Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Aurora Historical Society

Art At The Manor 2013, Put Your Creativity To Test

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:58:14 +0000

So I heard – Art at the Manor 2013, an upcoming opportunity for artists of all mediums, an opportunity for expression. So I got an idea. Perhaps this may be a good time that I try something new with my photography just here on my blog while talking about this great opportunity.

I have seen it others do it, but I didn’t want to break the rule for my photo journal blog. Digital art is fun, I have done it before and since I don’t know how to use a real paint brush, I still have the opportunity to mess with the pixels on the screen.

Hillary House, National Historic Site, A Sketch

Well, if you an artist and love the challenge – Art at the Manor 2013 presented by the Aurora Historical Society is just for you (check the their website for more details). I got excited about the range of categories included (Oils & Acrylics, Textile, Watercolour, Encaustic, Drawing/Illustration, Printmaking, Photography, Time-Based/Video, Digital Media, Mixed Media, Sculpture etc).

A real fun project to be involve in. Unfortunately, timing for me didn’t work out this year as we have been battling flu season and poor Matthew ended up with pneumonia this time. I am also getting more web development projects to work on and more photo projects around the town.

However, it is not too late for you to get involve, and let me tell you – you don’t have to be an artist. This is a great opportunity to test your creativity and evolve. We all have it somewhere hidden and at some point we should let out to the surface.

Hillary House, Barn, National Historic Site, Town of Aurora

Well, here are some of my digital enhancements – Hillary House converted to a digital sketch and the barn turned to black and white and playing with contrast. I kind of like that idea so I think I may try to introduce a bit of that type of art here on my blog.

Sometimes I feel like I photographed everything in Aurora, but that is only feeling, because I have not seen everything yet. I have a feeling that my photo journey will be taking forever here. Window of opportunities – endless.

Window, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Well, hope you liked the window above. I let you guess which building this window belongs to. Small clue – taken at the Town Park.

Perhaps this is a great opportunity to mention the Hillary House Ball event that happened back in the October. I think I never mentioned it here yet, but I had an opportunity to showcase some of my photography – a big panel photos, about 10 of them, were displayed at the event at the DiNardo’s The Mansion.

However, I would like to give a credit to the person who took time to present them. Whoever did it was brilliant. Note the window photo and the door of the Hillary House behind stage where the band played. I recall just staring at it. It was a neat idea because of the size of the photo it felt like someone could easily walk in or walk out through that door, or peek through the window. Well done.

Hillary House Ball, Photo Panels, October 2012

Hillary House, Panel Photo, Fall, National Historic Site, Town of Aurora

Doors Open Aurora Cultural Centre Or Doors Closed, And The Motion Is Cultural Shock?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:47:58 +0000

Once upon the time and that time was last year when I re-invented my blog and moved from blog-ger to word press-er. I invested all the little time I had and I never even anticipated this return on my investment.

And the return being the increased traffic, growing subscribers list, networking opportunities, interesting photo shoot projects, thank yous, emails, comments and fresh post ideas. My plan worked but little too well.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

The plan shall be the same for another year or so – slow growth. New inspirations, thoughts and post subjects come along unexpected on daily basis and my own list of potential posts is becoming outdated and irrelevant.

Some of you may know that I had an opportunity to visit and photograph SOYRA show at the Aurora Cultural Centre and at the same time I couldn’t resist to photograph the Layers show by students from Sacred Heart.

Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Show

I received personal thank you note from Luisa Capelet, Arts Department Head at Sacred Heart C.H.S. for visiting, photographing and blogging about this show. She said:

‘Your photographic eye is insightful and creative. Some really great photos in your portfolio. I also teach photography and am using the “blog” forum in the classroom. It is such an effective way to encapsulate ideas-words-images as well as evoke responses and reactions. Your blog site serves as a great example.’

Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Art Show

I smiled and I wish I could really think the same about me, but I really liked what she said about using ‘blog’. Though I must say that it is not an easy task to maintain blog regularly, so for that I will give myself tap on the shoulder.

She also wrote: ‘My students are really enjoying the Aurora Cultural Centre. It started with them acting as volunteers and since then theyhave been hooked. They felt an immediate connection and were well received. Funny how I randomly see them now and again as guests to art shows and programs.

Our show at the Cultural Centre had many lasting, positive effects on our students. I am grateful that the Centre was able to arrange for us to have some space. From my understanding the room was originally booked for a display that the Historical Society was going to have and when they no longer wanted to use it, it opened up space for us.

It was perfect timing. Many of my students are progressing with art and taking it in post secondary. The experience of showcasing in a gallery will remain as a strong element to their beginning successes in this area. Thank you for visiting our show.‘

Layers, Sacred Heart C.H.S Art Show

Another great statement this time for the Aurora Cultural Centre.

So the latest and greatest in town – potential motion to terminate the current Agreement between the Aurora Cultural Centre and Town of Aurora.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

Strings of emails came lately asking me for the support and along a hint to make public aware of the Novita Report or Novita Study (Click on the Strategic and Business Plan for the Aurora Heritage Centre under DELEGATIONS Item 2 to download over 100 pages report).

The report was created by Novita Interpares and was adopted by Council in August 2008.

As result of this study the Agreement came along. The agreement is under jeopardy, and if terminated – ouch I don’t even want to think about it. Doors Closed? I guess, yes doors closed, just like the doors were closed for the museum.

So what did we learn from the museum then? I think we learned how hard is to get back on feet again. Do you think that it will be easy to bring the culture back if doors are slammed just like that. I doubt.

Oh yes I have been asked for help. But that wasn’t in the my blogging plan. My plan is to observe, photograph and write my observations. I rarely state facts because someone already did this job for me. I write my opinions based on the observations I discovered, and I could be wrong too. I write my experiences, and support what I believe.

Okay I cave in to post the link to the Novita Study, but I found pages of interesting stuff there especially when after scanning the report I went back to ACC website and there was no events under Heritage. See what I mean getting back on feet.

Show Case, Aurora Public Library, Aurora

For the Heritage part I have to give credit to Aurora Public Library for presenting the artifacts on regular basis (oh that Helen lady is really doing great job). In the mean time the only Heritage in ACC is the building itself.

Town Hall, Aurora

So I see two aspects in the argument between the two bodies – the cultural aspect and the financial aspect.

No doubt that the cultural aspect is booming at the ACC. No doubt that Town of Aurora pockets are depleting by pouring money to ACC. I am sure that it is in the Councilors best interest to have cultural centre in place they just do not realize that termination of the agreement may bring a cultural shock.

On the other hand if the culture is booming at the ACC then less financial support they should seek from the town. I thought that was always the way of governments, soon as your family makes more money they cut you off the government support.

Something to think about and I just hope we can resolve this issue anytime soon.

Somethings That Always Change In Our Library, The Photography Exhibit

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:05:08 +0000

It was my third attempt this month to take photo of the photography exhibit at our library. First time Matthew needed more attention, second time I forgot my camera and third time there were too many people hovering around.

I am assuming that wasn’t just the cold weather that brought people to the library on that day.

I was told that I can take pictures as long as there are no people on them. So last Thursday I followed the rules and my photographic mission was not accomplished. May be one day I will ask for the photo shoot permission pass or may be it is more fun to be a silent observer.

No photos of the exhibit. Then let me just talk about it. Helen did it again. I wonder if she is trying to tease me as it is my favorite subject.

In addition to amazing display of the photography books I was amazed to see old, I mean very old cameras. It is interesting to see how photographic technology changed since then. I must say a lot. Looking at the collection of old leather bound rectangular boxes with lenses in them is hard to compare to what we have today and much better. One point in time those rectangular boxes were valuable to the photographers as digital cameras are now.

Across Yonge Street, View from APL, Aurora

The very first camera’s will always have historical value. Any digital camera you own these days will only have recyclable value. The camera technology changes too fast to have any historical value. It is always the first invention that counts.

We still don’t have active museum in Aurora, but I am glad that some artifacts are being displayed. Something is always better than nothing. I have not been inside the Aurora Cultural Centre yet, but why not have showcase there as well – it does not have to be all about art. And may be some at the Aurora Town Hall – hallways are spacious enough to accommodate a similar display as in library.

That day I allowed Matthew to play on the computer with children’s activities. I myself couldn’t resist to snap pictures of the winter weather at the Yonge Street and the George Browning house framed by Aurora library walls. It is a shame that there will be no George Browning house one day.

George Browning House from APL, Aurora

There was something else I wanted to look at. Unfortunately I arrived late. The second floor opposite to the elevator has a wall that displays art. In the past a colorful collection of paintings always caught my eye, yet I never made to the other side to look at it closely. Every painting was different yet had the same theme, same kind of selection of colors.

Art Display, Inside APL, Aurora

Well that was gone too. New display is interesting one, but I couldn’t figure out if it belonged to one artist or many artists.

On the side note, I do take books out to read but while I am in the library I like to look around. Last time I actually used the self serve check out and I concluded that I am just too slow.

Aurora Strategic Plan, Focus On How, Less On What, Hint Do Heritage Retrofits

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:18:52 +0000

Sometimes it is easier to start from scratch rather to continue with the existing system. In my mind I think we as the community really need to focus how we are going to make our Aurora a better place to live in the next 20 years and it is up to the town to lead the project and provide us with the results of the strategic plan that is going to be implemented.

The idea of the strategic plan is a wonderful idea. Too many ideas for the strategic plan are not. It is easy to say we want this and that, but how we to do it is the hardest job.

Hillary House, Aurora

I wrote this post couple of weeks ago, Sheppard House Green Face Lift, Home To Windfall Ecology Centre. Let me talk about this again in the Aurora Strategic plan context. The Sheppard House is one of the heritage houses in Aurora and currently is undergoing a heritage retrofit program to reduce its energy consumption by about 75% while preserving its heritage aspect. The project is led by the Windfall Ecology Centre, the environmental non profit organization who is also residing in the Sheppard House.

I have educated myself more on their heritage retrofit program reading this excellent detailed 25 page assembled Guidebook.

On the side note, in this guidebook in addition to the Sheppard House photo (the model work), there is a photo of the Hillary House, a primary suspect for my recommendation.

Hillary House, Aurora

Aurora has a very rich history that needs preservation and regular maintenance. Aurora needs to fully engage the mentioned above heritage retrofit program. This item is a must for the Aurora strategic plan.

The recent two sad stories hovering in the town, the George Browning house potential demolition plan (a must read post 100 Watts : The George T. Browning House by Chris Watts) and Hillary House potential six hundred thousand refurbishment costs. The Hillary House was a total surprise to me. I hope these numbers are not just guess-estimated.

Hillary House, Aurora

Well, the strategic plan does not starts tomorrow. We must think about it now. Unfortunately, this written now will be yesterday’s now, and we are already a day behind.

Not sure if the George Browning house has a future, unless it is relocated but then the true heritage aspect will be broken. However, the heritage retrofit program would be excellent for Hillary House. But then would that be an additional cost to the six hundred thousand? Something I don’t know.

You can read the guidebook document yourself because underlines lot of excellent environmental benefits, not to mention the key message – it will preserve and conserve. Technologies are available and program is available. It may be experimental but I believe it is doable.

Hillary House, Aurora

So going back to the beginning of this post. It is always easy to start something from scratch, but of course if there is nothing in place. However, if we do have something in place such as heritage building and we up to for demolition (example Browning House), we often forget to think about or completely ignore the fact how much energy and resources it takes to demolish the old and build new standing structure.

Now we have an option, the retrofit program. It is now or tomorrow up to Town of Aurora to engage and may be offer additional incentives to the heritage building owners to drive the encouragement.

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.

A Photo Journey To The Petch House In Aurora

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 03 May 2011 03:06:22 +0000

Just before the Easter weekend I had my first photo journey to the Petch house – yes, I was invited inside. It was very interesting and inspiring journey to be part of – to explore the 167 years old family house built in Aurora. I like the old log houses. There is so much character in them even though they look very simple – one might say. The condition the Petch house is now, is not the best. There is nothing fascinating about it if you just look. The house been renovated many times over 100 years so we may never really know the original look inside. However, if you look closely then you will find many interesting treasures to admire.

Petch House, Leslie Street, Town of Aurora

Someone said treasure? Yes, I was hoping to find a real treasure, but not this time. However, let me take you and show you some of the things that can be seen now in the Petch house. If the house gets a new place and new purpose for years to come, then it will have to be taken apart, mainly for safety reasons because the bottom support is in a bad condition, and structurally poses safety issues. According to the Friends of Petch House the house is not going to be a museum because it does not have a collection of artifacts, however, it is going to be used for community events and educational programs.

Interior Wood Log Walls of the Petch House With Contrasting Wall Paper

As you can see the house was built from the thick and long wood logs. You can see the same log on the outside and inside. The light wasn’t very good for taking pictures, but if you look closely you can see the rough chiseled marks. Not sure if chiseled is the right word to use, but one can definitely see that the uneven surface is definitely worked by hand. Aha, contrasting wall paper on the above picture. I thought it would be interesting to see the difference in wall decoration then and now. I am sure it all started with bare wood walls.

Interior Wood Log Walls of the Petch House

The same uneven surface is also seen on the top beam on the side wall, in the room that was probably a kitchen, to support the cross beams. However, the cross beams that run across the ceiling looked much more refined – little too perfect. But then, as the house will be examined further in the future by experienced crew, we will know more then about the beams.

Ceiling Support Beams, Petch House

The shown before contrasting wall paper is probably from 1980s, but then we found this (see below). It looked like painting, however, it was a definitely some sort of wall paper which we observed on the second floor. Well, that wall paper definitely is not ordinary wall paper, it has much more historic look and a feel. I was able to capture couple of nice undamaged areas. Again, probably from early 1900s, but this to be determined yet.

Wall Paper Sample Inside The Petch House

When I first time visited the Petch house by myself, I only saw the outside. I was kind of surprised to find modern features, one of them being electrical wiring, but then the house was always occupied, until recent few years. The original site of the Petch house was where the current Rona store is. The house itself has one main floor and the second floor. There was also a basement, but at this moment the house sits on the iron beams so there is nothing underneath. On the second journey, when we first time came inside, surprise, surprise, the entrance door on the side was swinging. We found broken lock. I guess we will never know the purpose of the break in.

Outside Log Structure Of The Petch House

The outside log is a photographer dream. There is so much abstract there. The old rusty nails add sense of security to the whole structure. However, the logs below are slowly deteriorating and shifting apart. Now the cycling weather condition is not helping at all. The inside is also exposed to weather conditions. Lets hope that some hidden treasure inside the house is well hidden and preserved, otherwise there will be none. To conclude, probably there is no treasure, but for Aurora the Petch House is a treasure by itself, and must be preserved.

Outside Log Structure Of The Petch House

I would like to extend special thank you to Katherine from the Friends of Petch House, who made the arrangement for my photo journey. If you want to learn more about Petch House, you can visit the Friends of Petch House web site or even better you can meet the volunteers in person at the Aurora Farmers Market on May 7th, 2011.

Town of Aurora Museum Future Locations Proposed

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:21:43 +0000

For 13 years I was planning to visit our museum in Aurora. Well surprise surprise – we don’t have one anymore. I guess that’s what happens if you plan your trip for too long – there will be no trip, as for now there is not trip to the museum.

Since museum is a recent buzz word in the town news, and no body really talks about where and what. I have decided to throw some ideas on the table here.

First collecting some information.

‘For Councillor Evelyn Buck, one of her commitments is bring a museum back to Aurora. Noting that the Aurora Historical Society has asked for additional funds for a curator, she said that she was intent on that being met.‘ – a quote from the newspaper article ‘Budget drops again’, THE AURORAN, Week of March 29, 2011, Vol. 11 No. 22, pg 1, 12.
‘The York Region District School Board is going ahead with plans to put the Wells Street School site in downtown Aurora up for sale, while extending the Town’s deadline to make an offer of “fair market value” until June as requested.‘ – a quote from the newspaper article ‘Want to buy a school?, THE AURORAN, Week of March 29, 2011, Vol. 11 No. 22, pg 1, 12.
‘The Aurora Historical Society was founded in 1963 and is run by a dedicated number of volunteers. The society has worked tirelessly for the last 47 years to support and preserve the history of Aurora through its operation of Hillary House National Historic Site, the Koffler Museum of Medicine, and the Aurora Collection. The AHS played a major role in restoring the Church Street School (Aurora Cultural Centre) which is now where the Aurora Collection is stored. The vast artifact and archival collection includes over 8,000 items as well as a rare book and reference library.‘ – a long quote from the newsletter ‘The Aurora Historical Society – Profile’, Aurora Cultural Centre Highlights, Winter 2011, pg 6.

Aurora Cultural Centre

The above items give me a good start here. I don’t know how did the Museum change hands with the Aurora’s Cultural Centre (better explained by Evelyn Buck here); however, as Evelyn Buck is determined to find a new home for the Aurora Museum, I thought that I will be determined here to throw some ideas on the table. Excuse me if they are repeats, because I am sure that lot of ideas were probably already thrown around the table somewhere.

As my thinking process goes, here are some keywords or buzz words in the recent news – Wells Street School for sale, Petch House – don’t know what to do house, Aurora Library needs funding, future Town of Aurora hall renovations, Aurora Cultural Centre – blooming.

Now that I brained-stormed, here are my suggestions for the new Aurora Museum location(s):

Aha, Wells Street School for sale. 8,000 artifacts seems a lot plus rare book and reference library. Why not buy this place, and set up museum in the Wells Street School. It is already historic site.
Aha number two – we don’t know what to do with Petch house? Well why not make this a new place for Aurora’s Museum, it is after all a historic place.
Personally this one is my favorite. Why not set up exhibits around the Aurora. That is, if Town of Aurora hall is going to be renovated (supposedly), why not make a provision for display cases for some of the 8,000 artifacts. Add some display cases in the Cultural Centre. The rare book and reference library move to Aurora Library and have some artifacts placed there too. This option gives greatest visibility and access to the archives for those interested, and for those who are not but will be when visiting town hall or library.

Aurora Cultural Centre

Everything cost money. I don’t think that finding a place is only Councillors job. The Historical Society should layout some proposals. All you have to do is pick a place, do cost analysis, that is cost of proposed property, cost of move, cost of materials, cost of restoration, cost of future maintenance, etc.

I think this should be easy project to do. Give few alternatives, I am sure quotes are free from those who want the job. After all, I don’t think I should be the one here telling everyone what to do. The bottom line is that we need the Aurora Museum back so I can finally complete my planned trip.

So here is my take on the next location for the Museum, and what is yours?