The Centrepiece Of The Estate

Here we have another look at Moorside from across the meadow.

I headed in that general direction, stopping first along the main path.

More interpretive plaques, this featuring late in the life of Mackenzie King, post-retirement. He said that the highest joy in life was in public service. His remarks that 'instead of the state being indebted to the one who gives of his time and means to the country's affairs and to the betterment of human conditions, the obligation is the other way round' is the sort of wisdom that many politicians should heed.

Mackenzie King dominated the first half of the 20th century in a way that no other Canadian politician could. He retired from public life, and his successor as Liberal leader, Louis St. Laurent, took the reins of government.

Moorside is a jewel, the very soul of the estate. Mackenzie King made it a home, and cultivated the grounds. He was a man who followed a vision.

Among his many guests, his American counterpart and friend, Franklin Roosevelt.

These views of the meadow are from the front of the house.

Inside the house, this display case includes the odd items he collected over time- like the head of a faun, or a rabbit doorstop. More such oddities are out on the grounds.

Here we have a view looking out the terrace doors into the gardens.

And I close out today with this large fireplace.