Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc

Lets Go To The Aurora Farmers Market, A Regular Event

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:14:05 +0000

If we can’t think of anything to do on the Saturday morning – simple, lets go to the Aurora Farmers Market. It is a regular event for us. We don’t shop we just go to indulge on popcorn, cookies and lollipops. Yes me first and now Matthew, we love lollipops. Never too old for a lollipop. Perhaps, one day we will stay for a lunch.

This gentleman is not hiding from me, just happened that he covered his face with his hand. But, I do like his shirt EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME.

EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME T-Shirt; Aurora Farmers Market

Once at the Aurora Farmers Market, I really don’t want to explore everything there, because I want to be back and every time I am back I want to find something new. Never mind I go there to socialize as well and sometimes to meet new people. Last Saturday I got to meet Megan who sells delicious baking products.

As always I cannot avoid David Heard. I am always curious what’s in his booth, but I also like to chat as he always fills me in with interesting facts about Aurora. David now sells Vinyl records and has some interesting Vinyl artwork you will definitely enjoy.

David Heard, LP Vinyl Record, Aurora Farmers Market

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts that day had open house, so I walked in. I have not been back since my last photo shoot of the inside the building, and that will be almost a year. The auditorium is renovated. What was intriguing – the large panels halfway through the hall way to create an illusion of the old hallway. Loved it.

Well Street School Lofts, Inside

And there is Arron Morris biking away. I met Arron this year at the Aurora Farmers Market and got a chance to see him in action playing with his The Manatee Band during Aurora Street Festival. If I am not mistaken next week there will be strawberry festival at the market and Arron with his band will be playing at the bandshell at the Town Park. And there is Megan on the background.

Aaron Morris Biking Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

It is good to see that people use other means of transportation to drop by and leave the Aurora Farmers Market – like this man rolling away on his roller blades.

Rolling Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Some enjoy sitting around. Unfortunately I didn’t escape candid shot this time. Oops he looked into my lens.

Sitting Around, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Have you ever stopped and read THE TOWN PARK sign. This time I did and photographed as well. Here is what the sign reads.

“THE TOWN PARK. Purchased from John Mosley in 1867, the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his “Aurora Speech” there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the par on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show. Town of Aurora Heritage Commitee (LACAC) 1997.“

I wonder if the town will do anything special for the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Aurora – like planting a tree, or updating this sign, or a new plaque. We don’t have Wells Street School anymore.

Also I didn’t know that we used to have Victoria Day celebrations at the Town Park. Funny that this event was mentioned on the sign because every Victoria Day traffic on my blog doubles as people are searching for Victoria Day long weekend activities in the Town of Aurora.

The Town Park, Heritage

Lots more to do at the Town Park – eat breakfast and lunch, drink coffee, indulge on the treats, sit around, play in the open space. Playground is always filled with children running around or playing in the water. Yes splash pad is now open.

Kids Playing, Town Park

Or practice baseball like this young boy who was vividly practicing with is father.

Practicing Baseball, Town Park

Or you can have fun at the bandshell like we did. Just a quick update. For few weeks now Matthew was not well. He was diagnosed with HSP [Henoch–Schönlein purpura] which is inflammation of the blood vessels, a side effect after the upper respiratory tract infection. It all started with re-occuring stomach cramps, vomiting and not eating for almost 5 days. Interesting rash spread on his lower part of the body.

Last Saturday we thought that everything was going away, but now after the market we came home and Matthew’s knee joints started to swell. He lost mobility until Sunday. Then on Monday after an appointment with a pediatrician at the Southlake, Matthew’s ankle joints started to swell and he had terrible arthritic pain.

Matthew is now much better. Unfortunately, he is on anti-inflammatory medication. Slowly everything is resolving itself. The rush is still spread all over and may be staying for a while. I was so glad to see him running away from me when I had to administer the medication. He is my little Happy Camper and you can see more photos of him here.

Us at the Bandshell, Town Park

After we exhausted all the possibilities what to do at the Town Park we drove back home. Until next time …

Driving Home, Wellington Street & Industrial Parkway, Aurora Ontario

Sunday February 3rd, 2013 Aurora Turned 150 Years Old, Mayor’s Levee

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:15:22 +0000

On Sunday the February 3rd, 2013 Town of Aurora officially turned 150 years old. Official celebrations started at two o’clock in the afternoon at the Town Park where Aurora families were invited to the Mayor’s Sesquicentennial Levee.

Bandshall, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

I was there from the beginning. Initially I wasn’t going to stay to the end mainly because it was cold, but I did, all the way to the closing ceremony. More people arrived as well and trust me by the time you will see my last set of published photos in the future posts, you will see how cold everyone was.

Well the 150 year birthdays do not come around very often so I don’t regret staying to the end.

Wagon Rides, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Wagon Rides (Chris is that you?), Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

It was cold, but it was warm by the bonfire. Some chose to warm up in other ways – skating, tug-of-war and if the kids allowed you the broomball game was another option. Hot chocolate and cup cakes were served. Did not try the wagon ride but it looked like a warm idea too.

And if you were part of the organizing Sesquicentennial blue hats committee you be warm too – the running they had to do to keep all in order.

Warming up by Bonfire, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

We can probably blame the cold weather and the Superbowl for the low turnout. However, despite the low turnout families came with children to celebrate and they did have fun. I was pleased with lot of Aurora 150 flag entries.

Children imagination and creativity always puts smile on my face.

Tim Jones, Past Mayor of Aurora, MC for Mayor’s Levee, Town Park

On the side note, about the flag raising. I think deep down we were glad that there was no wind that day, and it never came when the flag was raised. However, the wind came eventually to show off the colorful flag by Victoria – I wonder if anyone noticed.

Local dignitaries, faith groups, some current Aurora Members of Council came, and few past members of council attended as well.

Cllr John Abel (left), Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Tim Jones, Past Mayor of Aurora, Town Park, Town of Aurora

As always I took lot of pictures. I just don’t like missing an opportunity that only comes every 150 years. […] with a sudden few encouragements from the blue hats members I decided to stick around and continue with the photo shoot.

I am telling you I got lot of pictures and I have decided to publish many just not in one post. I will ‘theme‘ them up and hopefully more people will be aware of the next celebration in May. Unfortunately, I will not be there.

Happy Mayor Dawe with Cllr Paul Pirri (left) and Cllr Michael Thompson (right)

So what happened on Sunday. I arrived around two o’clock. Got my camera out, got recognized by Cllr Abel, and was introduced to Terry Sherin, President Aurora Optimist Club. Many years ago, Terry Sherin used to send us his real state newsletters. We even met in person and talked on the phone, but he will not remember that.

Today was also the day I finally met Cllr Michael Thompson and Mayor Dawe. Met up with Matt and Deb, Chris and Kelley and their little girls. I must say that this celebration definitely had a small community feeling.

Too bad that the rest of the Aurora Members of Council didn’t make it. I missed Cllr Buck, hope she is doing fine. This years flu season wasn’t pleasant to many of us.

Michael Thompson (left), Matt Maddocks, and a Friend on the right.

And here is Bob McRoberts. If you didn’t hear yet, McRoberts recently published a book – Postcards of Olde Aurora. As the title states, a collection of old Aurora postcards.

Bob McRoberts, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Thanks to Ron, I have wonderful collection of Aurora books.

Ron Wallace, Past Councillor and Founder of The Auroran, Town of Aurora Local Newspaper

David Heard knows what to do when I take a photo him. We all must accept changes at some point and I am actually slowly accepting that knowing more people there will be more posed photos, unless I really hide.

David Heard, A Step In Time – Historical Walking Tours of Aurora

We all know who David Falconer is – but he is always taking pictures so it is hard to get him posing.

David Falconer, The Auroran Photographer

There was a lot of hard working volunteers on site, but I was glad to see that they as well enjoyed themselves.

Volunteer, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Oh and here is Cllr Paul Pirri with Cllr John Abel.

Brr, it was cold. Town Park, Town of Aurora

The former Wells Street Public School was open for viewing and looks like Mayor Dawe, Cllr Abel and Cllr Pirri got the opportunity to sneak in.

Former Wells Street Public School, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc, Town of Aurora

And lastly Happy 150th Birthday Town of Aurora!

The Birthday Cake, Mayor’s Levee, Town Park, Town of Aurora

This is my first introductory post to the a very beginning of my four hour journey on February the 3rd, 2013. If you didn’t get on my photo in here, chances are you made on my later photos. More coming soon.

Winter-y Evening Drive Near John West Way, Construction Site & Year 2012 In Review

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 03:47:01 +0000

I enjoy photographing everything and to extract some of the things from everything are the night shots. However, it all depends what you take picture of. Note, I am still practicing. No tripod just using very high ISO.

The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora

Few years ago I was following a fellow photographer from US and he took these amazing photos of the construction sites. I was hoping one day that I will have an opportunity to do so.

Well I have two here in the Town of Aurora and one of them is the condominium construction site (The Ridgewood) on the John West Way right across the Hollandview Trail Retirement Community.

The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora

I went for a drive today and my first stop was behind the movie theater Cineplex. At this moment it is probably the biggest construction site in the Town of Aurora. I have been following progress mostly during the summer, and now from this view point you can hardly see the Hollandview Trail place.

It felt like it was moving slow at first, but once they started to stack up the floors and walls I was able to see changes at the construction site at much faster rate.

The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora

This area on the John West Way, near the Aurora Town Hall, is definitely a high density area. I wonder how the traffic is going to be. It wasn’t so bad when I drove by around six o’clock. I actually was surprised to see two buses in the span of five minutes.

Hollandview Retirement Community, John West Way, Town of Aurora

Other High Density Buildings on John West Way, Town of Aurora

On the end of my journey tonight I dropped by the Town Hall and snap some pictures of the Christmas tree. I may be wrong but the tree seems much bigger this year, and it seems dressed more with lights. Well when I get some time I will check if I got some older photos to compare.

This brings interesting point, the landscapes don’t just change because buildings rise or fall, but in addition because trees grow and tress fall down and sometimes not by themselves.

Christmas Tree 2013, Town Hall, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Well this may be my last post for the year 2012, so let me summarize few things. I just checked statistics for this site and this site had about 17,300 visits and 35,800 page views in the year 2012. I think that this is not that bad for a local blog. About eighty percent of my visits are from Aurora and surroundings (York Region).

I published 110 posts, slightly less than last year, but this was because I launched community FOCUS (LivingInAurora.COM) site and spent some time writing some content there. I don’t know how many images were published on this blog in 2012 but all I can tell you that this blog has a library of over 1,400 images of the Town of Aurora or photos that were taken on the grounds of Aurora.

My list of subscribers is constantly growing and if they don’t subscribe to my mailing list I know I am being followed using RSS feeds. I do have a twitter account and interesting spread of followers. My site is mainly found via search engines because someone is looking for something specific. It is nice that some actually drop me emails and write me interesting things they know about Aurora.

This year I have engaged more in photographing changes happening in Aurora, and I will do that more in the following year. I have extensive library of photos of the former Wells Street Public School and there will be more as the main construction didn’t start yet. I also have extensive library of photos of the Petch Log House reconstruction which I have been photo shooting since October 2012.

To conclude this post, let me list few of many interesting keywords through which people found this photo journal blog: trees that cry, who lives on my road, aurora issues, environmental issues in aurora, is there water good for drinking in aurora ontario, aurora mystery solved, aurora ontario horror and brave naked. However, the most used keyword and variations were for wells street public school.

“Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.” a quote by Michael Josephson.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013.

GO Station, Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

Trees Mural By All The Wells Street Children

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:46:38 +0000

Drawings, sketches, paintings, coloring-s – and they are all trees. The following captures are captures of the big giant tree assembly on the wall inside the former Wells Street Public School. I don’t have all the details but at some point children were asked to draw trees that were going to be displayed on the wall. Most likely they are trees from Aurora – or are they?

Not sure if the display is still in place or was removed. I fill you on more details soon as I find out. However, I would love to here more about this tree project if anyone cares to share more details from the past. Or even better – may be one day a blog passer will recognize something familiar.

I enjoy art. I am not stack on one style. I like many and there are some I am not fond of as a whole but elements of it. So one of my favorite art styles is children’s art. Its honest, innocent, intriguing, imaginative, and sometimes full of emotions.

If you like analysis then let me tell you what you will see below – trees with green leaves, yellow leaves, no leaves, evergreen trees, trees with fruit, trees with flowers, trees with a hole, coconut trees (nice imagination), trees with tire swings, trees with bird houses, trees with tree houses, blue trees, grey trees.

Then there are single trees, bunch of trees, and sometimes a forest. Trees surrounded by houses, playing children and flying birds. Trees at night and trees during the day, and trees during a summer, fall, winter or spring, and trees on the sunny day. Trees on the hills and trees with mountain on the back. Trees, beautiful trees, from around the world and not just Aurora – yes I found picture of a coconut tree.

Hayley S.,Stacey, Melissa Ellard, Janice S, Kyle McRoberts, Former Wells Street Public School

‘In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.‘ ~ A quote by Alice Walker.

Lisa Cross, Bryan Peckhover, John Davies, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Storms make trees take deeper roots.‘ ~ A quote by Dolly Parton.

Zachary Gore, Nikita Haxter, Lauron Cleverdon, Ryan Steele, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Trees will improve property values, take pollutants out of the air, help with water runoff.‘ ~ A quote by Michael Bloomberg.

Zachary Gore, Nikita Haxter, Lauron Cleverdon, Ryan Steele, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘I was in my yard and thought that the tree was a living being. We take trees for granted. We don’t believe they are as much alive as we are.‘ ~ A quote by Ziggy Marley.

John Gallagher, Paul K., Andrew Healy, Elyse Copland, Meredit, Quincy D., Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Just touching that old tree was truly moving to me because when you touch these trees, you have such a sense of the passage of time, of history. It’s like you’re touching the essence, the very substance of life.‘ ~ A quote by Kim Novak.

Davis McMaster, Erio R., Meredit, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Schoolchildren and older people like the idea of planting trees. For children, it’s interesting that an acorn will grow into an oak, and for older people it’s a legacy. And the act of planting a tree is not that difficult.‘ ~ A quote by Clive Anderson.

Michael Hamamy, Melissa Ellard, Ryan W., Robert Jackson, Michael Cowing, Nick, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘If you cut down a forest, it doesn’t matter how many sawmills you have if there are no more trees.‘ ~ A quote by Susan George.

Stephanie Gallagher, Kendra McDonald, Kevin Burns, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘A great thing about these trees is that they are excellent for cleaning, both groundwater, and of course, air.‘ ~ A quote by Mike Lowry.

Michael Cowing, Joey Maisonneuve, Emily Twiddy, Danielle Charron, Charlene Singleton, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.‘ ~ A quote by Saint Bernard.

Robyn, Colin Ogilvie, Morgan Peterson, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

Colorful Aurora Farmers Market, When The Music Plays

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:55:11 +0000

The Taoist Tai Chi presentation in the park on Saturday at the Aurora Farmers Market was another hint that I should be going back soon to my Tai-Chi classes. I guess I got intercepted by flow of the positive energy thus got motivated – and I will be calling my teacher sometimes this week.

The weatherman called for thirty percent chance of rain that day – but not for that morning.

Taoist Tai Chi Lady

The market is a truly almost prefect place to visit. All we need a homemade lolly-pop stand and then it will be prefect. Kidding aside, we have great community here in Aurora and our weekly market caters everything (lolly pop or no lolly pop), even if it is just meeting your friends.

Just a year ago, I can tell you that we came to the market and spent an average 15-20 minutes – playing with Matthew at the playground and then heading for the popcorn. Because of this blog I met lot of people here in Aurora, just the same way we met lot of neighbours in the past four years on our street because of Matthew.

Matt Maddocks chatting with Diane Buchanan

It was a good day on the farmers market. Chatted a bit with Chris Watts who writes Temporary Sanity blog, then met with Matt and Deb. Briefly was introduced to Diane Buchanan from the Auroran, and on the way home I got to meet John Abel. I recognized few faces in the crowd as well – Councillor John Gallo and Councillor Michael Thompson.

Some of you already know about my little community blog project I started few months ago – the community FOCUS livinginaurora.com. Well so far so good and as anticipated. The content is growing, traffic is picking up and this is because of a few good contributors who regularly write about Aurora, and there will be more.

Note, everyone is welcome to write, anything Aurora related or if you Auroran you can write about Aurora and everything else. This site is great opportunity to be heard in the community.

If you have not met Matt Maddocks on the Aurora Farmers Market at the Town Park, you can meet him at the community FOCUS site. Matt writes regular column Point of Privilege on our community site where he touches on town’s political issues. He has also great appreciation for town’s culture and history.

Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Music in the park is a must. In my previous post I already wrote how hard it is to leave Aurora Farmers Market when the music plays. And speaking of music Councillor John Abel who also regularly writes can tell you all about amazing talent we have here in Aurora. You can read all about it in his latest post Music Scene in Aurora – Local Talent Showcase.

Town Park Musician

I never fail to take photos of the front door of the former Wells Street Public School even if it is blocked by the Aurora Farmers Market crowds. The school is going to be converted to lofts, one of a kind lofts here in Aurora. In the past I have written few posts about the school as I was allowed to go inside and photograph the building before conversion. I have one more post on the go this month to show you children’s art from the Wells Street school.

However, I am not the only one writing about the new lofts in town. On our community FOCUS blog site, Andrew Fogliato writes regularly on our Lifestyle focus page about real state market in the Town of Aurora. Andrew knows Aurora very well because he grew up here.

I know that some of my readers are not Aurorans, so if you are looking for an exciting place to live, a place like Aurora, Andrew will be the right person to meet and discuss your real state needs.

Former Wells Street Public School

What can I say. It was a very eventful day on Saturday.

A Young Bystander

Leaving Aurora Farmer’s Market

Click on the first image to view complete gallery of the photos shown below – vegetable accents, creative treats, millions of soaps, tasty popcorn-s, run away popcorn boy and more. Few more weeks and Aurora Farmers Market will be closing for the season. Enjoy.

First Lofts In Aurora, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:12:02 +0000

This is how spring looks in the Town of Aurora when looking out from the top of the Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, former Wells Street Public School, in all directions.

I can only imagine how beautiful it looks now when it is filled with green trees, looking over the Town Park and looking on the other side towards the Yonge Street.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

Images published here were taken on almost the last day of April, 2012. Perfect sky and not showcased here, but I did find small moon hanging over the Town Park during the photo shoot day. I didn’t realize that the moon was actually there until I thought I had spot from the dirty lens.

Also, I didn’t realize until Andrew Fogliato wrote more about the school, ‘Back to School, This Time to Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts‘, that these will be the only lofts in Aurora so far and one of a kind because I don’t think we will have another heritage school like that to convert to lofts.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

If you like that kind of lofty style and small community living this is a perfect home sweet home. It isn’t just about this great lookout from your window or balcony, but it is also about a walking distance to the park, go station, dining and to the historic downtown.

Not to mention all the entertainment and outing you can attend at the Town Park – festivals, concerts and nice cup of coffee at the Aurora Farmer’s Market.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

Yes, back to school. Just couple of weeks and Matthew will be going to school for the first time. Four years passed just like that. I am so glad that I took so many photos of him, because so much has happened that all my photos serve me as a good reminder of many things we did together.

All those photos also serve me as a good reminder how fast Aurora is changing. On Yonge Street, North of Wellington condominiums will be build. Same behind the Cinaplex Odeon on John West Way.

Zellers targeted by Target in few months will be Target store. Across the Nokiidaa Trail Link on St. John’s sideroad, overlooking the Atkinson Park new houses are being build. No going back to school at the George Browning house – demolished. No renovations at the Isaac Petch farm house – will be demolished.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Churches & Aurora Cultural Centre

Of all these projects going on in the Town of Aurora I am mostly in favor of Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts project. The former school will continue to be our historic landmark and will be shining in the Town Park for many many years to come. It always be a school but with different purpose.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout

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.

Winter-ly Weather Rumblings, Where Am I? Wells Street Public School Again

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:07:25 +0000

No doubt that our weather lately is a very volatile one. When comes to wearing outdoor clothing I am confused. I have decided to stick with my winter clothing. When outside it is always easier to find some clothing to take off, rather than finding something to put on.

Aurora Cultural Centre, West Side of the Wells Street Public School

Last month when we all experienced the summer like days, I wanted to put shorts on Matthew. He resisted, he said that ‘these pants are too short and kids will laugh at him at the playground‘. Funny the way young children think. I begin to think myself that he has forgotten all about shorts because last time he wore them he just turned three years old. I don’t have any recollections when I was that young either, why should he?

Snow in April? No argument here that we have climate change, but I say only short term one. In this years spring it changes every day – snow, sun, rain. Oh yes and we had fog too this year. I read somewhere that such weather volatility been around for hundred years so why should I complain.

It snowed yesterday. I saw snow still on the ground today, well then it gives me a small right to post some winter photos. I don’t think it is hard to guess that I am on the top of former Wells Street Public School (Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts). It would have been nice if the sky was blue, but it is all weather related and not much can be done. As a matter fact on that day before lunch it was nice sunny sky.

Cluster of Churches, West Side of the Wells Street Public School

By looking at the photos, it is interesting to note cluster of churches on the West side of the school, and on the other side a beautiful view of the Town Park. I am sure it will be much more beautiful view in the summer when all trees will be nice and green and of course full of visitors.

Church, North Side of the Wells Street Public School

Last week I had an opportunity to attend one of the Heritage Lecture Series, Postcards of Old Aurora: The McRoberts Collection.

On top of a great collection showcase, Bob McRoberts’ sense of humor element during his lecture made everyone’s attendance a great experience. I expected a small crowed, but of what I have seen there must have been at least hundred people.

Town Park, North West Side of the Wells Street Public School

We did not get to see his original collection (and I don’t blame him) but it was well presented via electronic media. We did not get to hear the train whistle or birds signing as Mr. McRoberts intended to, but again his large collection of old Aurora postcards still exceeded my expectations and I am sure everyone’s too.

So where are Aurora postcards now?

We don’t have any because postcards are phasing out. With digital technology available to us we can take our own photos and create our own postcards. I have collection of postcards from all around the world (but not the whole world) and not that old as postcards in the McRoberts collection.

Town Park, West Side of the Wells Street Public School

Probably, the oldest postcards I own are about 41 years old and from Toronto. There is one (my favorite) I have of Yorkville. The picture was taken of people eating, drinking and smoking outside the restaurant in the early or late afternoon and to add some on this postcard were looking directly at the photographer.

When I looked closely on the back of the photo (not the back, but the back of first people in the row) I found two families with small children sitting on the top of the bay windows, not even balcony and enjoying nice weather.

Yes, enjoying the nice weather.

Here is the link to the Yorkville postcard, unfortunately someone removed the second family on the balcony in front of the yellow bricked apartment. I have the original so no one can argue my statement.

Wells Street Public School Blackboard Graffiti Left Behind

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:44:52 +0000

Blackboards in schools – give some time and they will be a history. White boards, smart boards probably are and will be the next big thing in the future schools.

Blackboard, Welcome To Well St. P.S.

Blackboards, still standing, will be history in the near future at the former Wells Street Public School, now own by the Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc.

When the school closed for good and students did not return for the 2008 school year, a bit of blackboard history from previous school year was left behind – the blackboard graffiti, that is notes and scribbles probably left by teachers and students.

Antique Chalk Holder, Well Street Public School

When I photographed inside the school anything that was physically attached to the school walls – blackboards, cork boards, lockers and shelving was in its original place.

What was also in its place collecting dust and probably never to be used, was this unique antique five finger chalk holder attached to one of the blackboards in the newer section of the school built in 1952. I searched the Internet to see if there are any out there in other schools. No luck.

Perhaps this one was made especially for this school? Or no body bothered to photograph one yet?

Our Giving Tree, Wells Street Public School

Scribbles, scribbles and more scribbles.

I remember those elementary school days when on the last they of school we left some scribbles on the classroom blackboard and when we came back from summer vacations, our teacher made us erase all.

Sometimes there were teacher’s classroom notes left as well. And some teachers in their designated classrooms kept one blackboard almost permanent – things like the periodic table in my chemistry class, and in the case of Wells Street Public School, Our Giving Tree.

Goals, Wells Street Public School

As time passed, the slate (type of stone the board was made of) blackboards started to become obsolete. Any new classroom would get the green board. For many it was hard to change and everyone continued to call it a blackboard. At some point it was generalized and called a chalkboard.

Green Board, Wells Street Public School

Some speculate that it was price that drove the change in the chalkboard industry, but it was the research in early sixties that suggested that the green background board was easier on the eyes of students – the lower contrast.

Schools Out, Wells Street Public School

To conclude, the school is out again here and hope those blackboards will bring some memories back for those who attended former Wells Street Public School. Never know may be you will also recall the five finger chalk holder you have never paid attention to. The school is now owned by Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts. Furthermore, the school will be back with some art on the wall.

The Still Pumping Heart Of The Wells Street School

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:24:47 +0000

As I walked outside around the school I heard cracking noises in the pipes and walls. There was no one inside, perhaps a ghost. Perhaps not – it was the still pumping heart, the gas fired steam boiler that was rumbling and keeping the school alive.

Gas Fired Steam Boiler. Wells Street Public School

So let me tell you more about the school, this time a bit of technical stuff.

There is a bit of photographic art everywhere and I found some in the basement of the former Wells Street Public School (Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts), the boiler room. The deterioration probably due to moisture, rusted piping, chipped paint and the architecture of the plumbing system that drew me in. The engineering part of the system is an added bonus.

Piping, Wells Street Public School

Last time I have seen something like that was on a much bigger scale. It was the underground heating system of the University of Toronto when we had the opportunity to see it during our thermodynamics course in the third or fourth year of engineering. And who would thought that years later I would come face to face with the similar boiler unit, but this time for a different purpose.

Piping, Wells Street Public School

So everything has life expectancy and so does the overall mechanical equipment of the school.

The heating heart of the school is still going – the gas fired steam boiler installed back in 1949. However, according to the inspection reports I read the boiler is approaching its theoretical life and as you can see it is strongly showing signs of deterioration.

Gas Fired Steam Boiler. Wells Street Public School

There is currently no air conditioning in the school, and I am assuming that the school was only cooled via the radiators just by passing the cold water.

That boiler will be history once the school is converted to lofts and there will be a new heating system installed. From my observations it looks like the gas fired steam boiler was assembled inside the basement, and as per Ms. Birch, it will be taken out the same way – just disassembled.

Radiators, Wells Street Public School

So it all started with the crack in the wall.

According to the reports the building is in the poor electrical conditions as well. It is working fine, but it has surpassed its anticipated service life. Same as interior lighting fixtures, heating and cooling piping systems, the heating systems radiators and few fin-tube cabinets were problematic over recent years and also have surpassed their useful service life. And then the gas piping system, plumbing piping systems, and the heat recovering ventilation.

Radiators, Wells Street Public School

Renewal was recommended, and did not look cheap either in addition this could have been disruptive process for the students and the teachers.

There were many other things that needed fixing. The report was lengthy and probably boring to write and it made me laugh when I saw that there was ‘water damaged mirror‘ and ‘soup dispensers appear to be in fair conditions‘, in reference to the condition of the washrooms.

I am not sure if it is now as the temperature sky rocked in the past few days, but when I was visiting the school last month the school was heated. I experienced blast of heat coming out the roof entrance when I did my photographic round from the roof of the school.

I guess the school needed to be maintained after was closed and the owners are doing great job in order to reduce chances of further deterioration of the school.

Radiator In The Closet Room, Wells Street Public School

The fix wasn’t cheap and decline in the enrollment were the closing factors: ‘Over the years, Wells Street Public School has experienced a gradual decline in its enrollment but the Board has directed overflow enrolment from other schools in the area to maintain its viability.‘ – Dave Cooke wrote in the Facilitator’s Report for Wells Street Public School.

Water Piping, Wells Street Public School

For those who attended the school it always will be a school, the memories always last forever. Let us not forget that. Let us not forget that everything has life expectancy as well and we must accept the change. After all, I think we are lucky that the building will stand.

‘Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.’ ~ Bruce Barton