There are a number of mature trees that run along the west property line – a standout, growing by the museum’s sign, is a grand Sugar Maple.
As a museum, there are impeccable records about the history of the site. While no specific mention was made as to when the Maple was planted, it has no doubt witnessed the lives of many generations.
In 1869, when Thomas Holliday purchased the farm just outside of Stratford on Concession 1, Lot 7, only a small 25-year-old log cabin existed on the property. Fire soon demolished the log cabin and Holliday quickly rebuilt with the large yellow brick Italianate farmhouse which now houses the Stratford Perth Museum.
Here, on what became known as Woodview Farm, Thomas and his wife Mary Ann raised their ten children. A prominent member of the community, Thomas Sr. was involved in the Stratford Gas Company, the Waterworks Commission and the Dam Syndicate. In 1912, the farm was passed on to Thomas and Mary’s second son Edward Holliday.
Stratford-Perth’s Tree Trust Arborist
Tim Lott
