"Splendor Once Visible, Disappears with Time." Thessalon, Ontario

Splendor once visible disappears with time

By EDITH CAMERON

Sault Star Writer

THESSALON — Back in the early 1900s, one of the most imposing homes in the town was that of Albert E. Dyment, lumberman and member of the provincial parliament.

Mr. Dyment operated the mill founded by his father, Nathaniel Dyment in the early 1870s, for its final 10 years, up until 1900. In that eventful year, Nathaniel Dyment died and his son sold the mill to Thessalon Lumber Company. He had not been successful in being re-elected as representative to parliament and decided to join his brother Simon in taking over the management of his father's thoroughbred race horses in southern Ontario.

The Dyment property on River Road, with the large home with interesting architecture and the lovely gardens, had the appearance of a large country estate.

Set well in from the street, the attractive many-roomed structure with its upstairs balconies and huge verandah skirting half the perimeter of the lower storey, was eye-catching to all passing by. Its red exterior and the contrasting white of balconies and pillars made a perfect picture on the hillside.

On one of the three windows over the front door, the family crest Ravenswood with the spreading wings of a raven encircling an insignia, may still be seen.

Inside, the home was finished and furnished in keeping with the exterior oldtimers recall.

Mrs. Mel Proud of Alma Heights told me that she used to be a playmate of Margaret Dyment, the only child of the Albert Dyments. "The house was a mansion to me. There were so many rooms, all beautifully kept. There was a playhouse at the side, near the rear of the house." (It's still there!)

The home was sold to Draper Dobie of Toronto in 1909, who in a few years resold it to his brother James S. Dobie. Mr. and Mrs. Dobie came here to live from Regina.

Both are now deceased but their daughter, Mrs. J. A. Fullerton recalls the days when it was her home with the happiest of memories.

Mr. and Mrs. Sid Jones are now the owners of the property and the house has been changed to an apartment building, with six apartments.

Although there have been many changes in the structure, the cherrywood staircase in the front hall remains the same. Leading from this stairway, on the second floor, another staircase may be seen, which originally led to the separate servants' quarters. Some of the balconies have been removed and the verandahs have been removed and sun porches added.