Ireland House at Oakridge Farm

Yesterday, we visited Ireland House in Burlington. It was built between 1835-1837 and was the home of Joseph Ireland, an English Immigrant and one of Burlington's earliest settlers. It was lived in by Ireland family descendants until 1987, when it was purchased by the city of Burlington to become its second museum.
The house is decorated in three eras of the Ireland occupancy, 1850's, 1890's and 1920's, each representing a time period one of the Ireland family resided there. It is well-preserved with all original possessions of the Irelands. It is located at 2168 Guelph Line in Burlington and is an important part of Burlington's history. It is well worth the trip and when there,make sure you take a tour by one of the knowledgeable guides.

Lowville Park

Located in north Burlington along Guelph Line is the small village of Lowville, and one of its highlights is Lowville Park. It is located on Bronte Creek and contains several acres with picnic areas, trails for hiking or snow shoeing in the winter, an area for tobogganning in the winter and play areas for children.
It is a relaxing area to come and just unwind for a couple of hours. Make sure you visit the ice cream store across from the park behind the Bistro.
Also of note in the park is a school house that was built in 1888. It has been designated as a Heritage Building that is now used for meetings and Boy Scout activities. Unfortunately, it is not open to the general public. In 1947, a parks maintenance building was added and also functions as a workshop.

Point Abino Lighthouse

Earlier this summer, we drove down to Fort Erie and visited a few areas. One of the most impressive things that we saw was the Point Abino Lighthouse. It is built of poured concrete and is unlike any other in Ontario. It is constructed in a style of architecture known as Greek Revival.
The lighthouse was completed in 1918, built to replace a light ship that was destroyed in a storm in 1913, killing all on board. A light-keeper's residence was added in 1921. No light house in Ontario is permanently staffed but most are still in use. Point Abino was the last to be automated.
The light house has been declared a National Historic Site, and in 2001, was purchased by the town of Fort Erie.
It is located on Lake Erie just west of Fort Erie. It is in a gated community, and is accessible only after you sign a waiver stating that you will remain on the roadway and not take any photos of peoples' properties. Be prepared for quite a walk. It is over a mile to the lighthouse. If going, take a bike with you, because they will allow you to cycle out to the site.
It is quite a trek to get there, but it is definitely worth it. No other lighthouse is like it and it is an interesting piece of Ontario history.

St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

A while back, we went to visit St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, about 3 km. outside St. Jacobs village. I was surprised to see how popular this place is. There must have been hundreds of people there. Dozens of local farmers sell their produce and a lot of them are Menonite and their baked goods are second to none. If you want to get any of these, best to get there early.
There is also a flea market there as well, so there is something for everyone. I recommend going to visit here, but it is not open every day and probably the outside market will soon be closed as summer ends. There is still an indoor market, but it is worth visiting when the outside market is open.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Yesterday, we visited Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto. It is a collection of over forty buildings     built in the 1800's and set up in a village setting. Volunteers are dressed in the time period and they are more than happy to share their knowledge of that time.
Craftsmen are in many of the buildings working on items thaat would have been available back then, some of the goods are even for sale in the gift shop.
For anyone interested in the history of the area, this is definitely worth the trip. It is easy to get to and is located just east of Jane near highway 400.
I have included  photos of some of the buildings. Below the photos is a link to many more.

www.pinterest.com/canuck120950/black-creek-pioneer-village

Walt Rickli Sculpture Garden

Recently, we went to the Walt Rickli Sculpture Garden, located in Lowville just north of Burlington. It contains several works carved in stone and a lot of the sculptures have running water, giving the area a calming effect.
Walt Rickli is a local artist who works in stone and the garden is located on his property. It is a sanctuary where people can go, stroll through the gardens and just relax and unwind a little.
Located on Guelph Line north of Burlington, the site is worth a visit.

Ruthven A Mansion in a Ghost Town

Ruthven Park is located at the site of a town which used to be called Indiana, which no longer exists. Throughout most of the 19th century, Indiana was a town that grew up around mills on the Grand River, with a canal and  locks nearby.
By the 1870's, railways arrived, and the wooden gates rotted and the locks filled with debris. In 1900, because of this, Indiana became a ghost town with fewer than two dozen inhabitants remaining. The only thing remaining of Indiana is the Ruthven mansion and the cemetery of the town.
The mansion was built of Indiana limestone, between 1845 and 1847. Four columns are situated at the front of the building, overlooking the Grand River. When we visited the site, we got to tour the building. It is need of repair, with quite a bit of work needed to restore it to its original condition. It is an ongoing work in progress.
In 1994, the building was declared a national historic site. It is an interesting place to visit and is located on Highway 54 between Cayuga and Caledonia.

Whistling Gardens

Today, we visited Whistling Gardens, located in Wilsonville, Ontario. Wilsonville is in Norfolk County just a few minutes south of Brantford and 20 minutes south of Highway 403.
There are theme gardens located on 20 acres featuring 4 kilometres of walking trails, ponds, musical water fountain shows and more. Canada's only all stone outdoor amphitheatre boasts over 120 fountains choreographed to music. Over 4,000 different plants are showcased and it is home to the largest conifer collection in the world with over 2400 species, hybrids and cultivars.
Whisting Gardens is Canada's newest botanical gardens which has only been open for a couple of years. The atmosphere is very relaxing and it is definitely worth a visit. Below are a few photos of different  scenes at Whistling Gardens, and if you like, feel free to check out the link below the photos to view more from the garden.

http://www.pinterest.com/canuck120950/whistling-gardens

Normandale

Recently, on a trip to Port Dover, we visited the small village of Normandale, situated on the shore of Lake Erie. Large peat bogs were located near here, and when burned in a furnace, bog ore produces iron. The first iron foundry in Upper Canada was located here.
Timber and bog ore became depleted, and Normandale became a ghost town. It didn't remain this way as cottagers and a few others moved into the area. It is worth a visit, two reasons being the original Union Hotel, built in the 1840's, and the Post Office/general store, built around the same time, are still both standing.
The area is quite picturesque, and a short walk takes you to a small beach. When visiting Port Dover, continue on until you come to this small village. You won't be disappointed.

Port Dover Mausoleum

When we visited Port Dover this year, we drove through the town west on highway 6, and came across a unique structure. We didn't see it at first heading west because it is over grown with trees and bushes, but heading east back into town, it was clearly visible. It stands on the north side of the highway, and the first thing we noticed were the four columns at its entrance.
The bulding is in fact a mausoleum that was built by the Port Dover Cemetery Board in 1927. However, the cost of $225 to $275 per crypt seemed too expensive for any to be willing to pay, and so it was never used and remained vacant.
In 2008, a science fiction movie entitled 'Six Reasons Why' and starring Canadian actor Colm Feore shot three scenes there. The mausoleum is in bad need of repair, with concrete slabs falling off of the front of the building. I looked through the front door, but it looks like it is being used now to store workmen's tools, possibly from the neighbouring cemetery.
It is worth a look while it still is partially intact, but because of its present state, it is hard to say if it will deteriorate to the point where it is torn down. It is an interesting and unusual piece of history for the town of Port Dover.

Port Dover

We try to get to Port Dover on Lake Erie once every summer. We went there again recently and it was as enjoyable as every other time we have gone. Port Dover is famous for many things, one of them the Arbor which has been going strong for over 85 years. It is famous for its foot long hot dogs and its drinks which are called Glow.
Also, because the town is on Lake Erie, it is famous for its fresh perch. We went for lunch to the Erie Beach Hotel and had a meal of perch. I would highly recommend trying a meal there. Port Erie is also known for its white sandy beach.
Every year when a Friday falls on the thirteenth of any month, either summer or winter, tens of thousands of motorcyclists come to Port Dover. This has become a tradition here. I managed to get there one year, but didn't own a motorcycle, so they have parking facilities about 10 km outside town for autos and shuttle buses take you in. Only motorcycles are allowed in to town at these events unless you are a local resident.
Port Dover is located on highway 6 on Lake Erie. It has a lot more to offer than I have mentioned here, but it is well worth the trip.

Westfield Heritage Village

Recently, we visited Westfield Heritage Village. We have been there a few times, but each time is just as enjoyable as previous visits. At the village, there are roughly 30 buildings of historic significance. They are divided into five different time periods from 1775 up to around 1925.
Volunteers dress up in clothing of the era, and they are a wealth of information about the history of many of the buildings. All the buildings were originally located in neighbouring counties and were transported here and set up in a village configuration.
The founders of Westfield were both high school teachers in Brantford. D. Glenn Kilmer and Golden L. Macdonell purchased 30 acres of land in 1960 at the site which now houses Westfield. They envisioned a unique project that would develop a pioneer village as a non-profit educational institution for both children and adults as well. It is the village's 50th anniversary this year.
The village was recently purchased by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. It is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552) in Rockton off highway 8. For more information go to www.westfieldheritage.ca

Royal Botannical Gardens Earth Art Exhibition

       A few years back, on mother's day, I bought a membership for Karen and myself to the RBG. That way, she could enjoy flowers all season long, not just a dozen roses that die after a couple of weeks. Well, it has become a tradition now so every year she gets the membership.
       Throughout the season, they have various shows and exhibits. This year they have the Earth Art Exhibit. It opened Canada Day, July 1 and continues until October 13 2014. They hired a few artists on 15 June, using natural elements to create original and unique art forms.
       Below, I have included 2 of the pieces on display. The first is entitled 'Origenes' from an artist called Pilar Ovalle. She was born in Santiago, Chile and uses wood in her artwork, gathered from Chilean forests. Her work represents the struggle between human unnatural progress and Nature.      
       The second is from an artist called Firman Djamil from Indonesia, and is entitled 'O2 Chimney'. In the sculpture, he uses logs and twigs to form a chimney-shaped structure. At its base, a pile of rocks and sand are used to symbolize the forest and plankton. These produce oxygen (O2) and reduce carbon dioxide to assist in reducing global warming.
       This is a unique display that is only on for a limited time. It may not be for everyone, but I think it is worth checking out. The exhibit is at the RBG located on Plains Road in Burlington.

The Cheltenham Badlands

       Recently, we visited what is known as the Cheltenham Badlands where Medina shale, a red and green sediment is quite pronounced here. This type of landscape is expected in the Alberta Badlands where years of water and wind erosion have worn through layers of shale, leaving a barren landscape, but not in Ontario.
       Once, the area was covered with a forest and soil. But settlers moved in, cleared the land and allowed cattle to graze here. Erosion occurred, exposing the hard surface beneath, where nothing would grow. However, the rolling hills contained the ingredients for brickmaking, resulting in the villages of Terra Cotta and Cheltenham brickyards to spring up. Brickmaking was no longer needed, and so the villages no longer prospered. Terra Cotta has become a small residential community, but Cheltenham only contains remnants of the kilns.
       The badlands are worth a visit. They are located beside Old Baseline Road between Highway 10 and Mississauga Road. In 1999, the Ontario government acquired ownership and transferred it to the Ontario Heritage Foundation. It has become part of the Bruce Trail Association.

Orangeville Tree Carvings

       We recently visited Orangeville to see the tree carvings that are in the town. Maple trees were planted throughout the town and for awhile, they grew quite well. However, because of pollution from passing trucks and old age as well, they began to die off.
       The town's mayor in 2002, Drew Brown had returned from visiting Truro Nova Scotia where he noticed tree trunks in town carved into historical figures. When he returned to Orangeville, he hired 17 renowned carvers to do the same for the maples in his town. They were cut down to 3 to 4 metres high.
       The tree trunks were turned into eagles, Indians, dancers, fiddlers, animals and tree spirits. The last one, the spirits is the main subject of the carver Colin Partridge. In all, there are over 50 sculptures in town with more being added as well.
       It is worth a trip to Orangeville to see these carvings. They are a work of art and a great way to preserve the maples. Travel up highway 410 to get there and grab a brochure from the library for the location of the carvings.
       Check out the photos below for a sample of them and below the photos, click on the link to my Pinterest page for many more.

http://www.pinterest.com/canuck120950/wood-carvings-orangeville

The Dutch Chapel The Pillars of the Scarborough Bluffs

       On our trip to Scarborough recently, we visited the Scarborough Bluffs. I had heard of the bluffs many times but had never been there. They are 20 kilometres long and up to 100 metres high. More than 70,000 years ago, there was a pre-glacial torrent greater than the St. Lawrence that poured into a great lake, depositing an extensive delta.
       Then, the ice age came, depositing more boulder clay on top of the delta. As the ice melted away, the delta was exposed. Wind, water and frost started to erode away the southern face. Because of alternating layers of sand and clay, a series of buttresses similar to architecture found in medieval European chapels, and geologists have named the area the Dutch Chapel.
       As you can see from the photographs below, the area is worth a visit. It is very scenic here, and overlooks Bluffers Park where beaches, restaurants, and a marina are located. The best place to view the chapel is at the foot of Midland Avenue in Scarborough.

The Guild Inn's Garden of Ruins

       Recently, we travelled to Scarborough in Toronto to visit the Guild Inn. The inn itself is in need of repairs and is in fact fenced off so that you can't see inside. It was originally built in 1914 by General Harold C. Bickford and the house was called Ranelagh Park.
       In 1932, Rosa and Spencer Clark bought the house and its 162 hectares of property and established the Guild of All Arts to help artists get through the Depression years by supplying them with a place to do their crafts.
       The guild grew and the house was expanded until it became known as a resort called The Guild Inn. The inn is not much to look at today because of its state of decay. What is impressive is the actual grounds themselves. In 1947, the couple became concerned with the fact that many of Toronto's heritage buildings were being demolished. To preserve some of  the city's history, they purchased several remnants from these buildings and placed them in a formal garden setting upon the property.
       There are sixty or more pieces of  Toronto history now in the gardens. The most impressive is in the first photograph below. It is called the Greek Theatre which was built in 1981 and consists of 8 of the original 21 Corinthian capitals and columns from the Bank of Toronto built in 1912 and torn down in 1966.
        In 1978 the gardens were taken over by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.This is a great place to visit, especially for anyone interested in part of Toronto's architectural past. The gardens are located on Guildwood Parkway, south of Kingston Road.