“Doors Open” arrives in Aurora Saturday

August 13, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Vanessa Hicks
Program Manager,
Heritage Planning, Town of Aurora

The ninth annual Doors Open Aurora event takes place on Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year, Doors Open Aurora features 15 sites of natural, architectural and historical significance. Made possible with the help of dedicated community volunteers, Doors Open Aurora offers local residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Aurora’s history and unique cultural heritage.

Since Doors Open Aurora began in 2006, almost 17,000 visits have been recorded at 130 participating sites. New additions to this year’s event include Aurora Lawn Bowling Club, Petch Log House, the Blueprint House and the walking tour “Aurora Spirit Walk” hosted by David Heard.

More than half of this year’s Doors Open Aurora sites are featured in the vicinity of the Southeast Old Aurora Community. This area is bordered to the north by Wellington Street East, to the west by Yonge Street and to the east by the Railway/GO Transit line. Sites within this historic area include the Trinity Anglican Church, the Aurora Cultural Centre and the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge. Many of these properties are within walking distance of one another and are in the vicinity of the Doors Open Aurora headquarters at Town Park, located at Mosley Street and Wells Street.

The Southeast Old Aurora Community is the first residential subdivision of Aurora, formerly known as “Machell’s Corners.” The anticipated arrival of the Ontario, Simcoe & Huron Railway in 1853 inspired John Mosley to subdivide his farmland into lots to incorporate new growth. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, homes were constructed in various architectural styles, creating a unique and esthetically pleasing landscape. Today, the Southeast Old Aurora Community is known by many local residents as the “heart” of the Town.

Join us at this year’s event and experience many more featured sites such as the Absalom Blaker house and Merlin’s Hollow.

Visitors to Doors Open Aurora will also have the opportunity to visit the Aurora Farmers’ Market and Artisan Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For additional information about the Doors Open Aurora sites, please visit www.aurora.ca

Map Guides will also be available at the Doors Open Aurora headquarters booth at Town Park on the day of the event.