Our Story
From 2,000 firebricks to a town tradition.
It started with a question — what to do with a kiln in shambles at the Elora Pottery property — and grew, slowly, into the wood-fired heart of a neighbourhood.
2008
An idea takes shape.
Founders Staci Barron and Trish Van Katwyk pitch a community wood-burning oven to the Township of Centre Wellington, backed by 50+ neighbours.
2008-2011
$14,000 raised in pieces.
A sewing circle ($4,000 in "kipp cuffs"), a Kevin Breit benefit concert, a scrap-metal drive, a Bunwich breakfast, the Elora Lions Club.
2011
First fire, first pretzels.
Built that summer with donated trades and Lee Elkas's design — the inaugural bake was a batch of pretzels, shared on the lawn.
2011-Today
Still going, still gathering.
Monthly bakes through the warm season, run entirely by volunteers, fundraising for whatever the oven needs next.
2026 Board
Three volunteers carry the keys to the oven — but the project belongs to everyone who's ever shown up with kindling, flour, or a folding chair.
A small crew, a generous town.
Doug MacPherson
President | Site Maintenance | Bake Coordinator
Chris Jess
Secretary | Oven Master | Food Coordinator
Staci Barron
Co-founder | Treasurer | Administration
The brainstorming team for our not-for-profit was as follows:
Lee Elkas, Staci Barron, Stephanie Toohill, Karen Welch (RIP),
Melissa Watkins, Trish Van Katwyk, Kevin Breit, Hillary Eastmure and Gwen Swick.
The founders of this project were Staci Barron and Trish Van Katwyk.