SENIORS EXPLORE CANADIAN HERITAGE Memory Book

SENIORS EXPLORE CANADIAN HERITAGE Memory Book Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage: Memory Book Copyright © 2015 MIAG Centre for Diverse Women & Families e project coordinated by Elsa Galan e book designed by Farida Salahuddin e book edited by Huda Abbas

ere is no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the publisher, MIAG Centre for Diverse Women & Families, www.miag.ca

Printed in Canada

4 Table of Contents 1. Acknowledgements ...... …………………………………………………………………. 6 2. Introduction .....……………………………………………………………………...... 7 3. Bradley Museum ..…...………………………………………………………………….... 8 3.1 Pictures and Testimonials ……… …………………………………………….... 9 4. Benares House ...………………………………………………………………………..... 11 4.1 Pictures and Testimonials of First and Second Trip ....……………………….. 12 5. Iceland Teacher Garden …………………………………………………………………. 14 5.1 Pictures and Testimonials of First and Second Trip …………………………... 15 6. e Grange: Journey to the Past: e Lost Villages of Mississauga …………………...... 17 6.1 Pictures and Testimonials ………… …………………………………………... 18 7. Nature and Local Farm Heritage: Spirit Tree Cidery Tour ………….………………….. 20 7.1 Pictures and Testimonials ……… …………………………………………….. 21 8. Historical Art Walking Tour Old Meadowvale Village ……………………………….... 23 8.1 Pictures and Testimonials ……… …………………………………………….. 24 9. Heritage Port Credit Tour …………………………………..…………………………... 26 9.1 Pictures and Testimonials .……………………………………………………... 27 10. PAMA- Peel Art Museum and Archives ..…………………………………..…………. 29 10.1 Pictures and Testimonials ……………………………………………………….. 30 11. Meadowvale eatre: Christmas Spectacular ………………………………………..... 32 11.1 Pictures and Testimonials ………………………………………………...... 33

5 Acknowledgements

IAG Centre for Diverse Women & Families would like to thank New Horizons for Seniors Program MCommunity–Based Project for generously funding the ‘Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage’ project.

We are also grateful to our partner agencies: Ecosource, Heritage Mississauga, City of Mississauga-Museums and Traditions, Friends of Museums of Mississauga, East Mississauga Community Health Centre, Zoomers Association of Trinidad & Tobago in Canada-ZATTIC, Alce Art and Health, and Muslim Seniors Circle.

We thank all seniors from diverse ethno cultural communities without their participation this program could not be done. eir testimonies about the experience were collected for this memory book.

We thank our volunteers and placement students from Ryerson University, Sheridan College and Seneca College for their relentless time and e orts during this program.

Furthermore, we appreciate the testimonials we had received for e Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage Trips. Testimonials included in the memory book are anonymous for privacy reasons.

6 Introduction

eniors Explore Canadian Heritage is a project that facilitates seniors’ exploration of local Canadian heritage. S e program consists of eleven excursions to di erent local heritage facilities and farms on a monthly basis from March to December. Over 250 immigrants and newcomer seniors from di erent ethno-cultural communi- ties participated in this project. Excursions were planned according to seasons. Wintertime, they were directed to indoor facilities such as Bradley Museum where they experienced the production of maple syrup, Heritage Mississauga and other heritage places. Summertime, and fall they were directed to fruit, vegetable garden, farm and parks. ese trips exposed new- comers and immigrant seniors to Canadian nature and heritage facilities. Also, the seniors were introduced to the crops that are grown in Canada and this provided an opportunity for them to meet with the Canadians who work in the farms. Seniors were asked to research information about each place prior to the visit. ey exchanged information and mentored each other. During the excursion, there was an information sharing session where seniors were given more in-depth information and knowledge about the facility and how it is utilized. Seniors practiced active living by participating in walking groups within the sites. ey also experienced the joy of picking fruits and vegetables. Photographs were taken and compiled together, re ecting beautiful memories and experiences. Each page of your Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage Book detail descriptions, images and comments which preserve memories of our time spent together at historic sites such as Bradley Museum. Please read further and enjoy memories we had shared in the memory book.

7 Bradley Museum he Bradley museum was originally the retirement home of John Skinner, a British sea captain. e cottage was originally con- Tstructed in the 1830s and was the home of United Empire Loyalist Lewis Bradley, his wife Elizabeth and their seven children. e early 19th century cottage was moved from its original site in the late 1970s and has since been restored to reveal the everyday lives of early settlers. At Bradley House, one can experience the seasonal chores of churn- ing fresh butter, planting and harvesting crops or preparing hearty meals over an open  re. Cra demonstrations and special events are held throughout the year and Bradley house is also used for corporate meetings, location  lming and private functions. Bradley House is popularly known for processing maple syrup.

8 Pictures & Testimonials Bradley Trip Trip: April 15, 2015

“Pancakes with maple syrup was a great addition to the trip because it really brought us back to the time period which maple syrup was introduced as part of Canadian culture, the way they used to live and how in a creative way they had a healthy life with a lot of sacri ce.”

9 Pictures & Testimonials Bradley Trip

“I am so glad to join this program through MIAG. I realized there “Bradley Museum is a lot I need to know has many remnants because this is now my of prehistoric Mississau- new home.” ga.  e people we met at the museum were very polite and helpful.  e trip was very “Congratulations nicely organized, I got a lot for this excellent of information as the tour initiative and I hope guides were well versed and we will have more trips knowledgeable about the and visit many other Bradley grounds.” places.”

10 Trips: May 13 & Sept 22, 2015

Benares Museum he Benares Historic House is a Georgian style home built in the 1900’s Twith over 160 years of history. e house was reopened to the public as Mississauga’s newest museum in 1995. Great grand-children of the original Harris family donated the Benares House Property to e City of Mississauga Community Services Department with 95% of original furnishings and artifacts.

At Benares Historic House participants are able to experience some of Canada’s earliest traditions such as ritual a ernoon tea enjoyed with light refreshments and tour the Benares grounds. One can enjoy a walk in the Benares Park and the interpretive gallery which features generations of Harris family antiquities. Benares house is popular for being one of the eldest homes in Mississauga.

11 Pictures & Testimonials Benares Trip

“Everything was kept intact, even “ e trip was the children, toys, bedrooms, well-organized and lamps, the piano for entertainment very enjoyable. a er dinner.  e tour had brought Wonderful to see us back in time.  e living and the seniors from so dining room were kept very elegant many cultures and with very luxurious china’s, silver language groups and crystal with painted portraits enjoying a day out of the rst owner, his children and together.” grandchildren.”

12 Pictures & Testimonials Benares Trip

“I had fun!  e English “Great historic house… breakfast tea and scones very interesting what at the beginning were a was 180 years ago.” great way to immerse us in Benares House tradi- tions which was owned “ e tour was very by one of Mississauga’s informative; the tea was rst families.’’ amazing.”

13 e Iceland Teaching Garden he Iceland Teaching Garden is a demonstration Garden located Tnear e Hershey Centre which produces seasonal greens. e Teaching Garden is o en used for educational training. e Iceland Teaching Garden participants learn about our ecosystems and nat- ural plant life in Mississauga. Generous contributions are made to clients of the Eden Community Food Bank directly from the garden. Experience e Iceland Teaching Garden and learn about the impor- tance of garden foods to community health and wellness. Instruc- tors provide hands on workshops, gardening lessons and tours to enhance learning based on food growing, organic plant health and healthy soil as we enjoy the natural food traditions of the garden. At the Iceland Teaching Gardens one can further enjoy meals made of freshly picked ingredients.

14 Pictures & Testimonials Iceland Garden Trip

Trips: June 24 & July 8, 2015

“We made a delicious salad with kale, lettuce, “ e rst trip my husband and I radish, green onion, peas, tomatoes and a good attended was to the Community dressing recipe that we enjoyed very much.” Teaching Garden. It was very inter- esting to know that the community of Mississauga has a patch of land “I like everything…getting together with the to teach people how to grow their group sharing times and lunch.” own vegetables.”

15 Iceland Garden Trip Pictures & Testimonials

“People can go there to help as volunteers, to learn and also to “A great ideaharvest to learn, food.” plant and prepare delicious and healthy salads with the garden products.”

16 e Grange “Lost Villages of Mississauga”

nown as “ e Robinson Adamson House.” e Heritage Centre Kat e Grange was built between 1828 and 1833. e Grange House was constructed for Sir John Beverley Robinson First Chief Justice of Upper Canada the  rst owner of property. e Grange House was later owned by the Adamson’s family. e Grange House was o cially deemed one of many Mississau- ga architectural historic sites as of 1978 by e Cadillac Fairview Corporation. e Grange holds many remnants of early year life in Mississauga. At the Grange House one can discover Mississauga’s origins as we enjoy light refreshments, tour the Grange grounds and the lost villages which contain remnants of over 180 years’ worth of history.

17 Pictures & Testimonials The Grange Trip Trip: July 22, 2015

“ e families that lived at “We had the opportunity  e Grange had many dif- to learn the history behind ferent titles and occupations. Mississauga’s establishment by I had no idea that the same touring the older villages, old corporations own some of our family portraits and structures major properties that are which in uenced modern day commonly used today.” Mississauga.”

18 The Grange Trip Pictures & Testimonials

“I am happy to know that as Mississauga continues to expand “I had enjoyed hearing about the rst Mayor of Mississauga.” and grow. I am part of Mississauga’s history.”

19 Natural and Local Farm: Spirit Tree Cidery

ocated at East of Mississauga Road, the Natural Farm Market is renowned for its’ orchard which produces delicious ciders made of Lfresh apples, pears and other fruits grown on the Spirit Tree Cidery for generations. e Cidery features a delicious Bistro and Bakery where one can sit down and enjoy freshly made meals and choose from the variety o ered on the menu. One can take in the farm scenery, press room, cellar, enjoy the bistro and taste the variety of ciders only available at the Spirit Tree Cidery grounds.

“I discovered ingredients to cook my salad…what a useful trip!”

20 Pictures & Testimonials

Trip: August 26, 2015

Natural & Local Farm Trip

21 Natural & Local Farm Trip Pictures & Testimonials

“We had the opportunity to taste a variety of freshly made products including ciders which reminded us of champagnes. Ecosource sta did excellent activities.” “ e bakery has many delicious freshly made goods.” “I like everything…getting together with the group sharing times and lunch.” “We learnt new veggie and plant names.”

22 Trip: September 2, 2015

Old Meadowvale Village: Historical Art Walking Tour

ld Meadowvale Village dates back to the 1900’s and continues to capti- vate visitors such as famous artists, students with its rich cultural beauty Oand clash of the arts. From the newly restored school house to breathe taking paintings such as the triple panelled murals one can explore the village scenery with remnants of past occupants available to see on the grounds. One can enjoy tours of the di erent residences such as the Old Methodist Church including recently restored photographs and paintings with light refreshments.

23 Old Meadowvale Village Trip Pictures & Testimonials

“We enjoyed  e Miniature Village, which is made by one of the land owners of Meadowvale Village in his backyard.”

“We received the explanations as we toured the village, learned of the history of Meadowvale.”

24 Pictures & Testimonials Old Meadowvale Village Trip

“It’s a great experi- ence touring one of the oldest villages mainly occupied by the families that have been living there for genera- “ e tour took us back in time to the beginning of popular art culture in tions.” Mississauga…it was exciting to hear about all the artists that had made names for themselves in Meadowvale as we explored the art in the villages.”

25 Heritage Port Credit

stablished in 1835 the Port Credit River was sacred to the Native Mississauga’s who had occupied 1.6 km of land on both sides of the ECredit River. Later on Port Credit was surveyed and founded. e Police Village was formed in Port Credit Village in 1909 which led to town status in 1961. “ e Town of Port Credit” was o cially amalgamated with other towns and villages of Mississauga in 1974. Port Credit waters continue to attract many recreation lovers including boaters, sporters and  sherman along with standing structures such as the light house. During the seasons one can enjoy tours, waterfront festivals, eats, tasters and treats some o ered only at Port Credit.

26 Pictures & Testimonials Trip: October 1, 2015 “ is trip was quite di erent because we stayed out- side enjoying a beautiful day.  e rst cooler day of the real Autumn season, we can feel it in the air.”

“ e walk and sight-seeing of the old police tower and Port Credit River gave us a chance to learn many new facts about Port Credit such as its’ previous First Nations occupancy prior to early settlement and the establishment of the towns’ rst early day police division.”

27 Port Credit Trip Pictures & Testimonials

28 PAMA - Peel Art Museum and Archives & Park

AMA’s beautifully expanded facilities traces the origins of PPeel County to the County Courthouse, Jail, O ce Build- ing, Registry O ce and Art Exhibits of modern day imagery and structures such as e Boat of Eternal Return (Stephanie Rayner, 2015. ese historical markers had inspired what we know as present day Municipality of Peel. PAMA hosts an exhibit which features the shared knowledge of First Nations whom are referenced within the exhibit as the original land occupants before the establishment of Peel County by early settlers. e courthouse and court system in Peel were estab- lished in 1867 prior to the o cial town establishment in 1890. e Museum features rare archives and maps which detail the expansion of Peel County into multiple subdivisions of land including housing, transportation and businesses which played an intrinsic role in the expansion of Peel within and outside of County borders. To  nd out more visit e PAMA Museum and enjoy explor- ing the history of Peel County. PAMA is where old meets new in the newly developed facility and the expansion continues as viewed through a wide range of images, materials and books exclusively available at PAMA.

29 Pictures & Testimonials Trip: October 8, 2015

“We enjoyed PAMA for its featured artifacts and remnants “ e Boat exhibition was preserved from the establish- captivating. I grew up ment of Peel Region. We had the passionate about art and tour guide share details about was moved by the images,  e Peel family, settlement and descriptions and the boat early lifestyle of those residing in i t s e l f .” Peel Region.”

“ e entire museum was amazing and aboriginal “Many unique pieces at PAMA section was inspiring.” that I had not expected to see.”

30 PAMA Trip Pictures & Testimonials

“It was exciting to learn about the rst system establish- ments such as the rst, railways, transportations, schools and other buildings.”

31 Meadowvale eatre: Trip: December14, 2015 Christmas Spectacular

eadowvale eatre features a variety of entertainment Mchoices including comedies, plays, music performances, dance and dramas to choose from as we delve into the arts and enjoy the theatrical experience. Meadowvale eatre features year round celebrations and festivities including the December 14th Christmas Spectacular which is an all ages event to tide in the Holiday Season.

We were thrilled to be in an atmosphere of the arts as we experienced being immersed in productions and original pieces presented by Meadowvale eatre.

32 Meadowvale Theatre Pictures & Testimonials “We all enjoyed Christmas Spectacular. Unforgiving celebration for all of us”. “Beautiful music with traditional songs of the Christmas season. Nice tradition.” “The singer was awesome, great band, and amaz- ing children and youth dance.” “It was very informative and fun”.

“Beautiful theater. Staff welcome us with a summary about the history and creative programs of Meadowvale Theatre.” “The performance on stage were spectacular, Michael Ciufo, a great tenor from Mississauga.” “What a great example of a well planning show, executed and of course very entertaining. Awesome!”

33 REVISIT THE MEMORY Addresses list provided below includes each location visited on  e Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage excursions:

• Bradley Museum • Old Meadowvale Village: Historical Art Walking 1620 Orr Rd, Mississauga ON L5J 4T2 Old Derry Road and Second Line, Mississauga Ontario Site:  e Bradley House Exhibit(s): Historical Art

• Benares Historic House • A Heritage Port Credit Tour: Lakeshore Road West 1507 Clarkson Rd N, Mississauga ON L5J 2W8 105 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5H 1E9 Site:  e Benares House Landmark: Port Credit Lighthouse

• Iceland Teaching Garden • PAMA- Peel Art Museum & Archives 705 Matheson Boulevard East, Mississauga, ON L4Z 2H2 9 Wellington St E, Brampton, ON L6W 1Y1 Landmark:  e Teaching Garden Exhibit(s):  e Peel Family, Peel County, Boat of Eternal Return (Stephanie Rayner, 2015) • e Grange 1921 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON L5K 1R2 • Meadowvale Th eatre Landmark:  e Robinson- Adamson House “ e Grange” 6315 Montevideo Rd, Mississauga, ON L5N 4G7 Exhibit(s): Performances, Comedy Shows, Plays • Spirit Tree Estate Cidery 1137 Boston Mills Road Caledon Landmark:  e Cidery

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Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage was a program at MIAG Centre for Diverse Women & Families that connected seniors from diverse communities to distinct historic sites of Mississauga and Peel Region. This memory book covers all excursions with seniors in 2015. The Seniors Explore Canadian Heritage excursions include: The Bradley Museum, Benares Historic House, Iceland Teaching Gardens, The Grange, Nature and Local Farm Heritage: Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, Old Meadowvale Village: Historical Art Walking, A Heritage Port Credit, PAMA Peel Art Museum and Archives, and Meadowvale Theatre: Christmas Spectacular.

Enjoy the memory of each excursion through pictures and participants’ testimonials.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada