Three grants for County heritage buildings

The Built Heritage Fund, administered by the County Community Foundation, has announced three recipients for its 2016 grants program.

“2016 saw a strong number of applications and the Grants Committee ultimately decided to support three projects,” said Jefferson Gilbert, funds administrator with the foundation. “During the grants process the Grants Committee decided in recognition of the high quality of all of the applications that they would present two additional grants in recognition of the significant efforts to preserve heritage and important buildings in Prince Edward County.”

“The 2016 Save the Day” grant of $5,000 will go to Alex Fida toward restoration work on the kitchen area of the House of Falconer.

Alex Fida posted this photo to his Facebook upon purchasing the historic downtown Picton home.

The House of Falconer, c. 1858, was once owned by J. P. Downes, Clerk of the County for many years and also a well-known artist. Fida purchased the house and is now undertaking extensive restoration work. The kitchen wing, to become a café, he hopes will further enhance the building with a lively public meeting place. Specifically the “Save The Day Grant” is being used for work on the kitchen wing and the Carriage House. The kitchen wing links the Carriage House to the main house.

The Quinte Education Museum and Archives will receive $2,500 toward roof repairs at the Victoria Schoolhouse.

Victoria Schoolhouse

Located in Ameliasburgh, the 1904 one-room Victoria School House was moved in 2005 from its original location on Victoria Road to become part of the Quinte Education Museum and Archives. It was donated to QEMA in 2003. Along with the woodshed and privy these heritage buildings form the interpretive centre. They are in need of roof repairs and that work will be undertaken this autumn once regular tours finish in October.

Picton’s Regent Theatre will also receive $2,500 toward renovations to the exterior of the east wall of the theatre.

Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a centerpiece of Picton’s historic Main Street, owned by the not-for-profit Regent Theatre Foundation. The foundation has had an ongoing effort to preserve the two historic structures that make up the theatre (1840s warehouse fronting on Main Street; and an auditorium c 1918). The Built Heritage Grant will be used to help with the repairs to the deteriorating east wall masonry work where the two structures meet.

Gilbert said the grants process was launched in mid-May and more than a dozen projects requested information and applications.

“This was a clear demonstration of how the Built Heritage Fund resonates with a community full of heritage buildings and a genuine care for their potential and possibility,” he said.

Grants Committee members include Stephanie Lynn, Elizabeth Crombie, Jackie Soorsma, Marilyn Lauer, Marilyn Kennedy and Peta Shelton. Funds for the grants are raised during the Annual Christmas House Tour.

The Built Heritage Fund arose in August 2010 following the demolition of the 135-year-old Methodist Episcopal Church, an iconic landmark on Main Street, Picton.

A few concerned citizens met to discuss how important historic structures in the County could be saved. The realization that without intervention there was the distinct possibility that many of these buildings could be lost. Thus the first Christmas House Tour Committee was formed and the first Christmas House Tour was held in December 2010. The reputation and success of the annual tour grows every year, with proceeds mounting in a fund designated for the preservation and protection of built structures determined to be important to the community and the history of Prince Edward County. The 2016 House Tour is planned for Sunday, Dec. 4.

The County Community Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to encouraging community oriented philanthropy by raising and managing funds and presenting grants that build community strengths.