Oakridge Farm was settled in the 1820s by Joseph Ireland, a veteran of the War of 1812. The existing 12-room limestone house was constructed over a period of three years, from 1834-1837.
The halls and rooms of this home have been echoed to the celebrations and witnessed the tragedies of five generations of Ireland. Although the property has been reduced to 3.6 acres, the Ireland House has become a ‘living museum’. Descendants of Joseph Ireland continue to live in the home to this day.
A multitude of mementos, right down to saddlebags, which Joseph Ireland used during a ride to Quebec to petition the Bishop to start St. John’s Church in Burlington.
No other home in Burlington is so rich in the history and culture of our area. The preservation of this homestead is the top priority of the Burlington Historical Society, which has pledged $15,000 to support the fundraising.
We hope that the citizens of Burlington will show equal enthusiasm for the preservation of this vivid example of the rural roots of our area and our city.
-Roy Dafoe, President, Burlington Historical Society, from “Help preserve out Past: Ireland House, Oakridge Farm, Burlington’
