Heart of qathet: Unlike anywhere else

THE HOUSE THAT VOLUNTEERS (AND BLACKBERRIES) REBUILT: Wendy and Doug Mobley in front of Henderson House, one restoration project by the Townsite Heritage Society (THS). Watch for the THS booth at Blackberry Festival Street Party on August 19. (Photo by Abby Francis, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter)

Townsite Heritage Society celebrates 30 years

In 1992, The Townsite Heritage Society (THS) was started by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.

The longest term society members to date are Ann Nelson and Carol Regnier. THS directed a large number of activities to foster pride in the Townsite. Selling blackberry shortcake at the Blackberry Festival is one example that continued right up to the COVID-19 pandemic.

THS spearheaded the process to get National Historic District designation for the Townsite in 1995. The Federal plaque celebrating this is below the Patricia Theatre.

National Historic District designation plaque

In 2008, THS, under the presidency of Rebecca Vincent, began the process of restoring Dr Henderson’s house, the first house in the Townsite, to its 1912 condition (see above). A large group of volunteers contributed hundreds of hours to this process, including Wendy Mobley.

How and when did you start working with THS?

Wendy Mobley • In 2005, I attended a presentation by Ann Nelson on the restoration of Dr Henderson’s house as a living museum

What attracted you to this organization?

Wendy Mobley • I was born and lived in the Townsite until I left to get training as a draftsman. My grandfather came here in 1914 and was the foreman of the carpenters crew responsible for building and maintaining the Townsite homes.

What part of the work is the most satisfying?

Wendy Mobley • I love this “grand old lady” (Henderson House) and always try to keep her looking her best – painting the exterior and keeping the grounds cared for. I read the comments in the Guest book with such pleasure.

What part of the work do you find the most challenging?

Wendy Mobley • Sometimes I wish I had more time and energy to do more and that’s where my husband Doug steps in with his expertise to help.

What do you wish other people knew about the work THS does?

Wendy Mobley • THS is the unofficial keeper of the history of the Townsite. In this role, they sponsored Karen Southern’s four volume set detailing the history of every building in the Townsite and covering the 100 years from 1910 -2010. THS is a resource for the preservation and restoration of Townsite houses. In 2017, THS offered a window restoration program. Guided heritage tours of the Townsite and Henderson House are interesting and informative.

Had you been involved in charitable or caring work before? What got you started?

Wendy Mobley • I had done no charitable work while employed, but retirement gave me the opportunity. My strong family connection to the Townsite was a good fit to the goals of the THS.

Do you bring any unique skills to this organization?

Wendy Mobley • I love to garden, repair things and paint. A 110 year old house never sleeps.

What would you say to other people who might be thinking about volunteering?

Wendy Mobley • You need a reason to get up each morning, to do something worth while – its good for you and good for the town.