McFarland House - Zachar, Victoria - Local Landscape Report

ABSTRACT

The McFarland house is a historical landmark located on the Niagara Parkway in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario. The land that this historical site is found on is full of examples of rich attributes that sculpt the Niagara region and this property to be like no other. The Niagara River, the historical architecture of John McFarland's house, the oak trees, the woodland, the open field, vineyards, and orchards are all landscape attributes that have either been apart of or are still apart of this property to this day. Over the last two hundred years this property shaped Niagara-On-The-Lake's cultural aspect, first beginning when John McFarland's transform it into a functioning homestead and small business in order to help and support the region. In the late 1700's, John McFarland, a Scottish shipwright, who had worked for the Royal Empire, sailed across the ocean to claim land in Upper Canada for his years of service in the British Army. John chose a small, 608 acre plot, for him to build his life on. Before John clear cut the land to use as a functioning homestead, the lands origins were a woodland area. Located along the Niagara River, this was an essential part of their daily routine for cleanliness and was a main source of drinking water. The house itself was built as a ship would be, having a very strong shell, three bricks thick, it would stand during the American invasions, the war of 1812 and hundreds of years without falling. Over time the landscape of this historical site has changed quite a bit. Starting as a woodland area, it was shaped by humans to fit to the needs of the area. In the 1940's this property was officially considered a historical landmark and was later reconstructed to a fully functioning park, historical site, and tea room for all to come and enjoy.


KEY TERMS: Niagara History, Human Dominated Ecosystems, Environment, Human Impact

(McFarland House, n.d.)

The Niagara region is it made up of a number of municipalities however McFarland house is located within the Niagara-on-the-Lake municipality. The local area name for this property is also Niagara-on-the-lake. According to Google Earth the longitude and latitude are found to me at 43°13'55"N 79°03'39"W (Google Earth Pro, 2019). Also according to Google Earth elevation of the property is 91 metre. The length of the property is proximity 480 metres, and the width at the longest point is 170 metres (Google Earth Pro, 2019).

McFarland House is a historical landmark located along the Niagara Parkway within the Niagara Region in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The house itself dates back to the early 1800's, designed and built by a man by the name of John McFarland. Over the last 200 years, this land has been through many changes and developments, all impacted by humans. As the land forms and shapes to accommodate the needs of human the original attributes of this land cease to exist. With many aspects of changing this, this report will focus on the few main attributes that humans may have caused when dominating this ecosystem. Today, the property is used as a park, and people from all over the world are encouraged to spend an afternoon there in the surrounding heritage.

Map Illustrated by Lieutenant W.A. Nesfield, 1815, Map of Niagara District in Upper Canada

Nesfield, W. A. (2016, June 14)

The McFarland property is one located on the Niagara Parkway. This area is not heavily influenced by urban settlement in the matter that it is built up as a city is. However, the property is located within an area on the outskirts of two major niagara region cities and would be considered to be the cities countryside (Fullerton C, 2019). The property lies parallel to the Niagara Gorge, at first glance it looks to be as if there is plenty of "natural" environment. This is what us, as people of the twenty first century, could consider this "natural". Nonetheless, even though this environment may seem natural does not mean it is. The ecological aspects of the McFarland property is an example of a human dominated ecosystem.

McFarland property has not always been a grass lawn, with several swings, and a slide on it; these factors are not natural to Niagara's environment. Before humans interfering with this environment, the area was a woodland area (Peters K. 2019). Although the opportunity to clear cut and use this land for a small homestead was a brilliant idea by John McFarland, the crucial aspects that forests bring to the earth are unfortunately lost when cutting trees down. Forests all over the world, influence and help our earths river and stream water levels. They are a key aspect in drainage basin yet humans cut them down for urban purposes. This is true for the woodland that once completely covered the McFarland Property. Although, some parts of the land is still covered a large majority is clear cut and covered in grass or pavement. Neither of these substitutes do the job when it comes to draining or earth water back into the niagara river, which sits below. Unfortunately, the only way to regrow this area for ultimate drainage use, is to regrow the trees.

As humans dominate the environment the wildlife is affected greatly (Hough, 2004). Animals are forced to relocate as humans interfere with their lifestyles and ecosystems, this may be to small areas within urban development to the outskirts of cities where they can be more free (Hough, 2004). Due to the location of the McFarland house and it being on the Niagara River, many animals call this area their home. While visiting, it was clear to see many small rodents running around the yard, looking for food or water. As well as native bird, called the woodland area behind the house their home. Although there many not be as many animals living in this area as there was prior to humans dominating this ecosystem, few still find their way to adapt to a new way of living and have the ability to still call this park their home (Hough, 2004).

The McFarland house is located in one of the best locations in the world for growing wine. This is because of the rich soil found in this area (Schneekloth, L. H., 2005). Facing the McFarland house are hundred os rows of orchards and vineyards for fruit and wine grapes to grow. A map showing the level of soils in the Niagara region to date expresses how the soil found around the McFarland house property is class 1 (Agricultural Soil Classification, 2003). This soil is a contributor to the local agricultural landscape found in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The Niagara escarpment is one of the largest attributes noticed when in Niagara, being home to many animals and plants (Schneekloth, L. H. 2005). The McFarland house is located along the Niagara River and thus the Niagara Gorge. This main attribute changes and shapes the environment.

Agricultural Soil Classification, 2003

Agricultural Soil Classification, 2003

IV. ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES - c) HYDROGEOLOGY

The McFarland House Is located along the Niagara River, and there Is influenced by water significantly.

As talked about prior, forests have a huge influence on the control of water levels. Drainage basin within the Niagara Region are important. Due to the soil we have it holds and stores a lot of water, making it a class 1 soil (Agricultural Soil Classification, 2003). Another influence within the niagara region on water is the great lakes. As precipitation is drained into rivers and streams into lakes, level fluctuate however hold and store a vast capacity of our fresh water (Alberti, M. 2008).

As humans interfere with these natural patterns, by potentially pouring concrete or blocking passageway, we get effects such as flooding (Alberti, M. 2008). Pollution of our water is another aspect influenced by human dominated ecosystems. Weather it is by our waste or our emission the water cycle is affected in one way or another (Alberti, M. 2008). The urbanization of our cities cause pollution, that pollution that is harming ecosystems and damaging them significantly (Siziba, N. 2017). This therefore is damaging other systems, plants, animals and amine life (Siziba, N. 2017). By the McFarland house being so close to water and also being a city countryside the induce the polluted water has o this land could be substantial.

The climate in southern Ontario is found to be mild winters and temperature summers. This allows for four seasons to be experiences in the niagara region (Mcmullin, R. T., et al., 2016). Due to the close proximity to the lake, the region also experiences lake effect weather and intense humidity.

As stated before, McFarland property is considered a city's countryside, located within the countryside that borders a city (Fullerton, 2019). These areas are heavily influenced by urban cities however are not a city itself. Urban heat islands, are an influence that can depict and change the state of temperature in these urban countrysides. As heat built up through the cities pavements absorption, rising temperatures within the cities and thus that heat affected the surrounding land. (Mcmullin, R. T., et al., 2016) Forest have a large influence on the climate, affecting wind, temperature, and water (Hough, 2004). Forests absorb 90 per cent of the sun's incoming light, slows wind speeds up to 10 per cent and regulates water absorption, controlling water levels (Hough, 2004). However, as this property was once a woodland area and controlled all these attributes, it is now a grass lawn; this affecting the climate.

Parramatta City Council. (n.d.)

As any Canadian is aware, First Nations have lived in Canada and the Niagara Region long before any European settlers moved here. Before the Europeans, when only the aboriginals and the wild where in the Niagara region, the aboriginals to this area had their own paths and trails that they followed to get around the region (Burghardt, A. F., 1969). They were the humans who dominated this region. Although, they did not build large building or paved roadways, they still had an influence on the environment. Found below are a sequence of maps over a 60 year period in the late 1700's to early 1800's that depicts aboriginal trails, into the settlement of Europeans. It shows the influence and dominance Europeans had on the environment in the beginning of settlement in the region. By looking closely, it shows a path from Old Town, Niagara-on-the-Lake to Queenston, this is one of the trails used by Aboriginals and dominated by Europeans. This trail is known today as the Niagara Parkway and is where the McFarland house is located.

The McFarland House is a historical site located along the parkway, in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario. The house was built in the year 1800 by a man named John McFarland (McFarland House, n.d.). McFarland was a Scottish shipwright, mason, engineer and many other things, who served in the British army for most of his life (Peters K., 2019). In the late 1700's, John moved to Upper Canada after his many years of service for the Royal Crown, where he was rewarded 608 acres of land (Peters K., 2019). As mentioned, the land the McFarland house is located on, was a woodland area, and John was said to of chosen his property based on the trees hardness (Peters K., 2019). John's first priority was for his land to be forested and therefore he clear cut his properly himself, and resold the wood he forested to the community (Peters K., 2019). This was the beginning of his impact on what we know today as the Niagara Region or better known than Upper Canada. After clearing these areas he created a full functioning homestead for himself, his wife and his kids (Peters K., 2019).

As stated before, John McFarland was a shipwright, from his advanced knowledge in building ship he decided to build his house like one (Peters K., 2019). Not by the shape or appearance, but by the structural support of the outside walls. This is a unique way of building a home, as most homes are built with the supporting walls on the inside. However, not only did he build it like a ship, he also built the walls three layers thick (Peters K., 2019). This was mainly for the better support of the building but he also had enough money and resources to do so. The house was not the only building on this property during John's residency. By having the ability to have a full functioning homestead he had many other building to support this lifestyle, such as a brick kiln, stables, a coach house, barns, and outhouses (Peters K., 2019).

The house was put to the test in 1812 when the War of 1812 broke out between the British and the Americans. John McFarland was a loyalist, and therefore stood for the British Army. When American troops requested his house be taken under their control for the American Army he refused, and this led to him and his eldest son being taken to a prisoner of war camp just past Albany, New York (Peters K., 2019). As the war went on, the house stood tall and finally John and his son returned in which he died shortly after (Peters K., 2019).

Aboriginal Trails And Settlers Roads


Burghardt, A. F. (1969)

The house itself has a guided tour given through the week, within business hours. The houses interior was designed to mimic the original house feature, and although not all aspects were the same or original, there were many that were original to the house. The museum is located within the house, and for a small price, the tour will take you back 200 years. At the end of the tour, there is a small tea room where you can spend the rest of your afternoon sipping on hot beverages and eating finger foods. As stated before, there were originally many buildings built on this land, that have since been torn down over the past 200 years, for many reasons. Nonetheless, the main building, the McFarland house itself, has not been torn down in anyway. The house has been upkeep and taken care of since the 1950's, as the Parks Commission continues to keep it in its original historical form (Peters K., 2019).

Due to the location of the McFarland house it is found within a prime area for activities. The Niagara Parkway has many recreation options available to the public. The park is set up as a tradition park, with tables and pavilions for eating, play areas of children and open field with a baseball diamond; it is a great place to bring a family on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There are many trails to hike along for the entirety of the park, allowing you to reach the water of the Niagara River and hike the side of the escarpment. The Parkway has paved a pathway to walk, cycle, run or rollerblade on which passes right behind the McFarland house.


1954 and 1965



 


 


 


 

National Air Photo Library

The McFarland house is owned by the Niagara Parks Commission and is the oldest property owned by them (McFarland House., n.d.). The Property is located within the Niagara Parkway and is accessible to anyone. The house is just one location of many along this way, including hikes, and a long path to walk, cycle run on. From being on the property, the grounds are well kept and maintained by the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (Parks, n.d.). The parks washrooms are open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week, depending on the season (Parks, n.d.). Since the 1800's this property has changed significantly. Despite the initial clear cut, and war, the site was abandoned for many years, until the 1950's (Peters K., 2019). In the 1950's the Niagara Parks Commissioner bought and renovated the McFarland house and turned it into a historical landmark (Peters K., 2019). Thought this, a tea room was added on for locals and tourists to come and enjoy a piece of Niagara history. (McFarland House, n.d.)

When visiting the McFarland house, there are a variety of different land attributes surrounding the house. From first glance, it is clear to see an open field with few trees, and a path running through. Within the open field there is a small play ground that has been installed, as well as further down the path there are pavilions and bathrooms. The physical attributes of the environment change in each direction. When facing the back of the field, there is a small woodland area that leads down to the Niagara River. However, when facing the opposite direction, a variety of orchards and vineyards go for as far as the eye can see. These physical features show the difference in two entirely dominated ecosystem and how humans can change and shape them entirely based on their needs. Nothing within this area is truly natural to the environment, including the trees surrounding the house John McFarland built. After building this house, he planned the pear trees that line the pathway and the oak tree in which hand over the house (Peters K., 2019)

Address: 15927 Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L2E 6T2

Phone number: (905) 468-3322

Open seasonal from: May to October (closed from November to April)

ABSTRACT:

Peters K. (2019, September). Personal Interview, McFarland Historical Site Tour., Niagara-On-The-Lake

Marshall, B. (n.d.). Explore Houses and Styles... Retrieved from http://www.heirloomhomeguide.ca/war-1812-survivors.

Nicol, R. (2014). McFarland House: At the Heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake History. Retrieved from http://today-magazine.com/mcfarland-house-at-the-heart-of-niagara-on-the-lake-history/


RESEARCH:

Alberti, M. 2008. Advances in urban ecology [electronic resource] : integrating humans and ecological processes in urban ecosystems / Marina Alberti. n.p.: New York : Springer, c2008., 2008. Brock University Library Catalogue, EBSCOhost (accessed August 27, 2014).

Fullerton, C. (2019, October). St.Catharines.

Google Earth Pro 9.3.3.3 (November 7, 2019). Niagara Region, ON Canada. 43°13'55"N 79°03'39"W.

Hough, M. (2004). Cities and natural process: a basis for sustainability. London: Routledge.

McFarland House. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/mcfarl....

Mcmullin, R. T., Bennett, L. L., Bjorgan, O. J., Bourque,D. A., Burke, C. J., Clarke, M. A., … Newmaster, S.G. (2016). Relationships between air pollution, population density, and lichen biodiversity in the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. Lichenologist, 48(5), 593–605. https://doi-org.proxy.library.brocku.ca/10.1017/S0024282916000402

Parks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.notl.org/content/parks.

Peters K. (2019, September). Personal Interview, McFarland Historical Site Tour., Niagara-On-The-Lake

Schneekloth, L. H., & Shibley, R. G. (2005). Imagine Niagara. Journal of Canadian Studies, 39(3), 105–120. https://doi-org.proxy.library.brocku.ca/10.3138/jc...

Siziba, N. (2017). Effects of damming on the ecological condition of urban wastewater polluted rivers. Ecological Engineering, 102, 234–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.02.019

MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS:

Agricultural Soil Classification (CLI) [Map]. Planscape; 2003. http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.library.brocku.c.... Accessed November 7, 2019.

Burghardt, A. F. (1969). The Origin and Development of the Road Network of the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 1770-1851. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 59(3), 417–440. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8306.1969.tb00683.x

McFarland House. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/mcfarl....

National Air Photo Library. [Niagara] [air photo]. 1:16,000. 18949-50-. Photo 50. Niagara-on-the-Lake

National Air Photo Library. [Niagara] [air photo]. 1:16,000. 4310-221. Photo 221. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Nesfield, W. A. (2016, June 14). Map of the Niagara District in Upper Canada, 1815. Retrieved from https://dr.library.brocku.ca/handle/10464/10491.

Parramatta City Council. (n.d.). www.coolparramatta.com.au. Retrieved from http://coolparramatta.com.au/.

THUMBNAIL:

McFarland House. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/mcfarl....


This Local Landscape Report was prepared by Victoria Zachar for the Brock University course TMGT 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on November 07, 2019.

All copyrights for cited material rest with the original copyright owners.


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