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The Glencora Castle
1 April 2004
Was located east of Ashern

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The Glencora Castle

Mr. Bill Stark and his wife and many family members came to Ashern area in 1911. Bill built a house of logs. As his trade was that of a stonemason, he had a dream of building a stone house. Bill worked on many buildings in Canada including the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. As years went by he rebuilt his house with field stone, as he took out a log he replaced it with stone.
Bill's brother-in- law, Brodie Crawford was an artist who lived with the Starks. He painted on the ceilings, walls, and furniture. These were fine quality works.
The Starks passed away in 1960 at which time the land was sold. A real estate man from Alberta bought it for a lot of money, but was never able to re-sell it. As the years went by the empty castle started to crumble and damage was extensive. The Museum board wrote many letters to the owners trying to persuade then to take the murals off the walls and ceilings, but with no results. Finally the owners gave the order to have it pushed down. All the paintings had been removed by someone. However the museum obtained the stone that was in the Castles' walls with the Castle name and Stark coat of arms, plus a horses head on it.

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Glencora castle built by Bill Stark, a stone mason and bricklayer from Scotland.
1980
This castle was demolished in 1980's

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You have heard the expression "A Man's Home is His Castle" well let's hear about a local man who really did build a Castle northeast of Ashern.

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Interview with Mr. Bill Stark portrayed at the Millenium Dinner Theatre.
2002
Ashern Centennial Hall

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History According to Hern"

Joel: Your name please

Bill: Bill Stark

Joel: When did you come to the area?

Bill: I came in 1906 from Scotland, I was a stone mason and bricklayer there.

Joel: Why the castle?

Bill: Well, by 1914 , I had quite a bit of cattle and felt I didn't need to work out around Canada anymore. I laid the last stone in the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The castle was to be my last accomplishment.

Joel: What did you use?

Bill: My original house was built out of logs and, from 1914 to 1928, I replaced each log with field stone.

Joel: Most impressive- turrets and everything. Did you do the paintings inside?

Bill: No my brother-in-law, Brodie Crawford, was the painter - talented artist. If he was still alive, he could have done one of your murals.

Henry: We could have used him.

Joel: Did you like the Glencora Castle mural?

Bill: Yes, it's very lovely.

Joel: Thank-you for talking to me.

Bill: You're welcome.

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Interior of the Glencora Castle.
1970

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Beautiful murals were painted by Brodie Crawford on the walls of the Castle.

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Inside of the Glencora Castle.
1970

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Closeup of the murals that once adorned the walls of the Glencora castle.

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The Glencora castle before it was demolished in 1986.
1980

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View of the castle prior to being demolished.