KAWARTHA LAKES – Bobcaygeon is home to one of the world’s most unique, historic landmarks. It’s known as the Edgewood Wall and it is nearing 130 years since it was constructed by hand. Over the years inevitable deterioration has occurred and The Environmental Action Bobcaygeon volunteers are asking for help to save it.
Over one hundred years ago, lumber baron Mossom Boyd’s son, W.T.C. Boyd built the dry-stone wall around Edgewood, his family estate. A 400-foot stretch of the wall can be seen on the Case Manor side of Canal Street near the corner of Hwy. 36 with obvious signs of depreciation.
“With our community’s help, we can ensure our important and beautiful structures live on and preserve our history for future generations,” says Environmental Action Bobcaygeon co-president, Richard Fedy.
According to The Environmental Action Bobcaygeon, EAB, volunteers, the Edgewood dry stack wall, 28 Boyd Street, was completed in 1890 through 1891 and to celebrate its 130th birthday, it will be fully restored.
The Edgewood wall is recognized as an example of nineteenth-century dry stack stone wall construction. Early Ontario settlers built them in many areas of the province. This wall is one of only two remaining in Kawartha Lakes. The Boyd family paid farmers one dollar for each wagon load of stones brought to the site.
“It is one of the last remaining dry-stone walls in Bobcaygeon, there are some remnants of the other ones surrounding the vacant white property that the owners have generously donated for the rehabilitation process,” said Councillor Kathleen Seymour Fagan. “Environmental Action Bobcaygeon has spearheaded this incredible initiative to ensure history is not erased or forgotten, the money that has already been raised speaks volumes to the community spirit that is alive and well in Bobcaygeon.”
A dry-stone wall requires a high degree of technical achievement through its construction method, and it has been recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations, UNESCO, for its picturesque and cultural significance within agricultural and rural landscapes and for its technical merit.
“The wall has seen better days, the western arm being in the worst condition of the two. The wall sat strong and unscathed for over a hundred years but, sadly, several practices lead to its current state of deterioration,” said Campaign Lead, Ann Adare. “The piling of winter snow against the wall, unchecked vine growth and the flushing of the adjacent fire hydrant at the base of the wall all contributed to its current state.”
Adare noted that the restoration project will focus on the wall as a whole and the complete restoration of each of the two sections, on either side of the entrance gate, will ensure that the wall will stand for future generations to enjoy.
According Adare, you can donate to the project at four levels, each representative of one of the unique aspects of dry-stone wall construction. And while financial donations are always welcome, there are many other ways to help with the project, she said.
“As the project start date nears, we will be looking for volunteers to help set up safety fencing, monitor the site during the day and maybe even provide refreshments for the workers. Donations of goods, supplies and services are welcome too,” she said. “There will also be a need to feed the crew and possibly house them on longer days, meaning donations from our local restaurants, eateries and those who provide accommodations will be very helpful.”
All donors will be recognized for their contributions over $25, no matter what level. Community residents and visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Boyd heritage and the unique craftsmanship of dry-stack walling through plaques that will be placed at the site.
With more than 15 years of local volunteer involvement, EAB believes they have the ability save the wall. The group has proudly had the Edgewood wall protected through a heritage designation and has recruited world-renowned waller, John Shaw Rimmington, to work on the project while training local volunteers. EAB plans to begin the restoration project this summer.
The Edgewood Stone Wall Fund is now in place to facilitate community donations. For more information on the campaign and how you can help, please go to www.EdgewoodStoneWall.com
To contact the restoration committee, please email [email protected] .
“Restoring the wall will be something that the entire community can take part in and can be proud of once it is completed,” added Adare.
