$96,600 grant saves iconic Cottonwood Mansion from structural risks

SELKIRK—Cottonwood Mansion recently celebrated the completion of significant restoration work made possible by a $96,600 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Shown are (l-r) Adam Foreman, the museum’s interim manager; MPP Bobbi Ann Brady; OTF volunteer George Santos; Iona Watford, the museum manager who identified the OTF grant as a solution to the deteriorating front columns and balcony; and Andrew Spearin, Chair of the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation. —Haldimand Press photo by Nick Fearns.

SELKIRK—Cottonwood Mansion recently celebrated the completion of significant restoration work made possible by a $96,600 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

The grant supported crucial improvements to the mansion’s architectural features, including the restoration of its iconic front columns, repairs to the second-floor balcony, and the creation of an accessible ramp for those with mobility challenges.

The event, held on a cloudy Friday afternoon, brought together community leaders, heritage advocates, and museum supporters, including MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, OTF volunteer George Santos, and Andrew Spearin, Chair of the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation.

Adam Foreman, the museum’s interim manager, kicked off the proceedings with a thoughtful land acknowledgment and then gave attendees an insightful overview of Cottonwood Mansion’s history.
Built in the 1870s by William Holmes Jr. for his wife Mary, the mansion originally stood on a sprawling 200-acre farm. The grand house, spanning 6,000 square feet, remained in the possession of the Holmes-Hoover family until 1903, when financial difficulties led to its sale. Over the years, the mansion fell into disrepair, and it wasn’t until 1988 that Larry Hamilton, a descendant of the Hoover family, stepped in to restore the property.

Hamilton’s efforts culminated in the formation of the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation, which has overseen the mansion’s upkeep ever since.

Foreman noted that the OTF funding would ensure the preservation of the mansion’s architectural charm, as well as its continued accessibility for generations of visitors.

“The OTF grant has been instrumental in addressing some serious safety concerns,” he explained. “Now, visitors of all abilities can safely enjoy the mansion and its rich history.”

MPP Bobbi Ann Brady expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the significance of provincial funding in preserving local heritage. She recognized the meticulous work that went into securing the OTF grant and encouraged the community to continue applying for such funds.

“It’s always exciting to see provincial funds flowing into Haldimand-Norfolk, especially when they are used to restore and make more accessible a historic building like Cottonwood Mansion,” Brady said. “In today’s digital age, it’s vital that people can experience the history and charm of this place in person. The OTF grant helps bring that vision to life.”

Brady also took a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving the architectural heritage of the region. As someone who resides in a 19th-century farmhouse, she said she shared a personal connection to old buildings and the stories they hold within their walls.

“The character and charm of these buildings are so important, and Cottonwood Mansion is one of the treasures we have to protect here in Haldimand-Norfolk,” she said.

Brady also praised the volunteers and donors who have supported Cottonwood Mansion over the years, recognizing their tireless efforts in keeping the mansion’s history alive.

George Santos, an OTF volunteer and member of its Grant Review Team for the Grand River region, was on hand to speak about the OTF’s role in supporting local initiatives.

Santos shared that the OTF invests over $100 million annually into community projects across the province, helping organizations like Cottonwood Mansion continue their work. He praised the museum’s leadership for submitting an excellent grant application.

“The $96,600 capital grant is a significant investment that will ensure Cottonwood Mansion remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for future generations,” Santos said. “It’s a privilege to be part of this celebration and to see firsthand how these funds are making a difference.”

Santos also reflected on his first visit to the mansion, sharing a lighthearted anecdote: “I have to say, it’s the first time I’ve ever used a chain-pull toilet. It’s amazing to see how our ancestors lived, and how much care was put into these buildings,” Santos said, before turning to the mansion’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility. He pointed out the newly installed ramp, which allows visitors of all mobility levels to enjoy the site, and noted how important it is for historical sites to be inclusive.

“Preserving history and making it accessible to everyone is what it’s all about,” Santos concluded.
Andrew Spearin, Chair of the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation, delivered a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the restoration project.

He acknowledged the work of Art Dean, the heritage restoration contractor who had originally constructed the veranda in 1993 and returned to lead its restoration. Spearin also recognized Mark Schultz, who updated his original blueprints for the project, as well as the Heritage Haldimand Committee for their guidance in ensuring compliance with the Ontario Heritage Act.

“We are deeply grateful for the expertise and dedication of everyone involved in this project,” Spearin said. “It’s a collective effort, and without the support of our volunteers, donors, and community partners, this restoration would not have been possible.”

He also highlighted the critical role of Iona Watford, the museum manager who identified the OTF grant as a solution to the deteriorating front columns and balcony. Watford, who is currently on parental leave, also managed the grant application process and worked closely with contractors to ensure the project was completed successfully.

Spearin emphasized how crucial this work was, recalling how contractors had warned that the structure was at risk of collapsing if not addressed quickly. Thanks to the OTF funding, the mansion was saved from further deterioration, preserving both its structural integrity and its role as a vital cultural space.
“We are so fortunate to have the support of the community, and I’m thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” Spearin said. “Cottonwood Mansion is more than just a building – it’s a piece of our shared history, and we’re committed to preserving it for future generations.”

“With continued support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the mansion will remain a vital resource for education, community engagement, and cultural preservation for years to come,” he noted.