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Heritage Museum Approved for Wolfe Island

The Wolfe Island Historical Society has received unanimous approval to establish a museum (July1st-Sept.7th) on the island by Frontenac Islands council following a proposal presented by the Society’s president Captain Brian Johnson for the use of the LaRush house, the island’s oldest building for that purpose at their June meeting.

The house located on the north shore of the island, just east of the ferry dock on Leander Street (Beside The Island Grill) was purchased by the township for its heritage value and its water front location. The date of its construction is estimated to be any time between 1860 or the early 1900’s. While the property was purchased in 1919 by Louis LaRush, a descendent of original island settlers, it is not clear whether the building was standing. Some say it originally was a school moved to its present location.
The Historical Society will use the “Old House” as a summer museum from July 1st to Sept. 7th, opening from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and will take responsibility for the daily operations of the Museum and its’ volunteers as well as the interior of the building and the exterior upkeep of the property. The Society will also seek out information regarding heritage building restoration. As stated in their proposal, “only by actually using the “Old House,” will it be possible to see the potential for permanent versus seasonal museum.” Interest in exhibiting has already come from both Women’s Institutes
In the long term the Society will begin to fund raise, seek out grants for the restoration and maintenance of the structure, exhibit cases, etc. (Other than its ownership and insurance the Township does not intend to financially support any other project).
It was at a public meeting in May to hear what was required to preserve, restore and rehabilitate the “Old House” that the Historical Society’s Vicki Stewart declared the island’s need for a museum and Frontenac Islands Mayor Vanden Hoek said a group could be empowered to take over the municipal property as a museum and asked for a proposal.