KENILWORTH – It’s time to raise the roof at the Lynes Blacksmith Shop – literally.
The historic building has been undergoing a restoration project since the Kenilworth property on which it sits was donated to Wellington North Township several years ago.
The goal is to bring the 1860 stone building back to life and bring fires back to its forges so visitors can learn about what went on there many years ago.
“We’ve done so much work on it,” said Mount Forest Museum and Archives volunteer managing director Kate Rowley.
That work has included everything from landscaping at the Highway 6 site to a full restoration of the stone façade, repair and reconstruction of the primary forge, and the creation of replica doors and latches.
But one of the most significant parts of the restoration has yet to be undertaken: the roof.
It’s a project for which the museum is looking to the public for donations and support.
“It’s far more expensive than other things we’ve had to do,” said Rowley.
The project, which should get underway in September, will see not just the roof replaced, but all of the rafters as well.
“We’ll restore some of the great architectural features of the original roof,” said Rowley.
These include the cupola and dormer that were part of the original shingled roof; although, she said the new roof will be a metal one, rather than the cedar shingles that would have protected the shop from the elements in the 19th century.
Rowley said heritage restoration involves a “blend” of the truly old with materials that can replicate the look and/or feel of original.
“In this case, we have to replicate with something better,” she said. “It’s certainly going to give the building another 150 years.”
This photo from about 1900 shows James Lynes Sr. on the far left and James Lynes Jr on the far right. These are the two blacksmiths who worked in the shop from 1885 to 1955. The cupola and dormer on the original shingled roof will be replicated when the roof is replaced this fall. Submitted photo
The project is expected to cost $115,000, about half of which has already been raised, Rowley said.
The restoration committee is hoping the community will continue to support the project.
“We’re asking people to believe in the importance of this site,” Rowley said.
When the township acquired the building from the Lynes family, it had been locked up and left virtually undisturbed for 60 years. Going inside was like “walking into a time capsule,” said Rowley.
“It was exactly how heritage people like to find buildings,” she said. “Nobody ever came in and doctored it up … The horseshoes are still hanging where James Lynes Sr. would have left them.”
All the artifacts are being catalogued and removed in anticipation of the roof work that will take place this fall.
Once the roof is off, some additional work will be done on the stone walls to ensure they will support the new roof, said Rowley.
The new timbers, which will be visible from inside the shop, will be given a hand-hewn look.
“We just want to make sure when people look up, they see 1890,” Rowley said.
Once the roof is complete, the final touch will be installation of the replica doors and latch work that are being specially crafted for the project.
When it’s all done, the shop will be open seasonally for guided tours, school groups and cultural events.
While the shop is not currently open, while work is underway, Rowley encourages people to drive by and check out the work in progress.
“There’s nothing like people seeing things happening to pique their interest,” she said.
To donate to the project, visit lynesblacksmithshop.org. Charitable tax receipts will be available.
People can also contact Rowley at the Mount Forest Museum and Archives at 519-323-4755 or archive@mfheritage.ca for information about donating.
