What’s on/off at the Foster!

PAT ASLING Special to the Standard

UXBRIDGE: The Foster Memorial is an amazing structure, located on the 7th of Uxbridge and Regional Road 1. It has stood there since its construction in 1935-1936 and was conceived by a local man, Thomas Foster. The Foster farm was nearby but Thomas went to Toronto, as many a young person has over the years, and there, by various endeavours, became a rich man through real estate, also becoming mayor of the city.

Over time, he married Elizabeth McCauley, and they had a daughter, named Ruby. Unfortunately the daughter died in childhood and then his wife too passed away, quite young. To honour their memory, he decided to build a memorial to them, where they would be reburied and he, later, would be entombed beside them.

After some travels, he decided on the design; and no, it was not influenced overly by the Taj Mahal, although it has some similar elements. He hired the best of workmen for the building and minute tile design. Every marble pillar was made from a different source and the best stain glass window designer was brought in, etc. It has to be seen to be believed!

Have you seen it? If not, you are missing out on the most glorious scene in Uxbridge Township and surrounding countryside!

Some 33 years ago a community group was formed, to make the building accessible to the public for various activities. Today, there are five months of summer concerts, held on Friday nights, along with bus tours to and weddings hosted on the property. In addition, the cemetery committee holds its annual Decoration service for families decorating the adjacent Foster Cemetery.

Over the years, attendees have found adequate parking along the roadsides, without mishap. Several years ago, the steel fence was moved back a few feet and the grassy boulevard used to park a number of cars, since attendance at the Friday night concerts was increasing.

Now, recently, the roadwork on the 7th was completed, with bike lanes on both sides and a wide paved shoulder added. As Friends of the Foster, our small group complained, the curb, dividing street from the boulevard, was too high and many cars could damage their undercarriage! We are now being told, 1) cars are not allowed to park on the boulevard, 2) cars are not to park on roadsides where there are bike lanes, 3) we need to find alternate parking!

The concerts, tours, and other activities are what pays the bills for repairs and renovations to the building. Where would we get alternate parking? Our neighbours farm fields? These edicts would apply even to Council, should Friends give up, and to people attending a funeral or Decoration service.

Hopefully this can be resolved but support is needed from Township Council and the populous!