Many of us are sad to hear of the damage that was done to the historic Glencairn home last week.

This grand, two-storey estate that overlooked the Niagara River was an important and rare example of a Classic (Greek) Revival house in a picturesque setting in Ontario. Built in 1832, it was only seven years shy of hitting its 200-year-old anniversary. If only the walls could talk, as they say. It was built for John Hamilton, a prominent boatbuilder and member of the provincial Legislative Assembly, and was also enjoyed by prominent businessmen John D. Larkin and William A. Thomson. The Hamilton family was important to the unique history of Queenston and preserving the architectural beauty of this home helped to foster a sense of identity within the community. Like artifacts held at the museum, it was a tangible link to the past, offering insight into the families who lived there, early craftsmanship and a way of life that might otherwise be forgotten. The museum holds but a few artifacts from the original home and limited photographs in our collection. The loss of a heritage building represents a profound and often irreversible blow to a community’s cultural and historical fabric. We are more than sad to see its demise. Thank you to the brave firefighters for all that they did to put the fire out.

Today’s photograph is the Larkin Soap factory employees’ picnic in 1904 that took place at the home during John D. Larkin’s ownership. Photo courtesy of the Huggins Collection at Niagara Falls Public Library.