Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Last edition we traveled to Elgin County to visit the forested property of Pinecroft and the crafts found there. Our next stop was the Gay Lea Museum at 48075 Jamestown Line, just 11 minutes southeast. Currently it is closed for regular visits but there may be opportunity to enjoy some of its charm.
The museum offers two components; a museum where families and schools can come to learn about how farm families and trade smiths would have once completed their chores, plus it has a co-operative Education Centre.
Began over thirty years ago, a dairy farming couple, Andy and Lotty van Kasteren from Holland, eventually collected over 16,000 artifacts of dairy and culture items. Later, the museum was purchased by Gay Lea Foods along with the van Kasteren’s dairy farm.
Called, “A man with a mind like a steel trap”, Andy had those 16,000 artifacts catalogued in his head. He is also distinguished with being the first mayor of Malahide Township.
The education component hosts workshops, retreats, conferences, and celebrations. The property contains 8 cabins, a large workshop space, room for 100 tents and a commercial grade kitchen.
From May to December, activities abound, such as July first, Halloween and the Christmas light display, although in October the museum’s regular tours end.
Come back in the spring and you’ll view a restored 1965 Divco like my dad drove in Toronto, plus horse-drawn wagons and sleds and now over 22,600 artifacts donated by over 1,400 farmers and dairy enthusiasts. Kids can milk a cow and learn to make butter and cheese.
Walk the 98 acres of trail and camping area, it will feel like you are in northern Ontario. There is still time to check out the Christmas spectacle, called “Merrilea Christmas Light Display”, in December. The site celebrates other days as well, and it’s guaranteed there will be something for everyone from spring to fall.
When leaving the museum, in good weather, take a left from the driveway and drive to Rush Creek Line. A right there takes you to a single lane iron bridge—a great picture opportunity. The road from there to Sparta is worth the drive.
Sparta offers the Lavender Farm at 46342 Sparta Line, just 3 kilometers from Sparta. Sparta also features the famous candle shop and a tearoom. Anyone interested in art, shopping, and, yes, food, will enjoy a stopover here. The buildings alone are something to see, and history buffs can explore a few museums, like the original Quaker house, and take self guided walking tours.
Within a short drive you’ll also find hiking trails. So, head south and enjoy the great outdoors (and indoors) the county offers.
