kimmerly

At the time of posting we were uncertain of the location of the Kimmerly House. John and Elaine Bolton has provided the following interesting information: (by email). The photo of the Kimmerly store in the Fall newsletter stated that the "location was unknown at this time". Perhaps we can add a bit to the history. When my Mother moved to Flinton in 1939, this was Demore's store, having been sold to Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Demore previous to that. After Mr. Demore passed away, it continued to be operated by his wife and their son Gerald. When Gerald became ill (mid 1960's?) the store was closed and eventually the building was purchased by a Tweed businessma, Hazen Trites who converted it to apartments. On January 20, 1978 the building caught fire. The owner was trying to thaw frozen pipes with a blowtorch. John Bolton was fire chief at the time, and according to his fire diary, the flames were already licking up the front of the frame structure when the department arrived. There was a very strong wind blowing, and within 30 minutes the roof had collapsed. The tenants of the building escaped but nothing was saved. The lot sat vacant for some time, and then was purchased by Arthur & Rieta Freeburn and a new store was built. They later sold to Dwayne & Donna Thibault. When the Northbrook IGA opened, it was not viable to operate a grocery store in Flinton, and the business closed. The building was purchased by Bruce Kellar and today operates as a church called "Through the Roof Ministry". Of interest to the history, the book "Village on the Skoot" indicates that a "dressmaker/millinery business" operated for many years in an upstairs apartment in the original building (1920's-1930's) During my years at Flinton Continuation School an out-of-town school teacher rented this apartment. Looking at the original survey plan of the village of Flinton (I believe the museum has a copy of this), the location of the store was Lot #67 Holton Street at the corner of Edward Street & Holton. The book "Village on the Skoot" does indicate "Holden Street" but this could have been an error in transcribing early notes. Holton Street is now called Flinton Road. John & Elaine

I can definitely identify my grandfather, Wilfred Laurier Lessard, b.1895 (1st on the left, son of Moses Lessard II) and his first cousin, Francis Lessard (2nd on the left, son of Eli Lessard). Both Lessards were from the village of Flinton and worked for Robert W. Kimmerly at Kimmerly Ranch prior to the start of WWI. Based on my grandfather's apparent age of 18 -20, I would date this photo as having been taken between 1913 and 1915. I recall sitting with my grandfather c.1978 on the verandah of our family cottage on Oborne Point, facing west toward the site of Kimmerly Ranch. I will always remember him pointing west across Skootamatta Lake, telling me to pay attention, and then indicating where Kimmerly Ranch used to be and proudly stating that he had worked there as a ranch hand in his youth. Such a treasured memory.

Thanks Jackie, -very interesting!