Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Museum

Hillary House Getting Musical, Young & Beautiful Auroran Talent – Matina Z

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:12:54 +0000

Hillary House, the national historic site is getting musical. If you think the music is gone for the summer, there is little more coming to the Hillary House. Oops summer is gone, I almost forgot. Last few days we have been experiencing a beautiful weather all around, summer like weather.

Matina Z, Celebrate Aurora, Performing at the Town Park back in July.

Music at the Manor, sunny, fun event in town with live music. Yes more live music with Thursday Night Jam and a local rocker Matina Z this Saturday, September 28, 2013. And if you are a curious person Hillary House is a definitely good site to explore and learn more about local history while music plays.

I briefly met Matina Z at the celebrate Aurora event back in July. Amazed with her performance and stamina I didn’t take my photo shoot for granted. If you up to for some good live music, Matina Z is a must see performance, she is young and beautiful and a local Aurora rocker.

Someone asked me once where do I find all these bands to photograph. Well it all started with Music in the Park back in June this year and since then I didn’t stop listen to the music. Invitations were flowing in constantly. What I really meant I didn’t stop the camera trigger. There is always first time and that was my first to get to know more about music in the York Region and meet lot of wonderful people.

It really been fun and exciting summer for me and for sure for Aurora. I got to know so many people, learn more about bands/musicians that for me did not exist, and I am definitely looking forward to the next summer. Perhaps you will be looking forward as well.

Musician Performing At Hillary House

Hillary House Architectural & Fundraising Victorian Style Ball Details

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:51:17 +0000

Recently I had an opportunity to do two things for the Hillary House. Take some pictures – something an avoidable. I always take picture.

I have also created an event website for the Hillary House fundraising ball. Hillary House Ball is a Victorian style evening dinner dance event. Tickets are still on sale and the funds raised will go towards all the needs and necessities at the Hillary House – mainly restoration. The Hillary House Ball will be in honour of 150th Anniversary. Yes just 150 years ago in 1862 Hillary House was constructed. The ball is scheduled for Friday, the October 19th, 2012.

Hillary House was a treat to photograph. Architectural details everywhere. I used my macro lens to photograph and capture some of the smallest details. I was especially intrigued by the door. Door is a door – used everyday. Soon as I put my eye against the viewfinder I was amazed with the colors, textures and details – and I found the prefect keyhole.

Hillary House, A Door Keyhole

I also noticed all this writing all around the door on the brick. I was told that the names written were actually related to Hillary family. Some of the dates on the signatures were pretty old.

No doubt you can see lot of deterioration on the Hillary House. But let’s face it my house is deteriorating too, especially the side facing direct sun. Direct ultraviolet sun can cause lot of damage, especially to the houses old like Hillary House which is not made of anything close to engineering materials that can withstand harsh weather, just made of plain wood.

And there is the barn. So I had the windows surrounded with wine red planks in mind for sure, but the slider mechanism at the big sliding barn door caught my eye. What an interesting feature. The rust and the little bit of sun shining through the tree tops let me snap this mechanical part and enhance it beauty.

If you ever at the grounds, the front face of the barn is not everything. There are some interesting window frames on the back to look or photograph.

So this is all for the outside adventure. To get more out of your trip to the Hillary House you must visit inside – totally different world. If you like to look at the old artifacts the house is full of that – from medical instruments to personal items of Hillary family.

Personally I start noticing Hillary House in 2008, but I have been there in the early 2000 when my brother-in-law got married and the wedding photo shoot was outside and on the veranda of the Hillary House. I was in the bridal party. Funny how things go, first picture with Hillary House and now taking pictures of.

The Boy Guide At The Barn, 150th Anniversary Of The Hillary House

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:45:17 +0000

150 years of the Hillary House. My Matthew probably would say ‘that is too much years‘ as he did say the same last week to his grandfather who was celebrating his 75th birthday.

The Barn, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

Last weekend it was my first and very first visit inside the Hillary House. However, I did step on the side porch before for the photo shoot during my brother’s in-law wedding – I was part of the bridal party.

Oh and of course I was in the front of the barn as well when they made us do silly things for the video – not too silly but never again especially on the historical grounds. So I do have a small personal connection here.

The Barn, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

I really enjoyed the inside visit and I took few pictures, but I also enjoyed the barn on the back of the property. When I came closer there was a young guide who was telling interesting facts about the barn.

I will take a guess, the guide was 11 or 13 years old boy. He knew his stuff very well and when he did not he proudly took his notes to get the information. I was impressed so were the others.

The Barn, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

When I was taking pictures, he was also approached by the older man who asked him what can he tell him about the place. Judging the man, and that is my observation only, he asked boy questions and probably did not anticipate anything interesting. When the boy finished, the man nodded his head and smiled at him.

The boy may never remember this incident, but I will.

The Barn, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

It was really nice to see the young generation volunteering their time for the 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House event. I almost was disappointed when minutes before I encountered two or three boys running around the Hillary House.

I just had this terrible picture in my mind them knocking down something valuable. On the contrary, I was glad to see a young boy doing something right.

The Barn - Inside, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

Nothing unusual when I looked inside the barn as I did see many barns before. However, just that one thing hanging on the wall looking like a bat got me interested – not sure what it is? A big chain hanging on the side wall and some barn tools were inside as well.

I didn’t find lucky horseshoe anywhere. May be there wasn’t one?

The Barn - Inside, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

And if I heard the boy correctly, the grounds keeper slept or lived in the barn. I usually have difficulty listening and taking pictures at the same time – may be one day there will be a voice recording option for my camera.

The Barn - Inside, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

Around The Barn, 150th Anniversary of the Hillary House, Aurora

I am glad that I was able to sneak out that day to visit the Hillary House. I definitely will be back for more photos. However, my intention for the visit that day was to meet someone, and I will tell you in the next post who that mystery person was.

A Bit Of Museum & History At The Aurora Farmers Market

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:22:39 +0000

Meeting The Cracklin’ Kettle Corn gang and having popcorn for the first time this year I thought that was enough excitement for us for the day – speaking of last Saturday.

We were heading home. As we passed by A Step In Time booth I had my feet ready to run. David Heard was after me. Okay, what did I do now? All I did I just had popcorn.

A Step In Time, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

No worries it was happy ending, he just wanted his picture I took of him and posted on my blog. Wow, almost a year passed, last June, since I actually spoke to him.

David Heard, Aurora Farmers Market 2012, Town Park

We had nice history chat especially about the Aurora pet cemetery. He had some interesting facts and he also mentioned that the builder is going to preserve the site. That is a very good news.

Sawing Machine, A Step In Time Booth

Another good news I have for you is that David is probably the only person in Aurora that sells Aurora postcards. Since he is heavily into Aurora history his postcards are from the past.

Postcards are diminishing because of the digital technology. One day postcards will be rare and the world without postcard will not be the same – just my thought. I actually have small European collection hiding in the closet and holding strong.

A Step In Time Booth, Artifacts, Aurora Farmers Market

Before I move on to something else I have one more comment about David’s booth. In addition to everything else about Aurora, David also has small display of artifacts.

Not sure if we ever will get museum back, so if you are interested in the Aurora history there are few places in town where you can find museum artifacts – at David’s booth of course; at the Aurora Public Library often; at the Hillary House for sure and if I am not mistaken St. Andrew’s College has something on display as well.

The photo above shows display from last Saturday. I wish I was paying more attention to remember anything about the display. Well, it is an old sawing machine for sure.

David Heard, A Step In Time, Aurora Farmers Market 2012, Town Park

I guess after getting to know David more and his friend – they posed for the picture. Now I will have to really hide to get my candid photo shots.

David's Friend, A Step In Time, Aurora Farmers Market 2012, Town Park

Speaking of postcards there is one more postcard available at the Aurora Farmers Market. It is special postcard because photograph used to create this advertising postcard was taken by me and I got a very generous name credit on the front page.

Former Wells Street Public School, View From Town Park, Aurora

If you have not seen it yet you can pick one up at the Aurora Farmers Market, the information booth. The website for Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts is now published as well and you can register for more information.

Wells Street Public School, A View From Town Park

Lastly, as I was viewing my photos from the market I also found interesting subject to talk about in the future. I will be investigating further because I found connection to my past. Stay tuned.

Sunday Break, Preserved Blackboard Tell Stories Now & Then, Artifact

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:21:32 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about the Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Aurora Cultural Centre, Preserved Classroom Blackboard

It’s the stories we’re after. We love the stories and the artifacts can tell the stories. ~ Dan Elliott

Something Is Missing In The Aurora Cultural Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:32:32 +0000

Once I looked at the walls of the Aurora Cultural Centre and thought – what were these diagonal scratch marks on the wall? As a matter of fact on the both sides.

It never occurred to me that they were the missing fire exit stairs. I guess with all the renovations and safety route implementation in the building there is no further need for such stairs. So that’s missing, but there is more …

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

I don’t know if it just me but The Auroran our local newspaper did not have anything interesting written up in the past weeks. Not that it is the newspaper’s fault, just nothing that really interested me. I am glad that Bonnie Tiffin was back once with her Letter to the Editor some issues back.

Perhaps the next issue will have something interesting written up (I thought) and it did.

I was intrigued by two Letters to the Editors, ‘Cultural Centre should stand on its own two feet: reader‘ by Matt Maddocks and ‘Aurora High teacher has made good use of Cultural Centre‘ by Richard Markie, Head of Drama, Aurora High School.

Two very valid letters, Matt’s letter is eye opener for tax payers and Richard’s, oh I really don’t know what to call it, but it is encouraging to know that the centre is beneficial to many of us. No doubt, I have seen for myself that our Cultural Centre is being utilized effectively.

Well, between those letters there is something missing, perhaps some Aurora Cultural Centre’s financial transparency.

Matt wrote ‘In my experience, I’ve learned that when a business starts spending significant marketing dollars, it usually means profits are up. It can also mean the business anticipates growth‘.

I would like to add ‘may be they just got a good chunk of taxpayer dollar and they needed to justify the spending; and a full-page thank you was a bad move as it angered many of us‘. But then one can only assume such thought of mine. By the way, the Letter to Editor costs nothing and some write them to thank others – a hint here.

Well the list does not end here. In the beginning of the February I was invited to photograph the SOYRA show and sale event. It turned out to be a very successful show.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

During the same event, upstairs in one of the rooms it was last day art show for the Luisa Capelet’s Grade 12 Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School. The art work for that show was inspired by Canadian Abstract Expressionist Cesan D’Ornellas Levine. There were paintings but there was also other art objects on the display.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

The same could be done for the Aurora history and museum artifacts. Library is already doing it and there is no one reason why Aurora Cultural Centre can do the same, but on the permanent basis. Yes, if there is no place for the museum at least we can share spaces.

‘Trust, honesty, humility, transparency and accountability are the building blocks of a positive reputation. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.’ ~ Mike Paul

Sunday Break, Been Everything, Aurora Cultural Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:29:41 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

‘Give me a museum and I’ll fill it.’ ~ Pablo Picasso

Our Museum, It’s Like You Know The UFO Sighting, But Check Out The Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:47:12 +0000

Museum in our town is the ongoing issue. Meaning we really don’t have one right now and trying to get it back from the Cultural Center on the Church Street. It only make sense that the building will be the Aurora’s museum as it was retrofitted with temperature and humidity control rooms.

Many times when I was downtown Aurora driving I saw signs in few places leading to the Museum. Aha, I guess there is a hope, but for now we have a better chance to have UFO sighting. But then, may be not, wait until I tell you what I found in the library.

Welcome to Historic Aurora Sign

The other day I stopped to photograph the really outdated sign (looked brand new and it was a must photo for this post) located on the plaza where the liquidation blue store and Dollarama is, near the intersection of Wellington Street and Yonge Street. I can only assume that it was installed by Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

On the side note, watch out for the traffic in this area, especially for pedestrians. It felt like I was downtown – people walked around the cars as the cars were crawling in everywhere even into to pedestrian zones.

Back to the sign. Turning left will get you to the Library. Going straight will get you to the Museum. Good luck! I will take my own way. I went straight instead and visited Library afterwards.

I must officially declare that for every few books we return to the library, we take the same out. We are regulars. We like library now. It will be good to visit especially during the cold winter days.

Typewriter, Believed To Be Used by Andrew's Family

I call my Matthew little snooper, but I like to do that too. As a result of our snooping around we found something. A small museum exhibit. So for those who like to see partial museum exhibits from Aurora, they can actually visit our local library. The first exhibit was displayed in September, I believe, and was showing old typewriter that was found in the house where Marjorie Andrew and her family lived. In addition the exhibit displayed a fountain pen and pair of old glasses.

The latest display features the town of Aurora library history. I wasn’t clear to me if the old tools were used to built the library as they were also on display as a loaner from the Aurora Historical Society.

Old Tools

Finally I am filling all the empty gaps. I once talked about the Victoria Hall and I thought that Victoria Hall was the former oldest library in town. No, it is going farther. The building right across Victoria street is, see picture below. I think you will recognize its unique color and features.

The Aurora Oldest Library Orgins

Aurora Library History Display

Interesting enough, all the libraries are very close to each other. You can see them all starting from the intersection of Victoria Street and Mosley Street, then walking along Victoria South to 1963 library, then right on Church Street towards Yonge Street, the recent library.

Never know may be one day you will be able to visit the Aurora’s museum on your way, as per current signs.

Library Board Minutes Log Book

Well, our journey throughout the town ended in finding small museum exhibit and no UFO. May be next time.

Time For A New Library, Or A Second New Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:08:46 +0000

‘Hi I am Matthew. I am three years old and I want library card please‘ – Matthew asked the library lady at the information desk.

‘Do you have Driver’s License‘ – she asked with a serious look on her face.

‘Yes‘ – he replied.

Aurora Public Library

The registration process began and only took few minutes. I am just glad that Matthew is a little happy camper and was not able to sense the annoyance factor we sensed from the lady. However, Matthew is now a proud owner of the library card and got much better treatment from the librarian in the children’s section.

Promoting early reading is a great idea and really helps in my case. Matthew is attempting to read and to have such resources available to keep him advancing, again it helps. We using more and more of our local library. Step by step Matthew is showing interest in the library books. Elevator is becoming now necessity as opposed to a ride. A sweet treat from the food court outside the library will not go away for a long time.

For a while it was Petch house, now we got museum talks. The other day I was thinking again, as I wrote in the past, and I am sure that I am not the only to think about it – but exhibits in our library can keep the Aurora artifact alive and breathing again, well at least until we find a new place for them. So what do I see on the display – a very old old typewriter, a display by Aurora Historical Society.

Aurora Public Library

So I been reading. ‘Time for a new library?‘, an article on page 7 caught my eye couple of weeks ago in The Aurora, Week of August 23, 2011. The population is growing in Aurora. Times are different. We are in the electronic age. Definition of the library is changing – it is not just for taking books out.

Do we need a new library? Or do we need a second new library? I did read the article twice and I cannot tell what is really in the plans. To build a new library and have the current become obsolete – that’s overkill. A second library – that is a better idea. We don’t need more traffic in downtown of Aurora.

State of the art look – yes for our current library. Space utilization and functionality – not really. Tim Hortons had a right idea selling timbits, so I think having second floor as full floor would have been a better idea. Heating buildings with high ceilings cannot be that cheap also.

Aurora Public Library

So I will throw few cents of mine into the idea bucket. Things to consider is the future of the book. More and more books will be electronic. This also means probably less books on the shelves. Less space for the books. So if the current library design was for a better air circulation for the books, we may not need that in the future new library. Functionality, space utilization to accommodate more users is a must in the future library building.

Let us not forget the green initiatives. Investing in green technologies might not be a bad idea – especially to reduce energy consumption. Picking right location for the library for the public to access it by walking or public transportation – something to think about again.

May be it is too early to talk about the design, but it never hurts to think about it.

So by the time we left the library we had three Dr. Seuss books. That will definitely keep us busy for three weeks. Kids love repetition.

Inventions From Aurora, Plow Attachment By J.A. Petch

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 03 May 2011 06:13:49 +0000

Motivated about the recent historic Aurora’s J. Fleury’s Sons advertisement printed in The Auroran [Week of April 26, 2011, pg 4], I thought I look for patents that were filed by residents or businesses in Aurora. Bingo! I found one that has connection to the Petch House. The invention is the Plow Attachment that was filed with patent office in the United States back in 1893 by John Arthur Petch, of Aurora, Canada.

Plow Attachment, Patent No. 499,577, dated June 13, 1983

Arthur John Petch, of Aurora, in the county of York, Province of Ontario, and Dominion of Canada, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Plow Attachments.

According to the Friends of Petch House website Arthur John Petch (1848-1916) born in the Petch house was a son of Issac and Emma Petch; and was 45 years old when filed patent for his invention.

Source: Plow Attachment, Patent No. 499,577, dated June 13, 1983.