Woodside National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodside |
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| Type | Childhood home of former Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. |
| Location | 528 Wellington Street North Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2H 5L5 |
| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style(s) | Victorian |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
| Website | Woodside National Historic Site |
| Designated | 1952 |
Woodside National Historic Site is a special place in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. It was the childhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King, who later became a very important person: the Prime Minister of Canada. He lived in this house from 1886 to 1893, when he was a young boy and teenager.
The house itself was built way back in 1853. Today, it has been carefully restored to look just like it did during the Victorian era. This means you can see how people lived in the late 1800s! A group of local citizens worked hard to save the house from being torn down. Now, it is managed by Parks Canada as part of Canada's national park system.
The site is quite large, covering about 11.5 acres (which is roughly the size of 8 football fields!). It includes beautiful wooded areas, gardens, and open lawns. You can watch a video about the King family and their life at Woodside. Sometimes, special events and programs are offered that show what life was like in the Victorian period. The house is open on select dates from October to mid-December, but the outdoor grounds are open all year round for visitors to explore.
In 1952, Woodside and its grounds were officially named a National Historic Site. This means it's recognized as a very important place in Canadian history.
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What is Woodside National Historic Site?
Woodside National Historic Site is a historic house and property located in Kitchener, Ontario. It is famous for being the childhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King. He was one of Canada's longest-serving Prime Ministers. The site helps visitors learn about his early life and the Victorian period.
Who was William Lyon Mackenzie King?
William Lyon Mackenzie King was a very important Canadian leader. He served as the Prime Minister of Canada for over 22 years, across three different periods between 1921 and 1948. This makes him the longest-serving Prime Minister in Canadian history. He was born in 1874 and grew up to lead the country through many big changes.
King's Early Life at Woodside
Young William Lyon Mackenzie King lived at Woodside from when he was 12 years old until he was 19. This was a very important time for him, as he was growing up and learning about the world. Living in this house helped shape the person he would become. He moved into Woodside with his family in 1886 and left in 1893.
Exploring the Victorian Era at Woodside
The house at Woodside has been carefully brought back to life to show what it was like in the Victorian era. This was a time in history when Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire (from 1837 to 1901). The Victorian period was known for its unique styles in clothing, furniture, and daily life.
How Woodside Was Preserved
After the King family moved out, the house was used for different things. Over time, it started to fall into disrepair. Luckily, a group of people in the community realized how important Woodside was. They formed a group called the Mackenzie King Woodside Trust. Their goal was to save the house from being torn down. They worked hard to buy the property and make sure it would be protected for future generations.
Restoring the House and Grounds
Thanks to the efforts of the Trust and later Parks Canada, Woodside was restored. This means they fixed it up to look like it did when the King family lived there. They used old photos and records to make sure everything was just right. The 11.5-acre property includes beautiful gardens and wooded areas that visitors can explore. It's a great place to imagine what life was like over a hundred years ago.
Visiting Woodside National Historic Site
Woodside is a great place to visit if you want to learn about Canadian history and the Victorian era. While the house itself is open for a limited time each year, the outdoor grounds are open much more often.
When to Visit the House
The house at Woodside is open on specific dates from October to mid-December. It's a good idea to check the official Parks Canada website before you go to find out the exact dates and times. This way, you can plan your visit to see the inside of the historic home.
Enjoying the Grounds Year-Round
Even when the house is closed, you can still visit the beautiful grounds of Woodside. The wooded areas, gardens, and lawns are open all year. It's a peaceful place for a walk and to enjoy nature. You can imagine young William Lyon Mackenzie King playing and exploring these same grounds.
See also
In Spanish: Sitio histórico nacional Woodside para niños
