BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- OCTAGONAL STRUCTURES DO CONNECT WITH FAMILY HISTORY

 The Richmond Hill Historical Society had Pamela Vega, The City of Richmond Hill Heritage Planner present a talk on Cemetery ornaments and Octagonal building. She showcased the Death House in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Richmond Hill on \October 21, 2025. 

What came to my mind was the Octagonal barn that used to be at the corner of Dufferin and Steeles.

I have a book on barns published in 1972 . "The Barn-A Vanishing Landmark in North America", by Eric Arthur and Dudley Witney.

I thought the barn was featured in that book. But perusing it I did not find the barn. So I keyed in the words octagonal barn at Dufferin and Steeles and several sites appeared.

Dukes Heights in North York listed some sources in the area. Friends who like Vintage Toronto Facebook page and North York Historical Society had information about the barn, its history and move.

The barn was built for Samuel Troyer, in the 1870s on Lot 1 Concession 3, Vaughan, Ontario.

This photo was taken by Steve Zikman Christmas Day 1976. It is on the Toronto Historical Society page. It is on the page Friends Who Like Vintage Toronto Facebook page.

Octagonal barn

Doing some research online I discovered the barn was dismantled and relocated to the 

Country Heritage Park in Milton. The photo is from their website.

I was pleased to know it still existed. 1977 when it was moved was a different year for me. I had a baby and was home. No internet. No news in the local papers.

For me to think all these years it had existed when I thought it was long gone.

I have copied some articles that tell why it was saved. It will be for another post.

I just wanted to get this post finished before December kicks in.

#otagonalbarn#dufferinandsteelesoctagonalbarn#countryheritagemuseum#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER IN LIFE-LIKE A PUZZLE

 

Do you ever feel your life is just in pieces?

You don't know where to start.

Well just start. One piece at a time.

If you have ever worked on a puzzle you kow it takes time to complete.

But feeling angst can stop us in our tracks.

Get started. One foot forward. Make yourself do something. Get it done.

One piece at a time. Like a puzzle.

#puzzlesteachuslifelessons#getstartedonepieceatatime#getgoing#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#don'tlelifegetyoudown

CHRISTMAS PREP IS UNDER WAY FOR CHRISTMAS 2025

 Most of the decorating done.

Need to do my two Christmas trees.

Trying to decide if I put lights in the window or not.

You see, I am finding that the work is not fun.

The hoopla of Christmas with people and parties and food is fun.

I went to one church bazaar last weekend. I will try to go to more of them as it is one way of supporting the community.

So I am conserving my energy and doing the most enjoyable of the tedious tasks and leaving some tasks undone.

Took items to the local police station for the Holiday Heroes Campaign they have. Items collected are given to various community charities.

Bought the lottery tickets for the kids. Have cashed in some points for gift cards.

The Christmas lists have arrived from the grandchildren so will be doing some online purchasing of those items.

I have so many Christmas items that I am trying to use my resources at hand before I decide to purchase anything new.

So life goes on and Christmas stuff is getting done.

My goal is have any presents done by December 1 so I can enjoy the season. If not then I just plod along doing my best. 

The grandkids do like money as well.

How about you? Any Christmas planning going on?

#christmaspreparations#buyingforthegrandchildren#likeChristmasbutnotalltheworkanymore#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

OZYMANDIAS BY SHELLEY-A POEM FOR OUR MODERN TIMES

 I learned this poem in High School when we studied the Romance poets. It stuck out for me.

Reading it, would you see any parallels to our modern times??

OZYMANDIAS-BY PERCY BYSSHE SHELLY

I met a traveller from an antique land,

Who said--- " Two vast and trunkless legs of stone

Stand in the desert... Near them, on the sand,

Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read

Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,

The hand that mocked them, and the the heart that fed;

And on the pedestal, these words appear:

My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:

Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.

Source: Shelley's Poetry and Prose (1977)

With the current geopolitical climate, his poem stands out. Some current mighty leaders who think they are invincible could take heed.

Remembering this story gives me some solace that eventually good will prevail.

I hadn't thought abut this poem for decades. It came to my conscience lately.

How about you? Are there some life lessons you would want to share?

#poety#ozymandias#percybyssheshelley#romancepoets#rememberinglife'slessons#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara##barbaradimambro#nooneisinvincible

LOCAL REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES-MEMORIES IN RICHMOND HILL

 I try to attend every Remembrance Day service in Richmond Hill.

Often taking photos.

So I am putting some of my captures here.

Always lots of marching and music.

The wreaths honour local groups who remember those who served.

The Service by the Legion is always poignant.

#remembrancedayservices#wreaths#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NOVEMBER FOR REMEMBRANCE-1991 TO CASSINO AND THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CEMETERY

 

I have reposted these photos several time. I wish I had a digital camera in 1991. I would have photographed the whole cemetery. 

Do you notice the Maple Leaves on the tombstones? Our Canadians resting for eternity in that part of Italy.

42% of the graves in the cemetery are Canadians.

See the Monastery as it watches over the Fallen Soldiers and Air Men.

Can you see Adolph in the blue shirt looking at the columnas?

Adolph was born in Cassino, FR, Italy. So visiting his hometown was such a wonderful trip for me.

Remembering our Armed Forces who fought in the Second World War is always important.

#worldwartwo#rememberingthosewhofoughtforus#BritishcommonwealthcemeteryinItaly#reflectivthoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#cassinoitaly

NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH TO GET READY FOR ALL THE FUN

 November is my month to get ready to enjoy the Christmas season.

I wear my poppy and go to a Remembrance Service.

Three birthdays to celebrate- Daughter, Granddaughter, Brother.

Shopping is less as the family all make a list so easier to get things done.

Two meetings have the publicity done so just need to wait for the actual meetings.

Garden cleanup is almost done. I leave lots on the garden for the winter bugs and bees to have a place to hibernate. Besides no one goes in my backyard. I get the front yard neater as it can be seen from the road. Also when I look out my front windows.

The time change always gets tougher every year.

So November. The month where the days start to get shorter.

But the light keeps me busy enough.

#november#novembertimetogetgoingforthefestiveseason#birthdaycelebrations#shopping#gardencleanup#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro