Hudgin House Update

by Cheryl Anderson

Over the summer carpenter Peter Graham and mason Matt McCartney have transformed the exterior of the Hudgin House. Peter has installed the upper floor windows and rebuilt and finished the gable ends. Matt rebuilt the chimney to the original design.

Rebuilt Chimney and 2nd Floor Windows Installed (Photo: Cheryl Anderson)

As we move into the colder weather, Peter will be constructing sturdy shutters to protect the windows. He will also start on the restoration of the inside of the House.

Meanwhile, Liz Driver and Edwin Rowse have wielded sandpaper and paint brush to seal and paint the doors Hudgin House red.

Front Door painted Hudgin House Red (Photo: Liz Driver)

The apple tree behind the house was prolific this year. Local apple aficionado MaryKay Morris and committee member Dick Bird have determined that the apples are Ben Davis variety. This old variety was often grown by settlers. The apples were known as “good keepers”. They were kept over the winter in cold cellars and barrels of them were sent to England for making cider.

Ben Davis Apple tree (Photo: Cheryl Anderson)

Side Door stained (Photo: Liz Driver)


We continue to fundraise for the Hudgin House Field House. Dick Bird donated another beautiful handmade cedar/canvas canoe. The raffle tickets for it were $20. The winning ticket was drawn on October 14 at Night of the Monarch.

Paula Peel and Myrna Wood donated a wonderful queen/king size Log Cabin quilt that was on display in the window of Books and Co. in downtown Picton. The value of the quilt was $2500. It was sold by silent auction. The winning bid was decided on October 14 at Night of the Monarch.

Donations are needed and are always welcome. Donations over $100 qualify for recognition on our patrons and sponsors plaque to be installed inside the completed House.

Our House will serve as a centre and field house for Monarch Point Conservation Reserve. It will be operated as a social enterprise. We also plan to have outdoor educational activities at the House for school children and others. By early 2024 we hope to invite you to the Grand Opening.

Front of Hudgin Log House (Photo: Cheryl Anderson)

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Published in the 20th edition of The South Shoreliner