Fairfields opens its doors, invites Ottawa residents to step into local history

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EMC Events - If you're a long time resident of Ottawa, it's almost impossible not to have at least heard of the Bell family.

Bells Corners, Dick Bell Park, and Bell High School are just some of the examples of Nepean spots that hold the namesake of one of the township's most influential families.

But do you know the history behind the name?

This month, the importance and impact of the Bell family on the growth and progress of the township of Nepean - and Ottawa as a whole - is being celebrated and recognized, with the official opening of their homestead, locally known as Fairfields, to the public on June 26.

The 1.8-acre property located at 3080 Richmond Road is the original family home of prominent Nepean pioneers the Bell family and was originally purchased in the 1820s as 660 acres by William Bell. Over the years, the land was cultivated for farming and later subdivided and sections sold, but the home and the remaining property stayed in the Bell family for nearly 175 years.

The home remained unchanged until 1870 when it was destroyed by fire, and all that remained were its stone walls. The family rebuilt the home in a year, and it turned into the spectacular farmhouse that you can still see today.

Ever since Bell arrived in Carleton County in 1823, the family's endeavours have contributed to the ultimate suburbanization of the township of Nepean. Throughout the years, the Bell family became involved with and successful in farming ventures, real estate and politics.

Richard Albert (Dick) Bell was of the fourth generation of the Bell family, whose name is likely the most recognizable to Ottawa residents today. He became the most politically renowned member of the Bell family, and was quite instrumental in improving schools and other amenities in Nepean during his time on City Council.

In 1963, Dick Bell married Ruth Bell, and they continued to live in the Fairfields homestead until his death in 1988.

"When my husband asked me to move in (to Fairfields) I of course said yes," said Ruth Bell, who, along with Dick's daughter Judith from his first marriage, was left the house after Dick passed away.

"It is a beautiful house, and there are lots of stories surrounding it."

Ms. Bell lived at Fairfields until 1994, after which Judith took up residence until her death in 2000.

After Judith's death, Ms. Bell donated the home to the City of Nepean and the Community Foundation of Ottawa (CFO). Following amalgamation, the ownership of the historical home was transferred over to the City of Ottawa, who are pleased to announce that the building will now be open to the public starting June 26.

"It's always very exciting and interesting to be able to trace back our city's roots, and Fairfields is an important icon in the history of Ottawa's development," said Debbie Hill, Manager for Cultural and Heritage Services of the City of Ottawa.

"We're thrilled to be able to celebrate the Bell family's achievements with the public."

Each room of the home has been refurnished with artifacts to reflect a different theme of the Bell family history. Visitors to the museum will learn about the family's entrepreneurial, philanthropic, professional, and political activities.

From noon until 4 p.m. on the June 26 grand opening, come relish in the splendour of the historic home, and join in on a free guided tour of the house, and interactive activities for the whole family delivered by the Nepean Museum. Light refreshments will also be offered.

"I'm very pleased that it's finally being open to the public," said Ms. Bell. "I didn't want to sell it, there was too much history there. It has a lot to do with the development of Nepean and (the Bell) family was an important family in the region."

Advance registration is required for tours on June 26. The Nepean Museum also gives tours by reservation on a regular basis.

For more information or to register for tours contact the Nepean Museum at 613-723-7936.