Group Outings...
Weddings
Celebrate your wedding at Westfield’s beautiful
Mountsberg Church and Ironwood Hall.
Westfield
Create your own special day in a unique
heritage setting. Advance bookings required.
To book, call 519-621-8851.
FLAMBOROUGH
School and Youth Programs
BURLINGTON
Westfield offers full- and half-day interactive
curriculum programs that bring history to life.
These programs offer students, teachers and
youth groups the opportunity to be a part of life
in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
FOLLOW THE CONSERVATION ONTARIO SIGN TO WESTFIELD.
Corporate Meetings and
Events
Reward your employees and clients with an
Westfield is on 1049 Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552), Rockton, ON, Canada L0R 1X0
Westfield Founders
interactive program. A unique setting, a fun
agenda and fabulous food will make your
corporate event a day to remember. We’ll help
you plan your event!
Are you interested in
helping at Westfield?
Friends of Westfield
The Friends of Westfield Heritage Village Inc. is
a volunteer organization dedicated to raising
funds to help support the mandate of Westfield
Heritage Village. Funded projects include the
restoration of the Westbrook House;
construction of the Bandstand; and purchase of
an all terrain wheelchair for visitors’ use.
Volunteer
and make a difference...
The volunteer team at Westfield is comprised of
short and long term assignments, family groups
and individuals, history buffs and those who are
ready to learn. Contact us if you are interested
in preserving and presenting the past and
becoming part of the Westfield community.
Westfield’s Regular Hours of Operation:
Sundays and Holidays from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. April to October.
Special Events run from March to December.
Enjoy a leisurely day in the country as you stroll through over 35 historical buildings.
Visit log buildings, a one-room school, blacksmith shop, railway station, general store and
many other buildings featuring volunteers in period clothing. Don't forget some
old-fashioned candy from Eddie D. Cat Confectionery and unique gifts from the Gift Shop.
For more information, please call 519-621-8851
or visit www.westfieldheritage.ca.
New 2016 Events...
Maple Syrup Festival Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, & 27 & Good Friday March 25 and Easter Sunday, March 27
Wednesday, March 16, Thursday, March 17 of March Break
Discover one of Canada’s most time-honoured and tasty traditions. Explore the making
of maple syrup from the tree to the table in three different time periods. Families can
purchase and enjoy a delicious, reasonably-priced pancake breakfast.
Good Friday Maple Syrup Festival and More
Friday, March 25 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Visit the village for some old-fashioned fun on Good Friday. In addition to our Maple
Syrup Festival, this day provides extra fun with traditional games, crafts and activities
that will delight children and their families throughout the day.
Spring Sundays
April 3, 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 15 & 29, June 5, 12, 26 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Spring with a trip to the village. Explore more than thirty-five heritage
buildings staffed by authentically costumed interpreters and discover what life was like
in earlier times and places.
Friends Plant Sale Date TBA
Presented by the Friends of Westfield. Choose from a large variety of perennials and
native Carolinian trees, including some rare and endangered species. Great prices and
all proceeds support Westfield’s heritage projects.
Mother’s Day Sunday May 8 12:30 p.m.-4:00 pm
Treat Mom to a great day in the village exploring more than thirty-five heritage buildings. You are always welcome to bring a picnic to Westfield!
Victorian Star Party Friday, May 13 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
This event is an exciting opportunity for people of all ages who are curious about the
wonders of the night sky. Learn about the history of astronomy, look through a
Victorian telescope and discover the world of modern astronomy. Activities include an
D. Glenn Kilmer and Golden (Goldie) L. MacDonell, two
Brantford high school teachers, purchased 30 acres in
October, 1960 at the site which later became Westfield
Heritage Village. They envisioned a unique project that
would develop a pioneer village as a non-profit
educational institution.
D. Glenn Kilmer and Golden L. MacDonell Founders of Westfield, 1960
Westfield Volunteers:
Westfield is able to provide a living history experience
because of the efforts of a large group of talented and
dedicated volunteers who provide maintenance, costuming,
gardens and historic interpretation for your enjoyment.
Please take a moment to appreciate our volunteers when
you visit Westfield.
For more information on Westfield:
Call: 519-621-8851
Fax: 519-621-6897
E-mail: [email protected]
Teachers & history buffs: Connect to educational videos on our website.
www.westfieldheritage.ca
The Hamilton Conservation Authority owns and operates Westfield Heritage Village.
The HCA is a corporate body established under the Conservation Authorities Act of Ontario to further the
conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources, including water, in
partnership with its member municipalites and the province of Ontario. Water is the essential element
necessary to all life, and how our communities prosper depends, to a large extent, on how we manage
this all-important resource.
Westfield is partially wheelchair accessible.
Some assistance may be required. Please ask staff to assist when necessary.
This brochure is printed on recycled paper and can be recycled.
Printed December 2015.
A Proud Member
of Conservation Ontario
Edwardian Star Party Social, craft in the one room schoolhouse, period astronomy lectures
and star gazing with modern and antique telescopes. Presented in partnership with the Royal
Astronomical Society of Canada Hamilton Centre and McMaster University’s Let’s Talk Science
and Sidewalk Astronomy groups. This event is weather permitting. Only select buildings will
be open.
Victoria Day Weekend Sunday, May 22 & Mon., May 23 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Westfield is a great place to learn about Victorian Canada. Learn about Victorian
etiquette, fashions, foods and customs in various buildings throughout the village.
Bring a Picnic for Father’s Day! Sunday, June 19 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Treat Dad to a day in the country. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the beautiful,
picturesque setting of Westfield. Purchase sweet treats and cool drinks from the General
Store. Enjoy antique vehicles and machines presented by the Rockton Antique and Hobby
Association.
Telling Tales: A Family Festival of Stories
Sunday, September 18 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Designated one of the province’s “Top 100” by Festivals and Events Ontario, this is a free
event celebrating Canada’s leading children’s writers and illustrators. This festival is a
special opportunity for families to meet authors, artists and musicians, take part in the
popular Book Swap and Shop, and enjoy a day together in the country. Free parking at
Rockton Fairgrounds with complimentary shuttle service to Westfield. (Please note there
is no parking at Westfield.) For all of the fun details, visit www.tellingtales.org .
A Taste of Warm Bread - Thanksgiving Weekend
Sunday, October 2 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Come and taste a little history! Warm, soft, crusty - bread is the delicious theme of this
day. Learn how different types of breads are made in hearths, woodstoves and the bake
oven. Samples will be available!
Welcome to Canada Day Friday, July 1 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visit the historic buildings, gardens and forest and learn the fascinating stories of some of our
country’s earliest immigrants. This is a great opportunity for new Canadians to experience
the history of Canada.
Pumpkin Sunday Sunday, October 23 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A fun afternoon for the whole family, especially the little ones! Featuring pumpkinthemed games, demonstrations, crafts and activities. Bring your camera!
Summer Sundays July 3, 10, 17, 24 and August 7, 14 & 28 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Village in summertime. Why not bring a picnic and find a
cool spot under a shady tree? Tour the historic buildings, meet costumed interpreters and enjoy
the historical fashion show at the bandstand at 2:00 pm.
Haunted Halloween Friday & Saturday, October 28 and 29 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Something curious is happening in the village! Find out what as you explore the village
by moonlight and lantern light. This is a family friendly event with something for all
ages. Call or visit the website for more information.
Ice Cream Carnival Sunday, July 31 & Monday, August 1 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate summer with the sweet taste of ice cream at this lively family event. Enjoy
Edwardian carnival foods, games, amusements and music. Hand cranked real ice
cream-making demonstrations and samples throughout the day. Purchase a delicious slice
of homemade pie with a scoop of ice cream. (Cones available, too!)
Textiles Day Sunday, August 21 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This is a special day featuring the production and use of historic textiles. Learn about wool
dyeing, carding and spinning, weaving, flax processing, lace making, embroidery, quilting,
tailoring, dressmaking and more! This day will also feature a special fashion show at 2:00 p.m.
Labour Days Sunday, September 4 & Monday, September 5 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This day will focus on the various trades that contributed to small communities in early
Canada. Visit the Print Shop, Dry Goods Store, General Store and more.
Autumn Sundays
Sundays, September 4, 11 & 25 and October 2, 16 & 30 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A lovely time of year to tour the village. Bring your camera and capture the amazing fall
colours that form a vibrant backdrop to Westfield’s period architecture and costumed
interpreters.
Friends Chinese Dinner Saturday, November 12
Dinner at Rockton Fairgrounds. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Friends
of Westfield. Door prizes, auction and great food. Funds raised by the Friends of
Westfield support projects at Westfield.
‘Twas the Night before Christmas
Saturday Evenings December - 3, 10 & 17 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy Westfield by candlelight and feel the warmth of the season through music, food
samples, fireworks and a visit from Father Christmas. Christmas shopping is available at
the Gift Shop and the restaurant features light meals and refreshments.
Christmas in the Country Sunday, December 11 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas for the whole family and celebrate the season
where traditions of an earlier time are
brought to life. Enjoy carol singing, Father
Christmas, crafts, children’s activities and
sample fresh made bread. Seasonal
refreshments available at the restaurant, candies at the Confectionery and one-of-a-kind
shopping at the Gift Shop. Presented in partnership with Rocca Sisters and Associates.
Westfield Heritage Village
To the Trails
Tickets
Picnic Area
Gift Shop
Time Periods
Entrance
1775-1825
Parking
Washrooms
1825-1850
1850-1875
Public Telephone
1875-1900
First buildings moved to Westfield
1900-1925
Westfield Opened June 13, 1964
1
Potts Building
2
Ironwood Tea House Light refreshments may be purchased here
A replica of the original mud block house of the Potts
family from Simcoe. The Potts Building is Westfield's Administration office.
during special events. Also available for weddings, social, and business
functions. Washrooms and public phone are available at the Ironwood.
3
Such shops were often located near an inn,
repairing wagons and coaches travelling the rough roads.
Blacksmith's House
5
Bake Oven A replica of a beehive-style oven that could bake 25 loaves of
Queen's Rangers' Cabin
31
Potts' Workshop
18
Mountsberg Church Built in 1854 by Charles Mount in
32
Cabinetmaker's Shop Reconstructed from a Burlington
19
20
Tailor Shop
This mid-nineteenth century timber framed building is from a
farm in Brantford Township, Brant County. It was the home of William Edmondson
and his family from 1868 until around 1875. The building is presented here as a
Tailor Shop to demonstrate a common trade of the 1860s.
21
Marr Shop This c.1843 workshop was built in Ancaster and was first used as a
cabinetmaking shop, and then an undertaking business. It is now furnished to the
1860s. Spinning, weaving and other textile work activities are demonstrated here.
8
Seth Fothergill's Print Shop A distinction for any town was the
was the establishment of a print shop. Here a village's weekly newspaper was
printed, along with cards and handbills announcing sales, events, political
meetings, and funerals.
9
Misener House
10
11
12
33
The TH&B station, originally located in
the village of Jerseyville, was built in 1896 and operated between Hamilton and
Brantford. It was also featured in the movie Anne of Green Gables and the
television series Road to Avonlea.
34
35
Although architecturally similar to the much older log
buildings in this area, this home was built in 1911 by the Hill family on the Six
Nations of the Grand River Reserve, Brantford. It is presented here as a home of
the early 1800s.
Westbrook House This building from Brant County was built by the
family of Haggai Westbrook around 1810. The house overlooked the “Battle of
Malcolm’s Mills” on November 6th, 1814 and this was the last land battle fought
on Canadian soil against a foreign power.
Trading Post This log home was lived in by the Dorman
family, beginning c.1841. Research suggests that it may have been built as early
as 1801 by an earlier occupant, Micah Corbins. It is now furnished to
demonstrate a Trading Post of 1802.
Inn Drive Shed The drive shed sheltered horses and carriages while
their owners rested at the Inn. Exterior viewing only.
36
Drug Store This building combines the examining room of Dr. Beattie
Gillen House This elegant house was home to four generations of the
Greenhouse This reproduction greenhouse adds to the gardens
37
D'Aubigny Inn Built around 1820, the Inn once welcomed people at
25
Hardware Store This building’s exterior is an example of an
architectural style common to businesses in the late Victorian period. This is a
replica building, and is used for a variety of presentations at Westfield.
Lockhart Log House Built around 1840, the one-room log home is
characteristic of a settlers' first permanent dwelling.
38
39
Smokehouse The smoking of fish and meat was essential for its
preservation. The smokehouse was built around 1875 for a farmstead near
Binbrook.
Log Outhouse This 1845 outhouse is from a Wellington County farm.
Until the widespread use of indoor plumbing, outhouses were common.
40
Farm Barn The small barn from a farm in Brant county, built circa 1840,
sheltered farm equipment and livestock.
41
Carriage Barn The large timber-framed barn houses a collection of 19th
century horse-drawn vehicles such as wagons, sleighs, cutters and a mail cart.
26
A reproduction covered bridge of the Victorian period.
Planing Mill This reproduction planing mill represents ca. 1900.
An important part of the lumber industry, wood would be prepared for
construction and woodworking projects utilizing a variety of specialized lathes
and other machinery. The planing mill houses a variety of original woodworking
equipment ca.1900. The building is dedicated to one of Westfield's founders,
Goldie MacDonell.
Summit Toolshed
The TH&B Section Tool House was a railway
maintenance shed where tools were kept by the railway maintenance crew. The
shed was located in the village of Summit, which was in the former township of
Ancaster, near Copetown. Exterior viewing only.
Sawmill The sawmill, built around 1870, turned settlers' logs into lumber,
facilitating a wide range of building types and creating an important export
industry.
in the backyard of the Gillen House. In Victorian times a greenhouse
would have been a status symbol as well as a practical way to grow
fruits, vegetables and exotic plants.
Built in 1814, it is believed to be the oldest log church in
Ontario. It was used for religious services and other gatherings on the Six
Nations Reserve.
Hill Home
cabinetmaker's shop, the building highlights tools of the trade. Making coffins,
as well as furniture, was a big part of the cabinetmaker's job.
Jerseyville Railway Station
Gillen family at 100 Wellington Street, Brantford. It was dubbed “Old Hundred”
by the Gillen grandchildren. The house bears the name on the letter slot.
24
Log Chapel
14
16
23
Built around 1810 by Samuel Bamberger, this was
the oldest home in Hamilton when it was moved from West Hamilton toWestfield.
Covered Bridge
This Class "G" Consolidated type
steam locomotive was built in Montreal in 1910 for the Toronto, Hamilton and
Buffalo Railway as No. 52, but its number was changed twice, finally to 103. After
many years of service, this mighty locomotive, one of two of its type to be
preserved, was placed in Hamilton's Gage Park before being moved to Westfield in
the early 1970's.
with an apothecary. The stained glass window, showing a mortar and pestle,
was made for the first drug store in St.George.
Bamberger House
13
15
22
Albrecht Seip Boot & Harness Shop
Built in Waterloo
County in 1853. As villages grew in size, master leather craftsmen opened shops
such as this one to meet the increased demand for shoes, harnesses and other
leather goods.
TH&B Locomotive 103
This building was originally constructed by George
Potts around 1866 as a shop for manufacturing spinning wheels. Years later, as
demand for spinning wheels decreased, the building became a general work
shop and a place to build apple crates for the family’s sizeable orchard.
the outskirts of Brantford on the road to London.
The Misener family donated this homestead that was
built in Troy in 1832.
Built circa 1792, this building was
originally located in Dundas and is one of the oldest log cabins in Ontario. It is
believed to have been built by the Queen's Rangers when they were constructing
Governor's Road.
Mountsberg. Until 1870, women were seated to the right and men on
the left. Mountsberg Church is available to rent for weddings.
This house, built before 1828 in Beverly, Township,
represents the blacksmith's home in 1870. Donated by the Saccomano family.
bread at one time.
7
17
Blacksmith Shop
4
6
Display Buildings
McRoberts Dry Goods Store Originally located in the town of
27
28
Troy, the main floor features ready-made clothing, materials, and trimmings for
making your own. The second floor depicts the working and living area of a
seamstress.
42
General Store
43
From the village of Springfield in Elgin County, circa
1848. The storekeeper also served as a banker, extending or denying credit to his
customers. The Apple Hill post office is located next to the store. Eddie D. Cat
Confectionery features old-fashioned candies and other treats.
29
44
Farm Drive Shed
45
Gift Shop Moved from Hamilton and formerly a clubhouse for RCMP
officers, it features unique gifts and souvenirs.
46
Sugar Shack
Cathcart School #24 Built in 1845, from Brant County. The bell was
30
originally used to call people to Methodist camp meetings in the village of Troy.
School attendance was not compulsory until 1871, and then for only 50 days a year.
Bandstand The bandstand is a replica of a classic mid-19th century
structure seen in town squares in Ontario and throughout North America.
Agricultural Barn The barn displays agricultural and farm equipment
as well as other rural artifacts.
Ice House Buildings like this were used to store large blocks of ice cut
from the lake, providing a source of ice well into the summer months.
Exterior viewing only.
Bee House Bees provided the early settlers with honey and beeswax and
were important as plant pollinators.
This structure was used to protect horse-drawn
carriages, wagons and large farm equipment from harsh weather.
Open in March for the Maple Syrup Programs.