collection - Women's Wentworth Historical Society fonds

The Women’s Wentworth Historical Society was established in 1899 by former members of the Ladies’ Committee of the Wentworth Historical Society, who had separated from the latter organization after a dispute over where to construct a public museum, as well as a monument to the dead from the War of 1812 Battle of Stoney Creek. The members of the original Ladies’ Committee organized a successful fundraiser that raised money for a proposed historical museum at Harvey Park near Dundurn Castle. After the money was raised, some of these members spearheaded by Sara Calder, felt that the choice of locations for both the museum near Dundurn, and the monument to the dead soldiers at Smith’s Knoll in Stoney Creek, were not appropriate. Calder, who was the granddaughter of James and Mary Davis Gage, owners of the Gage homestead and property (currently Battlefield House Museum and Park), along with other members of the Ladies’ Committee, felt that the Gage homestead and grounds were a more suitable location. When the Gage homestead became available for sale, Calder encouraged the Wentworth Historical Society to buy the property but was unsuccessful at convincing many of the members. The disagreement led to some of the women leaving and forming the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society with Sara Calder as the first President.

The objective of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society was to collect and preserve historic facts and relics, conduct research into the history, archaeology and genealogy of Wentworth County, as well as promote the maintenance of historical sites, buildings and monuments, while fostering a spirit of patriotism in its members. In 1899, not long after the creation of the Society, Sara Calder purchased the Gage homestead along with 4½ acres of land around the house for $1900 and retained ownership of the property until the sale price had been raised by public and private funds. The property was then turned over to the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society and external trustees were appointed to administer the legal entity. The property was officially opened as a public park on October 21, 1899. The Society was the first private organization in Canada to own a historic site that was maintained as a public park. Annual membership fees and fundraising events helped pay off the mortgage on the property in 1907 and in 1910, an additional 13 acres were purchased, bringing the total park land to 17½ acres, with the goal of eventually making it a national historic site. Calder and the members of the Society worked hard to maintain the park and homestead, in hopes of procuring a monument by convincing the dominion government that the location was the most suitable place for the public museum and memorial, and that the Society and its members were the best stewards of such a significant site. The government agreed to provide funds to construct the tower monument, which was then unveiled on June 6, 1913, on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Stoney Creek. To commemorate such a significant event, the monument was unveiled electronically by Queen Mary at Buckingham Palace in London, England.

Over the years, the money sustaining Battlefield House and grounds was raised by Society functions and events, membership fees and private donations, with the exception of rare government grants that helped maintain the property. Despite all the efforts, the operation of such a large site and the constant repairs to such an old building, were too much for the Society and its finances. After 62 years of ownership, the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society transferred the house and property to the Niagara Parks Commission in January of 1962. The Commission then purchased another 17½ acres of land for the now national historic site. Although the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society then turned its focus to assisting with the centennial restoration of Dundurn Castle, the real focus and passion had, and always would be, for Battlefield House. So when the Society noticed that the grounds were being well maintained but the house was looking neglected, members persuaded the Niagara Parks Commission to restore the house to its original condition on the understanding that Society members would fundraise to refurnish four rooms within the house to the 1790-1830 time period when the Gage family occupied the residence. The newly restored Battlefield House was re-opened to the public on May 15, 1976. Despite a fire the following year on August 8, 1977, the damage was limited to the roof and a second-floor room, so it was quickly repaired, and the house re-opened permanently the following season. The Society had persevered and ensured the preservation of Battlefield House, of which the members were very proud. Unfortunately, the achievement of this goal took a toll on the organization. After 83 years in operation, the dwindling finances and volunteers, the changing economic and social climates, along with the lack of a new preservation project, forced the executive of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society to reluctantly inform its remaining members that it would have to disband. The members were invited to one more luncheon held at the Hamilton Thistle Club on September 14, 1982. This luncheon marked the end of an era for the type of passion and dedication exhibited in the preservation of historical sites. The hard work, determination and dedication of the members of the Society, especially the formidable Sara Calder, ensured that many generations of residents and visitors have been able to enjoy some of Hamilton’s most notable historic landmarks, along with future generations to come.