05-12-100

Report of Heritage Oshawa

Heritage Oshawa respectfully reports and recommends to the Development Services Committee its Second Report

1 Robert Mitchell - Request for Materials for Barn Restoration (HTG-12-20)

Recommendation

Pursuant to Correspondence HTG-12-20 whereas Robert Mitchell of Sunderland appeared as a delegation before the Heritage Oshawa Designation Working Group along with heritage architect Peter Stokes to request permission to salvage stone from the Magner-Robson house and stalls and other material from the barn on that property and

Whereas Robert Mitchell has a heritage home in Sunderland and a heritage barn he has salvaged from another farm and

Whereas it is his intention to incorporate these materials into the re-erection of the heritage barn and

Whereas Robert Mitchell is willing to use his own contractor to remove and transport everything list below in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation demolition contractor and

Whereas Robert Mitchell has been in discussions with Winston Wong of the Ministry of Transportation about the salvageable items and understands the requirements regarding the removal of the material from the property

Therefore be it resolved that Heritage Oshawa recommends to City Council that Robert Mitchell be permitted to salvage the following materials from the MagnershyRobson property including but not exclusive to

From the Magner-Robson barn

~ Components integral to the functioning of the horse stalls including wooden and metal partitions support posts doors and hinges and

~ Exterior barn hay and machinery access doors including track hardware and

~ Interior barnstable passageway doors both hinged and sliding and

~ Exterior ground level doors used for stable access and egress by people and livestock and

~ The built-in storage cabinet in the tack room and

~ Selected timbers from the barn structure and

244

From the Magner-Robson house

~ The exterior fieldstone veneer especially the rectangular shaped fieldstone from the southerly front of the house and

~ The credit valley stone from the patio and retaining walls from the front terrace and landscaping

2 Mark Morissette - Designation Proposal Submission for Windfield Farm (HTG-12-16)

Recommendation

Whereas Heritage Oshawa received Correspondence HTG-12-16 dated January 22 2012 from Mark Morissette requesting Heritage Oshawa consider designation of Windfields Farm and

Whereas the property and gravesites referred to in Correspondence HTG-12-16 are owned by the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology

Therefore be it resolved that staff be requested to contact the University of Ontario Institute of Technology to determine heritage memorial plans for Northern Dancers cemetery and the immediate surrounding structures

3 Direction of City Council - University of Ontario Institute of Technology shyEmergency Repairs to the Heritage Attributes of the Regent Theatre (HTG-12-29)

Recommendation

That Heritage Oshawa concurs with the direction of City Council of March 192012 with regards to the emergency ceiling repairs at the Regent Theatre on the revised terms and conditions proposed by UOIT

245

HTG-12-20

S 14 (1) Municipal Freedom of I~formation and protectIon Ms Cathy Clarke

of Privacy ActChair Heritage Oshawa - MHC 50 Centre Street South Oshawa Ontario L1H 3Z7

January 30 2012

Dear Cathy I am writing to update you on the status of our heritage barn restoration and to

request your Committees help

This fall we had the opportunity to rescue a very early barn located in Unionville built by its first settlers the Eckhardt family The barn was slated for demolition because it was in the midst of a housing development As you may recall from my previous letters our plan had been to restore our existing barn however we had lingering doubts as to whether this was a prudent decision given the extensive damage it had sustained from an earlier fire Since the Eckhardt barn was well preserved and had fine workmanship we decided guided by Peter Stokes to change course and undertake to dismantle and move it even though we had no experience in how to go about it other than knowing it was the right thing to do

At this point the timbers and other components are being stored under a temporary enclosure while we search for the materials to reconstruct it Our most pressing need as I indicated previously is a supply of split field stone for a 9 perimeter foundation wall and we also need exterior and interior doors of various types as well as horse stalls including partitions doors and hardware

Knowing how hard it Js to secure salvage materials outside of profiteer sources the building demolition associated with the 407 extension is a rare opportunity to turn up heritage building materials that would take years to find In order to secure a supply for our barn restoration my hqpe is that you and your Committee would feel inclined to send a letter supporting our efforts to Mr Winston Wong of MTO encouraging him to direct materials to us My overarching concern is that without your Committees support it may not be possible to assemble what is needed in order to proceed

To give you a sense of our commitment to this project I have enclosed photographs of the dismantling process as well as Peter Stokes report hoping that this will confirm that this restoration is worthy of your support

Peter Stokes and I would be happy to meet with you and your Committee to discuss the restoration if that would be helpful Should you need Winston Wongs contact details please let me know

Thank you for your consideration I look forward to hearing from you

Yours truly

~-~ Robert MitGh~1I s 14 (1) Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection ofPrivacy Act

246

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JIl 11

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Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

From the Magner-Robson house

~ The exterior fieldstone veneer especially the rectangular shaped fieldstone from the southerly front of the house and

~ The credit valley stone from the patio and retaining walls from the front terrace and landscaping

2 Mark Morissette - Designation Proposal Submission for Windfield Farm (HTG-12-16)

Recommendation

Whereas Heritage Oshawa received Correspondence HTG-12-16 dated January 22 2012 from Mark Morissette requesting Heritage Oshawa consider designation of Windfields Farm and

Whereas the property and gravesites referred to in Correspondence HTG-12-16 are owned by the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology

Therefore be it resolved that staff be requested to contact the University of Ontario Institute of Technology to determine heritage memorial plans for Northern Dancers cemetery and the immediate surrounding structures

3 Direction of City Council - University of Ontario Institute of Technology shyEmergency Repairs to the Heritage Attributes of the Regent Theatre (HTG-12-29)

Recommendation

That Heritage Oshawa concurs with the direction of City Council of March 192012 with regards to the emergency ceiling repairs at the Regent Theatre on the revised terms and conditions proposed by UOIT

245

HTG-12-20

S 14 (1) Municipal Freedom of I~formation and protectIon Ms Cathy Clarke

of Privacy ActChair Heritage Oshawa - MHC 50 Centre Street South Oshawa Ontario L1H 3Z7

January 30 2012

Dear Cathy I am writing to update you on the status of our heritage barn restoration and to

request your Committees help

This fall we had the opportunity to rescue a very early barn located in Unionville built by its first settlers the Eckhardt family The barn was slated for demolition because it was in the midst of a housing development As you may recall from my previous letters our plan had been to restore our existing barn however we had lingering doubts as to whether this was a prudent decision given the extensive damage it had sustained from an earlier fire Since the Eckhardt barn was well preserved and had fine workmanship we decided guided by Peter Stokes to change course and undertake to dismantle and move it even though we had no experience in how to go about it other than knowing it was the right thing to do

At this point the timbers and other components are being stored under a temporary enclosure while we search for the materials to reconstruct it Our most pressing need as I indicated previously is a supply of split field stone for a 9 perimeter foundation wall and we also need exterior and interior doors of various types as well as horse stalls including partitions doors and hardware

Knowing how hard it Js to secure salvage materials outside of profiteer sources the building demolition associated with the 407 extension is a rare opportunity to turn up heritage building materials that would take years to find In order to secure a supply for our barn restoration my hqpe is that you and your Committee would feel inclined to send a letter supporting our efforts to Mr Winston Wong of MTO encouraging him to direct materials to us My overarching concern is that without your Committees support it may not be possible to assemble what is needed in order to proceed

To give you a sense of our commitment to this project I have enclosed photographs of the dismantling process as well as Peter Stokes report hoping that this will confirm that this restoration is worthy of your support

Peter Stokes and I would be happy to meet with you and your Committee to discuss the restoration if that would be helpful Should you need Winston Wongs contact details please let me know

Thank you for your consideration I look forward to hearing from you

Yours truly

~-~ Robert MitGh~1I s 14 (1) Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection ofPrivacy Act

246

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JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

HTG-12-20

S 14 (1) Municipal Freedom of I~formation and protectIon Ms Cathy Clarke

of Privacy ActChair Heritage Oshawa - MHC 50 Centre Street South Oshawa Ontario L1H 3Z7

January 30 2012

Dear Cathy I am writing to update you on the status of our heritage barn restoration and to

request your Committees help

This fall we had the opportunity to rescue a very early barn located in Unionville built by its first settlers the Eckhardt family The barn was slated for demolition because it was in the midst of a housing development As you may recall from my previous letters our plan had been to restore our existing barn however we had lingering doubts as to whether this was a prudent decision given the extensive damage it had sustained from an earlier fire Since the Eckhardt barn was well preserved and had fine workmanship we decided guided by Peter Stokes to change course and undertake to dismantle and move it even though we had no experience in how to go about it other than knowing it was the right thing to do

At this point the timbers and other components are being stored under a temporary enclosure while we search for the materials to reconstruct it Our most pressing need as I indicated previously is a supply of split field stone for a 9 perimeter foundation wall and we also need exterior and interior doors of various types as well as horse stalls including partitions doors and hardware

Knowing how hard it Js to secure salvage materials outside of profiteer sources the building demolition associated with the 407 extension is a rare opportunity to turn up heritage building materials that would take years to find In order to secure a supply for our barn restoration my hqpe is that you and your Committee would feel inclined to send a letter supporting our efforts to Mr Winston Wong of MTO encouraging him to direct materials to us My overarching concern is that without your Committees support it may not be possible to assemble what is needed in order to proceed

To give you a sense of our commitment to this project I have enclosed photographs of the dismantling process as well as Peter Stokes report hoping that this will confirm that this restoration is worthy of your support

Peter Stokes and I would be happy to meet with you and your Committee to discuss the restoration if that would be helpful Should you need Winston Wongs contact details please let me know

Thank you for your consideration I look forward to hearing from you

Yours truly

~-~ Robert MitGh~1I s 14 (1) Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection ofPrivacy Act

246

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2J5

256

~

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bull (

257

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JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

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257

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JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

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248

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254

2J5

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257

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JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

248

249

250

254

2J5

256

~

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bull (

257

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JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

249

250

254

2J5

256

~

I

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bull (

257

I

I ~

JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

250

254

2J5

256

~

I

I

bull (

257

I

I ~

JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

254

2J5

256

~

I

I

bull (

257

I

I ~

JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

2J5

256

~

I

I

bull (

257

I

I ~

JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

256

~

I

I

bull (

257

I

I ~

JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

~

I

I

bull (

257

I

I ~

JIl 11

I

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

Relocation of tne Eckhardt Barn Kennedy Road Nortli of Unionville

froposed New Site

Reekie~itchell Farm 18025 Brock Road Sunderland Ontario

First Impressions ~

fie Eckhardt Ram ~as conspicuously located at the crest of a gelltly middotrising hill above Sixteenth Avenue 1n the Town of Markham the

land falling off slowly behind~ The structure was a simple gabled shape

~ome 62 t 1O from east to west oymiddot 40t~7tt including the slightly later

leanto addition on it~south flank the stone foundation encompassing

bothmiddotparts~ the main barn some 33 t -0 deep The height was also impressive

abeUt 19 2 ~Eom underside of s-illto lower line of eaves 32-0 or so

from underside of sill to top of ridge

First impressins of its lofty interior were breathtaking its

simp~e dignity notable its timfierwork massive and mostly hand-hewn

including the rafters of its main roof It created a strong feeling of a

very early structure consummately executed and strangely evocativ8of

the Sconarie barns of Eastern Onta-r10~ss t1lL1l3ttated1bybhetwo saved inmiddot

upper Canada Villa$~

The main postsmiddot Were large square hewn members ( 12 X 12 ) the

braces long perhaps longer than nODDal and generously supplied to the

main bents l four in numb~r at Doth ends and on either side of the

threshing floor a wider nave across t~e centre depth with two

additional posts on front and back walls The frame presents therefore

a five-oay design The gable-end cents also have a centre post extended

~n a slighter member to support the shaped ridge pole the full length of

the building this member a trapezoid shape with inclined sides at right

angles to the roof slope into which the rafters were framed and fastened

~astenfngs ~e wooden trunnels or pegs driven flusn and olinde i e not

protruding through the supporting memoer 1 An intricate bracing system at

the centre of the south roof slope with wide braces at the oase to the

roofliplate and more conventional size at the ridge served to reinfofce ~~

the centre position for a hayfork

2 ~ bullbull

~

259

i

- 2

The measuremet and record of the structure were undertaken by Sc

Scott Tripp and a colleague with attendant photographic coverage including

detail Robert Mitchell the new Owner also tooK copious photographs as

the dismantling proceenee and the writer too took seme record of tlis

Finished drawings are expected shortly and sketches made available to

facilitate marking and numoeringof structural members

Dismantling

The dismantling of the barn was in the capable hands of Bill

Keaton t an expert in heavy timber framing with consideraole experience in

taRihg down re~recting and also the creating of new such structures He

was assisted on the project hy Eugene Mlller~ and this team was

occasionally with additional but infrequent help its tasK made possible

by various pieces of equipment including a cherry-picker and several

species of crane including a piece with a long boom to lift off the high

and full length members where a sling was also necessary

The oarn frame after its full dismantling and separation~ has

Deen delivered to its new location but still requires a roofed shed

enclosure to protect the carefully st04ed and stieked timber permitting

full ventilation from the weather this is expected shortly

The dismantling procedure was accomplished without ahitch t

complicated though many actions were including the sling~lifting of the

riClge pole after the roof rafter sy~tem was dismantled fully and then I ~

the wall Dents taken down as units to be further drawn apart on the ground

The main summer beam a large hewn piece in a single 62~1O length also

was moved intact The wnole operatjJon was impressive the jobvery competently

handled One would look forward to the oarns re-erection at its new site

~by the salJle team~

Detailed Description of tne Structure and Finish

On its original site the barns structure was particularly

interesting with som~ strange and subtie allowances for practical

considerations Tlie main barn frame 1 as cesclibed previously was handshy

liewn very carefully squared with neatly fashioned morticed and tenoned

I b usually shouldered into a shallow notchjoints the horizonta mem ers

260

- 3 shy

in the vertical the joint fastened together arid secured by a drivenmiddotmiddotblind

wooden peg or trunnel This last required careful drilling out before the

frame could be pulled apart

Galile-end Bents consisted of end posts and high cross oeam

however fie low the roof plate a centre post and two shorter oeams at halftlgtthe

height framed between these three posts all well braced to verticals The

centre postt in a less substantial size was extended first to a low

collar tte near the base of the rafters and above this to support the end

of the lioatoooshaped ridge pole or 6eam forming the peak of the roof structure

These elaoorate oents like the posts were middottenoned~into the sills

The lients flanking th~central slightly wider threshing floor and

entrance location alao had a higher beam braced to the end posts and mertpoundced all~ance for a centre supporting post also braced and lower

contaU1e) liea1l1s at aoout fence height Both centre post with its Braces and

lower crosmiddotsmiddot 6eams had Deen removed from these threshing floor bents possibly

accompani~g conversion of the upper level to hay and straw storage

The intermediate front and rear wall posts to the main barn had

no joining cross beams but were braced to the wall structure

In the south-west quadrant of the upper level was a low wood-

lined granary with flat roof but walled in an elaborately braced hewn timber

structure possibly relocated and believed to have been part of an

intermediate Iupport system for the upper hay mows contemplated in what is

believed to have been the original grade barn concept to be described later

Such hay mows would have been floored most likely by a series of cross oles

laid down loose~y at fairly close spacings the hay straggling through between

in loose strand= towards the animal stable or byre below and tempting no

doubt its occupants to pull it down and eat it as a matter of course

TIle roof last in a lowribsheet metal was fastened to cross

liat tensmiddot spaced apart and looking like tlie makings of a three-ply wood shingle

roof fastening system~ very much like the batten roofs of Mennonite origin

still seen in early Waterloo County houses and incidentally creating

the ideal wood shingle roof

The wall cladding was asingle thickness of wide (12+-~ boards

_Howaver at the end gables a special accommodation was made in the end bent

frames where the 1lpper heam plojected 1 or so beyond the posts with a

groove to fit the lower range ofloarding ~and the upper range of cladding

to overlap for better weathering- a very nice touch on the framers part

4 bullbull f

~6 1

- 4 shy

There were no battens OVer the joints the edge-to~edge boarding shri~king over time and weather to provide adequate ventilation of the barn but also

making the east end vulnerable to driving rains from middotthat direction The

cladding had heen renewed as autographed in 1950 or so possibly at the

barnts half life

The Illain tloor ahove tIle lower level was a massive system middot6pound handshy

hewn beams of above~average size at fairly close spacings carrying a 3rt thick

deck originally but not much of this surviving intact in good condition

A narrow steep stair rose from beside a south~side lower entrance to the main

level above~ but beside the extension of the threshing floor into the l~ter

Across the south end of the original main barn shortly after its

completion was added a narrow lean~to similarly but more lightly and

crudely framed including pole rafters instead of the more carefully fsshioned

Jiewn1Ilembers of the main banl and curioully the lower girt framed at a

slight slope down towards the back The roof at a pitch similar to the main

Earn was however not in a continuous line but started just under the

rear eaves

The stone foundation curiously enough did not appear to predate

the superimposed timber structure and included too the southside1e~n-to

foreover oddly the barn has a double sil1~ e~lainedmiddotby sOme there at the

site as possibly being used to lift the ~tructure or at least hold it

while the foundationwas being built under it However another explanation

is put forward in a possible interpretation of the barns evolution in

concept and execution

An Interpretation of the Eckhardt Barnls Original Concept and Evolution

5 bullbull bull

262

It wou1dappear that the Eckhardt Barn in company with its

conteniponiries and llost e~rl_y carns of mixed farms was simply conceived as

an on-grade structure of a single level very much like the Scoharie barns

illustrated by those in Upper Canada Village with main central threshing

floor and flanking animal space on either side with hay mows above and a

specia~ lined granary set aside in a conveniently accessible corner In the

Scoharte Darns already noted this comprised a high wide central nave with

roof slope continuing downwards to enclose lower side alsles

5middot~middot

In the Eckhardt Barn plan however t the threshing floor occupied

the throughcentne cross portion a double depth space on either side towards

tne ends of the building for animal housing with storage mows abovevirtually

the reverse arrangement to the Scoharie where often the entrance was from

the end rather than the side (though one of the UCV barns has a side entrance

the internal arrangement is much the same inside )

As a grade barn the Eckhardt building on its hillcrest site would

_haye Men prominently located its simple majestic mass a dominant feature of

the gently sloping farm very i~ressive indeed The small log house to the

south~est would have been dwarfed by it Trying to increase capacity it would seem it appears the so~th-

side lean-to addition was constructed albeit not to the very high standard

of the original Then local farming apparently took a new direction the

mixed self-contained farm giving gradually away to specialization particularly

to cattle farming which this fertile establishment would have leant itself

only too readily Accommod~tionfor livestock was much nee~ed and could be

quite easily made available close to its original location by creating a

side-hill composite with lower level stabling and low bank to the main north

entrance the south side of the new enclosure with access to the interior

for animals and farmhands

However the grade barn had no floor of its own or at best

sleepers on earth supporting a wood floor for animal housing Hence a newmiddot

~loor structure was ~equired built with an additional peripheral ~ill the

double sill alluded to into which were framed heavy hewn beams at fairly

close spacing supporting the new plank deck for -the upper level Incidentally

the extension was similarly provided in superior framing akin to the original

Darn and quite possibly by the same hands

Then a new foundation of fieldstone was constructed around the

whole perimeter to support the enlarged barn This would appear to satisfy

as an explanation of the Eckhardt Barnrs early evolution The stone

foundation was nothing exceptional l just moderately sized stones and

houlders from the field laid in a random pattern with a few larger stones

at main corners and occasionally at door and windowmiddotmiddotopenings these last

sparse in size and number The Eckhardt Barn must have been an early

example of the bank barn a type to become an almost universal facility in

the growing agricultural field~

6bullbullbullbull -

263

Adaptation and Modifications Proposed in the Re-erection of the Eckhardt BFlrn

Though theorientation and twoleve1 arrangement of the oarn will

De maintained in its re-erection at the ReeldeMitchell Farm on Brocle Road

near Sunderland certain modifications are being contemplated to fit it to

its renewed function The site will be roughly similar- a hillcrest position

Eue with slightly steeper bank entrance to the north side and a modified

lower lavel clear height (excepting summer beam) of 9 Ot bull

In addition the lower level layout and accommodation will be

considerabTy altered to provide shelter for horses J includtng an open

section along part of the south sidet A stao1e with a few large stalls and

an accompanying feed room tack room and small carriage space

alongside are planned for the western two thirds the balance for equipment w lt1lt

The lay~ut~ particuladv the stfble areats still much in the -preliminary

stage The e8terior will also be modified slightly both in form and finish

For the form first the roof of the first leanto addition will be dropped

to permit narrow windows to give south light to the main barn interior and

a second dropped roof and wider extension built t6 provide the open shelter

referred to earlier and also narrow south~facing windows to give light to

the interior~ To provide access from the main barn hay storage to the paddock

a small thay passage I is planned with south--end doors overlooking the lower r

area

The finish too and elevations are to be slightly modified

basieally in the insertion of long relativelr narrow windows to give the

main Darn some daylightingl as well as views out in some instances The

finish principally the Single board of generouswidth applied directly

to the frame will be used~ out the east end for better weatherp~oof~ng~ may

have battens added Also for appearance facinS the house battens may be

applied to the west end Otherwise the edge-joined board will be left on the

north and what remains exposed on the south for cross ventilation Moreover

Vents in both gable ends are intended~ that to the west more decorately

treated

The lower level elevations have openings designed to suit the new

interior functions middotwith delivery access and animal doors as required antJ

addftionally small windows for light and ventilation The masonry will be

7 bullbullbull

-264

- 3 shy

in the vertical the joint fastened together arid secured by a drivenmiddotmiddotblind

wooden peg or trunnel This last required careful drilling out before the

frame could be pulled apart

Galile-end Bents consisted of end posts and high cross oeam

however fie low the roof plate a centre post and two shorter oeams at halftlgtthe

height framed between these three posts all well braced to verticals The

centre postt in a less substantial size was extended first to a low

collar tte near the base of the rafters and above this to support the end

of the lioatoooshaped ridge pole or 6eam forming the peak of the roof structure

These elaoorate oents like the posts were middottenoned~into the sills

The lients flanking th~central slightly wider threshing floor and

entrance location alao had a higher beam braced to the end posts and mertpoundced all~ance for a centre supporting post also braced and lower

contaU1e) liea1l1s at aoout fence height Both centre post with its Braces and

lower crosmiddotsmiddot 6eams had Deen removed from these threshing floor bents possibly

accompani~g conversion of the upper level to hay and straw storage

The intermediate front and rear wall posts to the main barn had

no joining cross beams but were braced to the wall structure

In the south-west quadrant of the upper level was a low wood-

lined granary with flat roof but walled in an elaborately braced hewn timber

structure possibly relocated and believed to have been part of an

intermediate Iupport system for the upper hay mows contemplated in what is

believed to have been the original grade barn concept to be described later

Such hay mows would have been floored most likely by a series of cross oles

laid down loose~y at fairly close spacings the hay straggling through between

in loose strand= towards the animal stable or byre below and tempting no

doubt its occupants to pull it down and eat it as a matter of course

TIle roof last in a lowribsheet metal was fastened to cross

liat tensmiddot spaced apart and looking like tlie makings of a three-ply wood shingle

roof fastening system~ very much like the batten roofs of Mennonite origin

still seen in early Waterloo County houses and incidentally creating

the ideal wood shingle roof

The wall cladding was asingle thickness of wide (12+-~ boards

_Howaver at the end gables a special accommodation was made in the end bent

frames where the 1lpper heam plojected 1 or so beyond the posts with a

groove to fit the lower range ofloarding ~and the upper range of cladding

to overlap for better weathering- a very nice touch on the framers part

4 bullbull f

~6 1

- 4 shy

There were no battens OVer the joints the edge-to~edge boarding shri~king over time and weather to provide adequate ventilation of the barn but also

making the east end vulnerable to driving rains from middotthat direction The

cladding had heen renewed as autographed in 1950 or so possibly at the

barnts half life

The Illain tloor ahove tIle lower level was a massive system middot6pound handshy

hewn beams of above~average size at fairly close spacings carrying a 3rt thick

deck originally but not much of this surviving intact in good condition

A narrow steep stair rose from beside a south~side lower entrance to the main

level above~ but beside the extension of the threshing floor into the l~ter

Across the south end of the original main barn shortly after its

completion was added a narrow lean~to similarly but more lightly and

crudely framed including pole rafters instead of the more carefully fsshioned

Jiewn1Ilembers of the main banl and curioully the lower girt framed at a

slight slope down towards the back The roof at a pitch similar to the main

Earn was however not in a continuous line but started just under the

rear eaves

The stone foundation curiously enough did not appear to predate

the superimposed timber structure and included too the southside1e~n-to

foreover oddly the barn has a double sil1~ e~lainedmiddotby sOme there at the

site as possibly being used to lift the ~tructure or at least hold it

while the foundationwas being built under it However another explanation

is put forward in a possible interpretation of the barns evolution in

concept and execution

An Interpretation of the Eckhardt Barnls Original Concept and Evolution

5 bullbull bull

262

It wou1dappear that the Eckhardt Barn in company with its

conteniponiries and llost e~rl_y carns of mixed farms was simply conceived as

an on-grade structure of a single level very much like the Scoharie barns

illustrated by those in Upper Canada Village with main central threshing

floor and flanking animal space on either side with hay mows above and a

specia~ lined granary set aside in a conveniently accessible corner In the

Scoharte Darns already noted this comprised a high wide central nave with

roof slope continuing downwards to enclose lower side alsles

5middot~middot

In the Eckhardt Barn plan however t the threshing floor occupied

the throughcentne cross portion a double depth space on either side towards

tne ends of the building for animal housing with storage mows abovevirtually

the reverse arrangement to the Scoharie where often the entrance was from

the end rather than the side (though one of the UCV barns has a side entrance

the internal arrangement is much the same inside )

As a grade barn the Eckhardt building on its hillcrest site would

_haye Men prominently located its simple majestic mass a dominant feature of

the gently sloping farm very i~ressive indeed The small log house to the

south~est would have been dwarfed by it Trying to increase capacity it would seem it appears the so~th-

side lean-to addition was constructed albeit not to the very high standard

of the original Then local farming apparently took a new direction the

mixed self-contained farm giving gradually away to specialization particularly

to cattle farming which this fertile establishment would have leant itself

only too readily Accommod~tionfor livestock was much nee~ed and could be

quite easily made available close to its original location by creating a

side-hill composite with lower level stabling and low bank to the main north

entrance the south side of the new enclosure with access to the interior

for animals and farmhands

However the grade barn had no floor of its own or at best

sleepers on earth supporting a wood floor for animal housing Hence a newmiddot

~loor structure was ~equired built with an additional peripheral ~ill the

double sill alluded to into which were framed heavy hewn beams at fairly

close spacing supporting the new plank deck for -the upper level Incidentally

the extension was similarly provided in superior framing akin to the original

Darn and quite possibly by the same hands

Then a new foundation of fieldstone was constructed around the

whole perimeter to support the enlarged barn This would appear to satisfy

as an explanation of the Eckhardt Barnrs early evolution The stone

foundation was nothing exceptional l just moderately sized stones and

houlders from the field laid in a random pattern with a few larger stones

at main corners and occasionally at door and windowmiddotmiddotopenings these last

sparse in size and number The Eckhardt Barn must have been an early

example of the bank barn a type to become an almost universal facility in

the growing agricultural field~

6bullbullbullbull -

263

Adaptation and Modifications Proposed in the Re-erection of the Eckhardt BFlrn

Though theorientation and twoleve1 arrangement of the oarn will

De maintained in its re-erection at the ReeldeMitchell Farm on Brocle Road

near Sunderland certain modifications are being contemplated to fit it to

its renewed function The site will be roughly similar- a hillcrest position

Eue with slightly steeper bank entrance to the north side and a modified

lower lavel clear height (excepting summer beam) of 9 Ot bull

In addition the lower level layout and accommodation will be

considerabTy altered to provide shelter for horses J includtng an open

section along part of the south sidet A stao1e with a few large stalls and

an accompanying feed room tack room and small carriage space

alongside are planned for the western two thirds the balance for equipment w lt1lt

The lay~ut~ particuladv the stfble areats still much in the -preliminary

stage The e8terior will also be modified slightly both in form and finish

For the form first the roof of the first leanto addition will be dropped

to permit narrow windows to give south light to the main barn interior and

a second dropped roof and wider extension built t6 provide the open shelter

referred to earlier and also narrow south~facing windows to give light to

the interior~ To provide access from the main barn hay storage to the paddock

a small thay passage I is planned with south--end doors overlooking the lower r

area

The finish too and elevations are to be slightly modified

basieally in the insertion of long relativelr narrow windows to give the

main Darn some daylightingl as well as views out in some instances The

finish principally the Single board of generouswidth applied directly

to the frame will be used~ out the east end for better weatherp~oof~ng~ may

have battens added Also for appearance facinS the house battens may be

applied to the west end Otherwise the edge-joined board will be left on the

north and what remains exposed on the south for cross ventilation Moreover

Vents in both gable ends are intended~ that to the west more decorately

treated

The lower level elevations have openings designed to suit the new

interior functions middotwith delivery access and animal doors as required antJ

addftionally small windows for light and ventilation The masonry will be

7 bullbullbull

-264

- 4 shy

There were no battens OVer the joints the edge-to~edge boarding shri~king over time and weather to provide adequate ventilation of the barn but also

making the east end vulnerable to driving rains from middotthat direction The

cladding had heen renewed as autographed in 1950 or so possibly at the

barnts half life

The Illain tloor ahove tIle lower level was a massive system middot6pound handshy

hewn beams of above~average size at fairly close spacings carrying a 3rt thick

deck originally but not much of this surviving intact in good condition

A narrow steep stair rose from beside a south~side lower entrance to the main

level above~ but beside the extension of the threshing floor into the l~ter

Across the south end of the original main barn shortly after its

completion was added a narrow lean~to similarly but more lightly and

crudely framed including pole rafters instead of the more carefully fsshioned

Jiewn1Ilembers of the main banl and curioully the lower girt framed at a

slight slope down towards the back The roof at a pitch similar to the main

Earn was however not in a continuous line but started just under the

rear eaves

The stone foundation curiously enough did not appear to predate

the superimposed timber structure and included too the southside1e~n-to

foreover oddly the barn has a double sil1~ e~lainedmiddotby sOme there at the

site as possibly being used to lift the ~tructure or at least hold it

while the foundationwas being built under it However another explanation

is put forward in a possible interpretation of the barns evolution in

concept and execution

An Interpretation of the Eckhardt Barnls Original Concept and Evolution

5 bullbull bull

262

It wou1dappear that the Eckhardt Barn in company with its

conteniponiries and llost e~rl_y carns of mixed farms was simply conceived as

an on-grade structure of a single level very much like the Scoharie barns

illustrated by those in Upper Canada Village with main central threshing

floor and flanking animal space on either side with hay mows above and a

specia~ lined granary set aside in a conveniently accessible corner In the

Scoharte Darns already noted this comprised a high wide central nave with

roof slope continuing downwards to enclose lower side alsles

5middot~middot

In the Eckhardt Barn plan however t the threshing floor occupied

the throughcentne cross portion a double depth space on either side towards

tne ends of the building for animal housing with storage mows abovevirtually

the reverse arrangement to the Scoharie where often the entrance was from

the end rather than the side (though one of the UCV barns has a side entrance

the internal arrangement is much the same inside )

As a grade barn the Eckhardt building on its hillcrest site would

_haye Men prominently located its simple majestic mass a dominant feature of

the gently sloping farm very i~ressive indeed The small log house to the

south~est would have been dwarfed by it Trying to increase capacity it would seem it appears the so~th-

side lean-to addition was constructed albeit not to the very high standard

of the original Then local farming apparently took a new direction the

mixed self-contained farm giving gradually away to specialization particularly

to cattle farming which this fertile establishment would have leant itself

only too readily Accommod~tionfor livestock was much nee~ed and could be

quite easily made available close to its original location by creating a

side-hill composite with lower level stabling and low bank to the main north

entrance the south side of the new enclosure with access to the interior

for animals and farmhands

However the grade barn had no floor of its own or at best

sleepers on earth supporting a wood floor for animal housing Hence a newmiddot

~loor structure was ~equired built with an additional peripheral ~ill the

double sill alluded to into which were framed heavy hewn beams at fairly

close spacing supporting the new plank deck for -the upper level Incidentally

the extension was similarly provided in superior framing akin to the original

Darn and quite possibly by the same hands

Then a new foundation of fieldstone was constructed around the

whole perimeter to support the enlarged barn This would appear to satisfy

as an explanation of the Eckhardt Barnrs early evolution The stone

foundation was nothing exceptional l just moderately sized stones and

houlders from the field laid in a random pattern with a few larger stones

at main corners and occasionally at door and windowmiddotmiddotopenings these last

sparse in size and number The Eckhardt Barn must have been an early

example of the bank barn a type to become an almost universal facility in

the growing agricultural field~

6bullbullbullbull -

263

Adaptation and Modifications Proposed in the Re-erection of the Eckhardt BFlrn

Though theorientation and twoleve1 arrangement of the oarn will

De maintained in its re-erection at the ReeldeMitchell Farm on Brocle Road

near Sunderland certain modifications are being contemplated to fit it to

its renewed function The site will be roughly similar- a hillcrest position

Eue with slightly steeper bank entrance to the north side and a modified

lower lavel clear height (excepting summer beam) of 9 Ot bull

In addition the lower level layout and accommodation will be

considerabTy altered to provide shelter for horses J includtng an open

section along part of the south sidet A stao1e with a few large stalls and

an accompanying feed room tack room and small carriage space

alongside are planned for the western two thirds the balance for equipment w lt1lt

The lay~ut~ particuladv the stfble areats still much in the -preliminary

stage The e8terior will also be modified slightly both in form and finish

For the form first the roof of the first leanto addition will be dropped

to permit narrow windows to give south light to the main barn interior and

a second dropped roof and wider extension built t6 provide the open shelter

referred to earlier and also narrow south~facing windows to give light to

the interior~ To provide access from the main barn hay storage to the paddock

a small thay passage I is planned with south--end doors overlooking the lower r

area

The finish too and elevations are to be slightly modified

basieally in the insertion of long relativelr narrow windows to give the

main Darn some daylightingl as well as views out in some instances The

finish principally the Single board of generouswidth applied directly

to the frame will be used~ out the east end for better weatherp~oof~ng~ may

have battens added Also for appearance facinS the house battens may be

applied to the west end Otherwise the edge-joined board will be left on the

north and what remains exposed on the south for cross ventilation Moreover

Vents in both gable ends are intended~ that to the west more decorately

treated

The lower level elevations have openings designed to suit the new

interior functions middotwith delivery access and animal doors as required antJ

addftionally small windows for light and ventilation The masonry will be

7 bullbullbull

-264

5middot~middot

In the Eckhardt Barn plan however t the threshing floor occupied

the throughcentne cross portion a double depth space on either side towards

tne ends of the building for animal housing with storage mows abovevirtually

the reverse arrangement to the Scoharie where often the entrance was from

the end rather than the side (though one of the UCV barns has a side entrance

the internal arrangement is much the same inside )

As a grade barn the Eckhardt building on its hillcrest site would

_haye Men prominently located its simple majestic mass a dominant feature of

the gently sloping farm very i~ressive indeed The small log house to the

south~est would have been dwarfed by it Trying to increase capacity it would seem it appears the so~th-

side lean-to addition was constructed albeit not to the very high standard

of the original Then local farming apparently took a new direction the

mixed self-contained farm giving gradually away to specialization particularly

to cattle farming which this fertile establishment would have leant itself

only too readily Accommod~tionfor livestock was much nee~ed and could be

quite easily made available close to its original location by creating a

side-hill composite with lower level stabling and low bank to the main north

entrance the south side of the new enclosure with access to the interior

for animals and farmhands

However the grade barn had no floor of its own or at best

sleepers on earth supporting a wood floor for animal housing Hence a newmiddot

~loor structure was ~equired built with an additional peripheral ~ill the

double sill alluded to into which were framed heavy hewn beams at fairly

close spacing supporting the new plank deck for -the upper level Incidentally

the extension was similarly provided in superior framing akin to the original

Darn and quite possibly by the same hands

Then a new foundation of fieldstone was constructed around the

whole perimeter to support the enlarged barn This would appear to satisfy

as an explanation of the Eckhardt Barnrs early evolution The stone

foundation was nothing exceptional l just moderately sized stones and

houlders from the field laid in a random pattern with a few larger stones

at main corners and occasionally at door and windowmiddotmiddotopenings these last

sparse in size and number The Eckhardt Barn must have been an early

example of the bank barn a type to become an almost universal facility in

the growing agricultural field~

6bullbullbullbull -

263

Adaptation and Modifications Proposed in the Re-erection of the Eckhardt BFlrn

Though theorientation and twoleve1 arrangement of the oarn will

De maintained in its re-erection at the ReeldeMitchell Farm on Brocle Road

near Sunderland certain modifications are being contemplated to fit it to

its renewed function The site will be roughly similar- a hillcrest position

Eue with slightly steeper bank entrance to the north side and a modified

lower lavel clear height (excepting summer beam) of 9 Ot bull

In addition the lower level layout and accommodation will be

considerabTy altered to provide shelter for horses J includtng an open

section along part of the south sidet A stao1e with a few large stalls and

an accompanying feed room tack room and small carriage space

alongside are planned for the western two thirds the balance for equipment w lt1lt

The lay~ut~ particuladv the stfble areats still much in the -preliminary

stage The e8terior will also be modified slightly both in form and finish

For the form first the roof of the first leanto addition will be dropped

to permit narrow windows to give south light to the main barn interior and

a second dropped roof and wider extension built t6 provide the open shelter

referred to earlier and also narrow south~facing windows to give light to

the interior~ To provide access from the main barn hay storage to the paddock

a small thay passage I is planned with south--end doors overlooking the lower r

area

The finish too and elevations are to be slightly modified

basieally in the insertion of long relativelr narrow windows to give the

main Darn some daylightingl as well as views out in some instances The

finish principally the Single board of generouswidth applied directly

to the frame will be used~ out the east end for better weatherp~oof~ng~ may

have battens added Also for appearance facinS the house battens may be

applied to the west end Otherwise the edge-joined board will be left on the

north and what remains exposed on the south for cross ventilation Moreover

Vents in both gable ends are intended~ that to the west more decorately

treated

The lower level elevations have openings designed to suit the new

interior functions middotwith delivery access and animal doors as required antJ

addftionally small windows for light and ventilation The masonry will be

7 bullbullbull

-264

Adaptation and Modifications Proposed in the Re-erection of the Eckhardt BFlrn

Though theorientation and twoleve1 arrangement of the oarn will

De maintained in its re-erection at the ReeldeMitchell Farm on Brocle Road

near Sunderland certain modifications are being contemplated to fit it to

its renewed function The site will be roughly similar- a hillcrest position

Eue with slightly steeper bank entrance to the north side and a modified

lower lavel clear height (excepting summer beam) of 9 Ot bull

In addition the lower level layout and accommodation will be

considerabTy altered to provide shelter for horses J includtng an open

section along part of the south sidet A stao1e with a few large stalls and

an accompanying feed room tack room and small carriage space

alongside are planned for the western two thirds the balance for equipment w lt1lt

The lay~ut~ particuladv the stfble areats still much in the -preliminary

stage The e8terior will also be modified slightly both in form and finish

For the form first the roof of the first leanto addition will be dropped

to permit narrow windows to give south light to the main barn interior and

a second dropped roof and wider extension built t6 provide the open shelter

referred to earlier and also narrow south~facing windows to give light to

the interior~ To provide access from the main barn hay storage to the paddock

a small thay passage I is planned with south--end doors overlooking the lower r

area

The finish too and elevations are to be slightly modified

basieally in the insertion of long relativelr narrow windows to give the

main Darn some daylightingl as well as views out in some instances The

finish principally the Single board of generouswidth applied directly

to the frame will be used~ out the east end for better weatherp~oof~ng~ may

have battens added Also for appearance facinS the house battens may be

applied to the west end Otherwise the edge-joined board will be left on the

north and what remains exposed on the south for cross ventilation Moreover

Vents in both gable ends are intended~ that to the west more decorately

treated

The lower level elevations have openings designed to suit the new

interior functions middotwith delivery access and animal doors as required antJ

addftionally small windows for light and ventilation The masonry will be

7 bullbullbull

-264

- 7 shy

constructed vith fieldstone facings in random-coursed pattern with larger

st~nes at cornErs with~ r~inforced concrete qad-up

Additional concreted yard space altL fences are contemplated the

details not yet worked out fully

At the date of writing this report the barn timber and wood

material have been delivered unloaded and stacked properly with spacers

-ready for the construction of a shelter as weather pov~rinth middotthe pile

measur~ng something liRe 80 ~ _On long by 15-all by some 12 t -0 high - some

stack

The re~erection and completion of the project can only be

looRed forward to

~~~4rmiddoth~~tek-21 December 2011 Peter JOhn~Okes

Consulting Restoration Advocate

265

Laura Davismiddot

From Mark MQri~$ette S14 (1) MuniCiPCyenfreerlm offdformatioJil and Protection

Sent To

January ~2012 637 PM Laura Davis

Of PJivacyM

Subj~ct Re Designation Proposal Submission (WindfieldsJ=~m)

Hi~totical de~igmrtion submlssion f~rWindfields Falrn strnpoe Street North (North ofD1rham tollege) OSftawa

Windfiekfsisa highly historicaifacilitythat atohgside General Motorshelped put the city of Oshawaon the world map The birth place and resting plate ofthe worldfiafhQus Northern Dancer a Canadian$portsHalJ of Fame and Cclnadian Horse Hall ofFame inducteewhichto this day evokes respect in name alone as well as many other warJrl fiamoushorses hosblt)odlines continue to be revered worldWide to this day Founded in 1936 and operated until itSilJnfortunate c()sure in 2009 the facility Vas known aroundthe world respected and rellPwnedror its champions and hJstory

ManYiOuildingsof historicalsignifitance dot the remafning J1cbcte ofthe farm onSimco~Street North just nortnrof DurhantCaliege I University of 0ntari(j Institute ()f Technoi09 with others sadly havIng already

fa lien prey to the elements vandals and the encroaching reSIdential and commerciaimiddotdevefopmelit Tht5e ucorei buildi~gs~re decades old steeped inthe rich history of Windfl~lds tandits people and horses) and also uJrf()11lInateIYi being neglectedbythetr~urrent owners AI~hougb there arernany buildings ohighly uniqpeClnd tdstorical d~~gnJ$jn~e the ch~Sllre of the facility they haye li1een left to the e1ements)sufferlng virtually to1a1 neglect

Hlstorvjs being 10$t

The grave siteswere until re(Jtntlyalso neglected ahd disrespected left lothe weed~and weather - ttl) only changed when recent negative medIa attention (which sji)teadworJd wide) seeminglysl1armidtheuniversity intoa~tton The lubUc was ashamed tolearn that thefamousWindfields farm was left virtdally abartdonea1

its heroes leftto restcamongsmiddottthe weeds and lt~s hiswryJeft to rot

TheresUlts of this situation provectCflle again that theworl~ has not fOrgotten aboutWlndfieldsand Ncirth~tn Dancer as well as caunttessotner hf)tses lafd torest an the property) yet the titv of Oshawa SeEmlhgly has Weare Iivingamongst historywlli we are unfortunately fQrietting

Itwould be an honQrto nave Windfields be d~ignated a site of histolical and architecturalsignificilnce PGssiblyoffering itabright future and preserVation of its important regre buildjh~and gravesite areas versus its current path to api1gtarent total loss

Thank You

Mark Morissette

Laura Davismiddot

From Mark MQri~$ette S14 (1) MuniCiPCyenfreerlm offdformatioJil and Protection

Sent To

January ~2012 637 PM Laura Davis

Of PJivacyM

Subj~ct Re Designation Proposal Submission (WindfieldsJ=~m)

Hi~totical de~igmrtion submlssion f~rWindfields Falrn strnpoe Street North (North ofD1rham tollege) OSftawa

Windfiekfsisa highly historicaifacilitythat atohgside General Motorshelped put the city of Oshawaon the world map The birth place and resting plate ofthe worldfiafhQus Northern Dancer a Canadian$portsHalJ of Fame and Cclnadian Horse Hall ofFame inducteewhichto this day evokes respect in name alone as well as many other warJrl fiamoushorses hosblt)odlines continue to be revered worldWide to this day Founded in 1936 and operated until itSilJnfortunate c()sure in 2009 the facility Vas known aroundthe world respected and rellPwnedror its champions and hJstory

ManYiOuildingsof historicalsignifitance dot the remafning J1cbcte ofthe farm onSimco~Street North just nortnrof DurhantCaliege I University of 0ntari(j Institute ()f Technoi09 with others sadly havIng already

fa lien prey to the elements vandals and the encroaching reSIdential and commerciaimiddotdevefopmelit Tht5e ucorei buildi~gs~re decades old steeped inthe rich history of Windfl~lds tandits people and horses) and also uJrf()11lInateIYi being neglectedbythetr~urrent owners AI~hougb there arernany buildings ohighly uniqpeClnd tdstorical d~~gnJ$jn~e the ch~Sllre of the facility they haye li1een left to the e1ements)sufferlng virtually to1a1 neglect

Hlstorvjs being 10$t

The grave siteswere until re(Jtntlyalso neglected ahd disrespected left lothe weed~and weather - ttl) only changed when recent negative medIa attention (which sji)teadworJd wide) seeminglysl1armidtheuniversity intoa~tton The lubUc was ashamed tolearn that thefamousWindfields farm was left virtdally abartdonea1

its heroes leftto restcamongsmiddottthe weeds and lt~s hiswryJeft to rot

TheresUlts of this situation provectCflle again that theworl~ has not fOrgotten aboutWlndfieldsand Ncirth~tn Dancer as well as caunttessotner hf)tses lafd torest an the property) yet the titv of Oshawa SeEmlhgly has Weare Iivingamongst historywlli we are unfortunately fQrietting

Itwould be an honQrto nave Windfields be d~ignated a site of histolical and architecturalsignificilnce PGssiblyoffering itabright future and preserVation of its important regre buildjh~and gravesite areas versus its current path to api1gtarent total loss

Thank You

Mark Morissette