Edgewood Stone Wall

Environmental Action Bobcaygeon

May 14, 2021

Historic Bobcaygeon site needs unique repair

Just over a hundred years ago, lumber baron Mossom Boyd's son, W.T.C. Boyd was a significant figure in Bobcaygeon in his own right. With many achievements under his belt, none was more enduring than the dry stone wall built around Edgewood, his family estate. That unique construction, using not a single trowel of mortar, ensured it's still around today.

You'll see the 400-foot stretch of it on the Case Manor side of Canal Street near the corner of Hwy. 36. You'll also see the wall is now in need of serious repair. The Environmental Action Bobcaygeon (EAB) volunteers are determined to rescue it. The Edgewood dry stack wall was completed in 1890 through 1891 and will undergo a full restoration for its 130th milestone birthday this year.

Dry stone wall is recognized for cultural significance

The Edgewood wall at 28 Boyd Street is a rare and excellent example of nineteenth-century dry stack stone wall construction. Early Ontario settlers built them in many areas of the province, but this is one of only two remaining in Kawartha Lakes. The Boyd family paid farmers $1 for each wagon load of stones brought to the site.

A dry stone wall requires a high degree of technical achievement through its construction method, and it has been recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations) for its picturesque and cultural significance within agricultural and rural landscapes and for its technical merit.

Building one is a rare skill these days and the cost of expertise and labour is significant.

Environmental Action Bobcaygeon volunteers are prepared

With more than 15 years of local volunteer involvement -- everything from distributing energy efficient light bulbs and building Wilderness Park to involvement in the Bobcaygeon Farmers' Market, the historical walking tour, community gardens, safe pathways, and an Active Transportation Plan for the Village of Bobcaygeon -- EAB has the expertise and community experience needed to save the wall. The group has already had the Edgewood wall protected through a heritage designation and has engaged world-renowned waller, John Shaw Rimmington, to work on the project and will also train a few local volunteers. With the restoration work permit in hand, EAB plans to begin the restoration of this Bobcaygeon gateway location landmark this summer.

How you can help

With a total estimated cost of $70,000, the volunteers are off to a good start with grants from both the Bobcaygeon C.H.E.S.T. and Million Dollar Makeover funds, a commitment from Sienna Senior Living /Case Manor, and a private donation. They recently received the good news that the Bobcaygeon Horticultural Society is committing $10,000 to the project, with $5,000 now to kick off the project and another $5,000 further on in the restoration process. A fun local fundraiser for the remainder will highlight the unique structure of the dry stone wall.

“This restoration project was identified during the 2018 Bobcaygeon Communities in Bloom effort that saw several community groups working together with great results. Now is the time for Bobcaygeon to come together again to help restore and protect the Edgewood wall from further erosion and damage,” says campaign lead Ann Adare. “You can donate to the project at four levels, each representative of one of the unique aspects of dry stone wall construction. Foundation ($25 to $499 donation) is the first, then Through Stone ($500 to $999), then Heart Stone ($1,000 to $4,999), and Top Stone ($5,000 plus). All donors will be recognized for their contributions over $25, no matter what level. Both our community residents and our thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to learn of our Boyd heritage and the unique craftsmanship of dry stack walling via plaques that will be placed at the site.”

“With our community's help, we can ensure our important and beautiful structures live on and preserve our history for future generations,” says Environmental Action Bobcaygeon co-president Richard Fedy.

“It's to everyone's advantage to restore and protect our local heritage,” agrees project co-chair Stephen Slack. EAB Co-president John Bush points out that, “This project is also a perfect fit with our work on the Active Transportation plan.”

EAB, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, is pleased to announce the Edgewood Stone Wall Fund is now in place to facilitate community donations. The Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide financial management and team expertise to assist the Edgewood wall team with fundraising efforts.

For more information on the campaign and how you can help, please go to www.EdgewoodStoneWall.com

To contact the restoration committee, please email EdgewoodStoneWall@gmail.com

- 30 -