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1 1 Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Port Hope Branch Newsletter November 2012 President's Report Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead Our main fundraisers this year the Auction & the House Tour were very successful which is particularly gratifying in these times of fiscal restraint. It is important to remember that neither of these events would have been possible without the generous help from our volunteers. There were at least 50 volunteers at the Auction and over 130 at the House Tour. An organization such as ours is really only as good as its volunteers. It is indeed these helpers who have enabled us to raise the funds we need for the continuation of the restoration of the heritage buildings in our downtown. These ACO committed citizens have indeed changed the world, at least our world of Port Hope. The Board extends a big thank you to these dedicated people and to everyone who has given of their time to assist at these and other occasions. You have truly helped to make a difference to Port Hope. As the year starts drawing to a close, and we look back on 2012, we can honestly say that it has been a stellar year for Port Hope ACO. Our highly successful fundraising has allowed us to help businesses in Port Hope s Heritage District to restore their property storefronts. There have been many compliments received for our first Downtown Task Force Project. The Tempest Block at Walton Street and Toronto Road looks amazing and draws admiring looks and comments from locals and visitors alike. Now we are working to organize the next project for Spring Again, thanks to all of you who have helped make this year a successful one. I would particularly like to extend my gratitude to the Board and Committee Chairs who have worked so hard to organize events and help move Port Hope ACO forward this past year. I look forward to seeing you at our next upcoming events. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the ACO Christmas Party on November 29th and the AGM on Thursday February 28th. Now I would like to take the opportunity to offer my best wishes for the Holiday Season and New Year, and as you begin to start thinking about Christmas shopping, remember -ACO Memberships make wonderful gifts! Respectfully submitted, Trish Doney The ACO Christmas Party Thursday, November 29 th, 5:30pm We are delighted to have been offered the Art Studio of Alice Teichert at 50 John St, Port Hope for our reception. The building was constructed in two stages: the grand hall at the rear in 1850, which was used as the 10th YMCA of Canada, and the Gothic Revival front in 1874, which became a Salvation Army Centre. In 1872 it was taken over by the International Order of Odd Fellows, becoming the Orange Hall two years later. Subsequently long abandoned, in 1970, its decrepit rear walls tilting southwards, it was slated for demolition. But a group (affectionately known as the South Wall Holding Company) saved it. Efforts in the 80s to re-purpose it as a Historical Museum for the area failed, so its next incarnation was as the Ganaraska Pickers Market until its closure. In 2008 the present owners reconfigured the ground floor into a wonderful space for Alice Teichert s studio and gallery. Born in Paris and raised in Brussels, Alice studied the arts in Belgium and France and moved to North America to explore abstract painting in New York and Toronto. An internationally acclaimed artist who exhibits in France, Canada, Switzerland, and Australia, she now lives in the Northumberland Hills and works from her studio in Port Hope, Ontario. More information: Examples of her work, notable for its glorious glowing colours, will be on display during the Christmas Party. To attend, a cheque for $24 must be received by Mon. Nov. 26. Send to: ACO Box 563, Port Hope, L1A 3Z4. Your name will then be included on the registry list. Judith Copeland. Contents: President's Report... 1 The ACO Christmas Party, Thurs Nov 29th... 1 Call For New Board Members... 2 Snail Mail Gets More Sluggish... 2 Downtown Task Force: So who's next for a Shave and a Shampoo?... 3 Report on House Tour... 3 What Would It Take to Bring Back the Opera House?... 4 A Grim Situation at the Pier... 6 Could Your House Be In This Publication? th Annual Antiques & Artifacts, Sun Apr 7/ Report on BBQ... 7 Lecture Series th Annual Writers & Friends, Sun Nov 11th... 8

2 ACO Matters November 2012 ACO Board of Directors 2011 Executive Committee Phil Carter... Past President Trish Doney... President Charles Wickett... Vice President Susan Carmichael.

2 2 ACO Matters November 2012 ACO Board of Directors 2011 Executive Committee Phil Carter... Past President Trish Doney... President Charles Wickett... Vice President Susan Carmichael... Secretary Dennis Hogarth... Treasurer Directors Patsy Beeson Phil Goldsmith Peggy Bennett Sebastian Hanna Lee Caswell Peter Kedwell Judith Copeland Charles Wickett Tom Cruickshank Ed Pamenter... Advisor Committee Chairs Joan Tooke... Auction Patsy Beeson... Bus Tour & Newsletter Tom Cruickshank... Downtown Task Force Mary Shaw-Rimmington... Garden Tour Charles Wickett... Governance Lee Caswell... House Tour Peggy Bennett... Membership Tom Cruickshank... Projects & Auction Ed Pamenter... Property & HPH Rep. Mary Trevor... Scholarship Judith Copeland... Social The ACO was incorporated in 1933 for the preservation of the best examples of architecture in the province and for the preservation of its places of natural beauty. Call For New Board Members The Board has established a Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of Director nominees for presentation and election at the Annual General Meeting on February 28th. If you have an interest in standing for election to the Board, please advise chaswickett@gmail.com or leave us a message at before November 26th, If you would like to join one of our Committees or our list of Volunteers, please call the same telephone number anytime. Gets More Sluggish Those of you who still receive ACO Matters by post will notice a change from the familiar paper stock we have been using for at least the last twelve years to a lighter variety. This is in an effort to hold down the cost of mailing the newsletter which we discovered to our absolute horror had jumped from 61 to $1.05 (plus tax of course) for mail over 30g! Not double the cost, but not far off. We re hoping this lighter stock may hold down the price but won t know until we visit the Post Office for this newsletter s mailing. But it s just a matter of time before costs rise again. So we re asking everyone who is on and this probably means you to think seriously about receiving Matters by . Bear in mind that you can print it off on receipt - plenty of people do - and to any size of print you should desire. Other advantages: You get it faster, which puts you ahead for booking events like some of the Christmas parties and the Bus Tour with number limitations; you get it reliably (none of these inexplicable 3-week delivery delays); and it comes in glorious colour. So should you decide to help the ACO conserve their money for projects rather than postage, paper and printing, please contact pdoney@sympatico.ca. Patsy Beeson Our Newsletter Layout If you have admired the quality of our Newsletter s layout, please be aware that it's the work of our wonderful Patricia McCaw who's an endless source of ideas and solutions.

3 Downtown Task Force: So Who's Next For a Shave and a Shampoo? As I am sure you have seen, the brick restoration of Watson Drugs, Chistopher Stuart Antiques and Holton Flowers is now complete.

It is with much thanks to the building owners, Dave Watson and Blake Holton, without whose wholehearted enthusiasm and support, the project would never BEFORE (above) & AFTER (below) Tempest Block

Our Committee is targeting other buildings which are in need of attention. This process involves meetings and negotiations with the owners without whose cooperation nothing can happen.

We are also going to approach the Municipality to request that they might match our efforts by increasing their downtown grant program from $25,000 per year to at least match our commitment of

3 3 Downtown Task Force: So Who's Next For a Shave and a Shampoo? As I am sure you have seen, the brick restoration of Watson Drugs, Chistopher Stuart Antiques and Holton Flowers is now complete. The buff brick buildings look superb and the buzz on the street that the project has caused is an indication that our ACO efforts are paying off. It is with much thanks to the building owners, Dave Watson and Blake Holton, without whose wholehearted enthusiasm and support, the project would never BEFORE (above) & AFTER (below) Tempest Block have proceeded. RTM, our contractor, was superb, the RCM workers friendly and cooperative, and their clean and efficient work went off without a hitch. What's next? Our Committee is targeting other buildings which are in need of attention. This process involves meetings and negotiations with the owners without whose cooperation nothing can happen. We are hopeful the example set by our completed project will encourage other owners to get on board. We are also going to approach the Municipality to request that they might match our efforts by increasing their downtown grant program from $25,000 per year to at least match our commitment of $75,000 per year. Another avenue we are exploring is through the Downtown Revitalization Program, just initiated. I am ACO's representative on that body and will be promoting our program along with other initiatives to rejuvenate our downtown. I am hopeful that the program is not just a study but produces real, tangible results. I sat for four years on Cameco's Vision 2010 Committee which, after all that time and consultation, resulted in very few tangible results. Our Committee looks forward to our next projects which will demonstrate clearly the strength of our ACO and its commitment to the preservation of the "Best Preserved Main Street in Ontario." Phil Carter Report on House Tour Another successful ACO House Tour has come and gone, on a beautiful sunny, cool day. An excited crowd, eager to discover the wide diversity of this year s homes, again responded well to the close proximity of the homes, which gave them more time for lunch and shopping and stimulated business in our charming downtown. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the homeowners, Trinity College School, the retailers, florists, sponsors, and our excellent volunteers and committee who made this day come together. Ticket sales surpassed last year s numbers and shortly a cheque will be presented to the local branch of the ACO. Blaise Gaetz and Lee Caswell, Co-chairs

4 ACO Matters November 2012 What Would It Take to Bring Back the Opera House? By Phillip H.

What you would discover is an amazing room, an Opera House, complete with stage, balcony, dressing rooms, a grand stairway to an entrance on John Street, a projection booth and a wonderful flat-floor

This great space is flooded with daylight from the grand windows you saw from below.

4 4 ACO Matters November 2012 What Would It Take to Bring Back the Opera House? By Phillip H. Carter If you stand at the corner of John Street and Walton Street and look up at the upper stories of the Royal Bank, you will notice large windows. Have you ever wondered what s up there? What you would discover is an amazing room, an Opera House, complete with stage, balcony, dressing rooms, a grand stairway to an entrance on John Street, a projection booth and a wonderful flat-floor concert hall capable of accommodating, by early reports, 600 persons, although today s standard would allow only half that. This great space is flooded with daylight from the grand windows you saw from below. The other thing you would notice is a wall of posters dating back to the late 1900s advertising upcoming acts to the hall. The space is obviously not in use, the floor covered with an octopus of ducts for the heating and air conditioning system of the bank below. What is this place, and what is its history? The building was constructed in 1871 as a commercial building, with retail shops at street level and a two-storey hall, known as O Neill s Opera House, upstairs, which was connected to the St. Lawrence Hotel to the west. The original building was a fine example of Classical Revival architecture, with graceful, large, arched windows and fine decorative brick work, cornice and parapets. Early etchings of 1871 celebrating the opening of The Opera KIRKPATRICK'S SINCE 1881 Leather Shop Specialists in Restoration, Repair and Reproduction of Heritage Leather Goods and Manufacture of Quality Leather Products FACTORY AND SHOWROOM 15 Cavan Street, Port Hope, ON L1A 3B

5 House indicate a single large room with two elaborate chandeliers and a handsome, curved, coffered ceiling.

In the early part of the 20th century its use for live entertainment declined, and the projection booth indicates it was used to show silent movies until the Capitol Theatre was built in 1928.

However, the hall was considered a fire trap as it had only one exit, and in fact experienced a fire earlier in its life.

In the 1950s, the Royal Bank, which has occupied the building for some time, engaged their architects Marani Lawson & Morris, a renowned Toronto firm, to renovate the building.

More recently, the Bank has cleaned the exterior buff brick and the early decorative detailing can now be seen. In 2000 the Branch Manager, Mr.

5 5 House indicate a single large room with two elaborate chandeliers and a handsome, curved, coffered ceiling. For many years The Opera House was an entertainment centre for Port Hope, and the posters on the walls indicate the time and types of acts playing there. In the early part of the 20th century its use for live entertainment declined, and the projection booth indicates it was used to show silent movies until the Capitol Theatre was built in During the 30s and 40s, residents of Port Hope recall playing badminton here and the taped lines marking the court on the floor still remain. However, the hall was considered a fire trap as it had only one exit, and in fact experienced a fire earlier in its life. AK Sculthorpe remembered being prohibited from playing badminton there by her father, concerned for her safety. In the 1950s, the Royal Bank, which has occupied the building for some time, engaged their architects Marani Lawson & Morris, a renowned Toronto firm, to renovate the building. It was modernized, removing the handsome cornices and decorative work, and replacing the ornate wood windows with the present steel sash windows. More recently, the Bank has cleaned the exterior buff brick and the early decorative detailing can now be seen. In 2000 the Branch Manager, Mr. Claude Smart, approached Sascha Armour and myself, as co-chairs of LACAC, suggesting the Bank would be interested in having The Opera House used for some non-profit purpose. They would provide ground floor space, space for a new fireexit stair to Walton Street, and use of the basement for the nominal rent of $1.00 a year. However, they had no funds for renovation. Auditorium towards stage I undertook a pro bono study of the building and in the course of this investigation connected with La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, a group in need of a home with practice facilities and a small concert hall. Here was an exciting proposal offering the orchestra a chance to run summer music camps and other events, and an opportunity to give Port Hope a second venue to complement the Capitol Theatre and provide the only flat floor hall in the Town. Plans were developed for renovating the space with approximate costs, and lists of potential users. But alas, no one had the financial resources to undertake the project. Maybe it s time to revisit this idea. What a terrific facility this could provide to help invigorate the economic life of Downtown Port Hope.

6 ACO Matters November 2012 By Phil Goldsmith A Grim Situation at the Pier On Wednesday the 3rd of October, the Harbour Commission met to consider, amongst other things, the Motion of council,

6 6 ACO Matters November 2012 By Phil Goldsmith A Grim Situation at the Pier On Wednesday the 3rd of October, the Harbour Commission met to consider, amongst other things, the Motion of council, 109/2012, to endorse the Special Committee of the Whole s recommendation that Building 41 not be included in the recommendation to demolish the buildings on the Centre Pier. Council's motion, with respect to Recommendation 5.1 of the Centre Pier Task Force's (CPTF) report, also embraces the concept of all stakeholders cooperating with the Pier Group and jointly working together on a conceptual end-use plan that includes a built presence on the Centre Pier. Municipal council challenged The Pier Group to have a viable user and a business plan for Council to consider by December The Pier Group is prepared to undertake this work but needs the assurance from the HC that it will cooperate with the municipal motion, and therefore with the PG, in order that they have a chance of success and not waste a year of considerable volunteer effort. Clearly the Harbour Commissioners are "Stakeholders" and yet, after some debate and several suggestions to make it almost impossible for the Pier Group to succeed, the Harbour Commission voted to reject any notion of cooperating with council and to reaffirm to Cameco and PHAI that the buildings are to be demolished and the site cleared. This is an untenable situation where our elected council is ignored by the Harbour Commission. It is particularly offensive given that the Vesting Act establishing the Harbour Commission clearly states that they are to manage the Harbour In Trust for the Municipality, and that two prior quasi-judicial rulings have declared the Commission to be a creature of the Municipality. Despite this, two non-elected members of the Commission voted to support the minority of council to ignore a motion passed by a majority of the duly elected members of council. The Pier group is now reviewing its options. The problem here now goes beyond simply attempting to do something good for the community, trying to save one of our last industrial heritage buildings, trying to help stimulate economic development, trying to show the injustice of removing our assets and heritage to benefit PHAI, and becomes one of governance of the community. When the Harbour Commission (a Trust) chooses to cause the removal of assets for its beneficiary, the Municipality, then all is not right and we have a big problem here in Port Hope. We need to encourage the four councillors, who voted to give the Pier Group a chance, to consider the travesty of what has just occurred and to think about a means by which the will of our elected council can be carried out. Write your councillors and tell them how you feel! Could Your House Be In This Publication? In 1982 the Port Hope Branch of the ACO undertook an inventory of approximately 135 pre-1900 residential buildings which best represent the range of architectural styles found within the town. The result was the publication of From Georgian to Vernacular: Port Hope: An Architectural and Historical Inventory. This publication is available for sale ($30) at Furby Books on Walton Street, or from ACO board member Peter Kedwell ( ) who will hand-deliver to your home. Limited quantity for sale. 9th Annual Antiques & Artifacts Sunday April 7th, 2013 Consider the ACO's auction and tag sale if you are downsizing, housecleaning, re-decorating or just feeling generous. We'd love to receive your great previously-loved stuff. You can always replace it at this year's sale! For pickup or drop off information, please call Ed Pamenter at or Joan Tooke at Also remember the Antiques & Artifacts Committee's ABC collection of note cards, posters and prints. Ideal gifts for special people on your list and very easy to mail. See the cards at Furby House Books or call Joan Tooke.

7 Report on BBQ The Summer Barbecue was held in the wonderful garden of Susan and Carlos's country house

.. too bad as it was still a very fine affair with the rain holding off till about 8:30.

this event. We need to encourage more next-generation people to join!).

a series of talks entitled An Evening With the ACO and Friends.

ideas!), and will afford an opportunity to meet fellow members.

or places of local interest in the area, such as The Opera House mentioned in this issue.

There will be more information in the February ACO Matters.

7 7 Report on BBQ The Summer Barbecue was held in the wonderful garden of Susan and Carlos's country house on Aug people RSVPd, but due to an unfavourable weather forecast. about 85 attended... too bad as it was still a very fine affair with the rain holding off till about 8:30. Thanks to the Board for all the contributions of food and service (lots of heavy lifting required for this event. We need to encourage more next-generation people to join!). Susan and Carlos had lots of equipment which reduced the physical effort for the rest of us so another thank you to them! Lecture Series This is a heads up to let you know that in 2013 the ACO plans to introduce the new idea of a series of talks entitled An Evening With the ACO and Friends. They will be interesting and informative with a local/regional bias (our brains are buzzing with possible ideas!), and will afford an opportunity to meet fellow members. We will periodically ring a change by having An Evening Out With the ACO and Friends and visit buildings or places of local interest in the area, such as The Opera House mentioned in this issue. Price will be modest and we shall seek a convenient central venue with good parking for the talks. There will be more information in the February ACO Matters. Patsy Beeson QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS If you have questions or comments, we would like to receive them and will pass them on to be answered by the appropriate member of the board. If the subject is of general interest, we shall publish the question and answer. Patrick + Dee McGee Sales Representatives We Specialize in Unique Properties Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage mail@mcgees.ca

8 8 ACO Matters November 2012 Major Upcoming Events ACO Christmas Party Thursday Nov. 29th(see p.1) Friends of Wesleyville Village Yuletide Carolling Friday Dec. 7th 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Annual General Meeting Thursday, February 28th, 2013 At the Capitol Theatre Antiques & Artifacts Sunday, April 7th, 2013 Annual Bus Tour: To Napanee & Newburgh Wednesday, April 24th, th Annual Writers & Friends Sunday, November 11, 2012 Trinity College School, Port Hope Charles Foran, Sandra Martin, Marina Nemat, C.S. Richardson Readings, Music, Dinner with Authors, Silent Auction, Selected Live Art Auction Horizons of Friendship x Supporting community development programs in Mesoamerica Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Port Hope Branch Membership Application Name(s): Full Address: Telephone: Annual memberships in the ACO, Port Hope Branch are due each January 1 st. Membership cut-off is July each year. The Port Hope Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is financed through membership fees and voluntary contributions which are tax deductible. Additional funds are raised through the annual House Tour, Biennial Garden Tour, Antiques & Artifacts Auction and other fund raising initiatives. Educational programs, including bus/walking tours of Port Hope and other learning forums are part of our yearly program. Each member is invited to participate in branch and provincial activities. Membership also includes a subscription to Acorn, the provincial ACO publication, and ACO Matters, our Port Hope Chapter publication. Please send your cheque to address below: Individual Membership:...$35.00 Household Membership:...$40.00 Organization Membership:...$45.00 Donation:...$????? ACO Port Hope, Box 563, Port Hope, ON L1A 3Z4 Tel.: Website: etextimage S E R V I C E S As publisher, designer, editor & photographer, let me record your heirlooms, memorabilia, histories & stories! Patricia McCaw, M.Sc. patricia@etextimage.com

The theme of this year s Heritage Conference, held in

1 Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Port Hope Branch Newsletter September 2012 President's Report The theme of this year s Heritage Conference, held in Kingston at the beginning of June, was Beyond