Preserving Our Heritage  

The John R. Park Homestead has been welcoming visitors as a museum and conservation area since 1978. Over the past two years, the historic home of John and Amelia Park has undergone an extensive restoration. Now that this once-in-a-lifetime work is nearing completion, we are turning our attention to the unique, original outbuildings that create the authentic homestead experience. 

The Historic Horse Barn 

The Horse Barn is the largest of the heritage structures at the site. It was built in 1882 by the Fox Family and housed horses, agricultural equipment, and related supplies like hay and straw. 

The main floor is divided into two parts: south of the centre door is the threshing floor; north of the centre door there are six single horse stalls and one double or ‘team’ horse stall and an access stairway leading to the upper level/hay mow.  The hay loft features a suspended beam and hay trolley below the ridge of the roof to lift, move, and load/unload hay and straw bales. 

The barn features vertical cedar siding which is lime washed. It is balloon frame construction style and supported upon a field stone foundation.  It includes innovative and charming features, beautiful architectural details, auto-drop feeders from the hay mow above to the mangers in each horse stall, and two hinged stair treads that lift to expose clever spaces for tool and hardware storage. 

Perhaps the most significant human element of the structure is the handwriting from the Fox and Iler family members and others who lived and worked here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These can be found on both the north and south sides of the barn’s centre door and include a farm ‘recipe’, signatures, dates, mathematical calculations, and more! 

Historic barns like this have often been described as ‘the cathedrals of rural Ontario’, and their protection is an important connection to our rural heritage. To ensure that the historic horse barn at the John R. Park Homestead and its important connection to our history is preserved, significant investment is required.  

The Restoration Needs  

The floor in the south section is failing, and some of the joists have powder post beetle damage.  Masonry foundations are needed for the portions of the structure currently founded on wood or loose stone. Compromised beams must be repaired and re-grading around the exterior is required so that the perimeter beam is no longer in contact with soil. All windows need restoration, and new hood moldings and sills which slope to the exterior should be installed. Pieces of siding and trim that have been subject to rot must also be replaced. 

How you can help! 

The detailed engineering and structural review has been completed and identifies that approximately $65,000 of work is needed to restore this magnificent structure for future generations.  

Every dollar matters, and your generous gift this #GivingTuesday will help expand the scope of work that can be undertaken. And, thanks to a matching gift from Lakeland Homes and Foundation Past President Claire Wales, gifts of up to $15,000 this #GivingTuesday will be matched, allowing you to double your impact!  

Please give generously to help restore the horse barn and ensure this precious community resource can be protected forever. 

Ps – Love it? Protect it forever! A gift in your will can have a tremendous impact in ensuring the Homestead will be here for generations to come!