On a very well-hidden dead-end street, the crumbling remains of one of the oldest and most historical houses in Niagara-on-the-Lake can still be found sitting on a massive parcel of overgrown land.
A Road Back in Time by
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"Secord Farm" by AA McLeod (frontview) - Oil on Canvas, 1931 by
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2017 - Property Overview (rearview) by
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The original history of Paxton House can be traced all the way back to a Crown patent granted to Peter Secord in 1798, who was one of the earliest settlers in the area. Peter was an American Loyalist and uncle to James Secord, the husband of the war of 1812 heroine Laura Secord. This land was originally intended to be part of a 600-acre grant promised to Secord by General Powell at Fort Niagara in 1780. However, as a result of contested treaty rights, Secord did not receive the entire parcel. He cleared the land he did receive in 1780, and lived nearby with his wife and large family. He built a mill on the creek and prospered.
David Secord, his relation, was a Major in the local militia and the namesake of the current community of St. Davids. David purchased the land from Peter in 1799 and built the existing dwelling on the property. He lived there until his death in 1844.
When Everything Was Different by
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Colours on Iron by
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The history of the house is rich. Oral tradition holds that Laura Secord rested here on her way to Beaverdams to warn General Fitzgibbon of the impending American attack in 1812. Generals De Rottenburg and Drummond may also have used the house as a headquarters. It is one of the only structures that managed to survive the incendiary American attack on the village in 1814.
As time went on, Riall and Elijah Secord inherited the land from David, and it was owned by Flotyes Secord in 1873. It was then sold to David Hanniwell. The Hanniwells owned the land until 1915, when they sold to Gardner S. Paxton and his wife Lucinda. Their descendants owned the house until 2008, when it finally became abandoned.
Summer Sealed by
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Windowsill Adhesive by
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Key components of the home that have justified its heritage designation are: • Early hand-hewn wooden beams in the basement, which still have bark on them. Documents indicate these pre-date the War of 1812.
• Fieldstone masonry, harled surface rendered in limestone
• All window opening locations and sizes are as originally built
• Location on a large naturally vegetated lot with the front façade facing Four Mile Creek
• 1.5 storey original, simple Georgian form of the building with 5 bay facade
• A rare, narrow Georgian door at the main entrance
Wall Ghost by
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Stalled Development by
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Disgustingly, in 2013 a development plan came before St. Davids city council that proposed turning the land into a 44-unit townhouse condominium subdivision. A massive archaeological survey was promptly mounted, with rectangular excavation cuts in the ground that can still be seen from topographical satellite images. Significant finds on the property from thousands of years ago luckily changed its future. The archaeological assessment revealed an aboriginal settlement, with extensive evidence of toolmaking. Because of these finds and and current marketing trends, the company changed their development plan. However, their newer proposal scored a tie-vote with city council, meaning that it was defeated.
Archaeological Survey by
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The ball unfortunately still lies in the court of the developers, who can now appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board, or reapply with further, newer changes to the plan. They own the house on the property and as part of the current deal, they have plans to restore the exterior to its pre-War-of-1812 look.
Fieldwork by
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Foliage Through Glass by
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A More Modern Life by
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Final Year of Occupancy by
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Poorly Boarded by
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Workshop in B&W by
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Laid to Rust by
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Failed Intentions by
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Backroom Sink by
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December Dusting by
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Cardinal Among Juncos by
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Attic Ascent by
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Past To-Do List by
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Tools & Decay by
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End of August by
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Just Yesterday by
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900 Seasons by
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The Paxton family have indicated they would like to see a passive park on the land instead of a development. Given its possible history as a stop for Laura Secord on her heroic 32-kilometre trek 200 years ago, there has been a proposal to turn the house into a museum for some of the artifacts found in the area and to explain the significant history of St. Davids. However, local residents have expressed disdain for this plan as well, citing concerns over increases in traffic on their quiet street that would result from turning the house into a tourist attraction.
As is often the case with such situations, there is no single way to appease the masses. Instead the house sits in limbo, weathering away with each passing season.
Final Look by
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Creek Farm St Davids - HM Newton - 1910 - Watercolour by
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