Another demolition!

Perth is a town created by those who farmed. Demobilised officers, granted 600 acres, built an infrastructure overtop a region that supported Hunter Gatherers First Nations for thousands of years.
There are a few industries here, to support some factory workers. We still have heritage farms, that have been in the family for 100, 150, 200 years. The town has been growing, and some commute into Ottawa. It's a lovely tourist town, as well as a great place to live!

It's interesting what they are putting into old factories!

It opened in the 1930s or so.
Hubby worked in this two summers, 1969/70.
They made coffee and powdered milk.
The only major employer in town.
This factory closed about 10 years ago!

It strikes me, as our economy changes, that all of these abandoned farms need to be turned over for something. The cities encroach upon nearby farmland, and land use changes. This was a farmhouse outside Perth, which has long been closed up. It's not truly a heritage house, as they are a dime a dozen around here. People are finally grasping that concept. This farm house has sat empty for a long time. This farm house went down in a day.

Canada has moved from First Nations hunting and gathering, to agriculture, industrial, and now technology. We still need many professions, but it has changed and diversified. (I taught Social Studies back in the day!)


The Darou-McPherson farmhouse, just down the road, is being dismantled and will be rebuilt elsewhere, I'm fuzzy on the details. I've been watching that one for a few months. Hubby has been ever so helpful, as he goes into town more than I, and captures the state of affairs.

Darou barn being dismantled

Darou-McPherson farm house

This is a property that has quite the history. Perth Town Council has been discussing the Darou Farm Property, and its buildings, for years. Finally, they decided to take the barn apart and rebuild it elsewhere. Our local college, Algonquin, is using the project with their students. Algonquin does a lot of restoration work, like stone masonry. Very practical job skills.

Barn board is valuable, some businesses actually buy it up and sell it elsewhere. Many local people make products, arts and crafts, out of it. The town bought the 50 acre property back in 2004 as a buffer to the landfill site, to protect the water table, and in 2009 a consultant said the house and barn had heritage merit. The farm house is pretty uninspiring, to my mind. There is a building behind it, an addition to the house, but it is a common style around here.

farmhouse in spring

We have many fine examples of barns across the province, and the country. I wrote a post about those who recover barn materials , but many are not worth the trouble. There was a wonderful meme, Barn Charm, and falling apart barns are quite common. Now, we have Rubbish by Roan #37 , where you can see lots of old stuff!

Volunteer firefighters used the house it for practice

This building is a place where teens gather behind it, in the dark, on weekends. Without enough OPP staff to patrol, it's been a neglected source of conflict. It is quiet, south of town, and trouble can ensue. Neighbours complain.

before

after

down to the stone, lots of rotting hay

gone!

Barns and farm houses -they're ubiquitous

Perth ponders fate of Darou-McPherson property

UPDATE: 

Fate of Derou Farm buildings closer to being decided | Lake 88

lake88.ca

The fate of the buildings on the Darou farm is a little closer to being decided. The town purchased the 50-acre property with its 1837 farmhouse and century-plus barn in 2004, to serve as a buffer to the town’s landfill site.

Darou-McPherson farm house

Perth Town Council is expected to discuss the Darou Farm Property and its buildings and the Committee of the Whole Meeting on November 12th. The town bought the 50 acre property back in 2004 as a buffer to the landfill site, to protect the water table, and in 2009 a consultant said the house and barn had heritage merit.

Thing is, this is an old barn, much like many in the area. Sure, it would be fine to preserve it, but for what purpose?
We have many fine examples of barns across the province, and the country.
I wrote a post about those who recover barn materials, but many are not worth the trouble.

Volunteer firefighters use it for practice

The farm house is a small building, falling apart after many years of neglect. The barn, in behind, is falling apart.

If Council determines that their budget is well-spent on moving and refurbishing an old house like this, then I fear for those who depend upon water, sewers, the food bank, and other municipal services.

The building is a place where teens gather behind it, in the dark, on weekends. Without enough OPP staff to patrol, it's been a neglected source of conflict.

It is quiet, south of town, and trouble can ensue. Neighbours complain. I'm anxious to see if common sense reigns at council.

Darou Farm property and buildings discussion to return to Perth council table

Merrickville

Old church on Bear Cave Rd