The Canadians

One is a 98-room fantasy abandoned by its owners after a decade. The other, a technological marvel years ahead of its time. Highlighting the most prestigious castles in Canada, this program goes on a behind-the-scenes tour of Casa Loma and Parkwood Estate. America's Castles: The Canadians would be useful for classes on Canadian History, Architecture, Canadian Culture, Science and Technology, and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• artisans
• assets
• burgeoning
• cavalier
• dire
• exemplified
• flamboyant
• fraternity
• gargoyles
• griffins
• hospitable
• ingenuity
• lucrative
• manorial
• opulent
• perseverance
• portico
• puritan
• sedentary
• turrets

1. Its location and its terrain have shaped Canada’s history, like the history of any other country. How have Canada’s natural resources and beauty shaped and influenced Canadian history?

2. Why is Canada called the “Great White North?”

3. What is a confederation? How is Canadian history the story of an evolving confederation?

4. Henry Pellet, the builder of Casa Loma, was known as “Henry the Plunger.” Why was he called by this name? What did it reveal about his personality?

5. What is the literal translation of the term Casa Loma?

6. Discuss the architecture of Casa Loma. Why is it so unique? How does Canadian history appear in the structure? What are the European influences?

7. How did Casa Loma become a tourist attraction?

8. Robert Samuel McLaughlin, the builder of the Parkwood Estate, was one of Canada’s leading industrialists. How did McLaughlin start his business? What were his first experiences in the business world?

9. McLaughlin’s father was an austere and rigid man. How did the father’s austerity influence the son’s frivolity?

10. Discuss some of the great entrepreneurs and fortunes of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. How are these success stories a product of their times or a matter of being “at the right place at the right time?"

11. Discuss how the automobile revolutionized history.

1. Design a griffin to guard over your “castle” such as the ones that overlooked and protected Casa Loma.

2. Design your own castle. How would your castle reflect your tastes and lifestyles? What would your castle have that would make it uniquely yours?

3. Design a McLaughlin Buick of the 1920s to park in front of your castle.

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