Heritage Caledon holds fourth Summer Soirée

Regional Councillor Richard Paterak is seen with a display and heritage designation plaque for the Patrick Murphy House.

Heritage Caledon (the municipal heritage committee) held its fourth annual Summer Soirée for designated heritage property owners June 21 at the exquisite rural home of Jill and Alan MacLachlan, with more than 90 guests in attendance.

This elegant social event provides an opportunity for designated heritage property owners to meet, while showcasing one of Caledon's many designated heritage structures.

Regional Councillor Allan Thompson welcomed all to the event on behalf of Mayor Morrison, and commended the MacLachlans on their hospitality. Alan MacLachlan recounted the history of their frame farmhouse, constructed in the early 1850s for Jacob Mabee, and commented on the significant community value to be found in preserving our built heritage. Jill graciously provided tours of their house throughout the evening.

Andy Priede, chair of Heritage Caledon, announced two new heritage property designations - the circa 1885 Joseph Watson house in Bolton and the circa 1850s Patrick Murphy house in Silver Creek. Mary and Hugh Phelan, owners of the Watson property, were on hand to receive their heritage designation plaque from Regional Councillor Richard Paterak, although Wendy and Les Mandelbaum, owners of the Murphy property, were unable to attend.

Sally Drummond, Caledon's heritage resource officer, was thanked for her dedication, by members of Heritage Caledon. Shown are (l to r) Andy Priede (chair), Merle Middlebrook, Sally Drummond and Fay McCrea.

Heritage Caledon also took the opportunity to award a special certificate of appreciation to Sally Drummond, the Town's heritage resource officer, for her dedication and diligence in working with the municipal heritage committee.

Photographs of all the designated properties, now numbering more than 100, were on display, as well as a detailed summary of the two new designations recognized that evening.

A special display by Heritage Caledon demonstrated the use of an eco-friendly paint stripper, now available for rent by designated heritage property owners.

Owners of the Joseph Watson property, Mary and Hugh Phelan, received their heritage designation plaque from Regional Councillor Richard Paterak.

Guests also enjoyed walking the winding paths of the MacLachlans' outdoor labyrinth, created by Alan and his sons to resemble the one at Chartres Cathedral in France. A special heritage touch was added to the evening by John and Helen Mason, who arrived in their 1931 Rolls- Royce '2025' convertible.