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Come and visit our Municipal Parks. |
Station Park
Station Park was built in 1994 on the site where The Old Killaloe Railway Station used to be. That original train station was demolished in 1968. Two grey strips in the red brick walkway symbolize steel rails that once lay over the path. |
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Hoch Farm
The Hoch Farm is the only designated heritage site in Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards
Township. It reflects the pioneering agricultural development of the area, as well as its rich cultural background.
The property was originally a 200 acre land grant offered by the early Government of Canada to Europeans willing to immigrate to Renfrew County. Even before Confederation, the government had agents on the continent, pledging free land to settlers who would cultivate the land. As a result, the ethnic German population in Renfrew County grew from less than 500 in 1861 to nearly 5,000 by 1881.
Wilhelm (later William) Hoch and his wife Amelia bought the land in 1904.
William was born in Prussia where he apprenticed as a blacksmith and wagon-maker.
Amelia was born at Sebastopol in Renfrew County and achieved some acclaim as a gardener before she was killed by a lightning strike while she sat in the parlour of the farmhouse.
Hoch started a dairy farm, and eventually used his herd to start a creamery in Killaloe, where he was soon shipping to Eganville, and Pembroke, and then to Ottawa.
The house and farm lay vacant after the death of the last residing family member in 1989. It was eventually bequeathed to what became the Township of Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards, and put in the charge of the Heritage Committee.
The farmhouse was renovated thanks to a Trillium grant and Township assistance, and partially opened as a museum in the summer of 2005. The first floor represents a farmhouse from the period of the 1910's and 20's, with a summer kitchen, ‘regular’ kitchen, dining room, and parlour. The plan is to open the second floor in 2006.
The site of the large barn is now a local Saturday market, open from July to
September. (also hosting displays by local artists in the summer of 2006)
Plans are underway to construct a building to house the Stone Fence Theatre Company, a troupe dedicated to original, locally-written musicals based on the area’s history.
(hoping to have performance space ready for 2007)
The other initiative at the Farm will be the creation of a wetland conservation area, with public
viewing access, on the eastern side of the property.
Pioneer farming and active encouragement of immigration were hallmarks of the young Canada and Renfrew County in particular. Hoch Farm honours this heritage and the people who created it.
Membership in the heritage group which works on Hoch Farm restoration can be obtained by calling 625-2491.
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Sheryl Boyle Park
Sheryl Boyle Park is located on the shores of Round Lake. It was built in
1992 by the former Township of Hagarty & Richards.
Sheryl Boyle grew up in Hagarty & Richards Township and went on to become an Olympic Kayaker.
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Wilno Heritage Park
Although just outside our township in the neighbouring
Township of Madawaska Valley, Wilno Heritage Park
should also be mentioned. This unique park was built
by the Wilno Heritage Society to commemorate the ancestors
and builders of the Wilno Community.
It is a testament to the Polish heritage of the area.
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