Low Down Articles
Echoes from the Past
Article 38 of 111
This article first appeared in the "Echoes from the Past" column of the The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
Reprinted with permission. Search complete list of Low Down Articles.
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Kingsway Golf Club - original settler home
The above block letters, with the ampersand stand for the "KINGSWAY PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB" which is situated on the Mountain Road. It is doubtful whether more than a few of the club members are aware of the story of their clubhouse and the grounds over which they so purposefully stride or ride as they enjoy their sport in its beautiful setting, later to rest and to receive, perhaps, sustenance provided at their spacious clubhouse, which was not always of the size and elegance it is today.
An old map exists which shows that William & John Hayworth (Hayworth/Hayworth) owned the 350 acre property early in the 19th century. What the relationship of the two is not now known. However it is with John we are concerned. It was John who built the first dwelling in this particular area. This would be in 1816, which is confirmed by both the map and by Anson A. Gard's book "Pioneers of the Upper Ottawa and Humours of the Valley". The date 1812, which had been mooted by an earlier researcher could perhaps be explained that it was the date when the land was acquired and that there was a lapse of some four years before the farm house was started. The interval of time between 1812 and 1816 may have seen the departure of William Hayworth, leaving the field clear for John to gather stones preparatory to building.
The original structure was stoutly built of stone; with deep-set window and door spaces. Under the peaked roof there were sleeping quarters which were reached likely by ladder. The roof was apparently supported by poles rather than the sawn lumber in use later. Heating and cooking was by an open fireplace, also problably constructed of huge flat stones which was the custom of the time. Another custom was to make the chimney also of poles which were plastered with clay. If it caught fire a pan or dipper of water quenched it quickly. An improved chimney would have been high on the priority list. It was a modest house indeed but was made to serve for several years until better could be provided.
On quite a number of farms in the Ottawa and Gatineau valleys, in addition to the usual crops, there was another provided by mature trees -- in consequence sawmills were put into operation wherever a brook, river or stream was situated to give power to the saws. There was such a mill on the Hayworth land, to the east of the house, which was powered by water from Hayworth Creek which descended from Kingsmere. The mill not only produced sawn lumber for use on the farm but its sale provided much needed revenue.
Gard, in his book published in 1906, indicates that at the time of writing the property was held by Francis X Larose who was one of the first settlers in the region whose mother tongue was French. Incidentally, the later Francis paid $25 per acre for his purchase.
Between the Hayworths and Larose the place was occupied for more than 90 years. During these years there were to be a number of changes and improvements, the largest being the addition of a much bigger structure, said to have been built in 1832, being attached to the smaller one and at a right angle to it. It is also of stone, again with deep set windows and door spaces. Larose, it is said, may have added the front porch as it is of French design.
By 1908 Michael Mulvihill had come into possession of the land and buildings which remained in the family for the next 55 years. It was inherited by Michael's sons, Basil and William. In 1950 the whole was purchased by Philip and Gladwin Mulvihill. In the last half of the 20th century a family reunion of the Mulvihills was held. It was quite a homecoming for the descendants of the first Philip, great-grandfather of the current Philip. It almost goes without saying that when the Mulvihills occupied the place there were more changes made to the structure but a greater metamorphosis was yet to come.
In 1963 the property was acquired by W. Lyn Stewart, who was descended from Samuel Stewart who lived on the old Britannia (Aylmer) Road. Lyn Stewart was a man of vision and had great plans for his new acquisition.
Being a keen golfer from away back Stewart saw the potential golf course which could take shape on his land, with the old buildings undergoing a face-lift and modernization, serving as a clubhouse. Much planning and labour would be required before this project could be completed - it it ever is. The course and clubhouse were finally opened in the year 1965. With Canada's Centennial only two years away there was barely time to take aim at a target dear to Lyn's heart, the establishment of a golf museum in one of the front rooms of the clubhouse.
With the conditioning supplied on the golf course Lyn Stewart's aim at the target was true and the museum did come into being on time. It was opened with due ceremony by John Fisher, the Centennial's voice of Canada, on Monday, July 3, 1967. The museum one of the early, if not the earliest of its kind in Canada, is a delight to visit. On display are artifacts of early golfing days. In addition Lyn, a methodical gentleman, has assembled photo albums and books which log the highlight of the club since its inception. His son Stephen, who now manages the club shares his father's interest in this aspect of the game of golf. The club merits a visit even if one is not a golfer. Try it, you'll be glad you did. "Fore!"