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l Jbmilq 12 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, September 1,1982 Section Two The Life and Times of LACAC Probably the most difficult job LACAC has to do is to research the history of a particular building. Therefore LACAC hires a summer research student to do its dirty work. Seriously, though, before a site can be designated, it must be thoroughly researched. Property ownership is relatively easy to establish. The registry office holds a (usually) complete, though sometimes confusing record of land transfer. Of course, the more information one has going in, the more quickly the title will be recovered. The office however only records land title. Ownership of land does not necessarily imply occupation of the property. Renting out homes, renting rooms or turning buildings into apartments is not uncommon. In fact, land ownership does not even means a building exists. Assessment rolls are available, a researcher hoping a dramatic increase in price indicates construction of a building, or an addition to an old one. But that is mere supposition. There are other records available such as the National Archives in Ottawa and the Ontario Archives in Toronto, but time and money limit their usefulness to a LACAC researcher. With some properties LACAC can be luckier, however. Places such as the Vanstone Mill and St. John's Church have already been well researched (churches usually have published their own histories on their anniversaries). Rickaby's Ltd. is a site which LACAC and its proprietor have expressed interest in designating. The business was thoroughly searched in all the local histories and two articles were found, one in Picture The Way We Were, and a more detailed one in the Bowmanville History Project. With the help of this information, the title search was relatively easy, listing owners from the original grant by the Crown to a Major Evans (probably a Loyalist officer) in 1797, to the present owners George and Joan Webster. Immediately, we run into a problem. While the Websters purchased the property in 1970, they purchased the business in 1964. Similarly Picture the Way We Were mentions that the business was owned a few years by Harry and Perry Dobson of Peterborough. No Dobson is mentioned as property owner. The real problems occur when trying to establish when the building was constructed and; when the business was founded. Here deduction has to be 1 used. The building of which Rickaby's is a part also includes two other businesses, Van Belle Florists, and Mary Ann Fabrics. A bolt runs through the entire length of the building (parallel to King Street). Such bolts were put in to prevent the building from 'warping' or 'swaying'. The bolt therefore indicates the building is older than the two buildings on either side, since, not only would such a bolt be unnecessary if the building was attached to another, but would be impossible to put in. When the building to the east was being renovated, the date '1867' was found in the original structure, so the Rickaby's building is at least that old. On August 15, 1867, James Neal, Sr., sold the property to Joseph B, Andrews, indicating that one of these two persons is responsible for constructing the building. In 1876, J.B. Andrews sold the place to Joseph Ruse, and on the same day, Ruse sold it to Mary Andrew (relation?). This transaction was probably for some tax purpose. In 1882, Mary sold it to Reginald and Susannah E. Andrew. Reginald B. Andrew is usually regarded as the founder, and the date for the founding is usually given as 1881-82. Howevèr, Joseph Ruse is sometimes given as a co- proprietor. Again, we run into the problem of land ownership versus business ownership. We just have to sort out the facts, and come to the best conclusions. Probably the best source of information on buildings are personal papers. Unfortunately, when an old building is sold, or spring- cleaned, the papers are often destroyed. As Marion Veinot, curator of the Bowmanville Museum, said, semi- humorously, "They burn their papers, and give us the cracked teacup." Of course, the Museum appreciates all of its gifts, but people do not realise how valuable these papers are. They can be the key to unlocking the treasures of a building's heritage. If you are interested in involving yourself in the Town of Newcastle Heritage, in discovering your past, LACAC is always welcoming new members, You can attend their next meeting on September 1, at 8:00 p.m. at the Bowmanville Museum. If you are not sure, just come to meet new people, and for free coffee and doughnuts, For more information contact committee member Cathie Humber at 62:1-2872, or research student Gary Chappie at 623-5760. w w w w w w \w w w ^ w mn WVVL A CRASHER! L IMPORTED PROM ITALY - -/ WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES STARTS MON. AUG. 30th TO SAT. SEPT. 4th BOWMANVILLE MALL 243 KING ST. E. BOWMANVILLE, ONT. MON.-FRI. 9:00-9:00 SATURDAY 9-6 IMPORTED FROM ITALY FAMOUS "WILSON" BRAND 6 Pack FINE POINT COLOURED r MARKERS (12 markers) 2 /i etc. VITAMINS FOR YOUNG & OLD VITAMIN E 400 U.S.P. 100 capsules 2.99 I V •« = ' ONE-A-DAY jMULTIPLE VITAMINS 99 2 FLINTSTONES VITAMINS iron (hewobie v ••-•>••• ••••■'*• PWJMA PLUS IRON ouoqvfi Jl ioos 4 44 8-16 BOYS & UNISEX POLY FILLED VESTS Canadian made Racer styling or western yoke Assorted colours LADIES CANADIAN MADE JOGGING SUITS •50% polyester/50% cotton •Assorted fall shades •sizes S.M.L.XL LADIES! TEENS! 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