The historic Van Egmond House is now a museum, but wasn’t always so.
The house was built in 1846 by Constance Van Egmond, the eldest son of Colonel Anthony Van Egmond. Generations of Van Egmonds lived there until 1949, at which time the house was sold and changed into apartments, housing military quarters for the local base.
By 1970 the house fell into a state of disrepair and was destined for demolition. A local group stepped up and with the help of the Ontario Heritage Foundation bought the house and it became known as the Van Egmond Foundation.
After extensive renovations to restore it to as close to original as possible, it became a museum and was designated the prestigious “Blue Plaque” symbol. Today the executives of Van Egmond House host various functions to fund raise enough money to maintain the house to its current state. The group said it is always looking for executive members and volunteers.
Fundraising events consist of spring and summer breakfasts, Ciderfest in the fall, meat pie sales and a drive-through pickup roast beef dinner. The museum is open most weekends but private tours are also available with the curator by appointment.
The Van Egmond family had a long history in the town of Egmondville. Anthony and his son Constant Van Egmond were contracted, in 1830-1832, to widen 45.5 miles of the Huron Road. They were paid one-third of the contract value in currency and two-thirds in land audits. This made them the owners of 13,000 acres of land, and Huron’s largest land holders. Anthony Van Egmond’s participation in the Mackenzie uprising of 1837 led to his imprisonment and death. After his death, his land was sold to pay his debts.
One Good Deed…
Just up the road from this historic house is a roadside fundraising effort by one of the local youngsters. This kind of selfless effort brings the world of philanthropy full circle, from a nearby historic foundation to perhaps a future leader of the area’s most generous citizens. We made our donation and enjoyed the warmth the wood fire brought us a few days later. A roadside attraction we won’t forget.
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