Friday, February 26, 2010

FSO--Replay



Since it is our choice what to showcase about our town, I thought I would share some photos taken last winter at the Guild Inn.

Linda had marking to do for her class and I had a camera full of film when one of the heaviest snow falls of the winter finally stopped and the sun shone for the first time in days. Picking up the camera I headed for The Guild Inn, formerly owned by our Great Uncle John Fraser, hoping for some good shots.




I found the Guild sleeping quietly under the deep winter's blanket of snow. No longer in use, great icicles hung from its eves. The future of the Inn is in serious doubt, but not its serenity.




I walked the vast grounds of the Guild in amazement. Not only were they empty, not a foot print disturbed the pristine beauty of the scene. The sun was almost disturbingly bright after days of black, angry skies and the weather began to warm. The peaceful quiet was almost mystical.




Some of the most beautiful facades of Toronto's famous buildings have been preserved in various locations around the guild. Some look oddly lost and alone. Many were inspired by the ancient Greeks and provide remarkable contrast to the cold snows of Canada.



The Guild was recently purchased by Centennial College to house their International Studies program. I will also feature a large restaurant, banquet hall and a wedding chapel. The grounds of the Guild are a favoured spot for wedding photos.



Unfortunately, to house the new programs, Centennial College is having to dismantle the old building to replace it with a more modern structure. The grand staircase and the library in the old Guild will be preserved and will be featured in the new structure.

And here is a brief video I shot during an Arts and Crafts festival that was held on the grounds of the Guild last summer.

19 comments:

  1. Wow!!!! those icicles. Sam and I broke off icicles and had fights. Your icicles can last us a whole winter of fights.

    How are you feeling Barry?

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  2. I remember your earlier post about the guild. It was great to revisit it again.

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  3. Love those Zhivagoesque icicles!

    (sending love...I'll be thinking of you and yours tomorrow, Barry...xx)

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  4. I love being the first to break the white snow with my footprints. I even hesitate doing so. Those icicles look dangerous.

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  5. I had followed FSO long before I started to take part and I do remember this post. It is perfect for a recap on the anniversary. Will be with you all in heart and prayer for the celebration of your dear Mom's life. Blessings
    QMM

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  6. wow. nice snaps...crazy iciciles! looks like a really neat place to visit....

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  7. Yes, those icicles take the cake for sure! It does look like a lovely place, but I have to say I am sad the building is going to be dismantled. At least some of the beauty will be preserved.

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  8. Thank you Willow.

    Yes it would have been my mother's 91st Birthday tomorrow, if only she'd lived that extra week.

    However, we plan to celebrate her Birthday tomorrow anyway. The family are getting together at my brother John's for a part with a Birthday cake and everything.

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  9. Such beautiful photos Barry. I am house/dog sitting on the "Bluffs" for the next month and I am looking forward to exploring your part of the world.
    Stay well!
    Smiles and blessings

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  10. I remember this post, loved it then and again now. the pristine snow must have been a wonder.... Made me hum a song.... glistening .... singing a song.... happy in a winter wonder land..... hum sounds good in my head.

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  11. I really love that you return to The Guild again and again, as I enjoy seeing it every single time!

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  12. Then you definitely must go for a walk through the grounds of the Guild while you're here Carolyn. They are an inspiration at any time of year.

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  13. Beautiful photos, I just love looking at photos of anything relating to snow.

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  14. Hi Barry and Linda! Such beautiful photos - I've missed you two!

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  15. I remember being taken with that post at the time and have enjoyed it just as much now. Like Jama, I love looking at photos of snow and ice. Might feel differently if I had to live with them.

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  16. For some reason, the icicles in the second shot really made an impression upon me :)

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  17. My, you covered a lot. Excellent choices. The inn was one of my favorites, Barry.

    You have been doing the FSO for a long time, and with all your trials and tribulations, you and Linda have never missed a Friday. That deserves an award.

    I am glad you included Lindsay.

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  18. I love this walk, and columns are some of my favorite architecture to study...I have one in my house I bought off of an old estate they were tearing down in Dallas.

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  19. Love those icicles on the building! It looks like a wonderful place.

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