Edgewood Dry Stack Stone Restoration Campaign
The historic Edgewood wall is all that remains at the location of the former Edgewood estate in Bobcaygeon built by W.T.C. Boyd. The Boyd Family is known for their contributions to the development of Bobcaygeon, the lumber and buffalo/cattle industries in Canada and had significant involvement in the development of the Trent-Severn Waterway and local transportation networks. Completed in 1890–1891, the stone wall is now in desperate need of repair. A full, historically accurate, restoration is planned for its 130th milestone birthday this year.
The 400-foot Edgewood dry stack stone wall is a rare example of 19th century dry stack stone wall construction. Built without the use of mortar, dry stack stone walls require a high degree of technical achievement through their construction method and have been recognized by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations) for their cultural significance and technical merit.
Dry stack walls have all but disappeared across this country and Environmental Action Bobcaygeon (EAB) volunteers are determined to rescue the Edgewood wall and save it from a similar fate. With more than 15 years of local volunteer involvement -- everything from building Wilderness Park to an Active Transportation Plan for the Village of Bobcaygeon -- EAB has the expertise and community experience needed to save the wall and has protected the wall through a heritage designation. EAB has also engaged world-renowned waller John Shaw Rimmington to work on the project. With the restoration work permit in hand, EAB plans to begin the restoration of this Bobcaygeon landmark this summer.
Community residents and visitors will have the opportunity to witness the restoration as it progresses and will learn of Bobcaygeon’s Boyd heritage and the unique craftsmanship of dry stack walling via information plaques that will be placed at the site upon completion of the restoration.
The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, in partnership with EAB, is pleased to announce the Edgewood Stone Wall Fund is now in place to facilitate community donations. The Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide financial management and team expertise to assist the Edgewood wall team with fundraising efforts.
The estimated project cost of $76,000 must be raised. With fundraising efforts now underway, your gift of a donation is key to restoring and protecting the Edgewood wall from further damage.
To learn more, please visit www.EdgewoodStoneWall.com.
To contact the restoration committee, please email EdgewoodStoneWall@gmail.com
NEWS
