Heritage Hemmingford – October 2010

Heritage Hemmingford  (October 2010)

THE OLD FIRE STATION OF HEMMINGFORD
The old Hemmingford fire station built in 1884 will be relocated permanently next to the present fire station on municipal grounds. For many years, this heritage building has been lovingly preserved by former fire chief Gaetan Fortin on his Barr Street property. Gaetan donated it to the municipality of Hemmingford with the condition that it be relocated and preserved. Heritage Hemmingford Inc. has made the operation possible by donating $3,300. to the municipality to cover relocation expenses. The building will be cared for by our voluneer firemen and eventually be used as a small museum and rest area for visitors.

Heritage Buildings
The required capital to acquire heritage buildings in order to restore and conserve them is often beyond the means of small conservation organizations. This is why their acquisition is often effected through donation to a non-profit organization or a municipality. Such donations are often accompanied by conditions guaranteeing the use of a place according to its vocation, while freeing up their users from the costs of restoration and maintenance of such buildings. Once the acquisition is made by a public or non-profit organization, it then becomes possible to apply for grants and subsidies to adapt such buildings for community purposes. Our municipality has many of these heritage buildings which are little used but are laden with history and give the place its typical cachet. They also require maintenance ex- penses which can become unaffordable. On the other hand, there is presently a need for a suitable and permanent premise to house Mr Fortin’s important collection of historical objects, the many collections and documents of Hemming- ford Historical Archives, as well as their staff and furniture. Another community need is for a meeting-music-exhibition hall for our many artists and craft people, and a suitable welcome place for our tourists. Much to think about.