Doors Open is returning to King Township to again offer residents the chance to tour significant sites throughout our community. These sites, some of which are private residences, will open their doors and allow an exclusive peek, giving visitors the opportunity to explore these places free of charge. Many of the sites have historical significance, some are architecturally important and others highlight the natural grandeur of King.

Sir Henry Pellatt, known as the owner of the legendary Casa Loma in Toronto, built his summer retreat right here in King Township. Marylake is a beautiful testament to large scale opulent architecture and visitors will delight in viewing the stone gates, gatehouse and barn, all still
standing as witness to one man’s vision. Marylake is now an Augustinian monastery and Doors Open is a great opportunity to view the grounds and Shrine.

Thanks to the preservation efforts of Lady Eaton, who purchased St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in 1960, those taking the Doors Open tour will have a chance to view this gorgeous stone church. The Church was built in 1848 and was in use until it closed in 1958. It is now
owned and operated by the York Pioneer and Historical Society.

Laskay Hall will open its doors and welcome the public to view its old world charm. The Hall has traditionally been a centre for gatherings for local community organizations. Built in 1859 its very endurance and continual use demonstrates the strong community ties still evident today. This structure also represents a constant amidst the changes Laskay has experienced through history as it went from a bustling town to a pretty hamlet.

The charming community of Kettleby is also well represented on the tour. Here people will have the opportunity to visit Brunswick Hall and the Kettleby Cemetery and Dead House. As one of the community’s more important residences, Brunswick Hall was constructed in 1875 on the foundations of an even older structure built by town founder Septimus Tyrwhitt. It suffered fire damage in the past but has since been restored to preserve the century old charm.

The Cemetery, established in 1890 is the site of the octagonal Dead House, one of the few left in York Region. Although very few of these dead houses remain elsewhere, the Kettleby example is in excellent condition. The octagonal shape was a short lived architectural trend of the 19th century and is typically seen in residential styles. Octagonal dead houses were most commonly built in cemeteries belonging to communities that bordered Yonge Street.

Also featured on the tour are the Kingbridge Centre, Cedar Glen YMCA Camp, Sproule House in Schomberg, All Saints Anglican Church, celebrating 150 years in King City and the old Methodist Church in Kettleby.

Doors Open will take place September 22, 2007 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Reservations and tickets are not required. Just follow the yellow signs that will be placed at each site. Brochures are available at any of the King Township Library branches, the Township Office and the Museum. For more information please contact the King Township Museum at 905-833-2331 or email us at kingmuseum@king.on.ca.

Mayor Margaret Black, long-time patron Mrs. Helen Armstrong, and Special Projects Librarian Chantale
Boileau at the King City Public Library.

Registration forms for homebound persons and volunteers are available at one of the four branches of the library system for this program. Patrons and volunteers may register with the Special Projects Librarian, Chantale Boileau, (905) 833-5101 or in person at
one of the library branches–
Ansnorveldt, King City, Nobleton, or Schomberg, or by email
homebound@king-library.on.ca.

King City, August 20, 2007 – The library is happy to announce our new Homebound
Service. Beginning in September homebound people in King Township don’t
have to worry about getting out of their homes to borrow library material. All they
have to do is contact the King Township Public Library. The library has delivered
library materials on an informal basis to homebound persons for many years.

Mrs. Helen Armstrong and Mrs. Mary Ross have been using this informal service at the Schomberg and King City branches for over 4 years. Through a generous one time grant from Ontario’s Ministry of Culture, the library is ready to expand this service and promote it within the community.

Many libraries in York Region offer a dedicated book delivery program in order
to reach patrons who would like to use the library but cannot, due to temporary or
permanent mobility issues. These programs are successful in connecting the
homebound to their communities and contributing to the health of their users.

Within the community there has been strong support for the program from seniors’ organizations and residences. The King Township Public Library’s Homebound Program builds on this concept, offering the service to all homebound individuals.

King Township Public Library volunteers will also deliver materials to persons with short-term illness or injury and those with disabilities. Loan periods have been extended to accommodate monthly deliveries.