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Book launch showcases majestic Eaton Hall

September 23, 2015   ·   0 Comments

Author Kelly Mathews (centre) was thrilled with the support for her book launch last week. Joining her were Seneca President David Agnew, Mayor Steve Pellegrini and John Craig Eaton II and John Craig Eaton III.

 

By Mark Pavilons
The majesty of King’s Eaton Hall was in the spotlight last week, as some very special guests gathered to turn the page of the next chapter of this historic landmark.
Local dignitaries, Seneca College officials and members of the Eaton family were on hand to officially launch the book “Eaton Hall: Pride of King Township.”
King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who wrote the introduction to the book, said Eaton Hall is truly one of the jewels of King, in fact it’s the crown.
It was a great journey, he said, and he and author Mathews will be available at an upcoming book signing event at Scotiabank in King City at the end of the month.
Seneca, as stewards of the property, believe the important building has a great future, Agnew noted. While nothing is definitive at this point, “we’ll figure it out,” he assured.
Proceeds from the evening’s book sales went to the Campaign for Students Bursaries.
The book is the definitive, compelling account of this iconic residence. Mathews has written an accurate historical account of the property, dispelling myths and laying to rest all the urban legends surrounding this idyllic getaway on Lake Seneca, on the Seneca College King Campus.
Seneca President David Agnew noted there is plenty to celebrate. He welcomed some special guests and noted it was a “wonderful twist of fate” that brought Mathews and Eaton Hall together. This book will help fill a void in the anals of history.
Mathews said it was a “story that had to be told” and the end result has been beyond her imagination. She extended her personal thanks to members of the Eaton family who allowed access to archives and many historic documents. On hand for the occasion were John Craig Eaton II and John Craig Eaton III.
Eaton Hall was the long-ago palatial, residential, country abode of the empire that was the Eaton family of the T. Eaton Co.
Built in 1938, Eaton Hall was designed to impress. At its feet sits a 46-acre lake, 65 feet deep at its deepest point. Lake Seneca, as we know it today, was registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources on May 11, 1994.
Although Eaton Hall remains arguably the most grand estate in King Township, it wasn’t always a residence for the Eaton family. The castle has fulfilled many purposes and has proudly served the community in all of them.
It has been a residential home for Lady Eaton (1939-1970); a refuge for British children (1940-1944); and, it was turned over as a convalescent facility for the Royal Canadian Navy (1944-1946). After Lady Eaton passed away Eaton Hall has fulfilled the roles of administrative office building and academic centre (1971-1978); management development centre (1978-1993); rental venue for third-party events (1993-2011); and, a teaching and learning facility (2012-today).
Constantly evolving, Eaton Hall and those who manage it have done an excellent job at ensuring that it maintains relevance and is best utilized for the times.
Lady Eaton passed away in July 1970. It was a little over a year after her death that the castle and surrounding acreage was sold to its current owner. On Friday, Aug. 13, 1971, the deal was closed, and just like that, the Eaton Hall Farm & Estate became Seneca College – King Campus.
Kelly Mathews welcomes all emails, questions, inquiries kellymathews@hotmail.com – you can also follow on Twitter @EatonHallEstate. The author is also available for presentations.

         

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