Woodstock

This building was purchased by local Masons in November 1921. After extensive renovations, it was rededicated by the Grand Lodge on January 10, 1923. A 100th anniversary celebration took place this year, conducted by Grand Lodge officers and witnessed by Masons and non-Masons alike. The three Masonic Lodges held here are King Solomon's 43, Oxford 76 and Mercer Wilson 678.

Come and explore the Old Town Hall, constructed in 1853 as Woodstock’s first public market, council chamber and concert hall. Serving later as the fire hall and jail, the building became the home of the Oxford County Museum in 1947. Today, the Woodstock Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary. For Doors Open, take a behind-the-scenes tour of this fascinating site.

The E.J. Coles Company – a local department store – originally occupied this building. In 1928, Coles was sold to Canadian Department Stores (a subsidiary of the T. Eaton Company Ltd.); it remained in business until 1964. Reel Treats is a popcorn and rare-candy shop with a retro soda bar begun by the same couple who run the local drive-in.

This Richardsonian Romanesque-style church was constructed in 1896-97. Cantilever trusses support the coffered ceiling of the main sanctuary. The organ inside was built by D.W. Karn and Company of Woodstock. During Doors Open, come and see the stained-glass restoration project, spearheaded by former members of the decommissioned Chalmers United Church on Vansittart Avenue, displayed in our polygonal rotunda.

Over the years, many businesses have occupied this building. Today, Habitual Chocolate makes chocolate right from the cacao bean. They roast, winnow, grind, temper and mold, using the best-quality ingredients they can get. And the store always smells delicious! During Doors Open, stop by and watch chocolate bars being made, or fruit being dipped. Samples will be available!

The first of its kind in Oxford County, the Brickhouse Brewpub offers onsite brewing, a retail shop and 25 taps of independent Ontario craft beer. This brewpub is housed inside the old Powerhouse, built in 1931 — the only remaining part of the Oxford Regional Centre. The Centre opened in 1905 and served as a hospital for the mentally ill.

The oldest running business in Oxford County, this foundry, established by Robert Whitelaw in 1856, manufactured agricultural machinery — from turbines to cheese-making equipment. In 1958, they diversified their portfolio to include automotive parts. Today, along with their sister company, Whitelaw Trucking, they continue to provide manufacturing, warehousing and transportation. During Doors Open, take a guided tour of the original foundry.

The Oxford EarlyON Child and Family Centre offers free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to six years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from professionals. During Doors Open, come and visit one of Oxford County’s registry buildings, just down the street from the one built in 1875.

About 150 years ago, this timber-frame barn was built using locally sourced stone walls (using mortar with horsehair) and some hand-hewn timbers. There is a hidden room under the barn hill for holding turnips. Around 1900, the barn was expanded. During your Doors Open visit, find out where the expansion occurred. Tours will be run by Ontario Barn Preservation.

Southside Park is the largest park in Woodstock. Opened in 1909, the park is home to many beautiful gardens, walking trails and sports fields. Some of the historical features include the pond (1914), the boathouse and bathing house (1914-18), the pavilion (1918) and the memorial arch (1925). For Doors Open, bring a picnic or wander the gardens and trails.