Community

As Frederick knew it would, the farm prospered, as did his four sons.  In the roomy farmhouse the older boys, Fred Jr. and John shared one bedroom; Kerry and Bob shared the other.  Frederick managed the farm, market conditions and planned ahead for the development he saw in the future for Vineland.  Diana dealt with the seasonal help, cooked for her growing family, producing great Sunday dinners of roast beef with all the trimmings and her famous apple pie; balanced by the breeding, training and showing of her dogs.  

They shared the same healthy, outdoor lifestyle but as they grew they chose very different pathways.  Fred attended Brock University, majoring in English and Philosophy.  He was a bit of a loner throughout his early years, choosing to come home from school and saddle up either Apache or Rebel, the pinto quarterhorses he and Kerry rode at the Beamsville Fairgrounds summer horse shows, where they competed in the barrel and pick-up races, sports requiring good communication between horse and rider.  

His favourite was probably “Big Red” who came along a few years later.  He was an expert cutting horse, managing the job of “cutting” one calf out of the herd with minimal commands from his rider.    Interestingly, Big Red was the inspiration for the Heritage Village logo which incorporates the image of a running horse.  During the 60’s he became interested in the whole movement introduced by the Maharaj Mahesh Yogi.  He never married, over the years spending months at a time in India and Africa.

Bob told me about a time he decided to have a lazy ride on Apache.  He mounted up and started on a gentle walk from the barn heading west into the fields.  When he and the horse turned to go back to the barn, Apache spied a barrel course set up for practice in the orchard and headed straight for it with Bob holding on.  Apache rounded two young peach trees and then made a bee line to the barn, galloping through, a not so young peach orchard, with Bob holding on to the saddle horn.  He was leaning hard off to the side of Apache to avoid being rudely removed by a wayward peach branch.  That was apparently the end of his riding career.

John preferred cars to horses.  He would hang around a garage whenever possible and his conversation was constantly about cars and motors.  He bought and fixed up a ’32 Ford coupe, complete with rumble seat and would drag race  it.   He decided not to attend university and over the years owned and operated several businesses including a car sales lot.     

Kerry went to Western University and earned a BA in Phys.Ed.  He loved to golf and went on to a Masters program at the University of Georgia.   He was a southpaw and a pretty good golfer.  He practiced regularly with the university team but could not be an official member during competition as he was a grad student.  

After University he decided he wanted a job that would offer a decent living but let him play golf daily.  Discussing this with his Dad, Fred Sr. suggested he become certified to write life insurance.  He started with London Life, went on to his own brokerage and then into a partnership.  That partnership, as often happens didn’t last so he was on his own again as Kerry P. Short Insurance.  He is now retired and his son Adam continues the business.  Kerry was very disciplined working at his brokerage in the morning and playing golf in the afternoon;  he was also very strict about not mixing business with his golf despite the many stories about a golf course being the place to do business.

Kerry and Bob were and are very close.  Bob tells me that Kerry, introduced him to all the sports high school had to offer.  Kerry continues to golf daily while Bob enjoys a tough fitness programme, working out almost daily at Brock where he often challenges the younger athletes with his workouts.  

Bob started university at Guelph then transferred to Brock taking Geology and Economics.  He worked briefly after graduation at Canada Trust as a realtor then in 1976 headed to Calgary, spending a month in the Outword Bound mountaineering  program, a gruelling one month course in mountain survival.  He was challenged by the program but  thrived on it, falling in love with the mountains.  He stayed in Calgary working with a realtor there and spent 6 months, like John, working at a car dealership.  He came back to Vineland in 1982 and worked on the farm eventually getting into land development as a result of his experiences in the creation of Heritage Village.

By this time Frederick Sr. was dealing with the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) working to get approval and assistance with improvements to roads and services in Vineland and permission to develop his farm property into a specialized housing development.  This meant a lot of time in Toronto, lobbying for a zoning change.

While he was there he met Vic Heinrichs, a Toronto area architect, specializing in designing retirement developments.  As Frederick spoke of his plans for the area Vic informed his brother, Vern, of Fred’s vision for the farm. Vern became interested.  He had a Mennonite background and was interested to learn of the Mennonite church in the town and the many Mennonite families in the area.  

The original idea is best shown in the Manors, depicting a walled village with a central common area.  The idea was to continue that theme throughout the rest of the development, minus the walls.  The name Heritage Village reflects the theme.

While Vern’s promotional people were preparing a video of the farm and planned future development, they were intrigued by a scene showing Red Bear and included him in the video.  Vern and Vic liked the image, feeling it fit into the style they were planning, so incorporated it into their logo and sales literature.  

This is an aerial view of the farm predevelopment, the bottom of the photo is on the east side of the farm, north being on the right.  The farm buildings and house, except for one small building, are on the north side of the lane (which would have run through the current site of the Arbours) and on to the homestead where Loganberry Court is now located.

Frederick was able to get the needed changes to infrastructure in Vineland approved, meaning he could begin.  These were needed to ensure that water, sewers and electricity would be available in the planned village. He met frequently to discuss the plan with the Heinrichs, Vick, the architect and Vern, the developer as they worked on implementing their ideas and incorporating a Mennonite theme.

Bob found an article for me, a report from a speech he made at the November meeting of the Lincoln Study Group.  The report says, Mr. Short did a short visual presentation followed by a question period on the proposed Heritage Village which is to be developed on his father’s (Frederick Short’s) farm on Victoria Avenue, Vineland.

It is a most interesting and innovative proposal.  It is Mr. Short’s hope that Phase I will be ready some time in the fall of 1986.  On completion of Phase I there will be 217 units ready for occupancy. The proposal is that the project will be built in 3 phases and on completion will comprise some 600 units.   

The village will have apartments, cluster housing, row housing and single dwellings.  Also planned are nursing home, hotel accommodation for visiting families, museum, library and commercial outlets such as florist, bank, pharmacy, grocer and restaurant.  It is hoped there may also be a church.  There will be on-site management, grounds care and housekeeping if required.

The developers, Vick and Vern Heinrichs in association with the Shorts have devised a plan for a community that is without equal in Ontario.  The Heinrichs have designed and built some 400 retirement projects and this promises to be one of the best.

Aside from the beauty of the buildings, the site will lend itself to a quiet serenity with park areas and a generally gracious way to live.  It will afford a person privacy in beautiful surroundings and when the need arises, companionship and close proximity to nursing care.

On Monday, January 19,1987 there was a fancy event held in Victoria Hall, Prudhommes in Vineland to celebrate the Grand Opening of Heritage Village.  The event was by invitation and included Exhibits, an AV presentation from 4.30 to 6 with wine & cheese, hor d’oevres and other refreshments before the opening ceremonies at 6.  The invitation is on ivory coloured paper with a lovely drawing of one of the proposed courts on the outside flap.  The description of the village is ”A Community with Special Services for Seniors”.

A St. Catharines builder was hired and work began in 1986.

The project was vigorously marketed in the Toronto area, perhaps because the developer felt that was the only market for this type of development since Vineland was virtually unknown by anyone outside of Niagara. 

Don Adkinson hosted a session with Milt Pogson and Pat Kearns several years ago.  Milt from the Toronto area and Pat from Peterborough, both self described as early retirees, saw promotional literature about the Village in Toronto.  The original pricing was quite high but slow sales saw the prices drop significantly.  A synopsis of that session was included in the July Inheritance.  Their experiences are very similar to many of the early purchasers most, chiefly from the Toronto and surrounding areas.

Local sales and marketing began in 1986 and was done by Bob and Fred Jr.  Bob had some experience in real estate in Calgary and he and Fred became the onsite sales force.  Ron Petit of Apple Homes had a furnished trailer for sale compete with a fireplace, which they bought and used as a sales centre.  The trailer sat just off Victoria Avenue where Frederick meets it at the south end.  

One of the requirements in the agreement for the sale of the land was that streets be named after family members, hence Frederick Avenue, Diana Court, Kerry Court, John Charles Boulevard and Robert George Mews.  Another caveat when the north portion of the property was transferred to the Heinrichs was that the beautiful family home was to provide the nucleus of the clubhouse.  Bob said he was horrified when he drove by one day to see the roof gone and demolition begun.

The first areas built were Peach, Plum and Pear Courts.  Then Frederick was developed as far as Diana Park.  Next came Apple and Cherry Blossom and Strawberry and Blueberry Courts.  The freehold lots on the outside of the bend in Frederick were available for sale up to the junction of Kerry Court and Frederick.  Each lot buyer arranged for his/her own builder.  

I made an error in my article in September’s Inheritage.  The Manors was built in 190/91after the completion of those properties.  Sales were very slow for those units so a swimming pool was added to the grounds as an inducement.  Even with the pool it took several years to sell all.

In 1988 Vern bought the rest of the farm property and began the development of the remainder of the Village, using a different builder and under the management of a Mr. Hawley.  The original plan called for, amongst several other amenities, two separate clubhouses.   A decision was made by the then membership that maintenance of the two would be expensive and that membership in one or the other could create a serious rift within the village. 

The Short family moved out of their home when the second development began at the end of 1988,   renting a home in St. Catharines for a year.  

There was land on the escarpment owned by Bob’s mother and uncle, which tempted Bob.  He had watched the development process on his father’s land and decided he was capable of doing the same.  The luxury housing development on Vinehaven Trail and Vinehaven Trace was his project.

He spent several months chasing from one government agency to another for permits to develop.  He told me there were 48 separate agencies, the last one being dealing with a needed archaeological survey.  Bob said digging up the whole area was impossible since the land was clay and rubble rock.  The archaeological department attempted three holes and gave up after a foot and a half of digging.  Bob was in a big hurry as he felt strongly that the market was going into big downturn after the high point it had reached a year previously 1980s.

Several builders were involved in this development which resulted in a pleasing mix of house styles and exterior finishes.  The only caveat was that each house must be a minimum of 2500 square feet.  Mabo Construction bought 24 lots and the rest went to several different builders.  The Short family, moved in September 1989 to a house on Vinehaven Trail.  Their house was available as a show house to Mabo as they began their construction work.

To round the circle as it were, Bob has moved back into The Manors – back to his old farmstead!

Phase I of Heritage Village, on 15 acres of the Short farm was ready to go, and on November 4, 1987 a Grand Opening was held.  The early source says that 350 people attended that event, including His Worship Roy Konkle, the mayor of Lincoln, who cut the ribbon.  I find the number listed as being in attendance a little surprising, although there would have been the entire team of the developer, the architect and perhaps the builder.  It does seem to suggest that the entire towns of Vineland and Jordan, with their sisters, their cousins and their aunts were there.  Since the celebration included champagne and hors d’oevres the high numbers reported may be correct.

In 1988, the first builds finished were 4 units on Frederick and one on Apple Blossom Lane.  Ken and Wilma Beacham were the first residents, moving into 3429 Frederick, directly beside the site of the new clubhouse.  Construction moved from there to 7 townhouses on Diana Park, and 10 on Pear Tree Court   Three of the detached houses on Kerry Court were finished with Bill McIntyre, the supervisor of construction, moving into 15 Kerry Court with his wife and 2 daughters from Kingston.

The first two page typewritten newsletter is sub headed “A DREAM IS UNFOLDING”.  A fun incident is described in an early, more formal newsletter edited by Carol Harrison, the Programme Director.  Nat Childs was dog sitting his daughter’s dog Charlie and out for a walk.  The dog got away from him before jumping into the foundation for the townhouses on Peach Tree Court.  Roy Marshall, a retired captain from the Fire Department, came along and used his knowledge of emergency procedures to put a nearby plank into the excavation as a ramp.  After a bit of a chase he was able to corral Charlie and delivered him back to Nat.

Construction continued for housing including a start to the Vineyards.  The opening of the clubhouse was delayed until September 27, with a pool party being planned in the new pool area!  Bonnie Hall, a St. Catharines realtor was now in charge of sales with Rosemary and Danielle assisting.

Wilma Beacham, sadly widowed shortly after moving in, became an unpaid sales assistant, meeting and welcoming visitors and prospective residents to the site.  She rescued construction workers through what was a very hot summer offering them cold drinks and the use of her air conditioned house for lunch and bathroom breaks.  Wilma baked treats regularly for the office staff and spent Saturdays touring people around in a golf cart provided for her.  

Carol Harrison put out a call for help with the newsletter.  Arthur Nagels, the father of our past editor of the Inheritage, responded and edited the October 1988 newsletter.  A competition was held to name the newsletter and we know the winner.  The pool party was held on October 7.  Residents were urged to bring their swim suits, lawn chairs and libations.  Plastic “glasses” and nibblies would be provided.

A listing of local churches was in the Oct Inheritage, and parties and activities were listed.  A physician, Dr. John Dick,  had moved into 1 Pear Tree Court and offered to be on call for residents if he was needed.  An insert was included showing tours from Niagara Senior Tours.  How does a trip to the Christmas Panorama in Simcoe and a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings at the Erie beach Hotel, all for $35 sound?

A popular activity through the fall was construction watching.  By December The Vineyards was 36% sold and a basement had been poured for the second unit at The Manors.  The first ads appeared in the Inheritage, reproducing business cards for Good’s Foods, Marv’s Restaurant and heida’s.  Heida’s card was subtitled Ladies Fashions and Sportswear but also featured Quilting Supplies featuring VIP Fabrics.  An activity calendar was included.

In October residents were very upset to find that the developer was selling memberships to the clubhouse to non-residents.  The reasoning given to residents, about this violation of both oral and written statements provided to buyers and prospective buyers was twofold.  The first that oldsters needed to mix with younger people or they would go out of their minds with boredom.  The second reason was that this would break down barriers to this “isolated community.”  There is no further reference to this matter in further issues so I assume the matter was settled amicably.

Sales began to slow as did real estate markets everywhere.  However all of Apple Blossom was sold, except for the 6 units without garages at the ends of the main street.  The clubhouse was busy with fitness programs, social activities .  There was a welcoming committee and a list of drivers available to take residents to doctor or hospital appointments.  

There will be one more article on the history and early days of Heritage Village.  I hope you are enjoying them. 

Slow sales continued into early 1989, particularly with sales in The Vinyards.  In January of 1989 as an incentive the sale of an apartment was to include five appliances.  A contingent including  Bonnie Hall, her assistant Rosemary Wiltshire and Carol Harrison went to Florida to present the village at a Sales Seminar.  There is no record shown of the success or failure of this venture.

An information meeting in late December was presented by Ron Sawatsky, vice president of Heinrichs Group, the developers of the Village (known as HVV).  The zoning for Phase 2 was in place  with construction to start in February.  Work had been started on The Orchards which would include a spa and dining area.  

He spoke to the future development and dealt with several residents’ questions about cable TV, mechanic’s liens on HVV property, the state of the unpaved roads, and the confusion about non-registration of each of the completed courts.  A request was again made to have resident owners represented on the HVV advisory board and this was again turned down vehemently. There was a Steering Committee set up to deal with matters of importance and interest of the residents.

Beginning in December 1988 the Inheritage had became a magazine instead of just a newsletter.  That issue had the distinctive semi-arched outline on the cover that we recognize today.  The design of the covers included an illustration, either hand drawn cartoon style or a commercial picture.  

By March the Inheritage included a list of Birthdays, new owners, a list of activities and an activity calendar for the month.  By April it sported 8 ads.  The 48 listing of residents showed chiefly couples with 10 singles.  The size of the magazine increased with submissions by residents and the inclusion of emergency information and a listing of the Resident/owner 

In the clubhouse the library was very busy.  Movie Nights and speakers were organized for residents and the exercise facilities were being used extensively.  A choir was begun and there were regular social activities.

Concern about the slow condominium registration process continued.  HVV representative Ron Sawatsky explained that there was a backlog of applications at the Ministry and a limited number of surveyors who were responsible for the final stages of the application.  Mayor Konkle assured residents that there was no hold-up on the town’s part. There was discussion about the interest to be paid on the deposits held by HVV and the continuing “occupancy fee” each owner was paying.

In April Jeff Usher, Deputy Minister with the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial relations spoke at a well attended resident’s meeting.  He spoke to the Condominum Act then in force and changes currently under review that they hope will be in force in early 1900.  Diana Court and Cherry Blossom lane were in the process of registration and he anticipated they should be registered by the end of June at the latest.

There was discussion on several other items of interest that included the rules regarding interest on down payments, the requirements for the governance of each condominium and the terms of the handover from HVV to each of the condominiums.  The interest paid on deposits or full payment was set by the Ontario government, pegged to the rate paid by the Province of Ontario Savings Bank.  Jeff spoke of the rapid growth of condominium corporations in Ontario, 2700 at that time.  He hoped that the changes to the Condominium act would assist future condo purchasers. 

The June issue of the Inheritage includes a letter from Rosemary Gibson (nee Wiltshire) thanking the residents for the surprise shower and the many gifts.  She and Craig held their reception in the clubhouse.  Author’s note:  Wes and I have been friends of Rosemary’s for many years and were present at her marriage to Craig.   I can still picture her, in a lovely gown on the stairs of the clubhouse.

In July the Town of Lincoln approved Phase II of the development.  The plans included a health Centre, a Home for the Aged, retail outlets and the possibility of walking through the cloister style walk-ways from east to West and North to South.  Harry Pelissero, the local MPP was a regular contributor to the Inheritage and cartoons were being added.  A trading post column was begun for buy and sell by residents and a Garage Sale was announced.

The Steering Committee morphed into the Heritage Village Residents Association with Arthur Nagels as president.  A Social Committee was formed.  Mailboxes came to the village.  Diana Park and Cherry Blossom Lane officially became Niagara North Concominium Corporationo No. 48 in ate September.  The Woodwork Shop opened on October 1.  Computer classes began.  Full page ads and inside cover ads appear in the Inheritage.  Name tags were discussed as was the possibility of garden allotments.  The first was approved, the second voted down.

Sales began, in the pre-construction period of Phase II which was to consist of 87 Townhouses and 24 Single Family Homes.  There was huge interest in Phase II and the sales staff worked very hard, facing many phone calls and in person visits.

By December the Inheritage was 28 pages, followed by 4 doubled sided pages of ads plus interior and outside back pages for full page ads.  Single digit numbering was changed to four digits with a one pager showing the conversion for each unit for 911 purposes.  There was a duplication of numbers from one court to another which was a confusion that lingers to today!

In late 1989 the main issue of contention was municipal taxes.  The HVRA (Heritage Village Residents Association) hired a tax consultant to prepare documents to be presented to the town as the taxes in the village seemed to be out of line with the taxes elsewhere in Vineland.  

Most of the things we have now were in place at this point.  A second clubhouse had been part of the original plan, but a decision was taken that 2 clubhouses would be divisive, splitting the community.  Instead, an expansion of the original clubhouse happened with the addition of the wing encompassing Heritage Hall and the area both below and upstairs.  This enabled the party room to be used for smaller groups while the office and library could expand.  It also led to The Orchards being attached to the clubhouse.

This is my last article on the History of Heritage Village.  I have enjoyed doing the research and I hope that you have enjoyed the reading.  I will add with my thanks to the earliest residents and those that worked hard in the early planning turning our village into a cohesive whole and a great play to play and live.

by Judy Cline