digital copy - Ontario Barn Quilt Trails
Transcription
digital copy - Ontario Barn Quilt Trails
ELGIN OXFORD NORFOLK MIDDLESEX BRANT WWW.BARNQUILT TR AILS.CA E.O.N. is an Association of Curators and Directors of Art Galleries, Museums, Historical Societies, and Archives. Originally, all of the association’s members were located within the Counties of Elgin, Oxford and Norfolk. Our acronym might reflect the location of the founding organizations, but our membership has since expanded to include heritage-cultural sites in Perth, Middlesex and Brant Counties. Through regular meetings and joint professional and marketing activities, E.O.N. members share resources, plan cooperative projects and events, assist each other, and work together to further develop heritage-cultural goals for our geographical area as well as our respective communities. The Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails is our latest and most exciting cooperative venture. We hope that you enjoy reading through this guide and that you take the time to follow at least some of our trails outlined here. Also take the time to stop in at our many member sites; history is exciting! ELGIN OXFORD NORFOLK MIDDLESEX BRANT You can also find us online! Discover the trails online! Our website features detailed histories of many of the locations, including more photos and more images of the barn quilt designs. Use our interactive maps to plot your own route to the different sites. Links to other local tourism information are also supplied. Scan this QR code with a smartphone for a direct link to the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails website W WW.BARNQU ILT T R Barn AILSQuilt .CA Trails Southwest Ontario | 5 HISTORY MADE LOCAL Contents Ontario’s Southwest Barn Quilt Trails 5 INTRODUCTION 7 FOREWORD 8 REGIONAL MAP Barn quilt trails use colourful, decorative murals based on quilt block designs as markers to signal historical and other points of interest. The quilt blocks are painted on an eight foot square wooden frame hung on the side of a barn or farm building or set on free standing posts. 10 BRANT COUNTY/BRANTFORD 20 ELGIN COUNTY 30 MIDDLESEX COUNTY 40 NORFOLK COUNTY 50 OXFORD COUNTY 60 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The gateway to Ontario’s southwest Following in the footsteps of Thomas Talbot Tales of war, struggle and triumph A land of opportunity They highlight not only this history in a refreshing way but also, in the beauty of the quilt designs themselves, the creativity of our many communities. All of the trails are accessible by car Stories of settlement and rural prosperity Four Corners 6 | www.barnquilttrails.ca With fertile soils, the diversity of Carolinian forest and easy access to Lake Erie, it’s no wonder Ontario’s southwestern region has long been a centre of human settlement, first by the peace-loving Attawandaron First Nations and later by many others from around the world seeking refuge or opportunity. The Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails, which run through the Counties of Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Norfolk and Brant as well as the City of Brantford, tell the stories of the communities, families and events that comprise the region’s rich heritage. Friendship Block Empire Star or bicycle but please remember that the barn quilts are located on private property. You can travel one or more trails, or just explore part of a trail. Two hundred years ago, pioneers employed the power of community at quilting bees to keep families warm at night. Once again it is community that warms our region, this time by having created access to its memorable moments through art. Enjoy our history and the scenic lakeshore, bustling towns and picturesque countryside of our present. Whether it’s a history new to you or a pleasant pastoral view, prepare for surprises — and many delights! Elm’s Strength Crossroads Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 7 FOREWORD designing a trail to our past The Elgin, Oxford, and Norfolk Association of Museums (EON) was awarded a grant in 2011 to establish a barn quilt trail through the five counties of the Sand Plains region (Elgin, Oxford, Norfolk, Middlesex and Brant). Along with our partners in Middlesex, Brantford and Brant County, the museums, archives and galleries of EON have assembled 100 quilt locations along the historic highways and roads of our region. Our project was inspired by the popularity of barn quilts in the United States where many counties have sponsored these trails as a way to encourage tourism and provide commercial opportunities to businesses. It builds on a trail already established at Wardsville in Middlesex County. Another trail was established in northern Ontario’s Temiskaming District and a trail is also currently being developed in the southwestern municipality of Chatham-Kent. A wide variety of historic sites, longestablished farms and museums have been assembled to act as hosts for the quilt blocks. For the past year, hundreds of volunteers including quilters, historians and many community groups have laboured to produce the stories and blocks that now stretch along the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails. community initiatives the Fund has contributed to, in its objective “to build a stronger, more diversified economy” in our region. We also wish to acknowledge the guidance and expertise of the Wardsville Barn Quilt Trail leaders Mary Simpson and Denise Corneil, who acted as consultants on this project. Within each county on the trail, EON members led the creation and implementation of a local committee charged with finding volunteers, locations, writing histories, and in some cases raising funds to see the trail built. They have done a magnificent job. And finally, a big thank you to the site hosts, who have made this trail possible by contributing the sides of their barns or the fronts of their yards to host a block. As the trail continues to grow with new sites and blocks, we look forward to welcoming you back to revisit the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails and the many attractions and experiences along their routes. Mike Baker, Project Coordinator Mary Gladwin, EON Chair We are very grateful to the Sand Plains Community Development Fund for its support of this project. It is one of many 8 | www.barnquilttrails.ca “Irish Star” - Elgin County Barn Quilt Trail Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 9 Annandale House Brantford Farmers Market Wardsville Barn Quilt Trail Elgin Arts Trail Waterford Heritage Museum Toronto LAKE HURON 407 401 Stratford OXFORD QEW LAKE ONTARIO Brantford 403 QEW MIDDLESEX Port Huron London 402 BRANT 401 Niagara Falls HALDIMAND SARNIA - LAMBTON NORFOLK ELGIN Detroit LAKE ST. CLAIR CHATHAM - KENT 401 LAKE ERIE WINDSOR - ESSEX PELEE ISLAND 10 | www.barnquilttrails.ca The Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails is a project of the Elgin, Oxford and Norfolk Association of Museums. We are very grateful to the Sand Plains Community Development Fund for our intitial funding and wish to acknowledge the tremendous support from community groups and quilt block hosts across the region whose have made these trails possible. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 11 BRANT & BRANTFORD BRANT COUNTY Lorne Park Gateway to Ontario’s southwest Harmony Square, Brantford Fishing in Paris ON K nown as the gateway to Ontario’s southwest, the area which encompasses the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, is also the location of many intriguing moments in Canadian history, not to mention home to several notable Canadians. Long before European settlement, the Grand River Valley was a major First Nations trading district. In 1784, the British government granted land six miles on either side of the river from Lake Erie to present-day Fergus to its First Nations allies when they left the United States for Canada after the American Revolution. One of those who arrived in this newly formed territory was Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), who would eventually open it to European and American settlers. In nearby Brantford, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky gained his first skating experience in a backyard rink. Telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell also called this city home. The area and its residents were of great tactical importance during the War of 1812. Many of the stops along the quilt block trail detail moments from the war. They also highlight the area’s engaging architectural and community heritage. In Paris, whose industry was built in the 1800s on gypsum deposits and knitting mills, explore the cobblestone homes and breathtaking view of the Grand River that has earned the community the title “prettiest little town in Canada.” The Grand River is a designated Canadian Heritage River and as you follow its storied past, enjoy the many other attractions available. With over 70 kilometres of trails, including a portion of the Trans-Canada trail, nature is only a short walk, cycle or snowshoe away. From outdoor adventures and family fun, to funky bistros and fine dining, there are culinary and recreational experiences to suit everyone’s taste. Savour a delicious strawberry drink, a Bell Homestead National Historic Site Brantford International Jazz Festival hallmark in Iroquoian culture, or attend the annual Bread and Cheese Day, a celebration established by Queen Victoria to honour the Six Nations community’s allegiance during the War of 1812. For more information visit www.discoverbrantford.com or call 1-800-265-6299. You can also visit www.brant.ca or call 1-888-250-2296. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 13 BRANT COUNTY Wheels #1 443, 8th Concession, Burford Township Situated between Kenny Creek and Horner Creek, both tributaries of Whitemans Creek, this area is rich in agriculture. Nearby Harley Road is known as the “Quaker Trail” for its historical significance as a route for early settlers. The “Wheels” pattern represents its significance as a transportation route, while the red, white and blue colours evoke the Dutch heritage of the landowners, the Vandenberg family. The Fallen #2 King Street West, Burford Burford Pioneer Cemetery The community of Burford is over 219 years old, and was a prominent British outpost by the time of the War of 1812. The pioneer cemetery land was donated by Loyalist settler John Fowler in 1799. The first burial took place in 1800. It’s the final resting place for many prominent local figures. Commemorative plaques in the cemetery share more of the community’s rich history. Old Oak Tree #3 Maple Ave. North, Burford Art Cadman Lions Park The ancient oaks in Art Cadman Lion’s Park were once part of an oak savannah plain that stretched east to Brantford and south to Norfolk. Many local stories can be traced to Whiteman’s Creek and the settlement of this area. The park was dedicated during the Burford Fall Fair in 1967. New trails and picnic areas provide a pleasant rest stop. Edgar Fields #4 925 Rest Acres Road, Paris Edgar Barn Studio This heritage barn was built by James Allan Edgar and John Guthrie Edgar after the turn of the 20th century. Owners Marsha Deans Edgar and John Edgar, are descended from local farming families that emigrated from Scotland. This original quilt block represents their strong family ties to rural life. Still a working farm, this barn is now an art studio, performance space and hockey rink. 14 | www.barnquilttrails.ca Paris On The Grand #5 51 William Street, Paris Paris Museum & Archives Visitors to Paris marvel at its beauty and history – the lovely cobblestone and brick buildings, the rivers, bridges, and parks. Located on property that was once the fairgrounds, this building and the surrounding parkland reflect that history. Constructed in 1922 as an arena, and now home to the Paris Museum and Archives, this Community Centre celebrates Toronto Maple Leaf hockey great and later M.P.P., Sylvanus Apps. Corn & Beans #6 Paris, ON Paris Rd. is a main route between Paris and nearby Brantford, but it was once a toll road owned and operated by David Patten, an early settler to the area. First settled in 1829 by Hiram Capron and incorporated as a town in 1856, Paris is named for the nearby gypsum deposits that were used to make plaster of Paris. Hoodless Homestead #7 359 Blue Lake Road, St. George Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead National Historic Site Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead National Historic Site portrays rural life in the 19th century. Adelaide was instrumental in the establishment of the YWCA, VON, National Council of Women, the Women’s Institute and domestic science in public schools. Built in 1851 and restored and furnished to properly reflect her era (18571910), the Homestead is open to the public. Spinning Colour Wheel #8 20 Ava Road, Brantford Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant Located in Glenhyrst Gardens, a beautifully landscaped 16-acre park on the banks of the Grand River, this historic home was bequeathed to the City of Brantford by Edmund Cockshutt in 1957, with directions that it be a place for artistic and cultural pursuits. Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant is a public, nonprofit art gallery. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 15 BRANT COUNTY Window To The Past #9 Jacob’s Ladder #13 Acquired by the Brant Historical Society in 1951, this building is home to the Brant Museum & Archives. Built in approximately 1879 by Fredrick Brendon, it was home to Rev. William Cochrane from 1883 to 1896. Founded in 1908, the Brant Historical Society operates three local museums. This pattern is taken from a quilt in the collection. Built by John McEwan, one of several settlers who came from Scotland to Mount Pleasant in the 1850s, this yellow brick house is built in the Victorian Italianate style. Now home to Red Red Bobbin Quilt Shop, specializing in fabric and longarm quilting services, it is owned by Louise Clarke and Jim Blumer. Visit www.redredbobbin.com. 57 Charlotte St., Brantford Brant Museum & Archives 495 Mount Pleasant Rd., Brantford Red Red Bobbin Quilt Shop Woodland Cultural #10 Centre Quilt Patriot’s Star #14 The Woodland Cultural Centre is a First Nations educational and cultural centre. It was established in 1972 to protect, promote, interpret, and present the history, language, intellectual and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe and Onkwehon:we. Our member Nations include: Wahta Mohawks, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Open year-round. This property is part of the Phelps Tract, a 1,200-acre parcel of land granted by Joseph Brant in 1804 to his friend and advisor Epaphras Lord Phelps. Phelps advised that the Six Nations remain neutral during the War of 1812 and was forced to flee to America, leaving behind his wife and children. Now it is home to Linda Phelps Guest and Doug Guest, who operate a bed and breakfast. 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford 538 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Be My Guest Bed & Breakfast Friendship Circle #11 McAlister Thistle #15 Located near Lions Park in Brantford, close to the Grand River and trails, this area will become the War of 1812 Peace Garden in 2013. Located just south of “Brant’s Ford,” it is along the route travelled by American General Duncan McArthur during his raid on the Grand River Territory in 1814. Like the garden, the Friendship Circle quilt block symbolizes 200 years of peace. The McAlister family’s connection to Mount Pleasant goes back 200 years. Born in Ireland to Scottish parents, Samuel McAlister came to Upper Canada from America around 1800, settling first at Long Point in Norfolk County. Originally property of the Sturgis family, this home was acquired by the McAlisters in 1918 and has been a prosperous dairy and crop farming operation for several generations. Bell’s Telephone #12 Double Wedding Ring #16 One of Ontario’s oldest historic house museums, the Bell Homestead National Historic Site is the family home of Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. Brantford is known as the Telephone City, and this original quilt block represents the first telephone. The museum and café are open to visitors. The Bryning Manse, owned by Michael and Delia O’Byrne since 1986, is named for Rev. John Bryning (1770-1853) who came to Mount Pleasant as the first resident minister c. 1828. Bryning officiated at most of the marriages in the hamlet for many years, so many that his children were able to recite the ceremony from memory! In later years Bryning also preached from the manse. Gilkinson St. at Mount Pleasant Road, Brantford War of 1812 Peace Garden 94 Tutela Heights Rd., Brantford Bell Homestead National Historic Site 16 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 641 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant 676 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 17 BRANT & BRANTFORD POINTS OF INTEREST Crossroads #17 704 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Devlin’s Country Bistro This former general store, post office and residence has been a meeting spot in Mount Pleasant since being built c. 1834 by Russell and Juletta Sturgis Hardy. It is the birthplace of Arthur Sturgis Hardy, 4th Premier of Ontario (1896-1899), who was born during the Rebellion of 1837. The Devlins have prospered here for over 125 years, and Devlin’s Country Bistro continues the tradition of hospitality. Our Mount Pleasant Home #18 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant Pioneer Cemetery Situated at the main crossroads, the Mount Pleasant Pioneer Cemetery is designated by the County of Brant under the Ontario Heritage Act. Granted as a burying ground upon the death of village co-founder Thomas Sturgis in 1802, the cemetery contains settlers and residents from all walks of life including several veterans of the War of 1812, businessmen, landowners, local legends, pioneer women, and children. Water Wheel #19 109 War Road, Brant County A mill was built in this location c. 1801, and the land acquired by Captain Thomas Perrin Sr. in the early 1800s. In 1811, Perrin raised a militia flank company of settlers. Known as “Captain Barefoot” to his men, he later led Perrin’s Company 5th Lincoln Militia at Lundy’s Lane. Perrin’s mill was torched on Nov. 6, 1814 during McArthur’s Raid, but was quickly rebuilt. Musket Balls #20 Oakland Lion’s Park Oakland Pioneer Cemetery In late 1814, American General Duncan McArthur set out from Detroit with the intent to attack the British at Burlington Heights. Destroying many mills and resources on his route, the Americans eventually arrived at Malcolm’s Mills (now Oakland) where he encountered 400 Oxford and Norfolk militia on November 6, 1814. The skirmish that took place here would be the final one of the war. 18 | www.barnquilttrails.ca Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead 359 Blue Lake Road, St. George www.adelaidehoodless.ca Bell Homestead National Historic Site 94 Tutela Heights Road, Brantford 519-756-6220 www.bellhomestead.ca Brant Museum & Archives 57 Charlotte Street, Brantford Brant Twin Pad Arena 519-448-1130 519-752-2483 www.brantmuseums.ca 944 Powerline Road, Paris 519-442-1944 www.brant.ca Burford Agricultural Society & Fairgrounds 6 Park Ave, Burford 519-753-7242 www.brantmuseums.ca Canadian Military Heritage Museum 347 Greenwich Street, Brantford Earl Haig Family Fun Park www.cmhmhq.ca 101 Market Street South, Brantford Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant 519-759-1313 519-758-0963 www.brantford.ca 20 Ava Road, Brantford 519-756-5932 www.glenhyrst.ca Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks 301 Mohawk Street, Brantford 519-756-0240 www.mohawkchapel.ca Myrtleville House Museum 34 Myrtleville Drive, Brantford 519-752-3216 www.brantmuseums.ca Mount Pleasant Nature Park 755 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant 519-442-6324 www.brant.ca Paris Agricultural Society & Fairgrounds 139 Silver Street, Paris 519-442-2823 www.parisfair.com Paris Museum & Historical Society 15 William Street North, Paris www.parishistoricalsociety.com Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts 88 Dalhousie Street, Brantford Woodland Cultural Centre 519-442-9295 519-758-8090 www.sandersoncentre.ca 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford 519-759-2650 www.woodland-centre.ca Tourism Information 399 Wayne Gretzky Parway, Brantford ON Phone: 519-751-9900 Toll free: 1-800-265-6299 Email: [email protected] Website: www.discoverbrantford.com 66 Grant River Street North, Paris ON Phone: 519-442-6324 Toll free: 1-888-250-2296 Email: [email protected] Website: www.brant.ca Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 19 7 NORS GOVER RD 23 PAR I ON D NS DU SR D FAIRVIEW 403 FAIRVIE D RLINE ST ST WE 18 MC GIL BU RTC D D HR D 4 5 Wheels 443 8th Concession, Burford The Fallen King Street West, Burford Old Oak Tree Maple Ave North, Burford Edgar Fields 925 Rest Acres Road, Paris Paris On The Grand 51 William Street, Paris 20 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 6 7 8 9 Corn & Beans Paris, ON Hoodless Homestead 359 Blue Lake Road, St. George Spinning Colour Wheel 20 Ava Road, Brantford Window To The Past 57 Charlotte Street, Brantford Woodland Cultural Centre 10 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford 20 KING ST FAIRFIELD PLAIN LD RD D 3 INE R WNL 2 4 MOUNT PLEASANT 19 D LE TO NEW DURHAM 1 24 FAIRFIE 18 TOURISM INFORMATION COCK SHUT TR MIDD 25 202 Y RD D SR IS A VE 16 18 17 BR LP LR ELL UNT CO ANT KSH T RD D T R 11 AN 24 TR HE MT P LEAS AN 24 10 12 14 P 15 BRANT 18 UT PLEASA 13 PLE MT D ATE R OPSG AVE S 202 E COLBORNE ST AS RD 16 BISH E MAPL 1 HENRY ST ELGIN ST CO C E RD NT RIDG LN 24 CES 8TH CON 403 Y S ACRE 2 18 W KY PK ST REST 3 D AR LL E SH VE EA ERI 24 K RNE ST W 403 AW OH M E ST W 53 D SION R 9 COLBORN O COLB RD BRANTFORD D BRANT COUNTY HWY VE TA AN SR ACRE N E AVE MAPL BURFORD CATHCART HOLMEDALE D ATE R OPSG D BISH INE R WNL 25 BR REST LE TO MIDD EL RD RD 11 403 4 BETH 16 LYNDEN 403 403 403 LYNDEN W DR 8 25 11 ST ETZ E GR WAYN POWE D 32 LINE R R POWE HILLS 6 RES R PRINCETON 217 WYNDHAM CLARENCE ST ETONIA KI ST RD E RD AC REST NG RD 5 PARIS NORS GOVER 11 RD N LN GREE 51 36 RD RD BRANT COUNTY T BRAN 14 KE LA K CLAR BRANT COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL E BLU NORS GOVER TRAIL ROUTE COUNT Y ROUTE CONNECTIONS OAKLAND Friendship Circle 11 Gilkinson Street at Mount Pleasant Road Bell’s Telephone 12 94 Tutela Heights Road, Brantford Jacob’s Ladder 13 495 Mount Pleasant Road, Brantford Patriot’s Star 14 538 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant McAlister Thistle 15 641 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Double Wedding Ring 16 676 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Crossroads 17 704 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant Our Mount Pleasant Home 18 Mount Pleasant Pioneer Cemetery Water Wheel 19 109 War Road, Brant Musket Balls 20 Oakland Lion’s Park & Cemetery, Brant Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 21 ELGIN COUNTY ELGIN COUNTY Anything Used Following the footsteps of Thomas Talbot “Welcome with Open Arms” LAVENDER SENSE Jumbo Monument During the War of 1812, American raids plagued the settlement, particularly during 1814 as American soldiers and sympathizers roamed freely along Lake Erie between Detroit and Brantford, burning mills and stealing horses. After the war, more settlers arrived: Highland Scots, Irish and Quakers from Pennsylvania. Towns like St. Thomas and Sparta appeared in the interior and ports — Talbot and Stanley, for example, developed along Lake Erie’s shores to export grain and wood. L and fit for a King: That’s what Thomas Talbot must have thought when he spied the fertile shores of Elgin County in 1803. Over the next 30 years, in his role as official land agent, he would oversee the settlement of 3,000 new residents in the area stretching from Woodstock to Windsor. Settlers fulfilled conditions, such as building roads and clearing land, to finalize the grant. Talbot penciled in settlers’ names on his land chart so if they didn’t perform he could erase them and grant the land to someone else. Historic 1840 lighthouse, Port Burwell Railways arrived in the 1850s. Over the next 100 years a multitude of railways were established in St.Thomas, and the city has been aptly named the “Railway Capital of Canada”. It was here in 1885 that Jumbo the elephant, part of P.T. Barnum’s Circus was tragically killed after being struck by a locomotive. Plants such as the Carnation Milk Company and the Canadian Canners Limited in Aylmer as well as cheese factories and fisheries, made food processing a key industry. Sandy soils in the county’s east were ideal for tobacco production and the Imperial Leaf Tobacco Company opened a facility in Aylmer in the 1940s. Today, Elgin County’s storied past can be found in the historic village of Sparta, the Southwold Earthworks near Iona, its many museums, and during annual events such as Doors Open in September. Experience the bounty of local gardens, orchards and vineyards at festivals such as Shedden’s Rosy Rhubarb Festival in June or at one of the area’s many restaurants. Create your own memories during the Talbot Trail of yard sales in August or at the Blue Flag beach in Port Stanley. For more information, visit www. elgintourist.com or call toll free 1-877- GO ELGIN x 168. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 23 ELGIN COUNTY Peace Star #1 Irish Star #5 Thomas Ford, from Edinburgh, emigrated to the United States in 1808 and eventually established a brewery in Caledonia, New York. When war erupted in 1812, the U.S. government confiscated Thomas’ horses to draw munitions and compelled him to fight his countrymen. After the war he abandoned the U.S. and settled here. His sixth generation descendant now works the land. The colours represent the Ford tartan. Col. Thomas Talbot’s first settlers arrived near here in 1809 and were all related to Leslie Patterson, an Irishman from County Fermanagh. Each of the Star’s points represents one of the four founding families – Backus, Patterson, Pearce and Storey. The homes of these settlers and their descendants can still be found in this area. The Backus-Page House was built in 1850 by Andrew Backus. 20272 Talbot Line, West Elgin Ford Farm All Tangled Up #2 24810 Talbot Line, Eagle McKillop Farm The McKillops are a founding family of Elgin County; this farm is now managed by the seventh generation. Originally from Lochgilphead in the Highlands of Scotland, Duncan McKillop and his brother Archibald (30312 Talbot Line) were among several Highland families who arrived in 1818 on the ship, Mars. The 1913 barn, is a stable with a hay mow above. The colours represent the McKillop tartan. Four Corners #3 28143 Talbot Line, Dutton-Dunwich Country Seat These corners are named for Henry Coyne who arrived here in 1817 and built an inn. For many years, Coyne’s Road was the route south to the busy lake dock at Tyrconnell from which grain and timber were shipped. Wagons travelling to and from the port stopped here at one of several hotels, including the McGugan Hotel which still stands on the north side. Rail Fence #4 Sponsored by the Wallacetown Women’s Institute 29593 Talbot Line, Wallacetown Community Hall Wallacetown is one of the early communities of the Talbot settlement. Once known as Frogtown for the frog-filled swamps in the vicinity, it was renamed for the Scottish hero William Wallace. The hall was moved here after World War II from the British Commonwealth Air Training base at Fingal (#4 Bombing and Gunnery School) and bricked over. 24 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 29424 Lakeview Line, Dutton-Dunwich Backus-Page House Barn Star of Bethlehem #6 30312 Talbot Line, Dutton-Dunwich McKillop Farm Archibald, the brother of Duncan McKillop – whose descendants still manage the farm he cleared at 24810 Talbot Line – settled here in the early 1800s. A “fold” of Highland cattle can be found in this field; a hardy breed that survived in the Scottish Highlands with their long hair. Nearby are the McKillop Cemetery and the Particular Covenanted Baptist Church, a denomination founded by Scots in West Elgin in the 1820s. Indian Trail #7 33280 Fingal Line, Southwold Township Brown Farm These corners are named for Col. Mahlon Burwell, who surveyed many nearby townships and the Talbot Road from Port Talbot east to Delhi and west to Windsor. Afterwards, he built a home and registry office on the northwest corner. Towards the back of the Brown Farm are the remains of a double-palisaded First Nations fort, now a National Historic Site open to the public. Grist Mill #8 37632 Fingal Line, Southwold Tufford Farm The Tufford Barn occupies the site of the Neil McAlpine farm. In the 1830s, when McAlpine settled here, the Talbot Settlement was still small. When a severe frost destroyed the wheat crop it transpired that only McAlpine had enough seed wheat to keep the settlers going. He distributed a bushel to each of his neighbours asking only for the same amount back at harvest time. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 25 ELGIN COUNTY Log Cabin #9 38662 Fingal Line, Southwold Township Shaw Barn Originally Smoak’s Corners, the village once located here became known as Middlemarch, named after George Elliott’s novel. One of the three American rail lines that once passed through Elgin County, the Chesapeake and Ohio, was built near the corner, c. 1900, where today a plaque with historic photos stands. Fingal Line is the original Talbot Road, surveyed c. 1810. Corn and Beans #10 Sponsored by the Municipality of Central Elgin 9592 Sunset Road, Central Elgin Hayhoe Farm Drunkard’s Path #13 Sponsored by Sparta & District Historical Society Morgan Nina’s - Corner of Sparta Line and Hiram Smith Lane, Sparta Three of Sparta’s four taverns voluntarily closed with the rise of the temperance movement. Led by two ministers and Dr. Shannon, citizens lifted the license from the fourth, the Ontario House. On its last day, patrons lit torches and marched down Main Street intending to burn the Baptist minister’s home. They changed their minds when Dr. Shannon greeted them with a loaded shotgun. Baby Blocks #14 5277 Quaker Road, Central Elgin Winter Wheat For the 30 years preceding the building of the London and Port Stanley Railway in 1853, what is now Sunset Road was the main route to London. Supplies, settlers and even the British Army travelled this road. This farm, which produces corn and soybeans today, also produced some of the gravel that improved the road over the years. This board and batten home was constructed in 1840 and features bargeboard trim. Here, Fred Sheppard, an artist and true eccentric, lived without hydro, plumbing or a furnace. In 1995, Mike Roberts and Lucy Ogletree purchased the property and established their folk-art business, Winter Wheat. Mike carves characters from dead trees in the pine forest. In addition to her folk-art paintings, Lucy has developed gardens. Evening Star #11 Rippling Waters #15 45471 Sparta Line, Central Elgin Zavitz-Bond House Sponsored by Heritage Central Elgin 47972 Rush Creek Road Pineo Farm This site was once the home of Sarah Haight, the Quaker Community’s first minister. Haight settled here in 1820. This home, built by her son in 1837 is still owned by the family. The barn behind contains elements of the original Meeting House which was located on the site of the present Quaker burial ground just east of here. Across from the barn lies Catfish Creek on which scows once took flour, lumber and whisky from the village of Jamestown inland to Port Bruce on Lake Erie. In 1864 Thomas Pineo bought the village and turned its hotel into a house. His grandson George Frank Pineo and his family lived here on the former Dalley farm. Only a bridge remains where Jamestown once stood. Sugar Maple #12 Churn Dash #16 Until the 1930s, a huge sugar maple was located southeast of this barn about one mile from the four corners in Sparta. Found by the surveyors who decided to build the road (Sparta Line) around it, the tree became a landmark known as the Sparta Mile Maple. For many years, the stage coach stopped here to pick up mail from the locals. One of Ontario’s largest collections of dairy industry artifacts resides in these buildings. Built up over a span of 30 years, the collection is the work of former dairy farmers Andy and Lotty van Kasteren. Purchased in 2008 by Gay Lea Foods, it is open to the public from Victoria Day to Labour Day. 45644 Sparta Line, Central Elgin Burgess Barn 26 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 48075 Jamestown Line, Malahide Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 27 ELGIN COUNTY POINTS OF INTEREST Bike Wheel #17 Sponsored by McBain Signs & Graphic Design Inc. 50812 John Wise Line, Malahide Luton Community Centre Perry Doolittle, a Luton native, built the area’s first bicycle with the help of a nearby blacksmith in the 1860s. He raced in the 1880s, won numerous trophies and, in 1896, invented a braking system that became widely used. An early auto enthusiast, he helped found the Canadian Automobile Association and advocated for good roads and a Trans-Canada road system. Pinwheel Star #18 51200 Vienna Line, Malahide Mennill Farm One of a number of former tobacco farms in the area, this farm today produces cash crops. The house was built in the 1870s. The TransCanada Trail follows Vienna Line east from here to the Village of Vienna, named by Thomas Alva Edison’s grandfather, after his ancestors’ birthplace in Austria. Lavender Sense 28011 Ash Line, Wallacetown Old Rodney Jail www.lavendersense.com 135 Queen Street, Rodney Empire Valley Farmers Market 17 Robinson Street, Port Burwell Port Burwell Lighthouse The name compass rose comes from the figure’s compass points, which resemble the flower’s petals. It has appeared on maps and charts since the 1300s, originally to indicate wind direction, but is now used on all marine charts. The adjacent lighthouse, built in 1840, is one of Canada’s oldest wooden lighthouses. The Port Burwell Marine Museum nearby has a fine collection of lighthouse lenses. Railway Crossing #20 56486 Heritage Line, Straffordville For 90 years, a rail line ran through this farm. The station was located nearby and the station master lived across the road. When he died, his daughter, Edith Allen, looked after it until its closure in the 1980s. The line took tourists to the beach and hauled Ohio coal, conveyed on the Ashtabula ferry from Port Burwell to Tillsonburg, largely for use in CPR locomotives. 28 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 519-762-3504 27983 Talbot Line, Wallacetown Elgin County Museum 519-631-1460 ext. 159 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas www.elgincounty.ca Forge and Anvil Museum 46316 Sparta Line, Sparta The Sparta Tea Room Main Street, Sparta 519-775-2292 519-775-2312 www.spartahouse.com Rush Creek Wines 48995 Jamestown Line, Aylmer 519-773-5432 www.rushcreekwines.com Wind Interpretive Centre 519-874-4054 5361 Brown Road, Port Burwell North America Railway Hall of Fame 519-633-2535 750 Talbot Street, St. Thomas www.narhf.org Elgin Military Museum 30 Talbot Street South, St. Thomas Compass Rose #19 519-762-2188 519-633-7641 www.elginmilitarymuseum.ca Aylmer and District Museum 519-773-9723 14 East Street, Aylmer www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum/ Elgin County Railway Museum 225 Wellington Street South, St. Thomas 519-637-6284 www.ecrm5700.org Port Burwell Museum & Historic Lighthouse 519-866-5521 Corner of Pitt & Robinson Street, Port Burwell Edison Museum of Vienna 519-866-5521 14 Snow Street, Vienna Heritage Line Herbs and Silver Birch Tea Room 53443 Heritage Line, Aylmer 519-866-5577 www.heritagelineherbs.com Tourism Information Phone: 519-631-1460 x 168 Toll Free: 1-877- GO ELGIN x 168 Email: [email protected] Website: www.elgintourist.com Port Burwell Marine Museum & Lighthouse 519-874-4807 18 Pitt St, Port Burwell The Jumbo Caboose 519-637-3326 Old Talbot St, St. Thomas Port Stanley Elgin County Unit #3 & #4, Economic Development and Tourism 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 29 ELGIN COUNTY 401 E R FR N LO ON D AC M INE 3 TL BO IE E LIN 4 WEST LORNE C T HA HA 4 GA 6 RODNEY WALLACETOWN M E R T AR DU VE SIL AD RO CHATHAM-KENT AY CL 2 EAGLE UNION RD 7 FING 3 LIN LL 3 FIN 401 IN E TA L FINGAL 5 LINE 13 17 SPARTA LINE VIENNA LINE PORT STANLEY LAKE AL L INE SPARTA 11 12 14 ATE LIN E 19 18 20 STRAFFORDVILLE SAWMILL RD 10 FRUIT RIDGE LINE SUNSET DR 401 BO T RD DUTTON T IL TALBOT LINE SPRINGFIELD RD NA IO RD D LR 3 OT TER G RICHMOND AYLMER NEW SARUM QUAKER RD AM AH IVA RD RN 401 8 74 TALBOT LINE 9 JAC KSO NL VIENNA INE JAMESTOWN LINE DEXTER LINE 15 16 NOVA SCOTIA LINE PORT BRUCE 19 PORT BURWELL 19 NEW GLASGOW Y 3 RICHMOND RD GR N FU ISO RD RR SHEDDEN 3 ST. THOMAS RR CU MO 2 TALBOTVILLE L TA 401 76 ST UR GH D AL E LIN WALKER RD -CA R TIE UNT D CO R URG B O S N XF LSO SPRINGFIELD IMPERIAL ROAD MIDDLESEX COUNT Y O LYONS 4 AY 401 EW 73 74 YARMOUTH CENTRE RD 2 BELMONT NORFOLK COUNT Y 401 HIGHBURY AVE CIT Y OF LONDON WELLINGTON RD ELGIN COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL GLE NE RIE LAKE ERIE 3 1 TOURISM INFORMATION TRAIL ROUTE COUNT Y ROUTE CONNECTIONS 1 Peace Star - Ford Farm 20272 Talbot Line, West Elgin 6 Star of Bethlehem - McKillop Farm 30312 Talbot Line, Dutton-Dunwich 11 Evening Star - Zavitz-Bond House 45471 Sparta Line, Central Elgin 16 Churn Dash - Gay Lea Diary Heritage Museum 48075 Jamestown Line, Malahide 2 All Tangled Up - McKillop Farm 24810 Talbot Line, Eagle 7 Indian Trail - Brown Farm 33280 Fingal Line, Southwold 12 Sugar Maple - Burgess Barn 45644 Sparta Line, Central Elgin 17 Bike Wheel - Luton Community Centre 50812 John Wise Line, Malahide 3 Four Corners - Country Seat 28143 Talbot Line, Dutton-Dunwich 8 Grist Mill - Tufford Farm 37632 Fingal Line, Southwold 13 Drunkard’s Path - Morgan Nina’s Corner of Sparta & Hiram Smith Line, Sparta 18 4 Rail Fence - Community Hall 29593 Talbot Line, Wallacetown 9 Log Cabin - Shaw Barn 38662 Fingal Line, Southwold 14 Baby Blocks - Winter Wheat 5277 Quaker Road, Central Elgin 5 Irish Star - Backus-Page House Barn 29424 Lakeview Line, Dutton-Dunwich 10 Corns and Beans - Hayhoe Farm 9592 Sunset Road, Central Elgin 15 Rippling Waters - Pineo Farm 47972 Rush Creek Road 30 | www.barnquilttrails.ca Pinwheel Star - Mennill Farm 51200 Vienna Line, Malahide Compass Rose - Port Burwell Lighthouse 19 17 Robinson Street, Port Burwell 20 Railway Crossing 56486 Heritage Line, Straffordville Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 31 LINE MIDDLESEX COUNTY MIDDLESEX COUNTY Tales of war, struggle and triumph Glencoe Train Station Delaware Speedway F rom the first European settlers’ arrival in the late 1700s to the early 1800s, Middlesex County’s evolution was tied to military interests. In 1793 Upper Canada’s first LieutenantGovernor John Graves Simcoe recognized strategic advantages in the area’s river access to the western frontier and proposed establishing a provincial capital at the forks of the Thames River to be named London. His proposal was rejected but in the meantime, United Empire Loyalists from the United States, drawn by rich soils and the promise of a new start, settled southwest of present day London at Delaware. When war broke out in 1812, Middlesex settlers became uneasy. By 1813 the area west of the small British military outpost at Delaware became a no-man’s land where soldiers from both sides confiscated settlers’ supplies. Then, in 1814, American soldiers had advanced along the Longwoods Road planning to raid the Delaware outpost. They occupied a hill overlooking the bridge at Twenty Mile Creek, near present day Wardsville. British soldiers, militiamen and First Nations warriors attacked but were unsuccessful and retreated. The American soldiers, recognizing that they would be outnumbered if attacked again, fled to Detroit. Equine in Middlesex Within the next decades European and First Nations communities appeared in the area. Many early settlers were Highland Scots and in several communities Gaelic was commonly heard. Northwest of London, Quakers settled at Coldstream. At present day Lucan, they helped create the short-lived Wilberforce Colony, a refuge for former slaves, fugitive slaves and free blacks from the United States. It was in this area that the Irish and the legendary Donnelly family settled in the 1840s. Lawlessness in the community and long-standing feuds amongst neighbours led to the 1880 murder of five members of the Donnelly family by local vigilantes. Wardsville Barn Quilt Trail Experience Middlesex’s eventful history at local museums or during the annual Doors Open Middlesex event. Capture it live at the annual Battle of Longwoods re-enactment in May. Explore the county’s Carolinian forest in its parks and conservation areas. While visiting, sample the local fare from organic greens to specialty meats. Search out Ailsa Craig, home of the renowned Quilt Festival. For more information, visit www.tourmiddlesex.ca or call 1-855-245-8951. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 33 MIDDLESEX COUNTY Dogwood #1 406 Longwoods Road, Newbury Hosted by Scott and Lenore Patterson Farm The dogwood tree signifies the dense deciduous forest which greeted the settlers in the late 1700s. The woods were a blessing and a curse. The Longwoods forest made travel extremely difficult and the huge trees were a challenge to clear, but the Carolinian species provided building materials, shelter, tools, medicine, and food. Log Cabin #5 5297 Longwoods Road, Appin Hosted by John Cooper This familiar quilt block represents the home of the early settlers. Notice the welcoming yellow light shining from the window. The dense Longwoods forest allowed for the construction of solid shelters. Ends were notched for a close fit. Moss and mud blocked the draft. The hearth was the centre of home: warmth, safety, food, and love. Peace & Plenty #2 Grandmother’s Flower Garden #6 3515 Longwoods Road, Glencoe Hosted by Brenda and Bill Miller 5338 Longwoods Road, Appin Hosted by Anna and Peter Semowoniuk The Loyalists were a combination of British and European immigrants and American-born citizens who settled in the Thirteen Colonies. Loyalty to Britain forced them to leave property and possessions and move to the wilderness of Upper Canada to start over. 1812 brought another war and the elusive dream of Peace and Plenty was put on hold again. The hexagon is one of our best-loved and well-known quilt patterns. Brought here by early settlers, Grandmother’s Flower Garden reminded them of the beauty of their homeland and the gardens they left behind. The honeycomb mosaic, always hand-pieced and quilted, reflects our natural world. The flower’s centre surrounded by petals, makes use of the smallest scraps of fabric. Elm’s Strength #3 Rosebud #7 The Traitor Tree and the Crooked Elm: could the tree used for torture in 1814 be the same tree that died of old age in the 1940s? Many tales abound about the Crooked Elm, a Longwoods Road landmark. Less is known about the Traitor Tree near Strathburn where George Ward was strung up by the Americans to glean information about British troops. It has been said that the women of early settlements treated their sick with “home remedies and prayer.” In times of famine, the First Nations women strung dried rose hips into necklaces. The leaves and petals of the rose bush were used to make a wide variety of medicines. Rich in vitamin C, rose hips make great tea, jellies, sauces, soups and seasoning. Geese In Flight #4 Fireside Visitor #8 The autumn arrival of southbound geese has long been a harbinger of winter. October 1813 brought the Battle of the Thames and with it thousands of hungry British and American soldiers, First Nations warriors and their families and other refugees. The settlers’ fields, gardens, animals and larders were decimated. Wheat fields were torched as a military tactic to ensure starvation. Famine was inevitable. Fireside Visitor conjures images of warmth and friendship but fire was used as a weapon against the defenceless settlers after the Battle of the Thames. The British retreated and the Americans burned mills and fields so there would be no food to feed the soldiers. How many hearths supplied live coals to McArthur’s 700 men on 700 horses thundering down Longwoods Road, burning as they went? 4135 Longwoods Road, Glencoe Hosted By Kelly and Richard Jansen Farm 4833 Longwoods Road, Appin Hosted by Carr Farm 34 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 5814 Longwoods Road, Melbourne Hosted by John Sr. and Mary Wolfe 5914 Longwoods, Road, Melbourne Hosted by Grant and Sharon Wolfe Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 35 MIDDLESEX COUNTY Basket Weave #9 Baby Blocks #13 Before there were big box stores, pharmacies and druggists, there was an incredible variety of local plants and trees. The First Nations used the surrounding forest and tall grass prairies for enrichment and even survival. The black ash tree was the wood of choice for basket making. Sharing their skills and knowledge of these treasures, the First Nations eased the hardships of pioneer life. Awaiting the birth of their babies, mothers-to-be prepared warm coverings. First Nations women prepared skins and furs. The settlers stitched quilts. Perhaps the expectant mothers knew each other, visited, and shared their secret fears. 6278 Longwoods Road, Melbourne Hosted by Gus and Betty Fletcher 7221 Longwoods Road, Melbourne Hosted by Jim and Debbie Atchison Old Rail Fence #10 Old Indian Trail #14 Building a split rail fence was an incredible amount of work. One mile of fence required 8,000 rails. Cold soldiers burned them to keep warm as they advanced and retreated along the Longwoods. Imagine looking out over your land and seeing fires in every direction, the sickening horror of years of hard labour going up in a few hours of smoke. Present day Longwoods Road bears no similarity to the wilderness it was 200 years earlier. Thick growth did not allow sun to penetrate. Travelers frequently lost their way or encountered animals, soldiers or warriors. Swamp, snow, fallen leaves and steep ravines hindered travel with only an occasional wigwam to shelter travelers. Yet, it was a major thoroughfare during the war. Butterfly #11 Broken Heart #15 6410 Longwoods Road, Melbourne Hosted by Sheila and Ted Hexter 7694 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges Hosted by Bonwill Farm 6781 Longwoods Road, Melbourne Hosted by Bruce and Roxanne Carruthers 8280 Longwoods Road, Hosted by Robert Jr. and Kim Parish, Robert Parish Trucking Ltd. Sensing the warmth of spring, sometimes a butterfly emerged during the dead of winter from a pupa brought in unknowingly with the firewood. The First Nations believed it was a sign of the souls of relatives returning from the dead. If a butterfly landed on you it was good luck. If you whispered wishes to a butterfly when released, it carried them to the gods for granting. The state of heartbreak was constant. With their husbands gone with the militia, those left behind lived in constant fear and worry. Women accompanying their husbands to war endured backbreaking labour and social isolation. The new widow had to wed another soldier immediately or face ejection from the company. Too frequently, they suffered sudden and traumatic loss. Broken hearts were just more casualties of war. Tall Pine Tree #12 Drunkard’s Path #16 Magnificent stands of Eastern White Pine gave the area around Delaware its early name, “The Pinery.” This tall conifer in eastern Canada yielded soft pale wood of great value to the local economy, the developing United States, and the far-flung British Royal Navy. June 4, King George III’s birthday: the local militia mustered and drilled with their pitchforks and assorted weaponry in the King’s honour. They gathered on the river flats and the women braced for the inevitable ribald behavior and drunkenness. The behaviour of the men, young and old, usually ended with the majority having “drunk to excess.” The seeds of the temperance movement were thus sown. 7004 Longwoods Road, Melbourne Hosted by Anne & Ron Carruthers, Lonely Pine Consulting 36 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 8486 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges Hosted by City Slickers Family Restaurant Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 37 MIDDLESEX COUNTY POINTS OF INTEREST Broken Dishes #17 8898 Longwoods Road, Delaware Hosted by Hilltop Antique Flea Market The family dishes came to Delaware, Upper Canada, from the United States in 1796 with Joseph Kilbourne, his sons Timothy and Aaron, and their brides the Woodhull sisters, Clement and Hannah. The Kilbournes and Woodhulls, prosperous millers and farmers, were proud of those handsome table settings but war came and at the end of it all, the dishes were nothing but shards. Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum 171 Main Street, Lucan Museum Strathroy-Caradoc 2577 Gideon Drive, Delaware Hosted by Coleen and Marty Thody The sparsely settled Thames River valley had few roads, villages or towns. Many women were isolated and lonely. Visiting one’s neighbour was a rare treat, given the difficulty of travelling through the forest, the distance between farms, and the constant, backbreaking work required to carve a home out of the wilderness. 34 Frank Street, Strathroy Ska-Nah-Doht Village & Museum Delaware Speedway 2115 Gideon Drive, Delaware Hosted by ROKS Farms Glaciers. Glacial lakes. Giant whales. Musk ox. Caribou herds. Mammoths. Mastodons. Paleo Indians, 11,000 BCE. From these beginnings came Askunesippi, Antler River, La Tranche, and finally the Thames, designated August 14, 2000 as a Canadian Heritage River. The river was the lifeblood in the growth and history of Ontario. 1640 Gideon Drive, Delaware 1640 Gideon Drive, Delaware Hosted by Delaware Speedway Andrew Westbrook was a muscular red-haired Delaware settler – a “giant of a man.” An American sympathizer, his capture by General Brock at Detroit in 1812 intensified his actions as a traitor and spy. On January 31, 1814, Westbrook invited his American allies to plunder his own property in Delaware. Then he gathered his wife, children and livestock together to watch as he torched their buildings. 38 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 519-652-5068 www.delawarespeedway.com Along # 2 HWY, near Wardsville www.wardsvillebarnquilts.wordpress.com Wardsville Golf Club 1948 Longwoods Road, Wardsville 519-693-4921 www.wardsvillegolfclub.ca The Tall Trees B&B 519-264-9750 2550 Emerson Street, Mount Brydges Komoka Railway Museum 519-657-1912 33 Queen Street, Komoka Golden Gryphon Medieval Entertainment & Catering 519-287-5513 www.goldengryphon.ca Texas Longhorn Ranch 1745 Melwood Drive, Strathroy 157 McRae Street, Glencoe Victorian Pines B&B 64 Main Street, Glencoe Clock Tower Inn 519-287-2015 www.southwestmiddlesex.ca 519-287-9909 www.bbcanada.com/victorianpines Jefferson Junction Family Campground 4838 Switzer Drive, Appin 519-247-3644 www.texaslonghornranch.com Glencoe Train Station 71 Frank Street, Strathroy Fire & Smoke #20 519-264-2420 www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca 21562 Tait’s Road, Glencoe Thames River #19 519-245-0492 www.strathroymuseum.ca 8348 Longwoods Road, Mt Brydges Wardsville Barn Quilt Trail Next Door Neighbour #18 519-227-0756 www.donnellymuseum.com 519-289-2100 www.jeffersonjunction.ca 519-245-5656 www.clocktower-inn.com Donald Hughes Annex Museum 159 George Street, Ailsa Craig 519-293-9388 Tourism Information 137 Frank Street, Strathroy, ON Phone: 519-245-8951 Toll free: 1-855-245-8951 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourmiddlesex.ca Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 39 KERWOOD RD RT C RD VE AL 20 DR mount brydges E D OL 19 18 OODS RD A IN ST RI RD 17 TH E D OL AM RD 8 Fireside Visitor E LD 5914 Longwoods Road, Melbourne N DO DR EN DR GL 9 appin O 9 Basket Weave 6278 Longwoods Road, Melbourne DU 10 Old Rail Fence ND 6410 Longwoods Road, Melbourne AL D E NC 7221 Longwoods Road, Melbourne ONYOTA’AKA FIRST NATION RD GW OO MUNCEY DELAWARE FIRST NATION TH AM ES 401 RD DS 4 CHIPPEWA OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION OO N IO SS 13 Baby Blocks DR GW 12 Tall Pine Tree 7004 Longwoods Road, Melbourne 2 RD glencoe RD LO N 6781 Longwoods Road, Melbourne mayfair 5 ON 11 Butterfly 8 7 6 10 11 13 DS CA 5814 Longwoods Road, Melbourne RD LV 7 Rosebud 2 12 melbourne 402 OO T ER ES RD GW 5338 Longwoods Road, Appin 14 K R PA DR LO N 6 Grandmother’s Flower Garden DR U HO LO N SE DS GL EN D napier Log Cabin 5297 Longwoods Road, Appin 15 MUNCEY RD RD 4135 Longwoods Road, Glencoe Geese In Flight 4833 Longwoods Road, Glencoe ON 3 Elm’s Strength 16 DR NE UR BO EL 3515 Longwoods Road, Glencoe delaware LONGW CH M 2 Peace & Plenty CIT Y OF LONDON ON komoka 413 Longwoods Road, Newbury 5 402 GL EN D strathroy 1 Dogwood 4 DR MIDDLESEX COUNTY MIDDLESEX COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL CO 3 14 Old Indian Trail 7694 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges 2 15 Broken Heart 8486 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges 2577 Gideon Drive, Delaware 19 Thames River - ROKS Farms 2115 Gideon Drive, Delaware 20 Fire & Smoke - Delaware Speedway 1640 Gideon Drive, Delaware 40 | www.barnquilttrails.ca RD 18 Next Door Neighbour Y 8898 Longwoods Road, Delaware RT 17 Broken Dishes newbury GE HA 16 Drunkard’s Path CHAT HAM -KEN T 8280 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges wardsville TOURISM INFORMATION 2 ELGIN COUNT Y TRAIL ROUTE 401 COUNT Y ROUTE CONNECTIONS 1 LAKE ERIE Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 41 NORFOLK COUNTY Tour de Norfolk Carillon Tower Backhouse Mill P eople and animals alike have prized Norfolk County’s sandy shores and lush Carolinian forest for centuries. Long Point is a major stop for migrating birds and a world biosphere reserve. Until the Iroquois Wars in the midseventeen century the county was home to several Attawandaron First Nations settlements. It is therefore no surprise that when the British began settling Upper Canada in the late 1700s, John Graves Simcoe, the colony’s first Lieutenant-Governor, identified Lake Erie’s shores as a priority. Simcoe appealed to United Empire Loyalists in New Brunswick to relocate to Norfolk using free property as an enticement. NORFOLK COUNTY A land of opportunity When war erupted in 1812, Norfolk militiamen defended the colony on land and water. Back at home safety concerns escalated. In 1814, eight American warships carrying 800 men and artillery arrived at the mouth of the Lynn River, and burned the mills and homes in Dover Mills (Port Dover) and Ryerse Mills (Port Ryerse). Marauders ravaged many other mills and buildings along the lake shore before retreating to American territory. After the war, Norfolk became a centre Simcoe Park of export for agricultural goods and lumber. There was great demand for Norfolk’s pine, used for shipbuilding. Railroads arrived in the 1850s bringing more changes and technology. By the mid 1900s, Norfolk’s tobacco production was in full swing, attracting another wave of European immigration. Today, niche crops such as lavender, ginseng and peanuts have replaced much of the tobacco acreage. The county is also a becoming a hub for grape and wine production. There are many local museums and historic sites to celebrate Norfolk’s rich and eventful heritage. Some preserve local architecture. Others offer opportunities to experience the artifacts and activities of days gone by, both on and off the shores of this picturesque county. While here, enjoy the coast’s white sandy beaches and sparkling waters that are ideal for boating. Take in its relaxed atmosphere, antique stores, local dining fare and singular attractions like Port Dover’s Friday the 13th motorcycle celebrations. For more information, visit www.norfolktourism.ca or call 1-800-699-9038. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 43 NORFOLK COUNTY Garden Maze #1 845 Lakeshore Road, Jacksonburg Sand Hill Park This quilt pattern was inspired by a quilt that has belonged to the homeowners’ family for four generations. John Alton and his wife Margaret Walker settled in Houghton in 1854 and built the house presently on this property. The Walkers originally came to Houghton from Scotland in 1820. Thomas Alton, John’s father, came from England in 1819 and first settled in Halton County. Prisoner Exchange #2 350 Erie Blvd., Long Point American and British ships met at Long Point, one of the many sites where prisoners were exchanged during the War of 1812. British prisoners, held in Frankfort, Kentucky, were marched to Sandusky, Ohio, in July and August 1814. They suffered from malaria and hunger while the Americans stalled the exchange until September, fearing that the prisoners would reinforce the British military in Niagara. Mortar & Pestle #5 314 Front Road, Port Rowan “Doctor” John Troyer (1753-1842) was a Tunker – a Baptist religion offshoot – from Pennsylvania who settled on the flats below this property in 1793. He was an herbalist, diviner, hunter, farmer and miller whose superstitions and fear of witches made him one of the area’s best known pioneers. He is buried on this land with his wife Sophronia, their son Michael, and his family. Star Of Hope #6 1725 Front Road, St. Williams Burning Kiln Winery The Star of Hope pattern used in this location recognizes the hope that exists in times of hardship. During the War of 1812, many people on both sides of the conflict lost crops, livestock, barns, homes, and even family members. Hope for a peaceful conclusion to the war became the only way for many to carry on with their lives, after personal tragic events. Bird’s Nest #3 Birds In Air #7 115 Front Street, Port Rowan Bird Studies Canada Long Point Regional Conservation Area Front Road, Fisher’s Glen One of the area’s earliest settlers, Lucas Dedrick, came to Long Point in 1793 and was granted a 200 acre parcel that included the current site of Bird Studies Canada’s headquarters. The Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Natural Heritage League and the Norfolk Field Naturalists (through a bequest from Catherine Smale) and Bird Studies Canada purchased the property in 1995 from the Starling family. Finch’s Mill (Fisher’s Glen) was burned on May 14, 1814 by Lt. Col. John Campbell and his American troops. As in the raids that took place simultaneously on Dover Mills and Ryerse Mills, the troops slaughtered livestock and destroyed private residences, apparently retaliating against similar raids in Buffalo and other areas in the Niagara region. A U.S. Army court of inquiry later condemned this raid. Grist Mill #4 No Place Like Home #8 John Backhouse, the original owner of the Backhouse Grist Mill, was a Colonel in the Norfolk Militia as well as the local Justice of the Peace. The gristmill was built in 1798 and was one of the few mills not burned during the McArthur Raids in the War of 1812. It stayed in operation until 1957 and is now a National Historic Site of Canada. The Tisdale Mill located in Vittoria was not burned in 1814 as Thomas Bowlby a pioneer Mason from the district appealed to General McArthur, who was also a Mason to spare the mill because there was a large Masonic community in the area and this community would suffer if the mill was burned. Bowlby was successful in his appeal as the mill was spared. 1267 2nd Concession Road, Port Rowan Backus Conservation Area 44 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 1231 Hwy 24 South, Vittoria Cider Keg Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 45 NORFOLK COUNTY Vittoria Challenge #9 Mariner’s Compass #13 Originally a tobacco farm, this land was used to also grow strawberries, potatoes, wheat, rye, turkeys and hogs. In 1977 tobacco was still the primary crop but experimentation began with growing peanuts. Southwestern Ontario is the only region in Canada suited to commercial peanut growing because of its temperate climate and sandy soil. By 1982 a processing plant and wholesale department and retail store were established. General Brock continued from Culver’s Tavern to Port Dover, successfully mustering a force of about 50 regulars and 250 militiamen. Travelling in open long boats along the north shore of Lake Erie, they arrived in Amherstburg five days later. Since Brock and his troops found that the Americans had already crossed the Detroit River, on August 16, 1812 they undertook a triumphant assault on Detroit. 393 Fisher’s Glen Rd, Vittoria Kernal Peanuts Courthouse Steps #10 Old Brock Street, Vittoria Lamport Park Established in 1796, Vittoria remained untouched by the Americans during the War of 1812 despite having been surrounded by troops. In 1815, a courthouse with jail and registry office was constructed making Vittoria the most active and important commercial centre between Niagara Falls and Detroit. This distinction lasted for nearly a decade until the night of St. John’s Day, 1825 when fire destroyed the courthouse. Maple Leaf #11 2785 Front Road, Port Ryerse Ryerse Glen Farm Fort Norfolk was a minor fortification built at Turkey Point. Following the retreat of British Major-General Procter from Amherstburg in 1813 the British decided to construct a fort on Turkey Point Hill to defend the southwestern end of Upper Canada. Due to the unsuitability of the location the fort was abandoned after only a blockhouse and part of a palisade had been built. Empire Star #12 25 King Street, Port Ryerse In May 1814, Amelia Ryerse received unwanted fireside guests when American soldiers arrived with orders to burn. As her mother pleaded with the commanding officer to spare their home, an officer wordlessly gathered coals from the hearth. Every building was set ablaze – except for the homestead. 46 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 44 Harbour Street, Port Dover Port Dover Harbour Museum Square Dance #14 Heritage Park, Hwy 6, Port Dover According to local legend, in August 1813 Captain Robert Barclay briefly abandoned his naval blockade of American warships in Erie Harbour to deliver “a pretty widow from Amherstburg” to Port Ryerse. Once ashore, he and his officers were invited to a party in their honour, and stayed the night. When they returned to Erie, the American ships had escaped and were on the lake. Log Cabin #15 34 Haldimand Road 55, South, Nanticoke This barn quilt represents the Battle of Nanticoke, which took place Nov. 13, 1813. The log cabin design signifies the cabin of John Dunham, where the Norfolk volunteer militia routed a band of American marauders who had been pillaging area farms and terrorizing the countryside. This exploit inspired the British military forces and the people of Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Log Cabin 2 #16 Wheeler Road, Selkirk Selkirk Provincial Park In 1814, a party of American Marauders, consisting of John Dickson, John Robinson, Henry Dochstader and ten other unnamed Americans murdered Captain William Francis, former confidante of Sir Isaac Brock at his farm (presently Selkirk Provincial Park). Captain Francis had been at the Battle of Nanitcoke and had testified against Dickson, John Dunham and others at the Bloody Assizes in Ancaster. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 47 NORFOLK COUNTY POINTS OF INTEREST Whirling Geese #17 Norfolk Street North, Simcoe Simcoe Lynnwood Park On August 8, 1812, Major General Isaac Brock travelled to Culver’s Tavern in Norfolk to give a passionate speech to the reluctant recruits, appealing to their patriotism to the crown. With this speech, he attempted to disarm the enemy and to unite the loyal. His ringing words had the desired effect. The Norfolk militia turned out in great numbers and was highly praised by Brock. King’s Crown #18 Old Highway 24, Bloomsburg Bloomsburg Park In the early spring of 1812, the Norfolk Militia was organized into two regiments commanded by Lieut.-Col. Joseph Ryerson and Lieut.-Col. Robert Nichol. Members of the Norfolk Militia saw action at most of the battles on the Niagara Frontier. It was still active after the War of 1812 and was called on during the Rebellion of 1837 and the Fenian Raids of 1866 to 1870. Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre 200 Talbot Road, Delhi Norfolk Arts Centre www.delhimuseum.ca 21 Lynnwood Ave, Simcoe Port Dover Harbour Museum 519-582-0278 519-428-0540 www.norfolkartscentre.ca 44 Harbour St, Port Dover 519-583-2660 www.portdovermuseum.ca Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol St, Waterford 519-443-4211 www.waterfordmuseum.ca Teeterville Pioneer Museum 519-443-4400 194 Teeter St, Teeterville www.teetervillemuseum.ca Norfolk Alligator Tug 519-426-5870 Ext. 1340 Lynn River South of Argyle St, South www.norfolkalligatortug.ca Norfolk War Memorial Carillon Tower 519-426-5870 Ext. 1340 Hwy 24 (Norfolk St) corner of Wilson Ave, Simcoe www.norfolkcarillon.ca Backus Heritage Conservation Area 519-586-2201 1267 2 Concession Rd, R.R. # 1, Port Rowan www.lprca.ca/backus.htm nd Eva Brook Donly Museum 109 Norfolk Street, South, Simcoe 519-426-1583 www.norfolklore.com Canada’s First Forestry Station -St. Williams Interpretive Centre 519-586-7175 Mill Wheel #19 3 Alice Street, Waterford Waterford Hardware and Appliance Moses Sovereen’s mill in Waterford was burned in 1814 by American General McArthur and his troops. The mill was set on fire three times and, each time, Sovereen put the fire out under threat of death. Finally he was seized, taken up a hill and a rope put around his neck, ready for the execution. When Sovereen made the Masonic sign, his life was spared. Hole In Barn Door #20 758 Concession 3, Wilsonville Procyk farms (1994) Limited After the Battle of Malcolm’s Mills on November 6, 1814 Brigadier General Duncan McArthur led an estimated army of 700 men south, taking militia prisoner, burning mills, homes and barns and stealing provisions. When they reached Port Dover they did not find the reinforcements they expected due to the capture of Fort Erie by the British. McArthur then returned to Detroit on November 17, 1814. 48 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 885, HWY #24, St. Williams Comfort Inn www.forestryfarm.ca 85 Queensway East, Simcoe www.comfortinn.com Normandale Century Inn 519-426-8345 2326 Front Road, Normandale www.normandaleinn.com The Causeway Restaurant & Marketplace 50 Erie Blvd, Long Point 519-426-2611 1-800-272-4273 www.atplayadventures.com Waterford Old Town Hall 76 Main Street, Waterford Long Point Eco Adventures 1730 Front Road, St. Williams 519-443-0113 www.oldtownhall.org 519-586-9300 www.lpfun.ca Tourism Information 30 Peel Street, Simcoe, Ontario Phone: 519-426-9497 Toll free: 1-800-699-9038 Fax: 519-426-9689 Email: [email protected] Website: www.norfolktourism.ca Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 49 NORFOLK COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL 6 Star Of Hope Long Point Regional Conservation Area, Front Road, Fisher’s Glen Birds In Air Front Road, Fisher’s Glen 7 8 No Place Like Home 1231 HWY 24 South, Vittoria 9 Vittoria Challenge 393 Fisher’s Glen Road, Vittoria RD RD TFO BRA N ST MAIN TILLSONBURG 24 NORFOLK NORTH 24 59 COURTLAND NORFOLK WEST DELHI 59 EDEN 3 LYNEDOCH 10 Courthouse Steps 11 Maple Leaf 2785 Front Road, Port Ryerse ELGIN COUNT Y VITTORIA FROGMORE ST WILLIAMS FAIRGROUND 44 Harbour Street, Port Dover Heritage Park, HWY 6, Port Dover 16 Log Cabin 2 Selkirk Provincial Park, Wheeler Road Whirling Geese 17 Lynnwood Park, Norfolk Street North, Simcoe 18 King’s Crown HOUGHTON SAND HILLS CLEAR CREEK TOURISM INFORMATION 20 Hole In Barn Door TRAIL ROUTE 50 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 6 S ER HOR LAKE BOOTH’S 5 HALDIMAND COUNT Y 6 14 13 D ROA 11 12 NT FRO AD RO 15 16 PORT DOVER PORT RYERSE FISHERS GLEN NORMANDALE TURKEY POINT LONG POINT BAY HARBOUR 3 MESSIAH’S CORNERS PORT ROWAN OAD PORT ROYAL LAKE ERIE 19 Mill Wheel 3 Alice Street, Waterford 758 Concession 3, Wilsonville 4 ERIE SHORES WIND FARM Bloomsburg Park, Old HWY 24, Bloomsburg 6 2N 24 1 ION ESS ONC DC CULTUS 14 Square Dance ORIA VIT T 8 24 25 King Street, Port Ryerse 13 Mariner’s Compass 9 7 59 12 Empire Star 15 Log Cabin 34 Haldimand Road 55, South, Nanticoke SIMCOE 24 10 Lamport Park, Old Brock Street, Vittoria BLOOMSBURG 17 3 PINEGROVE 18 KEY Mortar & Pestle 314 Front Road, Port Rowan 24 19 WATERFORD Grist Mill 1267 2nd Concession Road, Port Rowan 5 20 WILSONVILLE OXFORD COUNT Y TUR 4 24 N NORFOLK ST Bird’s Nest 115 Front Street, Port Rowan NORWICH S NORFOLK ST 3 BRANT COUNT Y T RD 2 Prisoner Exchange 350 Erie Blvd., Long Point TO KITCHENER/ CAMBRIDGE TO HWY 403 POIN 1 Garden Maze 845 Lakeshore Road, Jacksonburg NORFOLK COUNTY BRANTFORD 2 LONG POINT LO N G POI NT COUNT Y ROUTE CONNECTIONS Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 51 OXFORD COUNTY Norwich Museum Local Farm Meanwhile, Peter Lossing and Peter Delong, Quakers from New York State, bought 15,000 acres in the county’s southwest in 1809 to found the Norwich Quaker settlement. OXFORD COUNTY Stories of settlement and rural prosperity The settlement was a catalyst for others, including Otterville, a haven for free blacks and escaped slaves from the United States, and industrialist George Tillson’s settlement of Tillsonburg begun with the purchase of 600 acres west of Norwich in 1824. xford County’s diverse communities owe their start to Upper Canada’s first Lieutenant-Governor, John Graves Simcoe. Appointed in 1792, Simcoe believed that the security of his colony lay in developing a transportation route and settlement in the southwestern interior. To this end he granted townships to land agents, many United Empire Loyalists – people who remained loyal to the British crown after the American Revolution – and required them to recruit settlers. O Tillson was among a wave of U.S. settlers who were attracted to the county’s fertile land. British settlement promotions also brought Scottish, German and Dutch settlers to the county’s northern region. The county was established in 1800. Over the next few decades, former British navy and army officers who received land grants would populate Woodstock, now Oxford’s main urban centre, and its surroundings. After World War II, the sandy soils in southern Oxford became a popular destination for Dutch emigrants. There, they and other farmers grew tobacco, a major crop until recently. Amish emigrating from the United States arrived around the same time. Tulip Farm Otterville Mill Food production has always been key to Oxford’s economy. At its peak, for example, the county had 98 cheese factories. Today, there is still plenty of agricultural activity in the county’s rolling hills, ranging from dairy production to niche field crops such as ginseng and peanuts. Experience it firsthand along with unique tastes fresh from the farm gate at destinations like Birtch Farms winery and orchards, Jakeman’s Maple farm, local farmers’ markets and Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese. There is plenty of opportunity to explore the county’s diverse heritage and fine examples of period architecture at many local museums and through annual events such as Doors Open Oxford. For more information, visit www. tourismoxford.ca or call toll free 1-866-801-7368. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 53 OXFORD COUNTY Right Hand Of Friendship #1 293905 Culloden Line, Ingersoll The perfect block to start your tour of Oxford Country Barn Quilts is called the Right Hand of Friendship and you will find the people of this predominately rural county welcoming. The rich soil and rolling hills of the area attracted pioneer settlement as early as 1789, with the majority of the county being settled between 1820-1870. Dairy farms like this one owned by the Van Manens have long been part of Oxford’s landscape. Path Through the Woods #2 293140 Culloden Line, Verschoyle This block on the 90-year-old Bowman family barn symbolizes the dense forests that the early settlers of Oxford had to tame. They created roads from paths through the woods, felling thousands of trees to establish farms and villages. The County was formally established in 1850 and its motto reads “Labour Conquers All Things” – a fitting tribute to the hard work of our first settlers. Cock’s Comb #3 163719 Brownsville Road, Brownsville A rooster and chickens were an essential part of a settler’s belongings. It seemed fitting to place this block on the 1880’s barn of Janet Justus, operator of “The Hen House Shoppe” located outside Brownsville. Named for Brinton Brown Sr., who settled the area in 1842, Brownsville was awarded a post office in 1854 as a result of an election promise made by Sir Francis Hinks. Arrowhead Puzzle #5 616 Broadway, Tillsonburg Stubbes Countrywide The block on the Stubbe’s Furniture Barn honours this area’s First Nations. Prior to European settlement, Oxford County was home to many First Native villages, one of which was located just west of here. An archaeological dig conducted in 2000 discovered an Iroquoian village dating to approximately 1400. that covered over 20 acres, making it the largest known pre-contact Iroquoian village of its time in southern Ontario. Roads to the Station #6 41 Bridge St. W., Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre The coming of the railroad was an exciting event! This block is located at the Great Western Railway Station (1879-1975), which today has been repurposed to the arts-based, community involved, Station Arts Centre. The design originates from the Railroad Crossing pattern, with each arm representing a function of the Station: arts programming, galleries, in-house groups and visitor information – all coming together at this heritage site. New Water Wheel #7 20 John Pound Road Tillsonburg Mill Tales Inn Water was an important source of power for early settlers. E.D. Tillson, son of Tillsonburg’s founder George, created a milling empire by harnessing the power of the Otter Creek. This block, located on Tillson’s Pea & Barley Mill, built in 1878 and opened in 2009 as the Mill Tales Inn, celebrates all the power generated on the creeks and rivers of Oxford during the late 1800s. Cross in a Cross #4 9 Patch Log Cabin #8 Settlers held religious services in their homes until congregations grew large enough to build a church. Often, Methodist circuit ministers were the only ordained clergyman that pioneers of this area saw, and soon Methodist churches dotted the landscape. The Delmer United Church is built on the site of the 1840s frame church and this block on the church barn remembers those early ministers who preached throughout the wilderness. This block represents the first building in Tillsonburg, a two room log cabin built by George Tillson. Settling in 1825, George and Nancy Tillson with their five children, became the fourth family in Dereham Township. Born that same year, their sixth child Edwin Delevin, would become Tillsonburg’s first Mayor (1872) and the builder of Annandale House which has been nationally designated for its ornate interior. 312281 Dereham Line, Delmer Delmer United Church 54 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 30 Tillson Avenue Tillsonburg Annandale National Historic Site Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 55 OXFORD COUNTY Churn Dash #9 4860 Milldale Road, Springford Leeholm Farms The Churn was an important household item for the early settler. Churns were used into the early 1900’s on farms, like this century family dairy farm, that now has the fourth generation of Holstein breeders living and working on it. This barn was built in 1912 by Fred W. Lee, a prominent Holstein judge and breeder to showcase the famous herd of Haley and Lee. Weathervane #13 225720 Otterville Road, Otterville “Reading the signs” to forecast the weather was a talent many settlers developed. To assist, early barns were decorated with a weathervane and lightning rods. This farm was settled by Job Church. Being a butcher by trade, Job was one of the area’s early businessmen. Built originally as a dairy barn, this is one of the few remaining barns that were repurposed as a tobacco barn. Envelope Motif #10 Tobacco Road #14 In 1905, Springford’s George Wilcox began lobbying politicians to provide mail delivery to rural Canada since urban residents already had that convenience. By June 1911, the first mail was delivered to the farmers in South Norwich Township. Due to George’s prodding, the press informed voters of this idea and it became an election issue. He deserves the title “Father of Rural Mail Delivery in Canada.” This area’s cultural diversity developed most of its roots from European and American settlers who were attracted to growing the rich tobacco crop. 1928 saw the first crop grown in the township; 1930, on this farm. Since 1943, this has been home to the Van Torre family, who developed it into a model tobacco farm. Today, it has become repurposed as Van Torre Ginseng Farms. 592624 Oxford 13 Road, Springford Canadian Biofuel 812868 Baseline Road, Norwich Van Torre Farm Church Window #11 Corn and Beans #15 250 Church Street, Otterville African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery 325861 Norwich Road, Norwich Corwic Farms/ Cornwell family As early as 1829, free Blacks made their way to the Otterville area and by 1840, their settlement was significant enough for a school to be built. By 1856, they constructed their church on this site. Blacks settled here near members of the Religious Society of Friends, where they were accepted and felt safe. The area became a terminus for fugitives travelling the Underground Railroad. Corwic Farms is owned and operated by four brothers and their families. The brothers are descendants of Samuel Cornwell, an early settler in Norwich Township. The Corn and Beans pattern represents the rich heritage of crops grown in Oxford County, from the earliest settlers to present day. The Cornwells grow traditional crops of both corn and soybeans and have diversified into other types of beans. Grist Mill #12 The Wagon Wheel #16 250 Main Street, Otterville Recognized as an ideal mill site, with the building of Earl and Avery’s Mill in 1807, Otterville became one of the area’s early settlements. Quakers or members of the Religious Society of Friends were also attracted here, as were free Blacks and escaped slaves. The present mill was constructed in 1845 by Edward Bullock, with the concrete dam creating the mill pond being added by Solomon Lossing in 1904. 56 | www.barnquilttrails.ca 89 Stover Street North Norwich Norwich Museum/ Historical Society The Norwich & District Historical Society is comprised of a museum and archives. Buildings on site include the 1889 Quaker Meeting House and the 1811 Peter Lossing Saltbox house. The Wagon Wheel represents the journey of early Quakers settlers to Norwich Township in 1810. The ‘Q’ is a testament to the rich Quaker history of Norwich Township and is the symbol of the Historical Society. Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 57 OXFORD COUNTY POINTS OF INTEREST Friendship Block #17 345609 Quaker Street, Norwich This farm, presently owned by Hans and Ursula Habeggar, was first occupied by Joseph Throckmorton and his wife, Adeline Delong whose father, Peter Delong, accompanied Peter Lossing from Dutchess County, New York, in 1810. The Friendship Quilt symbolizes the fact that these families were among the original settlers on Quaker Street. The Habeggars, who immigrated from Switzerland in February 1992, run a dairy operation. The Dutchman’s Puzzle #18 713829 Middletown Line, Burgessville Couwenholm Farms The ‘Dutchman’s Puzzle’ represents the integral role of Dutch immigration to Oxford County, which began as early as 1946. Henry Couwenberg emigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1956. In 1965 he and his wife Kay established Couwenholm Farms and apple orchard in Burgessville. Burgessville has long been known as centre for apple production and home to the first Fruit Growers Co-Operative in the county. Farmer’s Daughter #19 714318 Middletown Line, Curries Kelner Farm This block pays homage to the women of pioneer families who worked alongside the men to settle Oxford County. Hard work in both the field and the home created strong women whose influence can still be felt throughout the County today. This block is located on a Century Farm which was purchased by Orin Kelner in 1901 and handed down through four generations of the Kelner family. Wagon Tracks #20 505032 Old Stage Road, Oxford Centre Innes Farm Roads were the lifeline of pioneer settlement. Fittingly “Wagon Tracks” is located on the historic Stage Road, Southwestern Ontario’s first road. As early as 1829, this important road saw up to 36 coaches and express riders daily. It was also used by thousands of American settlers taking a shortcut from New York to Michigan. Built in 1896 by Hubert Schell, this has been the Innes family home since 1927. 58 | www.barnquilttrails.ca Annandale National Historic Site 30 Tillson Ave, Tillsonburg Norwich Museum & Archives 519-842-2294 www.tillsonburg.ca 89 Stover Street, North, Norwich 519-863-3101 www.norwichdhs.ca Historic Otterville Mill & Station Main Street, Otterville 519-879-6804 www.historicotterville.ca Station Arts Centre 41 Bridge Street West, Tillsonburg 519-842-6151 www.stationarts.ca Godelie Family Farm 519-879-6562 225754 Otterville Road, Otterville Cowenburg Orchard Store 519-424-9922 R.R. #2 Burgessville Ross Butler Studio-Agricultural Art Gallery 519-456-8155 708 Pattullo Ave, Woodstock Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Ltd. 445172 Gunn’s Hill Road, Woodstock Seven Sisters Quilting 7 Main Street, Norwich 519-532-9189 www.gunnshillcheese.ca 519-863-2077 www.sevensistersquilting.biz Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association 244411 Airport Road, Tillsonburg 519-842-9922 www.harvards.com Norwich Deli & Bakery 519-863-2920 27 Main Street West, Norwich Brown’s Country Corner Restaurant 519-879-6830 225737 Otterville Road Salt Box Antiques 519-879-6757 222 Main Street East, Otterville Oxford Honey & Supplies 519-550-1096 385296 Oxford County Road 59, Burgessville The Hen House Shoppe 519-877-2798 163719 Brownsville Road, Brownsville Tourism Information 580 Bruin Blvd. Woodstock, ON Canada Phone: (519) 539-9800 Ext. 3355 Toll free: 1-866-801-7368 Fax: (519) 537-2718 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourismoxford.ca Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 59 D OXFORD COUNTY PERTH T Y OF D RD -OXFOR PERTH FIELD ELGIN WASHINGTON EMBRO WOODSTOCK UNION RD C D BR K OC ST IN L DW 7 MILL TALES INN JOHN BA ST 60 | www.barnquilttrails.ca PRINCETON OSTRANDER DELMER 3 4 MUIR 17 16 NORWICH 15 NORWICH 14 ZENDA 9 SPRINGFORD 5 TILLSONBURG 6 8 7 W RD S WA BROWNSVILLE RD ST N HI POUN D AN COUNT Y OF ELGIN AY DW OA GR VE EA ST HYMAN ANNANDALE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE BR B ON GT TW ES G RID 8 OSTRANDER RD DEREHAM CENTRE CULLODEN LINE AIRPORT RD E K ST NORWICH RD E tillsonburg 2 PROUSE RD QUAKER ST K LIN ST DANIEL RD VERSCHOYLE 18 HOLBROOK BURGESSVILLE PLAN N AVE AY DW OA BR MOUNT ELGIN RD SALFORD RD 13 EBENZER RD W 6 DEREHAM LINE TILLSO MCBETH RD BRO STATTION ARTS CENTRE 1 E RD 19 SUBSTATION RD FOLDENS 401 N ST CESSIO SW SALFORD STAG MUIR LINE INGERSOLL 505032 Old Stage Rd, Oxford Centre 592624 Oxford Rd 13, Springford OLD CURRIES RD RD G UR B EA SWEABURG GUNN’S HILL RD 20 Wagon Tracks 10 Envelope Motif 2 401 DICKSON’S CORNER 714318 Middletown Line, Curries OXFORD CENTRE E MIDDLETOWN LIN 19 Farmer’s Daughter 4860 Milldale Rd, Springford HIGHWAY MILLDALE MILLDALE RD 10 OTTERVILLE AN T CO UN T Y OF BR 9 Churn Dash CL 20 RD K AR OXFORD 30 Tillson Ave, Tillsonburg RD RN KA THAMESFORD TILLSON AVE/ CRANBERRY LINE 713829 Middletown Line, Burgessville RAYSIDE DUFFY LINE 18 The Dutchman’s Puzzle GOBLES 403 345609 Quaker St, Norwich 8 9 Patch Log Cabin CON EASTWOOD 89 Stover St, North Norwich 20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg 401 GOLSPIE WINDHAM LINE 17 Friendship Block KINTORE RICHWOOD 13 11 12 BASE LINE 7 New Water Wheel HUNTINGFORD 3 16 The Wagon Wheel ZORRA 325861 Norwich Road, Norwich 41 Bridge St, Tillsonburg DRUMBO INNERKIP OXFORD ROAD 6 Roads To The Station 616 Broadway St, Tillsonburg BLANDFORD BLENHEIM GOBLES RD 15 Corn and Beans 812868 Baseline Road, Norwich BENNINGTON 22 5 Arrowhead Puzzle 312281 Dereham Line, Delmer 225720 Otterville Rd, Otterville 401 OXFORD ROAD 14 Tobacco Road STRATHALLAN RD 4 Cross In A Cross LAKESIDE BLANDFORD 13 Weathervane 163719 Brownsville Rd, Brownsville ILLS RDBLEHILLS RD COB 3 Cock’s Comb MEDINA 22 250 Main St, Otterville BRIGHT 59 293140 Culloden Line, Verschoyle EAST ZORRA - TAVISTOCK BROOKSDALE HIGHWAY 12 Grist Mill PLATTSVILLE RATHO CASSEL HARRINGTON UNIONDALE H COBBLE 2 Path Through The Woods MAPLEWOOD RD 250 Church St, Otterville 293905 Culloden Line, Ingersoll TAVISTOCK OXFORD ROAD 11 Church Window 1 Right Hand Of Friendship CO U N OXFO RD R OXFORD COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL D RD -OXFOR PERTH CORNELL RD CORNELL HAWTREY COUNT Y OF NORFOLK TOURISM INFORMATION TRAIL ROUTE COUNT Y ROUTE CONNECTIONS Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 61 SOUTHWEST ONTARIO BARN QUILT TRAILS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS EON Project Team: Michael Adams, Executive Director Elgin County Railway Museum Michael Baker, Curator Elgin County Museum Nicole Drake, Arts & Culture Coordinator Economic Development & Tourism, City of Brantford Laura Garner, Manager Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum Mary Gladwin, Archivist County of Oxford Archives Patricia Phelps, Curator Annandale National Historic Site Glenn Stott, Historian Tanya Zajac, Heritage & Culture Coordinator Norfolk County Partners: Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Museum, Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Brant Historical Society, Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant, Paris Museum & Historical Society Woodland Cultural Centre, City of Brantford County of Brant Elgin Elgin Coordinating Committee: Sally Martyn, Kim Teuscher, Jan Row, Norma Schnekenburger, Helen Van Brenk, Lori MilosIvanski, Pat Zimmer, Mary Clutterbuck, Chuck Buchanan, Lindsey Morritt, Carrie Ford, Pete Sheridan, Yvonne Taylor, Jim Semple, Mike Baker, Chair Publication Management: Sheila Devost and Rachel Robson, Tourism Middlesex Art Direction, Design, Layout: Rachel Robson, Tourism Middlesex Writer, Copy Coordinator: Mary Baxter, Writing and Editing Services Photography Courtesy of: Brantford Economic Development & Tourism; Brant Tourism, Arts and Culture; Elgin County Tourism; Jan Row; Patrick Mooney; Tourism Middlesex; Norfolk Tourism; Tourism Oxford, Dave Chidley Consultants: Mary Simpson and Denise Corneil, Creative Communities; Sheila Devost, Rachel Robson, Tourism Middlesex; Mary Baxter, Writing and Editing Services 62 | www.barnquilttrails.ca Brant/Brantford Brant/Brantford Steering Committee: Susan Baldauf, Seig Bauldauf, Jim Blumer Audrey Bomberry, Kay Boyd, Louise Clarke Debbie Desforges, Nicole Drake, Melissa Minshall, Delia O’Byrne, Patricia RyckmanFleming, Marcia Tavernese, Ann Verth Paula Whitlow, Brian Wood Volunteers: Clayton Barker, Theresa DeVries, Marsha Deans Edgar, Lana Jobe, Mary Gladwin Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails Guide: Publisher: Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails Website: Echidna Solutions Corp. Organizing Committees and Volunteers: Print run of approximately 25,000 copies by Impressions Printing, St. Thomas ON A digital copy and much more at www.barnquilttrails.ca Reproduction or duplication of any material is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Elgin, Oxford and Norfolk Association of Curators and Directors. All information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. EON assumes no liability whatsoever for damages or loss arising from errors, changes or omissions. Middlesex Middlesex Barn Quilt Committee: Jim Burr, Sheila Devost, Sherry Graham, Laura Garner, Michael Adams, Mark Williams, Janneke Newitt, Glenn Stott, Historian, Mary Simpson, Denise Corneil. Volunteers and Groups: Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail planning committee, First Nations and Settlers quilting groups Joan Hillhorst, quilt coordinator Jim Burr, Funding Coordinator Glenn Stott, George Henry, historians Frances and Richard Kilbourne, South Caradoc Barn Quilt Trail Denise Corneil and Mary Simpson, project coordinators Settlers Story Writers: Anne Carruthers, Frances Kilbourne, Chris Crawford, Laura Hathaway First Nations History and research committee: Leslee Henry Whiteye Painting groups: 2nd Bothwell Boy Scouts and parents Glencoe and District Lions Delaware Lions Tait’s Corners Community Club Melbourne Agricultural Society Glencoe Rotary Glencoe District High School Norfolk Volunteers: Ginger Stanley, Nancy Racz, Margaret Hicks, Karen Richardson, Lana Thomson, Monty Wiegand, Annie Zaluski, Cathy Thompson, Ian Bell, Pat Loncke, Rose Pettit, Paul Smith, Marlene Smith, Madaline Wilson, Dianne Jones, Dan Paterson, Barb Paterson, Anneli West, Ric Peterson, Shirley Rothery, Anne Wynia, Sharon Beaseart, Marie Penner, Margaret Zavaros, Melissa Collver, James Christison, Soroptimist International of Haldimand-Norfolk Oxford Oxford Organizing Committee: Jon Bowman, Rebekah Crocker, Gail Lewis, Patricia Phelps Oxford Route Volunteers: Bridges Street Artists, Lia Byl, Gale Connors, Melanie Cornwell, Olive Cornwell, Lynne DePlancke, Rebecca Duran, Mary Gladwin, Jennifer Grant, Emma-Lee Kellins, Mae Lennard, Bruce Lilley, Joan McQuiggan, Brian Petrie, Courtney Phelps, Jessica Phelps, Wendy Phelps, Blance Porchack, Quaker Quilt Guild, Glen Riach, Lila Sackrider, Carol Sharpe, Station Arts Centre, Station House Quilters, Cathy Symons, Tillsonburg & District Historical Society Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails | 63 ELGIN, OXFORD AND NORFOLK ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS MEMBERSHIP Brant County/Brantford Tourism Brantford Elgin County Aylmer and District Museum Association, Backus-Page House Museum/Tyrconnell Heritage Society, Elgin County Railway Museum, Elgin Military Museum, Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum, North American Railway Hall of Fame in the Canada Southern Railway Station, Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse, Port Stanley Terminal Rail, St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, The Elgin County Museum, Ye Olde Forge and Anvil Museum, The Arts and Cookery Bank, Edison Museum of Vienna Middlesex County Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society Norfolk County Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre, Eva Brook Donly Museum and Archives, Norfolk Arts Centre, Teeterville Pioneer Museum, Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum, Port Dover Harbour Museum Oxford County Annandale National Historic Site Beachville District Museum County of Oxford Archives Drumbo and District Heritage Society Historic Otterville Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum Norwich and District Historical Society Museum and Archives, Oxford County Museum School Princeton and District Museum Tavistock and District Historical Society Woodstock Art Gallery Woodstock Museum National Historic Site Perth County St. Marys Museum COUNTY SPONSORS Brant/Brantford Dulux Paints, 50 King George Road, Brantford Elgin McBain Signs & Graphic Design Inc. Middlesex Northcott Silk Inc. Municipality of Strathroy Caradoc Betty Simpson Southwest Middlesex Communities in Bloom Dulux Paint 2,000 3M Brockman and Associates Insurance City Slickers Family Restaurant 64 | www.barnquilttrails.ca Crocodile Productions Chris Dewit Construction Inc. F.T. Garage Sew Creative T.L. McCallum Construction Ltd Norfolk Waterford United Church Quilt Junction Waterford Pro Hardware Twilight Quilters Guild Nancy Racz Comfort Inn, Simcoe Bonnieheath Lavender Waterford & Townsend Historical Society SOUTHWEST ONTARIO BARN QUILT TRAILS REGIONAL SPONSORS The Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails are funded in part by the Sand Plains Community Development Fund, created to assist rural communities in Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Brant and Norfolk Counties in building stronger, more diversified economies. It is one of many community initiatives which support regional development by stimulating business, investment and job creation, strengthening local populations and attracting visitors.