Portrait of a Village ~ Sparta Ontario |
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WHAT'S IN SPARTA?
Sparta is one of those places of which it is said:
"If you blink, you'll miss it". Yet if you take the trouble to break your journey off of #3 Highway and head south you will be following the footsteps of the early settlers to this very pretty historical village. Sparta was founded by a group of Pennsylvania Quakers who settled here in 1822, led by Josiah Doan. The descendants of those early settlers still live in the area today. Historical Sparta Tearoom - A Unique Experience! The Sparta House was constructed during the years 1838 - 1840 by David Mills. It was originally built and operated as a hotel. However, Mills was to be the only owner of the building to use it for this purpose. Click the picture below to read up on this wonderful building's journey of existence - from ball rooms to hotel, undertakers to hardware & more - all leaving their imprint inside. 
At the time of it's construction, the Sparta House was considered to be quite a grand structure, with its colonial trappings and double decked verandah.
It also incorporated a ballroom of considerable size on the upper floor. After Mills moved on, the building was purchased by Ira Hilborn for use as a general store. SPARTA HOUSE TODAY 
The Sparta House has now been painstakingly restored to its former glory and is ready to once again welcome its local customers, as well as those who are here to enjoy this "Historic Building" for the first time.
Sparta House Tea Room & Restaurant Regular Menu features hearty meals for those who appreciate traditional British fare - Scouse or the Ploughman's Lunch - Cornish Pastie - Bangers & Mash and more can be found 
but more spot on is as I mentioned above ,that these buildings have imprints left on them from their past residences.
For more on that you must read about SPOOKY SPARTA to be in the know of our most frequent guests. 
Well there is this and much more in Sparta so that is why I thought I would settle my art there for the summer and see what new journey my life's trail takes me on.
signed Shelley McVittie |
just click the pictures to take you to the shop's websites or facebook pages ~
the Village Collective
The Village Collective is a gathering shop that features local artist & crafts persons' exquisite wares for customers who seek excellence, dedication, commitment, reputation, & pride in the items they are looking for. Behind that red door, you enter into an atmosphere that is reminiscent a place in town where people like to gather and chat with the locals.
the NEW VILLAGE COLLECTIVE is located in the old OLLIE HOUSE of 1838. The home of John Ollie, who was the owner and smith of the blacksmith and carriage house across the street. When John Ollie purchased the blacksmith shop in 1839, he had the slab roof replaced by the first machine made cedar shingles. In 1924 the Library was moved to the Ollie house- Mrs Ollie was appointed the Librarian.
Julia Hansford's Sparta Studio
Julia Hansford's Sparta Studio definately an artist studio not to be missed - A truly gifted artist, Julia's entire building became her canvas and her heart and soul was literally put into her gallery.
Peter Robson's Studio
Peter Robson's Sparta Studio - Born in London, England, Peter Robson moved to Canada in 1966. He was a resident of Southwestern Ontario, painting watercolors, oils and producing original sculptures in his studio in the quaint historic village of Sparta since 1981. It is with profound sadness we report Peter passed away this May, 2014 but his work may still be admired and purchased at his Sparta Studio
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THE VILLAGE IS BLOOMING EVEN BRIGHTER
in this year of 2021 Encouraging community pride, environmental responsibility and heritage conservation, as well as overall beautification and tidiness Sparta has painted their doors bright! The painted doors are a symbol for folks to recognize - welcome - our buildings' interiors are as exciting as the exteriors. 
Holistic Awakenings Day Spa
Holistic Awakenings Day Spa is here waiting for you when you need that little extra pampering and relaxation from the hectic outside world.
The instant you open & step through the welcoming bright green door you will feel all tension ebb away as you are greeted with the bright smile of Tammy. 
Gathered Artist Shop
Now called Gathered- a unique local artist shop featuring the stunning works of Canadian Potter Joseph Sawicki, Kettle Creek Pottery. Also featuring the work of many local well known artists as well.
Gathered takes up residency in the Hiram Smith Building. Interestingly,Hiram Smith set up his tailor's business on this site in the mid 1830s, and erected the brick store in 1846.It still contains its original counters, shelves and cash drawers. While enjoying Morgan Nina's Heritage building -spend time shopping the most unusual gifts, handmade crafts and scrapbooking supplies. Well worth a visit! 
Sparta Candles & Anything Used
Sparta Candles & Anything Used: This was a general store built in 1838. Now it hosts two floors of rooms full of unique home décor items, candle accessories, seasonal items and Sparta Country Candles.
In 1846 the Eakin's General Store was a very important part of the goings on of the village. The Eakin's built the front brick section as a general store. The age of the present building is recorded on a stone marker under the front fan window; " JOHN A. EAKINS, JULY 1846". The post office had been in that building since 1851- and John Eakins and his son, Edwy served as Postmasters for 70 years. Groceries and dry goods are still sold over the original walnut counters. |
Issue 10 - Walking Tour of Historic Sparta - double click pictures to enlarge to read
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Issue 9 - double click pictures to enlarge to read
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Issue 8 - double click pictures to enlarge to read
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Issue 7 - double click pictures to enlarge to read
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Issue 6 - double click pictures to enlarge to read
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Issue 5 - click image to enlarge for easier reading
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Issue 4 - double click pictures to enlarge to read
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Issue 3 - click image to enlarge for easier reading
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Issue 2 - click images to read enlarged versions
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Issue 1 - click image to enlarge for easier reading
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