Playing tourist at home

Every year cities in Ontario have an Open Door weekend, May 5 and 6 was ours. It is a chance to see buildings that are not always open to the public. Paul and I decided it was about time we participated. Perfect weather and a little planning and off we went.

First stop was the Mohawk Trail School Museum. It is a typical 19th century single room school house. Having gone by this building so often is was nice to finally get inside. We rode our bikes as it is nearby. A short ride took us to the Auchmar Estate, a country manor built in the Gothic Revival style in 1855. It originally sat on 86 acres, most of them sold and developed over the years. It was used as a Royal Canadian Air Force convalescent hospital during WWII and later become home to a Hungarian order of Nuns. The city managed to buy it in 1999 saving it from a developer who wanted to build a series of townhouses. It is now falling into ruin because there are no funds to restore it. I think I heard that 3 million is needed just as a start. It sits empty and sad.
Home for lunch and to pick up the car so we could continue on to The Powerhouse now a part of McMaster University Innovation Park. The property was originally a Westinghouse manufacturing facility. The building below is one of only 2 that remain on the site as it is being cleared for rebuilding. It contains some really big turbines. I didn't have a clue but Paul sure liked the greasy machines.
Last stop of the day was Dundurn Castle and the Military Museum, housed in the gatekeeper's house on the same property. Since the normal admission charge was dropped for the weekend this property attracted a large crowd. I've toured it before but today was Paul's first time inside and he was very impressed. Well informed guides dressed in period servant's outfits give detailed information about every room. The cook in the basement kitchen was my favourite.
The Military museum is small but managed a good display of War of 1812 information noting the action that took place on this location before the house was built.
Upstairs there is a display of uniforms, arms, medals and insignia from WWI.

Home for supper and to map out tomorrow.