The Thomas House
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Built in 1829 as the original home of The Thomas Family, The Thomas House is furnished and presented as a pioneer home of the 1830 - 1840's, with many original family items.
The house is operated by the Society and is open during the summer months when Society volunteers act as guides. A brochure covering the history of the family and the house (with fascinating details of life in the early 1800s) is available to visitors. Be sure to ask how many people lived in the home! An orb is seen in one fire place photo. Is it spirit or science? |
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Admission is free, but donations in any amount to help sustain the house are much appreciated. As an old and fragile structure, the Thomas House requires regular care and attention, provided by OHS volunteers, with costs of maintenance and regular renewal paid for from the Society's limited resources.
The Thomas House was moved to its present location in Lakeside Park during 1955 as a result of the efforts of Hazel Chisholm Mathews and the the Oakville Historical Society. It was originally west of the Sixteen Mile Creek on a site now occupied by St. Jude's Cemetery and St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
The Thomas House was moved to its present location in Lakeside Park during 1955 as a result of the efforts of Hazel Chisholm Mathews and the the Oakville Historical Society. It was originally west of the Sixteen Mile Creek on a site now occupied by St. Jude's Cemetery and St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
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Visit The Thomas House at 144 Front Street
Visiting hours are 1:30 to 4:00 P.M.: September, Sundays Closed, until the Town of Oakville reopens its facilities. Right now the target date is Friday July 3. (Therefore is will remain closed, Victoria Day to Canada Day, May 24 to July 1, on Weekends) We hope to be open for the summer. July and August, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday September, Sundays Every Holiday Monday (including Labour Day on September 2) |
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Heritage ID:Status: Part IV
Designation Year: 1978
Year Built: 1829
By-Law: 1978-006
History: Merrick Thomas House. A fine example of an early settler's second house, which would have replaced the log cabins often built by settlers. It was moved to Lakeside Park in 1955. Originally a storage site for cordwood used on lake steamers, this land has been a public park since 1877 when it was traded to the Town by George K. Chisholm, the first mayor, in exchange for the permanent closing of Front and Water Streets where they ran into the harbour. In 1896 the park was laid out, trees were planted and the land was sloped down to the beach. Heavy erosion has since caused the existing high bank on the lakeshore.
Description: 1 1/2 storey clapboard house with saltbox design. Constructed of local white pine logs on a foundation of field stones. Other significant features include wainscoting and window trim hardware.
Legal Description: PLAN 1 BLK 77 PT LOT C
Designation Year: 1978
Year Built: 1829
By-Law: 1978-006
History: Merrick Thomas House. A fine example of an early settler's second house, which would have replaced the log cabins often built by settlers. It was moved to Lakeside Park in 1955. Originally a storage site for cordwood used on lake steamers, this land has been a public park since 1877 when it was traded to the Town by George K. Chisholm, the first mayor, in exchange for the permanent closing of Front and Water Streets where they ran into the harbour. In 1896 the park was laid out, trees were planted and the land was sloped down to the beach. Heavy erosion has since caused the existing high bank on the lakeshore.
Description: 1 1/2 storey clapboard house with saltbox design. Constructed of local white pine logs on a foundation of field stones. Other significant features include wainscoting and window trim hardware.
Legal Description: PLAN 1 BLK 77 PT LOT C
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Mrs. Thomas hosted a Summer Camp group from the Oakville Museum. Campers added a veggie to a soup pot on the fire. The group was asked if they knew the name of a long yellow bean. An answer given was "French Fry"!!!!! They liked smelling fresh herbs....sage, rosemary and basil. Basil won!
Many types groups arrange visits to The Thomas House. Of course the activities vary. Feel free to ask information about booking your group.
Many types groups arrange visits to The Thomas House. Of course the activities vary. Feel free to ask information about booking your group.
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Can you spin, knit, weave, tat, crochet, whittle, make soap or candles? Would like to demonstrate your talents on the front porch of The Thomas House? Please volunteer to share your talents. Please call Mary Davidson at 905 842-6935
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The Old Post Office - is run by the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate
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The Old Post Office, Oakville's first post office (1835 to 1856), stands beside the Thomas House and is operated by the Oakville Museum. This building was moved by Mrs. Mathews from the east bank of the Sixteen Mile Creek (SW corner of Navy and Lakeshore) in 1952.
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