Horaceville, Ottawa
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (January 2013) |
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| Established | 1820 as Pinhey homestead; |
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| Location | 270 Pinhey’s Point Road in Dunrobin, 20 minutes outside of Kanata., 40 minutes west of downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Type | house museum park |
| Website | Pinhey's Point |
| Official name | Horaceville National Historic Site of Canada |
| Designated | 1975 |
Horaceville is a historic site located on the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario, Canada. The site remained the property of Pinhey's heirs until the 1970s, when the property was sold to the township. Today, The 88-acre (360,000 m2) heritage site is owned and operated by the City of Ottawa and Pinhey's home serves as a museum. The museum is open May 14 through August 31, Wednesdays to Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm. This location is also known as Pinhey's Point Historic Site. The property was designated by the City of Ottawa under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as having cultural heritage value or interest. A bronze plaque gives a bilingual description of the property's history.
The site, which is a popular destination for boaters, cyclists, and picnics, consists of 88 acres (360,000 m2) of park land, a nearly 200 year old stone manor house, two barns, Scenic views of the River and several stone ruins. The manor house acts as a historic house museum with furnished rooms and temporary exhibits. The City of Ottawa offers multiple programs for families throughout its operating season (May - August) as well as some programs in the off-season. The park itself is open year-round. Admission to the museum is by donation; some of the programs and special events charge a small fee for participation. The venue can be rented for weddings, anniversaries, or any other special celebration. [1]
History
Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey, an English merchant, petitioned Lord Bathurst, Colonial Secretary at the time, for land in Canada as reward for his service in the British Army and received a 1000 acre (4 km²) land grant for service in the Napoleonic Wars. He retired from business, left England and travelled to Upper Canada around 1820. On his lands in March Township, he built a grist mill, homes for employees and a small two storey log house covered in clapboard. There were seven small cannons facing the river. Pinhey, who continued to prosper as a politician and insurance broker, named the estate, Horaceville, after his oldest son Horace. Horace was to be the heir to the estate, in accordance with British aristocratic tradition.
The Horaceville estate Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey built, which consisted of several stone and log structures, is now known as Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. The site includes 88 acres of farmers’ fields, shoreline, and parkland, the manor house, and several ruins.[2]
The site remained the property of Pinhey's heirs until Miss Ruth Pinhey died in 1971; her heirs sold the estate to March Townships. The Pinhey's Point Foundation was established in 1980 to preserve and develop the estate as a historic site and recreation area. The Pinhey's Point Foundation owns the artefact collection and indoor exhibitions at Pinhey’s Point, which provide historical context. The Pinhey's Point Foundation publishes a newsletter called the Horaceville Herald, which contains information about upcoming events and other news about the museum. In 2014, special events included: Preschool Picnics at the Museum; Young Artisans; Explorer's Club; Horaceville Harvest; Culture Days; Ghost Stories of the Ottawa Valley; and Halloween at Horaceville. The Pinhey's Point Foundation presents historic exhibits, organizes and staff events where "visitors of all ages can learn about the area’s natural heritage, traditional trades, and the rich human history of the area."[3]
The Pinhey's Point Foundation interprets the history of the estate, The Pinhey family and Township of March/City of Kanata. The Pinhey's Point Foundation owned, managed and maintained the property from 1983-1990, when it was conveyed to the City of Kanata. Since Kanata amalgated in 2001, the City of Ottawa has owned, managed and maintained the site and has been responsible for programming. The Pinhey's Point Foundation advises the City of Ottawa on heritage aspects of the site. [4]
Sailing
Cruising and day sailing events, distance race or regatta can be observed almost every weekend. Many racing events are held in cooperation with the nearby Britannia Yacht Club, Nepean Sailing Club and Club de voile Grande-Rivière.
| Month | Event | Host | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | Pinhey's Point Race -ILD Race | Britannia Yacht Club Nepean Sailing Club | BYC Fleet Trophy, Edwin L. Brittain Trophy, Vice Commodore's Trophy, L.S. Sherwood Tray, Forrest Tray, Evening Citizen Trophy, Director's Trophy, Keepers |
Curriculum
For students from kindergarten through Grade 7, curriculum-linked programs are offered on topics related to history, social science, science, math, the arts, and physical education. [5]
Legacy
The Ontario Heritage Trust erected a plaque for Honourable Hamnet Kirks Pinhey 1784-1857 at Horaceville, Pinhey's former estate beside the Ottawa River, Regional Road 21 north of Road 49, near South March - about 20 km from downtown Ottawa. "On land granted to him for service in the Napoleonic Wars, Pinhey built a substantial estate comprising several log and stone structures. Later, he became prominent in local affairs and held a number of public offices." [6]
Location:
Buildings
A stone parlour and three small upstairs bedrooms for the servants were added to the home between 1822 and 1825. In 1841, Pinhey added a central hall kitchen wing with a sweeping staircase leading upstairs to a dining room and a bedroom over the front entrance. In 1848 and 1849, a south wing was added with a library, pantry, drawing room and more bedrooms on the second floor.
Other buildings on the site included a barn, stone stable, powder magazine and St. Mary's Church. The construction of the church began on 1825 and the first service was held on October 7, 1827. The opening featured a seven gun salute from the cannons. The building of the church on this site was opposed by the bishop of Quebec, who felt that the church should be built further inland. Even though Pinhey donated part of his land and the labour costs, the bishop still refused to consecrate the church.
See also
External links
45°26′20″N 75°57′10″W / 45.43889°N 75.95278°W
References
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