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