A couple of weekends ago we headed out to visit some of our province’s historic buildings as part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario 2012. It’s a great chance to see some of our beautiful and charming buildings that might not be open to the public the rest of the year.
One of my favourite buildings we visited was the Hillary House and Koffler Museum of Medicine. This beautiful Gothic Revival was built in the 1860s’ and was the home and office to four prominent physicians during the 1800s and early 1900s.
Instead of just offering a traditional tour, the Aurora Historical Society offered up a Scavenger Hunt contest, where you could submit pictures from a long list of “favourites” – Your favourite green object, your favourite textile, your favourite ceramic, etc. What a great idea to get people involved! I found that it had us stop looking at the rooms as a whole and start to really get in and explore the details while we found things on the list.
Like our Favourite Medical Instrument – a device that removed tonsils. I have to say I’m glad I had mine removed with modern instruments because these things looked scary.
Favourite Textile – These intricate tablecloths caught my eye, but the most interesting about this room was all the vintage board games. Parcheesi, anyone?
Favourite Green Item – Look at those plates up there! I’ve never seen such a bright shade of green in a historical home.
Favourite Picture Frame – This actually wasn’t my favourite, but it was the only picture with enough light to take a proper photo of. Old homes are dark!
Favourite Musical Instrument – A lovely old piano, nestled in beside a massive radio. I could see this being a popular room in the house.
Favourite Decorative Box – Laura Secord Chocolates! I didn’t realize they had been around for that long.
Favourite Architectural Detail – This was a really hard one to pick, because there were so many little details that I loved, but I’d have to choose the intricate patterns on the bargeboards along the roof line. They remind me of a gingerbread house dripping with icing.
Favourite Things Made of Wood – The barn! Although we couldn’t go inside, I stuck my camera in for a peek.
Favourite Tree Stump – This massive thing was in the back gardens….and about 2 minutes later we ran into a rather large raccoon, so we decided to visit other areas of the garden…
Picture of your family in your favourite room – we chose the side porch because our favourite space was outside. Such beautiful grounds to just sit out and enjoy. (And yes, I propped my camera up on my backpack in the garden to get this photo).
There are more historical buildings and trail systems open every weekend throughout the province of Ontario. Whether you live here or are planning to visit this summer, check out Doors Open Ontario.
Gorgeous! It has been a while since I’ve had a chance to visit Ontario…will have to get a passport now!
Great tour! I’ll have to add this one to my list. My sister will love it too, as she’s a nurse.