NEWS RELEASE
ELORA, ON (JAN. 31, 2022) – The initials “GD” are etched into a window pane. A parrot hook adorns the limestone wall near the front door. The old stone coach house stands proudly at the corner of the property, without eclipsing the beauty of the large heritage home that is Drew House.
It was the summer of 1855 that George Alexander Drew, a young and aspiring lawyer, moved here from eastern Ontario. He was to become a judge and his grandson an Ontario Premier. But the colourful story of the Drew family doesn’t end there. It was the elder George Drew who built the renowned stone structures located at 120 East Mill Street.
“It’s ironic that Drew House is one of the most well-known historic buildings in the Village of Elora, yet is also one of the least documented,” explains Elysia DeLaurentis of Oakenwood Research Services, author of the newly-released book, A Grand and Storied Home: The Drew House of Elora, Ontario.
An Elora-based historical research consultant with a background in history and archives, DeLaurentis combines detailed research with the personal reflections of former residents to piece together the evolution of Drew House and its distinctive grounds and coach house.
“The stories are fascinating and range from the profound to the amusing,” she notes. “One of the highlights is a touching reminiscence by John Denholm, who came of age in the 1950s while living in the home.”
While following the creation and expansion of the house and property, DeLaurentis delves into each of the families who have lived there.
From pre-settlement to present day, chapters cover the Fields family’s occupation of the site, through the Drew family’s transformation of the property, and subsequent evolutions under the McGowans, Wardleys, Denholms, and Dodingtons. The last chapter brings the home’s story up to date with Roger Dufau and Kathleen Stanley, who now operate the site as a six-room bed and breakfast.
“In each case, it is clear that the Drew House has had as strong an impact on each of its owners as they have had on it, and each has left their mark,” says DeLaurentis.
“The story of the house and its people is eminently readable,” remarks Wellington County Historical Society board member Ian Easterbrook. “It captivates and I had trouble putting it down.”
Retired Guelph librarian and archivist Linda Kearns agrees. “This is a model house history that won’t easily be matched by anyone trying to copy DeLaurentis’ style of careful, detailed research. That’s because it is clear that it goes beyond written documentation to bring a real warmth, and a unique dimension of colour and life to the narrative.”
Heavily illustrated, the 146-page book will appeal to anyone interested in Ontario’s built heritage and local hist.
A Grand and Storied Home: The Drew House of Elora, Ontario by Elysia DeLaurentis is designed by Glenn Funk and printed by printFactor Media, Fergus. ISBN: 978-1-7778376-0-0. Available for sale at Magic Pebble Books, Elora; The Bookery, Fergus; and Drew House, 120 East Mill Street, Elora.
