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2005-06-25

OLDEST Smallest *IN USE* Police Station

In Tweed, Ontario is the SMALLEST True IN USE Jailhouse in Canada. There is a slightly smaller jail building out there, however it was only a jail for a small part of it's life. Currently this imposter serves as a book store. Tweed began promoting their 'smallest' jailhouse in the early 60's and soon other communities wanting to draw tourists jumped on the 'smallest jail' claim. From my point of view they do NOT qualify since all of them have been used for unrelated purposes for decades. One is a book store, another a kitchen for a restuarant. However Tweed's 'smallest jail house' record is more reasonable since the rear third of the building is completely separated by a huge wall of steel bars and a lockable swinging steel door. Grant you no one has been incarcerated here for several decades and there are no full time local police staff, BUT, the sign out front identifies the building as the town police "community services" office.

The Tweed, Ontario, 16 ft. x 20ft. 'police station' was built in 1898 of stone blocks and heavy steel bars that still blend for an awesome touch of vintage character when visitors stroll down Tweed's main street past this unique landmark. Over the years it has housed suspected murders, an occasional drunk, and during the depression of the dirty 30's, it was more commonly used as a hostile for travelling citizens seeking work. The community actually paid the local police chief a stipend for each over night guest and an additional amount for each one he served a breakfast before they moved on.

Perhaps this building has little or no notoriety with a famous prisoner or popular movie, but for me to walk by something that old and in such superb condition suggests that the early citizens of Tweed planned on upholding their justice system far into their future.

FOOTNOTE:

Just south and directly across the street from the SMALLEST True IN USE Jailhouse is an older looking residential house with a sign out front identifying the Tweed Heritage Bldg. At first glance it looks rather small and you would expect a limited time to see everything. NOT SO, once inside, the building literally sprawls out FOREVER. They have some amazing collections of Early Canadiana, with everything from kerosene lamps, cookware, furniture, organs, bank teller booths, paintings, tools, telephones and that's only the tip of the experience awaiting you.

Once you exit the front door and reach the street, you now notice behind the trees that this 'building' fronting as an old residential house, is actually a HUGE warehouse type building added on to this house over the years.

Need info on ANY Early Canadiana, talk to their curator, Evan Morton, he is very knowledgable about everything in the building, or it wouldn't be there. Mr. Morton can also be reached by telephone at 1 613 478 3989

2005-06-19

World's Smallest Chapel

Just outside of Apsley, Ontario is a tiny chapel, it measures 8 ft wide by 13 ft long, you may judge its height by the photo of my daughter standing beside the entrance door.

This miniture worship center is nestled yards from the country highway, surrounded by the maples that, I'm sure inspired its name, the " Maplewood Wayside Chapel." Surely a place to 'stop, rest and worship.'

Just inside a door are six pews, (seats 9 - 6 on the right - 3 single seats to the left ) a giant bible, and a guest book. Ah, we must not forget, it boasts electricity as well. There is a largish circular driveway for about 10 vehicles and several wooden benches set serenely amoungest the Maples.

A nice little spot for a tiny wedding (there have been several) and there are actually even services held here!

If you're looking for that special wedding, this just might be the place. There are several great lakes in the area and dozens of lodge and motel accommodations. People are friendly and would be sure to help your wedding in the world's "SMALLEST" chapel.

The chapel was built in 1967 by Dick & Isabel Lucas as an open worship respite for weary travellers.

IF you would care to join in holy wedlock at the world's "SMALLEST" chapel, you may make a booking by telephoning:

Betty Lucas 1 416 284 7690

The " Maplewood Wayside Chapel " is about 100 miles north east of Toronto, Canada

WARNING: the " Maplewood Wayside Chapel " is about 70 miles south of Algonquin Park, I recommend you book your wedding day AFTER June 15th, and BEFORE November 1st. 'After' means you should miss the brunt of 'Blackfly' season, and 'before' the snow flies.

TIP: IF you do make it BEFORE Blackfly season ends, I recommend you carry at least one large, deep umbrella. I used to sell real estate in the region and discovered for some strange reason Blackflies hate being caught under this type of covering.

PS: the umbrella will help your head and shoulders but Blackflies still swarm and swoon over a healthy set of ankles.

A shot at humor: A favorite saying in these parts " we have four fly seasons, Blackflies, Horse flies, Deer flies and Snow flies, and then it starts all over again."

2005-06-11

Big Apple

In Colborne Ontario, there is a a place called "The Big Apple." Along with a pie factory, mini-golf and a petting zoo, the 'BIG' attraction is the Giant Apple set on a little hill beside the buildings. The apple has a door on the front of it, for people to go inside and check out the inner workings of this 'Big Apple!' Inside are several floors of activities and apple trivias, and at the very top you can look out of the top of the 35' apple.

Insider TIP:

When you drop in to check out the place, you just HAVE TO try one of the apple pies. My personal recommendation is the 'single' serving pies. They are about 6 inches by 2.5 inches deep. It's a meal in it's self and the crust stays nice & flakey right to the bottom.

The full size pies are okay but tend to have mushy crust by the time you reach the bottom, to say nothing about the difficulty this creates when you are serving slices.

Another nifty treat usually found at the Big Apple are apple chips, a product from Washington State in the USA. Expensive, but a nice change while driving or watching your favorite movie.

Easy to FIND!

The Big Apple is easy to find, notice, it's on the south side of the 401 Freeway about 1.5 hours east from Toronto and 1.5 hours west of Kingston. (oh yeah, both are in Ontario ).

MORE TRIVIA:

Maybe it's only one location, and there is no drive thru window, BUT, you can be in and out with your apple pie(s) in minutes. Plus they offer refreshments, sandwiches and desserts freshly prepackaged and ready to go.

To date the Big Apple 'pie crew' have dished up over TWO MILLION of these tasty apple creations and it is very common for folks to keep coming back.

Some folks may never get to the Big Apple, but with the ample parking lot, ( they cater to several bus tours a day ), you could easily have a long haul trucker friend pick you up a couple of pies. It's a minute off the freeway and a couple to get back on.

You may never see the pies, truckers are known to have a sweet tooth and riding with these apple pies could get overwhelming.

Contact?

It appears they lost control of their domain name? I'll post an update here when I have more details.

2005-06-09

Giant Toonie

In 1997 Canada introduced their $2 Coin to replace the $2 paper currency. It quickly became referred to as a "toonie" which followed suit on the earlier issue of the $1 coin referred to as a "Loonie" because of the engraved Loon on the original $1 coin (there was some kidding about calling it a moonie. get it? The Queen with a "bear" behind!).

The small town that host this 20' replica of the toonie is also the area of the artist that won the design of the Polar Bear engraving on one side of the coin.

In these 3 photos you can also see the marvel of digital photography as well. One of the hands was held up to engulf the 20' coin and the other is a hand holding the regular sized toonie.

The third photo is of the giant toonie as it stands in the park. I would have loved to give you more details on the materials used in the making of this 20' tribute, but alas, like many communities that have something unique, they no longer publish brochures on this 20' toonie. It has just become part of the local landscape.

NOTE: If you havea submission for this series, you are invited to, but PLEASE make sure that you send in your own photo and words. We do NOT wish to cause any copywrite infringement issues: Forward your entry wia the 'in-house' BLOGestates email system to "BIGGESTonthePLANET"

For more info on Campbellford, ON, home of the 20' toonie, Click HERE!

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