Blog Archives
LeMoyne Star in Rodney Ontario
Le Moyne Star painted by Allan Watson Rodney Ontario
After months of waiting the LeMoyne Star has finally appeared on the garage door of Allan Watson, Rodney Ontario. Allan contacted me several months ago about his plan for “gettin on the barn quilt trail” He has sent along a little bit of information about his project.
Block name: LeMoyne Star (also The Divided Star, Star of the East, North Star, Louisiana Star).
This block was created prior to 1860. It is named after the LeMoyne brothers who settled in Louisiana in 1690 and founded the city of New Orleans. It is often called “Lemon Star” in the North.
The Watson’s found this block on a website and immediately fell in love with the colors and design. If you’re travelling South on the Furnival road into Rodney check out this fabulous art piece. Here’s the address, 289 Furnival Rd Rodney ON.
Great job! Thanks for getting involved.
Denise
Pointed Star
The Location.
The house window that inspired the barn quilt design:
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Grist Mill
The gristmill was an essential part of George Ward’s life in Wardsville. The gristmill ground farmers‟ wheat into finely ground flour. Before the invention of the gristmill, farmers had to grind wheat into flour with a simple mortar and pestle. When the grist mills were first built in the Thames River region, the closest mill was in Delaware. Farmers had to transport their wheat that long distance or grind it themselves.
The Grist Mill is located at Quad County Support Services
During the last part of his life, George Ward saw the construction of a gristmill along the north banks of the Thames River in Wardsville. The advancement in technology was strongly welcomed. Settlers were relieved of much labour during the wheat harvest. The gristmill drew settlers and businesses to the village. Many farmers brought their wheat to be ground and bartered the flour for products and tools they needed on the farm. The gristmill was instrumental in the development of Wardsville.
Written by Rosemary Cranney, Becky Clarke and Ken Willis
DEBORA VAN BRENK’s article in the London Free Press
Folk art to tell of town founder
By DEBORA VAN BRENK, THE LONDON FREE PRESS
WARDSVILLE – A big old-fashioned quilting bee – only with paintbrushes instead of needle-and-thread – is one of this community’s 200th birthday gifts to itself.
As Wardsville celebrates its centennial next month, it is also telling the story of its founder, George Ward, in 30 large murals that will be affixed to buildings in and around town.
They’re called “barn quilts” because the squares look like traditional quilting blocks.
And this may be the first such collection in Ontario.
“This is really rural, country folk art,” said organizer Denise Corneil.
The displays are intended to be a tourist draw, community-builder and historical record.
Painting, taping, and sealing the 8 x 8-foot blocks has taken place for months in the basement of Beattie Haven retirement residence.
When finished, the blocks will go up outside select barns, sheds, stores in a 60-kilometre radius, with a map that will direct drivers to the various sites and explain their meanings.
Each geometric symbol tells part of the tale of inkeeper Ward and the growth of a community that is a microcosm of small-town Ontario: crops, church, wagon tracks, Union Jack, grist mill, river travel, the War of 1812.
The first block, “farmer’s wife,” is already hanging outside the credit union.
Volunteers have also stitched a fabric quilt that includes the same blocks.
The barn quilts will be unveiled officially during larger bicentennial celebrations on June 18-20, Corneil said.
“It’s a big deal,” said volunteer Bob Davis, who noted many families in the community of 500 are also planning family reunions there during that weekend.
They include about 60 former students and residents at Twin Valleys Community and School, a 1970s-era community that was a cross between a commune and gentle reform school. Led by George and Pat Bullied, the farm – including an orange-yellow “foam dome” building that still stands – was met with some local skepticism at the time but many alumni say the experience changed their lives.
Corneil said this has been a tremendous community-building exercise.
“The main thing is to encourage people to start looking at heir history again,” Corneil said. “For a little community, Wardsville has really pulled together to get things done.”
She said the the barn-quilt idea came from Donna Sue Groves of Ohio, who first painted a one to honour her mother. Some other communities in the United States also have barn-quilt trails. This, though, is the first series that will tell a story, Corneil said.
“They’re turning all of Wardsville into a destination point,” said muralist and eco-artist Rick Sommers.
After moving here from Toronto, Sommers helped barn-quilt organizers learn the proper materials and painting technique that would help their creations withstand the outdoor elements.
“I’m finding a sense of community here that’s lacking Toronto,” he said.
The bicentennial event is partly funded by a $33,000 grant from Heritage Canada.
E-mail deb.vanbrenk@sunmedia.ca, or follow Debatlfpress on Twitter.
Wardsville Bicentennial
When: June 18-20 What: Celebration of 200 years
Events: Include starlight dance, open house at museum, pioneer encampment, tent revival with potluck supper, storytelling, unveiling of barn quilts. (Most events are free.)
For more information: http://wardsville.wordpress.com or www.wardsville.ca
George Ward:
founded Wardsville in 1810 as government asked him to build a stopping place on what is now Highway 2 (Longwoods Rd.) for travellers between Chatham and London.
when war of 1812 began, his tavern and homestead became a gathering spot for British forces, to rest up their horse, be fed and gather other provisions. He played important role in Battle of Longwoods in 1814.
Was accused of treason but case never went to court. Died in 1837 He and his wife and children endured many hardships. He apparently went to his grave trying to clear his name of the accusation bdied 1837
