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
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(evenings and weekends inc.)
R.R. «3 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S5
(Highway #4, 2 miles north of Exeter)
(519) 235-1491
Specializing In:
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The gallery represents the work of over 75
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Art Lessons
Group or private, children or adult art
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Custom Framing
Choose from a wide selection of products
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Elizabeth’s Art Gallery also offers:
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Photo Restoration
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Elizabeth R.
Van Den Broeck
14 Court House Square
Goderich, Ontario
N7A 1M8
Telephone
(519) 524-4080
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R.R. # 1 Listowel
Hwy. 86 West of Listowel 291-2007
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