As our trail constantly changes so do the properties we hike through and their owners. The southern Hockley Valley has seen significant trail changes this year but one change happened so quietly that hikers never became aware of it. The Griffith family who owned the large 92 acre forested slope just east of the 4 th Line Mono decided to sell after both parents passed away, Julius in 1997 and Lialia in 2005. Thankfully, the new owner was also happy to welcome the Bruce Trail and continue the handshake agreement. This property and a smaller parcel & house on the west side of 4 th Line were a much loved country retreat from the Griffith's busy lives in the city. It was also pleasant reminder of their courtship years spent touring the rolling hills of England. After the war, they moved to Canada where Julius continued his career as an artist. Some of his work hangs in the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Canadian War Museum to name a few. They had 4 sons and it was their son Andrew who fondly recalls summers spent at the country house where the brothers explored the countryside free of today's distractions. As there where no close neighbours, the kids would rush outside on the rare event of a car coming up the 4 th Line. |
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