01-1. Historical Georgians

Georgian homes are probably the only style where there are still numerous examples that were built around the year 1800. Here are a few of these 'Historical Georgians' that I have located.

1-1a. w. of Sainte Foy (Quebec City), Quebec

There is a magnificent highway, # 138, that runs east from Montreal to well passed Quebec City. Many of Canada's oldest homes exist along or close to this road. This large stone Georgian is a prime example. The roof is extremely steep to avoid too large a build up of snow. The eaves arch outward so that someone knocking on the front door won't be, hopefully, bombarded by snow. (p.s. Highway #132, that runs along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, is also a treat to drive.) I would not be surprised if,

sometime in its history, this building served as an inn.

1-1b. Millhaven near Bath, Ontario (w. of Kingston)

In 1777, William Fairfield, whose small farm in Vermont was largely destroyed during the American Revolution by advancing American forces, wished to remain loyal to the British so he fled to Quebec (Lower Canada), then on to lands in Ontario (Upper Canada) granted to Loyalists by a grateful 'Canadian' government. He built this 1793 home, bordering on Lake Ontario, for his family, which included 12 children. The French door to the upper porch was added later. The building was originally dubbed 'The White House' but became more commonly known as 'The Fairfield House'. Fairfield went on to become a prosperous merchant and to serve in the government.

1-1c. Battlefield House, Stoney Creek, Ontario

Mary Gage fled New York State and had this house built in 1794. In 1812 the Americans attacked Queenston Heights and killed the brilliant British General, Sir Isaac Brock. The following year, a large force again attacked Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) and destroyed Fort George. The much smaller British force fled to St. David's, then to Burlington. The Americans followed and camped for the night beside the Battlefield House. A smaller British force from Burlington during the night swept down this hill and killed or captured the American officers during a bloody battle. The next day the leaderless Americans went back to Fort George. The Niagara Peninsula became a no-man's land for a few months with forces from both sides, as well as free-enterprise American citizens, ravaging the countryside.

1-1d. McFarland House, Niagara Parkway south of Queenston.

The 1800 McFarland House, although used by both sides, was partially burned and heavily damaged by the American soldiers. McFarland, who had been working on his grounds in 1813, was captured by the Americans and became a prisoner of war in New York. The story goes that he was so devastated by the damage to his beautiful house that he died not long after he was released.

The house, completely restored, has a lovely 'Tea Garden' at the side that makes a fine place to stop for refreshments. A beautiful paved trail passes by the back of the house.

(The houses in Newark, with one exception, were put to the torch in 1813 by vengeful Americans. The British returned the 'favour' later in the war by burning Buffalo.)

(picture to come)

1-1e. The Laura Secord House, Queenston

Although not actually a pure Georgian, the house is worth a stop. Laura's husband, a sergeant, rushed to battle when Queenston Heights was attacked in 1812. Laura later found his body at the site of the battle. Since Laura had been born in Massachusetts, the American army felt safe in using her home as a meeting place. In 1813 Laura overheard them planning an ambush for a British group of soldiers. Laura set off in what was then a very hostile environment and walked '20' miles to warn the British. She was found exhausted, with bloodied feet, by friendly First Nations and taken to the British leader. The British, created in turn, what proved to be a very successful ambush of the attacking Americans.

(I have read several descriptions of Laura Secord`s actions, none of which match!! Forgive me for any errors in this.)