The Woodrow Homestead was purchased in August 1966 by Coldwater Canadiana, a non-profit corporation, organized to preserve local history. The log home is an excellent example of the workmanship of our pioneer forefathers. The oldest part of the house is the back room with its stone fireplace, built in the late 1830's. The skillet hanging by the fireplace was originally used here. At one time there was an open loft above this room. As this was the entire house at the time, it served as kitchen, living area and bedroom. The two-storey front part of the house was added about 1864.
The Woodrow Family prior to 1885.
Archibald and Catherine Woodrow with daughters Catherine and Christina behind two boys in front. Photo was taken at the side of the original log house built in 1835.
The homesteaders, Archibald Woodrow, his wife Catherine and daughter Catherine, came by sailing ship from the Island of Islay, Scotland. The rest of their family, five sons and four more daughters, were born and raised in this house. Catherine (the daughter) eloped with George Borland. She climbed through a loft window near the fireplace and he was waiting at the river in his canoe. Sandy married and served on Medonte Council. Bill, Jim and Neil, all bachelors, stayed on here after their parents died. The other son and the daughters all married and today many residents of the area trace their ancestry back to this homestead.
A picture of Sarah Woodrow (Archibalds's Daughter) and her husband Edmund Walker who lived on a farm on Steeles Road just north of the Moonstone Road.Taken in the early 1900's
