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Massive moves: Gagetown's Loomcrofters Studio to reopen

Almost two years after the oldest building still in use in the province was relocated down the road, the historic Loomcrofters Studio building in the village of Gagetown is preparing for its grand reopening.

The weaving studio and yarn shop was moved on the back of a truck in December 2014 and has been under repair

Matthew Bingley · CBC News ·
The Loomcrofters building dates back to 1761 and is the oldest building in New Brunswick still in use. (Matthew Bingley/CBC)

About 18 months after the oldest building still in use in the province was relocated down the road, the historic Loomcrofters Studio in the village of Gagetown is preparing for its grand reopening. 

Now next to the Tilley House Museum, the building looks right at home, something Bruce Thomson, president of the Queens County Heritage, says it took a tremendous amount of work.
The building was moved about 1.5 km on the back of a truck in December of 2014. (Queens County Heritage/Facebook)

"We were seeing tartan in our dreams, I think as we worked on this project. A thousand objects were moved out of this building and then moved back in. Everything was inventoried, the building itself was moved," he said.

The former British trading post, built in 1761, was moved a kilometer-and-a-half from the opposite end of the village, completing a journey 30 years in the making — the dying wish of Loomcrofters founder Patricia Jenkins.
Bruce Thomson, president of Queens County Heritage, says there may be a few tears on Saturday's opening day. (Matthew Bingley/CBC)

It was a short, but stressful trip, and Kit Emms, executive director of Queens County Heritage, says it would have been impossible without help. 

"Without all that input from all the volunteers and the long hours and dedication and enthusiasm, this project wouldn't have happened," said Emms. 
Kim Emms, executive director of Queens County Heritage, says it took the efforts of many volunteers and donors to make the move happen. (Matthew Bingley/CBC)

Even after the monumental feat of transporting an entire building to a new location then came exactly what one would expect for a building of this age: renovations.

Lloyd Mullin has been helping to upgrade the structure.
Lloyd Mullin has been working on updating the building and keeping it in good repair. (Matthew Bingley/CBC)

"It is a constant maintenance factor ... It has to be done on a regular basis. You get past a point and then you're into such a big budget to restore it then," Mullin said. 

With Saturday's reopening, Thomson says there's a chance to reflect on the Loomcrofters Studio's legacy — and a building that touches four centuries of New Brunswick history.
Patricia Jenkins was the founder of the Loomcrofter Studio and she had wanted to have it moved before she died in 1985. (Queens County Heritage)

"We think of Miss Jenkins and Miss Inch and so many others that went before and how proud they would actually be of the work that we have done and the recognition of their important legacy — to not only the heritage of New Brunswick, but the craft and business aspect of New Brunswick.

"I think tomorrow there will be a few tears."

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