Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-06-29, Page 39Page 11 - - - - Stops SLfony ‘The ‘Way '94---- Seaforth buildings show historical pride At first glance the town of Seaforth, located at the eastern edge of Huron County, appears to be much like any sleepy mid­ western Ontario town. But if you really take the time to look, you soon notice in the buildings an historical pride which projects a spirit of confidence. Dating to early Victorian times, it was the coming of the railway era to the settlement which precipitated a new growth. By 1863 Golfers tee-off in Thursday tournee there were 20 new homes built. The town quickly became a major terminal for business and an important social and cultural centre. By Confederation there were 1,056 people in Seaforth and over the next eight years the population doubled. It was during these booming years that many of the town's fine buildings were constructed. Seaforth's Main Street is filled from one end to another with glorious examples of Victorian architecture, most of which were built following a devastating fire in 1876, which broke out in a candy and grocery store. It ravaged 12 acres of business section and the total property loss was estimated at $102,800. In recent years Seaforth undertook a revitalization project to restore the stately buildings to their original glory. Hours were spent researching the history of the main street buildings. The town itself set the tone when it commissioned a local architect to recreate the Victorian porch on the town hall, using old photographs of the building. Recently Seaforth developed a walking lour of the town to show off its heritage. It begins on the Main Street, which the brochure states has been described by architectural critics as "one of the finest late 19th century streetscapes remaining in the province" and is a designated Heritage Conservation District. Just east of Main Street is Victoria Park. The land was donated in 1875 by Dr. William Gouinlock and the present bandshell, located at the east end was Continued from page 10 involved agenda," Mr. Layton says. Things begin fairly slowly on Thursday with a golf tournament and variety program and pageant then pick up as the weekend approaches. On Friday there is the Canada Day parade in keeping with the Homecoming 94 western theme at noon. Following that there will be a band competition at the arena for which entry forms could be picked up at the clerk's office or from Mr. Layton. Also following the parade is a volleyball tournament, senior's tea and antique car show. For the children there is a tractor pull and carnival, while young teens can enjoy a dance that evening. Adults can take in Yuk- Yuks or see history revived with the Bam Dance Stars of then and now during the Country Cavalcade and Bam Dance. For dinner that evening homecoming visitors can enjoy the Shriners fish fry. A horseshoe tournament begins on Saturday while the volleyball semi-finals and finals will be played. There will be ball games, dances for all ages and children's events. Belgrave Kinsmen are hosting a Beef Bar-B-Q. Sunday morning begins with a brunch, then on a more subdued note there will be church services, a cemetery decoration service and an opportunity to stroll, at your leisure through Riverside Park before things pick up with the duck races. In the afternoon there is a roping competition at a nearby ranch, basketball, hospital tours, a concert and a jamboree before things wind up with fireworks and a shirt tail parade and dance. In addition to all these activities former F.E. Madill students have been given the full day on Saturday to go back to school and enjoy reunions and reminiscing. There will be open houses as well at the library, Masonic Lodge, Museum, Legion and features at the Lyceum Theatre. To make things easier for people to attend as many events as possible, as they are spread out at various locations around town, shuttle buses will be operating on Friday and Saturday. Mr. Layton said the full itinerary took about a year to decide upon. The committee, which is comprised of a cross-section of interested community people, worked well together formulating ideas for the homecoming festivities. Finding help was no problem, Mr. Layton says. "Once people heard what was happening we didn't have to go solicit for volunteers. The support has been tremendous." Once the theme was agreed upon, western being the logical choice, due to Wingham's historic CKNX ties, a logo was designed by Mary Lou Cameron inviting everyone to "Kick up your heels at home". Mr. Layton said a total of 2,500 invitations were mailed, but to save costs none were sent out to area residents. For nostalgic reasons, curiosity, or just for the fun of it, there is little doubt that people like to come home again. Reaction thus far for the Wingham Homecoming 94 has been encouraging, Mr. Layton says. "The interest has really been great. I think Wingham was ready for a celebration." Continued on page 12 Judy Dougall’s studio engraved, etched, stained glass S' crafts V personalize your gift of glass by having it embellished by hand, with your choice of designs. V select from glass items in stock or bring your own piece. HOURS By Chance or By Appointment (evenings and weekends inc.) R.R. «3 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S5 (Highway #4, 2 miles north of Exeter) (519) 235-1491 Specializing In: Original Canadian Art The gallery represents the work of over 75 artists working in all media, both 2 dimensional and sculptural. Art Lessons Group or private, children or adult art lessons are now available. Enjoy art exploration in a bright studio setting. Ask me for details. Custom Framing Choose from a wide selection of products and ideas Elizabeth’s Art Gallery also offers: Special Exhibits Photo Restoration Art Supplies Elizabeth R. Van Den Broeck 14 Court House Square Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M8 Telephone (519) 524-4080 MOLESWORTH CONVENIENCE STORE • groceries • gas • ice cream cones • video rentals • cigarettes groceries • confectioneries R.R. # 1 Listowel Hwy. 86 West of Listowel 291-2007 MOLESWORTH BOWLING LANES R.R. #1 LISTOWEL Open Bowling Fri., Sat., Sun. League Bowling Mon. - Fri. YOUTH BOWLING PROGRAMS West of Listowel at Corner of Hwy. 86 & Cty. Rd. 19 291-1376