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The number of visitors is down significantly, but organizers
still consider the fifth annual Doors Open Kincardine to be highly
successful.
"We had 4,500 site visits," said Jane Rigby, chairperson. "The
Thornburn House was a real attraction, as was the Anglican Rectory
in Bervie. And we had perfect weather for it."
The Thornburn House, on the 10th of Bruce Township, was built in
1903 by Alexander Thornburn, and the sixth generation of that family
lives there and farms the land. The house is roughly an octagon with
complex roof profiles. The wood frame structure is clad with cement
blocks poured on the property. The interior has been newly-restored
and renovated.
The Anglican Rectory in Bervie was built in 1874 by Samuel Colwell
who designated it for use by the Anglican Church for 100 years. In
spite of having numerous changes over the years, many of the
original interior and exterior features remain. As well as having
two human occupants, it is reported to be the home of at least four
"presences." It also features many collections and interesting
furniture.
Of the visitors at this year's event, Rigby said 53 per cent were
area residents, while 25 per cent travelled one to three hours to
get here (Hamilton, Toronto), 22 per cent were overnighters
(Kingston, Ottawa, Peterborough), and two per cent were from out of
province or overseas (British Columbia, Yukon, Michigan, North
Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Germany and the United Kingdom).
The last Doors Open, in 2007, saw about 7,000 site visits, with
1,000 more from within the area, said Rigby. Plans are to hold the
event again next year, provided there are enough volunteers to run
it.
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Gothic window exterior on the Anglican
Rectory in Bervie
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