Old Stone House to re-open June 9

NEWS RELEASE

CITY OF SAULT STE. MARIE

*********************** Official re-opening of Ermatinger Old Stone House

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) - The Historic Sites Board of the City of Sault Ste. Marie will host an official re-opening of the restored Ermatinger Old Stone House at the Ermatinger•Clergue National Historic Site on Friday, June 9, 2006 beginning at 1 p.m.

The event will provide an opportunity to thank the many individuals, companies, groups, and organizations that have assisted the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Historic Sites Board with site developments to date.

It will also provide a platform to showcase the site and highlight future plans for development.

The day will include entertainment, recognition of supporters, facility tours, and light refreshments.

A short formal program will include speakers representing various levels of government and community representatives.

*********************** Ermatinger•Clergue National Historic Site

Ermatinger Old Stone House interpretation/restoration project

Located at 831 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Ermatinger Old Stone House was built in 1814 for independent fur trader Charles Oakes Ermatinger, his Ojibway wife Mananowe (Charlotte), and their 13 children.

During their stay in Sault Ste. Marie, the house served as the social centre for the immediate and surrounding communities.

A decline in the fur trade saw the family return to Montreal to assume control of the family business.

In the following years, the house was used as an Anglican missionary's home, a hotel, a courthouse, a YWCA, a social club and as an apartment building.

Beautifully restored to its original elegance, the house is open for viewing until the end of November.

Costumed interpreters conduct demonstrations of period cooking and crafts.

The story of the Old Stone House is steeped in the rich history of the development of Sault Ste. Marie.

In 1957, the house received national designation by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

As a result of the efforts of Gladys McNeice and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the City purchased the house in 1965 to rescue it from further ruin.

The Historic Sites Board was formed in 1969 and the first restoration of the Old Stone House was undertaken.

Members of the original board included Aldermen Harold Tolley and Russ Hilderley; citizens Gladys McNeice, Dr. Charles Eaid, Francis McNamara, Lt. Col. Edward G. Vance, Roy Samson, Harold Brain; and Mayors Alex Harry and John Rhodes.

Under the guidance of Dr. Peter John Stokes and Sault Ste. Marie architect Perry Short (now deceased), the house was fully restored with the replacement of windows and doors, and complete interior refinishing of wall surfaces, ceilings, and woodwork.

The formal opening of the Old Stone House was celebrated in 1970.

Architect Chris Tossell oversaw the next three restorations.

These included restoration of landscaping and grounds in 1999; relocation, restoration and interpretation of the Clergue Blockhouse in 2002; and restoration of shutters, roof, and interior finishes including interpretation in 2006.

In 2005, City Council gave permission for the Historic Sites Board to make plans for the interpretation/ restoration of the Ermatinger Old Stone House.

The Historic Sites Board received funding from FedNor and a private donor enabling it to undertake a $400,000 capital project to develop a supportive interpretation program and undertake conservation maintenance.

The initiative will ensure that this important historic building continues to be a significant and sustainable national attraction in the tourism/cultural infrastructure of Sault Ste. Marie.

The Historic Sites Board of the City of Sault Ste. Marie will host an official re-opening of the restored Ermatinger Old Stone House at the Ermatinger•Clergue National Historic Site on Friday, June 9, 2006 beginning at 1 p.m.

The day will include entertainment, recognition of supporters, facility tours and light refreshments.

A short formal program will include speakers representing various levels of government and community representatives.

Following the ceremony, the site will host its annual Summer Rendezvous: A Celebration of Our Fur Trade History.

This is a two-day event beginning on Friday, June 9 from 2 p.m – 8 p.m and continuing into Saturday, June 10 from 9:30 a.m – 3:30 p.m.

The cost of this event is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Attractions for the festival include Coureur de Bois encampment with voyageur games and food, and historic demonstrations and workshops.

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