November 2024 Newsletter

With the help of a Regional SDG Tourism grant, we were able to hire a slate of musicians for eight “Summer Sundays” to help draw attention to our beautiful Glengarry destination. Similar to last year, the downstairs of the 1808 house was open Sundays from 1:00-4:30, but with these excellent concerts available, people brought chairs and enjoyed the free entertainment (from 2:00-4:00) wherever they felt most comfortable—on the lawn, on the porch, or even indoors when the weather dictated. Some of these groups are shown here.

Rachel and Gabrielle Campbell with Marc Lantier

Paddy Kelly (centre) with Stewarts Glen: Dan Leroux on bass guitar, Al Love playing the accordion, and Noel Campbell (hidden) on keyboard.

Interior photo of Heather Flipsen and Noel Campbell, August 4

For what turned out to be a warm, “coffee-house” experience (during a thunder storm!) are Heather Flipsen and Noel Campbell, again on keyboard.

One of those weekends was also Doors Open. On Saturday alone we had 70 guests tour the Bishop’s House, many from Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Finally, we are so honoured to have received more elegant furnishings (comfortable settees and matching chairs), courtesy of Elaine & Larry Gareau of the Brown House, and Lise & Gerry Maurice of Lancaster.

On September 15, over forty people came to hear Ginette G. Mayer introduce the Glengarry women she features in her The Women of SDG & Akwesasne: True Stories of Extraordinary Lives: Edith Rayside, Dorothy Dumbrille, and Annie MacDonald Langstaff.

It’s an Iona connection that prompted Elaine MacDonald (centre right) to ask if the launch could be here. Annie Langstaff, born in 1887, graduated with first-class honours in Civil Law from McGill, the first woman to do so. But… she was never allowed to write the Quebec Bar exams. Mary, her only child, became beloved Mother Andrea, the bursar at Iona. There, she quietly compiled a scrapbook about Annie’s long struggle; it can be seen at McGill’s Law Faculty.

Ginny Winn, Brenda Baxter (President of the Trust), Elaine MacDonald, Ginette Guy Mayer (author), Barbara Summers. Photo courtesy of Jo Sheppard, member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Cornwall and District, and Past President and Chair of Media Liaison Committee.

Left to right, Ginny Winn (holding Ginette’s book), Brenda Baxter, Elaine MacDonald, author Ginette Guy Mayer, and Barbara Summers. Photo courtesy of Jo Sheppard.

After months of delay caused by the complexities of the ramp-to-lift design change and pricing inflation, the Accessible Back Veranda is now coming along nicely. Franklin General Contracting is working on the framing stage here (below), but they began by excavating the wall, waterproofing, and then filling redundant openings with concrete.

One such opening can be seen here. Originally a basement window, they first needed to frame it, then they filled it with three feet of concrete (the wall’s thickness). Once dry, the concrete was parged.

Photo by B. Baxter

When excavating for the lift’s foundation (about 7 feet down), the Franklins came across a substantial cistern. Its cover is a poignant reminder of the many who worked to bring higher education closer to our families.

Photo by Lily Lanken

Photo by B. Baxter

Rental Agreements Now Available

When clients’ circumstances suit the spaces we have available, they can now reserve event dates. Our first client happened to be the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. They held their Annual Pastoral Picnic (for 70) here on June 21. Next May, we will be hosting our first wedding reception.

As more visitors come, there is increasing awareness of the building’s potential. Such was the case with M. O’Neill from South Glengarry who generously donated the exquisite Regency table (below), after first seeing the House this summer.

Resting on that table now is a drawing by local artist Ross McLean (below), depicting the property circa 1818, after Macdonell had added the log building for Iona College. (At that time, classes were for boys only.) Note that the 1808 House had only two storeys. A third floor was created later, in the early 1900s, by changing to a mansard roof with dormer windows. This additional space allowed the Sisters of Holy Cross to have a comfortable place to teach, and to have girls as boarders.

Maureen O'Neil's 18th century Regency table gift - Photo by B. Baxter

Illustration by local artist Ross McLean of the original Georgian stone house (circa 1818) and the small College of Iona next door.

Drawing by Ross McLean

How can you help keep our momentum going?

send a donation (they can be monthly cheques) by mail, or use PayPal
make it easy for your kids around birthdays or Christmas by asking for a Fencibles donation in your name
host a fun gathering, and donate the proceeds (see ad below)
talk to your lawyer about a future bequest
volunteer your time and expertise (613-931-2022 )

