Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth March 6, 2013
The housing complex at 68 Selkirk Street in Caledonia is obscure and some may not know it even exists.
In 1975, this newly constructed modern building of 20 apartments was referred to as a senior citizens’ complex and it was welcomed by Caledonians. Today, it is well kept and appears basically the same for residents.
The complex sits on land with a bit of a history. Once owned by Roy and Bessie Hamilton, the one-acre piece of land was bought by Roy and his brother in 1946. They later moved a cabin-like home from Sudbury by truck to the 68 Selkirk lot.
Two months after Roy died, Bessie was approached in about 1973 by Ontario Housing to purchase the land.
For Bessie, it was a "bolt from the blue.”
Although Ontario Housing wasn't interested in buying the home, she sold the house before the deal was closed. To her delight, her home of almost 30 years was moved and ended up beside the Grand River on the Six Nations Reserve.
Mrs. Hamilton recalled earlier times she spent fishing and gardening with her husband and three children. She was in her new apartment in the complex when the story was told to The Sachem.
She said it was as though she had gone to sleep for a couple of years and woke up to not even having to cut the grass. She was very comfortable in her surroundings in the old neighbourhood.
Everyone living in the complex thinks it’s just wonderful, said Mrs. Hamilton.
Each unit has a fridge and stove, spacious living room, handrails in the bathroom, a bedroom and balcony. Laundry facilities and a reception room with a small kitchenette also are part of the complex.
