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Welcome to Cottonwood MansionCottonwood is an Italianate-style red brick mansion built c. 1865-70 by William Holmes Jr., as a private residence. Descendants of the family say the name came from the cottonwood trees that originally surrounded the home on its 200 acre site. It was lived in until 1911 and then was derelict for almost eighty years until its restoration was undertaken by the late Larry Hamilton beginning in 1988. 
Cottonwood is a 6,000 square foot mansion with fifteen rooms, some of which have the original furniture donated by Holmes' family members. Now a living museum, the mansion is open for tours, and available for rentals for a variety of events. A number of scheduled events take place annually, most with a Victorian flavour in keeping with the mission statement of the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation to sustain and maintain the Mansion and provide experiences of the Victorian Era. Cottonwood's extensive genealogy research centre is now administered by the curator at Haldimand County Museum and Archives. It concentrates on the pioneer families of the Haldimand and Niagara areas. Ontario150 Community Capital Program Grant Cottonwood Mansion Museum was the recipient of an Ontario150 Community Capital Program Grant administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the Ontario150 Secretariat. The grant was for existing properties to be repaired in a variety of ways that would make the facilities more available to the public. It seemed designed for a place like Cottonwood. The grant would make possible the repairs needed for the chimneys, the installation of a new roof, and the replacement of three pillars on the annex. Fortunately, the Mansion was chosen as a recipient. One quarter of the $66,000 estimate had to be provided by the Foundation. The actual cost came in at $6,000 less than anticipated. The trustees are happy to report that the work has been completed as the above photograph demonstrates. 
Coming UpSeptember 23, 2017Museum closed for a private booking. October 7, 2017Victorian High Tea  Please join us at the Mansion on October 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm. for a Victorian High Tea. The first in a series of lunch and learn teas to be hosted by the Mansion. Mary Ann and David Pearson will be presenting their Victorian and Vintage Pottery exhibit which is currently on display. Victorian costumes are appreciated but not required. Reservations required on or before October 1st by calling 905-776-2538 or email cottonwoodmansion@gmail.com. Adults $25, Children 12 and under $12.50 and Pre-Schoolers are free. Available Nowcovers the Hoover connection to Cottonwood Mansion and Selkirk Community and follows the Family of Jacob Reginald Hoover (1912 to 2003) to the present.  The book sells for $40.00 + shipping and $10.00 per book sold will be donated to the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation. Limited Quantities Available Please contact Cottonwood Mansion at 907-776-2538 or email cottonwoodmansion@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing a book. Home at Home: Selkirk and Haldimand CountyFeature article on Selkirk and Haldimand County in a national Canadian magazine. 400,000 copies across Canada. Download the PDF. Reprinted with permission from Home Hardware's Home at Home magazine. Latest NewsAugust 15, 2017Mystery Bus Tour Cottonwood Mansion hosted a Mystery Bus Tour from Essex, Ontario on August 15, 2017. Fifty four guests enjoyed a tour of the Mansion provided by Clayton Spears and lunch catered by Barbara Held. Special thanks to all of our volunteers for making this event a success!
August 13, 2017Victorian Brass Concert and Peach Social Recap
Cottonwood Mansion hosted the 12th Annual Victorian Brass Concert and Peach Social on August 13, 2017. Guests enjoyed entertainment provided by the Cottonwood Brass Quintet along with special guest Dr. Henry Meredith. A peach dessert and punch followed the entertainment.
August 2017High Chair Donation
August 2017Summer Student
June 17, 2017High Tea-Downton Abbey Style Recap Cottonwood Mansion hosted a High Tea-Downton Abbey Style on June 17, 2017. Guests enjoyed the High Tea in the Victorian ambiance of the Mansion. Many of whom were in Victorian costume. Special thanks to organizer Lynda Davis and the staff of volunteers that made the event a success.
May 6, 2017Cottonwood Mansion Dolly Tea Party Recap Cottonwood Mansion hosted the annual Dolly Tea Party on May 6, 2017 to a sold out crowd. The guests enjoyed tea and light lunch, crafts, and activities. Special thanks to Deanna Schaus, Maureen Edge, and their staff of volunteers that continue to make this event such a great success.
March 12, 2017St. Patrick's Day Country Dinner Recap Cottonwood Mansion hosted our annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner on March 12, 2017. Guests enjoyed a meal catered by Rosie Balogh and entertainment provided by dancers from the McGinley Academy of Irish Dance in Georgetown.
December 18, 2016Christmas Dinner Recap Cottonwood Mansion hosted a Christmas Dinner on December 18, 2016. Guests were served a delicious hot meal catered by Rosie Balogh with help from Barbara Held, President and many other volunteers.
December 3 & 10, 2016Open House & Bake Sale/Bazaar Recap Cottonwood Mansion hosted an Open House & Bake Sale Bazaar on December 3 & 10, 2016. Guests were treated to a wide array of bake sale items and many unique treasures from the bazaar. Entertainment was provided from a duo from the Cottonwood Brass Quintet, Dave and Mary Ann Pearson. Xander Geister was also on hand signing copies of the Haldimand Heritage Sites 2017 calendar which he produced.
November 26 & 27, 2016Christmas Decorating Day Recap Cottonwood Mansion hosted a Christmas Decorating Day on November 26 & 27, 2016. The Mansion was decorated in Victorian theme for the Christmas holidays. We had many volunteers come out and participate in the event and enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by Barbara Held, President. Thank you to all who made the day a great success.
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