Marilynn Havelka shares her passion for history to tell the story of Ruthven ahead of retirement

By Sheila Phibbs

The Haldimand Press

CAYUGA—Ruthven Park is something of a hidden jewel in the Haldimand landscape, unseen from the passing highway. But if you follow the laneway to the majestic Greek Revival mansion, you embark on a journey that reflects five generations of the Thompson family.

As Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Marilynn Havelka has played a role in the conservation of the heritage buildings, natural and cultural landscapes, and presentation of this National Historic Site for 18 years. This fall she leaves that post, but the impact of her passion is certain to remain.

Havelka worked previously at Dundurn Castle and Whitehern Historic House in Hamilton. She then moved to City Hall to oversee the seven museums in Hamilton and perform other responsibilities. Her experience with historical restoration and conservation, grant writing, and museum management combined with government work made Havelka uniquely qualified for the new challenge that Ruthven offered.

Havelka admits the size and diversity of Ruthven Park was a huge but “unique and exciting” challenge. The 19th-century buildings needed repairs and they had to work within the principles of conservation, museum standards, and guidelines of an easement agreement. The last of the family to live there was Andrew “Drew” Thompson, an actor, during the late 1960s to early 1970s. According to Havelka, “He made changes to bring it back to an old English estate.”

Following the passing of Drew and his brother, David, the estate was left to their mother’s sister Marion Hartney. She donated Ruthven Park to the Lower Grand River Land Trust (LGRLT) which, at her request, holds an easement with the Ontario Heritage Trust protecting the property, ensuring it cannot be sold or developed. Havelka says, “She (Hartney) liked the fact that the property would be open to the public.”