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HomeMy WebLinkAbout297Article, 1 page, taken from CHO newsletter, May 1996, written by David Pickles on the Campbell-McPherson house. "Title: What Fate Awaits a Pickering Survivor Author David Pickles Source: Community Heritage Ontario (CHO) News PHOTOGRAPH: Available What Fate Awaits a Pickering Survivor? Among the mature Norway Spruces, which stand like majestic sentinels, rests the Campbell-McPherson house. Neglected, yet still elegant, the house is today nestled into the corner of a neighbourhood park situated on Lynn Heights Drive, just north of Finch Avenue, in the Town of Pickering. The gracefully proportioned Classical Revival stone farm house has become the centre of a controversy between local subdivision residents and Heritage Pickering (LACAC). In June 1995, the Town Manager reported to Pickering Council that the vacant house is in a deteriorated condition, unsafe, and eyesore. He recommended immediate demolition. Fortunately, a motion by Councillor Enrico Pistritto was carried recommending that Heritage Pickering, a committee on which he sits, be given an opportunity to comment on the matter. Heritage Pickering retained a historical and architectural consultant, Catherine Tredway of Barn Owl Designs. Her investigation found that the original patent appeared to have been issued in 1799 to Alex McQueen, a member of the military. As was then common, McQueen returned to England without making improvements to " "Page 2 the property. The house, typical of that found in the area during the 1830-1860 period, was likely constructed about 1845 by a later owner, Rew James. Tredway's assessment concluded that the residence still boldly exhibits its early Canadian architectural integrity. The stone is of local origin and indicative of the Scottish masonry techniques common in the Pickering area at the time. Attention to details is also shown by the decorated soffit and fascia. A transom lite above the front entry provides an upscale flavour to the entry. Moderate interior renovations have taken place but most of the original floor plan and mouldings are largely intact. It is likely that the facade once featured a flat or gable ended porch. Perhaps occasionally, as the night gave way to dawn, Rew James would sip hot tea between morning chores from that porch. Such opportunities may have been few, for carving-out a proud farm and life of rugged comfort in the 1800s required long hours, brawn, and beast. Heritage Pickering, supporting the consultant's findings, subsequently passed a motion recommending designation of the house under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. In September, they reported to Council that the building has historical significance and is worthy of preservation. Viable long-term options adopted by other municipalities and authorities for retaining and restoring similar houses on their present site were cited. These included, among others, restoration for uses by community groups and lease or sale for residential purposes. Council and town staff also were reminded that retaining and restoring the house on its present site would be consistent with the policies contained within the " "Page 3 Town of Pickering draft Official Plan. Those policies are intended to prevent demolition and support restoration of cultural heritage resources owned by the Town. Also raised was the need for the Town to undertake immediate work to secure the house for the short-term as had been previously directed by Council. "