Stepping out – Little boxes

Posted on October 8, 2019 by johnageddes

This week I have found a few little boxes on my walks that have drawn my attention. I came across the “Tiniest Art Gallery in the World” on Cherry Street. (A gallery is defined as a place where works of art are displayed so I guess it qualifies) It consists of a little wooden box on a post by the sidewalk with room for one piece of art. I understand that it changes once a month. This month there were a couple of ink on paper tattoo designs. Something to stop for a moment to enjoy as you stroll past.

I also found a little lending library in a similar box on Patrick Street that had a Betty’s Library sign over it (and some milkweed in the garden for the Monarchs). What a delightful idea to have this little sharing library in the neighbourhood.

Earlier in the summer I had spotted a cheerful little kids library on College Street, complete with a swing and a pair of little chairs for kids to stop and sit and look at a book.

With the cooler weather setting in I have picked up my walking a bit more. The summer was too hot to walk farther from the breezes by the waterfront. Since May, have been able to cover most of the streets in the Kingston core. It is a bit more difficult to do those farther from home now since once I walk to the more peripheral neighborhoods I am ready to turn around. I may have to drive there and explore on foot from where I park.

Throughout the summer, I have mentioned that the flowers have been spectacular and they continue to delight me as I walk. Here are a just a few from the past week. I am looking forward to some autumn colour as well before winter sets in.

Stepping out – Week 5

Posted on June 6, 2019 by johnageddes

May 30-June 5

I am back home in Kingston and have picked up where I left off exploring my home town after two weeks tramping around cities in the U.K. and Europe.

If you didn’t see what my mission is in the next few months you can find more about it here. My plan is to get some exercise while the weather is good and at the same time take more notice of what is surrounding me. And share photos each week of discoveries I have made on my walks.

This old building was one of the first breweries in the core of old Kingston. It was built by James Robbins in 1793. It underwent name changes from Robbins Brewery to Kingston Brewery to Bajus Brewery and was operated by the Bajus family until the 1920s. The brewing industry was an important part of this district and what is now Rideau Street was called Brewery Street.

Across the street is s dry dock that was opened by Sir John A MacDonald and has been operational since the 1870’s. This week they are preparing it to bring in a houseboat for renovations.

This property has also been the site of boat building since 1676. Metalcraft Marine has used the property since the 1980’s to build Fire/Rescue/Patrol boats that are sent all over North America (like this one that is soon headed to Miami, Florida.)

Lots of flowering trees this week, including these two beauties in front of a house on King Street that was built in 1841. At that time the farm lot across the street (now City Park) was being considered as a site for the Canadian Parliament Buildings.

And, high water levels in Lake Ontario caused a bit of flooding, including the Parking Lot and entry to the Kingston Yacht Club. This mother duck took advantage of the puddle to teach her ducklings to swim.

My friend, Sue, gave me the guided tour around the Rideau Street neighbourhood she lived in as a child. She pointed out the church where her brother used to go to sales to buy Christmas gifts more than 50 years ago and as we approached the church…they had a rummage sale on. Some things just don’t change.

Stepping out – Week 2

Posted on May 15, 2019 by johnageddes

May 7-15

I have walked along in front of Grant Hall with its signature clock tower (completed in 1905) and Theological College (built in 1879-80) many times but didn’t realize that it has been designated as “Professor’s Walk” according to a plaque posted where it starts on University Avenue.

I took this quick little stroll along Professor’s walk this week. Past the towers of Grant Hall and Theological College.

I found this gaggle of friends on the street at a garage sale on Saturday. Hot dogs, drink and chips for $4. Proceeds to the Special Olympics.

We miss a lot by not looking up. I was astounded how many buildings in the Kingston core have some sort of turret or tower. It must have been a stylish addition 150 years ago. Some of these I have walked past many times but not noticed. Do you recognize any of them?

McIntosh Castle, below is not really a castle but a big house at the corner of West Street and Sydenham Streets. The curious little glass “widows walk” with windows all around it was added shortly after the house was constructed in the early 1880’s. Local legend has it that it was build so the lady of the house could take her tea up there and have a private box seat for the public hangings that took place in front of the Frontenac County Courthouse across the street.

It was Mother’s Day this week and I spent some time watching this mother tending to her young. She was a bit cautious at first but eventually returned a few times with worms for the baby birds that were under the eve of this house on Earl Street. It took me a while to get these shots. I think the neighbors were likely wondering what the heck I was doing.