THE BUCHAN RESIDENCE Located on the outskirts of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is Mockingbird Hill Homestead Farm, a working, horse-drawn farm, reminiscent of the typical homestead in Northern Ontario in the mid 1800's. A centerpiece for the farm is the "Buchan Residence", designated an Historical site under Bylaw 92-18 on March 2, 1992. While no date of actual construction is available, it appears logical to assume from the land conveyance documents that it was erected in the mid to late 1880's. It is the only surviving nineteenth century squared log building remaining in Sault Ste. Marie. Originally it sat on large, well maintained grounds fronting the Little Carp River, and enjoyed extensive views to the east, west and south to the St. Mary's River. The size of the logs used in the construction indicate it was very likely the first building on the property when the virgin timber was being felled. By the second half of the nineteenth century frame structures were the accepted building form, except in areas where timber was abundant. The original solid timber portion is constructed of logs over 1 foot in girth, with one almost two feet in girth. These logs have been hand dressed (adzed) to 4 flat faces, of a general width of 8 inches. The craftsmanship of the dovetailing of the corners of the building is in the best traditional practice to control shrinkage and allow for proper drainage. Those allowed the timber walls, even where exposed to the elements, to be completely free of rot. The walls rise to a height of some two feet above the upper floor level with a pole and plank roof over the structure. The proportion of the window openings is somewhat larger than the small, squat openings typical of the early log structures. These openings suggest that they were cut for standard mill run sash, commonly available after mid-Victorian times. The home is an excellent example of traditional early Canadian dressed timber construction. MOCKINGBIRD HILL HOMESTEAD FARM The Mockingbird Hill Homestead Farm has demonstrated the growth and development of the typical homestead. Land is cleared, tilled and fenced; trails are brushed and forest lands are managed. Visitors can experience hands-on learning and participation in a genuine pioneer experience, including Maple syrup making, nature trails, pioneer agriculture and hay and sleigh rides. More information on Mockingbird Hill Homestead Farm can be obtained by contacting Mockingbird Hill Homestead Farm 943 Landslide Rd Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 6J8 Tel: (705) 253-4712 CONCLUSION In the past half-century, agriculture has decreased as an economic activity in Northern Ontario. That fact, however, should not be allowed to obscure the very important role that it has played in the history of the north. By overcoming the hardships and heart aches that they did, the early pioneer farmers contributed invaluably to the making of today's Ontario northland.