HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1983-09-28, Page 45Reconstructed carriage house still
needs funds to finish interior in '84
BY PAUL CARROLL
'At first glance it's an odd-looking building... it's steep,
shanty roof combined with the large angular -cornered
doors portray the visual image of a structure from the
mid-ninteenth century. The unfinished board and batten
finish reinforces the appearance of age.
The carriage house at the Van Egmond House was
re -constructed in 1983. The venture was made possible by a
Canada Community Development project which provided
funds for labor and a portion of material costs. The
structure, a replica of the original building, was constructed
as the result of several years of. research using blueprints
prepared by the project architects, Hill and Borgal, and
approved by the Ontario Heritage Foundation.
PHOTOS CONFIRM
It was apparent, in the late 1970s, that an out -building
was attached or adjacentto the main house at the Van
Egmond site. This was confirmed through photographs in
the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Norman McLean of
Egmondville and further verified through archaeological
excavations undertaken by the Museum of Indian
Archaeology, London, under the direction of Robert
Mayer, the VEF contract archaeologist.
Using the 19th century photographic evidence and the
location and dimensions provided by the archaeologist, a
sophisticated "photogammetric" drawing was created to
provide the basis for drawing blueprints to re-create the
building. After review and approval by the Ontario
Heritage Foundation, the building shell was erected this
summer, when funds became available.
At this time the shell has been completed and the interior
awaits finishing. This will include public washroom
facilities to serve both the Van Egmond site and the
adjacent park facilities under development by the Township
of Tuckersmith.
STORAGE
The original use of the carriage house was conjectured to
be very functional as part of the Van Egmond site. It was
probably used for valuable storage space for garden
equipment, furniture and fire logs. It also provided a
covered work area for inclement weather and a gathering
place for minor social functions on the grounds of the Van
Egmond estate.
At this time, its proposed uses includethe same functions
as in the mid 1800s, but the building will also, provide a
facility for receiving larger groups for orientation to the site
prior to visiting the restored house and grounds. In addition
it provides a potential location to both produce and retail
arts and craft items created by the artisans of the area. And
of course, it will house the much-needed washroom'
facilities for the heritage buildings and park.
The building is the final component of the phase one
restoration plan and the interior will be finished as funds
permit, hopefully in time for the 1984 season.