Photos by Barry Wallace
This house may be over 160 years old
This ancient house has been standing at 13,500 Weston Road, in the hamlet of Strange, between the King Road and the 15th Sideroad for decades...maybe 16 decades or so. It has been hidden in shadows, back from the road, by large trees, dead trees, shrubs, bushes and tall grass and weeds. Suddenly, there is activity on the site as dead trees are being cut down, a 7' chain link fence is being erected around the site and the property appears to be receiving some grubbing by heavy equipment. According to my friend Bert Duclos of Kettleby, this property dates back to the early 1800s. Back in 1839, it was first purchased by Richard Machell, who sold it a year later to his son-in-law, William Wells. William, who was also known as Squire Wells, had the hamlet of Williamstown (later called Strange) named after him. This property was in the Wells family for many decades. According to the Township of King, there are two owners of this property today. One is Chia Incorporated and the other is Peter Orr. The property is in the Nobleton ward of Councillor David Boyd, who has asked township staff to check into any change of status or development proposal for this historic building and property.
What is to become of this township landmark? Will it possibly be restored, either fully or partially? Will it fall under a wrecking ball?
Hopefully, information of its ultimate fate is forthcoming soon. I have tried to reach Mr. Orr but have not be successful so far.
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Barry Wallace
Hello Barry, I just came across this blog while trying to find more information on this property as well. I had several ancestors in Strange (many are buried in the Presbyterian cemetery there) from the Ross and Wells families and William Wells who owned this property was my 1st cousin 5x removed. I couldn't tell if the house was still occupied and was trying to find if it had been placed on the king heritage register. I would be curious to know if you have any new information about this. Your photos of the property are great!
ReplyDeleteHello again Barry, I don't know if you have been following the situatiuon with this house, but I have been in contact with the King Township Heritage Planner and he has informed me that a recent request to demolish the house is to be refused. In addition, the house meets all the criteria for designation under part IV section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act and that the Township plans to issue intention to designat the property under the act.
ReplyDeleteShame that it took 7 1/2 years since this original post raising the building's demolition by neglect and Councillor Boyd's interest, and the intervening years of further deterioration, to make use of the legislated authority provided council to protect the property.
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