The Walker House of Kincardine is a hub of cultural activity
By Liz Dadson

The Walker House in Kincardine has become a successful centre for culture and heritage

13/01/2009 04:25 PM

The history of Kincardine is preserved throughout all the nooks and crannies of the Walker House, the heritage centre located just north of the lighthouse on the corner of Harbour Street and Huron Terrace.

Saved from destruction by a group of volunteers - the Paddy Walker Heritage Society - the beautifully-restored house is a testament to hours of hard work and dedication and is now a centre for heritage and cultural activities. Tours are conducted through the old boarding house, and workshops are held on a regular basis.

A collection of masks, gathered up by June Daniel, graces a wall at the Walker House

The current displays focus on collections - everything from masks and toothpick holders to French ivory and bow ties. Many have been compiled by June Daniel, a long-serving member of the heritage society, and her helpers, Eleanor Smith and Lynda MacKenzie. The exhibits will be changing later in the fall and the Walker House will be part of the Christmas Tour of Homes Nov. 7-9, organized by the Kincardine hospital auxiliary.

Throughout the Walker House, the rooms have been restored to their former grandeur and feature period furniture and accents that take the viewer back to the days when Paddy Walker ran the place over a century ago.

The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band has its own room at the Walker House

One room has been dedicated to the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. More history and memorabilia are needed to display in this room, such as photographs, uniforms (whole or in part), jewellery, medals, print and non-print material. Items can be loaned or donated to the collection. To help out, contact Julie Fair at 519-396-9226 or Ralph McKay at 519-396-2627 or E-mail kspb@bmts.com.

The women's room in the Walker House

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Another room is dedicated to women's items from a century ago; and another features children's toys.

Jane Willich of Tiverton, left, gets some pointers from instructor Lambertus DeGraaf

The heritage centre plays host to many programs and events, such as the Artist Day held Wednesday, with seven students joining instructor Lambertus DeGraaf for a day of sketching and painting scenes around Station Beach at Kincardine Harbour.

Rachel Scarbrough of Texas makes a quick sketch of the Kincardine lighthouse during the Walker House's artist day Wednesday

This inaugural event drew a young woman from Texas. Rachel Scarbrough's father is working at Bruce Power for the next two years,  and she and her family came to visit and stayed an extra few days so she could attend Artist Day. "Kincardine is a beautiful place," she said. "It's a very quaint, attractive town."

Other events proposed for the remainder of the year include:
*Harvest Theme  Activities, such as scarecrow-making and leaf crafts, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at a cost of $15
*Speaker series, beginning with Dr. Jacqueline, PhD. of Simon Fraser University, "The History of Punishment," Tuesday, Oct. 21
*Halloween Activities, including a magic show with Sam Pearce, and stories, Oct. 30; and a kids party and craft, Nov. 1
*Remembrance Day Tea, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1-3 p.m.
*Christmas Party - decorate a tree, sing a song, and enjoy Christmas stories, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information about the Walker House events and classes, visit the website at www.walkerhousekincardine.com