Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Loyalist Township

in-person event information

Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Loyalist Township is excited to be participating again in Doors Open Ontario!

Come and spend the day discovering some local history first-hand and celebrate our community's heritage.

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Contact information

17 In-person Doors Open sites

Amherst Island's Dry Stone WallsDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Amherst Island's Dry Stone Walls

When Irish settlers migrated to Amherst Island, they brought a unique way of building walls: the technique is called dry-stacking. Using technical knowledge and skills, these Irish immigrants layered stones without the use of mortar. Instead, gravity is the glue that holds these stone walls together. The tradition of constructing and maintaining these walls has continued to this day.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

14775 Front Road (Topsy Farms)
Stella, Amherst Island, Ontario
Email: amherst4615@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: 2015

Architect: John Bland and Patrick McAfee

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Babcock MillDoors Open Loyalist Township

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Babcock Mill

Constructed in 1856, this mill was originally owned by the Booth family. It was intended to be a gristmill but because the railway transported cheaper flour, it became part of the family’s woollen mill instead. In 1907, the mill was sold to the Babcock family who used it to make beautiful baskets. Today, the mill is owned by Loyalist Township.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

100 Bridge Street
Odessa, Ontario
Email: ltee@loyalist.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1856

Architect: Saul Brothers

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Bath Museum and Visitor CentreDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Bath Museum and Visitor Centre

Explore Bath's history at the Bath Museum during Doors Open Loyalist Township. Since its construction in 1861, this building has served as the town hall, courthouse, municipal office, auction house, concert hall, Royal Canadian Legion hall and sports venue. Discover exhibits showcasing pre-colonial times to the Second World War, including First Nations archaeology, artifacts and war memorabilia.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1861
Building type: Museum
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Bath United ChurchDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Bath United Church

Discover the history of Bath United Church during Doors Open Loyalist Township! Constructed in 1812, it has been in continuous use since September 30, 1849. The church, inspired by Sir Christopher Wren's classical parish church design, showcases remarkable beauty. Unveil the church's captivating story and architectural heritage.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1849
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Fairfield HouseDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Fairfield House

Come and explore this house’s magnificent architecture. Built in 1793, Fairfield House preserves the building skills of the Loyalist settlers who arrived in eastern Ontario in 1784. The house offers one of the best-preserved late-18th-century buildings in Ontario. During Doors Open, admire the waterfront building while learning about the Fairfield family and early Loyalist settlers.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

4574 Bath Road
Amherstview, Ontario
Email: fairfield1793@gmail.com
http://fairfieldhomestead.ca/index2021.html

Architecture

Year built: 1793
Building type: Historical house
Architect: William Fairfield Sr.

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Layer Cake HallDoors Open Loyalist Township

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Layer Cake Hall

Come and experience the unique architecture of Layer Cake Hall. Built in 1859, it was originally commissioned by the Mechanics’ Institute. Over the years, it has passed through different owners and has served various functions. Now owned by Loyalist Township, it houses the Lennox and Addington County Library, Bath Branch. Join the library staff for a fun day!

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1859
Building type: Library

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Loyalist Township Fire and Emergency ServicesDoors Open Loyalist Township

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Loyalist Township Fire and Emergency Services

Visit the Amherstview Fire Hall during Doors Open Loyalist Township! The Emergency Services Department — formed in 1998 — protects 340 square kilometres (131 square miles) and 17,000 residents through four fire stations. Witness firefighters in action and explore the historical 1962 King Seagrave Pumper, which will be onsite showcasing its service over the years. Don't miss this rare opportunity!

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

363 Amherst Drive
Amherstview, Ontario
https://www.loyalist.ca/en/living-in-loyalist/fire-and-emergency-services.aspx

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Neilson Store Museum and Cultural CentreDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre

From 1883 until 1976, the Neilson Store served Amherst Islanders with all their basic necessities. After it closed in 1976, there were multiple changes in ownership until the building, newly renovated dock and grounds were sold to Loyalist Township to become the Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre. Come and learn more about the history of the store.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

5220 Front Road
Stella, Amherst Island, Ontario
Email: admin@neilsonstoremuseum.ca
https://neilsonstoremuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1883
Building type: Commercial Museum
Architect: James S. Neilson

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Second Chance RanchDoors Open Loyalist Township

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Second Chance Ranch

The Second Chance Ranch is a beautiful farm that is committed to the rehabilitation of animals of all breeds — addressing behaviours and training challenges — to improve the quality of their lives, with the ultimate goal being their forever home or re-homing. Come and experience the positive and friendly environment and visit with the animals!

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

6038 County Road 2
Odessa, Ontario
Email: secondchanceranchcanada@gmail.com
https://www.2ndchanceranch.net

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

St. Alban's Anglican Church, OdessaDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Alban's Anglican Church, Odessa

This stone church was originally built for the Methodist Episcopal congregation. Prominent local stonemasons, brothers William and Hugh Saul, had been contracted to complete the project. Construction began in 1870 and was completed by early 1871. The building’s structure remains 11 by 18 metres (36 by 60 feet), while the tower is four by 12 metres (13 by 41 feet).

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1871
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: William and Hugh Saul

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

St. Peter's Anglican ChurchDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Peter's Anglican Church

Reverend James Peter Scanlon formed an Anglican congregation in the late 1950s. This congregation purchased land for a new church that was officially opened on May 1, 1959. After being partnered to various Anglican parishes, St. Peter’s became its own parish on July 1, 1979. Learn more about this church and its history during Doors Open Loyalist Township.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

4333 Bath Road
Kingston, Ontario
Email: stpeters.anglicanchurch1@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: 1956
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Topsy FarmsDoors Open Loyalist Township

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Topsy Farms

Topsy Farms was purchased in 1972 and the owners formed a commune called the Headlands Community. Over time, they purchased machinery, hay, new fencing and farm animals. Today, it is a popular tourist destination offering hiking trails, farmyard activities, events, workshops and classes. Come and see the site for yourself. Also the demonstration site for Amherst Island’s Dry Stone Walls.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

14755 Front Road
Stella, Amherst Island, Ontario
Email: info@topsyfarms.com
https://www.topsyfarms.com

Architecture

Year built: Established in 1972
Building type: Farm

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Trinity Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Trinity Presbyterian Church

Until the late 1960s, the Amherstview Community Presbyterian Church hosted services in the Amherstview Public School. Following fundraising efforts, a new building was constructed, which opened on September 29, 1968. As part of the construction, local craftsman Jack Snelgrove built a stunning wooden sanctuary. During Doors Open, learn more about this church and marvel at its magnificent architecture.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

9 Manitou Crescent West
Amherstview, Ontario
http://www.pccweb.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1968
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: E. Sullivan

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Wilton CemeteryDoors Open Loyalist Township

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Wilton Cemetery

The first grave in this cemetery was dug in 1813 for David Henry Pultz, who lived in the area from 1775-1813. Wilton's original founders and descendants of United Empire Loyalists are buried here. The cemetery features several monuments with unique symbols that indicate connections to God. There is still much left unknown about who exactly is buried here.

  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

251 Simmons Road (southeast corner of Fisk and Simmons roads)
Wilton, Ontario
https://www.facebook.com/groups/714268392280040

Architecture

Year built: Established in 1813
Building type: Cemetery

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Wilton CenotaphDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Wilton Cenotaph

Unveiled on August 17, 1920, this cenotaph honours five members of the local community who passed away in the First World War: Walter Bush, William R. Davy, Herbert Blanchflower, James Hutchison and Harry Smooth. Walter Bush, a survivor of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, later died when struck by enemy artillery. Come and discover the area's First World War history.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1841 Fisk Road (at the corner of Simmons and Fisk roads)
Wilton, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1920

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Wilton Cheese FactoryDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Wilton Cheese Factory

Since 1867, the Wilton Cheese Factory has been a hub of cheese production. In 1921, a farmers’ co-operative took over, ramping up production to 226,800 kilograms (500,000 pounds) annually. In 1978, Arne M. Jensen purchased the factory, where they still continue the old-world curing process. Visit during Doors Open Loyalist Township to explore their history and savour their renowned cheese!

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

287 Simmons Road
Odessa, Ontario
https://www.wiltoncheese.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1942 (original 1902 structure destroyed by fire)
Building type: Commercial Food and drink
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17

Wilton ChurchDoors Open Loyalist Township

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Wilton Church

The Wilton Church was built in the late 1800s. In 1963 and 1975, the church underwent renovations, drastically altering the church's interior and exterior. In 2004, the church decided to merge with the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Canada. Today, it continues as an active church, offering programs to all ages. Come and learn more about this church's unique history.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

242 Simmons Road
Wilton, Ontario
Email: wiltonchurch@kos.net
https://www.wiltonchurch.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1898
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

Jun 17 - Jun 17