ACO Stratford-Perth, Stratford and District Historical Society donate to save Gallery Stratford. Former Stratford Waterworks, George F. Durand, Architect.

After learning Gallery Stratford’s board of directors had been unsuccessful in securing an additional $22,000 from the city to match a federal arts and culture grant received prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jayne Trachsel (left) VP Stratford and District Historical Society, Allan Tye (right) Chair ACO Stratford Perth, donated  $200 and $2,500 respectively to Gallery Stratford director Angela Brayham to help save the 140-year old gallery building from falling into further disrepair.

“This is one of the most important pieces of architecture in the city. … The architect (George F. Durand) is the same architect who designed the courthouse, the jail, and Avon Crest.” Allan Tye

“Without the pump house, Stratford wouldn’t be what it is today, so it’s very important. We wouldn’t have had the city, we wouldn’t have been able to develop the (CNR) shops, you wouldn’t have had all the manufacturing in town, and you wouldn’t have had people living here. Stratford would have just been another one of those stops along a railroad.” Angela Brayham

“One of our goals is to teach and inform people about historical events, buildings, sites; to have these things preserved helps people understand history, to know the history of Stratford; and having the Gallery here is so important.” Jayne Trachsel

With paint flaking throughout the building, water leaking in the gallery’s collection room, an HVAC system that needs replacing and more cracks hiding beneath the surface, Brayham said now is the time to determine the future of the Gallery Stratford building and how it can be preserved for years to come.

With thanks, Galen Simmons, Stratford Beacon Herald, August 23, 2020