August 9, 2024

A former country estate has become surrounded by Kitchener/Waterloo but still retains its earlier charm. Now known as Woodside, the home was originally built in 1853 by James Colquhoun. When he passed away in 1877 the property underwent several tenants until it sat empty for several years. The image below shows the home in the Victorian Era.

Between 1886 and 1893 the house was occupied by the King Family. John and Isabel King lived here with their four children. Isabel, Janet, Dougall and William who enjoyed their childhood in this quiet setting. William would go on to become the tenth Prime Minister of Canada.

William Lyon Mackenzie King was the grand child of William Lyon Mackenzie who was instrumental in leading the Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada.

William became the leader of the Liberal Party in 1919 and held that position until 1948. He was elected Prime Minister in 1921 and held the position until 1926. Arthur Meighen was the Prime Minister for about three months between June 29, 1926 and Sept. 25, 1926. King would then take back over from then until Aug. 7, 1930. He would return again as Prime Minster from Oct. 23, 1935 until Nov. 15, 1948.

When the King family moved out the house went through several more tenants until it sat empty until the early 1940s when it was in danger of being demolished for a housing development.

The home was reconstructed in 1942 using original materials and furnished to represent the 1890s when William Lyon Mackenzie King lived there. William and his family were consulted during the renovations to help with the authenticity of the decor. It was designated as a National Historic Site in 1952.

4.5 Hectares of property has been retained along with many of the original pathways and gardens. A lily pond and Tulip Tree have been retained behind the house as well as several acres of forests and lawns.

Jack In The Pulpit seeds come out in the summer after the plant is done flowering. These seeds will turn bright red in the fall and can be planted under a small amount of soil. Jack in The Pulpit can grow for 100 years from the same underground corm.

Like other National Parks in Canada, Woodside is free to visit this year.

Google Maps Link: Woodside National Historical Site

Related Stories: William Lyon Mackenzie King

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