The Thomas House
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Operated by the Society and located in Lakeside Park. The home was built in 1829 as the original farm home of The Thomas Family. The Thomas House is furnished and presented as a pioneer home from 1829 to 1840s. There are many original family items in the home.
The Thomas House is now closed for the winter. During warmer times, it is open 1:30 - 4:00 pm.
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Volunteers operate the house. Become a member that volunteers to bring history alive. Normally 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 fireplace 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 by the Society's limited resources.
The Thomas House was moved to its present location in Lakeside Park in 1955 as a result of the efforts of Hazel Chisholm Mathews and the Oakville Historical Society. It was originally west of Sixteen Mile Creek on a site now occupied by St. Jude's Cemetery and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. |
The Paranormal Seekers visited the Thomas House along with a few OHS volunteers.
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Mrs. Thomas bakes and shares Welsh Cakes.
Have a good fire going. Be able to hold hand over the fire to a count of 3 or 4. For a stove top, hold hand 2 inches above the pan you will cook in and count seconds slowly. A medium setting on a burner should produce enough heat to prompt you to pull your hand away after three seconds for a temperature between 325 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Welsh Cakes
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Combine the dry and wet ingredients together. Then knead the dough. You could also add some currents or other berries if you like.
Roll out the dough and cut into small circles. Place on a lightly greased griddle for about 10 minutes. Flip and cook about 10 minutes. Enjoy the delicious, warm Welsh Cakes. Download the recipe. During 2019, Mrs. Thomas hosted a Summer Camp group from the Oakville Museum. Not shown are campers adding 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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The Bed
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Cool Gadgets
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The Secret Room
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Visit by The Thomas House, Oakville Historical Society
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Learn how to operate a spinning wheel.
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Can you spin, knit, weave, tat, crochet, whittle, or make soap or candles? Would like to demonstrate your talents on the front porch of The Thomas House? Please volunteer to share your talents and contact us.
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Marie demonstrates weaving on a loom. Try it out! Picture by Susan Wells
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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
The Old Post Office - is run by the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate
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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