Michelle (Basic) Hendry - Fine Artist & Author

Artist and Author - Landscapes and Ruins

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Olde Muskoka – Seeking History

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Thanks to Brian’s comment on my last post, I was given the opportunity to see one of Muskoka’s historic homes. This one is abandoned – sort of – clearly someone owns and maintains the grounds. There is a melancholy to these empty places.

Moon River

It is rare to see so much architectural detail remaining on a home of this era. Often, it is stripped off with the intent of making maintenance simpler and more economical. I peeked in a window (which had all the rippling of the original poured glass) and saw the doors were still beautiful and original as well. I am certain this was a proud house in its day. For me, a house such as this one, is a priceless window into our history and the people who made it. A part of me has always wished to live in one. I think I might have to paint it this one.

Brian’s comment also got me to thinking about how quickly these beautiful buildings are disappearing. There are a few restored on the lakes, but, many in the back-country remain obscure and unknown. I have decided that I might work my way around the region, seeking out these hidden gems and recording them both in photographs and on canvas. I hope to get a few done in time for my show in August.

That said – I would ask anyone who knows of one of these places or would like to share a story to please drop me a comment. Occupied or abandoned houses would be welcomed. If you are worried about broadly exposing their locations, which I can understand in some cases, please e-mail me (see contact). I would most appreciate sites in the Georgian Bay/Muskoka/Haliburton regions. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

For Brian – in appreciation – I am attaching here a photo of the very high water at Bala Falls taken late Wednesday afternoon.

Moon River

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Comments

  1. What a terrific idea and while I don’t have any places in mind in that I am not all familiar with the rural parts of cottage country I hope that get responses. I will post a link to my site.

  2. What a wonderful house…I love these ancient places…I’m a huge fan of trim and homes like these usualy have the most amazing work!

    This would make a stunning painting…I would love to see a painting of this house???

    The Bala Falls looks very angry…water is high everywhere!!

    Heather

  3. Your interest in old homes reminds me of the work of Trish Romance. The difference being that you seem to prefer older houses that appear worn and neglected while she seems to prefer homes full of life and love. Either way, the houses speak to us.

  5. Hi Michelle:

    It’s working!

    Love the house. Can’t wait for the painting.

    Here in Montana homes of that type are few and far between but the old barns and buildings of the West fascinate me in the same way.

    Kinsey

  6. Thanks, John! 🙂 I hope I get a few suggestions!

    Hi Heather – I do plan to paint this one. I am inclined to go back out for more reference shots…

    martin – I met Trisha Romance over 15 years ago. We do have in common a sense of the romance of place and a passion for our heritage homes. Interestingly, my first summer job in university was as an architectural historian for King Township….

    Thanks Linda! I’ll have to go back and look again….

    Yay! Kinsey! 🙂
    I would love to paint out there. Montana is high on my list of places to see and paint!

  7. I discovered your blog by searching for other Muskoka bloggers. I was surprised to find someone thats close by that has such wonderful work in photography and painting.

    I recently started a Muskoka Blog with some photography around Muskoka area (I’m just a hack) and I am humbled by your work.
    http://www.cottageblog.ca/

  10. Thanks, Lana!
    One of the images I shot will become the painting. Perhaps one that is less ominous! 😀

  11. this sounds like a wonderful project Michelle !
    it’s such a shame that these houses are disappearing…the detail and grandeur of this home is breathtaking 🙂

  13. There is an old abandoned place in Mystic, Connecticut that has great ‘presence’.
    I had photographed it extensively before the old barns on the same property were torn down a couple of years ago.
    Since I took the photos we have moved to another location and I have to search through many unmarked boxes of CD’s to find them.
    When I do, I will e-mail you some of the photos.
    I intend to do a series of paintings of the house and barns myself.

  14. What a beautiful building. It would be lovely to see it lived in and loved again. Would make a great painting too. Enjoyed your blog.