Potts Spinning Wheel Shop To Re-open

Susie Smythe and Peter Lloyd have been hard at work this summer giving some tender loving care to the Potts Spinning Wheel Shop at Westfield. George Potts built the Potts spinning wheel manufactory on his property in 1866 which was located in Norfolk County. George Potts had acquired the patent rights to "Doolittle's Improved Spinning Machine." By May 1976 the building had been moved to Westfield and it was opened to the public. This coming week Westfield staff and volunteers will get their first glimpse at the results of the hard work and the Potts building will re-open as a business making apple crates. Photos by Melissa Fletcher.

Fibre Day on Sunday, August 23 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy the warm weather at Westfield and see how various fibres are processed. The weaver will be working the mid-19th century barn loom. Master spinners will be spinning raw wool into yarn. Perhaps you would like to try your hand at carding sheep's wool or use the drop spindle. The Cambridge Spinners and Weavers will also be on hand with their natural dye baths. Visit the Tailor Shop or watch a demonstration showing how flax plant fibres are transformed into the raw material used to make linen fabric.

A Special Feast for the Senses...

Special Tour of Dundurn Castle’s Kitchen Garden a Great Learning Opportunity for Westfield Volunteers and Staff

 

 

 

Several Westfield volunteers and staff members were treated to a wonderful tour of the amazing kitchen garden at Dundurn Castle today.  Victoria, one of Dundurn’s knowledgeable and passionate historic gardeners, shared her wealth of botanical knowledge with everyone during this in-depth tour.  Bed after bed of beautiful and fragrant fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs were admired, inspected, tasted and photographed by the enthusiastic group.  This 1.5 acre plot was originally managed by Sir Allan MacNab’s long time gardener William Reid, and has been lovingly and authentically restored by Dundurn.  Now in its 6^th growing season, this garden is a unique way to learn about the growing methods and preferences of the mid-19^th century.  Many thanks to Victoria and Dundurn National Historic Site for providing this opportunity for Westfield.

 

Hard Work Paying Off!

The hard work put in by Scott and Liz is paying off at the Lockhart Farm. Westfield is open each Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. and the volunteers are ready to show off what they have been working on during the summer months. Come see the quilt on the frame at the Gillen House, check out the wood working at the Cabinetmaker shop or watch the spinners and weavers at the Marr Shop.

Just pulled from the Lockhart Farm garden!

 

 



Sharing Westfield with Toronto!

Westfield Volunteers On Their Way

 

 

A group of our Westfield Volunteers is on their way to Toronto today to tell visitors to the Parapan Am Games about Westfield and share a little of early Ontario history. They make a very colourful group. If you are heading that way you may see them strolling along the Harbour Front.

 

 



Fibre Day!

Get your flax straight!

Westfield’s Textile Day Coming up Soon

 

 

On Sunday August 23, Westfield Heritage Village’s Sunday afternoon program will have a special focus:  the methods of textile fibre production in early Ontario.  A variety of demonstrations and activities will take place in select areas of the village throughout the afternoon.  At the Marr Spinning and Weaving Shop, you can see a weaver hard at work on a massive mid-19^th century barn loom.  You can also try your hand at carding raw wool, learn to use a drop spindle or watch a master spinner at the wheel.  Outside the shop, the Cambridge Spinners and Weavers Guild will be demonstrating how natural dyes are used to tint sheep’s wool and other fibres.  You will also discover how rope is made!  In the Tailor Shop, you can learn about how clothing was produced for both men and women using both hand and machine stitching.  Nearby, you can watch the fascinating process of transforming the coarse flax plant fibres into the raw material that is used to produce linen fabric.  As you tour the village, there will be many opportunities to see antique textiles, including quilts, clothing, decorate arts and floor coverings.

Westfield Heritage Village is living history museum in Rockton that preserves and interprets more than thirty-five heritage buildings.  Here you can visit a one room school house, train station, blacksmith’s shop, print shop, homes, businesses and much more.  Authentically costumed interpreters will take you back to earlier times and places.  Guests can enjoy baked goods and other treats from the General Store, or visit the Gift Shop.

Visit Westfield Heritage Village for Fibre Day on Sunday August 23 from 12:30 to 4:00 pm.   For more information, please visit www.westfieldheritage.ca or call (519) 621-8851.  Westfield is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, off Hwy #8, midway between Hamilton and Cambridge.

Regular Admission Prices - Adults $8.50, Seniors (65+) $7.50 and Children 6-12 years $5.50.  Children 5 and under are admitted free.   Parking is free.