Did We Find Henry Lang’s Barn?

 

 Photo Linda Seccaspina

Almonte Gazette September 2, 1898–That barn of Mr. Henry Lang’s will be an interesting one from the fact that its material has been mostly furnished by two  landmarks Mr Caldwell’s old sawmill and Mr. Cannnon’s shingle mill on the shore of the bay below the town—both, as well as the timber slides, having become relics and reminders to the present generation that in bygone years Almonte was a live lumbering centre.  From Henry Lang and His Lanark County Magic Barn?

Karen Prytula used Google maps,  and looked at the properties at 1218 Old Almonte Rd, and 1130 Old Almonte Rd.

1218 has old logs on the property dismantled from something. The house looks to me that it is probably of log – covered over.

1130 is quite a heritage property as I can see old gates no longer used, and fence posts that were once pretty in their day. This property has two large outbuildings that might be the Lang barn.

Author’s Note

So is it? I drove by today and noticed the original frame house was weathered and very old as Karen said and some if it is being covered by new clapboard. Yes, there were two large out buildings but the foliage prohibited me from getting a good glance and I stop at trespassing on someone’s private property.

So now I am asking my readers if anyone knows anything about this property so that we can finally save this mystery.

 

 

Drive By Photo Linda Seccaspina– 1130 Old Almonte Road–Notice how clapboard is being put over the original frame house.

 

Notes from Karen Prytula LCGS

Below are my notes for lot 14E, Concession X, Ramsay Township. This information was gathered up between 2001 and 2005, and is probably from two different sources, which I did not record.

“Lot 14E – Arthur Lang settled here in 1821.  He would have erected a shack along the bank of the Mississippi River.  Other records indicate he was on the west side of the lot which would have bordered the east side of River.  Arthur arrived here with his wife and six children.  He actually kept a diary of the journey.  His wife and children remained in the village of Lanark, with all the other settlers wives’ and children, while he and the other men ventured even further to find their lot and erect a shelter or shanty.  By November 7^th of that year Arthur was able to pick up his family at Lanark and bring them to the shanty they were going to winter in.  He became one of the first school teachers in the township, teaching his pupils from his home.  No doubt his children were one half of the class! One of his son’s, John, grew up to have a sawmill business in Almonte. 

Some men could not bear to leave their families in the Village of Lanark for a couple more months.  So the men boated them down the rivers until they arrived at Almonte, then built wigwams for them to stay in until the men had built homes on the tracts of  land they received.

 As anyone can tell by now this journey was harrowing and dangerous.  Countless times the pioneers encountered Indians.  Most were friendly.  Those that weren’t usually kept to themselves.  Most of these Indians would never have met a white person before, and most white people had never seen an Indian before, let alone be able to communicate with one another!  For the most part, there was a lot of staring going on with some gestures.  It is reported that one pioneer actually offered and Indian a loaf of bread.    He ignored the offer but saw that the newcomers were not an immediate threat and walked off.  Had he even seen a loaf of bread before?!” —

Karen Prytula LCGS

 

 

 

 

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and Screamin’ Mamas (USA)

What is this? From Karen Prytula– LCGS

 Henry Lang and His Lanark County Magic Barn?

The Floating Bridge of Carleton Place — Found!