The story of the stone buildings of the cities and towns of southwest Ontario
Constructed in the most permanent of building materials, historic stone buildings are, quite literally, touchstones to other times and other lives. Exploring the history of these mid-nineteenth-century buildings -- among them, charming cottages and farmhouses, spectacular mansions, glorious churches and cathedrals, and dignified civic buildings -- reveals a picture of their communities' origins, aspirations and evolution. From the stories of the houses and buildings in these early Ontario communities we learn of the masons, the architects, the developers, the town leaders and citizens who created and inhabited these enduring examples of a variety of stonebuilding techniques and architectural styles.
A Heritage of Stone offers a fascinating new perspective on the histories of many leading communities of south-western Ontario. It celebrates the many fine stone buildings which are the pride of these cities and towns. This book will also appeal to anyone interested in heritage buildings and 19th century Ontario architecture.

NINA CHAPPLE has long been fascinated by stone architecture. She has worked for twenty-five years in the field of heritage planning and conservation and she is the former heritage planner for the City of Hamilton. She lives in a 19th century stone house in Dundas, Ontario.Canadian Author

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"... an appealing and lavishly illustrated coffee-table book ... Nina Perkins Chapple ... writes with expertise and passion..."

"A Heritage of Stone provides a whole new appreciation of stone buildings that are sometimes taken for granted. This fine book reflects the dedication of a conservationist who brings her topic alive and takes the reader on a delightful tour illuminating one of the most beautiful chapters in Ontario's architectural history."

The Hamilton Spectator

"This is a serious, legitimate book ..."

Guelph Mercury