Issue 10 - Walking Tour of Historic Sparta - double click pictures to enlarge to read

Issue 9 - double click pictures to enlarge to read

Issue 8 - double click pictures to enlarge to read

Issue 7 - double click pictures to enlarge to read

Issue 6 - double click pictures to enlarge to read 

Issue 5 - click image to enlarge for easier reading

Issue 4 - double click pictures to enlarge to read


Issue 3 -  click image to enlarge for easier reading

Issue 2 - click images to read enlarged versions

Issue 1 - click image to enlarge for easier reading

Portrait of a Village ~ Sparta Ontario

PictureWHAT'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.
just click the pictures to take you to the shop's websites or facebook pages ~
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the Village Collective
The Village Collective is a gathering shoppe that features 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.
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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.
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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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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.







THE VILLAGE IS BLOOMING EVEN BRIGHTER
in this year of 2014

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.
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the Loft - Uniques & Antiques
the Loft Uniques & Antiques behind this blue door is a floor to rafters filled antique shoppe for those seeking out particular finds of times gone by. Sheila is sure to have it somewhere in there and she is an amazing wealth of knowledge about her products.
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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.
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Morgan Nina's Scrapbooking & Gift Shop
Morgan Nina's Scrapbooking & Gift Shop 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!




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