Parkwood Estate-Oshawa

Friday, I finally visited Parkwood estate in Oshawa with a friend. She had never heard of the place. A waitress at a nearby restaurant knew of the building but had never been there. My to do list includes a number of historic homes that I would like to visit.

Parkwood estate was donated to Oshawa hospital in 1972 when the owner, Sam Mclaughlin passed away at the age of 102. He was the founder of General Motors Canada along with his father. The company grew out of McLaughlin Carriage Works, at one time, the largest producer of horse carriages in the British Empire. The home was built in 1917 and reflects his love of technology and innovation. The 55 room home which included an indoor swimming pool, bowling lane and squash court certainly reveals a life style that his employees could only dream of.

Parkwood estate which was home to McLaughlin, his wife Adeliade and their five daughter for 55 years, also includes several acres of gardens. My only disappointment was that I did not think that I would need to make a reservation for lunch on a Friday. Apparently, there are people in Oshawa who do lunch in a fine style beside the fountains in the garden.

According the will, the home was to be used as a nursing home but the hospital did not feel that it could do that, so it planned to tear the building down. Thank goodness others intervened and it was designated a National Historic site. What is special about the home is that it contains the family's furniture which helps visitors understand how the family lived and entertained. Wish that I could have been a guest.

I hope to visit one of the buildings on my list this summer. Will post pictures when I visit.