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Your key to Doors Open

It’s time to put your snoop hat on.
DoorsOpen
Sarnia’s landmark Lawrence house is one of 44 sites on this year’s Door Open tour. Built in 1892 for lumber baron William Lawrence, the arts centre will offer tours, an […]

It’s time to put your snoop hat on.

Forty-four Lambton County sites, including 13 in Sarnia, have joined the second annual Doors Open, a free, two-day tour June 21-22 that lets you peek in private homes and explore historic buildings rarely accessible to the public.

“It gives people an opportunity to see the inside of all these wonderful places,” said steering committee member Wayne Wager. “It helps satisfy your curiosity.”

This year’s theme is Sarnia-Lambton’s contribution to the First World War and Sarnia’s incorporation as a city 100 years ago.

Private homes on the tour include Mulberry House in Sarnia, recently featured in The Journal, Captain Cain's House in Port Lambton, built by a retired Great Lakes captain, and Lancey Hall in Petrolia, built by Victorian businessman Henry Warren Lancey.

Many of the participating sites offer special activities, such as tours, exhibitions and demonstrations.

For example, The Cheese Store in Point Edward will have a professional on hand making cheese.

Businesses showcasing their historic buildings include Searson's Sawmill in Watford, Van Tuyl & Fairbank Hardware in Petrolia, and the Kiwanis Kineto Theatre in Forest.

Volunteers are still needed to welcome visitors, give tours, and answer questions. High school students can earn community service hours.

A map of participating sites and volunteer information is available at www.doorsopenlambtoncounty.ca.

The first Doors Open took place in France in 1984 and soon spread throughout Europe. The City of Toronto launched North America’s first Doors Open in 2000.

Sarnia-area sites, and hours open

All Saints’ Anglican Church - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sarnia Water Pollution Control Centre - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

College Avenue Park - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enbridge Solar Farm - Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery - Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday tours at Noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Mulberry House - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. (all are welcome)

St. Paul’s Anglican Church (Point Edward) - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday service at 10 a.m. (all are welcome)

Strangway Community Centre - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Front Door - Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lawrence House Centre for the Arts - Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ups N’ Downs - Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Cheese Store (Point Edward) - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- George Mathewson


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