John R Park Homestead Virtual Tour

 About the John R. Park Homestead

In 1833 John Richardson Park purchased 114 acres of land on lot 40, Concession 1, Colchester township, the location of the present Homestead. That same year, he and Thomas wrote to their younger brother Theodore, that:

Prospects are good and all that’s wanting is close application to business. We cleared better than $1,400 last year and I think that we shall exceed $1,000 this year.

Such optimistic reports of early economic success must have helped to prompt Theodore to join his brothers in Upper Canada and assist in the family business. The brothers wrote in their letter that:

By the time you arrive, we will be keeping bachelors hall...our residence is on the Lakeshore...we have an excellent farm on which we amuse ourselves when trade is dull. 

They also instructed Theodore to “bring on some seeds, crooked neck squash inparticular.” As well, they asked him to bring some peach and cherry stones, and John’s gun because, “there is fine duck and turkey shooting and occasionally a deer.” 

John R. Park’s grand home, preserved as a museum today, was completed in 1842; we know the date because the event was recorded in a neighbour’s journal. This twelve room timber framed structure was built in an American Greek Revival Style, having a two storey center block with symmetrical one storey lateral wings on each side. Supporting beams, joists and pole rafters were constructed of chestnut, and an exterior clap-board sliding was of yellow poplar, or tulip wood.

Of special note were are the interior appointments throughout the “public rooms” on the ground floors. Six panel doors, window sashes, and muntin bars, baseboards, stairs and the hall banister were of walnut. Floor boards on the second floor were tulipwood.

In this expansive and opulent structure, John Park would welcome business associates, entertain his neighbours and raise his family. The grandeur of the Homestead would present a striking contrast to other less extravagant homes in the surrounding area, but would be a continual reminder that hard work, ingenuity and perseverance could produce great success. It was here that Mr. Park and family would reside until 1865, when they retired to Amherstburg.

The Park family had six children (Ellen (b. 1835), John Jr. (b. 1837), Lucy (b. 1839), Eliza (b. 1840), Herbert (b. 1843) and Ernest (b. 1846)). Unfortunately, Lucy passed before her first birthday, but the other children likely enjoyed parlour toys and games, like Jacob’s ladder, the ball and cup, the jumping jack, and more. Have you tried your hand at the Homestead’s wooden toys?

John R. Park was born in March 1801 in Framingham, Massachusetts, the fourth son of John and Lucy Richard Park. The Park family traced its roots to Richard Park who emigrated from England and settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1635.

John Park and his brothers, Thomas and Theodore, are examples of the nineteenth century settlers who changed the face of Essex County. They are typical of many of those who arrived in our area during the early 1800's, looking for the opportunity to make a better life for themselves, yet they are different in that they succeeded to a far greater degree than most other immigrants, becoming influential businessman and community leaders. For that reason, the Parks had a greater impact than most people on the lives of the settlers in Southern Essex County.

Little did John and Amelia Park realize that, even almost 200 years after their time at the Homestead, their decision to build their life and home in the Colchester area would continue to benefit the residents of Essex County. With the official opening of the site in June 1978, after a complete restoration, guests can again visit the Homestead to visit and to marvel at this magnificent structure, and enjoy the grounds and outbuildings. This special place continues to stand as a lasting tribute to its builders, and to act as an important link between the history of our past, the events of the present, and to help us inspire us into the future.