384 St. George Street North – John and Christy Cummings

Nominee for Peter Stokes Restoration Award – Small Scale

Glenlochie Lodge, the 1883 Queen Anne‑style landmark at 384 St. George Street North in Dresden, has become a celebrated example of community‑driven heritage preservation. Since purchasing the home in 2019, John and Christy Cummings have devoted themselves to restoring its original character, from carefully removing layers of wallpaper to refinishing the historic pine floors and preserving the intricate wood trim crafted by builder Alexander “Sandy” McVean.

Outside, their work has been equally transformative. Clearing twenty‑two overgrown trees restored the property’s historic sightlines, while fresh paint and essential upgrades—new plumbing, electrical systems, and more—were added with respect for the home’s Victorian fabric.

This dedication earned Glenlochie Lodge top honours at the 2026 Chatham‑Kent Mayor’s Heritage Awards, winning both the Residential Preservation and Restoration Award and the People’s Choice Award, a testament to the project’s deep local impact.

Today, the Cummings continue to share the home’s renewed legacy with the community through annual holiday tours that raise funds for Dresden Shines Christmas Town and the Dresden Historical Society, ensuring that Glenlochie Lodge’s restoration enriches Dresden’s heritage for years to come.