It was last restored in 1977, but the smokehouse at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area has a new make-over.
"Prior to the restoration, the smokehouse was leaning towards the lake, making it impossible to open the door or use the building for demonstrations," says Curator/Educator Coordinator, Kris Ives. "Now -- the building can be used as an exhibit illustrating the principles of smoking foods for preservation."
The building, which dates back to the 1850s, had its door fixed, got a proper vent, a new foundation, and roof.
A $4,000 grant from Canadian Club Chapter Questers Wit Dudzic and Don Cyr paid for the repairs. The funding, announced last June, is only the second time Questers International has donated to a Canadian project.
The Homestead attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year and is owned and operated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority.