Oshawa's Not Bad Either-Part 1

Well since I'm partial to my home-town of Whitby, it's with bias that I tell you about the greatness that is Oshawa. Oshawa is like the big sister to Whitby. Whitby was the original seat of the County but with the start of the Oshawa Carriage Works, which would later become "General Motors", Whitby languished behind the more commercial and industrious Oshawa.

Oshawa's greatest claim to fame is of course R.S. McLaughlin- the founder of General Motors. It is in Oshawa that he built his home "Parkwood Estates" a beautiful mansion located on 12 acres of lush prime real estate on the corner of Adelaide and Simcoe Streets. Behind the estate is a Private Golf Club and to the north of the estate is the Lakeridge General Hospital with its new Cancer Centre.

I had my wedding photos taken on the estates,some 16 years ago, like many of us who live in Durham Region. The gorgeous gardens are meticulously maintained and many events are hosted on the properties- including weddings. I think these estates rival that of Casa Loma in Toronto and Edwards Gardens. A number of movies have used the estate for filming- all of which I can't remember right now... it'll come to me.

The gardens with their sparkling blue grecian waters and fountains and classic statuary highlight just how magnificent the architecture and design were that went into the creation of Parkwood Estates. They also have guided tours of the inside of the estate- I believe it was fully furnished in the style of the period. Sam McLaughlin also had another formidable house built for his daughter..."Adelaide House" which also boasts lovely mouldings, trim and fireplaces of a romantic era long past. Parkwood Estate is obscurred by the wrought iron fence and hedging that surrounds the property. Through the Iron gates is the sweeping circular drive that leads you up to the formal entrance of the mansion. The leaded glass and mullioned windows with their arched frames all emphasize the beauty in structure as do the stone balustrades and balcony patio with its abundance of aromatic flowering blooms.

It's easy to imagine the formal garden parties that must have been hosted and the dignitaries that were probably present. The property is fit for Royalty and indeed, R.S. McLaughlin is Durham Royalty for sure.

Oshawa's Parkwood Estate probably helps keep Oshawa on the quest to have the most beautiful gardens in the area. Oshawa has won the International Communities in Bloom Contest for having a community with an abundance of lovely gardens both public and private. Driving around Oshawa you will see the small white signs dotting the lawns and gardens of all manner of homes indicating their status as nominees for the Communities in Bloom Contest. And Believe me- this is serious business for these amateur gardeners.

Parkwood Estates is a MUST SEE for anyone travelling through the area. In fact more of the residents should also experience the beauty that is right here like a shining gem amongst us. Aren't we always travelling far and wide to experience the culture that belongs to someone else and yet we fail to experience that which belongs to us. Ontario and Canada in general are perfect examples.

Ontario has some of the most awe inspiring , heart clenching scenery that I have witnessed. From the first sprout of Spring's happy blooms, to Summer's hot hazy cottage days by the lake, to the riotous firey red, golds and orange of falling leaves in Autumn and finally the heaps of white fat fluffy snowflake falling in wet clumps onto your nose in winter. How beautiful it truly is.