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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-11-05, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015. Blyth architect John Rutledge is in the midst of working on two high- profile heritage projects – one in London and another on the Six Nations Reserve near Caledonia. Hard at work on both at the same time, Rutledge says the similarities between the two projects are almost scary, but they are each of huge cultural significance to two different groups. The first project, Rutledge says, is the Mississaugas of the New Credit Historical Council House near Caledonia, while the second is the Fugitive Slave Chapel in London. Both are relatively small buildings and the goal with both is the same – to restore the building to its former glory and to expand it to include a museum celebrating the culture of its people. The Council House, according to a history book produced as part of its revitalization, was first opened in 1882 – in an event at which Sir. John A. Macdonald, the Prime Minister at the time, was expected to speak. According to the Brantford Evening Telegram, over 2,000 people attended the event. The centre was called a place for “discussions and decisions” and served a number of purposes over the years. It hosted community celebrations for the return of New Credit’s soldiers from World War I, it was a meeting place for the International Order of Foresters, as the practice hall for the New Credit Brass Band and as a concert hall. From 1933 to 1938, the hall served as the Reserve’s school after the existing school had burned down and in the 1960s to the early 1970s, the hall served as a small factory in the automotive industry. The Waterloo company Van Dressler produced burlap contours for the bottom of car seats in the house. During this period, eight women reported to work at the house every day. The building has been an important part of the community’s culture for many years, Rutledge says, so it’s an honour to be involved in bringing it back to vibrant life. The hope, he said, is that the centre will return to its glory days as a community centre where events can be held, but also that a small expansion can host a museum to help house historical artifacts and displays pertaining to the community and its way of life. Rutledge says he was contacted by Laura Dent of Stratford, the project Rutledge brought on for Slave Chapel, Council House Making it great again The Fugitive Slave Chapel in London, seen here, has fallen into disrepair in recent years, and Blyth architect John Rutledge has been brought in to renovate the existing building and to design an addition that will house a small museum. (Photo submitted) By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Continued on page 11 Thank You The 4-H Members of the Brussels Show and Sale wish to thank all the many buyers and supporters Grand Champion Calf EMMA DIXON Buyer - Parrish & Heimbecker Grand Champion Lamb JOLANDE OUDSHOORN Buyer - Dave Franken Concrete Forming ALEX COULTES Buyer - Brussels Transport NATHAN BARGER Buyer - Dauphin Feed & Supply DAKOTA COULTES Buyer - MGM Townsend Tire DAWSON COULTES Buyer - McGavin Farm Equipment CHRIS HARGRAVE Buyer - Brindley Auctions SHELBY HIGGINS Buyer - McCall Livestock COLE MacPHERSON Buyer - Harvey Transport NICK McARTER Buyer - Brett & Laura Fischer SETH ASHWIN Buyer - Steve Dickson DREW BECKER Buyer - Vernla Livestock TYLER BECKER Buyer - Newry Veterinary Services SHELBY BARGER Buyer - Lucknow Co-op EMILY BIEMAN Buyer - Snobelen Farms Ltd.