On October 20, we honoured some of the major contributors to The Old Post’s clock tower and bell fundraising campaign with a special dinner at Harriston’s South Street Café, and enjoyed a tour of the building to reveal recent renovations and plans for the building’s exciting next phase.
(L. to R.) Mark Leslie, John Mock and Tony Hale
(L. to R.) Doug and Cathy Harkes with Sheelagh Hendrick and partner Rick, who travelled from Thunder Bay to attend the celebration
(L. to R.) Egon Von Westerholt, Sharon McKnight and Gordon Duff
(L. to R.) Belinda Wick-Graham, Liz Dowler, and Patricia Von Westerholt
Revitalizing these historic and landmark features of the Old Post was well beyond the means of building owners Michael and Sue Hendrick – their initial focus has been on the extensive restoration and reconstruction that was critical to the re-imagining and re-energizing of the building for future business and creative endeavours.
(L. to R.) Michael Hendrick with Brian and Janet Baldwin of the Harriston 55+ Club, and Sue Hendrick
(L. to R.) Krista Hale, Patty Mock, Lisa Leslie and Gerry Leslie
We are grateful for the community members, business and organizations who have stepped up and made such a community-minded investment, ensuring that the bell will ring and the clock will tick for the next 100 years.
(L. to R. Don McPhail, Paul and Lori Ziegler)
(L. to R. Sue and George Bridge, with Jackie McPhail)
Throughout the evening, Michael and Sue invited donors to reflect on their very valuable contribution, and how vital their contributions have been to the making the clock tick and the bell ring again, and for the next 100 years.
Donors admire the renovations and skylight on the second floor of The Old Post
Donors admire the renovations and skylight on the second floor of The Old Post
The Old Post’s major donors include:
- Anonymous
- George Bridge
- Brion J. Cole
- Mark & Lisa Leslie
- Ron & Gerry Leslie
- Donald Matthews
- John & Patty Mock
- Hubertus Von Westerholt
- Harriston 55+ Club
- Lavolit Properties Inc.
- Minto Retirees Group
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 Ladies Auxiliary
- Town of Minto Mayor’s Golf Tournament
- Triton Engineering Services Ltd.
Don McPhail views the Old Post’s attic renovations and skylight
Mayor George Bridge with carpenter Tony Hale chat about the Old Post’s attic renovations
Special recognition and appreciation go out to the following people who continue to provide continuing intangible support for this exciting project:
- Patrick Raftis (Wellington Advertiser Reporter) and Shannon Burrows (Minto Express Managing Editor) for the ongoing attention they have both given to the Post Office, reporting progress to the community at large.
- Doug Harkes, of Harkes Industries – a master clock man and modern-day McGuyver – who, alongside his wife Cathy, have provided invaluable insight and precision to the restoration of the clock
- Tony Hale and his wife Krista, a master carpenter who brings a creative edge and attention to detail to the Old Post build out
- Heather Watterworth of Creative Worth Communications & Design for capturing the minds and commitment of the community through the Old Post website and social media
- The Minto Arts Council, under the leadership of President Belinda Wick-Graham and Treasurer Gordon Duff, for collecting and managing all clock tower funds
Thanks also to the Wellington Advertiser and Minto Express for their coverage of the celebration dinner and tour:
- Old Post clock tower restoration a community-driven project (Wellington Advertiser)
- Donors celebrate The Old Post’s progress (Minto Express)
Tony Hale and Michael Hendrick
