Coldwater Canadiana
Heritage Museum
History
The original Canadiana Store with owner Tom Blaney and members.
The Coldwater Canadiana group, which would evolve into the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum, was formed in 1965 as a nonprofit corporation to preserve and to share our heritage with residents and visitors. In the early years Antiques and Arts and Crafts were sold at a shop in Coldwater and the proceeds supported restoration, research of Canadiana, and developing area crafts.
The Canadiana group supported or organized many events in order to bring organization to the attention of the General Public. The original steering committee and directors in 1964 were Rev. Douglas Jacques, Isabel Alonzo, Ruth Woodworth, W. Wylie, Reeve Earl Brandon, Eileen Peters and Morley Yon.
The founders of the Coldwater Canadiana.
Late in 1966, money was borrowed to purchase the Woodrow Homestead which is situated on an old stage coach route now called Woodrow Road. In the spring of 1967 restoration of the log house began. The objective was to restore this charming place as a museum to honour the pioneer families of the district as well as developing cultural centres of arts and crafts. Many volunteers contributed time, supplies or money to support this goal. In 1979 the Woodrow Homestead was finally recognized as a Heritage Property and Ontario's newest museum and eventually became known as the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum. Since then the Museum has obtained and erected a number of historic buildings from the area and these buildings house artifacts, from the local area, dating from 1850 to 1950. The main homestead building contains many displays relating to the area's history.
The museum now supports itself by annual dinners, open to the public, and Devon Teas in July and August as well as assistance from the Provincial Government and grants obtained through various sources. The original goals of the 1960's are still followed by the current Board of Directors and members.
The Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum promotes, collects and retains the history of Coldwater and the surrounding area from 1830 to 1950.
The Woodrow Homestead when purchased from Mr. Johnston in 1966. Clapboard siding was installed in circa 1900 to hide the logs which were a sign of poverty.