| Background
**Note: The workshop at the Stark House has been rescheduled for 2008 in order to continue fundraising efforts and identify sponsors to support the preservation of this distinctive building.
The busy harbor town of Port Robinson, Ontario attracted a number of shipbuilders in the mid 1800’s who provided the ships that operated along the Welland Canal. Mr. J. Stark was one such shipbuilder, prosperous enough to begin building a new house for his wife, expecting their first child. Sadly, his wife died before the house was completed, and only Stark and his daughter moved into the storey-and-a-half timber framed house with its porch shaped like the hull of a ship. Stark’s daughter became a teacher and artist and lived in the house until her death in her 90’s.
 Today, due to changes in the canals, Port Robinson is no longer physically connected to the waterways, but the charming town maintains its historical connection via the complement of buildings that remain from its peak. These structures are deemed significant enough to establish a Heritage Conservation District within the town, and restoration of the Stark House will be a major impetus to the preservation movement in the town. The Stark House itself “is still one of the most significant architectural examples of Port Robinson, particularly notable for its design and form, and for its remarkable though simple architectural details all original and virtually intact”, according to a recent assessment. The house retains its original hardware, intact stairwell balustrade and newels, panel doors, trim, cabinetry and much more. This is the good news. The bad news is that decay of the timbers has caused serious structural issues in the building and, sadly, the original front porch "hull" no longer exists.
The current owners, whose family purchased the house after Ms. Stark’s death, have not lived in the much-loved house for a number of years as, being a true period piece, it has no bathroom and the dry sink kitchen has never been upgraded. The family’s hope is that the house can be saved and restored and used to benefit the community in some way. Come join this grassroots effort to save a significant example of Ontario’s past.
Project
The first objective of the project is structural stabilization, which will include shoring up the house and making framing repairs. Specific workshop tasks will be determined based on the results of the evaluation currently being carried out. Work may include assessment and documentation, structural stabilization, or another aspect of the project.
HCN is joined in Restoring the Stark House by The School of Restorative Arts at Willowbank. This is a new program in Queenston, Ontario encompassing heritage, architectural draughting, carpentry, masonry, and plaster and lath. Second-year students will spend two weeks getting hands-on experience as they complete some of the much needed work on the house. Along with hard-working students and a full slate of volunteer preservationists, the project needs corporate sponsors and donations of funds and materials to see it through to completion.
Logistics
The workshop will be two weeks in length and participants may register for either one or two weeks. The cost is US$1,035 for one week and US$2,050 for two weeks, which will cover lodging, breakfast and lunch, insurance and workshop materials. Local residents wishing to contribute restoration efforts are welcome to participate at lower rates. Contact HCN for more details. Transportation to the workshop is not included and is the responsibility of the participant.
Port Robinson is located in southeastern Ontario, near Niagara Falls. Workshop participants will have a chance to tour the area and see some of the beautiful historical and natural sites. Details about lodging will be provided upon registration. Weather in late September ranges for daytime highs in the low 70s F (22 C) to lows in the upper 50s F (14 C) Please bring clothes appropriate for the weather that will also be protective while working. Remember that safety is always an important consideration at the work site.
For any additional information, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net or call +1 303-444-0128.
If you would like to help save the Stark House but are unable to attend the workshop, you can still participate by supporting our conservation efforts with a tax-deductible donation to HCN. We have partnered with Groundspring.org to make it easy and safe for you to donate online:
We have partnered with Groundspring.org to make it easy and
safe for you to donate online:
If you would prefer to mail in a gift, please use our donation form. |
