Lockmaster's House Museum Built in 1844 as a low cost substitute for a blockhouse to defend the canal against American-based
raiders, the Chaffey's Lockmaster's house was originally a one-storey
limestone building. A tin roof protected it in case of fire and two stone porches
and gun-slits provided extra defense in case of attack.
The house was occupied continuously from 1844 until 1967, by only five lockmaster's families.
In 1894 it was renovated and a frame second-storey and kitchen addition were added.
During its heyday, the house was the social centre of Chaffey's - it had the only phone in the
village and housed the local post office. Campers and cottagers often visited and stayed for
dinner. Stories abound about raids on the garden and boaters lining up to buy the delicious-smelling
bread baking in the oven.
Then in 1967 the house was abandoned and remained vacant through the 1970s. At one
point, the government had plans to turn the house into an office. Fortunately, the Chaffey's Lock
Wommen's Institute, The Chaffey's Lock and Area Heritage Society and other village organizations banded
together and plans for a community museum were born.
After extensive renovations, the museum finally opened
in 1982, the 150th anniversary of the Rideau Canal. Since then it has
sponsored many different exhibits centering around the economic and
social life of Chaffey's and in 1992 a permanent exhibit was established
on the main floor, depicting the history of the house and Chaffey's Lock.
The film, "The Golden Years" is a central part of the museum. Produced
in 1982 as a joint venture of the National Film Board, Parks Canada
and the village of Chaffey's Lock, it details the golden years, hardships and joys of
life in early Chaffey's. Much of the footage is based on films taken
during the 1930s and 40s by Don Jarrett, then owner of the Opinicon
Hotel. It's well worth viewing!
2007 Schedule
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 - Museum opens for the season
- Sunday, July 1, 2007 - Canada Day Picnic at the locks. noon (hot dog & a drink: $2)
- Saturday, July 7, 2007 - Rideau 175 Summer Talk - Dispelling Myths by Neil Patterson. There are two very large Myths about the Rideau. One that all of the stone house between Kingston and Ottawa were built by the same men that built the Locks and second is that the Railways caused the decline of the Rideau. Facts will be presented showing why these Myths have no basis in reality. Chaffey's Lock Community Hall, 7:30 p.m. Everyone welcome, free admission.
- Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - Phosphate & Mica Mines Tours - see the Mine Tours Page
- Saturday, July 21, 2007 - Rideau 175 Summer Talk - The Rideau Route, Exploring the Pre-Canal Waterway by Ken Watson. A look at the secret
world that lies below the waters of the Rideau Canal, the drowned landscape
of the original Rideau Route. Watson will take the audience back to 1783,
prior to any European settlement, investigating what existed prior to the
flooding created by mill dams and later the canal dams. Chaffey's Lock Community Hall, 7:30 p.m. Everyone welcome, free admission.
- Saturday, July 28, 2007 - Rideau 175 Summer Talk - An 1834 Tour of the Rideau Canal by Neil Patterson. A presentation to the audience as though the Date were July 1, 1834 and they were being given a tour on the newly opened Rideau Canal from
Kingston to Ottawa. Everything shown and everything said will be in
present tense as of 1834. Chaffey's Lock Community Hall, 7:30 p.m. Everyone welcome, free admission.
- Saturday, July 28, 2007 - Annual Craft Market on the Opinicon Hotel lawns. 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, July 29, 2007 - Clear Lake Cemetery Rededication and Reconsecration at the Clear Lake Cemetery. 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - Phosphate & Mica Mines Tours - see the Mine Tours Page
- Saturday, Aug 18, 2007 - Annual General Meeting of the Chaffey's Lock & Area Heritage Society - Chaffey's Lock Community Hall - 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 31, 2007 - Museum closes for the season
- Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7 - Special Thanksgiving week-end opening. 9:00 a.m. 'til 4:00 p.m. Museum serving
Hot Apple Cider.
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