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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-08-24, Page 31ignal-Star • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 w history book available for celebration of h Homan, long-time resident of Ridge,'" with support from local r and historian Paul Carroll, has (•d some 40 years of research notes nple a comprehensive history of operty at. Ridgewood Park. The new with an extensive collection of ialis and never -before published )graphs, covers the history of the property from 1828 at the time of tial purchase by Baron van Tiuyll in riv days of the Canada Company. historical account follows the pment of the property, with a par- r focus on the retain house, through ccession of its well-known owners. individual accomptlshments in the unity of Colborne Township and Town of Goderich are included. are dozens of anecdotes, includ- mations from the late George Sil- d the well-known raconteur and uthor, Gavin. Hamilton Green. owing the van Tuyll era, the prop - as owned by John Galt, son of the er of Goderich, and his family. An photograph of the Galt family, at e the house was a 50 x 50 foot log , is included in the book. The next r, Henry Attrill, who tried to estab he first salt mine in Goderich, deo the log house with an elabo- ctorian addition. The Attrill family ollowed by Oscar E. Fleming, a r mavor of Windsor, who was instrumental in defining the boundaries for Goderich Harbour. The property was then acquired by Thomas Sandy, an innovative contractor, who built many cement bridges in the adjacent town- ships and whose company created the first runways for Sky Harbour airport. The property has since stayed in the ownership of his descendants. His daughter, Beulah Homan, along withher husband Ben, was the next owner. Beu - lah was a well-known local community activist who served on the Colborne Township school board for many years, and a philanthropist and author of sev- eral books. She rejuvenated the 'Big House' following its abandonment in the 1940s, and was a major donor to the new Goderich Public Library. Her nephew (and adopted son) Keith (Salkeld) Homan and his wife Jo -Anne, both heritage enthusiasts, have com- pleted major renovations at "The Ridge" house over the last 35 years and have undertaken a number of interior resto- rations to return portions of the house to its original configuration. In his owner- ship era Keith also took on several major property development projects in Ridge- wood Park as well as at the two Maitland River marinas. These events are narrated in his new book, A History of "The Ridge". The new volume, a colourful addition to the growing collection of community history by local authors, will be available at- a special reduced pre -publication price at the August 28 Homan house tour, to celebrate the 475th anniversary of the founding of Colborne Township; and at other celebration events to follow. Copies will also be available later at the Goderich Co-op Gallery and local book stores. For more information, contact Keith Homan at 519-524-8236. Tickets to the house tour continue to be available at Huronia on Suncoast, and at Banter, MacEwan & Feagan Insurance on _South Street. Proceeds from the house tour will support the restoration of the Colborne Cemetery gates and the Walk in the Past for students at Colborne CPS. photo ***mew Keith Homan takes a break from one of his ongoing house maintenance chores - this time the restos of the cupola on the barn - to review a proof copy of his new history book A History of "The Ridge". Lice many with the means, local pilot Fred Bruinsma took to the skies following Sunday's devastating weather. The birds eye view of the Square, salt mine and Benmi ser inn allow a peek of just some of the severe damage the commun$ty has inc arena. THIS YEAR, ONTARIO CREATED MORE JOBS THAN ALL OTHER PROVINCES COMBINED. OMNI OPP Until office: 516482-56301 Kincardine Office: 519-396-30071 WWw.caroimitchell.ca