One-Tank Trip for
April 18/15
(c) By Jim Fox
History buffs,
culture fans and the just plain curious can join in visiting some of Ontario’s
historical and cultural gems.
It’s time again for
the Ontario Heritage Trust’s popular Doors Open program from later this month
through mid-October.
The doors of many
of the “most intriguing and charming heritage sites” will swing open for a peak
that will include some buildings that have never been open for public tours or
visits.
 |
| Boarding House Arts limestone heritage building in Guelph |
It’s a chance to “discover
the story behind every door,” the provincial government agency says.
“Throughout the
province, there is a growing pride in our heritage,” said trust chairman
Thomas Symons.
“Communities boast
of their commercial buildings, courthouses, theatres, museums, places of
worship, gardens, natural heritage and other sites,” he added.
Admission is free for
this “eagerly awaited” program now in its 14th year and that has attracted more
than five-million visitors in that time.
Royal City opens
Again this year,
Guelph leads the Doors Open parade with the first of the season on April 25.
That’s followed
next month by Peterborough and Whitby on May 2; Hamilton, May 2 and 3; Richmond
Hill, May 9; Brockville-Thousand Islands, Kincardine and area, and Toronto on
May 23 and 24; and Oxford County on May 30.
 |
| The entry of the
historic Knox Presbyterian Church in Guelph. (Photo by Melissa Gobeil)
|
The “Royal City’s”
limestone heritage buildings open for visits include the first Masonic Lodge
established in Guelph in 1849.
The stone building,
constructed in 1860, was expanded with brick additions in 1906 and 1912 and
includes the original, fire-charred furniture.
Knox Presbyterian
Church, designed by Toronto architect James Smith, was built in 1869 with
seating for 1,000 worshippers. Its bell tower and vestibule were added in 1900.
 |
| The Guelph Masonic Centre can be toured during the Doors Open event. |
Also to be seen in
Guelph is Planet Bean headquarters and roaster with backroom tours of the
legendary fair-trade business and Stonehouse Pottery at the rear of the
historic limestone Masonic Block built in 1877.
Talk to the animals
Among the open locations
in Hamilton is Alpacas from Eighth and Mud to visit with the animals and see
how their fibre is processed for yarn, rugs and roving.
There’s also Weir’s
Lane Lavender and Apiary with its new hazelnut grove and expanded apiary,
offering field walks to see the beehives and making crafts with lavender.
Participants can
“explore the world of nuclear energy” at the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre in
Tiverton as part of Kincardine and Area’s show.
There are 40
exhibits and displays along with tours of a simulated reactor and control room,
and views from the deck of the world’s largest power development.
 |
| The lavish interior of the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, a part of many Doors Open tours. |
Toronto’s event
provides “free and rare access” to more than 155 architecturally, historically,
culturally and socially significant buildings.
In association with
the summer Pan Am/Parapan American Games, attendees will get a “sneak peek”
inside private and public recreational sites, ranging from aquatic centres to
athletics stadiums.
Out in the country,
Oxford County is known for its dairy and cheese industry, but as well it has an
“impressive sport heritage.”
Visitors to Doors
Open will learn of the first recorded baseball game in North America.
It will be
recreated with visitors at the Beachville District Museum where there are also
exhibits about the history of baseball and historical artifacts.
June events are:
Stratford and Whitchurch-Stouffville, June 6; Northumberland, Ottawa and Owen
Sound, June 6 and 7; Smiths Falls, June 7; Clarington and Frontenac, June 13;
Fergus-Elora, Gravenhurst, Kingston and Orillia, June 20.
Things ease off in
the summer with just East Elgin on July 11 and Aurora on Aug. 15 before picking
up again.
London’s Doors Open
is Sept. 26 and 27 among that month’s events and the season ends with St.
Thomas on Oct. 17.
Need to know
Doors Open visiting
hours are generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (some are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays).
-30-
Jim Fox
can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more
One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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