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PAGE 4, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1984, WHITBY FREE PRESS whitby Voice of County Town The only Whitby newspaper Independently o, [ Pu Michael Ian Burgess, Publisher - Managlng Editor bwflI4 nan iDeatiid hv Whithv rp1,.,~ iL4..--- -- - -....y'oa'aaa o I" IiIh3 L -~l~ blished every Wednesday By M.B.M. PUBLISHING and Photography Inc. Phone 668-6111 The Free Press Building, 131 Brock Street North, P.O. Box 206, Whitby, Ont. MICHAEL J. KNELL Community Editor Second Claus Mai Registration No.5351 While there's no hurry for a Lynde House decision, town should use the time for a full tourism study The descendants of Jabez Lynde and the executive and membership of the Whitby Historical Society have expressed concerns over the last two weeks for the future of the famlly homestead which also serves as the local museum. The Lynde House, located at the corner of Dun- das and D'Hillier Sts., was built sometime around 1812 (no one is quite sure exactly when it was built) and members of the family continued to live there until 1895. The land upon which the Lynde House rests is owned by the Loblaws supermarket chain who have had the property up for sale for some time now. However, there is no impending sale (and this fact should always be kept in mind). Elsewhere in today's issue of the Free Press, Centre Ward Counci llor Marcel Brunel le, counci I's representative on the executive of the historical society, said that he fears the family and the society may have jumped the gun in expressing their concerns publically. It is not that he doesn't share their worries, but that he does not foresee a need to act in the immediate future. And with that position, this newspaper is in agreement. However, it is because the Town of Whitby and the historical society have time to think and plan that this newspaper wants to ad- vocate that,,a study be undertaken to find the best means possible of preserving the house - as it is the oldest existing structure between Toronto and Kingston - and marketing it as a tourist attraction so that all of us living in this part of Ontario will have a reminder of our heritage. There is no evidence to indicate that the house is in any immediate danger, but it should also be kept in mind that when the structure was gifted to the town it was on the condition that it be moved from its present site. Brunelle has correctly poin- ted out because the town accepted the gift, it also accepted the condition and any plan that can be drawn up must bear this fact in mind. Tourism is fast becoming one of our more im- portant local industries, so any marketing strategy that can be devised would be of great benefit to everyone. Should the town see fit to accept our suggestion, then it should include not only the future of Lynde House but that of the Whitby Arts Station Gallery, the Family Kartways Go-Kart track and, of course, Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village. We have an opportunity to further enhance the prosperity of our community while preserving a vital part of our heritage. In addition to the Lynde House, the town and the historical society should consider establishing yet another museum highlighting the history of old Ontario and coupling It with an education facility that could be used not onily by the school system but by other interested parties as well. Brunelle also noted that the visitation rate to the Lynde House is not as great as it should be, so irregardless of its future disposition, the study should be undertaken, if only for that reason. Whitby's tourism potential is too great to ignore and the town has the opportunity now to act. There is no need to jump the gun, we have the time to think and plan and we should use this time wisely and weil so that when push comes to shove we are prepared and ready to take the appropriate action. Lynde House must be preserved. Losing It would prove a great blow to our heritage. But in preserving it we must plan for its future. NO FPkLL _SIOPPING Fvwaàquu dalau upqra «&cu uy vvnà&uy resàuems ror wnimy resiaents.