PLEASE READ MY AUG 1st 2022 LETTER, I SENT TO NELLES MANOR MUSEUM. (I DIDN'T EXPECT A REPLY BACK,…read moreAND I GOT NO REPLY BACK, TO ATTEMPT TO RECTIFY )
(Place has a very run down look on the outside, needs paint badly. What it was painted its sloppy messy and and an eyesore. Also I just found out, that the home was donated over 6 years ago now. There no excuse for it's poor condition)
August 1st, 2022
Nelles Manor Administration,
I am writing about the experience my girlfriend and I received at your heritage home, Nelles Manor. I had driven a long distance, for the sole purpose of us just visiting your historical home.
After driving in the heat and fighting the holiday traffic to reach your site, and then realizing you have no dedicated parking spot(s) for your paying guests.
We were then asked to instantly jump into a tour, that was already on the way. It was already going, as we saw her conducting the tour on the front lawn to her guests, as we drove in looking were to park our vehicle. There is a absolutely no signage to direct or advise your visitors, on the parking arrangement and/or situation at your site.
We declined the request, and was told, Well... you'll have a half an hour wait then. In a snarky and very descending tone. I replied no thanks, as we needed a chance to relax, stretch and get ourselves organized, and cool off first.
We were then told loudly, in front of the other guests already on tour, we could sit on the bench outside and wait. For the next tour again... in half an hour. Once more, in that same aggravated loud snarky tone.
Not wanting to sit, as I just finished driving for nearly an 2 hours in heavy holiday traffic. We walked around the grounds. Everything seems to be private, out of bounds all around your heritage home. Private signs surround the home. A large parking lot in the back, shows a pathway to the your home/office , but there again is a sign stating private.
We have visited multiple Heritage homes all over Ontario. Never have I seen such an lack of foresight, to help accommodate your paying guests. Guests that helps keep these historical homes operating. Many heritage staff have told me in the past, of the struggle to bring in the younger generation, the slowing of attendance over the years, and the lack of decent funding or none at all.
Why were we not directed to the office ? Did you only have one worker operating the site, on a Holiday weekend ? Why the pressure to jump into a tour, straight from your car seat ?
We arrived just after 1pm. You were open till 4pm that day. There was absolutely no rush on a very hot summers afternoon.
After my girlfriend and I were told again to go sit on the bench. As the property that seems to surround and go right up to your building, is completely private. We sat on that bench, and contemplated how we where both talked down too buy your guide.
I asked my girlfriend what to do next, as we had drove a long way and fought such bad traffic, to solely see your heritage home. She said, she really did not like how we were spoken too. She was shocked, as we have visited so many heritage sites, and have never felt as confused, belittled and angry, as we sat there. She felt very uncomfortable.
We therefore decided at that time to leave. As a couple have always believed very
strongly, in preserving these wonderful historical homes for future generations. As in the past, we have donated throughout our travels all across Ontario. Donated to those heritage homes that we have visited and enjoyed.
I do not expect to receive a response. However I do hope that our unjustified negative experience at your heritage home, will never repeat itself again to anyone else.
That home was donated just recently to your trust and care, by the Nelles family. Which is just incredible, in these times of sky high housing development greed. If all your staff members operates in the same horrible manner, as your tour guide did on Sunday. That trust was sadly misplaced.
William Rhodes
