South Dumfries Historical Society

CONGRATULATIONS MARION SHERIDAN AND CLIFF JONES, JR.

2012-01-25T10:39:00.002-05:00

At Brant County Council last week, two outstanding supporters of local history were presented with awards from the province. Marion Sheridan received a lifetime achievement award and our own Cliff Jones, Jr. was awarded for his heritage contributions. The awards are coordinated by the Ontario Heritage Trust Foundation and Marion and Cliff were nominated for the awards by the County upon the recommendation of the Brant Heritage Committee.

They were congratulated by Mayor Ron Eddy and also received certificates from our Member of Provincial Parliament, Dave Levac. Many members of the local heritage community were on hand to congratulate Marion and Cliff. Look for a feature article on them coming soon in the Brantford Expositor. (Reporters were also on hand from the St. George Lance and the Brant News).

Photos from the launch of our Digital Collection

2011-12-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

Christine MacArthur, from the County of Brant Public Library, has been kind enough to post photos from the launch event for our Digital Collection on the Library's Flickr webpage: www.flickr.com/brantlibrary

Thank you to everyone who attended - and to those who supported the project by donation items and images to be scanned and photographed.

Christine gave everyone in attendance a tour of what the collection can do - including searches that are fuzzy, fuzzier and fuzziest!

All the work that went into cataloguing each image adds greatly to the usefulness of the collection to researchers and students of local history.

As you will see in the photos, our MPP Dave Levac was on hand to bring greetings along with Mayor Eddy on behalf of the County and Karen Richardson, a past curatar of the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, was on hand to bring greetings from our benefactor, the Trillium Foundation.

You can tour the collection yourself by following the link from the library website or by going to:

http://images.ourontario.ca/brant/search

Enjoy!

THE FIRST WORLD WAR FROM ABOVE - on TVO

2011-11-28T14:10:00.001-05:00

Remembrance Day needn't be limited to just November 11th.

Tonight on TVO a documentary revisits the First World War - this time from above. The productions puts together rarely-seen historical footage and photographs to give a new perspective on the war - and the destruction it inflicted on European towns and the countrysides.

Present day footage is also used to update the story and show the scars that remain on the landscape.

The First World War From Above airs tonight (Monday, November 28th) at 10 pm and repeats Thursday, December 1st at Midnight, on TVO - cable 2.

Here is the BBC description of the program:

The story of the Great War told from a unique new aerial perspective. Featuring two remarkable historical finds, including a piece of archive footage filmed from an airship in summer 1919, capturing the trenches and battlefields in a way that's rarely been seen before. Also features aerial photographs taken by First World War pilots - developed for the first time in over ninety years - that show not only the devastation inflicted during the fighting, but also quirks and human stories visible only from above. Presented by Fergal Keane.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00vyrzh

SUNNYSIDE OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 10th

2011-11-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

If you are unable to attend the Victorian Nutcracker Open House at Sunnyside Mansion today (November 26th), you will have another opportunity to tour this historic St. George house on Saturday December 10th, 2011.

David Bailey will again offer a tour of the restored home originally built for Dr. Kitchen, this time in support of the Brant Historical Society (which operates the Brant Museum & Archives and Myrtleville House Museum in Brantford).

Along with his fundraising partner. Mary Stedman, David invites people to Sunnyside between 12 Noon and 4:00 pm on the 10th (also the evening of the St. George Santa Claus parade which will travel past Sunnyside shortly after its 6:00 pm start time).

Sunnyside is located at 13 Main Street South, St. George.

SANTA CLAUS VISITS ST. GEORGE FOR A PARADE DECEMBER 10th

2011-11-24T16:06:00.001-05:00

St.George Santa Claus Parade

Presented by the St. George Firefighters Association.

Route: Downtown St. George.

Along High Street, turning at the Post Office,

then north on Main Street to arrive at the Fire Hall.

6pm start time - bundle up it can get cold!

After the parade, childrencan meet Santa Claus at the Fire Hall

and enjoy hot chocolate.

DIGITAL PROJECT LAUNCHES DECEMBER 10th

2011-11-23T10:32:00.001-05:00

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S DIGITAL PROJECT IS READY TO LAUNCH!

Join us for atour of thenew virtualcollection & a historical talk from a veryspecial guest speaker.

Refreshments will be served.

Contact the Library for more information: 519-442-2433

http://images.ourontario.ca/brant

St. George Branch
78 Main Street N.
St. George, ON
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Begins 1:00 pm

This project is a partnership between the South Dumfries Historical Society, Adelaide Hunter Hoodless National Historic Site, the Paris Museum & Historical Society, and the County of Brant Public Library.

Support for this project has been generously provided the Ontario Trillium Foundation (Thanks!).

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

WHO KNEW CONTEST - GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON

2011-11-15T18:35:00.001-05:00

WHO KNEW CONTEST - GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON

Explore local history at www.interestingfacts.ca

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 to Thursday, December 08, 2011

Web:
- www.interestingfacts.ca
ENTER THE CONTEST BY WATCHING SHORT VIDEOS ABOUT LOCAL INTERESTING FACTS
AND THEN ANSWERING QUESTIONS
TO RECEIVE YOUR ENTRY BALLOT:

VISIT www.interestingfacts.ca
To participate in the
Who Knew Minute to Win It Giveaway!

Only one entry per person is accepted per week. Please come back each week for new interesting facts!

For the opportunity to earn extra ballots, stop into any of the participating museums and galleries below!

Prize winners will be announced at the end of each week, with the Grand Prize winner being announced in early December, 2011!

Good luck!
• Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead NHS
• Bell Homestead National Historic Site
• Burford Township Historical Society Museum
• Brant Museum & Archives
• Brantford Arts Block
• Canadian Military Heritage Museum
• Chiefswood National Historic Site
• Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
• Mohawk Chapel
• Myrtleville House Museum
• Personal Computer Museum
• St. George Museum
• Woodland Cultural Centre

BRANT HISTORICAL SOCIETY TALK WEDNESDAY NIGHT

2011-11-15T18:29:00.001-05:00

Lieutenant Colonel David Meehan, the commanding officer of the 56th Field Artillery Regiment, will speak about Brantford soldiers in Afghanistan at the next meeting of the Brant Historical Society on Wednesday, November 16th, 2011.

The talk will cover the 10 years of Canadian operations in Afghanistan and the role of Brantford's citizen soldiers.

The talk starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Brant Museum and Archives at 57 Charlotte Street in Brantford.

Lt. Col. Meehan recently returned from Afghanistan.

For more information, contact Joan Kanigan at 519-752-2483, or by email at information@brantmuseums.ca

A Nutcracker Christmas at historic Sunnyside Mansion in St. George

2011-11-15T09:22:00.001-05:00

LetThe Nutcracker take you back in time to a Victorian Christmas...

Joincast members of The Nutcracker Ballet at The Victorian Nutcracker, afundraising event for The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble hosted by David A.B.Bailey at his gloriously restored Victorian home, Sunnyside Mansion. 13 MainStreet South, St. George on Saturday, November 26th 2011 from 12 noon until 6p.m.

RediscoverChristmas past in the gentle lustre of century old traditions, belovedheirlooms and precious Victorian era period pieces within the magnificentelegance of the 123 year old grand dame of St. George, Sunnyside Mansion.Linger with delightful characters from The Nutcracker Ballet before the warmthof the yule log's Christmas glow, sipping apple cider, savouring roastedchestnuts and gingerbread cookies.

Or,stroll amongst the Mansions 28 sumptuous rooms taking in the splendidly ornateVenetian mirror resting on hand-rolled William Morris wallpaper, gleamingbeneath a Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier; the twinkling fairy lights hungon fragrant boughs, laced with golden antiquities strung from the mantles ofseven stunning marble fireplaces.

Then,for something completely novel, have a picture taken with "QueenVictoria"!

Admission bydonation ~ please give generously to the Canadian ballet Youth Ensemble.

Formore information: (289) 775-5377

Here is a link to an article about Sunnyside: http://www.homesandcottages.com/Articles/tabid/134/Default.aspx?ArticleId=136

info@cbye.ca

www.cbye.ca

The CanadianBallet Youth Ensemble

145 MainStreet East, Hamilton,Ontario L8N 1G4

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BRIEF VIDEO ABOUT LINDSAY HALL - OUR GUEST SPEAKER NOVEMBER 12th

2011-11-03T16:07:00.000-04:00

Please take two minutes to have an introduction to our November 12th guest speaker Lindsay Hall - this YouTube video was prepared as background to her receiving the Governor General's Award for Teaching Canadian History in 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gMA8tX5ghQ

To learn more... come out on Saturday November 12th at 2 pm at the Memorial Hall and meet Mrs. Hall and have the opportunity to hear about her teaching.

For more background on her teaching, visit the Online magazine for the Ontario College of Teachers and read an article they published about Mrs. Hall: http://professionallyspeaking.oct.ca/september_2010/departments/exemplary.aspx

GORDON ROSEBRUGH HOLDER (1921 - 1945)

2011-11-03T15:04:00.002-04:00

GORDON ROSEBRUGH HOLDER (1921 - 1945)

November is a good time to pause and remember the life of Gordon Rosebrugh Holder - a young St. George man who served his country and was killed in Second World War.

His story is told as part of the McMaster University Alumni Honour Roll Project. This project has been lead by Charles M. Johnston, Professor Emeritus of History, who was one of the first speakers to address the South Dumfries Historical Society after it was formed.

The Honour Roll Project seeks to tell the story behind every name on the McMaster Honour Roll. We have our own plaques for those who served and who died in the Wars here in St. George. You will find Mr. Holder's name on the front of the Memorial Hall.

Gordon was born on January 31st, 1921 and died on February 19th, 1945. His story does not have a happy ending, but Dr. Johnston does a nice job of telling the story of his short life and the context in which it was lived. Many people will be able to relate in some way to the young boy going to school in what is now called the St.George Old School and attending McMaster University.

What is harder to imagine is having all his plans put on hold to join a fight overseas - and then having those plans permanently ended.

For more about the Project, visit the website at:

http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/about_ww2.html

For Gordon Rosebrugh Holder's story, visit:

http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/honourRoll/holder.htm

More information on our Nov 12 Guest Speaker Lindsay Hall

2011-11-02T16:28:00.000-04:00

LINDSAY HALL is our guest speaker on Saturday November 12th at 2 pm. Here are some details of her background:

- Attended University ofWestern Ontario (Hons. B.A, M.A. in History and B Ed.)

- Eighth year teaching(six years at Huron Park S.S. in Woodstock, two years at Clarke Road SecondarySchool in London)

- Governor General'sAward for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History - 2009

- History DepartmentHead at Clarke Road Secondary School, London, Ontario

- Has travelled withstudents to Europe to honour the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Ortona(2008), 65th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe (2010) and currently planninga trip for the 95th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge (April 2012)

Please join us for this free talk as Mrs. Hall discusses her approaches to teaching Canadian history to High School students in ways they can relate.

The talk is at the Memorial Hall, 32 Main Street South (next door to the Museum).

HERITAGE DAY WORKSHOP AND CELEBRATION

2011-11-02T13:29:00.000-04:00

Grand River Watershed

15th Annual Heritage Day Workshop & Celebration

Friday, February 17, 2012 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

South Dumfries Community Centre & Arena

7 Gaukel Dr., St. George, Ontario

Crossroads of Conflict, Pathways to Peace: Divided Loyalties

Morning Program – Moderator: Kate Carter, Professor,Laurier Brantford

8:30-9:00 a.m. Registration (refreshments will be available)

9:00-9:05 a.m. Town Crier – Larry Davis

9:05-9:25 a.m. War of 1812 Bicentennial Promotional Video -produced by the Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations and New CreditWar of 1812 Bicentennial Committee

9:25-9:30 a.m. Welcoming Remarks – Ron Eddy, Mayor, County of Brant

9:30-10:00 a.m. Historical Overview of the War of 1812: Role of the Grand River andits Residents – Ron Dale, Superintendent, NiagaraNational Historic Sites

10:00-10:30 a.m. Why Commemorate the War? –Adrienne Horne, Western Corridor Bicentennial Alliance

10:30-11:00 a.m. Refreshment Break & Displays

11:00-11:15 a.m. War of 1812 Trivia Challenge – KarenDearlove, Curator, Chiefswood National Historic Site

11:15-11:45 a.m. Historical Vignettes – Performancesby local thespians

BuffetLunch – Displays

Afternoon Program – Moderator: Sean Allen, Reporter, Brant News and Host, TalkLocal Brant, Rogers TV

1:00-1:05 p.m. Town Crier – David McKee

1:05-1:10 p.m. Welcoming Remarks – Chris Friel, Mayor, City ofBrantford

1:10-1:55 p.m. A Desert Between Us and Them – Bill Darfler, Yvonne Drebert and Zack Melnick

1:55-2:20 p.m. Historical Vignettes – Performancesby local thespians

2:20-2:50 p.m. Personal Stories of the War of 1812- Rick Hill, Grand River Territory of the Six Nations

2:50-3:20 p.m. Quakers, Mennonites and Tunkers:Pacifists, Protestors and Participation in the War of 1812 JonathanSeiling, University of Toronto

3:20-4:30 p.m. ‘Victory’ Reception featuring ‘Pearls of Time’

Registrationis free but space is limited. All participants must be preregistered.

Registrations will be accepted until Friday, February 10, 2012 or until the registration is atcapacity. Donations to helpdefray costs will be gratefully received and can be made online at www.grandriver.ca or at the event.

Registeronline by visiting www.brant.caand following the EZReg Register Online links or return a completed form toKrystyna Lazar, County of Brant, 66 Grand River St. N. Paris, ON N3L 2M2 Email: recprograms@brant.ca Phone: 519-442-6324 ext. 3023 Fax: 519-442-3461

Name:

Title:

Organization:

Address:

Phone: Fax: Email:

HOSTED BY: Heritage Working Group of TheGrand Strategy

SPONSORED BY: City of Brantford, County of Brant, GrandRiver Conservation Authority,

ORGANIZED BY: City of Brantford, County of Brant, GrandRiver Conservation Authority, Heritage Working Group of The Grand Strategy

McMASTER LIBRARY OFFERS ACCESS TO ARCHIVE OF HOLOCAUST TESTIMONIES

2011-11-02T13:24:00.000-04:00

From the McMaster Daily News - November 2, 2011.
McMaster University has become the first Canadian institution to offer full access to videotaped testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses, nearly 52,000 in all, contained in one of the largest archives of its kind.
Recorded in 56 countries and in 32 languages-mostly between 1994 and 1999-the interviews are contained in the USC Shoah Foundation Institute's Visual History Archive, which can be accessed either remotely or on campus through secure access to McMaster University Library.
The USC Shoah Foundation was established in 1994 by director Steven Spielberg to collect and preserve the testimonies of survivors and other witnesses of the Holocaust.
There are accounts from Jewish Holocaust survivors, homosexual survivors, Jehovah's Witness survivors, liberators and liberation witnesses, political prisoners, rescuers and aid providers, Sinti and Roma survivors, survivors of Eugenics policies and war crimes trials participants.
Nearly three thousand survivors were interviewed in Canada, with 34 interviews conducted in Hamilton. "The testimonies will serve as a remarkable research tool for our students, faculty and the much wider community," said University librarian Jeff Trzeciak. "This tremendously rich archive can and will be used across all disciplines at the University, providing scholars with tremendous insight on the Holocaust."
A special launch event is to be held on campus November 4th, 7 p.m. at CIBC Centre, with keynote speaker Branko Lustig, the Oscar-winning producer of Schindler's List and one of the founding figures of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute.
His own testimony is preserved in the Institute's archive. In each testimony, a survivor speaks of life experiences before, during and after the war. Many show photographs, documents and artifacts or introduce family members and friends on camera.
Approximately 150 of the interviews feature walking tours, some conducted at former concentration camps, ghettos, mass graves or in front of a former family home. "Nearly 52,000 survivors and witnesses have shared their voices, shared their messages with the world," USC Shoah Foundation Institute Executive Director Stephen D. Smith said.
"They are eyewitnesses who have testified about what they saw and experienced during the Holocaust and across their lives. Their testimony is allowing historians to enter the past as never before, and scholars of wide-ranging disciplines are finding the archive to be of utmost value to their research.
The Institute commends McMaster University for making such learning opportunities possible in Canada." "These unique holdings are a mosaic of experiences that not only speak to the Holocaust in terms of a historical past, but also inform our current and future social and moral obligations," said Noah Shenker, an expert in Holocaust testimony and post doctoral fellow in the Faculty of Humanities and McMaster University Library.
"This has a tremendous influence on how we document and respond to other genocides, including those in Armenia, Cambodia, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Darfur." Acquiring the archive is part of a commitment by the University to collect primary sources from the Holocaust, he said, such as the development of the Madeleine and Monte Levy Virtual Museum of the Holocaust and the Resistance.

WHO KNEW... LOCAL HISTORY COULD WIN YOU GREAT PRIZES??

2011-11-02T13:22:00.001-04:00

Who knew learning about your community could win you BIG prizes!? Play an online game for the chance to win weekly prizes, and be entered in to win our grand prize - a $4000 cruise travel voucher! Visit any of the participating museums and galleries below for more chances to win!

http://www.interestingfacts.ca/

This week's prize is season tickets for the Brantford Blast 2011-2012 hockey season and tickets to the Sun Life Curling Classic!

Campaign partners:Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, Bell Homestead, Brantford Arts Block, BrantMuseums and Archives, Burford Township Historical Society Museum, CanadianMilitary Heritage Museum, Chiefswood National Historic Site, Glenhyrst ArtGallery, Mohawk Chapel, Myrtleville House Museum, Personal Computer Museum, the St.George Museum and the Woodland Cultural Centre.

GUEST SPEAKER ON NOVEMBER 12 WILL DISCUSS TEACHING REMEMBRANCE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

2011-10-27T17:26:00.000-04:00

The South Dumfries Historical Society presentsA Public Talk in honour of Remembrance Day in St. GeorgeSaturday, November 12th2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.(with time for questions and time for refreshments)At the Memorial Hall, 32 Main Street SouthFREE ADMISSIONOur guest speaker will beLINDSAY HALLWinner of Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian HistoryLindsay Hall sought new ways to connect with her students while teaching them about significant Canadian World War Two battles and contributions. She worked on an approach where students progressed through a variety of lessons and work stations, completing a series of tasks designed to hone their research and historical inquiry skills. Using video games (such as Medal of Honor: Frontline), movies (like Saving Private Ryan and Swing Kids), graphic novels, newsreels and slide presentations students learned about the battles of the Second World War, studied the role that Canadians played in Hong Kong, The Dieppe Raid, The Battle of Britain, The Italian Campaign, the war in the air and at sea, D-Day and The Liberation of the Netherlands. By using media that today's youth are familiar and adept at, Lindsay Hall builds on these competencies to teach her students how to evaluate the reliability, accuracy and historical authenticity of sources. Her efforts earned her a Governor’s General Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History.Please join us as Mrs. Hall tells the story of her teaching breakthroughs.For more information, please call the St. George Museum at (519) 448-3265.“Make remembrance more than something you feel. Make it something you do.”

Take a virtual tour of the Hoodless Homestead

2011-10-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

A virtual tour - photo slideshow - is available for the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead - a National Historic Site here in St. George and the birthplace of a person of National Historical significance - Adelaide Hoodless.You can take the online tour at http://www.adelaidehoodless.ca/ and also learn details of upcoming events and how to take an actual tour.Say hi to Catherine if you do visit in person!

SCAN AND SHARE EVENT OCTOBER 29th

2011-10-07T14:31:00.001-04:00

PRESERVE AND SHARE YOUR HISTORY!The County of Brant Public Library is hosting another SCAN AND SHARE EVENTat the St. George Branch of the Libraryon Saturday October 29th, 2011from 10 am to 2 pm.The branch is located at 78 Main Street North.Your family history and our digital scanner can combine to help build an amazing online history collection.We do not keep your originals, but simply make a detailed, archival quality, scan of them - whether it be family photos, old postcards, deeds, letters home, report cards, even artifacts like school ribbons or Fall Fair prizes.We would love to have the chance to scan the items, have you identify them for us and permit us to share them (either now or later) to help tell the story of St. George, Harrisburg, Glen Morris, etc.Your old family photos could have interesting details in the background - of old shops, torn down schools, long forgotten motor vehicles or farm equipment - perhaps even a railway bridge.The process is generally quite fast.If you know someone who has interesting photos or scrapbooks, etc. please pass the word along to them - it is a shame when local history disappears. You will probably have heard of stories of people downsizing and throwing out what could have been valuable photos, papers, etc.You can view previous images at images.ourontario.ca/brantFor more information please call 519-448-2433.The County of Brant Public Library has partnered with the SDHS on this digital project, supported by a generous grant from the Trillium Foundation.

BELL HOMESTEAD HALLOWEEN FUN FAIR

2011-10-06T12:43:00.000-04:00

Hallowe'en Fun FairOctober 23rd, 2011from NOON to 3:00 PM Come in Hallowe’en costume or just as you are. Save your pennies for our wickedly challenging games and traditional fair activities!Contact Name: Bell HomesteadContact Email: bellhomestead@brantford.caPhone: 519-756-6220 Website: http://bellhomestead.caWhere: (COB) Bell Homestead National Historic SiteWheelchair Accessible: yesAccessible Parking: yes

WAR OF 1812 FILM AIRS MONDAY

2011-10-06T12:17:00.003-04:00

For two and a half years, Americans fought Against the British, Canadian colonists, and native nations. In the years to come, the War of 1812 would be celebrated in some places and essentially forgotten in others. But it is a war worth remembering—a struggle that threatened the existence of Canada, then divided the United States so deeply that the nation almost broke apart. Some of its battles and heroes became legendary, yet its blunders and cowards were just as prominent. The film shows how the glories of war became enshrined in history – how failures are quickly forgotten – how inconvenient truths are ignored forever. With stunning re-enactments, evocative animation and the incisive commentary of key experts, The War of 1812 presents the conflict that forged the destiny of a continent. The War of 1812 premieres Monday, October 10, 2011 at 9pm ET. Check Local Listings to see when it's airing on your local PBS station.

CULTURE DAYS CANADA COMES TO ST. GEORGE

2011-09-23T00:36:00.001-04:00

Culture Days in St. GeorgeAt the Memorial Hall, 32 Main Street SouthCelebrate interactive arts and culture in your community!www.culturedays.caOur contribution to this national series of events is:Saturday, October 1st2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.FREE ADMISSION! LEARN ALL THE BASICS OFPIONEER BARN DANCINGWithMARTY PULLINfrom the Sheffield Settler’s Museum of Rural LifeMarty Pullin (as Jacob Sipes) recreates a real pioneer farmer who will talk to you and your children about life as a settler – and the entertainment they enjoyed. This "first-person" presenter will be dressed in authentic period costume, and participants will be encouraged to ask him questions.“Jacob” will show everyone some of his farm tools & musical instruments, and teach everyone some barn dance moves, accompanied with live fiddle & bagpipe music!For more information, please call the St. George Museum at (519) 448-3265.And look for other Culture Days events and activities throughout the Ontario and Canada!

DOORS OPEN BRANT - 2011 EDITION!

2011-09-09T15:50:00.002-04:00

It is Doors Open time again - follow this link to more information on the sites you can visit this year in Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations/New Credit:

http://www.tdgmarketing.com/html/doorsopenbrant/wk4/dob_wk4html_web.html

There are 20 sites in all to enjoy and explore between 10 am and 4 pm:

http://www.doorsopenbrant.ca/

Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead NHS(say hi to Catherine!)
Asa Wolverton House, Paris
Bell Plaque – Mt. Pleasant
Bell Business Centre– Harmony Square
Bell Homestead NHS (say hi to Brian and Sarah!)
Bell Memorial – Brantford
Bell Plaque – Downtown Paris
Brantford Municipal Airport
Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)
First Baptist Church, Brantford
Grand River Employment and Training Centre
Kayanase Greenhouses
Mt. Pleasant United Church
Myrtleville House Museum
Paris Baptist Church
Paris Museum and Paris Historical Society
Riverview Terrace
The Sanderson Centre
Six Nations Public Library
Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. John The Baptist

Admission is free (but donations are gratefully accepted!)

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ST. GEORGE ANTIQUE SHOW Sept 3 & 4, 2011

2011-08-18T21:10:00.002-04:00

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL ST. GEORGE ANTIQUE SHOW

Saturday, September 3 & Sunday, September 4, 2011

Where:

South Dumfries Community Centre (Arena)
Gaukel Drive
St. George, Ontario
N0E 1N0

Price:$5.00 admission

Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

The Show is back again this year, in the new and improved St. George arena. Selected quality dealers will present a range of antiques to browse and to buy. Also, delicious home-style meals and desserts. Free parking. $5.00 admission - the major fundraiser of the South Dumfries Historical Society.

Visit our downtown while you are in town for our new coffeehouses (the Brown Dog and the Rustic Mug), our upscale Italian restaurant (La Cantinella), our trusty English Pub (the St George Arms), a burger at Scotty's, Pizza at Carmen's or at New Orleans Pizza.

Saturday night (1st Saturday each month) there is a fish fry at the St. George Legion which is very popular. Or grab an Ice Cream cone next to the Rustic Mug or at Monk's Chip Wagon next to the Bank of Montreal parking lot.

If you need to stock up on snacks and drinks for the road, visit our friends at St. George Foodland.

Visit the Museum Saturday afternoon while you are downtown, and browse our antique shops on the historic Main Street.

Consider a side trip to one of the Apple farms nearby or to Robert Hall Originals - an amazing store just west of the downtown for "rockhounds" and for unique pewter creations.

On Sunday afternoon, visit our friends at the Adelaide Hoodless Homestead from 2 - 4 pm - a National Historic Site honouring the birthplace of the founder of the Women's Institute movement (among her many accomplishments).

This is also the weekend of the Paris Fair!

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CINDY ALEXANDER AND OFFSUIT - BACK FOR CANADA DAY FUN!

2011-06-30T14:04:00.002-04:00

Cindy Alexander and Offsuit are back for St. George Canada Day. They will be rocking the mainstage between 11 am and 3 pm - and hosting young singers and contests along the way.

Five local singers, between the ages of 11 and 17 will be featured on the stage to give them an opportunity to sing before a large crowd. Some of these singers will be performing original songs.

Excitement is also building for the Air Guitar Contest - Cindy and the band will host this competition - just show up with your "air guitar" and we will have the performers demonstrate their skills in front of the stage - be prepared for lots of head-banging and wiggling tongues.... This will mostly be for the younger air guitarists, but will likely feature an adults-only round as well so that Dads (and Moms) can embarrass their children.

Cindy and the band will be performing a solid mix of classic rocks songs along the way. While Cindy is also an accomplished jazz singer - when she fronts Offsuit, the energy level and the volume get cranked up to 11!

Offsuit is a Kitchener based rock n' roll band specializing in music that is recognizable to across generations. They play songs from legendary artists spanning four decades with which everyone is familiar, but avoid the songs that most cover bands have overdone.

From Guns n' Roses, Stone Temple Pilots and Pink Floyd to The Monkees, The Beatles, The Eagles, even Huey Lewis and the News. The set is an eclectic blend of favourites suitable for all ages.

Cindy Alexander - Vocals

Steve Goodwin - Vocals, Guitar

Kevin Randall - Lead Guitar

Mike Koch - Bass

Barry Briere - Drums

Find out more about Offsuit at their website: http://offsuitmusic.com/

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HOMETOWN ROOTS ON THE MAIN STAGE FROM 3 PM to 5 PM

2011-06-30T13:58:00.002-04:00

Hometown Roots will be playing two exciting sets for our Canada Day festivities. Look for them on the Main Stage in front of Sunnyside starting at 3 pm. The band will also be on hand both before and after their set to meet with fans and sign autographs (and sell copies of their CD).

Examples of the band's songs can be found at http://www.myspace.com/hometownrootsband
- including song clips and videos - as well as photographs.

Hometown Roots is a four member rock group from Rockwood, Ontario (near Guelph), who formed in late 2009.

Driven by emotional vocal harmonies and guitar solos, Hometown Roots succeeds in creating a unique musical style.

Despite their age, Hometown Roots have won multiple competitions throughout southern Ontario, recently their success in the Y108 Rock n’ Roll Challenge has earned them a spot to compete for $30, 000 in prizes.

Their energetic and charismatic presence, combined with deep musical talent, make their performances speak for themselves.

In the summer of 2010 the band was asked to play in Port Dover for the record- breaking Friday the 13th motorcycle rally as more than 200, 000 people filled the streets.

Using the money from these events and competitions, Hometown Roots recorded an 11 track original CD at Escarpment Sound Studio courtesy of Brian Hewson.

Take a listen, or better yet, make a point of witnessing one of their exciting live performances.

"I have booked HTR nearly a dozen times and their crowds are growing consistently larger and larger, while their performance is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. As someone who produces more than 80 concerts per year, I'd definitely recommend these young guys for any performance or showcase." - Rob Rapiti, BLR Entertainment

THE CAKE IS READY - THANK YOU CAKE BOSS!

2011-06-30T13:55:00.003-04:00

Fiona from the St. George Foodland has made another wonderful Canada Day Cake - she is the "Cake Boss" of St. George. The Cake will be served after some hopefully brief speeches from our local politicians that start at 5 pm at the Cenotaph Corner (at the traffic lights at Main Street and Beverly Street West). Thanks to Trevor and the staff at St. George Foodland for providing the cake again this year (and by the way, the Foodland is open tomorrow until 5 pm for your last minute Canada Day needs).

CANADA DAY IN ST GEORGE 2011

2011-06-18T16:47:00.001-04:00

FRIDAY July 1st , 2011

Come out and enjoy a great afternoon of fun to celebrate Canada's birthday...

AFTERNOON EVENTS ON THE MAIN STREET:
Main Street will be closed between Beverly Street and High Street.

Main Street Contests and Games for children and adults, Sidewalk Chalk Art, Hula Hoops and more – Prizes to be awarded! Check the door of the Museum or the website for details close to July 1st)

Music from 11 am to 5 pm

Great pop/rock favourites with
CINDY ALEXANDER and OFFSUIT

and rising stars:
HOMETOWN ROOTS (back from a tour in Alberta)

Also Special Guest singers and Air Guitar contest!

Bring your lawnchairs to enjoy the music.

ALSO: Museum Open House; Displays and Sidewalk Sales;

FORMAL CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH CORNER:
Starting at 5 pm - Greetings and Speeches
and Birthday Cake (Courtesy of Trevor McLean and the staff of St. George Foodland)

Supported by a generous donations by the COUNTY OF BRANT; STARLITE HOMES LTD.(Jack Speelziek) and ANNSPEL HOLDINGS LTD. (Debby Speelziek).

Main Street activities coordinated by the South Dumfries Historical Society.

Schedule of events subject to change, check the SDHS website for updates at www.southdumfrieshistoricalsociety.blogspot.com

OTHER CANADA DAY ACTIVITIES IN ST. GEORGE:

Start the day with a pancake breakfast hosted by the St. George firefighters
at the Fire Station from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. and, later, watch the
“FIRE AND THUNDER” FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR!
At approx. 10 pm – at King William Park.
BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIRS!
(No other fireworks or sparklers allowed)
Presented by the St. George Volunteer Firefighters.

PORT DOVER MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2011

2011-05-31T16:38:00.002-04:00

June 17 - 19, 2011

The MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL in Port Dover combines Historical Naval / Military re-enactments with demonstrations along with lots of other great entertainment.

The brigantine (tall ship) St. Lawrence II will be at the pier and in the harbour for the entire event.

On Friday (June 17) the vessel will be part of the Education Day programs.

On Saturday and Sunday it will host deck tours by the public and even serve as a stage for musical events.

The St. Lawrence II will also participate in the twilight “Battle on The Beach” on Saturday (June 18) evening.

The weekend’s program will also include opportunities for audience participation in the form of hands-on demonstrations and teaching sessions.

GUNBOATS IN THE CREEK
1812 NAVAL & MILITARY RE-ENACTMENTS,
TALL SHIP - ST. LAWRENCE II
FAMILY ACTIVITIES, DEMONSTRATIONS, GREAT MUSIC & MORE

For more information, please contact:

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM
519-583-2660
portdover.museum@norfolkcounty.ca
www.portdovermuseum.ca

SAVE THE DATE: ST. GEORGE ANTIQUE SHOW SEPT 3rd & 4th, 2011

2011-05-31T16:32:00.003-04:00

Mark your calendars now!

Announcing the return of the Village of St. George Fall ANTIQUE SHOW!

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
September 3rd and 4th, 2011

Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

A St. George tradition for over 20 years.

Quality dealers presenting a range of antiques;
Light lunches, delicious desserts, coffee & tea

Located at the St. George Arena (The South Dumfries Community Centre) -
Approx. 15 minutes west of Flamboro Downs Race Track on Highway #5

Admission $5.00 (under 12 free with an adult).

Plenty of free parking.

Stay and browse and then visit the shops and restaurants downtown, too!

For more information, call Jeff Stutley at (905) 659-1166 or email: dsimpson@bfree.on.ca

Hosted by the South Dumfries Historical Society/St. George Museum & Archives

THE BATTLE OF STONEY CREEK - WILL BE RE-ENACTED THIS WEEKEND

2011-05-31T16:21:00.003-04:00

Re-enactment celebrates 30th anniversary this weekend

If you think history is all dusty and library-quiet, head out to Stoney Creek this weekend and you will be proven wrong!

The famous Battle of Stoney Creek will be commemorated on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Battlefield House Museum and Park, with battle re-enactments on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

There will also be fireworks after the Saturday evening battle.

Battlefield House Museum and Park curator Susan Ramsay says “Visitors to the event this year can expect to experience a wide variety of activities and historical content, so that they can understand what life was like during the War of 1812.”

The Burlington Teen Tour Band will perform on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on the battlefield. Known as Canada’s Musical Ambassadors, the band has attended many events, including 60th VE-Day anniversary celebrations in Holland, 60th D-Day anniversary celebrations in France and ceremonies marking the 50th and 60th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian forces during the Second World War – to name only a few highlights.

Visitors are invited to re-live history all weekend long, while enjoying food and refreshments, a fashion show of women’s clothing from 1805 to 1815, historical demonstrations, musical entertainment, one-of-a-kind shopping and period games.

Visitors can also take a guided tour through the 200-year-old Gage homestead, a trip through the 19th century encampment or they can listen to Indian war hero, Tecumseh, as he recounts the story of his life.

Archaeologists will be on site to discuss the current archaeological excavations taking place in Battlefield Park.

Admission to the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek weekend is $8 for adults and $2 for youth. The event is free for children under five.

For more information, call (905) 662-8458 or visit www.battlefieldhouse.ca.

Reminder: DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS THIS WEEK

2011-05-09T17:16:00.001-04:00

HELP PRESERVE OUR HISTORY

DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS THIS WEEK

The South Dumfries Historical Society and the County of Brant Public Library will be hosting special Digital Preservation Days at the Glen Morris and St. George Branch Libraries.

This is your chance to preserve your family's history and help us build an online historical collection that will be preserved for generations to come.

All types of items are welcome to be digitized, and nothing is too old or too new!
Bring your photos and documents like team pictures, street scenes, school pictures or land deeds, family histories, and ledgers....even physical artifacts can be photographed and included in the collection!

Please also consider – if these dates and times are not convenient – contacting us so that we can make other arrangements.

If you know a neighbour, a friend or a relative who might also have items of interest, please encourage them to visit us or contact us.

If you have family photos with streetscape or other area backgrounds, they can be of great interest to historians – even for fashions and the types of cars that show up.

Bring your photos in and we’ll scan them for you. You keep the original, and you can get a scanned copy, and we keep a copy for our archives.

Artifacts can include a wide range of things – from team uniforms, dairy bottles, store advertisements, trophies, farm equipment, toys, etc.

Some images may be added to our online historical photo collection – and we will ask your permission in this regard. We may also have questions to assist us in accurately cataloguing materials – but do not be embarrassed if you are sketchy on details – and do not stay away on that account - we will all do the best we can.

Thank you for helping with this project!

Glen Morris Branch
When: Tuesday, May 10
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event

St. George Branch
When: Friday, May 13
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event

*

This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

JANE'S WALK - THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!

2011-05-06T18:12:00.002-04:00

May 4th would have been Jane Jacobs’ birthday. The Jane’s Walks held all over the world this weekend - including the St. George Walk this Sunday at 3 p.m. - honour her memory and keep her ideas alive.

Born Jane Butzner in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she would move to New York City one year after graduating from the Scranton High School.

Her famous book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was published in 1961.

She moved with her family to Toronto in 1968 and lived there until her death in 2006.

To quote from the proclamation of former Toronto Mayor David Miller, when the City proclaimed May 4, 2007 as “Jane Jacobs Day:”

“She inspired and taught the world how to understand and value our cities, almost single-handedly transforming our ideas about urban life.

Jane Jacobs was a writer, outspoken urban activist, a philosopher of everyday life and an innovator. Her book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" brought into focus the premise that cities are engines of growth whose vitality stems from the variety of activities people engage in. In other books she analyzed how cities function with one another and how to live in a world of conflicting moral principles.

Jane Jacobs' arguments were from the ground up, with in-depth observations of everyday places, teaching us about 'eyes on the street', life on the sidewalk and that walkable, dense, compact and diverse neighbourhoods were the hallmarks of a healthy city, where people join their creative energies.”

From the Jane’s Walk press release:

On the May 7 and 8 weekend, thousands of Canadians will take to the streets to mark the fifth annual Jane’s Walk, a series free, urban neighbourhood tours that inspire citizens to get to know their city and each other by getting out and walking. The homegrown innovation will stroll through more than 30 cities across Canada and more than 70 cities worldwide in celebration of Jane Jacobs’s birthday (May 4).

In total, more than 12,000 walkers will take part in over 500 tours led by passionate and friendly locals who want to share their inside tips on great places to walk, hang out, shop, eat and explore in their own neighbourhoods. New international Jane’s Walk partnerships this year include Sao Paulo (Brazil), Wuhan (China), Tel Aviv, (Israel), Colchester and Hereford (England), Berlin (Germany), Guadalajara (Mexico), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Carcar (Philippines).

“Jane Jacobs is the foremost urban thinker of our time,” says Jane Farrow, executive director of Jane’s Walk. “She encouraged people to familiarize themselves with the places where they live, work and play – believing in the importance of local residents having input on how their neighbourhoods develop.”

2011 is also the 50th anniversary of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, the best-selling book that introduced Jane Jacobs’ ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail. Her community-centred vision started with the idea that local residents know best how to shape and improve their neighbourhoods. Foremost is her simple yet revolutionary idea that dense, mixed use neighborhoods are the key to the health and survival of a city. Decades later, it has become a model for generations of architects, planners, politicians and activists.

A new Jane’s Walk iPhone® app allows users across Canada to sort the walks by date, neighbourhood and location for free. This year’s tours walk the gamut with everything from the historical to the controversial:

• Explore the changing face of Edmonton's Original Warehouse District;
• Stroll Calgary’s Chinatown, one of the city’s oldest and much loved neighbourhoods;
• Experience the University of Saskatchewan’s century-old tradition of architectural quality and hear some of the stories told in stone;
• Wander through Beacon Hill Park and learn about how this part of Victoria has been used in the past by first nations, early settlers, current residents;
• Bring your binoculars to see the birds and bees in Guelph, a walking tour about urban wildlife;
• Wheel your way from Ottawa’s Rideau Centre to the Byward Market and back as you discuss issues of mobility access in the capital city’s downtown core;
• Learn about food production in Montreal’s Villeray community and how to reduce our dependence on oil by eating local and delicious dishes;
• Discover the fascinating cultural history and award-winning murals of the West End, Winnipeg’s most diverse community;
• Walk the harbour and Water St. area of St. John’s as you discuss the historical city’s transition from a compact, walkable, habour-focused city to a widely dispersed city dependent on automobile transportation.

WARTIME PLAQUE RESCUED AND DONATED TO THE ST. GEORGE LEGION

2011-05-06T18:05:00.002-04:00

At the May 4, 2011 meeting of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 605, a presentation was made of a special plaque.

On hand to make the presentation was Graham Malcolm, of the Malcolm Condensing Company Ltd. family. The long-time landmark dairy, opposite the Old School on Beverly Street East in St. George, is in the process of being demolished.

Also on hand was Tim Nesbitt, from the St. George Volunteer Fire Department, who rescued from the demolition a plaque that had been displayed in the dairy office for years - apparently honouring employees of the company who answered the call to serve their country in the Second World War.

"Our Empire Called - They Served," reads a heading on the plaque.

Listed below that heading are twelve names (and a spot where one name has evidently gone missing over the years).

Here is a approximation of the list of names (in two columns):

[Left hand column]

L. Wehrstein
Donald Burke
H. Nickerson
Jack Bailey
Erlin Myers
Gilbert Mannen
William Howell

[Right hand column]

Hugh Trendell
Marquis Golden
Russell Mundie
John H. Malcolm
Gordon Lee
[missing name]

Legion branch president, Joe Muldoon, accepted the gift on behalf of Branch 605 and confirmed that it would hang with honour in the front room of the Legion.

John Wehrstein (joined by his wife Joan) shared memories of his father Lloyd Wehrstein, the first name listed on the plaque, with those in attendance.

Lloyd was well known as the village barber up until his retirement in 1985, and his father was the barber before that.

Lloyd worked at Malcolm's sometime before the war and then joined the RCAF 405 squadron, working as a ground mechanic. John indicated that his father would have liked to have been a pilot, but did not pass the eyesight requirements...

He worked on the Avro Lancaster bombers during the war.

Mr. Wehrstein served for four years, from 1941 - 1945, and then returned to St. George to take over the family business.

John also recalled his father's good friend Russell Mundie, known as "Duke," who was Lloyd's best man at his wedding.

Mr. Malcolm recalled Donald Burke - who lived on Beverly Street and joined the RCAF as a bomber pilot. He remembered that Mr. Burke had married Laurel Paterson, the "girl next door" and also that he had bought the first Studebaker Starlight Coupe in town - baby blue and gorgeous!

Mr. Malcolm also spoke about his father, John H. Malcolm, who joined the army, initially with the 2nd/10th Dragoons from Brantford. He trained at first in Canada at Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia (a tough place to spend a winter) and was promoted to the rank of Captain in Halifax before he shipped over to England. He had further training in England in 1943, but was injured in 1944 when a landing net he and others were climbing let loose as they neared the top - sending them down hard to the shale beach below.

John Malcolm spent approximately two months in hospital following that accident. When he had recovered and was released, he embarked with a driver on a jeep adventure to find his good friend Dudley Brooks and take him a bottle of scotch to share. Dudley would soon after take part in the D-Day landings at Normandy. John survived the War and returned home on the Queen Elizabeth.

There are many more stories behind the names on the plaque. Marquis Golden was known as "Gus." Gordon Lee had the paint factory in town. Hugh Trendell lived on Beverly Street at the corner of King William.

Mr. Malcolm and John Wehrstein, along with Donna Howell from the Legion, indicated that they would work together to document the stories behind the names on the plaque so that the memories can live on.

DOORS OPEN ONTARIO 2011

2011-04-30T10:23:00.002-04:00

Doors Open Ontario returns for its 10th year, starting with Guelph today (April 30).

"This season, participants will have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks, natural wonders, architectural gems and hidden heritage treasures at 56 community events across the province," says Liane Nowosielski of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

There are seven new destinations: Deseronto-Napanee; Grimsby; Highlands East; Kapuskasing; Middlesex; Merrickville; and Pickering.

Brantford and Brant County are featured on Sept. 24th.

Here are the upcoming Doors Open events (most are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.):

- Guelph, April 30; Chatham-Kent, Whitby, May 7; Hamilton, May 7-8; Temiskaming Shores, May 14; Deseronto-Napanee and Milton, May 28; and Brockville-Thousand Islands and Toronto, May 28-29.

- Whitchurch-Stouffville, June 4; Huronia, Ottawa and Owen Sound, June 4-5; Smiths Falls, June 5; Clarington and Richmond Hill, June 11; Burlington and Highlands East, June 11-12; Kingston and Perth, June 18; Fergus-Elora, June 25; and Muskoka, June 25-26.

- Aurora, July 9; Kapuskasing, July 23; Norfolk, Aug. 13; Georgina and Markham, Aug. 27; Belleville, Sept. 10; Cornwall-Seaway Valley, Sept. 10-11; Kawartha Lakes, Sept. 11; Amherstburg, Haldimand County, Newmarket, Rideau Lakes-Westport, St. Marys and Waterloo Region, Sept. 17.

- London, Middlesex and South Bruce Peninsula, Sept. 17-18; Merrickville, Sept. 18; and Brant, East Elgin, Oxford County and Pembroke, Sept. 24.

- Grimsby, Oakville, Oshawa and Peterborough, Sept. 24-25; Barrie, Mississauga, Pickering and Port Stanley-Sparta, Oct. 1; Gananoque, St. Thomas and Vaughan, Oct. 1-2; and Kincardine, Oct. 15-16.

To learn more about the Doors Open Ontario events and sites: visit the website at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca; or call 1-800-ONTARIO and request the Doors Open Ontario booklet.

JANE'S WALK OF ST. GEORGE 2011

2011-04-26T16:25:00.002-04:00

JANE'S WALK OF ST. GEORGE 2011
presented by the South Dumfries Historical Society

Meet at the St. George Museum & Archives
36 Main Street South
St. George
N0E 1N0

Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 3:00 PM.

A free walking tour of St. George, dedicated to the memory of Jane Jacobs, author of Life and Death of Great American Cities and an advocate for strong communities.

The South Dumfries Historical Society will be presenting the third Jane's Walk of St. George on Sunday, May 8th, 2011, at 3:00 pm.

Starting at the St. George Museum & Archives (36 Main Street South,) the walk will explore the past, present and possible futures of the community.

What is a Jane's Walk?

Jane's Walks are a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that help put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves.

Since its inception in 2007, Jane's Walk has happened in many North American cities: Toronto, New York, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, Guelph, Charlottetown, Thornbury, and Salt Lake City.

More partner cities and towns were added in 2009, including Montreal, Regina, Boston, Chicago, Hamilton, New Orleans, and St. George.

Jane's Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning.

Jane's Walk helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

All Jane's Walk tours are given and taken for free.

The St. George walk should last approx. 60 - 75 minutes.

These walks are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighbourhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents.

Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighbourhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them.

Jane's Walks are meant to be fun, engaged and participatory - everyone's got a story and they're usually keen to share it

Visit the Jane's Walk website at www.janeswalk.net for more information (our walk is listed under “Brant County”).

DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS

2011-04-07T15:02:00.001-04:00

DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS

The South Dumfries Historical Society and the County of Brant Public Library will be hosting special Digital Preservation Days at the Glen Morris and St. George Branch Libraries.

This is your chance to preserve your family's history and help us build an online historical collection that will be preserved for generations to come.

All types of items are welcome to be digitized, and nothing is too old or too new!

Bring your photos and documents like team pictures, street scenes, school pictures or land deeds, family histories, and ledgers....even physical artifacts can be photographed and included in the collection!

Glen Morris Branch
When: Tuesday, May 10
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event

St. George Branch
When: Friday, May 13
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event

This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Victorian Pharmacy - Mondays on TVO

2011-02-27T22:52:00.001-05:00

Victorian Pharmacy - Four Part Television series:

Mondays at 10pm on TVO - Beginning February 28th.

Victorian Pharmacy is a historical documentary TV series in four parts, first shown on BBC Two in July 2010. It was filmed at Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire. It is a historical documentary that looks at life in the 19th Century and how people attempted to cure common ailments.

Since some of the ingredients of Victorian remedies are now either illegal or known to be dangerous, Nick Barber often uses his modern pharmaceutical knowledge to produce similar products without those ingredients.

The other main presenters are Tom Quick, a PhD student, and Ruth Goodman, a domestic historian who also appeared in Tales from the Green Valley, Victorian Farm and Edwardian Farm.

Episode 1

The first episode is set in 1837. It was mentioned that the series would not be using opium that was commonly used by pharmacists during the Victorian era. A world where traditional remedies, such as leeches, oil of earthworm and potions laced with cannabis and opium, held sway.

After sampling some of the old ways, the team ventured into new discoveries, such as the Malvern water cure, the bronchial kettle for curing coughs, and the invention of Indian tonic water.

Episode 2

The team took on the challenges of the 1850s and 60s, a time when overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions had reached their peak, leading to unprecedented outbreaks of disease. 'Cure all' medicines that had promised to cure virtually everything, were all the rage and the team make their own out of rhubarb, liquorice, soap and syrup.

They also ventured into the uncertain world of electrotherapy and found out how the discovery of germs made disinfectants a bestseller.

Episode 3

The pharmacy entered a period of new inventions and new laws. In 1868 pharmacies were regulated by law for the very first time - and Ruth, Tom and Nick faced a taste of the tough examinations pharmacists went through to become qualified.

They also explored the world of poisons and hazards that were completely unregulated until this time - from arsenic and opium to explosives. But the lack of restrictions they had enjoyed enabled 'experimental chemists' to invent products ranging from matches to fireworks, to custard and jelly.

The team learned the processes involved in each, and laid on a Victorian style firework display for their customers.

Episode 4

The last programme in the series saw Ruth, Tom and Nick continue with Barber and Goodman's Pharmacy through to the end of the Victorian era.
Tom branched out into photography and dentistry using the latest technology, such as the foot-pedal dental drill. Ruth made condoms out of sheep intestines.

Nick learned how to make the Victorian version of aspirin producing a cure for warts and corns along the way. And for those customers who like a little pampering, the team turn their hands to making their very own brand of perfume.

As they shut up shop for the last time, the team reflected on a revolution in public healthcare that put a chemist's shop in every town in the country.

JOSEPH BRANT MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE FEB 23rd

2011-02-18T11:17:00.002-05:00

Joseph Brant Museum is hosting its annual Open House on Wednesday (Feb. 23) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.. The Museum is located on North Shore Boulevard, just east of Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, in Burlington, Ontario.

You can learn about one of Burlington’s earliest settlers — Mohawk Indian Chief and Captain Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea.

You can also explore the latest exhibit, The Crazy Years: The Fashion Renaissance of the Roaring 1920s. The exhibition features several dresses, coats and furs from the Eileen Collard Costume Collection, and hats, shoes, purses and other popular accessories from the era.

A media component showcases images and music of the period visually highlighting a decade recovering from the First World War and embracing a new-found freedom and attitude that included the women’s rights movement, the jazz era and the influence of black culture.

An added feature for Joseph Brant Museum guests will be an antique clinic (Noon - 4 p.m.). Guests are invited to bring items that will be professionally appraised. Appraisal costs are $5 for one item and $10 for up to three items.

Also presented will be crafts, historic re-enactors, hands-on activities, and light refreshments.

Admission is free to the Joseph Brant museum for the open house.

*

Joseph Brant Museum
1240 North Shore Blvd. E.
Burlington, ON L7S 1C5

The museum will be closed Monday February 21st for Family Day.

Regular Museum Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am-4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 1:00pm-4:30pm

General Admission (includes HST)
Adult: $ 4.50
Senior / Student: $ 4.00
Child (5-12 years): $ 2.25
Child (Under 5 years): Free

Accessibility
There is wheelchair accessibility for the main floor only. There is no wheelchair washroom access.

Contact Us:
Tel: 905-634-3556
Fax: 905-634-4498
Toll-Free: 1-888-748-5386

Directions:

From Brantford - Brant County area
1. Take Hwy #403 east toward Hamilton.
2. Merge right onto QEW toward Niagara.
3. Take the North Shore Blvd. /Eastport Drive exit.
4. Take the North Shore Blvd. exit (exit 97).
5. At the lights, turn left onto North Shore Blvd. E. /Provincial Route 2.
6. At the 3rd set of lights, turn right onto Lakeshore Road at the intersection of Lakeshore Road (right and straight ahead) and Maple Avenue (left). The museum is on the right-hand side. Continue past the building to enter the parking lot.

*

Black History Month Hike to Griffin House, Feb 21st

2011-02-13T18:37:00.003-05:00

Families are invited to participate on a “black history hike” to Griffin House on Monday, February 21st.

Wear boots and mittens as you follow the trail from the Hermitage parking lot to Griffin House, where hot cider and history will be served from 1-4 p.m. For more information, call Fieldcote Museum, Ancaster, at 905-648-8144.

Griffin House stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of black men and women who journeyed to freedom in Southern Ontario by the Underground Railroad. Griffin House offers tours and black-history-related programs as part of the Black Heritage Network.

This unique historic site is situated atop a hill overlooking the Dundas Valley and is managed as a joint project. The house and property are owned and operated by the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority. Public visitation and interpretation is offered by Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum.

Public visitation is available holiday Mondays from May to October.

733 Mineral Springs Rd.
Ancaster, Ontario L9H 1A1

Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 7220
Email: griffinhouse@hamilton.ca

Hours of Operation:
1 - 4 pm for the Family Day Hike

Also open:
Sunday, May 8, 2011 (Doors Open Hamilton)
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Admission Rates:

Adult (18-59) $2.00
Senior (60+) $2.00
Student (13-17) $2.00
Child (6-12) $2.00
Infant (5 and under) Free

*

BHS Speaker series: Zig Misiak - Western Hooves of Thunder!

2011-02-09T10:42:00.003-05:00

BRANT HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
Speaker Series Presentation and Book Signing:

ZIG MISIAK, Author & Historian
(Western Hooves of Thunder)

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Time: 7:30pm, with book signing to follow presentation

Location: Brant Museum and Archives
57 Charlotte Street
Brantford, Ontario

Admission: Free

"We had a clear and unmistakable relevance that our counties (back then) and Six Nations had in the War of 1812. We were a part of the 1st major military action, the attack on Fort Detroit, and the last military action north of the Great Lakes, being American General McArthur’s raid on the county and Six Nations."
- Zig Misiak

Join us as Zig Misiak describes, through the use of the book's illustrations, the War of 1812, and how Six Nations got involved and what role they played throughout the war period.

Zig Misiak will be available to sign books following the presentation.

For more informaion on Zig and his projects, visit:
http://www.realpeopleshistory.com/

*

Addie's Birthday - February 27th - always a great party!

2011-02-07T00:28:00.002-05:00

This year the birthday of Adelaide Hunter Hoodless will be celebrated on Friday, Sunday, February 27th, 2011!

Please join the good people of the Hoodless Homestead for an afternoon historic house tours, fellowship and birthday cake!

The Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, is a National Historic Site recognizing the birthplace and childhood home of one of Canada's most eminent citizens!

Adelaide was born on February 27, 1857 and died on the eve of her birthday in 1910.

The Homestead is owned and operated by the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada.

The Homestead is located in Brant County, Ontario on the outskirts of the village of St. George: if you are coming from the East, take Highway 5 /Beverly Street and continue through St. George and across Highway 24 - the name of the road become Blue Lake Road on the other side of Hwy. 24 - the Homestead is a short distance along on the right hand side.

For more details, visit the Homestead website at: www.hoodlesshomestead.ca

CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: 519-448-1130
Fax: 519-448-1150
Email: adelaidehoodless@gmail.com

Street Address:
359 Blue Lake Road, St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 209, St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0

*

Happy 215th Birthday, Hiram Capron!

2011-02-07T00:15:00.002-05:00

The Paris Historical Society Museum will host a birthday celebration for the founder of Paris, Ontario, this coming Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Hiram Capron (February 12, 1796 – September 10, 1872) was the founder of the town of Paris in Ontario, Canada, which was incorporated in 1849. An immigrant from the United States, he purchased large plots of land by the Grand River and Nith River which he settled and developed.

The Paris Museum & Archives is located at 15 Curtis Avenue North (at Hwy. 99)
Paris, Ontario N3L 3W1

Phone: 519-442-9295

E-Mail: parishs@execulink.com

Website: www.parishistoricalsociety.com

1812 Lecture Series in Niagara-on-the-Lake

2011-02-06T22:23:00.002-05:00

February 3: David Webb - The Battle of Fort George

February 17: Cecilia Morgan - The War of 1812 and its Aftermath: Gender, Race, and the Colonial Context

March 3: David Hemmings - The Life & Family of Laura Secord

March 17: Ron Dale - TBA

March 31: Keith Jamieson - Contemporary Concepts of Commemoration at Six Nations

April 14: Doug Decroix - Time Lag, A Flag and the Right to Brag: Some American Perspectives on the War of 1812

April 28: Wes Turner - The Life & Death of Isaac Brock

May 12: Julia Roberts - TBA

Lectures start at 10:00am;

$5.00 per Lecture or Free for Historical Society Members & Volunteers.

Niagara Historical Society & Museum
43 Castlereagh Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, Canada

905-468-3912

http://niagarahistorical.museum/events/index.html

DOWN BY THE OLD MILL STREAM

2011-02-04T22:39:00.002-05:00

A PRESENTATION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVANCY OF ONTARIO (ACO), NORTH WATERLOO BRANCH

This presentation will take a look at the Heritage Mills in the Grand River Watershed - with Warren Stauch giving everyone an illustrated tour.

Date: Wednesday evening, March 23, 2011

Time: Doors opening 7 pm; Presentation at 7:30 pm.

Location: The St. Jacob's Visitor's Centre
1406 King Street North, St. Jacobs, Ontario.

Warren Stauch loves local history and heritage, which is evident by his many speaking engagements and his popular shunpiking tours. Also, he has a great fondness for Mills, and was commissioned by the Grand River Conservation Authority to undertake an inventory of Mills in the Grand River Watershed. He claims (and rightly so) that mills were the first major industrial component of a community and discovered that 10 mills are currently open to the public; 23 are privately owned, and 9 are preserved as ruins.

Every member is invited to hear Warren speak about these important heritage sites.

And you are welcome to bring a friend...

More information at the ACO website:
http://www.arconserv.ca/branches/show.cfm?id=8

Heritage Fair in Burlington, Sat Feb 12th

2011-01-31T23:23:00.002-05:00

Heritage Fair in Burlington: "Down Memory Lane"

Saturday, February 12th, from 10 am - 3 pm

Meet local heritage groups at this all-day special event. Hear speakers and view interactive displays on local heritage-related topics.

The Heritage Fair will feature these interesting seminars:

Courtship in the Victorian Era at 10 am

Interviewing Grannie: doing Oral History in your Family at 10:30 am

Who were the refugees to Canada in 1784? at 11:30 am

Crawford Lake Village at 12:30 pm

Early Burlington Medicine at 1:30 pm

Burlington's Buried History at 2:30 pm

The location is Central Library and all seminars are FREE!

2331 New Street
Burlington, Ontario L7R 1J4
Phone: 905.639.3611

http://www.bpl.on.ca/

Book Launch for Ontario's Grand River Valley Electric Railways

2011-01-25T15:18:00.002-05:00

Railfare*DC Books is set to release a new book on Tuesday February 8th, 2011, with a launch party at 2:00 pm at the Waterloo Region Museum (10 Huron Road, Kitchener).

Ontario's Grand River Valley Electric Railways is an attractive collection of great photographs, maps and scholarship. Author John Mills will be on hand at the launch, as will Ted Wickson, who helped compile many of the photographs. There will also be experts on Canadian railroad history and people who actually worked or rode on the lines.

The St. George Museum and the Paris Historical Society Museum were both able to help out in the project by sharing some of their photos.

For more information visit: http://www.railfare.net/OntariosGrandRiverValley.html

For information and directions to the Waterloo Region Museum, visit: http://waterlooregionmuseum.com/plan-your-visit.aspx

Here is the "blurb" on the book:

This book concentrates on the electric lines of the part of Southern Ontario adjacent to the Grand River (plus a corporate outpost at Woodstock). Naturally fertile and prosperous, this area attracted early settlement which coalesced around two points: the head of river navigation at Brantford, and the waterpower sites at and north of Galt. The latter gave rise to a densely-settled triangle bounded by Galt (which later, with Preston and Hespeler, was incorporated into today’s City of Cambridge), Waterloo, and Guelph, with outliers to the north at the Elmira and Fergus areas.

Such conditions were ideal for the development of local railway transportation which appeared as expected: horsecar lines were built at an early date in Brantford and Berlin/Waterloo, and the Galt Preston & Hespeler was one of the first electric interurban lines in Canada. The vitality of the lines, particularly those in the northerly triangle, was thus established, and it continued for many years. The transformation of the GP&H into the Grand River Railway in the early 1920s was the most complete reconstruction in Canadian electric railway transit history.

The book tells the story of the area's streetcars, trolley coaches, and interurban railways that provided both local and inter-city passenger, freight, and express delivery services to communities such as Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hespeler, Galt, Preston, Brantford, Woodstock, Ingersoll, Port Dover and many more. It explains how the individual railways began, the politics and economics that impacted their development, their rise and eventual decline. Profusely-illustrated with many rare photos, the book features over 200 images, about 50 of them in superb colour. About a dozen maps provide details on where the lines ran, and an equipment list delivers details on the various companies’ rolling stock.

Historical Storytelling Series at the Waterloo Region Museum

2011-01-25T15:10:00.003-05:00

Tuesday February 15, 2011
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Oral Traditions Along the Grand

The Iroquoian Creation story will be shared in "Ojibway Storyteller" Aaron Bell's unique and memorable way. Hopefully, listeners will leave with an open heart, open mind and open spirit!

* * * *

Tuesday March 15, 2011
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Iron Horses: Riding the Rails into Canada's Past

Ruth Stewart-Verger presents Train Tales: Negotiating a Canadian National Railway, the 1902 Train Wreck just two miles north of Waterloo; and a humorous and Truly Canadian Train Robbery, interwoven with stories of family railroaders.

* * * *

Download the Historical Storytelling Series Brochure 2010-2011 at http://waterlooregionmuseum.com/upcoming-events.aspx

The Historical Storytelling Series is presented by the Friends of Waterloo Region Museum and The Story Barn.

Ticket pricing is $15, $12 for seniors and students. For more information or to purchase tickets call 519-748-1914.

Family Heritage Day at Westfield Heritage Village

2011-01-25T15:06:00.002-05:00

Family Heritage Day
Westfield Heritage Village

February 21st, 2011

From 12:30 pm until 4:00 pm.

Celebrate the Heritage Day and Family Day together. Ontario is a multi-cultural community and our heritage is a shared experience from countries around the world. Participate in fun family activities as you visit the heritage buildings, candy store and unique Gift Shop.

1049 Kirkwall Road , Rockton Ontario

1-800-883-0104

http://www.westfieldheritage.ca

BHS Lecture postponed to January 26th

2011-01-19T11:50:00.002-05:00

This is a notification that tonight’s Speaker Series: Prisoners of War has been postponed till next Wednesday, January 26th. It will still be held at Myrtleville House Museum (34 Myrtleville Drive) doors will open at 7:00pm and the presentation will start at 7:30pm.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.

Kimberly Harrington
Office Manager
Brant Historical Society
57 Charlotte St.
Brantford, ON
Telephone: (519) 752 2483
Fax: (519) 752 1931

www.brantmuseums.ca

Brant Historical Society presents a talk on Prisoners of War

2011-01-14T10:32:00.002-05:00

Prisoners of War

A talk marking the 65th Anniversary of the End of WWII.

Presented by Chad Martin.

Doors open at 7:00pm; presentation at 7:30pm
at the Myrtleville House Museum
34 Myrtleville Drive, Brantford.

Admission is Free to this event.

Sponsored by: Blue Dog Coffee Roasters.

www.brantmuseum.ca

GRCA hosts Heritage Day Workshop on February 11th

2011-01-12T18:31:00.002-05:00

The Grand River Conservation Authority has announced it will hold its annual Heritage Day workshop this year in Breslau on February 11th.

The theme is Culturally Created Communities: Rooted and Growing in the Townships.
The workshop will be held at the Breslau Community Centre, 200 Woolwich Street South.

This year it celebrates the unique facets of rural heritage in the Townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot and their contribution to “sense of place” and prosperity.

A registration form and schedule is available on www.grandriver.ca.

The Heritage Day workshop is an annual event which circulates to a different part of the watershed each year with a focus on Grand River’s heritage.

The Heritage Day workshops have been a great place to learn about projects, share ideas and meet others who share a love of local heritage and culture.

Brant County Digital History Finds International Audience

2011-01-12T18:27:00.002-05:00

New grant used to increase online history collection

St. George, ON – From Iceland to Chile, South Africa to St.George, people are discovering their past with the County’s online digital history records and thanks to a new grant, it’s only going to get better.

The South Dumfries Historical Society, in partnership with the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, the Paris Museum and Historical Society, and the County of Brant Public Library, announced today that they have received a $29,300 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

The South Dumfries Historical Society and its partners hope to preserve our community’s history, and to make it more accessible and interactive through free online access.

Previous projects on the County of Brant Public Library Digital Collections have generated a lot of online interest, with users from as far away as Chile and Iceland benefitting from the wide range of historical information in the collection.

This collection expansion will encompass St. George, Glen Morris, and other corners of the South Dumfries area.

Lana Jobe, Curator at the Paris Museum points out that, "Even the Paris area has a rich heritage as part of South Dumfries Township, prior to annexation. We are very proud to be involved in such an important project."

Over the next 15 months, the partners will work to digitize their historical collections and present them online through various websites, including the County of Brant Public Library Digital Collections at http://images.ourontario.ca/brant.

A virtual tour of the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead will also be created, allowing visitors from all over the world to get a glimpse inside this unique historical artefact.

“We’re so excited that this website is finding an audience! We’ve had emails from people in South Africa and Iceland telling us how happy they were to find pieces of their family history online. Closer to home, the community has been very involved in identifying mysterious people and buildings in some of the lesser known images. We’re very happy with the ongoing dialogue about county history,” says Christine MacArthur, project manager of the Library’s Digital Historical Collections.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

www.trilliumfoundation.org

David Judd talk about Christmas 1910 tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtleville House

2010-12-15T10:48:00.002-05:00

David Judd will be giving a talk about Christmas 1910 this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtleville House in Brantford as part of the Brant Historical Society speaker series.

David has established a tradition of researching and reporting on the Christmas habits of people 100 years ago - through evidence of newspaper articles and advertisements and other sources. He will have a richly illustrated and often humourous take on the season.

Myrtleville House is located at 34 Myrtleville Drive in the northeast end of the City of Brantford, near Northridge Public Golf Course.

The closest bus routes are 8 and 15. Exit on Woodlawn Ave, and walk north on Ewing Drive or Tanbark Way to reach Myrtleville Drive.

Admission is free and would still be a bargain at twice that price.

Doors open at 7:00 pm for the talk.

EXPERIENCE 100 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS AT 3 NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES

2010-12-15T10:45:00.002-05:00

Battlefield House Museum & Park - former home of Mary Gage (1777 1853) and her 10 children

Dundurn Castle former home of Mary MacNab (1812 1846) and her children

Whitehern Historic House & Garden former home of Mary McQuesten (1849-1934) and her six children

SPECIAL OFFER – FOR A “MARY” CHRISTMAS!

Purchase admission, or present an online admission voucher to Dundurn Castle between November 27, 2010 and January 2, 2011 and receive complimentary admission vouchers for Battlefield House Museum & Park and Whitehern Historic House & Garden. Vouchers valid for use from November 27, 2010 to January 2, 2011.
________________________________________

Victorian Christmas
at Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle. The Garden Club of Hamilton decorates the Castle in Victorian splendour with cedar boughs, ribbons and dried flowers. Bring your family and share a Hamilton holiday tradition.

Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010 to Sunday, January 2, 2011 (Closed Mondays)
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.
________________________________________

Christmas in the Pioneer Spirit
at Battlefield House Museum & Park

Join us for an early 19th century family Christmas; where a crackling fire warms you, evergreen boughs bedeck the mantles and enticing smells fill the air.

Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011 to Saturday, December 31, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.
________________________________________

The McQuesten's Childhood Christmas
at Whitehern Historic House & Garden

Enjoy this special time of year as the McQuestens look back on the Christmas of their childhood. Once a year we reveal the family's toys under a tree adorned with whimsical decorations in the style of the 1880s. The table is set with the China they used for Christmas and New Year's from the 1850s when they visited Grandpa, to the 1930s when Tom entertained his fellow politicians. Cedar roping and satin ribbon complete the picture.

Date: Sunday, November 20, 2011 to Saturday, December 31, 2011 (Closed Mondays)
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas at Westfield Village

2010-12-06T17:17:00.001-05:00

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Saturday Evenings Only ...
Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2010
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Admission fees: adults: $11, seniors/disabled: $10, children 6-12 years old: $6.50. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is free.

Tickets are available at the entrance kiosk on event days, or purchase your tickets online.

Experience Christmas traditions and childhood fantasies through theatre and food. The wonders and excitement of this festive season are revealed through these delightful self-guided lantern tours. Engage yourself in the picturesque setting of the historical farm and village.

Visitors can travel through time, experiencing the evolution of the Yuletide season through the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and World War I eras. Meet Father Christmas, enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride and savour the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this unique holiday presentation. Entertainment, historical displays and demonstrations, tea house and gift shop, and over 30 period buildings. Group bookings available, regular admission applies.

Christmas Open House
Sunday, December 19
12 noon to 4 p.m.

Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas show, bonfire and celebration of the season where traditions of an earlier time are brought to life. Learn about Santa’s history. Runs from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. Admission fees: adults: $11, seniors/disabled: $10, children 6-12 years old: $6.50. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is free.

WESTFIELD HERITAGE VILLAGE
1049 Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552)
Rockton, Ontario, L0R 1X0

Phone: (519) 621-8851
Toll Free: 1-800-883-0104
Email: westfield@speedway.ca

Holiday Lamplight Tours at the Bell Homestead

2010-12-06T17:14:00.001-05:00

Holiday Lamplight Tours
December 11th and 12th
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

An evening visit to the Bell’s home at our favourite time of the year will enliven everyone’s holiday spirit. The Homestead and Henderson Home come to life amid the glow of candles and oil lamps while the aroma of Yuletide baking wafts its way from the kitchen and live musical entertainment fills the drawing room with the sounds of yesteryear. Admission by donation.

Also join us at our Café for Christmas dinner both nights $19.95 per person. (reservations required).

Bell Homestead National Historic Site
94 Tutela Heights Road
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 1A1, Canada

Telephone: 519.756.6220
Fax: 519.759.5975
E-Mail: bellhomestead@brantford.ca

“Ringing in the Holidays” Yuletide Celebration at the Bell Homestead

2010-12-06T17:10:00.002-05:00

“Ringing in the Holidays” Yuletide Celebration
at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site

December 1st - 23rd
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Haul out the holly! A traditional Victorian Christmas abounds with plenty of garlands, greenery, and holiday cheer. See how many of our own Yuletide traditions came into being over 100 years ago.

Bell Homestead National Historic Site
94 Tutela Heights Road
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 1A1, Canada

Telephone: 519.756.6220
Fax: 519.759.5975
E-Mail: bellhomestead@brantford.ca

Victorian Farm Christmas on TVO

2010-12-06T12:13:00.003-05:00

Here is program that sounds interesting - a reality show with some historical grounding:

VICTORIAN FARM CHRISTMAS

Centred around the Acton Scott Estate in Shropshire, this special holiday series brings historians Ruth, Peter and Alex from the hit series Victorian Farm back to the estate to tackle an array of new farming tasks. They discover in depth how the Victorians created the celebration of Christmas as we know it today – from
greetings cards and Christmas carols to the rich array of festive food they put on the table. Mondays December 6, 13 and 20 at 7 pm and repeating December 21, 22 and 23at 8 pm on TVO.

Episode 1:

The Victorian farmers - Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn - return to the Acton Scott estate in Shropshire to celebrate a traditional Victorian Christmas.

There's an enormous amount of farm work to be done on the estate in the lead-up to the festive season, including the hay harvest, to make food for the animals over winter. Having been thwarted last time by rain, the team anxiously monitor the weather.

Peter travels to the Royal Agricultural Society's annual show with sheep expert Richard Spencer to choose a new ram for the flock; back at the farm, Ruth makes mincemeat for the Christmas mince pies. She also prepares for the hoped-for hay harvest celebration with some essentials - bread and butter.

Monday, December 6 at 7:00 PM
This show repeats on:
Wednesday, December 8 at 12:00 AM on TVOnatario (Cable 2)

Episode 2:

The Victorian farm team tackle their biggest project yet: restoring the village blacksmith's forge. First they must make bricks to restore the chimney - a full five day and night process in which the farmer gets no sleep.

As winter marches on and Christmas nears, they must source a yule log: firewood to burn for the Twelve Days of Christmas. At the cottage, Ruth winter-proofs the house, making a paper blanket and remedies for chilblains, rheumatism, coughs and colds.

It is also a chance to begin preparations for the Christmas banquet in earnest - in particular, a very Victorian invention, Christmas crackers. Ruth enlists the help of Christmas cracker historian Peter Kimpton.

Episode 3:

Christmas is coming to Acton Scott, but first there's a huge amount of preparation to do. Ruth Goodman and food historian Ivan Day try their hand at making a Christmas pudding using the same methods as Bob Cratchit's wife in A Christmas Carol.

Meanwhile, Alex and Peter light the forge for the first time to re-shoe the farm workhorse Clumper - the first time a horse has been shod at this forge in over five decades.

Alex goes in search of a Christmas tree for the banquet, while Ruth and Peter head for the Victorian town of Blists Hill for Christmas shopping. At the cottage, Ruth meets Debbie Bamford to dye an array of colourful Christmas ribbons to decorate the tree and the presents that sit beneath it.

Finally it's time for the Christmas meal in the estate's School Hall. With a rapturous toast to Queen Victoria and a quick trip to the cattle shed to wassail the animals, day turns into night and the drunken Victorian parlour games commence. The next morning it'll be time for the team to bid a fond farewell to Mr Acton as they depart Acton Scott for good.

More information at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/

On this website Alex, Peter and Ruth show how to make your own traditional Victorian Christmas. There are 25 exclusive how-to videos, which are not featured in the television programme, with activities ranging from authentic decorations, arts and crafts to traditional 19th century recipes.

You can also learn how to play Victorian Parlour Games, sing traditional Victorian Christmas Carols and make your own toy theatre. All activities come with full instructions and downloadable materials to help you make your own Victorian Christmas.

The Presenters

Alex Langlands is an archaeologist and historian with a fascination for the British landscape. He has excavated numerous archaeological sites in a bid to understand agricultural practices throughout history.

Peter Ginn studied archaeology at University College London and has since been an archaeological digger, supervisor and teacher.

Ruth Goodman is a historian with a particular interest in domestic social history and its interpretation to the public. She spent ten years as a historical advisor to the Royal Shakespeare Company's Globe Theatre.

The team were also historians on the BBC Two series Tales from the Green Valley, which saw them running a Welsh farm using 17th Century methods. Ruth also appeared in the BBC Two programme Tales from the Banquet Hall where she helped to make a Tudor feast. The team are currently filming, Edwardian Farm for BBC Two.

The Farm

The Victorian Farm series and website content was all filmed on the Acton Scott estate in Shropshire. It is a world frozen in time, lost in Victorian rural England.

Its buildings and grounds are stashed with antique tools and machinery collected by the Acton family who have lived at Acton Scott since the twelfth century.

There is also a Historic Working Farm founded by Thomas Acton more than thirty years ago and located on the estate's home farm. It is run by Shropshire Council.

For more information visit www.actonscott.com.

Song list from the Korean War Dinner

2010-11-19T10:51:00.003-05:00

Hello - For those who would like to recall all of the great songs performed on November 13th at the Legion, here is the list:

1950

BEWITCHED
MONA LISA
I WANNA BE LOVED
SOMEDAY
I’D’VE BAKED A CAKE
MY FOOLISH HEART
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME
HARBOUR LIGHTS
TENNESSEE WALTZ

1951

UNFORGETTABLE
COME ON A MY HOUSE
TOO YOUNG
ONE FOR MY BABY
RED SAILS IN THE SUNSET
LULLABY OF BROADWAY
COLD COLD HEART

1952

A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON
KISS OF FIRE
YOU BELONG TO ME
TENDERLY
TILL I WALTZ AGAIN WITH YOU

1953

YOUR CHEATING HEART
GET HAPPY
YOUNG AT HEART
THAT’S AMORE
SMILE

Congratulations to Shari Vandermolen and Steve McRae for another great evening of music and memories - and thanks to everyone who sang along!

Sad news - Dr. Hank Hedges has died

2010-11-10T07:18:00.002-05:00

Dr. Hedges played a great role in St. George - as a leader and as a supporter of community efforts - especially the Garden Club and the Lily Show, but also of the Historical Society. An earlier post on this blog gives background to the provincial honours he was given for his outstanding contributions. He will be sorely missed.

Here are the details from his obituary:

Dr Henry (Hank) George Hedges

HEDGES, Dr Henry (Hank) George - Born 1924 10 21 in Oyen, Alberta 5th of 7 children of William Andrew Hedges (1885-1928) and Ruth Naomi Danbrook (1890-1993).

Died 2010 11 07 in St. George, Ontario in his 87th year

Survived by: his wife of sixty-three years, Jean Hedges (nee Kinnin); by siblings Myrtle Stevenson and Bruce Hedges, by three children: Robert (wife Sandra Imrie) of Burlington, James (wife Nancy Sanger) of St. George, and Marjorie (husband Fiorenzo Landoni) of Milan, Italy; and by nine grandchildren who called him 'Pappa': Kimberly, Kate, Patrick, Nancy, Paul, Keltin, Spencer, Taig and Raffaele.

Hank was an educator, author, television personality and director of numerous organizations during his energetic career. He began teaching while a teenager in Windsor in 1942, becoming an instructor at Toronto Teachers College in 1952, then principal at Hamilton Teachers College in 1964 and retiring as a full Professor of Education at OISE/UT (University of Toronto) in 1986.

From 1958 to 1962, he appeared each Sunday as the host naturalist on the CBC's television program “Junior Magazine“. He authored and co-authored dozens of textbooks, research papers, manuals and films.

A life- long photographer, hundreds of his photographs and manuscripts have been published by the National Film Board of Canada. Hank gave speeches on a variety of topics, including some this year. He was a founding member of the Canadian Rhododendron Society and the Niagara Training and Employment Centre.

He served as a director on many boards and was the recipient of dozens of awards from all levels of government and private organizations.

For many, Hank was our rock, our inspiration, our moral centre, our patriarch and our best friend. He enjoyed a wonderful life, had an impressive list of accomplishments, had an eclectic list of interests, thoroughly enjoyed everyone's achievements, and continued to laugh and socialize to his last day.

He will be remembered as someone who made a significant difference in our lives and in the preservation of our environment.

There will be a family-only celebration on Friday Nov 12 at his home, plus a public celebration of Hank's life on Saturday Dec 11, 4-8pm, at the Community Centre, 7 Gaukel Dr., St. George, ON N0E 1N0, 519-448-1831. A buffet dinner will be served.

We'll be delighted to have you come to share your favourite Hank stories and pictures with his friends. Please contact robhedges@sympatico.ca for maps or further information.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite charity in his memory will be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to McCLEISTER FUNERAL HOME.

Waterdown - East Flamborough - Upcoming Guest Speakers

2010-11-02T22:47:00.003-04:00

Historical Society Programmes (January to April 2011)

All Public meetings are held at St. James United Church, 306 Parkside Drive, Waterdown, Ontario Fellowship Hall starting at 8:00pm.

January 28, 2011 Steven Sawell - “Into the Cauldron: The Experiences of a CEF Infantry Officer During the Great War;”

February 25, 2011 Chris Hamilton, Hamilton Conservation Authority on “50 Years of Preserving Historical Sites;”

March 25, 2011 Ruth Nicholson,UE, on the United Empire Loyalists;

April 29, 2011 Bishop Ralph Spence, former Anglican Bishop of Niagara and internationally recognized expert on flag design and history - on Heraldry.

More information at http://www.wefhs.hamilton.ca/

HERITAGE BOOK FAIR NOVEMBER 13th IN WATERDOWN

2010-11-02T22:41:00.001-04:00

The Waterdown-East Flamborough Heritage Society & Archives
20th ANNUAL BOOK FAIR

Saturday, November 13, 2010

9:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

St. James United Church (Fellowship Hall)
306 Parkside Drive, Waterdown

Excellent selection of Local History, Local Authors,
plus Genealogy Supplies

Several New Local History Books available

Everyone Welcome
Good Home Made Lunches Available
Free Admission and Parking

Sponsored by The Waterdown-East Flamborough Heritage Society;
All funds raised will be used for the operation of the Flamborough Archives.

Special seminar – 11:00 A.M.

Speaker: Dr. Jonathan Vance (University of Western Ontario History Dept.)

"Remembering War: Past, Present, and Future"

As the two world wars go from memory to history, what role do they have in our rapidly changing society?

Seminar Room, $5 Entry

Brant Rural Heritage Tour

2010-11-02T19:36:00.002-04:00

The Brant Rural Heritage Tour is new this year - running Saturday, November 6th, 2010, starting at 12:30 pm and returning at approx. 7:30 pm.

You are invited to discover Brant County's rural heritage with this one-day tour. Starting at the Brantford Tourism Centre, you will hop on a bus with stops at the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Spruce Row Museum, and then you will finish the day with a delicious local food harvest dinner.

Admission: $50/person with bus, $35/person without bus
Wheelchair accessible: Partial
Handicapped Parking: Yes
Directions: Tour begins and ends at the Brantford Tourism Centre, 399 Wayne Gretzky Parkway.

Contact: Karen Dearlove
Phone: 519-732-1000
Primary Contact Email: karendearlove@canadianindustrialheritage.org

An impressive recognition of Canadian history by McMaster University

2010-10-28T07:50:00.002-04:00

A new award from McMaster to support books about Canadian history will certainly be appreciated by its winners. Equally impressive is the number of publications that the Dundurn Press has helped bring us over the years. Here is the news release from the McMaster website:

McMaster awards Wilson Prize to Dundurn Press

October 27, 2010

The Wilson Institute for Canadian History at McMaster University has awarded Dundurn Press its inaugural prize of $10,000 to support the publication of books devoted to Canadian history.

The Wilson Prize will be officially presented on October 27 during an evening reception at the University.

Dundurn Press is being recognized for its long and distinguished career of publishing popular works of Canadian history.

Founded in 1972 by Kirk Howard, the Dundurn Press has published a distinguished collection of biographies, natural histories, art histories, and books about Canadian military, political, and social history. Its list of more than 1,650 titles has reaped numerous awards for its authors such as the Governor General's Award, the Toronto Book Award, the City of Ottawa Award, and the UBC Medal for Canadian Biography.

The Wilson Prize is named after L.R. (Red) Wilson, a major supporter of Canadian history through Historica, which he co-founded. He also funded the Wilson Institute for Canadian History and the L.R. Wilson Chair in Canadian History. Wilson is the Chancellor of McMaster University.

ST. GEORGE DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS "THE ATTIC"

2010-10-19T00:19:00.003-04:00

"The Attic," written and directed by Elizabeth McCallum, features an all-star cast of St. George's finest amateur actors. The play features ghosts, laughs, songs, yuppies, punk rockers and bratty kids.

The details are:

Friday October 22 and Saturday October 23

8:00 PM showtime.

Tickets are a mere $6.00.

The venue: Upstairs at the Memorial Hall, St. George, 34 Main Street South (a few doors down from the St. George Arms English Pub).

The play is set in a town something like St. George - in the attic of an historic home with a magical music-box.

NOVEMBER 13th DINNER REMEMBERS THE KOREAN WAR YEARS

2010-10-03T07:43:00.002-04:00

The SOUTH DUMFRIES HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Presents

AN EVENING REMEMBERING The KOREAN WAR YEARS

A Buffet-style Roast Beef dinner featuring:

Memories of the Korean War from ANDY BARBER
A crew member who served on
HMCS HAIDA during her second trip to Korea,

and

MUSICAL GUESTS:
SHARILYN VANDERMOLEN With STEVE McRAE
performing and discussing
songs from the Hit Parade of 1950 - 1953

Saturday, November 13th, 2010 at the St. George Branch, Royal Canadian Legion
(9 Main Street North)
4:30 pm Reception; 5:30 pm Guest Speaker

Tickets $28 advance/ $30 at the door if available (last year sold out)

Tickets at the Museum, 36 Main Street South, and at the Legion,
Or call 519-448-1053 (David) or 519-448-1075 (Cliff).

+ LEST WE FORGET +

ST. GEORGE APPLE FEST SEPT 18 & 19

2010-09-17T16:03:00.002-04:00

The South Dumfries Historical Society will have a table on the Main Street during Apple Festival with recent brochures and some of the Brant Heritage Committee,s Bridge posters. We will share the table with the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead. The Museum will also be open for extended hours, so pop in and look around.

For more details on all the food, music, crafts, and fun of Apple Festival, visit their website at www.stgeorgeapplefest.com

1850 SPIRIT WALK OF PARIS - SEPT 18th

2010-09-17T15:59:00.003-04:00

1850 Spirit Walk

Sponsored by the Paris Museum & Historical Society

Walk through time with knowledgeable guides and relive the history of the founding families.

Experience life as it was in 1850 through the tales and monuments of Paris past.

This is a Free event

The one hour tour begins at the memorial chapel in the Paris Cemetery at the junction of King Edward Street and Rest Acres Road

Date: September 18, 2010
Time: 2-4 pm

Donations gratefully accepted - proceeds for the preservation of Paris’ History

For information contact -Paris Museum 519-442-9295
parismuseum@rogers.com
www.parishistoricalsociety.com

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY - AT THE FORKS OF THE GRAND

2010-09-17T15:54:00.002-04:00

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week October 17- 24, 2010...

Join other history-minded folk at the Paris Branch Library on Sunday, October 24, 2010 to celebrate the re-release of At the Forks of the Grand Volume II by D. A. Smith. This seminal history of the town of Paris has long been out of print, but now is your chance to own a copy through this very special reprinting.

Order now and save! Pre-orders for At the Forks of the Grand Volume II are now being taken. Order both volumes I and II for $40, or pre-order a single volume for $22. After publication in October, each volume will cost $25. Then, pick up your books at the launch party, or at the Paris Branch after October 24th.

Sponsored by the Paris Friends of the Library.

County of Brant Public Library,
12 William Street,
Paris, ON N3L 1K7

Phone: 519-442-2433

ANCESTRY DATABASE WORKSHOP

2010-09-17T15:52:00.001-04:00

ANCESTRY DATABASE WORKSHOP

Join experts at the Paris Branch Library for this two-part workshop designed to introduce novices to the Ancestry Library Edition Database. Use this library database to access census lists, birth / marriage / death records, passenger ship lists and more.

PART ONE: participants will learn the basics like how to organize information, how to do a basic search, how to interpret the search results, and the types of records in Ancestry like census lists, military records, and more.

PART TWO: participants will have a chance to learn advanced search techniques like rooting out hard to find information, using wildcards and quotations, truncation, and more.

Participants are encouraged to bring their existing family research with them to this workshop.

Space is limited; advance registration required.

What: Ancestry Library Edition Workshop
When: Part One: Wednesday, October 13 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Part Two: Wednesday, October 20 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Paris Branch
Cost: $5.00

County of Brant Public Library,
12 William Street, Paris,
ON N3L 1K7,

Ph: 519-442-2433

CANADA DAY IN ST. GEORGE

2010-07-02T11:32:00.002-04:00

July 1st was marked with great music and lots of fun in St. George. The Firefighters and Lions Club started the day off on a great note with a pancake breakfast that served 1,000 or more people. They also sold out in many sizes of their Canada Day t-shirts.

On the Main Street, the music was great - from Cindy Alexander and Offsuit, Gary Gray & John Ludgate (who brought along two of his talented sons from the band Beautiful Nothing) and Barry Hussey and the Frisky Business Band.

Dave Thomson was up early to make sure the the road was closed to accomodate setting up for the event - and he helped trouble-shoot throughout the day.

Eric Bower and Dave Jensen worked hard to make sure the music all sounded great with the sound system they brought and assembled.

Howard Snodgrass and his crew assembled the stage early in the morning and came back promptly to take it down so that the Main Street could be reopened.

Paul and Jackie Long let people have a sneak peek at the Rustic Mug Cafe, while at the same time helping run the Charity Barbecue along with many other great volunteers on the day.

Cliff Jones had extended hours at the St. George Museum and Archives, which saw a lot of visitors, some book and map sales, and lots of comments in the line of "I have never been in before!"

Cindy Alexander's daughters and their friends organized the great children's games and contests on the street - from sidewalk chalk art, to sponge relay races, to dinosaur races!

Thanks to Shirley and Roy for donating a big bag of Canadian Flag fridge magnets as prizes - and to Entertainment Quest and the Ice Cream Shop for providing gift certificate prizes as well.

When the music wrapped up, and that was hard because Frisky Business didn't want to stop playing, the focus moved up to the Cenotaph. We were pleased to have members of the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party participate, as well as MP Phil McColeman, MPP Dave Levac, Mayor Ron Eddy, Councillors John Wheat, Steve Schmitt and Roy Haggart.

Nora Fueten lead a stirring rendition of O Canada, and then everyone lined up to enjoy the beautiful Canada Day cake donated by Trevor McLean and the staff of the St. George Foodland.

Thanks to John & Fiona Clarke, Betty Ames and Nora Fueten for helping serve the cake and refreshments.

The weather was perfect for the day and remained so into the night for a magnificent "Fire and Thunder" fireworks display courtesy of the St. George Firefighter enjoyed by thousands of people in King William Park.

I will have forgotten some people in this first attempt at summing up the day, and I apologize for that, but there was a lot going on and a lot of people helping to make it happen.

If you took part in St. George Canada Day and had any complaints, concerns, recommendations or compliments (!) please send an email to the Historical Society at dsimpson@bfree.on.ca so that we can continue to improve the event.

Happy 143rd birthday Canada!

**

ROBERT HALL PARRY CREATES HOODLESS KEEPSAKE

2010-07-02T11:27:00.002-04:00

Robert Hall Parry is one of only a few Master Pewtersmiths in Ontario, Canada.

Robert Hall Originals, his showroom, has over 3,000 hand-crafted lead free pewter designs created in his studio in St. George at 138 Sugar Maple Road.

To help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Adelaide Hoodless, Mr. Parry has designed a pewter collectable keychain based on the sculpture of Mrs. Hoodless located on the grounds of the University of Guelph, in the Hoodless Garden between the Macdonald Institute and Macdonald Stewart Hall.

The sculpture of Adelaide is by artist Jan Noestheden, which he designed to be ‘larger than life’ and to ‘cast a shadow’, because those are ways that Adelaide could be described according to Catherine Stevenson, the recent interim curator of the Hoodless Homestead.

For more information:

On Adelaide Hoodles and the Hoodless Homestead: www.hoodlesshomestead.com

On Robert Hall Originals: www.roberthalloriginals.com

On the Hoodless Garden: www.uoguelph.ca/historicaltour/hoodless.php
(at this site you will find a photograph of the sculpture)

MORE ABOUT CINDY ALEXANDER & OFFSUIT

2010-06-28T16:55:00.002-04:00

Offsuit is a Kitchener/St. George based rock n' roll band specializing in music that is recognizable across generations. They play songs from legendary artists spanning four decades with which everyone is familiar, but avoid the songs that most cover bands have overdone.

From Guns n' Roses and Pink Floyd to The Monkees, The Eagles, even Huey Lewis and the News. The set is an eclectic blend of favourites suitable for all ages.

Cindy Alexander - Vocals
Steve Goodwin - Vocals, Guitar
Kevin Randall - Lead Guitar
Mike Koch - Bass
Barry Briere - Drums

St. George's Cindy Alexander is also the CC in "CC & the Boys." She is a star on the rise in the jazz groove. She is an accomplished artist with credits singing lead for popular bands including The River Bandits, Offsuit and Nite Out. Her smooth styling's are hauntingly reminiscent of Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Peggy Lee with a little Mae West. CC recaptures music and feelings from a bygone era in a time when life was simple and pure. She crystallizes nostalgia into a heartfelt performance that delights both the young and the young at heart.

For more information about CC & The Boys and their new CD, visit: http://www.ccandtheboys.com/

MORE ABOUT THE FRISKY BUSINESS BAND

2010-06-28T16:37:00.004-04:00

FRISKY BUSINESS appears on July 1st at 3 pm for a set of Classic Rock.

Band members are:

Barry Hussey - Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Andrew McLure- Lead Guitar and Back up Vocals
Mike Garbowsky/D.J. Hussey - Drums
Jeff Carter - Vocals and Bass
Ross Thompson -Vocals and Keyboard
Brett Hussey - lead Guitar
Kierstyn Garbowsky - Vocals and Flute

Frisky Business is a Classic Rock Cover Band based out of St. George Ontario.

The band is available for benefit shows, Private parties or just about any event for a nominal fee. Contact friskybusiness2009@hotmail.com for futher info.

Many people saw the band recently at the Devin Stubel fundraiser hosted by the St. George Legion in May - the Legion was packed for this great community event.

CANADA DAY IN ST. GEORGE

2010-06-22T18:08:00.003-04:00

CANADA DAY IN ST. GEORGE
THURSDAY July 1st , 2010

This year will mark the 8th year that the Historical Society has presented Canada Day festivities! Come out and enjoy a great afternoon of fun to celebrate Canada's birthday...

AFTERNOON EVENTS ON THE MAIN STREET:
Main Street will be closed between Beverly Street and High Street.

Main Street Contests & Games (1 – 3 pm)
For children and adults, including best Canada Day Hat & Outfit, Sidewalk Chalk Art, Hula Hoops & more – Prizes to be awarded! Check the door of the Museum or the website for details close to July 1st)

Music from Noon to 4 pm

Great pop/rock favourites with
CINDY ALEXANDER & OFFSUIT (Noon)

Hometown Music-stylist (and Hair-stylist):
GARY GRAY & FRIENDS (1:30 pm),

And fabulous rock hits with
THE FRISKY BUSINESS BAND (2:45 pm)

Bring your lawnchairs to enjoy the music.

ALSO: Museum Open House; Displays & Sidewalk Sales;
Benefit BBQ presented by the Downtown Merchants

FORMAL CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH CORNER:
Starting at 4 pm - Greetings & Speeches
& Birthday Cake (Courtesy of Trevor McLean & the staff of St. George Foodland)
& refreshments (Courtesy of the St. George Tim Horton’s)

Supported by a generous donation by STARLITE HOMES LTD. (Jack Speelziek) and ANNSPEL HOLDINGS LTD. (Debby Speelziek).

Main Street activities coordinated by the South Dumfries Historical Society.

Schedule of events subject to change, check the SDHS (this) website for updates at http://www.southdumfrieshistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/

OTHER CANADA DAY ACTIVITIES IN ST. GEORGE:

Start the day with a pancake breakfast hosted by the St. George firefighters
at the Fire Station from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. and, later, watch the
“FIRE & THUNDER” FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR!
At approx. 10 pm – at King William Park.
BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIRS!
LIONS CLUB BBQ STARTS AT 6:00 PM
(No other fireworks or sparklers allowed)
Presented by the St. George Volunteer Firefighters.
*
*

Father's Day Steam and Machine Show at Westfield this Sunday

2010-06-15T10:06:00.001-04:00

Father's Day Steam and Machine Show, 2010
Westfield Heritage Village, near Rockton, Ontario

Sunday, June 20th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adults $9.75, Seniors/Disabled $8.75, Youth 6-12 years of age $5.75, Children 5 years and under are free, Parking is free.

Join the Rockton Antique Hobby Club and other hobbyists for a special day of steam and machines featuring steam traction engine rides, model machines, antique agricultural equipment, vintage cars and more. The Cambridge Spinners and Weavers Guild will put on a special presentation exploring dyes and weaving.

Muscle cars, vintage cars and antique cars are welcome and receive 2 free admissions.

Visit these other great steam and machine related museums: Stratford-Perth Museum, Northern Ontario Rail Road Museum and Heritage Centre, Niagara Falls Railway Museum, and the Elgin County Railway Museum.

PORT DOVER MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL: JUNE 18 - 20

2010-06-15T10:01:00.002-04:00

Forwarded on behalf of Ian Bell:

Hi Friends,
Just a reminder about the Port Dover Marine Heritage Festival this weekend.
FOLK MUSIC - SWASHBUCKLING ADVENTURE - TALL SHIP - SMALL SHIPS - COLOURFUL COSTUMES - LOUD NOISES - FREE!

www.portdovermarineheritagefest.ca

Highlights Include: Pub Night 8:30 Friday in "The Brig" at the venerable NORFOLK TAVERN - Freshwater Trade "Rodney The Younger" (18th century conjurer) and open fiddle session "Battle On The Beach" Saturday 7:00 PM "Boy's Own Adventure" spectacle - Starring the brigantine St. Lawrence II, two 30' gunboats, artillery, redcoats, bluecoats and Lake Erie.

Concert Saturday 8:30 PM at the museum with British singer Richard Grainger & me. Daytime music Saturday & Sunday TETHERA will be playing songs and tunes of the British Isles on Sunday afternoon Come down if you can! Tell your friends.

Cheers, Ian

Historic Griffin House open holiday Mondays

2010-05-23T18:30:00.002-04:00

The Historic Griffin House in nearby Ancaster (Hamilton), Ontario has limited times when it is open to the public - only during the afternoons of holiday Mondays. With Victoria Day upon us, the home will be open from 1 pm to 4 pm on Monday, May 24th, 2010.

The house is at 733 Mineral Springs Road and was the home of Enerals Griffin from 1834 and he is believed to have come to Canada as an escaped slave by way of the "underground railroad."

Owned and operated now by the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 2008.

Admission fees do apply. Adults $3, Students & Seniors $2.50, Children ages 5 - 12 $2.00 and a Family rate of $8.00.

Re-enactment of The Battle of Stoney Creek - June 5 & 6, 2010

2010-05-19T11:03:00.002-04:00

Re-enactment of The Battle of Stoney Creek
June 5 & 62010
A Top 100 Event in Ontario

Experience the drama, pageantry, and excitement of one of the most important eventsin Canada's history. Bring the whole family for old-fashioned games, food, historicals demonstrations,musical entertainment, fireworks, and the Re-enactment itself.

Featuring:

- a 19th Century encampment
- one of a kind shopping
- food & refreshments

Saturday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and
Sunday, June 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Battlefield House Museum & Park,
77 King Street West, Stoney Creek.

Admission fees are $8.00 for adults and $2.00 for children
(Cost covers the whole weekend. Wristband provided).

For additional information, visit www.battlefieldhouse.ca,email battlefield@hamilton.ca or call 905-662-8458.

An intriguing historical play in Paris - Queen Milli of Galt

2010-05-18T11:42:00.002-04:00

Is Queen Milli of Galt the story of a well-kept royal secret ... or a Canadian fairy-tale about a strange royal marriage? Audience members will have to decide as they enjoy this witty romantic comedy, based on a true Canadian story!

Queen Milli of Galt, by Gary Kirkham, directed by Marion J. Smith and produced by Bonnie McCrae, was the winner of the 2004 Samuel French Canadian Playwriting Contest and is being staged by Paris Performers' Theatre with special permission from Samuel French Inc.

In 1972 the Duke of Windsor died while living in exile. Two weeks later, an 80-year-old woman living in Galt, Ontario, bought a tombstone and had it beautifully engraved with the claim that she was the wife of the Duke of Windsor (the former King Edward VIII). That is, she was Queen Milli of Galt.

That part of the story can be proved as the tombstone still exists in a cemetery. In the play, a young journalist appears at the home of Millicent Milroy, a retired school teacher, trying to verify the circumstances of Milli's relationship with the former king of England.

Flashback to 1919 when the Prince of Wales tires of the pomp and circumstance of his tour of Canada and slips away for some private time. Prince Edward teases and charms his way into the life of a young school teacher, Milli. Is this part of the story fact or fiction?

The cast includes: Nicole Drake (Milli), Kelly Malone (Milli's friend Mona, an actress), Sandra Mann (Milli's mother), Trevor Wellwood (His Royal Highness, Edward, the Prince of Wales), and Roger Smith (Sir Godfrey, equerry to the Prince).

Tickets are available at the Green Heron Bookstore on Grand River Street North in downtown Paris.

Order tickets by phone at 519-302-0169.

Also, you can order tickets by emailing: bmccrae@primus.ca.

Tickets for Queen Milli of Galt cost $15. Pre-paid purchase of 10 or more tickets to a single performance cost only $12 per ticket.

Performances are held in the Special Events Building at the Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver Street, Paris, Ontario. The doors open one hour before curtain time and light refreshments and beverages are available. The facility is wheel-chair accessible and padded chairs provide comfortable seating.

CURTAIN TIMES
Friday, June 4 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 10 at 8 p.m.
Friday, June 11 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 12 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 13 at 2 p.m.

ST. GEORGE ANTIQUE SHOW SEPT 4th & 5th, 2010

2010-05-17T18:25:00.002-04:00

Announcing the return of the Village of St. George FALL ANTIQUE SHOW!

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
September 4th and 5th, 2010

Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

A St. George tradition for over 20 years.

We had to miss a year in 2009 because of renovations at the arena, but the Show is back and will impress again.

Quality dealers presenting a range of antiques;
Light lunches, delicious desserts, coffee & tea

Located at the St. George Arena (The South Dumfries Community Centre) -
Approx. 15 minutes west of Flamboro Downs Race Track on Highway #5

Admission $5.00 (under 12 free with an adult).

Plenty of free parking.

Stay and browse and then visit the shops and restaurants downtown, too!

For more information, call Jeff Stutley at (905) 659-1166 or email: sdhs@bfree.on.ca

Hosted by the South Dumfries Historical Society/St. George Museum & Archives

Celebrate the Navy 100 onboard HMCS Haida

2010-05-17T18:20:00.002-04:00

The Canadian Navy is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Military Museum in Brantford is one place to explore to learn more about this branch of our Armed Forces. Another great place is close by in Hamilton, Ontario, onboard an actual ship!

HMCS Haida
National Historic Site of Canada

Hours of Operation (Open Seasonally)
From May 15th until September 6th
Open seven days a week – 10am - 5pm

September 7th – October 11th - Please call for hours

She is the last remaining example of the 27 Tribal Class destroyers built for the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy between 1937 and 1945. It has been said that The Tribals were "magnificent in appearance, majestic in movement and menacing in disposition".

Technologically, they represented the most advanced naval architecture, marine propulsion systems and weaponry of their time.

Once, HAIDA was a mighty fighting ship. Today, she is an irreplaceable historic artifact and her significance has been formally recognized by the Canadian Historic Sites and Monuments Board.

Not only is the ship historically significant, but she is a cultural asset representing a life style, however transient, of more than a generation of Canadians who served in Canada's Navy between 1943 and 1963.

The thousands of men who sailed in Haida represented a total cross section of Canadian society during that period.

Admission fees:
Adult $3.90
Senior $3.40
Youth $1.90
Family/Group $9.80
School Groups, per student $1.90

(Fees listed are valid from April 1, 2010 until March 31, 2011. Please check back on April 1 of each year for new and updated fee information. All fees listed include applicable taxes and are subject to change - and probably will change when the HST starts up.)

AppleFest at Ireland House Burlington - Sept 26th

2010-05-17T17:18:00.003-04:00

If, God forbid, you should happen to miss St. George's Apple Festival, there is some consolation to be had in Burlington the following weekend at one of their nice museums - Ireland House at Oakridge Farm.

September 26, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

It’s an old-fashioned fall fair at the farm in the city! Enjoy the fruit of the season and take part in scarecrow making, pony rides and face painting. See antique tractors and, pioneer apple schnitzing and old-time apple cider making.

Artisans, music and live country-style entertainment all day! Plenty of apple specialties and a country BBQ! (Pancake breakfast 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m)

For more information visit or call:

Ireland House at Oakridge Farm
2168 Guelph Line
(just a bit south of Hwy 5/Dundas Street)
Burlington, ON L7P 5A8

905-332-9888

Joseph Brant Day in Burlington - August 2nd

2010-05-17T16:57:00.003-04:00

Joseph Brant lives on in Brant County and Brantford as a namesake, but there is very little going on locally that commemorates and actively keeps his story alive.

In the city of Burlington, Ontario, they have Brant Street, the Joseph Brant Hospital and the Joseph Brant Museum - and every year on the August Civic Holiday they celebrate Joseph Brant Day:

August 2nd, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate the City of Burlington and one of the area's most famous original settlers—Joseph Brant Thayendanegea!

Come for an incredible line-up of music and entertainment at one of Burlington’s best parks!

Featuring:

Sophisticated Swing, a 19-piece big band orchestra that gets your toes tapping with their sparkling performance

The Lost Dancers of the Six Nations who engage you in a mesmerizing presentation of art, dance and Six Nations culture

Encampment and drilling demonstrations by The 22nd U.S. Infantry, Henderson’s Co., historic re-enactors who bring history to life.

Community exhibitors, a summer BBQ and refreshment stands, splash park for kids, fair-style games, crafts and hands-on activities, a treasure hunt adventure, artisans and vendors, the famous Joseph Brant Day Silent Auction and other attractions.

As well, on July 31, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. meet at the Joseph Brant Museum for a special evening celebrating the legacy of Joseph Brant.

Joseph Brant Museum
1240 North Shore Blvd. East
Burlington, ON L7S 1C5

For more information call 905-634-3556.

The Irelands renew their vows - and you are invited!

2010-05-17T16:40:00.003-04:00

Sunday, June 6th
You Are Invited to
A Historic Ireland Wedding!
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ireland House at Oakridge Farm &
St. John’s Anglican Church & Presentation Centre, Burlington, Ontario

Become a member of the wedding party during the re-enactment of a historic Ireland Family wedding! Guests will follow the wedding couple through the ceremony of a wedding including: a wedding brunch, wedding shower, a visit at the family homestead (Ireland House), a marriage ceremony at church (St John’s) and a festive wedding banquet at St. John’s Hall!

Call Ireland House (905-332-9888) to join the wedding party!

Children /Seniors - $12.00 Adults - $15.00

Ireland House at Oakridge Farm
2168 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7P 5A8

http://www.museumsofburlington.com/ireland-house

Built between 1835-1837, Ireland House at Oakridge Farm was the home of Joseph Ireland, one of Burlington's earliest settlers. Emigrating from Bowes, Yorkshire, England in 1819 at the age of 27, he petitioned for land at Oakridge Farm and so began a legacy that continues today.

Joseph and his descendants occupied Ireland House until 1985. In 1987, the City of Burlington purchased the property from the estate of Lucie Marie Ireland Bush and established a museum, restoring the homestead to illustrate three distinct time periods that represent the generations of Irelands who lived in the house: 1850s, 1890s and 1920s.

Ninety percent of the furnishings are original to the Ireland family thanks to a generous donation by Helen Ireland Caldwell, Marie's first cousin. Restorations of the house have reclaimed missing elements of former times, bringing the Museum back to its feeling of a period home and farm.

The property consists of 4 acres of woodland, gardens, potting shed, cottage/drive shed, and picnic areas. Tours of the property, living historical demonstrations, special events and educational programs are offered.

St. John's Anglican Church
2464 Dundas Street, RR #1
Burlington, Ontario L7R 3X4

Southwest corner of Guelph Line and Dundas St. (former Highway #5)

Phone: 905) 336-5164
Website: www.stjohnsburlington.ca

Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre event June 12th

2010-05-05T11:36:00.002-04:00

The Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre will host a special afternoon event on Saturday, June 12th, 2010, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Laurier Brantford's Odeon Theatre (50 Market Street).

The event is free and open to the public.

Warren Stauch will give a talk on historic mills along the Grand River watershed based on the inventory of mills that he did for the Grand River Conservation Authority.

CIHC's executive director, Karen Dearlove, will make a presentation on adaptive reuse of industrial buildings in the Grand River Valley. She will examine the many ways industrial buildings have been reimagined and repurposed in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.

A discussion, featuring Elizabeth McLuhan from the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre (Hamilton), Mac Swackhammer from the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, and Neil White, will consider the importance of preserving built heritage for understanding community history.

Guests will also get to see "Brantford and Me," a short film by Laurier Brantford journalism student Joel Tansey.

The CIHC will be launching a logo design contest.

The afternoon schedule will also include conducting the Centre's Annual General Meeting.

For more information about the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre, contact Karen Dearlove at karendearlove@canadianindustrialheritage.org or 519-732-1000.

Jane's Walks Preview on April 30th Inside Brant - Rogers Television

2010-04-15T14:32:00.003-04:00

A heads-up for those with Rogers cable on their television, David Simpson will be one of the guests on "INSIDE BRANT" on Friday, April 30th to talk about the Jane's Walks of Brantford (May 1st) and St. George (May 2nd). The show airs live at Noon on Rogers Cable, channel 20, and then repeats immediately at 12:30 and again at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 11 pm. Ted Lehman hosts this local newsmagazine and interview show.

DAVID JUDD TO GIVE HIS TRAIN WRECK TALK IN BRANTFORD

2010-04-15T14:24:00.003-04:00

David Judd's talk about the 1889 Train Wreck in St. George was so popular that there was standing-room only! Over 90 people packed the Memorial Hall for his illustrated talk about this famous railway disaster.

Those in attendance can attest that David did an excellent job of establishing the context of the accident and researching all sorts of interesting details.

He will be reprising the talk for the Brant Historical Society on Wednesday, May 19th at 7:30 pm at the Museum at 57 Charlotte Street in Brantford.

Expect another great turn-out for this event as both the topic and the speaker are very popular!

ALSO: On Wednesday, April 21st, the BHS will feature the topic "Boats and Builders Along the Grand," with guest speaker Bruce Hill.

Tales From Hillside House - reprised August 15th in Niagara Falls

2010-04-07T11:02:00.001-04:00

Event in a Tent: Tales from Hillside House: The Nina Moore Jamieson Story Sunday August 15th 2 PM

Maja Bannerman performs as Mrs. Nina Moore Jamieson, journalist, novelist and poet. After her marriage to Norman Jamieson, Nina moved to his farm in Westover and later moved to St. George, Ontario. She came to recognition through her magazine articles depicting rural life. This one woman play was adapted by Joann MacLachlan based entirely on Jamieson’s writings. It premiered at the Cobblestone Play Festival in Paris, Ontario in 2006 with Ms. Bannerman starring in the role. Maja is thrilled to bring Tales from Hillside House to Willoughby Historical Museum.

Willoughby Historical Museum 9935 Niagara Parkway (at Weaver Road)

For more information please contact Maja Bannerman at 905-295-4036

http://www.niagarafallsmuseum.ca/events.html

President's Report for 2009

2010-04-07T10:55:00.001-04:00

South Dumfries Historical Society
President’s Report for 2009

The South Dumfries Historical Society was founded in 2003, and we have grown to become an important and active part of our community. We work to promote both our local history and history in general through year-round events and activities and the operation of our community museum.

Board of Directors: As always, we have been blessed with a hard-working group of volunteer directors: Betty Ames, Cliff Jones, David Judd, David Simpson, and Gwen Hunter. Thanks are due to all for their efforts and dedication over the past year, and especially to those who are leaving the Board this year.

Speaker Series: David Simpson continues to find speakers to inform, entertain, and challenge us through our Speaker Series. Mavis Grey and John Clarke are kind enough to carry on with the task of calling members to inform them of events. Our appreciation also goes out the Firefighters and the County for the use of the Fire Hall for meetings.

Museum: The Museum continues to be open most Saturdays from 11 to 2, with extended hours for special events. This year we hosted the Brant Historical Society when they had their Volunteer Appreciation evening, and a special tour was given to young people from Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre. The Museum was one of the host sites for Doors Open Brant this year, attracting 80 visitors from near and far. Total visitation for the year was 443.

Membership: This year, we had 35 paid memberships. Please encourage your family, friends, and neighbours to join so that we can continue to protect, preserve, and promote our history.

Education: This year, we arranged for Kevin Sylvester, an award-winning author of sports books for children, to do a day’s programme at St. George-Germans School, followed by an evening speaking session. As well, we provided financial support to the school’s GEMfest programme, which brings arts and history educators to the school.

Partnerships: David Simpson has been our rep at meetings of the Brant Museums and Galleries Association, which facilitates communication between local sites. He has also been a member of the Brant Heritage Committee.

County Support: The County of Brant continues to provide the Society with a Heritage Grant, although the amount has been reduced compared to previous years. This has been an across-the-board decrease. We are also fortunate to receive in-kind funding with our facility in the Memorial Hall. County staff has also been extremely helpful when it comes to special arrangements for community events.

Joyce Wehrstein Memorial Fund: Thanks to the generous donations from family and friends, we have a balance of $755.00 in a special fund in Joyce’s memory. We will be meeting with John in April to determine the best use for the money.

Jane’s Walk: This year, the Society hosted the first Jane’s Walk of St. George. Inspired by Jane Jacob’s, a Toronto advocate of the “living city”, the walk is intended to inform people about the past and present of their community and how it works, and to inspire them to consider the future. This year’s walk consisted of about 60 people, a very pleasant surprise! Plans are underway for this year’s Jane’s Walk – mark May 2nd on your calendars.

Canada Day: July 1, 2003 was the first public event for the SDHS, and it continues to be our biggest event of the year. From a few speeches and a museum open house, it has grown into a community-wide event that everyone can enjoy. There were a number of changes this year. With the change of venue for the Firefighters’ fireworks display to King William Park, the construction at the Arena, and the canceling of the County’s Canada Day grant, we scaled back plans and concentrated on festivities on Main St. With a generous donation from the Speelziek family, we were able to Maintain a full day of activities for all. Thanks to all of our volunteers and helpers, especially the merchants of Main St.

Fall Antique Fair & Sale: After 6 years of running this fine show, the state of the economy and its effect on the antiques trade, coupled with the construction at the arena, caused us to cancel the show for 2009. This gave everyone a much-needed break, and let our volunteers and helpers go to the Fair instead! We haven’t yet decided what the status of this year’s show is.

Remembrance Day: The Society again sponsored a wreath for the Remembrance Day cenotaph ceremony co-ordinated by the Legion. We also held our second Veterans’ Memorial Dinner, which looks like it will become an annual event. The evening celebrated the upcoming centennial of the Canadian Navy, with a speaker from the Naval Reserves and a military-themed sing-along.

Memorial Hall and Old School: Both of these building have been declared surplus by the County, in anticipation that the ownership and operation of the buildings will be assumed by local community organizations. To this end, the Society arranged for the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario to do a preliminary assessment of both buildings. In general, while both structures do have some inherent flaws due to their age, they are in reasonably good shape. In July, we held an Open House in the Upper Hall, and later in the summer, the Cobblestone Festival used the venue for part of their one act play series with much success, which we hope will continue this year.
An ad hoc group of interested people, tentatively called the South Dumfries Heritage Trust, has been set up to investigate the feasibility of operating one or both of the buildings. Both David Simpson and I are part of the group. We have expressed our interest to the County, and a business plan is currently being developed with the assistance of Enterprise Brant. Progress is slow, but this is not something that should be leapt into without some very careful planning and study. Please see David or myself if you would like to contribute in any way.

Volunteers: The heart of any successful community organization is its volunteers. Nothing that we do would be possible without the support and efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s been all year long or for an hour or two, we greatly appreciate all that you have done to help put our plans into action. We are always looking for new ideas, new perspectives, and new energy. If you can help out, please contact any board member or drop by the museum. Thank you all!

Respectfully submitted,

Clifford T. Jones
President
Monday, March 29, 2010

JANE'S WALK OF ST. GEORGE, SUNDAY MAY 2, 2010

2010-04-06T15:15:00.002-04:00

The SOUTH DUMFRIES HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PRESENTS A

JANE’S WALK
of ST. GEORGE

SUNDAY, MAY 2nd, 2010

STARTING at the ST. GEORGE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
(36 MAIN STREET SOUTH)

2:30 PM START - FREE ADMISSION - ALL WELCOME

What is a Jane's Walk?

Jane’s Walk is a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves.

Since it’s inception in 2007, Jane’s Walk has happened in many North American cities: Toronto, New York, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, Guelph, Charlottetown, Thornbury, and Salt Lake City. More partner cities and towns were added in 2009, including Montreal, Regina, Boston, Chicago, Hamilton, New Orleans, and St. George!

Jane’s Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. Jane’s Walk helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

All Jane’s Walk tours are given and taken for free. These walks are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighbourhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents.

Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighbourhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them.

Jane’s Walks are meant to be fun, engaged and participatory - everyone’s got a story and they’re usually keen to share it...

VISIT THE JANE’S WALK WEBSITE AT: www.janeswalk.net

Also consider the first BRANTFORD JANE'S WALK

SATURDAY, MAY 1st, 2010

Starting at St. Jude’s Anglican Church,
A National Historic Site of Canada,
at the Corner of Peel and Dalhousie Street

EXPLORING PART OF THE “EAST WARD” AROUND ALEXANDRA PARK

3:00 PM START - FREE ADMISSION - ALL WELCOME!

TOM KASTLE IN CONCERT AT PORT DOVER

2010-04-06T15:13:00.002-04:00

TOM KASTLE IN CONCERT
At The Port Dover Harbour Museum

A Concert of Great Traditional and Original Music with a Nautical Slant

Saturday, April 10, 7:30 PM

Tom Kastle has spent over two decades "on the road" and "on the water" as a singer, a tall ship sailor and captain, songwriter, and a teller of tales, both personal and those steeped in tradition. He has toured throughout the United States as well as Ireland, Scotland, Poland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand delighting audiences and producing 11 recordings plus a soundtrack for PBS (WTTW Chicago).

In addition to touring, Tom enjoys using song and story in nature and environmental programs and holds a degree in Human Ecology. He has worked with institutions and organizations such as the Inland Seas Education Association, Friends of the Chicago River, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, schools and libraries across the country, and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater founded by Pete Seeger.

After taking most of a year off to captain a tall ship in South Haven, MI, Tom has relocated to Madison, WI.

This spring Tom is doing some touring in Ontario and we are lucky enough to have him for an evening at the museum. www.tomkastle.com

Tickets are only $15.00 and are available at the museum or at the door
– 44 Harbour St.

Phone (519) 583-2660

www.portdovermuseum.ca

Hope to see you there!

Ian Bell
Curator / Director
Port Dover Harbour Museum

David Judd presents an illustrated talk about the St. George Train Wreck of 1889

2010-03-08T16:30:00.002-05:00

The SOUTH DUMFRIES HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PRESENTS A PUBLIC TALK:

DAVID JUDD
tells the illustrated story of

The St. George Train Wreck of 1889

The biggest thing that ever happened in St. George was the famous St. George Smash-up. On Feb. 27, 1889, two cars of a passenger train toppled off the bridge at the south end of the village. Ten people died and 32 were injured.

Like many folks who live in St. George, David Judd, a past president of the Brant Historical Society, wondered about the two concrete abutments on either side of the road at the south end of the village. He also had seen the famous photograph of a railway car tipped from a railway bridge, with a crowd of Victorian men and boys gawking in amazement.

The St. Louis Express was one of the fastest trains on the line. One February morning, it left London at 4:30 p.m. ….

To hear the rest of the story, join us on

MONDAY, MARCH 29th, 2010

at the ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL HALL
(32 Main Street South, next to the Museum)

7:30 PM START

(We will also be conducting the brief business of our Annual General Meeting)

FREE ADMISSION – ALL WELCOME

Sad News to start 2010 - Shirley Swift has died

2010-01-12T00:20:00.001-05:00

Shirley Swift has been a fixture on the Main Street of St. George for years. The "Shirley" of Shirley's Antiques. Her booth was always the first on your left as you entered our Antique Shows - a prime spot in honour of her quality furniture and her role in helping to establish and build the show the South Dumfries Historical Society has been so fortunate to take over.

Her husband Jack and her daughter Donna have also been great supporters of the SDHS and we hope that the community will offer them support during this sad time.

Here is the text of her obituary, with details of visiting and the funeral:

SWIFT, (nee Hinds) Shirley Doris - Peacefully with her loving family by her side after a long courageous battle, at the Stedman Community Hospice on January 9th 2010, in her 72 year. Beloved spouse and best friend of Jack T. Hacking. Loving mother to Robin Dawdy (Scott Parchem) and Donna Swift-Arabski. Loving step- mother to Kelly Hacking-Brown. Cherished grandmother to Brock, Shannon and Alannah. Dear sister to Margeret Hinds, Howard Hinds, Ruth Moore, Amy Julius, Linda Fowler, Eric Hinds, Christine Hinds, Joan Tracey, Bruce Hinds, Stanley Hinds, and predeceased by a brother John Hinds Jr., and sister Caroline Kuter, and her parents John Hinds and Dorothy Burnham- Hinds. Shirley will be dearly missed by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She proudly and lovingly operated Shirley's Antiques in St George for over 26 years. Shirley will be forever remembered for her love of family, friends, animals, and her selfless, compassionate nature. The family will receive friends at McCLEISTER FUNERAL HOME, 495 Park Rd. N., Brantford on Wednesday from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at St. George United Church, 9 Beverley East, St. George, on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Interment St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley's memory made to the Stedman Community Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

McCLEISTER 519-758-1553

OUR TOWN: BRANTFORD - SATURDAY EVENING

2009-12-10T12:11:00.002-05:00

The premiere showing of OUR TOWN: BRANTFORD will be this Saturday evening at 6:30 pm on WNED Television (the Buffalo PBS station, cable 61 in Brantford).

In October 2009, 32 current residents captured some of Brantford’s foremost “points of pride” for OUR TOWN: BRANTFORD, WNED’s 14th community “video scrapbook” production.

As these volunteer videographers show through their film footage, Brantford has carefully preserved both its storied past and its natural beauty. In this city of about 90,000 people, bald eagles – as well as the historic downtown core – are making a comeback.

I joined up as one of the volunteers, hoping to highlight some of my favourite historic sites - including St. Jude's. I shot video at a number of places, including next to the casino at "Brant's Ford," at the Mohawk Chapel, at the Military Museum, at Victoria Square and at the Brant County War Memorial. Andrew Dunning was kind enough to electronically send along some of his fine photos of the interior of St. Jude's as well.

I was interviewed at the end of October and handed in all my "raw" video footage. The editors at WNED will now cut and paste the video and audio all together into a neat package - that will probably only last about 4 minutes at most. I have no control about what gets in and what gets left out at this point, and I haven't seen the finished video as I write, but I hope St. Jude's gets some exposure across New York State and Ontario when the program airs as it is one of the lesser known National Historic Sites.

I handed in close to 45 minutes of video and I was interviewed for over 30 minutes.... I am told that the editors have nearly 40 hours of video to boil down to a one-hour program!

Featured Topics - The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, Historic Sites (my topic), Trails, Wilfrid Laurier University, the Bell Homestead, Natural Assets/Wildlife, the Dufferin Club, the Personal Computer Museum, the Mohawk Chapel, Entertainment, the Waterfront, Hidden Gardens, Urban Renewal, Glenhyrst Gardens and Art Gallery, the Train Station, Volunteers and Community Groups, the Arts Block & Stir It Up Cafe, and the Brant Theatre Production of Dracula.

For more information on the Our Town series visit: www.wned.org.

BRANT HISTORICAL SOCIETY - DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

2009-12-10T12:07:00.003-05:00

The Board and Staff of the Brant Historical Society would like to wish you the best during the holidays and a very Happy New Year. As we approach the end of the year, I would like to update you on a few things happening during December.

BHS Speakers Series
David Judd will be joining us on Wednesday, December 16th (7:30-9:30 p.m.). David will continue with his traditional presentation on the history of Brantford and Brant County 100 years ago.

Open House at Myrtleville House Museum
Please join us on December 18th (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.) for a Victorian Christmas as Myrtleville House Museum is now decorated for the holidays. In addition to tours of the museum, classic Christmas stories will be read and the Brant Taletellers Guild will also be in attendance to tell a special Christmas story.

Recipes From the Past: For Busy People
Looking for a gift for that hard to buy for person? Consider the Society's latest cookbook which is now available. The cookbook sells for $9.95 and features a wonderful assortment of historic recipes. The recipe book is available at the Brant Museum and Archives, Myrtleville House Museum, the Museum-in-the-Square, and Green Heron Books.

If you have any questions, please contact the museum at 519-752-2483.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season and all the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Joan Kanigan, Executive Director
Brant Historical Society
57 Charlotte Street
Brantford, ON N3T 2W6

www.brantmuseums.ca

'Twas the Night Before Christmas 2009 at Westfield Heritage Village

2009-12-02T11:18:00.003-05:00

Christmas at Westfield is something my family always enjoys!

Special evening openings for the Village are on Saturdays, December 5th, 12th and 19th, from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Admission fees: Adults $9.75, Seniors/Disabled $8.75, Youth 6-12 years of age $5.75, Children 5 years and under are free. Parking is free.

Experience Christmas traditions in the round, literally... true origins of the upside down Christmas tree, candle powered rotating Nativity scenes, the kissing, granny and pomander ball, and much more.

Celebrate Christmas past from the Georgian to the modern eras and feel the warmth of the season through food samples, fireworks, horse and wagon rides and a visit from Saint Nick.

Visit with Father Christmas and Fire Works Display at 6:30 pm

Sugar Twist donuts courtesy of Tim Hortons. Trees donated by Will Farm, Vi, Buck and Michael Collins. Special Thanks to Bennet's Farms for their apple cider.

Please bring a non-perishable food item and help support the Salvation Army.

And if you would prefer visiting the Village while the sun is out....

The Christmas Open House happens on Sunday, December 20th, 2009, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission fees are the same as above.

Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas and celebrate the season where traditions of an earlier time brought to life.

TEL: 519-621-8851, or toll-free 1-800-883-0104

1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario, L0R 1X0

Paris Library Digital History Project

2009-12-02T11:10:00.003-05:00

A reminder that the Paris Library's digital program launches this coming Sunday afternoon, December 6th, 2009. See the earlier blog posting for details.

We can add, however, the following links so that you can virtually witness the hard work they have put in:

See historical documents and photos from the County of Brant online: Visit http://images.ourontario.ca/brant

Share your memories and family history online at "Our Brant:" http://ourbrant.wikia.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE BELL HOMESTEAD

2009-11-23T16:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
Saturday, November 28th, 10a.m. to 2p.m.

The ladies at the Homestead Café are baking up a storm so you don’t
have to! You’ll find a plethora of homemade pies, cookies, and squares.
Find just the right stocking stuffer or gift for that certain someone.

“Ringing in the Holidays” Yuletide Celebration
December 1st - 24th
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Haul out the holly! A traditional Victorian Christmas abounds with
plenty of garlands, greenery, and holiday cheer. See how many of our
own Yuletide traditions came into being over 100 years ago.

Holiday Lamplight Tours
December 12th and 13th
5p.m. to 8p.m.

An evening visit to the Bell’s home at our favourite time of the year will
enliven everyone’s holiday spirit. The Homestead and Henderson Home
come to life amid the glow of candles and oil lamps while the aroma of
Yuletide baking wafts its way from the kitchen and live musical
entertainment fills the drawing room with the sounds of yesteryear.
Admission by donation.

Also join us at our Café for Christmas dinner both nights $19.95 per
person. (reservations required).

Bell Homestead National Historic Site
94 Tutela Heights Road
Brantford, ON
N3T 1A1

Telephone: 519.756.6220

CANADIAN NAVY CENTENNIAL

2009-11-23T15:57:00.001-05:00

The aim of the Canadian Naval Centennial is to build and strengthen in Canadians an appreciation for their navy and to promote the role of the navy within the Canadian Forces in a maritime nation like Canada. The theme is to “Bring the Navy to Canadians” and events will be focused to honour the past, to showcase the current navy and to reinforce the requirement for the future navy.

The navy, along with several civilian naval-oriented groups, has commenced planning for 2010 activities across the country. Major international fleet assemblies are scheduled for June 2010 in Victoria and a month later in Halifax during the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. As well, a group of naval warships will visit Toronto during the Canadian National Exhibition and an increased number of port visits are planned for both coasts and in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes.

The Naval Reserves, with their 24 divisions in cities across Canada, are key to promoting the centennial and the navy across the country. There are several activities both local and of a national nature that they are considering including “Freedom's of the City” parades, open houses, a cross-country run along the Canada Trail and other projects in cooperation with their municipality and local naval service groups.

An activity that promotes the underlying centennial theme is to develop a traveling road show, consisting of a small musical revue with naval band, an exhibition of naval artefacts and naval art. This troupe would, over the course of the centennial year, perform in many cities and towns across the country.

Another initiative being explored is for the navy to have a prominent role at major sporting events, exhibitions and other national cultural events during 2010.

Both Canada Post and the Royal Canadian Mint are considering a naval centennial stamp and coin respectively to commemorate this historic milestone. There are several other projects being progressed including the commissioning of a set of paintings and a coffee table book to commemorate the navy over the past one hundred years

Other ideas include a commemorative sword, historical conferences in Halifax and Ottawa, parades and dinners. Plans are underway to send to every First Nations people, city, town and region that has been honoured by having a Canadian warship named after it, information about their namesake ship so that they may have the opportunity to promote that ship, and thus, the Canadian Navy during the centennial year.

The centennial will be a momentous milestone both in our navy and nation’s history. We will honour the past, celebrate our achievements and recognize our obligation to Canada with the naval centennial slogan: Commemorate, Celebrate, Commit.

Canadians are encouraged to become involved in the centennial of our nation’s navy by joining in any of the public celebrations occurring near you.

http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/centennial/