A New Chapter for the Moir House: Honouring Its Legacy

For more than 80 years, Building 42 has stood as a quiet witness to history—first as the epicentre of morale-boosting social activity for young airmen during World War II, later as a family home, and now as a vibrant gathering space for the local community and visitors alike. In 2024, when Base31 embarked on major infrastructure upgrades, we saw an opportunity not just to preserve this historic structure but to give it new life. Rather than letting the past fade away, we carefully relocated and restored the building, ensuring its rich history remains a living part of our site.

Now known as Moir House, this cherished landmark is set to become the heart of Base31’s Outdoor Summer Camp, offering a unique and inspiring setting for young campers, as well as an intimate and serene space for private meetings and gatherings. Through thoughtful preservation and careful restoration, we have safeguarded its legacy while preparing it for a new chapter—one filled with exploration, learning, and community connection.

A Historic Move

In 2024, Base31 began a major infrastructure project along County Road 22, restoring waterlines that had been shut off since the 1980s. This essential work required extensive trenching, impacting a stretch of road that included the historic Building 42. Rather than demolish this 1,000 square foot cabin , our team made the decision to relocate and preserve it because of its previous important historic role on site. In February 2024, our friends and construction contractors Craig Vaughan Construction moved the structure from its original location of 84 years to a new site nestled between the Sensory Garden and the former dentist’s office, which is now where you can find Lemons and Sweets.

We approached the relocation and restoration of Moir House with great care, balancing historical preservation with essential updates to ensure the building remains a safe and welcoming space for generations to come. As part of our commitment to health and safety, we take careful measures to bring our buildings up to modern standards, including thorough assessments, remediation and necessary improvements before any space is put to use. By maintaining Moir House’s architectural integrity while making thoughtful structural enhancements, we’ve ensured that this beloved piece of history will continue to be a cherished part of our community’s story.

A Legacy of Care

Building 42 officially opened in 1942 as the Y.M.C.A. Hostess House (Picton Gazette, 1942). It was a “home away from home” for hundreds of airmen arriving every six weeks for training at No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School during WWII. Many of the new recruits were still teenagers. The hostess, Mrs. Alice Moir, became a nurturing and supportive presence during their time at the Royal Air Force camp. The Hostess House was a comforting refuge for young airmen adjusting to life in service.

“Between 1941-1944, Base31 served as 1 of 231 British Commonwealth Air Training Plan sites which together provided well-trained aircrew for the Allied war effort. For trainees, much of the focus was on difficult topics, training for battle, and the realities of war. You can imagine how an 18-year old recruit might feel facing these prospects. Mrs. Moir acted as a one-woman military resource centre to boost morale and help recruits feel prepared to face their fears.” – Madeline Smolarz, Base31 Museum Curator

After the war, the house became a family residence. Tim Walsh, who lived there as a child in the 1950s and ’60s, fondly remembers his father’s role: “Building 42 was the Fire Chief’s residence on the base”.

Preserving the Past, preparing for the Future

To ensure its structural integrity during transport, the building was divided into two sections. The first portion was moved on February 7, 2024 and it was temporarily housed in the Kingsley Road parking lot. The second, larger section followed closely thereafter on February 21, 2024. Once relocated, the entire house was placed on a new foundation, fitted with cedar shake shingles and new windows, and restored for future use. By July 2024, it was ready to welcome campers for Base31’s Outdoor Summer Camp. Now, in 2025, we’re excited to continue making memories in Moir House, offering campers a space rich with history and character.

Honouring Alice Moir

Building 42 was renamed “Moir House” once it was moved to its new location. The name is in honour of Alice Moir, the original hostess who cared for countless young airmen during the war. Her surname, meaning “brave,” “renowned,” or “mighty” in Scots Gaelic, reflects her legacy as an important figure to so many. Moir House is a tribute to her strength and compassion during a pivotal time in our nation and community’s history.

“The ‘mighty’ translation of Moir resonates for me especially. Mrs. Alice Moir coordinated social activities between Prince Edward County locals and recruits as one of her strategies to keep everyone’s spirits up, and this led to a truly ‘mighty’ impact on our community,” muses Madeline Smolarz, Base31’s Museum Curator. “Amazingly, we know that over 100 marriages between BCATP recruits and locals resulted from introductions at events like dances, coordinated by Mrs. Moir herself. I can’t think of a more impactful accomplishment than helping to establish some of the families still alive and well in our region today.”

A New Chapter for Moir House

In 2024, the Moir House became the heart of Base31’s Outdoor Summer Camp, where each week, 30 kids assembled to play, create, and eat together. A lovely bright and airconditioned venue where the kids started and ended their day. The Moir House is conveniently located, within  a 60 second proximity to the parking lot, Sensory Garden and The Commissary.

This year the Moir House is now ready for year-round use, offering a warm and welcoming space for both small corporate and private events and gatherings. The venue features two similar-sized rooms— one that is L-shaped with a small kitchenette and the other, an open and bright space with an ensuite washroom.  A large, accessible bathroom can be found off the main entryway, in between both rooms. The hallway is equipped with hooks for jackets and bags. 

With its flexible layout, Moir House can accommodate meetings and gatherings for up to 30 people, intimate celebrations for up to 45 guests, and wellness activities like yoga or meditation classes with space for 8 to 10 mats per room. Whether you’re planning a workshop, a baby shower, or group gathering, this stand alone historic space is ready to host your special moments. For more information on the Moir House please visit www.base31venues.ca. 

Click for more information about Base31’s Outdoor Summer Camp.

 

References:
Moir, Alexander L., Moir genealogy and collateral lines: with historical notes. unknown: The author, c1913.