Wilmot Township is a municipality that embraces its past and preserves its heritage for tomorrow. The Heritage Wilmot Advisory Committee works diligently to support this vision by identifying heritage properties within the Township of Wilmot.
The Ontario Heritage Act requires that municipalities keep a Heritage Register (commonly known as a Municipal Heritage Register) of properties having cultural heritage value or interest. It helps Wilmot Township and property owners determine heritage value and identify opportunities to contribute to community heritage planning objectives.
The Municipal Heritage Register includes:
- Properties designated under Part IV (individual) or Part V (Heritage Conservation Districts) of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
- Properties that have been listed as Non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest.
Designated properties
Designation of heritage properties is a way of publically acknowledging a property's value to a community. At the same time, designation helps to ensure the conservation of these important places for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The designation is a legal process outlined in the Ontario Heritage Act, created to preserve the unique heritage of our province. Designation registers the property as a historically significant property. It is a way for a property owner to display pride in their property. Ultimately, designation protects and preserves Canada's heritage. To learn more Designating Heritage Properties: A Guide to Municipal Designation of Individual Properties Under the Ontario Heritage Act
Heritage Wilmot last designation was St. James Lutheran Church in Baden under the Part IV Ontario Heritage Act. The designation celebration took place Sunday November 3, 2019.
Photo on left: St.James Lutheran Church (present day); middle photo: St. James (c.1862); photo on right: Official designation of St. James (Front row: MPP Mike Harris, Church representatives Peter Gingerich and Connie Miller, Director/Curator Tracy Loch; Back row: Chairman of Heritage Wilmot Nick Bogaert and MP Tim Louis).
For background information on the church please click here St.James Lutheran Church History.
List of designated properties in the Township:
Kavelman's Store/ New Dundee Emporium |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Emporium is located at 169 Front Street, on the east side of Front Street, south of Main Street, in the Village of New Dundee, now the Township of Wilmot. The store is a two-storey yellow-brick and stucco over rubble stone, that was constructed in 1887. Heritage ValueThe Emporium has continuously served the community as a store for over 100 years. It was built in 1887, with a rear addition in 1888, by a prominent New Dundee resident, Gottlieb Bettschen. Gottlieb was the son of the first Reeve of Wilmot Township, Jacob Bettschen. Gottlieb was also the first vintner to introduce Concord and Delaware grapes to the area and the organizer of the Farmers' Institute of South Waterloo and New Dundee Library association. Gottlieb purchased several lots on Front Street, in 1886, but found the street to be very narrow. To compensate, he altered the plan to indicate a set back of twelve feet. This included the block designed for the Emporium. The block was known as the Jubilee Block, as the year of construction marked the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign. Even though Gottlieb owned the Emporium until 1915, he never ran the store. He leased the space to several tenants over the years. The first operator was J.U. Clemens, a prominent merchant, both in New Dundee and Berlin (Kitchener). The most prominent tenant, Jacob Kavelman, eventually became the owner of the store in 1915 and operated it until 1974. Kavelman, a fire chief, librarian and a member of the Musical Society Band, converted the upstairs into living quarters in 1921. The Emporium is one of the best examples of the Victorian mercantile architecture in both the Township of Wilmot and the Region of Waterloo. It features a boomtown front with a prominent cornice, and intricate brick work on the façade. Typical of this style it features a brick façade of symmetrical design with eight bays. The second-storey consists of eight segmented arched windows and the first-storey consists of a total of eight alternating fixed single-sash windows and doors. The façade's first-storey has a veranda running its entire length. The other three elevations of the Emporium were constructed using rubble stone, stuccoed and engraved with a diamond pattern, and feature at least one door on the first-storey. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Emporium include its:
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Livingston Home - Castle Kilbride National Historic Site |
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Castle Kilbride, located at 60 Snyder's Road West, is situated on the north side of Snyder's Road West in the heart of the former Village of Baden, now the Township of Wilmot. The property consists of a two-storey brick residence that was constructed in 1877, a heart-shaped circular drive and an outdoor privy. Heritage ValueCastle Kilbride is associated with the most prominent family of the Village of Baden, the Livingstons. Built by James Livingston in 1877, Castle Kilbride was named after his birthplace in Scotland, East Kilbride. James Livingston made a significant contribution to the economic development of the Township of Wilmot and beyond. Coming to Canada at age 18 in 1856, James took up farming and soon after worked at a flax mill in the Village of Conestogo, in the County of Waterloo. In 1864, James and his brother, John, established the firm J and J Livingston and by 1867 they operated a flax mill, in Baden. By 1872, they were operating a linseed oil mill and within five years they expanded and were running mills in six nearby villages. The Baden linseed oil mill was the largest of its kind in Canada and James, arguably the most successful resident of Wilmot, became known as the "Flax and Oil King of Canada". After John's death, in 1895, James established the Livingston Linseed Oil Company, expanding his holdings across Ontario and the United States. The Company operated under the direction of the Livingston family until the late 1940s. James also established ownership of several banks and had an influential political career. He served as the Reeve of Wilmot Township, from 1878 to 1882, was elected as a Member of the Provincial Parliament, in 1878, and was elected as a Member of the House of Commons, in Ottawa, in 1882. Castle Kilbride was the residence of the Livingston family for over 100 years. Today, it stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial drive of the Livingstons and the industrial and economic history of the Township. Castle Kilbride dominates the landscape, with its grand construction on a very large lot, facing Snyder's Road West, which is unusual for the small town-centre streetscape. The gated entrance leads to a landscaped heart-shaped circular drive that visually directs the focus to Castle Kilbride. Its majestic and prominent appearance provides a terminating north view on Mill Street and is an impressive landmark for the Village of Baden, now the Township of Wilmot. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of Castle Kilbride include its:
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Scott/Schneider Home |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe William J. Scott House, located at 3332 Bleams Road, is situated on the northwest corner of Bleams and Nafziger Roads, in the Village of New Hamburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The property consists of a servant's house, a smokehouse, landscaped grounds, a pond and a one-and-a-half-storey stone residence, that was constructed in 1858. Heritage ValueThe William J. Scott House was constructed, in 1858, by William James Scott, for whom it is named. William James Scott was one of New Hamburg's most important citizens and a founding pioneer of the area. Scott arrived in the New Hamburg area, in 1838, from Aberdeen, Scotland and, over the course of 30 years, held many prominent positions within the village, township and province. These positions included; his appointment as Common School Commissioner, in 1843; first Postmaster, in 1851; Township Councillor, in 1851; first Village Planner; and Township Reeve, in 1853; and Member of Provincial Parliament, in 1858. Scott's most noteworthy accomplishment was his appointment to the House of Lords, the United Kingdom's upper house of Parliament, at which time the title of Lord Campfield was bestowed upon him. The William J. Scott House is a fine example of stone Scottish Gothic architecture. Characteristic of the Scottish Gothic style, the façade of the residence displays two dominant side gables, which feature identical bays and small double attic windows, in the peaks. A smaller central gable and three Palladian windows divided by limestone mullions is situated below. The recessed central wall, situated between the two dominant gables, creates a modified H-plan, for the house. A central, two-sash, casement window framed by two blind bays is located on the first-storey, of the house, above which, is a partial bellcast overhang. The decorative bargeboard and lancet windows are also reflective of the Gothic style, and the double four panel arched door features sidelights and a lancet glazed transom. The appearance of this residence is very similar to that of the Waterlot, Scott's first residence, located at 17 Huron Street, which was designed with similar Scottish and metropolitan influences. The William J. Scott House is situated atop a hill overlooking Bleams Road, which gives the residence a monumental presence. In addition, the property features two smaller buildings, behind the house, one which was used as a servant's quarters and the other as a smokehouse. Both buildings contribute to the rural feel of the estate. The small pond, situated to the front of the house and near the road, and the landscaped grounds, along with the residence, make the entire property a true jewel, within the rural landscape. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the William J. Scott House include its:
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Scott/Merner/Kirkpatrick Home/ Waterlot |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Waterlot, located at 17 Huron Street, is situated on the west side of Huron Street, backing onto the Nith River, in the village of New Hamburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The property consists of a one-and-a-half-storey Flemish bond brick residence that was constructed in 1847. Heritage ValueLocated within the heart of New Hamburg's downtown area, the Waterlot, now a restaurant and inn, backs onto the banks of the Nith River. The magnificent building together with the river creates a picturesque landscape not typically found in a downtown area. The Waterlot is associated with two prominent New Hamburg citizens and has served the community in various capacities for well over 150 years. The Waterlot building was originally constructed in 1847 as a residence for William James Scott, a founding pioneer of the Township of Wilmot. Scott arrived in the New Hamburg area in 1838 from Aberdeen, Scotland and over the course of 30 years held many prominent positions within the village, township and province. These positions included his appointment as Common School Commissioner in 1843, first Postmaster in 1851, Township Councillor in 1851, first Village Planner and Township Reeve in 1853 and Member of Provincial Parliament in 1858. Scott's most noteworthy accomplishment was his appointment to the House of Lords, the United Kingdom's upper house of Parliament, at which time the title Lord Campfield was bestowed upon him. Another significant owner of the Waterlot was Samuel Merner, a Village Reeve and local Member of Parliament who would be appointed as a Senator by Sir John A. MacDonald in 1887. The Waterlot, constructed of Flemish bond brick, is a fine example of an opulent local residence built in the Gothic Revival style of architecture with Italianate influences. Typical of the Gothic Revival style, the facade features a double gable and decorative details such as bargeboard and moulding above the windows. Also of note is the semi-elliptical doorway, with rectangular sidelights and an arched transom above. The design and quality of materials used in this home were not typical of the time, however, and were considered metropolitan in taste. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Waterlot include its:
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Hamilton Bank Building |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Hamilton Bank Building is located at 98 Peel Street, on the west side and at the intersection of Peel, Wilmot, Huron and Seyler Streets in the Village of New Hamburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The two-storey brick and stone building was constructed in 1905. Heritage ValueThe Hamilton Bank Building was constructed, in 1905, by Benjamin Spahr. It functioned as the New Hamburg branch of the Bank of Hamilton until 1913. The building was sold and used for many different purposes, including a jewellery store, a mortgage corporation and an insurance agency. While compact, the building has a remarkable presence on the street and has contributed to the economic activity and commerce in New Hamburg for over 100 years. The Hamilton Bank Building is a rare example of Beaux Arts architecture. The rarity of the building lies in the fact that the Beaux arts style is typically reserved for large public buildings with an imposing presence, whereas the Hamilton Bank Building is quite small and compact. Characteristic of the Beaux arts style, the building exhibits a flat roofline with a stone balustrade and stone piers at the corners, a stepped cornice with a dentil frieze and an elongated arch with a decorative stone moulding on the façade. Also of note are the semi-circular transom window, within the arch, and the recessed door and window with plain wooden mouldings on the façade. The interior of the Hamilton Bank Building is also impressive. The original bank floor plan has remained unchanged and all of the old bank fixtures, including the vault, doors and counters are intact. The patterned floor, interior woodwork and decorative plasterwork are also noteworthy. |
Blue Moon Hotel |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Blue Moon, located at 1677 Snyder's Road East, is situated on the southeast corner of Snyder's Road East and Notre Dame Drive, in the Village of Petersburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The property consists of a two-storey brick inn that was constructed circa 1855. Heritage ValueIn 1824, the Canada Company bought land to establish a highway, linking Guelph to Goderich. That highway, which became known as Huron Road, because it linked its travellers to Lake Huron, was constructed from Guelph to Preston, then through Strasburg, Haysville and Stratford, and on to Goderich. As a result of the construction of Huron Road, a number of inns and taverns sprang up throughout Southwestern Ontario, to meet the needs of travellers. One, such inn, was the Blue Moon, erected circa 1855, by John Ernst, in the Village of Petersburg. In addition to being the inn's founder and proprietor, Ernst was actively involved in the political and social life of Petersburg and Wilmot Township. During his lifetime, Ernst held the positions of first Postmaster of Petersburg, in 1840, Chairman of the Wilmot Township Board of Commissioners, in 1843, Councillor with the Wellington District Council, from 1842 to 1850, Township Deputy Reeve, in 1850 and Township Reeve, from 1851 to 1853, and 1857 to 1859, among other significant posts. Another significant owner of the Blue Moon was Frederick Holwell. Holwell bought the Blue Moon from Ernst, who was experiencing a period of financial hardship. Ernst's financial difficulties were, partly, attributed to the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway, which resulted in a reduction of traffic on the Huron Road. Holwell was also actively involved in the community. In addition to serving as Township auditor, from 1878 to 1883, Holwell also served as Township Reeve, from 1883 to 1889, Waterloo County Warden, in 1888, and Township Clerk and Treasurer, in 1900. The Blue Moon has a large rectangular plan that is reminiscent of Georgian architecture. The inn exhibits a balanced composition and a gabled roof, and is almost symmetrical, in design. The façade, which faces onto Snyder's Road, features four original entrances, a brick chimney and 15 double-hung 8 over 8 windows. The simplicity of the Blue Moon's design and materials reflects the functional nature of the building, and the time period in which it was constructed. The Blue Moon building was enlarged by an extension to the west, in 1866. It was constructed by local resident, John Martini. The materials and design of the extension were in keeping with the design and materials of the original building. Similarities can be seen between the Blue Moon Inn and Martini's own home, the nearby Martini House, which was constructed in 1866, and is also a heritage property. Another addition to the Blue Moon was made in 1951. Throughout, all of the additions, the structure's original integrity has been maintained. |
Christner/ Rudy House |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Christner House, located at 1379 Christner Road, is situated on the south side of Christner Road, north of the Village of New Hamburg, between Wilmot-Easthope Road and the Village of Luxemburg, in the Township of Wilmot. The two-and-a-half-storey, rubble stone farmhouse was constructed in 1857, along with various outbuildings. Heritage ValueThe Christner House is situated immediately adjacent to the Hostetler House, which was designated as a heritage property by the Township of Wilmot at the same time as the Christner House. The Christner House and its outbuildings are an excellent example of an early pioneer farmstead and its proximity to the Hostetler house contributes greatly to the historic rural atmosphere of the Township. The Christner family was one of the earliest families to settle in the area. John Christner was an early Dutch pioneer from Pennsylvania who, along with his eldest son Christian, settled the farm, at 1379 Christner Road, in circa 1840. The Christner family came from Alsace, Germany, before immigrating to the United States and later to Wilmot Township. The Christner House is a fine example of a Georgian farmhouse and was constructed of rubble stone. Built in 1857, it is composed of a three-bay façade with a central entrance, two bays on the side elevations and a side-gabled roof. The central front includes a pedimented architrave. The one-and-a-half-storey rear addition is constructed of rubble stone and fieldstone. It includes a side porch that spans the length of the addition. The outbuildings on the Christner House property include a brick smokehouse, a belfry, a bread oven, and a fireplace. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Christner House include its:
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Hostetler/ Ritz House |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Hostetler House is located at 1145 Christner Road, on the south side of Christner Road, north of the Village of New Hamburg, between Wilmot-Easthope Road and the Village of Luxemburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The two-and-a-half-storey limestone farmhouse was constructed in 1860, as well as various outbuildings. Heritage ValueThe outbuildings surrounding the Hostetler House provide an important insight into how an early pioneering farm operated. These buildings include a brick smokehouse, a brick summer kitchen, and a woodshed. The Hostetler House and property is situated immediately adjacent to another pioneer farmstead, the Christner House. These two properties contribute greatly to the historic rural landscape of the Township. The Hostetler House is associated with Moses Hostetler, a pioneer of the North Wilmot district and an advocate for education. It was upon Hostetler's request that a school was established, to serve the community's children, in the mid-19th century. Moses' son Levi was also a well-known local resident. He became treasurer of New Hamburg in 1919 and was also the manager of the New Hamburg Telephone exchange from 1924 until 1936. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Hostetler house include its:
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St. Agatha Roman Catholic School/ Shantz Country Cupboard |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Shantz Country Cupboard is located at 1828 Notre Dame Road, on the southwest corner of Erbs Road and Notre Dame Road, in the Village of St. Agatha, now the Township of Wilmot. The two-storey fieldstone building was constructed in 1854. Heritage ValueThe Shantz Country Cupboard building was originally constructed as the St. Agatha Catholic School, which was the first Roman Catholic school in Wilmot Township. It helped to establish St. Agatha as the centre of Catholicism in Waterloo County. The stone building, constructed in 1854, under the direction of Reverend Father Rupert Ebner, replaced an earlier wooden school building on the same property. It served as a school until 1875, when a new school was erected in conjunction with the orphanage. It continued to be used by the church for meetings, for some time. The Shantz Country Cupboard is a fine example of the Georgian style of architecture. It's fieldstone construction features a symmetrical three-bay façade and two-bay side elevations. Characteristic of this style are the central entranceway and gable roof. The windows on the first-storey have stone voussoirs and the attic windows on the side elevation are square with plain surrounds. A wide stone wall, attached to the building, separates the adjoining graveyard. It extends along the entire south boundary of the lot, for a distance of 178 feet. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Shantz Country Cupboard include its:
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Bettschen/ Hallman/ Reier House |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Bettschen/ Hallman/ Reier House is located at 1522 Bethel Road in the Village of New Dundee, now the Township of Wilmot. The property consists of a two-storey farm home. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Bettschen/ Hallaman/ Reier House include its:
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Doctor's House |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Doctor's House is located at 27 Mill Street and is situated, on the southeast corner of Mill and Main Streets, in the Village of New Dundee, now the Township of Wilmot. The one-and-a-half-storey board and batten house was constructed in 1850. Heritage ValueThe Doctor's House faces the alder Creek Reservoir, and the house, together with the lake and the grounds create a picturesque view. The Doctor's House was constructed as a mill house, in 1850, by Frederick Millar who, along with his brother John Millar, is credited with founding the Village of New Dundee. John purchased the property on which the village is now located from the Canada Land Company, in 1830. In 1846, he sold a portion of this land to Frederick, who laid out the plan for the village. Frederick constructed the mill house to accommodate his grist mill. The mill would eventually become Ontario's first full roller process mill, in 1880, after being sold to E.W.B Snider, the founder of Ontario Hydro. The Doctor's House is a rare local example of board and batten construction. The house, which features Gothic details, is one-and-a-half-storey in height and has a cruciform floor plan, with several gable projections. The bay windows on the façade are 2 over 5 and feature plain trim. Typical of the Gothic style the steep gable and shingled roof is finished with boxed cornices and plain friezes. The windows on the upper-storey are glazed in lancet arches. The entrance porch has plain posts and a bell-cast roof that completes the picturesque appearance of the well detailed Doctor's House. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Doctor's House include its:
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New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District |
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Description of Historic PlaceNew Hamburg Heritage Conservation DistrictThe New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District is bounded by Boullee Street to the south and the River Nith to the north, east and west, in the former Village of New Hamburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The District consists of 11 intersecting and parallel streets and approximately 125 residential and commercial buildings. The buildings in the New Hamburg Heritage Conservation are predominantly of brick construction and were constructed between 1840 and 1939. The New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District was designated, by the Township of Wilmot, in 1992, as a Heritage Conservation District, under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 92-90). Two of the commercial buildings in the New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District are protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage act, the Waterlot at 17 Huron Street and the Hamilton Bank Building, at 98 Peel Street. Heritage ValueThe New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District, the historic downtown core of the Village of New Hamburg, is an important reminder of the Village's development and history. Originally called Cassel, New Hamburg was renamed following an influx of German settlers, in the mid 19th century, who named it after a city in their home country. It was originally settled when mills were established along the River Nith, in the early 18th century, but underwent significant commercial and industrial development when the Grand Trunk Railway arrived in 1856. The district has three distinct areas. The southwest area of the district, centred at the intersection of Huron and Peel Streets, consists of predominantly commercial and institutional buildings. South of the core, on Peel Street and on Jacob Street, are two of the original residential areas. North of the core is the flood plain of the River Nith. Anchoring the district are two landmark structures, the B and W Mills and the Hartman Bridge. The B and W Mills are located along the River Nith. Although it was not built until 1905, it is located on the site of one of the earliest mills in New Hamburg and represents the reason for the original settlement of the Village. The Hartman Bridge, a fine example of a single-span Pratt truss designed bridge, spans the River Nith, connecting Huron Street with Waterloo Street. It and its predecessor have served as an important link, helping to make the core of the district a focal point and commercial centre, in the Township. The Hartman Bridge was built in 1939, during the Great Depression, on the site of the Village's original Hartman Bridge, which was named after a local merchant. |
Wagler Property |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Wagler Property, located at 1138 Snyder's Road West, is situated on the north side of Snyder's Road West, east of Nafziger Road and the Nith River in the Village of Baden, now the Township of Woolwich. The property consists of a two-storey stone residence that was constructed in 1857, along with six outbuildings, including a barn, a drive shed, a wash house, a bake house, a wood shed and a building containing a water tank, all which date back to 1900 or earlier. The property was designated, by the Township of Wilmot, in 1992 for its heritage value and interest, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 92-102).
Heritage ValueThe Wagler Property, with its stone farmhouse, wooden windmill and many outbuildings, is representative of farmsteads of old in Wilmot Township. The Wagler Property was originally settled by Joseph Lichti, a pioneer settler, who arrived in the Wilmot area from Alsace, France in 1825. Joseph Lichti sold 50 acres of the land to his niece, Maria Lichti and her husband Joseph Zehr in 1850. Zehr went on to build the stone residence that sits on the property today as well as the other buildings on the estate. The Wagler Property was sold by Joseph Zehr to his son-in-law, Christian Wagler, in 1890, and it has remained in the Wagler family. The Wagler Property residence, constructed in 1857, is a fine example of a stone Georgian farmhouse. Characteristic of this style, the house is constructed of fieldstone and exhibits symmetry in its design. Another feature of this farmhouse is the stuccoed verandah which spans the length of the façade. Also of note are the 8 over 12 windows and the two stone chimneys. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Wagler Property include its:
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Gingerich/Knight Property |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Gingerich Property, located at 1 Shadybrook Court, is situated on the southeast corner of Shadybrook Street and Shadybrook Court, west of Mannheim Road, in the Village of Mannheim, now the Township of Wilmot. The one-and-a-half-storey stone residence was constructed in circa 1863. Heritage ValueThe Gingerich Property, juxtaposed with the surrounding newer development, offers a perspective into the early life of the Village of Mannheim and presents a clear reminder of that past. The home on the Gingerich Property was constructed in circa 1863 by Peter Gingerich, a Mennonite born in Upper Canada. Records indicate that the Gingerich family began farming on the property as early as 1851, when Peter's father, Jacob S. Gingerich, worked the land. Peter gained proprietorship of the land, on which a sawmill was also situated, in 1858, when he purchased it from Samuel Bricker. The small, rectangular wing attached to the west elevation of the house features slightly different stone work which exhibits a lesser quality of workmanship than the main portion. This is thought to have been the original building on the property, with the larger portion of the house being added later. Nonetheless, the west wing features rooflines, fascia, soffit and cornice returns which match the style of the main building, as well as a brick chimney. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Gingerich Property include its:
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Killer/ Koch/ Clarke House |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Henry Killer Farmstead is located at 2541 Nafziger Road, on the east side of Nafziger Road, south of Carmel-Koch Road, and north of Wilby Road, in the Village of New Hamburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The two-storey cut fieldstone farmhouse was constructed in 1860, as well as a smokehouse, barn, and driving shed. Heritage ValueThe Henry Killer Farmstead, with its fieldstone farmhouse, smokehouse, driving shed, and barn, is representative of settler farmsteads, in the picturesque rural landscape, of the village of New Hamburg. The Henry Killer Farmstead is a well preserved pioneer farmstead that dates to the early history of the Township of Wilmot. The property was originally purchased by Henry Killer, in 1854, from The Canada Company. Killer, who was a recent arrival from Hessen, Germany, constructed the farmhouse, in 1860, for his family of four. In 1880, Henry sold the property to his son, John Killer, who farmed the land until he sold it to George a. Koch, in 1900. George continued to use the land for agricultural purposes and the property stayed within the Koch family for three more generations, the last being Nelson H. Koch. The Henry Killer farmhouse is a fine example of a Georgian style farmhouse. It is constructed of cut fieldstone, random on the north and east elevation but coursed on the south and west elevation. Typical of this style it has a five-bay façade and three-bay rear elevation. All the corners have cut limestone quoins. The roof has a medium pitched gable and the eaves, soffit and frieze are plain. The front door has six panels and is centrally located with a very wide flat transom with multiple sidelights. There is a buff-brick summer kitchen addition, on the rear elevation, that was probably built shortly after the main house was constructed. Attached to the summer kitchen on the east side is a board and batten addition that served as a wood shed. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Henry Killer Farmstead include its:
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Martini/ Hauck/ Curtis House |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Martini House is located at 1634 Snyder's Road East, on the north side of Snyder's Road East, in the Village of Petersburg, now the Township of Wilmot. The two-storey red-brick farmhouse was constructed in 1866. Heritage ValueThe Martini House is situated on a part of the original German Block property that was settled by German immigrants in circa 1830. It was built in 1866 by a Petersburg area pioneer, local farmer and builder, John Martini, during the early settlement and development period of the Village of Petersburg. Martini built it in the same style and materials and during the same period as the nearby Blue Moon Hotel addition, located at 1677 Snyder's Road East. The farmhouse became known as the Hauck House and the Curtis House after its ownership by the Hauck family, and later the Curtis family. The Martini House is a fine example of a farmhouse built in Wilmot Township in the Georgian style. The typically symmetrical Georgian house has a five-bay façade. The central bay is recessed with sidelights and a blind transom on the first-storey. The second-storey windows have flat voussoirs and sills. The west and east two-and-a-half storey elevations are identical, featuring a flushed central chimney and double hung six over six windows. Typical of Waterloo County style farmhouses it has a painted and plastered front porch. The rear of the house features a frame wing that is thought to be original to the construction. Of note is the four-panel Greek Revival style front door that has an original heavy door latch that is locked by a skeleton key and is very similar in design to the one found at the Blue Moon Hotel. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Martini House include its:
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Zoeller/ Wagner House |
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Description of Historic PlaceZoeller House, located at 2791 Bleams Road East, is situated on the south side of Bleams Road East, north of Witmer Road and west of Wilmot Centre Road, in the Village of New Hamburg, now the Township of Wilmot. Zoeller House is a two-storey residence, that was constructed in 1873. Heritage ValueThe prominent Zoeller family lived in Wilmot Township and for over 130 years four generations of the Zoeller family lived in the Zoeller House. Originally the property was a part of the German Block, in the Township of Wilmot, which was settled by Amish pioneers. A crown patent to the land was given to Ulrich Geiger, an ordained minister, in 1834. Geiger cleared the land and built a log house, which is now covered with brick. It is still located on the property. By 1852 Geiger was married to a Zoeller and through this relationship he sold the land to Valentine Zoeller. Valentine farmed the land for 20 years before selling it to his son Henry, who built the main house, in 1873. Henry, who was the first of the Zoeller politicians, was educated in Wilmot Centre and elected to the council of Wilmot Township, in 1896. In 1901, he was elected Reeve and served until 1910, which was the longest term in that office in the history of the Township. Henry in turn sold his estate to his son Valentine Zoeller, who followed in his father's footsteps as a Township Councillor from 1919 until 1924. He was also a Deputy Reeve and County Councillor until 1928 when he became Reeve, a position he held until 1932. The property came into the hands of Austin Zoeller, Valentine's son, in 1955, who upheld the family tradition of public service by serving as Councillor for a year on the Wilmot Township Council. The Zoeller House is a fine example of the Gothic/Picturesque style of architecture and is also notable for its excellent brick work. The house is two-storeys in height with a three bay facade. Its picturesque qualities are exemplified by its triple front gables with pointed arch bays. Of note is the brick frieze made of projecting yellow-brick with red-brick cross-shaped indents that follow a horizontal course below the gables. The Gothic windows have projecting yellow-brick frames, which is common to all the windows. The walls are red-brick in a modified Flemish bond, with a pattern of one row of Flemish to each three of stretcher bond. There are yellow-bricks at intervals along the walls with cross-shaped indents. At the corners there are projecting yellow-brick quoining as well as a plinth. The eave line is a boxed cornice, with plain frieze, and the three gables have bargeboard and finials. The east and west elevations are identical and the house has a fieldstone foundation. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Zoeller House include its:
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EJ's Restaurant & Tavern/ Baden Hotel |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe Baden Hotel, located at 39 Snyder's Road West, is situated on a triangular piece of land bounded by Snyder's Road West, Mill Street and the Railway Tracks, in the Village of Baden, now the Township of Wilmot. The property consists of a two-and-a-half-storey buff brick hotel that was constructed in 1874. The property was designated by the Township of Wilmot in 2002 for its heritage value under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 2003-03). Heritage ValueThe Baden Hotel is one of the oldest operating taverns in Canada. The land on which the Baden Hotel is located was purchased by Christoph Kraus from Jacob Beck, the village planner and founder, in 1858. Kraus originally built a frame hotel, which was replaced by the current hotel, in 1874. The Baden Hotel's location on the village's main street also served to make the hotel the centre of social activities. Band practices, community dances, weddings and meetings were frequently held at the hotel. Baden's politicians often ate here after their meetings and also treated voters after successes on Nomination Day. The Baden Hotel is a unique example of the Georgian style of architecture. It is constructed of buff brick, laid in common bond, with a fieldstone foundation. It is two-and-a-half-storeys in height. Its unique features include a cut corner entrance and walls that are oriented to the angles of the streets. Typical of the Georgian style, it features east and west elevations, with three bays and a gable end, with a lancet window in the peak. The west elevation, which faces the Railway Station, acted as the main entrance during the peak of railway transportation. The north elevation, fronting on to Snyder's Road West, now the front façade, is symmetrical, with seven bays. Most of the windows have 6 over 6 double hung sashes. All of the bay windows have lug sills and are surmounted by radiating brick voussoirs. Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Baden Hotel include its:
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New Dundee Bandshell |
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Description of Historic PlaceThe New Dundee Bandshell is located in the New Dundee Community Park (Block a, Concession 3, Part Lot 5, Part Lot 6 on the corner of Bridge and Main Streets, New Dundee). The property consists of a community park and a bandshell. Heritage ValueThe Bandshell was built in 1944 by local tradespersons. Albert Feiderlein was put in charge of the buildings Ed Krehler helped, as he was a carpenter. These two men toiled diligently and almost single handedly erected it during the years 1944-45. For his work, Albert received about $200. Much credit is dues these men for their devoted service. The official opening of the New Dundee Bandshell took place on Thursday May 24, 1945. At that time, Queen Victoria's birthday was celebrated on May 24, and on the Monday preceding the date as is the present custom. Over the years, this lovely bandshell has provided the citizens of New Dundee with a perfect venue for many celebrations. The Bandshell was a place where the community gathered for many functions which included music concerts, stage performances and outdoor church functions by the local citizens. It is still a major part of the park for the annual Victoria Day celebrations.
Character-Defining ElementsCharacter defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the New Dundee Bandshell include its:
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New Hamburg Grandstand (an honourable mention) |
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Merner/Shantz/Erwin Homep |
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Description of Historic PlaceLocated on the north-west side of Huron Street, the Merner-Shantz-Erwin house is at 274 Huron Street in the town of New Hamburg, Plan Smith, Lot 3. The property was designated by the Township of Wilmot in 2012 for its heritage value under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act(Bylaw # 2012-05) that was passed on January 16, 2012. Heritage ValueThis home has a direct association with Samuel Merner, a prominent businessman in the town of New Hamburg and throughout Waterloo County. The original deeds for the property show that he owned the property and built the house about 1875. Merner was born in Kien, Canton of Bern, Switzerland on January 9, 1823 and immigrated to Upper Canada with his family in 1837, settling in what would become Waterloo County. His father, Jakob Muerner, located his farm on Bleams Road, about two miles east of the village of Hamburg. Samuel stayed on the farm for one year and then was apprenticed to a blacksmith in Preston (Cambridge). He became a journeyman blacksmith in 1840 and four years later established his own shop in Hamburg. He expanded it to make wagons and carriages. The business was sold to his brother Frederick in 1856, by which time Samuel had accumulated sufficient capital to establish a foundry in New Hamburg, as the village had become known, and another in Waterloo. As did many Germans of the time, Samuel anglicized his surname. In 1857 he became a member of the council of the newly incorporated village of New Hamburg. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1862, in which year he provided financing for the purchase of the Canadisches Volksblatt, the local German newspaper. As he accumulated public offices, serving as Councillor for Waterloo County in 1866, Reeve of New Hamburg (1873-78) and Warden of Waterloo County (1878), his business interests prospered. Though the foundries were turned over to his sons in 1873, he still owned two large farms, a major flour mill and another structure in New Hamburg, and two large buildings in Berlin, where he was associated with William Simpson's furniture company. He was a founding director of the Economical Fire Insurance Company and a director of several other businesses, including the Preston Furniture Company, the John Hoodless Furniture Warehouse in Hamilton, the Dominion Life assurance Company, and the Canadian Manufacturing Company, which had taken over the Simpson firm. It was said by the Canadian Parliamentary Companion that "all Swiss people emigrating to the Western Province [Ontario)" were directed to Merner. In 1878 he stood for election to the Ontario legislature as a Conservative in the Waterloo South by-election. He lost, but later that year he was elected to the House of Commons for Waterloo South, defeating well-known Liberal James Young. New Hamburg's first English newspaper, the New Hamburg Independent, helped Merner's cause by having his supporters create the publication as a campaign newspaper. At the next general election, in 1882, he was defeated by James Livingston, a business competitor from nearby Baden. Prime Minister Sir John a. Macdonald appointed Merner to the Senate on the 12th, January 1887. Merner was very much the dominant personality in the life of New Hamburg in the 1870s and 1880s. In 1898, he moved to Berlin and took up residence in the Brunswick Hotel, which he owned. The Berlin News-Record noted his death with the headline "Vital spark passes." "Honest Sam" Merner had little impact on national politics but, like so many public figures of the time, he significantly affected the community in which he lived. Character-Defining ElementsThe house is a 1 1/2 storey Gothic Revival salmon coloured brick 3 bay house. Front, South FaçadeThe first floor consists of a centre door with a newer six panes over six panes window on either side of the door. The front porch is an open one and square columns and finely detailed arches support the roof. The Gothic double window is a very attractive feature of this house. The Gothic gable is framed by looped gingerbread trim. West FaçadeThis façade is 2 bays deep. The windows in the upper storey are slightly segmentally arched. The windows on the first floor are straight across. The windows are newer six panes over six panes. A tail on the rear of the house joins onto the main west wall. There is a small window under the eaves in the second storey where the tail begins. East FaçadeThis façade is also two bays deep. The windows in the upper storey are slightly segmentally arched. The windows on the first floor are straight across. The windows are newer six panes over six panes. The tail of the house is inset on this side. There is a new porch built into the ell formed by the rear wall of the main house and the sidewall of the tail. The east wall of the tail has a door and a window in it. The window is a newer nine panes over nine panes. Back, North FaçadeThe rear wall of the house has two windows in the upper storey and only one in the centre of the wall in the lower storey. All three windows are slightly segmentally arched and are replacement windows. The lower window is nine over nine panes. |
Livingston Presbyterian Church |
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Heritage ValueLivingston Presbyterian Church was built in 1894/95 by the initiative and generosity of businessman, James Livingston. The history of the church has remained entwined with that of the Livingston family and the community of Baden for over a century. James Livingston was a prominent businessman in Baden and owner of a home he called Castle Kilbride, now a national historic site. He and his family were instrumental in the business and social growth of the village of Baden. Born in East Kilbride, Scotland in 1838, James moved to Canada with his brother in 1854. After many years of farming for others, they established their own business - the J&J Livingston Linseed Oil Company in 1864, which was later renamed The Dominion Linseed Oil Company of Canada. The business expanded into Manitoba, Quebec, Michigan and New York with Baden remaining its headquarters. With the cultivation of flax and the manufacturing of linseed oil as primary business, James was referred to as the "Flax and Oil King of Canada." Livingston was a loyal Presbyterian and was instrumental in establishing English language Presbyterian services in a predominately German-speaking Baden. Although Presbyterian services were first conducted c.1889 in New Dundee, the Baden congregation formed about 1890. In 1895, the donation of land, building of the church and significant funding was provided by James Livingston. Over fifty congregational members made pledges which totaled over $1400.00 for the building, with the balance owing paid by Livingston. Jonas Knechtel was hired as the architect. Construction started in 1894 with Ernst Albert being the contractor and builder. Suitably named, Livingston Presbyterian Church opened its doors in 1895 at a total cost of $2,180.00. Of interest and in addition to establishing the church, James also initiated the development of the Baden Mechanics Institute, Baden Band and the Masonic Lodge for Baden. He was also very involved in politics. He served as Reeve of Wilmot Township, a Member of the Legislative assembly for Waterloo South, and the Liberal Member of Parliament in the government of Wilfrid Laurier. James served as Chairman of the Board of Managers of the church for twenty-four years. He died in 1920 and in his Last Will and Testament he left a trust account of $3,000 for the church. The second generation of Livingstons (John Peter, known as "J.P.") had memorial stained glass windows installed in 1927 showcasing the "Burning Bush," a symbol of the Presbyterian Church. In 1928, two memorial stained glass windows were installed in memory of his parents James and Louise Livingston followed in 1931 by two more commemorating J.P.'s siblings and in-laws. J.P. would continue his father's vision for the church and in 1935, he spearheaded an addition onto the church. Alterations at the rear of the church expanded the interior to accommodate space for a new organ and increased membership. The addition also included some elaborate stained glass windows. A dedication of the opening of the new building on May 12, 1935 also included the dedication of a new pipe organ built by the Woodstock Pipe Organ Builders. The following year, J.P. donated land for a popular church camp which was well attended. His wife, Mrs. J.P. Livingston, was very involved in the Sunday school at Livingston Church and was one of 854 delegates from North America registered (along with her daughter Laura Louise) to attend the World's Sunday School association Convention in Oslo, Norway in 1936. A few years later, Laura Livingston passed away. She had been the church organist for over forty years and was the Ladies aid President for five years. A bronze plaque in the Ladies aid room, along with her photo, commemorates her dedication to the church. A memorial service for Laura was held by her husband and daughter on October 6, 1940, with a Moderator from the Presbyterian Church in Canada in attendance. A memorial painting of da Vinci's Last Supper interpreted by one of London, Ontario's most talented turn-of-the-century painters, Edward R. Glen, was unveiled. The third and fourth generations of the Livingston family (now Veitch) continued what James first began in 1890. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Laura Louise was heavily involved in the Ladies aid and was organist for many years at the church. All three of her children were confirmed at Livingston Presbyterian Church, attended Sunday School and sang in the choir. In May of 1990 at the One Hundredth anniversary Celebration of the church, a new electric piano was dedicated in memory of the late Laura Louise Livingston Veitch. The piano was financed by Mr. Harris Veitch to replace the 1935 organ that was in disrepair. Four generations of the Livingston family have been intimately involved with the church. There have been over 125 years of a pastoral connection between the church and Livingston family. This church is clearly intertwined with the Livingston legacy. Contextual ValueThis church was built in 1894/95 and, except for an addition in 1935, has remained unaltered for over a century. The church was, and continues today to be the only Presbyterian church built in Wilmot Township. It is an historical landmark in the centre of Baden and has provided a spiritual and social centre for its members and community. Physical ValueLivingston Presbyterian Church is a representative example of a religious building with Gothic Revival styling. Gothic Revival designs are recognized by the use of pointed arches, buttresses, and varied window types. This style diminished after the 1930s, a fact which adds to the architectural importance of the church. Character-Defining ElementsSouth Façade - Beck StreetThe building is rectangular, constructed of yellow brick with a left side tower and an entrance projection that contains a central door with a small single arched window on the left and a matching pair of arched windows on the right. The entrance projection has a shed roof. The main wall behind the entrance has a medium gable ending at corner parapets resting on pilasters. In the gable, there is lattice-like brickwork and below is a round window with vertical bricks that surround an elaborate stained glass window of the "Burning Bush" with the Presbyterian motto. The tower is four sided and is three stories tall. There is a pointed arch window with brick soldier on the first floor, a flat topped window on the second floor and a pair of pointed arched belfry louvers on the third floor. There are a series of string courses on the tower and a fairly elaborate cornice with a dentil frieze. The top of the tower has a decorative metal weather vane. The roofed part is asphalt shingle. West Side - Mill StreetBetween the corner tower and the transept are four pointed arch windows with brick soldier courses. There is a string course at the level of the windows where the arch terminates and another string course at the level of the sills. After the transept are two arched windows with brick soldier courses. The transept on this side has a wall projection that extends above the roof. There is an entrance door on the lower level framed by brick soldier courses. Above the door is a cement date stone inscribed "Livingston Presbyterian Church 1890-1934". Above this date stone are three pointed arch windows with the central one taller than the other two on either side. East SideThere are four pointed arched windows on this side similar to the ones on the west side. There is an enclosed wood frame entrance porch between the second and third windows. The rear section of this part has three pointed arched windows in the upper part of the building and three straight topped windows below that. There are two small Gothic windows on either side of the entrance. North Side - RearThis façade has a medium gable with what was once a brick chimney on the left hand side. There is a small rectangular louver in the peak of the gable and three pointed arched windows with the center window being taller than the side windows. WindowsThe window shapes vary. Many of them feature coloured or stained glass. In November, 1928 memorial windows for the east side of the church were ordered by John ("J.P.") Livingston. Known as "Christ Blessing Children" and "The Boy Jesus," they were in memory of his parents James and Louise Livingston. Cost was $350.00. In April 1927, a pair of stained glass windows was ordered by J. P. Livingston for each side of the choir loft. He also ordered a south Rose window with a richly painted glass treatment of "The Burning Bush" - the Presbyterian symbol. Total cost was $2000.00. In 1930-31, two more stained glass memorial windows were ordered by J.P. and his wife Laura. One was for J. P. Livingston's siblings and the other was for his wife's parents, the Holwells. Other Notable FeaturesOrganAn organ was purchased from The Woodstock Organ Company in 1935 at a cost of $4440.00. It is believed to be one of the best church organs in the area. Church PewsThe church pews are Gothic style, curved and made of Black ash. They were originally purchased from The Globe Furniture Company in 1895 for $275. PaintingOn October 6, 1940, Edward Glen's interpretation of da Vinci's "The Last Supper" was unveiled and dedicated by J. P. and daughter, Laura Louise Livingston in loving memory of his wife and her mother, Laura Livingston. Edward Glen was a notable painter from London, Ontario. Baptismal FontA baptismal font was donated in memory of James and Louise Livingston and Frederick and Barbara Holwell, April 27, 1930 by their granddaughter, Laura Louise Livingston. Masonic Lodge HallJames Livingston was a Charter Member of Wilmot Lodge No. 318, constituted at Baden in July 1874. He rose to the rank of the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite in 1887, the highest rank of the Masonic Lodge. This Lodge initially used a room in The Baden Hotel, but in 1951, it moved to a room at the rear of the Presbyterian Church and eventually relocated to second storey. The Lodge still holds its regular meetings in this room, decorated with furnishings over one hundred years old. The two chandeliers were purchased in 1888 for $24.60 and were converted from oil to electricity in 1966. A lodge seal was purchased in 1874 for $9.00 and is still being used. |
Description of Historic Place
Located on the north-west side of Beck Street, Livingston Presbyterian Church at 44 Beck Street in the town of Baden, Plan 627, Lot 97 was designated by the Township of Wilmot under Part lV of the Ontario Heritage Act for its heritage value (By-law No. 2015-26).Non-Designated Properties
In addition to recommending sites for heritage designation (under Part IV and Part V of the Ontario Heritage act), Heritage Wilmot may recommend sites to Council that are not designated, but which are believed to be of cultural heritage value or interest. Committee members use an Architectural Style Guide as part of the process when assessing the architectural value. Once fully assessed and endorsed by Heritage Wilmot and Council, these properties are included on a Non-Designated Heritage Municipal Register. While these properties are not officially designated, they are considered of historic importance and value to the Township of Wilmot, much the same as designated properties.
Owning a property on this list grants no benefits to owners (as designation does), nor does it place restrictions on alterations. However, if the owner applies for a demolition permit, the municipality may take a maximum of 60 days to evaluate the property's heritage value and either issue the demolition permit or reach consensus with the owner about alternatives to demolition. View the Non-designated pamphlet for home owners.
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