Low Down Articles
Echoes from the Past
Article 64 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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Recycling in Wakefield
THE TRAIN STATION
This summer's train tourists may get quite a surprise as they "steam" into Wakefield and pass the old CPR Station. Why? Simply because it hasn't been a station for quite some years when it was recycled as the Café pot-au-feu. Nevertheless, some of the hungry trippers may wish to visit it during their stay at Wakefield.
THE MAPLES
Diagonally across the road from the Pot-au-feu is a distinguished looking building. It is "The Maples" built by Dr. Hans Stevenson as his home and medical office. Dr. Harold Geggie moved to Wakefield to assist Dr. Stevenson with his practice. Eventually Dr. Harold married the daughter of Dr. Stevenson, Ella. She bore her husband three doctor sons, Hans, David and Stuart. Following Dr. Stevenson, there was a succession of Drs. Geggie who practiced out of "The Maples".
A few years back the place was bought by Jacques Mercier who turned the edifice into an attractive "bed and breakfast:, named "Les Trois Erables".
MACLAREN HOUSE No.1
This house faces Highway 105 and the Gatineau River. It was built between 1850 and 1860 for David Maclaren Sr. and his wife Elizabeth Barnet. Upon their deaths, in 1870 and 1875 respectively, the home came into the possession of grandson David and then to young David's brother, Alexander Maclaren, both being sons of James Maclaren.
When the 1910 fire destroyed the Maclaren mill complex... only the grist mill was rebuilt and extended... the family interests were transferred to Buckingham, leaving only the Maclaren Store. The house became the home of the managers of what was left of the Maclaren operations. These were first John Reid and then James Smith.
After the store was destroyed, also by fire, in 1941, Jim Smith bought the house which he developed into a guest house, "The Manor House". Tennis courts were established and soon it became a popular place to relax.
It was acquired by Dr. Harold Geggie after WWII. Dr. Geggie's vision was to transform the building into THE GATINEAU MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. This enterprise met a long felt need in the area and was supported financially by the surrounding population. The hospital opened its doors in 1952. Dr. Harold was joined in turn by each of his doctor sons who between them shouldered the health care of the area's inhabitants for quite some time.
A few years ago when closure of the hospital was mooted, protesters by the hundreds rallied at the Roman Catholic Church in Ste. Cecile-de-Masham as being the largest building able to accommodate the anticipated crowd. The one word NO! echoed throughout the church. Since that memorable winter evening our hospital has continued to grow literally, and in its variety of services provided to the public. It is a haven to those who are sick or injured. Such is the expansion still required that there are plans and expectations that a new hospital will soon be built. (Ed note 2011: This building became "Le Manoir de Wakefield", a retirement residence after a new hospital was built at 101 Ch. Burnside in c 2000.
MACLAREN HOUSE No. 2
This brick-clad house, built for James Maclaren as a home, overlooks the Maclaren Mill complex, reduced to the Grist Mill by a 1910 fire, on the other side of Lapêche River. After its use by the Maclarens, the domicile had a checkered career. For a while it was split in two for separate families to be housed. It also served at one period as the Wakefield Library. Currently it's the Museum of The Historical Society of The Gatineau. (Ed note 2011: It is now part of the Wakefield Mill Inn complex.)
Information on Wakefield buildings from Norma Geggie's "Wakefield and Its People - Tours of the Village". Wakefield sketches by Gunda Lambton.
Thanks and appreciation to both.