Sicklesteel-Newkirk Inn, 8800 Talbot Trail, Spring 2019 (Photo via Municipality of Chatham-Kent)Sicklesteel-Newkirk Inn, 8800 Talbot Trail, Spring 2019 (Photo via Municipality of Chatham-Kent)
Chatham

175-year-old former inn seeks to regain heritage designation

After four years and a 25-kilometre journey, a structure in Blenheim is one step closer to getting back its official recognition as a heritage property.

Formally known as the Sicklesteel-Newkirk Inn, the building was originally located on Longwoods Road in Chatham and served as an inn and tavern in the mid-1800s. After several decades, multiple renovations and being passed through various owners, the structure was removed from the Heritage Registry in July 2015, when the owners at the time deemed that the building could not be renovated to meet their requirements.

Their intent was to demolish the original structure and build a similar-looking house in its place. They did, however, offer the house to anyone who would re-locate the structure. In November 2015, local farmer and heritage enthusiast Don Thompson undertook the large task and relocated the 25-meter long structure from Longwood's Road to 8800 Talbot Trail in Blenheim.

Thompson has since restored the building, giving it new chimneys and fireplaces in addition to a new roof and porch while still boasting many of the original features. Earlier this year, the Municipal Heritage Committee passed a motion recommending that the structure be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act because of its historical importance.

"The Sicklesteel-Newkirk inn and house is one of the three most historically important residential structures extant in Chatham-Kent and a rare survivor of an early 19th century Ontario inn and tavern," said the committee. "As well, the most recent project to relocate and save one of Chatham-Kent’s most historic properties is now, in itself, part of the historic significance of the structure."

Council seemed to agree with this statement as they voted unanimously in favour of proceeding with the intention to designate during the council meeting on August 12. A notice of intention to designate will now be served. If there are no objections, the final request to designate will come back to council. Once a house is designated, features that are of special heritage interest are protected from being altered or demolished.

Main Sicklesteel Newkirk building getting moved, November 17, 2015 (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)Main Sicklesteel Newkirk building getting moved, November 17, 2015 (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)

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