OPEN DOORS ONTARIO 2013-PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY PART 2

                                     Mount Tabour Community Playhouse-Milton Ontario


OPEN DOORS ONTARIO 2013-PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

PART 2

   Our travels also took us to Mount Tabour Community Playhouse in Milford ON. This playhouse is actually a converted church. The second church to be built on this site went from being a Methodist church to an United church. Dr.Bredin looked after his patients during the day and worked at building the church at night. It was erected between 1865 and 1867 but was closed down as a church a hundred years later. It was then sold to the township for $1 and was to be used as a community centre but sat empty until 1985. Six women met together to come up with entertainment to beat the winter blahs. They decided to make use of this building. With the help of dedicated volunteers, the church was converted into a playhouse. In 1986, it became recognized as a historical site and the home of the Marysburgh Mummers. Mummers have a distinct history. In the past, a group of performers would come to people's home and entertain for food or money. These modern day Mummers have performed many musicals and plays (eg Oliver and Godspell) to entertain the community and its surrounding neighbours. We were privileged to be given a tour by Codie. This enthusiastic 13 year old was very knowledgeable of the playhouse and its history. What struck me most about this girl was the passion and pride you could hear while delivering her informative offerings. It was refreshing to see youth being so committed to something other than TV or video games. You definitely get the feel of community especially when you hear some of the personal antidotes. We met this man who has been with the playhouse since the beginning. He speaks highly of how a community of volunteers came together to convert this church. The project took about 20 years and he states there are always extra projects to do. The one thing you won't hear is complaining. This is a labour of love and the people wouldn't have it any other way!

   Another site that was a labour of love was the Mill House and Barn located at 75 County Road 11 in Picton ON. This site was the home of Athol pioneers Asa and Elizabeth Werden and many generations since that time. Asa Werden and his brother arrived from Vermount. This site was home of the Werden Flour and Grist Mill. The present owners have painstakingly transformed the barn into a magnificent venue for various family functions. They have also been able to preserve the integrity of the home by maintaining the original layout while adding more to create ambiance. There are original furnishings that have been found in the house and on the property. The house now serves as a location for weekly vacation rentals. What a treat it would be to stay in a place that has history in abundance. Another mill that has gone through a transformation is "The Old Feed Mill" located at 326 Second Ave., Wellington ON. This mill was built at the time of the rail line and was a main stay for the development in the village of Wellington during the 20th century. This building first housed the Jerome B. Rice Seed Company that was leased from Wiiliam Pettit Niles from 1903-1916. In 1916, the land was sold to wholesale dealers Hogg and Lytle Limited and stay with them until the mid 1950's. It was then sold to Master Feeds where it remained as a Feed Mill. In 2006 the property was bought by Mark Armstrong who had a new vision for the site. It is now home of Armstrong Glassworks, Conrad Beaubien Studio and the Rotary Club bottle recovery program. Visitors were greeted with the smooth sounding music of a lone musician playing guitar and singing. When you walked into the mill, you were met with a pyramid-like structure of blue bottles. It was set in front of a back opening and gave way to an interesting yet picturesque view. Glass blowing demonstrations were being held throughout the day. The Conrad Beaubien Studios glassworks were displayed and sold to the public. An array of styles and colours tempted the eye. This ended the visits to various venues at Doors Open Prince Edward County. I strongly suggest that people do try to visit Doors Open events in Ontario. You'll never know what you will discover! Be sure to follow the Bob clan as we take in various Doors Open events throughout the season.   

Melissa Richardson-Contributor
Melissa Richardson -"Enjoy the View by Melissa" Photographer

                                   Mount Tabour Communtiy Palyhouse Milford Ontario

                          Mount Tabour Communtiy Playhouse Milford Ontario

                                               Old Feed Mill Wellington Ontario

                                        Old Feed Mill Wellington Ontario