Culture Days planning is well underway and the public is already getting a small sneak peek of what's to come.
As Halton Hills celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, plans are afoot to let visitors look behind the door of some of the more well-known local landmarks through several "Doors Open" events on Sept. 29.
Many of these places date back to the origins of Georgetown, Acton and all the hamlets in between. Stepping into them will be like walking through a portal to the past.
With almost two dozen locations lined up, here's a sampling of the local open doors to look forward to:
Georgetown
Georgetown Lawn Bowling Club - This landmark at 29 Edith St. officially unveiled its heritage plaque recently, solidifying its historic status for all to see. The log cabin that went on to be the club's home dates back to 1843. It was originally built in Chinguacousy Township, now part of Brampton and Caledon, and was moved to its current location in Georgetown.
Devereaux House - One of Mayor Ann Lawlor's favourite local landmarks, this 19th-century Gothic revival house was restored by the Friends of Devereaux House. The century house located at 11494 Trafalgar Rd., next to the Trafalgar Sports Park, was owned by three generations of the namesake family. The ground floor is decorated in the style of the Victorian era.
Georgetown Armoury - In the past, generations of soldiers and cadets trained at the armoury located on the Georgetown Fairgrounds. But local theatre group Globe Productions saved the former drill shed from demolition over a decade ago after the departure of the army left the building derelict. Much of the structure is original to its past as a place for soldiers to train.
Georgetown Masonic Lodge - Local Masons constructed the building in 1969. It served as a county courthouse at one point in its life. It currently serves as a meeting place for the Credit Valley Shrine Club, Royal Arch Masons and Walker Friendship Lodge, among other groups. It's located at 12 Lindsay Ct.
Acton
Acton Town Hall Centre - One of Halton Hills' earliest seats of power will be open for the public to peruse. Inside, people will learn about its history as a government building, fire department and constable's office, complete with two jail cells. The Acton Town Hall Centre is located at 19 Willow St.
Knox Presbyterian Church - Those who visit Acton's Knox Presbyterian, located at 44 Main St., may learn about how the site used to have a general store, which burnt down and was replaced by the church in 1895. They may also learn about other dates of importance like when the pipe organ was installed in 1925 and what renovations have taken place.
St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church - The local fixture at 19 Saint Alban's Dr. was constructed in 1875, with the parish hall built and named after the Rev. William Luxton in 1951, who died suddenly the following year. The narthex was built in 1985 with money left to the church by the Bennett family.
Hamlets
St. John's Anglican Church - This little white church at 10996 Trafalgar Rd. is the oldest building in the oldest hamlet of Halton Hills, Stewarttown. Visitors can take in its design, which is largely unchanged from its original characteristics. The building is also associated with Bishop John Strachan, one of the heroes of the Battle of York in Toronto.
Glen Williams Town Hall - The brick community hall, located at 1 Prince St., was built in 1871 on land donated by Charles Williams. It's currently the home to the Glen Williams Community Association and is regularly the site of many functions.
St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church - Once finished at the Town Hall, visitors can take a stroll up to 537 Main St. and check out the Glen's St. Alban's Anglican Church, which held its first service in 1903. Since then, it has become a local cultural staple hosting Christmas dinners and at least one centenary.
Kirkpatrick Blacksmith Shop - At 12438 Kirkpatrick Lane in Limehouse, visitors can explore a historic blacksmith shop. It's named after the hamlet's last blacksmith, Sid Kirkpatrick. The building, like many on this list, is older than Canada as it was built in 1857.
St. Paul's Anglican Church and Parish Hall: The church in Norval has been serving local residents since 1847, with the Parish Hall built in 1927. The hall - which is currently home to the Norval Studios and Gallery - has ties to Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery, who directed performances there.
Start times of these Doors Open events vary by location. Visit the Doors Open Ontario website for further details.
For more information on Halton Hills' Culture Days happenings, visit CultureDays.ca.
