty were drawing their dogs and cats, I was and to damage it, would be to damage
of the landscape, architectural styles drawing a slightly skewed version of the inspiration of generations of future
began to change. One of men at the the home, with its widow’s walk and architects.
forefront of this movement was architect all. Since then, drawings and photos of
James P. Johnston. Although American the home have filled my sketchbook as About the Author
born, Johnston created most of his best- I’ve tried to decode what excites me so Jacob Drung is a second year student
known works in Canada. Beginning much about it. Whenever I travel back up at the University of Waterloo School of
around Confederation, he started the driveway, I am greeted with feelings Architecture. He lives in the scenic village
designing grand homes, churches and of excitement and awe. This home has of West Montrose.
public buildings throughout Prescott, imparted so much joy and excitement to
Brockville and the surrounding areas. me, and it made me wonder if others had
His work brought the introduction of a place like this in their own lives? This
Victorian opulence and grandeur into question inspired me to take up the path
10 ACORN Spring 2017Sunset over Thorn Hedge Place. Photo Jacob Drung, 2016
Stone cottage outside Prescott. Photo Jacob Drung, 2015
Spring 2017 ACORN 11Merrickville’s Alloy Foundry
A landmark business older than Canada by Mark Oldfield
No one knows exactly how it along the banks of the Rideau River But their plans were blocked by zoning
happened, how humans came to master where water-power and access to issues.
the ores of the Earth. It’s not hard to transportation are readily available. Karl, who had served as a senior
understand the attraction of a gold By 1867, the foundry was churning federal government bureaucrat, worked
nugget lying on a muddy river bank. out components for more than 30 local his connections in Ottawa to find an
That’s probably where the love affair manufacturers. Anyone who needed electronic-induction furnace being sold
started. But who came up with the idea anything made of metal — a coffin- off by a foundry in New Brunswick. He
of mixing copper and tin to make a handle, a harness part, straps for an oak bought the machine and had it shipped
new metal, one that was easy to shape barrel — could take their drawings to to Merrickville. So it was that a couple
yet incredibly strong? For reasons we the foundry and order as many copies as of city-slickers with no experience in
don’t entirely understand, the Bronze they liked. metallurgy became an unlikely link in
Age began more or less simultaneously It was an era of tremendous the chain of history.
in China, India and Mesopotamia some prosperity, but it wouldn’t last long. By The Feiges have been running the
7000 years ago. Once our ancestors the late 1880s, most of the region’s major business for a quarter of a century now.
discovered the wondrous utility of metal, communities were connected by rail. Their limestone building on the Rideau
there was no looking back. Commerce was leaving the canal for this is more than just a local landmark. When
Today, in Merrickville, Ontario — a faster, cheaper mode of transportation. you step inside, you step through a
lovingly-preserved Loyalist village on Merrickville — which missed out on the door to the past. The rooms that house
the banks of the Rideau River 45 minutes railway boom — slid quietly into decline. the furnace and workshops are huge
south of Ottawa — the ancient art of One by one, the hulking stone buildings and dimly lit, but very much alive with
making useful things from metal lives that housed its early industries were activity. Fat-bellied machines used to
on. abandoned, dismantled or repurposed. melt metal decades ago stand side-by-
Karl and Linda Feige run Canada’s Fortunately, that part of the village is side with state-of-the-art equipment
oldest continuously-operating foundry, protected now, within the bounds of the that can be fired up to make anything
first opened in 1851. Few businesses Rideau Canal National Park, which also from the elaborate wrought-iron fencing
in this country can claim a 165-year carries a UNESCO World Heritage Site that surrounds the Governor General’s
heritage! The story of the Alloy Foundry designation. residence at Rideau Hall to special-order
is a story of adaptation. In the beginning The Alloy Foundry is the only pre- parts for the Ferrari racing team.
it was all about stoves and plows, two Confederation business still operating The furnace is more efficient now,
things every homestead needed. But as in the historic zone. It changed hands but the tools and techniques of the
the population of the Rideau grew, the many times over the years, and the work foundry trade haven’t changed much
role of the foundry quickly changed. that went on inside changed too. During since the early days of Confederation.
Picture yourself in Merrickville in the First World War cannons rolled off The production begins with a drawing,
1867. It is a bustling town of roughly the assembly line. As tractors replaced from which a three-dimensional mould
a thousand inhabitants with all the horse-drawn plows, the foundry became is made. The mould is pressed into a
amenities of the Victorian Age. The a parts supplier for farm equipment sand compound, where it leaves an
Rideau Canal, originally built as a companies like Massey Ferguson and imprint. Liquid metal is then poured into
military bypass between Kingston and International Harvester. the sand, like lava brimming from the
Ottawa, now serves as the region’s prime When Karl and Linda came along in mouth of a volcano. After a few minutes
commercial corridor and Merrickville 1993, the business was in urgent need the sand is knocked away and a metal
is at the peak of its prominence, home of modernization, with a leaky furnace object miraculously emerges.
to grist mills, saw mills, woollen mills, that was expensive to run and hard to Most foundries these days prosper
tanneries, carriage works, furniture control. The Feiges weren’t looking to by mass-producing one simple item
factories, cooperages and dozens of buy a foundry. They liked the location — brake shoes, for example. The Alloy
other industrial enterprises — many of and thought the property would be Foundry in Merrickville has gone the
them, including the foundry, clustered ideal for a guesthouse or river-side cafe. other way with a fast, flexible approach
12 ACORN Spring 2017to business. The foundry works with a
wide variety of alloys and the staff can
retool quickly to meet demand, no matter
how technically challenging or artistically
daring the project might be.
The Feiges recently began shipping
out 139 exquisite bronze drum hoops
to First Nations communities across the
country. The hoops, designed by a group
of aboriginal artists as a permanent
reminder of the suffering inflicted on
indigenous people by the residential
school system, feature intricate braid-
work on the outer surface and delicate
pictographs on the inside. They are a
superb example of the specialized work
that goes on within the storied walls of
the Merrickville Alloy Foundry.
As our nation enters the second half
of its second century, new customers
keep coming and this unique heritage
business keeps on adapting.
About the Author
Mark Oldfield is a professional writer and
photographer who lives in Merrickville.
His extensive communications experience
includes television production as well as
writing and producing documentaries.
He has a passion for history, heritage, and
all the quirky, beautiful places that make
Ontario such a delightful place to live.
Photos: Mark Oldfield
Top: Merrickville Alloy Foundry, built
1851 on the north shore of the Rideau
River, is the oldest foundry in continuous
operation in Canada.
Centre: Made in Merrickville. Elaborate
wrought-iron fencing graces the Governor
General’s official residence at Rideau Hall
in Ottawa.
Bottom: To commemorate the residential
school tragedy, the Assembly of First
Nations had several native artists work
together to design a bronze marker
intricately decorated inside and out.
Spring 2017 ACORN 13Misener House
Westfield Heritage Village by Jamie MacLean
Misener House kitchen, Westfield Heritage Village. Photo Melissa Fletcher, 2015
D. Glenn Kilmer and Golden “Goldie” upon are featured. in Beverly Township at Troy in the early
L. MacDonell, two Brantford high One of the earliest buildings donated 1830s, being the first family member to
school teachers, purchased 30 acres to the Village was the Misener House. This farm on Lot 10, Concession 3, followed by
in Rockton, Ontario in 1960 as Canada building was relocated to Westfield in his son Nicholas Misener who purchased
was leading up to its centennial. They 1962, and was originally situated on the adjoining acreage. Nicholas gave the
envisioned a unique project that would southwest portion of Lot 10, Concession town of Troy two acres for a church
develop a pioneer village as a non-profit 3, in the town of Troy, Beverly Township, and cemetery. The church was built
educational institution. in what is now the Regional Municipality on the lot by the Episcopal Methodist
It was among several commemorative of Hamilton-Wentworth. congregation of which the Misener
projects that sought to highlight the Genealogical records reveal that the family were members.
nation’s pioneer heritage and this site Misener family emigrated from Germany It was Nicholas Misener’s son, Arthur,
became Westfield Heritage Village. to North America in 1720, settling who inherited the piece of property
To this day, Westfield hosts a series in New Jersey. Their children fought where the old Misener House once stood,
of interpretive public and school alongside the British Loyalists in the and he was responsible for building a
programmes. In 2016, more than 12,000 American Revolutionary War and came new large brick house on the property
students visited Westfield for various to Canada after the battle. It was these in the late 1800s. The Miseners lived in
school programmes that showcase life sons, recent arrivals from New Jersey, the older house until the brick house
in early, rural Ontario and at the time of who contributed in the founding of was built and this house is still standing
Confederation. The lives of early settlers, Jerseyville, now Ancaster. on the lot on Highway 5 just outside the
the structures they made and the The second generation of Miseners village of Troy. The family donated the
colonial foundations this country is built in Canada saw Conrad Misener settling older house to Westfield Heritage Village
14 ACORN Spring 2017in 1962. The Jerseyville station, along cabins. These items were made with to the public due to its narrow staircase
with a TH&B train, were also acquired at hand-operated equipment by craftsmen and a low weight allowance. During one
the same time and they are also located who brought their trades from Europe. of the construction projects, the second
at Westfield. The stove, with a water reservoir in it, floor had structural bracing added to re-
The one-and-a-half storey Misener was a great improvement over the open align the exterior walls. This incorporated
frame house was built in 1832 of wood fireplaces. a diagonal wire brace and turnbuckle
milled in the area; a popular style at the The Misener House has had many assembly into the housing structure.
time. With the front facing south, there is a restoration projects throughout its time The house was completely re-roofed,
large kitchen where most home activities at Westfield. The house was in a poor plaster repaired, a concrete slab raised
took place, a pantry, a sitting room (quite state of repair when it was brought to the the house, a new floor, and stairs. General
the luxury), and a parents’ bedroom on village. The interior plaster was removed, stabilization of the wooden structure has
the ground floor. Upstairs, reached by a showing the original shiplap. This was been upgraded, the beams were treated
steep stairway at the end of the kitchen, replaced on the front and sides of the with a strengthening substance and a
was an open loft where children slept building once relocated. The shiplap on new chimney system was installed that
on straw mattresses. Wooden pine floors the back is original except for some re- conformed to the Building Code.
were scrubbed often and enhanced by patching. The Misener House might not have
hand-made mats made from scraps and In the 1980s, the building was survived if not for the efforts of Westfield’s
worn out clothing. found to be in very poor condition. volunteers. These dedicated and talented
The house itself was utilitarian and The complete structural frame in the individuals contribute skilled assistance
sturdy, built with thick supporting northwest corner had rotted from severe with maintenance, costuming, gardening,
timbers. There were two windows and a water damage, causing the frame to slant historic interpretation and many other
centre door at both the front and back of outwards, as seen through the cracking areas. Westfield is able to provide an
the house, and three windows on each of at the interior partition wall. Architect engaging, enjoyable living history
the gable ends, one on the lower and two Christopher Borgal recommended experience because of their efforts,
on the upper floor. The windows were restoring the building in situ as a long- including a program promoted on the
six panes per sash. Small pieces of glass term, interpretive exhibit documenting website as life in small town Ontario
were easier to transport, and more easily the dismantling and the reconstruction of where visitors "have an opportunity
obtained. The earliest window glass had the structure. This project allowed visitors to learn about the responsibilities and
many imperfections, such as bubbles, to observe the work and learn methods expectations of a child in a Confederation-
waviness and off-colour, and these are of reconstructing historic buildings, era home.”
visible as the original windows and doors providing a unique lesson in these
remain. processes. As an interpretive vehicle, About the Author
The furniture shows advancements this endeavour sparked excitement and Jamie MacLean is a graduate intern
in manufacturing processes, an has been repeated with other historic supported by the Young Canada Works
improvement over the hand-hewn chairs, buildings in the village. Program. He is the Education Programs
benches and tables used in earlier log The second floor is not accessible Developer at Westfield Heritage Village.
Misener House front exterior
after restoration. Photo Melissa
Fletcher, 2015
Spring 2017 ACORN 15Homer Ransford Watson
Renowned artist of Doon by Jean Haalboom
On January 14, 1855, Canadian In 1880, Homer submitted his modest cottage was merely standing up!
landscape artist Homer Watson was born painting The Pioneer Mill to the Royal Neighbours held their breath as to what
in the house built by his grandfather Canadian Academy of Arts’first exhibition would and could happen to this house
James Watson. Today, this house remains held in Ottawa. The painting depicted sitting in the floodplain with a basement
standing in the former Village of Doon, his grandfather’s almost 100-year-old full of water and a collection of trapper’s
now known as Upper Doon within the decaying sawmill. The Marquis of Lorne, furs.
City of Kitchener. then Governor General of Canada, Local artist, the late Endla Loney
As a youngster, Homer rambled purchased The Pioneer Mill for Queen purchased the property. She saw
through the Doon landscape along Victoria’s Royal Collection at Windsor through the forces of decay: rot, dust
the Grand River made up of trees, hills Castle. The following year at the Royal and water. For her, Homer’s birthplace
and dales. He loved to sketch the local Canadian Arts Exhibition in Halifax, The symbolized Canada’s beginning on
scenery. As Confederation approached, Last Day of the Drought was purchased for the stage of international landscape
in 1866, his teacher noted Homer’s the Queen’s collection and the Marquis painting. Restoring Homer’s birthplace
skill at artwork and gave him a set of of Lorne and his wife Princess Louise, was and is a significant key to the story of
watercolour paints and a drawing book. Queen Victoria‘s daughter, bought The Homer Watson as a significant Canadian
Life for Homer and his family was Torrent for their personal collection. landscape artist. On the advice of John
not as romantic as it first appears; it was Homer’s career path moved on. Rutledge, architect, member of the
tough. His father died from typhoid fever In 1907, Watson became a founding Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
when Homer was only six years old. The member and president of the Canadian and participant in its Preservation Works
family sawmill and woollen mills failed Art Club. He served as president of the Programme, Mrs. Loney pushed ahead
and were forced to be sold. Homer’s Royal Canadian Academy of Arts from with the formidable house restoration.
older brother was killed while at work in 1918 to 1922. Fortunately, her son Michael
the neighbouring brickyard. At twelve Today, Homer Watson’s birthplace Loney shared her concern for Homer‘s
years of age in 1867, Homer had to quit continues to exist. His niece Jane Van birthplace. Challenges involved
school to help support his mother and Every in her book With Faith, Ignorance, eliminating water attacking the house,
his three siblings. However, there was a and Delight described the 1844 house reinforcing the collapsed foundation,
silver lining to this cloud hanging over as the humble T-shaped cottage. In re-shingling a wooden roof, restoring
Homer Watson. His aunt gave him a set 2003, the property went up for sale. This wood-framed windows, removing
of oil paints. Now he could continue to
Homer Watson with his family in front of Watson’s birthplace on Doon Village Road, Village of Doon,
pursue his favourite pastime of sketching c. 1860 Photo Homer Watson House Foundation
and painting.
By 1872, Homer decided he would
become a full-time artist. No formal
training for him; Homer Watson is
described as self-taught. In 1874, he
moved to Toronto where he studied and
copied artwork at the Toronto Normal
School. He met with Canadian artists
such as Thomas Mower-Martin and
Lucius O’Brien to ask for advice about his
paintings. In the 1870s, Watson travelled
to New York to view the art work of the
Hudson River School. While in New York
State, he painted in the Adirondacks and
along the Hudson and Susquehanna
rivers.
16 ACORN Spring 2017grounds became a reality. In this, our
sesquicentennial year, the residents of
Doon and area celebrate its renowned
Canadian landscape artist Homer Watson,
his birthplace and his Art Gallery.
When you have time in 2017, come
and take a look for yourself!
About the Author
Jean Haalboom has been a resident of
Doon since 1976. Jean was a Councillor
for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo
between 2000 and 2014. She is a member-
at-large of the ACO Executive and a
member of the North Waterloo Region
Branch. She studies and pursues the
preservation of landmarks in Waterloo
Region.
Left: Homer Watson House & Gallery, 1754
Old Mill Road, Kitchener, consists of the
1834 home of Adam Ferrie, founder of
Doon, Watson’s 1893 studio and his 1906
art gallery. Photo Jean Haalboom, 1990
reddish pink paint from the brick and
wood clad exterior walls, removing an
alcove, and making the house liveable
again.
After years of work and financing the
project only with his own money, Michael
Loney remains dedicated to the cause
of completing the restoration of Homer
Watson’s birthplace. His rewards include
finding the stories about Homer’s family,
1850s newspapers, letters stuck in the
walls, Homer’s paint pot stains on the
bedroom floors, and information such as
why wooden securing pegs need to be
square and not round.
For their efforts, Michael Loney and
the late Mrs. Endla Loney received the
2014 Award of Excellence from the Watson House & Gallery on Old Mill Road Above: Around the perimeter of his 1893
studio, Watson painted a frieze to celebrate
Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. in Kitchener. The location of Homer’s Art painters he admired and who inspired his
The preservation of Homer Watson’s Gallery is about two kilometers east of work. The names of Ruisdael, Turner, Consta-
birthplace offers residents and visitors to ble, Rousseau, Corot and Millet are spelled
his birthplace. In the 1980s this house out and accompanied by a landscape paint-
Waterloo Region a unique opportunity and gallery was also in a very dilapidated ing in the style of each artist. In the 1980s,
to appreciate the home of a budding state. With the help of architect Peter conservators from the Canadian Conserva-
tion Institute in Ottawa helped to restore the
Canadian artist born more than 150 years John Stokes and the property purchase frieze. Photo: Courtesy of Homer Watson
ago. by the City of Kitchener, restoration House Foundation
To see how Homer Watson lived later and maintenance plans for Homer
on as an established artist, visit Homer Watson House and Gallery and its Spring 2017 ACORN 17You can also read
