Historic John R. Park Homestead re-opened after renovations

Dignitaries and ERCA staff gather on the porch at the John R. Park Homestead last Thursday morning. ERCA celebrated the site’s renovations and re-opening. (ERCA photo)

In 1842 John and Amelia Park built their home along the banks of Lake Erie near Harrow.

A special ceremony was held last Thursday morning to acknowledge the restoration of the John R. Park Homestead, which annually attracts up to 20,000 visitors.

A year and over $1.5 million after it was determined that restoration work was needed, the doors of the stately home were re-opened and tours are once again being given.

“The work being done here is not about preservation, it’s about passion,” said Amherstburg Councillor Molly Allaire.

The John R. Park Homestead is owned by the Essex Region Conservation Authority of which Allaire is the chair.

Among those making significant contributions to the restoration is the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation.

“We are so deeply proud of our support to the Homestead,” said Amber Hunter representing the Foundation. “It’s more than a museum, it’s a living classroom.”

The Ontario Museum Association has dubbed May as Museum Month in the province and the Homestead continues to educate visitors of all ages on what life was like in rural Ontario back in the 1800’s.

Tim Byrne is the CAO of ERCA and it was his keen eye a few years ago that revealed that the main house at the homestead was in need of repairs.

Along with the Zekelman’s, the Toldo Foundation was and still is a major financial supporter.

Amherstburg Councillor Molly Allaire (right) cut the ribbon, at John R. Park Homestead May 22. Allaire is the chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) board of directors.

“The Toldo Foundation sat and listened to Tim Bryne and his passion for this location and we could not say no,” said Anthony Toldo.

Allaire noted that when work to do the renovations was started, it was discovered that more restoration was needed.

Terry Patterson is the chairman of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF), which prides itself on helping to raise money for such projects as the John R. Park Homestead.

Thanking the generous donors and those who were part of Giving Tuesday, Patterson said, “you breathe new life into our history.”

Another organization that has ties to the historic site is the Friends of the John R. Park Homestead, which has 80 volunteers and contribute 3,500 hours of their time each year. Recently a long-time member of that group, LaSalle Councillor Sue Desjarlais, passed away.

“The Homestead was a special place for Sue. We are dedicating the bench on the porch to her,” said Allaire.

For more information on the John R. Park Homestead, call 519-738-2029.

Historic John R. Park Homestead re-opened after renovations

By Fred Groves