Vankleek Hill’s landmark lookout tower has had another busy summer, and a local student has been greeting most of the visitors to the site.
Matthew Steele of Vankleek Hill, who is starting Grade 12 at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute, said about 20 to 30 people per day have been visiting the Higginson Tower this summer.
Thomas Higginson built the tower in around 1830 as a windmill. However, there was inadequate wind. In 1839, it was converted into a private astronomical observatory. St. John’s Anglican Church beside the tower was constructed in 1856. The tower later fell into ruin but was restored between 2006 and 2015 through an extensive fundraising campaign and with grant funding.
Steele said visitors are intrigued by the unique tower in the middle of Vankleek Hill.
“A lot of people say it’s very interesting.”
“They didn’t expect so much history in a small town.”
Art day campers from the Art and Dream Studio have also enjoyed visiting the Higginson Tower during the summer months. Steele himself is an artist and has enjoyed doing watercolour paintings while working at the Higginson Tower this summer.
Photos: James Morgan
