Café: 519-510-2475 | Escape the Old Post : 519-510-2222

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.

mark leslie john mock tony hale at south street cafe harriston

(L. to R.) Mark Leslie, John Mock and Tony Hale

people dining at south street cafe harriston

(L. to R.) Doug and Cathy Harkes with Sheelagh Hendrick and partner Rick, who travelled from Thunder Bay to attend the celebration

people dining at south street cafe harriston

(L. to R.) Egon Von Westerholt, Sharon McKnight and Gordon Duff

people dining at south street cafe harriston

(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.

people dining at south street cafe harriston

(L. to R.) Michael Hendrick with Brian and Janet Baldwin of the Harriston 55+ Club, and Sue Hendrick

people dining at south street cafe harriston

(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.

people dining at south street cafe harriston

(L. to R. Don McPhail, Paul and Lori Ziegler)

people dining at south street cafe in harriston

(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.

people tour second floor of harriston old post office

Donors admire the renovations and skylight on the second floor of The Old Post

people tour second floor of harriston old post office

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 in harriston's old post office

Don McPhail views the Old Post’s attic renovations and skylight

minto mayor george bridge with tony hale

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:

 

tony hale and michael hendrick overlook skylight in harriston old post office attic

Tony Hale and Michael Hendrick