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The Rural Voice, 1992-07, Page 35free parking anywhere in the town. There is a town map available and Soutter will answer questions or highlight specific destinations for a walking tour. As stated in the town's brochure an excellent place to begin is at the town hall, one of the most impressive municipal buildings in Canada. It was built in 1891 of local limestone and trimmed with imported red sandstone. Most visitors are attracted to the exterior work of the Scottish stone masons who built the building, but there is much to see inside as well including the auditorium. The local Kinsmen club refinished the floor of the roomy auditorium some years ago and it is used by the St. Marys Community Players on a regular basis. Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played for dances there in the early 1920s and the big room is used today on many occasions. Behind it, on Church St., is the public library, built in 1904 through the generosity of Andrew Carnegie. In years gone by, visitors might have stayed at the Garnett House, located across the street from the library. It was built in 1871 from smooth -faced limestone, which was in fashion at the time, and operated as a hotel for many years. Now it is an apartment building. Also on Church St. is the refurbished bridge. One of the very few double -arched stone bridges left in Ontario, the 80 -foot span was completed in 1884 at a cost of $3,800. Total cost of the 1979 refurbishing was $175,000. Turning back you will head toward the heart of the business section. This section is comprised of Victorian brick structures. A highlight is the Andrews building built in 1884. The variety of detail in the facade and the Mansard roof and clock tower stand in striking contrast to the other limestone blocks which dominate the remainder of Queen St.. The next leg of the tour takes you west across Wellington St., where you will see more excellent examples of limestone and red brick buildings. On the north-east corner of Queen and Water is the L.A. Ball block, built for Edward Long as a general store. The projecting keystones over each window provide a visual accent. Over the central window of the third [pA.Aorm 1 l SINCE 1876 J 284-3084 BLANSHARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 293 Queen St. W., St. Marys, Ont., N4X 1A1 OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE POLICY HOLDERS A Part of the Community for 115 Years Specializing in Farm & Home Insurance Agents: Ian Morrison 349-2592 Bruce Hanly 229-6560 James R. Stacey 229-6191 BRICKMAN'S BOTANICAL GARDENS Walk through this beautiful English -type, 4 acre herbaceous perennial garden, with over 2,000 varieties of perennials, fragrant herbs, shrubs, old fashioned roses, lilies, wild flowers, water plants and many rare and unique plants. See over 10,000 blooms of spring bulbs in April - May, June -September, perennials at their best. July is peak season. Hours: 7 days a week, including Holidays. April to June 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; July to September 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Individual walk. and bus tours welcome. Only 10 minutes from Stratford. -- ' Celebrate BRICKMAN'S BOTANICAL. GARDENS BRICKMAN'S COUNTRY FLOWERS Mdchell KinkoraOi.Wartburg N /PerlhCly Rd 12 I Sebring. e — New Ihamburgq 0 • Strattor n • Shakespeare • g 1 ' Tavistock July 1, 1992 at (Ellice Township Rds. 6 and 7) R. R 1, Sebringville, Ont., NOK 1X0 (519) 393-6223 Fax (519) 393-5239 Write for information and brochures JULY 1992 31