OHS B u l l e t i n t h e n e w s l e t t e r o f t h e o n t a r i o h i s t o r i c a l s o c i e t y

I ss u e 188 S u m m e r 2013

OHS Welcomes New OHS to Launch Online Project Affiliated Member: Kensington to Strengthen ’s Market Historical Society Heritage Community

n November 2012, the OHS Alison Little, Program Manager will be the goal of a series of Iincorporated -based [email protected] webinars, which will present valu- Kensington Market Historical able information on topics directly Society (KMHS), continuing in ince 1888, The Ontario relevant to heritage institutions its mission to empower historical SHistorical Society has sought and organizations in Ontario. Each societies across Ontario to save new ways to reach out to its webinar will be led by industry their local history. members, partners, and friends professionals with ample time for The objectives and interests in the heritage community. 125 participant questions, and will also of the KMHS are to collect and years later, the OHS plans to be made available for viewing disseminate knowledge pertain- develop a web portal, map, and afterwards through the OHS website. ing to the cultural, historical, and webinar series for artistic context of Kensington an increasingly Do you have a webinar idea? Market’s past. The organization diverse audience. Tell us what you’d like to see! intends to initiate primary research Beginning in fall Email [email protected] using documentary records and 2013, the “Strength- oral histories related to the neigh- Photo Ronny Jaques ening Ontario’s to make suggestions and take bourhood. Opportunities for Street view of Toronto’s Kensington Heritage Network” part in our webinar survey! collaborative projects, such as Market, circa 1940s. Library and project will include streetscape inventories and urban Archives , R3133-510-7-E. a series of training and general Finally, in early 2014, the archaeology, are also actively be- interest webinars, an interactive OHS will launch “Your Local ing pursued. KMHS has a preser- presence in the residential and map, an online discussion forum, History,” a monthly regional vationist and archival orientation, commercial communities of a document-sharing portal, and feature that will shine the spot- and takes particular interest in Kensington, and a trusted reputa- a monthly community feature. light on a single community in artefacts, records, and built struc- tion within the broader academic These resources will increase the Ontario and its heritage activities. tures that might otherwise be lost. and archival community. The Society’s online presence, provide Information on events, volunteer KMHS acknowledges and takes support of The Ontario Historical valuable tools for members and opportunities, photos, and videoes seriously the difficulties and - nu Society has enabled us to take our affiliated societies, and create will be shared through the new web ances of recording community first steps towards these goals,” opportunities for collaboration portal and across social media feeds. memory and the potential biases remarked KHMS publications and communication across the Organizations featured will benefit of historical narrative. At the chair Jonathan Lofft. province. Casting a wider net on- from a signal-boost by the OHS, same time, it recognizes the need In March, 130 people attended line to promote this exciting web and portal visitors will be exposed for locally based educational and KMHS’s inaugural event at the project will connect new faces and to new and exciting regional research resources, and for im- Lillian H. Smith branch of the perspectives to our discussions and heritage work on a regular basis. proving upon the quality, breadth, Toronto Public Library, featuring collaborations, enriching Ontario’s As a result of this project, and content of those materials. guest speakers Jean Cochrane, au- heritage community. Ontario’s heritage organizations KMHS is committed to making its thor of Kensington, and Rosemary The project will feature an and institutions will become work accessible by means of pub- Donegan, author of Spadina. interactive map that will plot the better connected with the OHS, lic events, print publication, and KMHS held its first AGM over 1,600 contacts currently a part its resources, and the institutional by maintaining an online presence. at the same venue in May, of the Society’s popular Ontario knowledge the province’s heri- Kensington Market, as far as can where five officers were elected Heritage Directory Online. As a tage community. There will be an be determined, has never had such and three committees were struck. heritage tourism tool, this map will increase of accessible and current an historical society to speak on Stewart Scriver, long-time resident raise the profile of cultural groups information published on the OHS behalf of residents past and pres- and entrepreneur, shared his unique across the province. website for the benefit of all people ent, or to develop a documentary reminiscences of five decades of The web portal will allow mem- interested in learning about and resource devoted to circumstances life in Kensington Market. bers to upload and share content, promoting Ontario’s local history. and perspectives especially linked Visit www.kmhs.ca to learn improving the resources and The “Strengthening Ontario’s to the area. more or join the growing member- sharing tools available to heri- Heritage Network” web portal, “We hope to develop a strong ship base of the KMHS. tage organizations. A web forum map, forum, and webinars will will give users the opportunity to be launched in phases, beginning reach out to colleagues sharing in autumn 2013. Watch for news In This Issue similar challenges, and to discuss, in the OHS Bulletin, on the OHS promote, and celebrate achieve- Twitter (@OntarioHistory) and President’s Report...... 2 Museum News...... 4 ments in heritage work. OHS’ goal Facebook feeds, and our website. is to improve the ways in which OHS would like to acknowledge Executive Director’s Report...... 2 Ontario’s heritage community in- the support of the Ministry of Tour- New Members and Donors...... 2 teracts, discovers, and collaborates. ism, Culture and Sport through its Learning and skill-development Museums and Technology Fund.

The Ontario Historical Society 34 Parkview Avenue Cemetery News...... 6 Willowdale, Ontario M2N 3Y2 Across the Province...... 3 From The Bookshelf...... 7-8

The Ontario Founded Historical Society 1888

www.ontariohistoricalsociety.ca Radforth, our volunteer judges, and Andrea Izzo for a job well done. W e lc o m e President’s Report I would like to welcome our new program manager, Alison Little. N e w M e m b e r s Alison is already hard at work Dr. Brad Rudachyk, President but not least, thank you to director putting together a series of profes- S i n c e M ay 2013 [email protected] Carolyn King and our wonderful sional development and general in- who worked tirelessly behind terest webinars, which will launch hanks to the marvels of the in- the scenes to not only make the day this fall (see page 1). This is very Ajax Public Library Tternet and tablet technology, I possible, but to go so smoothly. exciting, as your Society continues have the good fortune to be writing At the AGM, we bid fond fare- to expand its internet presence. Andrew Beveridge this as I overlook my back garden well to board members Linda Speaking of the digital world, on a gloriously bright July morn- Kelly and Jim Leonard. Their keen I would be remiss if I did not Russ Boychuk ing. It’s one of those days you minds, wise counsel, and unflag- provide an update on our special Adele Chatelain would swear that you can actually ging good humour will be sorely 125th Anniversary campaign to see the morning glories grow. missed. Thank you, Linda and Jim. raise $125,000 to digitize our back Michael Commito On Saturday, June 22nd, your The Society is the better for all of issues of Papers and Records and Friends of the Educational society held its 125th annual gen- your efforts. On a happier note, we Ontario History. So far, we have Archives Serving Brant, eral meeting. Our gracious hosts welcomed Dr. Michel Beaulieu raised over $28,000. To all who Haldimand and Norfolk Counties were the Mississaugas of the New and Allan Macdonell to the board. have already contributed, thank The Glengarry Pioneer Museum Credit First Nation. The day was We look forward to working with you. Your support is greatly appre- Halton Hills Public Library, a resounding success; we were them over their terms. ciated. This is a most worthy proj- Georgetown Branch privileged to be a part of the of- Our Honours and Awards ect that will prove a huge boon to ficial opening of their impressive ceremony was well-attended the study of our province’s history Italian-Canadian Archives Project new community centre. We were and flawlessly orchestrated. going forward. Please do consider Guy Legault also pleased that the Hon. David Congratulations to our nomi- helping out as best you can. Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal nees and receipients. There is so In closing, I wish everyone a Ken Leland Affairs, and Mr. were much talent and energy across restful, rewarding, and safe sum- Allan J Macdonell able to attend. the province being devoted to our mer. You know, I’d swear those The Society also wishes to thank history and heritage. Thanks to morning glories have grown at Donald Macleod the event’s keynote speakers, Dr. awards committee chair Dr. Ian least a quarter of an inch. Ann Martin Don Smith and Dr. Allan Sherwin for their engaging and informative Regan McFarlane sessions. Congratulations to the James McTavish City of Toronto Museum Services and MNCFN on the launch of their Penetanguishene new “First Nations and the of Historical Society 1812” exhibit, which was unveiled Township of Leeds and the during the day’s festivities. Thanks to Chief Bryan LaForme and the New Credit Band Council Doug Tracy for making the OHS feel most Casey Vinkle welcome. It is always good for the Society to be out and about; it was Photo Andrea Izzo Gail Warner-Metzlaff especially so that day, since it was The OHS was honoured to host its 125th Annual General Meeting and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park the first time since 1898 that we Awards Ceremony in partnership with the Mississaugas of the New met in the area. Thanks, as well, to Credit First Nation (MNCFN). Pictured on June 22nd at the grand open- master of ceremonies Max King. ing of the MNCFN Community Centre are (from left): MNCFN Chief His patience and good humour gen- Bryan LaForme; OHS Director and former MNCFN Chief Carolyn King; tly kept us on time over the course Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. David Zimmer; OHS Executive D o n o r s of an extremely busy day. And, last Director Rob Leverty; and OHS Director Dr. Alison Norman. N.B. list does not include 125th Anniversary Fund donors his employment funding through Executive Director’s Report the Young Canada Works program. The OHS will now focus on the digitization of all the articles John Blaubergs Rob Leverty, Executive Director society.ca/index. and book reviews published since Carl Benn [email protected] The creation of this new elec- 1899 in Ontario History in order tronic index would not have been to make them electronically avail- Gerry Boyce am pleased to report that the possible without the generous as- able to the general public. This D E Brannen I OHS Board of Directors recently sistance of the Sault Ste. Marie is an enormous project that will incorporated three more not-for- Museum and the financial support modernize our scholarly journal. Patricia Bromley profit historical corporations. of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, We are deeply grateful to every- Arthur Bullen Congratulations to all the Culture and Sport, and the Social one, including our member or- volunteers who donated their Sciences and Humanities Research ganizations and institutions, who Jane Cooper-Wilson time and skills to incorporate The Council of Canada. I would like to have supported the digitization Sidney Down Glengarry Pioneer Museum thank Christopher Nitsopoulos for of Ontario History by generously (2013), The Penetanguishene compiling and producing an index donating to the Society’s 125th Stephanie Druhan Historical Society, and The Friends for the last twenty years of Ontario Anniversary Fund. Ernest Epp of the Educational Archives History, and the Department of I hope you enjoy the rest of the Serving Brant, Haldimand Canadian Heritage for providing summer! Audrey Fox and Norfolk Counties through Patricia Kennedy affiliation with the OHS. Since October 2012, the OHS Patricia Hunter has incorporated thirteen new Congratulations 2012-13 OHS M.B. Levitt not-for-profit historical corpora- tions as the Society responds to an Honours and Awards Recipients! Catherine McEwen unprecedented number of requests Thomas McIlwraith from citizens across Ontario to help them protect and preserve the r. Ian Radforth, Chair of the Dorothy Duncan Award R.G. McQuillan history of their communities and DHonours and Awards Com- Rolph, Buchanan, Wylie & Marjorie Stuart regions. mittee of the OHS is pleased to an- McKay Historical Society I am thrilled to report that the nounce the recipients of the 2012 Margaret Surtees Society recently launched an Honours and Awards, presented Carnochan Award Marcia Turner electronic index of all the articles June 22, 2013 in Hagersville: Janie Cooper-Wilson and and book reviews that have been Joyce C. Lewis Fred Turp published in our scholarly journal Scadding Award of Excellence Ransom Vrooman Ontario History since 1899. This Old Durham Road Pioneer Cruikshank Medal index provides instant, universal Cemetery Committee Dr. Gabriele Scardellato Bill Warnick access to a treasure of diverse Cathy Willoughby scholarship on Ontario’s history. President’s Award ‘Awards’ cont’d page 3 ... Please visit www.ontariohistorical Unterman-McPhail Associates

Page 2 OHS Bulletin Summer 2013 Across the Province Preserving the Memory of Canada’s Literary Sweetheart he New Toronto Historical memorable locations, build- TSociety will be celebrating the ings, streetscapes, and events: 100th Anniversary of New Toronto 519.934.2270. on Saturday, October 5th, with a The Archives of Ontario’s new historical walk beginning at 1 p.m. exhibit, Perceptions of 1812: at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church Identity, Diversity, Memory is on 6th Street. The walk con- now open at the Helen McClung cludes with a celebratory tea at St. Exhibit Area. This free exhibit, Margaret’s. Learn more at www. curated by ’s newtorontohistorical.com. Dr. Ross Fair, explores the person- Congratulations to Friends of alities, politics, and legacy of this Freeman Station (FOFS) on the crucial conflict, using pieces from Photo Barbara Pratt creation of a wonderful 1:24 scale the Archives’ own art collection – model of the historic Burlington which consists of approximately train station. FOFS conducted 2,600 artworks in a wide variety of two days of public outreach at the media installed in more than 200 local shopping mall to promote this locations throughout the province. model and historic photographs: As always, Ontario’s heritage www.freemanstation.ca. world is buzzing with events; here The United Church of Canada is just a sampling: Jennifer Carroll (left) sits with artist Wynn Walters, who created a has announced its Toronto-based August 24-25: Uxbridge maquette mock-up for a bronze statue commemorating Lucy Maud archives are on the move, and will Historical Society’s Heritage Days Montgomery unveiled by LMMSO last summer. Carroll portrays re-open on September 16th at Festival at the Uxbridge Heritage Montgomery in an original one-woman show, Maud of Leaskdale, which the new location at the Toronto Centre, 7239 6th Concession plays at the Historic Leaskdale Church near Uxbridge until August 25, Christian Resource Centre, 40 Road, 10 a.m - 5 p.m. Visit 2013. Visit lucymaudmontgomery.ca for ticket and time information. Oak Street, with parking and easy uxbridgescotthistoricalsociety.ca access to public transit: archives@ August 25: Annual Monarch united-church.ca. Butterfly Tag & Release, sponsored Jennifer Carroll interpretive centre, arts initiative, The Simcoe County Historical by the Port Hope and District [email protected] and tearoom. Both of these spaces Association has announced the Historical Society: 905.885.2981 are public art in themselves, bring- Andrew Hunter Award 2014 for September 6: “Pedal for the he day was full of storms and ing to life so vividly the memory a student essay, between 3000 Past,” a 50- or 100-km cycle Tblack clouds. Furious sheets of of a remarkable woman and 5000 words, in English or through beautiful Oro-Medonte, or rain assaulted the steaming ground In 2011, the ladies decided to French, written during the 2013-14 a 25-km ride on the historic Oro- in intervals, never quite able to set their ambitions even higher, academic year on some aspect of Medonte Rail Trail, sponsored by break the heat of that summer and that’s where I came in. A play Simcoe County history. Essays the Friends of The OPP Museum night. The clouds broke and blue was commissioned to commemo- must be postmarked by April 21, as a fundraiser for the Orillia- skies appeared just as cars rolled rate the centennial anniversary of 2014: simcoecountyhistory.ca. based museum: 705.330.4178 into the parking lot and hands Maud’s arrival in Ontario. The The Bruce County Historical September 14: Tour of the S.S. reached out in meeting and for a show is now in its second season Society (BCHS) has launched a Keewatin at Port McNicoll, spon- glass of wine. I sit in full costume, at the Historic Leaskdale Church. new research project to compile sored by the SCHA: 705.721.9401 next to Lucy Maud Montgomery’s In the infancy of the project, they military information on Bruce September 18: Prince Albert granddaughter, wilting under the turned to Conrad Boyce as writer residents who have served in the Cemetery Walk, 7 p.m., sponsored lingering heat. Kathy stands on and director who, in turn, circled armed forces. If you have informa- by Lake Scugog Historical Society: stage, gesturing toward garden right back to Maud. Who better to tion or can assist with the project, lakescugoghistoricalsociety.com blueprints and my ears ring with tell the compelling story than the contact Dorne Fitzsimmons at October 3: “We are not alone, her measured words. She speaks very woman who lived it? And so 519.368.7168 or [email protected]. OHS at 125” lecture by Janet for the Society, and what she Maud of Leaskdale was born from Bronte Historical Society is also Cobban, OHS past president at speaks of resonates throughout the the journals Maud kept her entire appealing for information about the Duff-Baby Interpretation room. life. buildings that were previously loc- Centre, Sandwich, sponsored by The Lucy Maud Montgomery From her arrival at Uxbridge’s ated along the Bronte Bluffs near Windsor’s Community Museum Society of Ontario (LMMSO). train station to the day she packed the present location of Sovereign Volunteer Group: 519.253.1812 They call themselves ‘The Maud up her parlour to leave, Maud’s House, where a broad selection October 16: “Bikes in summer, Squad’ – a name that could not days in the Ontario countryside of artists are exhibiting this sum- skates in winter!” lecture by John be more fitting, for the group is were chronicled in exacting detail, mer. Rubble indicates there were McKenty, author of Canada remarkable and seemingly unstop- bringing her daily life into a vivid buildings and families nearby. Cycle & Motor: the CCM Story, pable. Tonight they unveil plans light. As I walk the stage, night Information: 905.825.5552. at St. John’s United Church, for a new garden at the Leaskdale after night, Maud’s words flow out Postcards are popular! Two re- Oakville, 7:30 p.m., sponsored by Historic Church, its centrepiece the of me into the golden light of her cent publications include Postcard The Oakville Historical Society: commission of a life-size bronze of husband’s sanctuary, nestled in the Memories of Orillia, by Marcel 905.844.2695 the famed Canadian author. Kathy countryside she so often cited as Rousseau, that contains rare visu- October 26: “We are Nobody’s stands, addressing an impassioned the ultimate inspiration. Her words als of Orillia families, dwellings, Babies” Annual Banquet with audience, and touches on a major ring in the air she once breathed. and businesses of more than a guest speaker, The Hon. Sheila theme that guides the purpose Her acerbic wit recounts the events century ago: 705.329.1908. A Copps, PC, OC, author of of the society: public art. My that formed the scaffold of her life. Postcard History of Bruce County Nobody’s Baby, at the Travelodge memory touches back to the Her infamous turns of phrase re- has been launched by the BCHS Hotel in Belleville at 6 p.m. preceding summer, while film- veal the surprising depth of joy and and features pre-1948 postcards, Sponsored by Hastings County ing a promotional video for the tragedy she endured. And the show a lasting reminder of many Historical Society: 613.961.7772 LMMSO in the manse where Maud continues, bringing her voice back lived and wrote for fifteen years. to Leaskdale by popular demand. As The Maud Squad carefully So on this stormy summer night I ‘Awards’ from page 2 and beautifully restored the manse sit in the audience in full costume, Smogville: The Politics of to the days when Maud lived and wilting under the lingering heat, Joseph Brant Award Toronto’s Air Pollution during the worked within it, they uncovered and watch The Maud Squad put Dr. Allan Sherwin, Bridging Two 1950s,” Journal of Urban History a boarded-over staircase from the yet another feather in their cap, Peoples: Chief Peter E. Jones kitchen to the upstairs. Her me- using Maud’s favourite medium: J. J. Talman Award ticulous journals and numerous nature. And the LMMSO does it Alison Prentice Award Dr. Stuart Henderson, Making photographs made for excellent in such style, encompassing and Dr. Katrina Srigley, Breadwin- the Scene: Yorkville and Hip blueprints, and now the manse preserving our history, involving ning Daughters: Young Working Toronto in the 1960s stands, proud, a reflection of the the community and local artists, Women in a Depression-Era City history it endured. and bringing to life great Canadian Donald Grant Creighton Award The same goes for the church that stories waiting to be told. Is there Fred Landon Award James FitzGerald, What Justice Robert J. Sharpe, peers at the manse from across the anything these women cannot do? Disturbs Our Blood: A Son’s street. In 2006, the LMMSO pur- Editor’s Note: The LMMSO The Lazier Murder: Prince Quest to Redeem the Past Edward County, 1884 chased the building where Maud’s incorporated through affiliation husband ministered for sixteen with The Ontario Historical Huguenot Society of Canada Award years, and within five years they Society in November 2004. Learn Riddell Award Jennifer Lanthier, Dr. Owen Temby, “Trouble in had paid off a $200,000 mortgage, more about this organization at The Stamp Collector and transformed the space into an www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca

Summer 2013 OHS Bulletin Page 3 Support this novel fundraising often overlooked chapter of our initiative; contact 705.458.9971 or province’s history: a revised 2nd Museum News [email protected]. edition of To the Outskirts of 50 years ago, the Dufferin County Habitable Creation is now available. Historical Society presented its In my estimation, this is the best Dr. John Carter Museum Milestones first exhibition at the Orangeville reference book written from an OHS Museums Committee The Elgin Military Museum Curling Club; it has been 25 years American perspective about the [email protected] officially opened its HMCS Ojibwa since the Dufferin County Council 1838 Upper Canadian Rebellion exhibit on July 6. The lead adopted the historical society’s and the transportation of North Editor’s Note: article in this edition of Museum collection and created the American political prisoners to “Museum Milestones” is compiled News provides more informa- Dufferin County Museum and Van Diemen’s Land. Contact and coordinated by Dr. John Carter, tion about this exciting project. Archives. Activities to commemo- author Stuart Scott at stupat@ who invites members of Ontario’s Take a drive to Port Burwell to see rate these accomplishments are q.com to obtain a copy. Dr. Scott museum community to prepare this newest addition to Ontario’s taking place throughout 2013. spent many years researching articles, and who will also provide community museums’ rich re- Contact the DCM at 1.877. and writing this fascinating book. editorial comments and foot- sources. For more details contact 941.7787 for additional details. Thank you Stuart for your recent notes pertaining to important [email protected]. 2013 marks the 175th anniver- generous donation of research happenings across the province. Do you like barns? If so, consider sary of the 1838 Upper Canadian materials to the James Gibson Please send articles and ideas to purchasing the Essa Historical Rebellion. Good news for Library at Brock University. [email protected]. Society’s 2014 barn calendar. those having an interest in this A retirement open house was held in February for Susan Hewett, to celebrate her 30 years work- ing with Grand Bend’s Lambton Heritage Museum. Dave Benson, Birth of a New Museum: Director of Museums for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is Museum of Naval History also departing from the museum world after working 35 years in Melissa Raven might have to the sector. Both Susan and Dave Elgin Military Museum slip into hostile began their long museum careers [email protected] harbours and re- at the John R. Park Homestead. All main undetected the best to both of them in their 97.5 feet long, 5 stories high, while gathering future endeavours. 2elegant, imposing, hiding se- audio and visual The Town of South Bruce crets of the . Such is intelligence on Peninsula’s Municipal Heritage the HMCS Ojibwa, Canada’s first military facili- Committee is offering an ag- Oberon Class submarine – not ties, warships, ricultural-themed seminar on a sight one would immediately and submarines. September 14th at the Wiarton associate with the Great Lakes, The atmosphere Arena. “Rural Roots” will feature much less with the tiny harbour of would be electric, informative sessions presented by Port Burwell on Lake Erie’s north with absolute si- An artist’s rendering of the new Museum of Naval Dr. Dorothy Duncan, Mabel Wil- shore. But there she sits, the first lence throughout History, which will be designed as a showcase for liamson, and Dr. John Carter. Barn- artifact of the Museum of Naval the submarine. the application of “green” technology in a museum related artifacts from the personal History. The story behind the ac- We would move setting, including a green roof and energy-saving collection of Jim Barfoot will be on quisition of this decommissioned stealthily under lighting. HMCS Ojibwa is located steps from the display, and a variety of books on cold warrior is almost as long as Soviet warships beautiful Port Burwell beaches and historic light- rural life, food, and architecture the boat itself. close enough to house. Drawing by Barry Wade, from the collection will be on sale. Admission is free. It began innocently enough in photograph their of the Elgin Military Museum. 2009, when the Elgin Military hulls and under- Museum of St. Thomas, Ontario, water equipment through our peri- lake levels in decades to an unex- at Port Burwell on November 20th approached the Department of scopes or we might quietly surface pected old sea wall, one by one, and over the following five days, National Defence (DND) in search to land special agents in small fold- the hurdles were overcome. The the barge was moved into place of a tank to add to their collection. ing boats, or lock them out through Museum will be forever grateful for along a specially built 600-metre The somewhat tongue-in-cheek the one-man escape trunk while the dedication and extraordinary road. response from DND was that no still dived, always in the cover of efforts of the engineering team and Work on the interior restoration tanks were currently available, but darkness, to carry out clandestine large contingent of volunteers. continued over the winter. Due to would the museum be interested in activities ashore, then rendezvous Appropriately, Ojibwa left the overwhelming demand, ‘Inside the a submarine instead? with them for the recovery.” Heddle Yard in the early hours of a Fence’ tours of the boat’s exterior HMCS Ojibwa was built in the How could a military museum very foggy morning on November began on Easter weekend. Chatham dockyards in England turn down an opportunity to save 19th, 2012. By the time she reached Ojibwa officially opened on July and commissioned to the Royal this extraordinary piece of Cana- the entrance to the Welland Canal, 16th, and continues to welcome Canadian Navy in 1965 in response dian history? Project Ojibwa was the sun had come out, along with visitors. Located just a short drive to growing apprehension about the born to acquire, move, mount, huge crowds of people. Traffic south of Highway 401, this unique Cold War. Although glorified in preserve, and present Ojibwa as jams greeted her along the length museum is within day-trip distance movies, little was actually known a museum, but it quickly became of the canal; one Seaway repre- of many major centres in Ontario about the activities of the sub- evident that the submarine alone sentative claimed to have never and the northern US. It features marine service at the time. They was not enough to tell the whole seen as large a crowd to view the special programs and facilities left harbour in the dark of night story. The original plans for a passage of any vessel in the history for bus tours and school groups. and returned the same way, their simple support building morphed of the canal. For more information, visit crews coming and going dressed into discussions to build a full- Ojibwa arrived in her new home www.projectojibwa.ca. as regular dock workers. It was for fledged Museum of Naval History good reason that the service was with a focus on the Cold War. known as the “real secret service,” In May 2012, the transfer families often not even knowing of HMCS Ojibwa to the Elgin that their loved ones served on Military Museum was finally -ap submarines. proved, and thus began a delicate Ojibwa participated in many and challenging transfer from clandestine actions during her Halifax via the St. Lawrence River. 34 years in service, before be- Ojibwa spent the summer in the ing decommissioned in 1998. shipyard, undergoing an exterior The Oberon Class boats, known restoration. The toxic anti-fouling as “O-boats,” were recognized coating was removed and all tanks for their astonishing capacity for were cleaned and certified. Perma- stealth, making them key play- nent exhibit cradles and temporary ers for Canada and NATO during transport cradles were affixed in Photo Rob Leverty the Cold War. Even now, few preparation for her final move. In April, the OHS participated in the annual Spring Meeting of the are aware of the The museum brought together an Voyageur Heritage Network (VHN), hosted by the Dionne Quints remarkable and often dangerous experienced and dedicated en- Museum (DQM) in North Bay, presented in partnership with The missions they undertook. gineering team to spearhead the Ontario Historical Society and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Jim “Lucky” Gordon, a sonar move. Their mettle was constantly Sport. Pictured (from left) are: Kimberley Lyon, Museum Director, DQM; operator and long-serving sub- tested and, even in the final weeks, Serge Ducharme, OHS Museums Committee Chair and VHN President; mariner described these missions: new challenges kept arising. From and Dr. Dorothy Duncan, OHS volunteer and guest speaker, who made “During my time in Ojibwa, we Hurricane Sandy to the lowest a presentation on the 50th anniversary of the TransCanada Highway.

Page 4 OHS Bulletin Summer 2013 frail, to his nine-year-old great- in order to encourage in herself the Saturnia Documentary grandson, caught what it means to positive attitude that she would leave home and “make home,” a need to make a success of her new Captures Personal Stories of process that historians and social life in her new home. We will later scientists generally consider on a learn that her fiancé, settled in a Italian-Canadian Immigration mass scale with an eye to its larger crowded Montreal apartment with sociohistoric and political reper- other family members, was from cussions. On the human, personal, her village, but otherwise known Dr. Cynthia Comacchio ways the combined stories of those subjective level on which we live to her only by photograph. That [email protected] arriving from other nations. What our histories, this is how it feels. this sort of “arranged marriage by made me aware of what I take for photograph” was fairly common- Saturnia was directed, written, granted at any given family occa- place in those days in her southern and produced by Ferdinando sion was the impact of my grand- Italian region, and that, although Dell’Omo and Lilia Topuzova; in son’s prayer for Canada, learned she belonged to a loving happy co-production with Doclab; in in his third-grade classroom and family that was relatively well-off, Association with Omni Television; proudly recited by heart when we her parents, like so many others, with the support of The Mariano sat at the dining table. The prayer felt that “America” represented A. Elia Chair at York Univesity, was the standard litany of gratitude their children’s best future. As a Fondazione Ansaldo, Genova- for all that we have as Canadians, dutiful daughter, albeit a spirited Liguria Film Commission, and the natural beauty and abundant one, she went to meet, and make, Pier 21 Museum, Halifax. Director riches, our freedom, our oppor- her destiny. of Photograpy Maya Bankovic; tunities. My 83-year-old father, This simple opening scene im- edited by Juan Baquero; invariably stoic, unemotional, and mediately makes us feel that original music by Ivo Paunov. A unforthcoming, was surprisingly “knot,” often unacknowledged, Still Ocean Films Inc. Production. moved to a rare disclosure. He told suppressed, hidden, or denied, that DVD copies can be purchased at Alex that he could not have chosen grounds the personal stories of www.stilloceanfilms.com; $20. better words to describe his own immigration and therefore shapes feelings about Canada. its larger history. The thread that n the recently passed Canada My father arrived 65 years ago, stitches together the various sto- ODay, my family got together, under his uncle’s sponsorship, dis- With this recent moment fresh ries highlights the personal search as we always do, for our celebra- embarking from the Roma at Pier in mind, I sat down, historian of Michelle Alfano, Hamilton- tory dinner. At a table festooned 21 in Halifax. Like so many others and first-generation Canadian, to born writer and daughter of a with little flags and maple leaf who made the journey at various watch this documentary film about Sicilian immigrant who arrived on napkins, and the usual all-too- times throughout the twentieth the Saturnia, one of the largest im- the Saturnia. In her forties now, much platters of “Canadian” [bar- century, he was a young man from migrant passage ships to set sail she realizes how much of her fa- becue ribs], Italian [tortellini], and a small rural village, all too aware from Italy in those postwar years ther’s experience was a mystery to vegetarian culinary options, four of the massive responsibility of of anxiety and hope comingled. her, an absent presence that shaped generations were represented. The “making it” and bringing over his The film gracefully captures the their family life but was never elders were my parents, who ar- widowed mother and seven sib- ambivalence and ambiguity at the openly discussed. His early death rived by ship from the northern lings to start anew in the wake of heart of the immigrant experience. when she was sixteen means that Italian city of Veneto in 1948 war, displacement, and hopeless- The opening scene is simply shot, she cannot now go to him to piece [father] and 1952 [mother]. My ness. Yet, despite the very real honest, and thought-provoking. together his story, so much part of siblings and I are Canadian-born, hardships that immigration entails, We see an Italian-born Rosa her own. as are our children, and my grand- it was hope that filled and -sus Calenzo, probably now in her The film, which clocks in at just children. But my children can tained him from the beginning. Be- seventies, seated on a sofa against under one hour, relates Michelle count postwar Dutch-Flemish im- ing here was daunting, but here he a heap of colourful cushions. She Alfano’s determined quest to un- migrants on their father’s side, and was taken in by his uncle’s family, speaks directly into the camera, cover her father’s story by relating my grandchildren, in addition to quickly apprenticed, had money in in Italian, and tells us that she ar- it to the stories of other Saturnia their Italian-Dutch-Flemish heri- his pocket, saved to purchase a tiny rived in this ‘magnifico paese’ passengers, including Calenzo and tage, are also Chinese-Vietnamese house in the Ward (Guelph’s Ital- [magnificent land] in 1961 aboard a select few who settled in Edmon- on their father’s side; his parents ian neighbourhood), after a couple the Saturnia. She was 17 years old, ton, Vancouver, and Toronto. All were among the first “Boat People” of years, sponsored his immedi- travelling alone to meet a fiancé seniors now, they are able to re- to find refuge in Ontario. ate family, and, nearly five years to whom she was bequeathed by count vivid memories of both old I doubt that this multicultural after his departure, brought over her parents at the age of 15. She country and new, and especially of familial mix is anything unusual and married his fiancée. The con- pauses. She matter-of-factly con- the passage and transition between in today’s Canada. It’s just the trast to the desolation left behind fides that, in many ways, she did them. These personal features are way things are for many of us, in was such that he felt that “Canada not actually find this to be a “mag- filled out with historic footage of a nation peopled by immigrants, was paradise.” This unexpected nificent land.” With remarkable the Saturnia in Mediterannean and and a province whose post Second passing revelation by an old man, self-insight, she discloses that she history is in so many now entirely blind and physically consciously created this “fantasia” ‘Saturnia’ cont’d page 6 ...

What this means is up to the federal legislature of Canada con- interpretation of individual class- sisting of the Queen (represented Letter to the Editor: room teachers – and many of by the governor general), the Sen- whom are themselves mystified by ate and the House of Commons.” ”Change the Curriculum” the system. Textbook companies in the pri- The very fundamentals of vate sector take their cues from s an educator and member their high school diplomas), which Canadian democracy – constitu- provincial curricula and, since Aof The Ontario Historical still remain in bureaucratic limbo. tional monarchy, having a written Ontario has the largest audience Society, I must point out a crisis Ontario high school students take and unwritten constitution, respon- of students, they carry the greatest in this province when it comes to Civics (CHV2O) in their grade 10 sible government – are integral to amount of influence. With a curric- how Ontarians understand their year. This mandatory, half-credit understanding its structures and ulum that does not provide specific parliamentary democracy. At the course is currently saddled with a functions. Yet, when the Ontario guidance on what the foundations core of this crisis is the curricu- curriculum that should raise some curriculum is explored further, of Canada’s democracy are, the lum provided by the Ministry of eyebrows considering what its ex- there is no mention of the constitu- textbooks being used by students Education to teachers of Ontario’s pectations are for our students in tion, Sovereign, governor general, (including those on the province’s high school Civics course. order to for them to demonstrate lieutenant governors, prime min- coveted “Trillium List”) are uni- On June 7th, 2013, the Ontario a successful understanding of the ister, cabinet, premiers, or respon- formly filled with egregious errors. Ministry of Education released subject. There are lots of points sible government. Furthermore, Truly, what is not mentioned in the revised elementary curriculum about being a global citizen and there is a definition of Parliament Canadian textbooks is almost as for Social Studies and History. understanding a variety of differ- given in the document’s glossary misleading as what is. Canada's Parliamentary democ- ent beliefs and values – all good that is incorrect: “An elected as- Provincial curricula are reviewed racy and constitutional monarchy pedagogy – however there are sembly responsible for passing routinely and, in Ontario, the were included, as suggestions, in only a few lines emphasizing the legislation and granting the right to Civics course now finds itself on the new document for the first time need to understand the actual sys- levy taxes. In Canada, the federal the desk of Minister of Education in nearly 20 years. While this is en- tem of government and democracy legislature consists of the Sover- Liz Sandals as part of a seven-year couraging, there remains real con- enjoyed by Canadians. In fact, the eign’s representative, the Senate, review process. Since 2010, there cern over the updated high school key overall expectation reads: and the House of Commons.” Only has been an effort by citizens, curriculum documents (including “Students are expected to de- the House of Commons is elected, political scientists, university the only dedicated government scribe the main structures and func- and the Sovereign, not her repre- course, entitled “Civics,” Ontar- tions of municipal, provincial, and sentative, is part of our Parliament. ‘Curriculum’ cont’d page 6 ... ians must take in order to receive federal government in Canada.” A better definition would be: “The

Summer 2013 OHS Bulletin Page 5 Canada has taken on this project to in Barrie was received. A quick ensure that veterans response from the Simcoe Branch Cemetery News receive long-overdue recognition. of the OGS provided the informa- It is planned to place commemora- tion that an archaeological assess- tive plaques at burial sites and to ment had been completed, and Marjorie Stuart, Editor Donations Needed for the post biographies on the website. confirmed that this was an unused [email protected] OHS Cemetery Defence Fund! A Closure Notice for a portion section of the cemetery. of Lawrence Pioneer Cemetery he volunteer The resources of the OHS are constantly TUnregistered Cem- challenged as we try to defend threatened etery Committee would cemeteries across the province. We can’t do like to provide the it alone. All donations receive a tax receipt. Three Brothers, War of 1812 following updates about its activities: Veterans Buried in • Information about un- registered cemeteries in Frontenac perpetuity by the County. Forgotten Cemetery and Glengarry Counties have been The Ontario Heritage Trust con- submitted to the Provincial Regis- tinues to recognize the burial sites trar of Cemeteries; of former premiers. A plaque was Bernie Buechman ies from local newspapers helped • A display table was held at the recently unveiled commemorating [email protected] to confirm the McDonald brothers’ OHS’s 125th AGM and at the The Hon. Thomas Laird Kennedy . OGS’s Conference; we learned of in ’s St. John the ot far from our hometown of I find it incredible that three several unregistered cemeteries; Baptist Cemetery. NPembroke lies a small forgot- brothers, who are heroes, are • We will be speaking at a meet- A large number of the descen- ten cemetery located approximate- buried on Sutherland Road in a ing of the OGS Quinte Branch in dants of Charles and Annie Brown ly 300 metres south of Highway 17 neglected cemetery in “the middle October. met to pay tribute and commemo- on the left-hand side of Sutherland of nowhere. These men served in Concern has been raised rate the lives of their ancestors. Road. Roughly 100 by 66 feet a war that was a foundational con- recently regarding the condi- The Browns were early settlers in size, it has long been known flict in the creation of Canadian tion of the Servos Cemetery in the black community of Port as the McDonald burial ground. nation. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well Ryerse and the surrounding area, Other family names represented in The cemetery is a registered and as the H. Bruce McLeod Farm and contributed much to its estab- burials there include McLeod, owned by the Township of White- Cemetery and St. Luke’s lishment and success. A service Papin, Livingston, and Costello. water Region. It is now known Cemetery, both in Stormont of thanksgiving was held in Port Over a year ago, I took on the that the McDonald brothers buried County. In each case these cem- Ryerse Memorial Church followed job of volunteer caretaker to keep in this cemetery served with the eteries have been assumed by the by the unveiling of a monument in the cemetery in a respectable con- Glengarry Fencibles, or simply the municipality and are registered memory of the Brown Family in dition. Being interested in family Glengarians or Glengarry Light with the Province. When a mu- Memorial Church Cemetery. history, I researched the families , between 1812 and 1816. nicipality takes over an abandoned Descendants of Rev. Peter buried within this cemetery buried So, if you are travelling on High- cemetery, they also assume all Macnaughton have worked with there. way 17, take a little detour and liability. Sadly, these cemeteries the City of Vaughan to register The cemetery itself contains only learn some history about how we do not come with bank accounts. their family burial ground which four markers that were erected, but became Canadians thanks to three The municipality is responsible was established in 1878. Registra- there are many unmarked burials. brothers and three heroes worth for general upkeep such as grass tion provides protection under the During my research into this remembering and fighting for. cutting, as well as public safety. Funeral, Burial and Cremation cemetery, I found out that three A celebration and unveiling of This includes the stabilization Act. This cemetery was threatened McDonald brothers – William, a commemorative stone will take of monuments. Stabilization and many years ago when a large hous- John and Walter, who all served place September 15th at 1:30 p.m. the restoration of a monument ing development was proposed for in the War of 1812 – are buried *Originally published in are quite different. For reasons of the area, and is now administered there. Records such as township Timberline, newsletter of the Upper public safety, a monument may be by the City. papers, land petitions, and obituar- Ottawa Genealogical Group. laid down. This isn’t always best The City of Hamilton and for the tombstone, but the liability Hamilton Civic Museums are “From the Bookshelf” Review (from page 8) must be considered. We have sug- sponsoring free public tours of gested to descendants that they Hamilton Cemetery, held every Memento Mori: Classifying Nineteenth Century Ontario Gravestones contact the municipality regarding Saturday until November 16th. Laura Suchan. 2012. Paper; 86 pp. $17. [email protected] their concerns. Perhaps descen- The themes for this year’s tours dants can work with officials to are: Firefighters, the War of 1812, Suchan’s Memento Mori is an updated version of her earlier publication restore their ancestors’ tombstones. Civil War, Masonry, and Disasters. on the classification of nineteenth-century gravestones, as applied to five Congratulations to the Brant The Town of Halton Hills has cemeteries. Suchan, Executive Director of Oshawa Community County Council, the property indicated that they will register Museum, makes a strong argument for the importance of attention to the owner, the Six Nations, the the Barnes-Humberstone often-neglected motifs, as well as the biographical data, represented on Mississaugas of the New Credit Cemetery with the Ontario gravestones. Part of the problem has been the absence of a standardized First Nation, and the Haudeno- Government. They will be work- classification system to allow for accurate recording, comparisons with other saunee Six Nation Confederacy ing with Heritage Halton to ensure gravestone engravings, provincially and regionally, and larger evaluations. for their sensitive handling of that the local history associated She hopes to remedy the situation by offering a set of simple categories based an aboriginal burial site in Brant with the site will not be lost. on the gravestone motifs that she has herself examined. This useful and in- County. It is proposed that the A website for the War of 1812 teresting book sheds light on early Ontario society, art, and culture, suggest- site, discovered during construc- Veteran Graveside Recognition ing how contemporary trends in visual arts and religious practices, evolving tion, be severed from the property Project has been launched at slowly over the century, are directly reflected in the period’s gravestones. and declared Oxbow Aboriginal 1812veterans.ca. The Historic At the same time, as she reminds us, gravestones indicate the biographical Cemetery. It will be maintained in Military Establishment of Upper as well as the socioeconomic status of the individuals they commemorate.

‘Saturnia’ from page 5 ‘Curriculum’ from page 5 large and small, that constitute the to the key aspects and fundamen- Canadian ports, Vancouver as well many criss-crossing voyages of professors, teachers, and even the tals of our system of government. as Halifax, some of which comes the great immigrant ship Saturnia, Churchill Society for the Advance- The revised expectations of Ontar- from the period’s “propaganda” described by one awestruck im- ment of Parliamentary Democ- io’s Civics course need to include films that promoted the wondrous migrant as looking incredibly like racy to restore the fundamentals of references to our constitution – ease of travel and the adventures “a mountain in the ocean.” Most of Canada’s parliamentary democra- both written and unwritten – as of immigration. There are also the immigrants interviewed appear cy to its curricula. In May, Member well as the independent Canadian segments of “home movies” as to have found the “fortuna” they of Provincial Parliament Mr. Bob Crown and the development of our well as old photographs showing came for, at least by the personal Bailey stood in the Ontario legis- parliamentary democracy. family moments in childhood, at definitions of fortune that are most lature and questioned the Minister This is our last chance for an- departure, in homes old and new, meaningful. Calenzo remains enig- of Education if she had met with us other seven years; I urge Ontarians at weddings, and at christenings. matic to the end, bringing back my to address our concerns [No] and to contact their MPP to voice their Another linking element is the initial sense that the immigrant sto- if she intended to before the new concerns. thoughtful commentary provided ry is intrinsically woven through documents are released [So far Learn more about this issue, as by the ship’s long-time Italian cap- with ambivalence and ambiguity, there has been no meeting]. well as read all of my correspon- tain, Bruno Stupari. however well it all turns out. The It is commendable that the dence with the government, at In the end, Michelle Alfano producers, directors, writers, and Ministry of Education is push- www.canadiancrown.com. recovers a sense of her father’s participants of this film are to be ing for a more “issue-based” and “voyage,” inasmuch as she is able commended for leaving it as true active curricula, but it must also be Nathan Tidridge, OCT to do so by tracing the histories, as it can be. balanced with explicit references July 16th, 2013

Page 6 OHS Bulletin Summer 2013 whom it is named, largely through with his pregnant lover and their the lens of its prominent families. young daughter to a whole new From The Bookshelf For those wondering at the spell- identity, and life, in the Muskoka ing, the author helpfully points wilderness. Jelf’s story would out that “McNab was the clan make a fascinating subject for Dr. Cynthia Comacchio title and McNabb represented the any historian, but Boyer, as the [email protected] family name.” Photographs, maps, protagonist’s great-grandson, is and appendices provide much rich particularly drawn to uncover his “OUR TOWN:” LOCAL historical detail. steps and the reasons for his many AND PROVINCIAL HISTORIES Finally, Memories Gathered manifestations. This is a compel- The four titles in this category readily from Temiskaming Seniors is the ling life story, in terms of both demonstrate that interest in local and seventh volume in the Claybelt history and mystery, with a richly- provincial history is thriving. Certainly Chronicles series produced by the drawn context about the fledgling OHS members and Bulletin readers Little Claybelt Homesteaders Mu- province of Ontario in the early will find much of interest in this edi- seum, located in New Liskeard. post-Confederation years. tion’s reading list. This lively compendium of memo- The authors of Forgotten ries resulted from the dedication Hero have produced a carefully- Unholy City: Vice in of four summer student interns, researched chronicle of the life Windsor, Ontario, 1950 along with some of the museum’s of Alexander Fraser (1789-1872), Patrick Brode. Essex County board members, who interviewed “a story that needed to be told,” Historical Society, 2012 . Paper; as discussions about waterfront seniors and captured their vital as they demonstrate. M.E. Irene $15. [email protected] development unfold. Focusing stories about growing up, or com- Spence became interested in on the four communities at lake’s ing to settle in, the southern Little Fraser when she married into the Along the Shore: Rediscovering edge – Scarborough, the Beach, Claybelt region. It is a necessary family that resided in his home, Toronto’s Waterfront Heritage the Island, and the Lakeshore – reminder of the value and impor- Annsfield, near Perth. With local M. Jane Fairburn. ECW Press, Fairburn takes readers through tance of capturing these memories military historian Ron W. Shaw, 2013. Paper; 429 pp. $33. the shore’s geological pre-history, to fill out the historical record with they unearthed the often-buried ecwpress.com its Indigenous past, the periods of the voices and oral histories of historical details concerning a early contact, European coloniza- “ordinary” people. man whose quick career trajectory Country Air: A Portrait of McNab tion and settlement, to the present, in the British army saw him rise David F. Hemmings. Bygones with the waterfront serving as the OUR LIVES: from drummer to the officer ranks Publishing, 2013. Paper; 274 pp. city’s “front door to the world,” in BIOGRAPHY AND HISTORY in five years. Fraser served in the $20. bygonespublishing.com the words of former Mayor David The continued interest in biography, of Stoney Creek, where Miller. As Fairburn concludes, this for writers and readers alike, supports he was noted to have “gallantly Claybelt Chronicles, v. 7: is a long-neglected heritage, and the view that this is a well-established advanced” his troops against the Memories Gathered from here she offers an opportunity for category of historical writing that draws American forces. He later played Temiskaming Seniors readers “to experience the history Canadians into their collective past a number of important commu- Little Claybelt Homesteaders that lives along the shore.” ECW through the individual life stories that nity leadership roles in the Perth Museum, White Mountain Press must be applauded for the ultimately compose our larger history. Military Settlement. The authors Publications, 2013. Paper; lavish production: more than 200 have also included detailed appen- $30. wmpub.ca images, in colour and black and Another Country, Another dices, including tables and charts white, including photographs, Life: Calumny, Love and the that will be very helpful for local Brode’s intriguingly titled Unholy maps, archival documents, artistic Secrets of Isaac Jelfs historians, military historians, and City explores the “underworld” renderings, family records, and J. Patrick Boyer. Dundurn, 2013. genealogists. elements of border town Windsor, print ephemera, make this publica- Paper; $25. dundurn.com Queen’s University Professor Ontario, during one eventful year tion a must-have for Torontonians Emeritus Gerald Tulchinsky is as the “happy days” decade began. and anyone interested in the city’s Forgotten Hero: the pre-eminent historian of the Delving into local newspapers and history. Alexander Fraser Jewish experience in Canada, with archival records, Brode provides Hemmings’ Country Air: A Ron W. Shaw and M. E. Irene an impeccable record of award- an entry into the petty criminality – Portrait of McNab takes us out Spence. The Authors, 2012. winning publications to uphold gambling, prostitution, bootleg- of bustling city life and into the Paper; 170 pp. $25. that status. This intellectual biog- ging – that Windsor’s location, past and present of rural Ontario, fraserforgottenhero.com raphy of Joseph Baruch Salsberg so convenient to American crime “backbone” of the province. As is another masterly addition to syndicates, evidently fostered, Hemmings reminds readers in his Joe Salsberg: A Life of his scholarly record. A Polish- often with the complicity or ac- preface, “Along the back roads Commitment Jewish immigrant to Ontario, tual involvement of the police, city of the Niagara Peninsula are once Gerald Tulchinsky. University of eleven-year-old Salsberg arrived officials, and community -stal thriving villages all but forgot- Toronto Press, 2013. Paper; 183 in Toronto with his family in 1913. warts. As he explains, 1950 is ten.” McNab is one of these, and pp; $25. utppublishing.com By the age of 13, he was working a pivotal date because that year Hemmings’ book acknowledges full-time in the dismal conditions saw the instigation of two special the ambivalence that surrounds Any biography that features of Toronto’s garment factories, inquiries that particularly high- this “forgotten” status. Present-day calumny, love, and secrets cannot eventually becoming a capmaker. lighted police “indifference.” Yet residents of the hamlet, located help but be a draw, and J. Patrick Windsor, he concludes, if uniquely between the busy centres of St. Boyer’s Another Country, Another ‘Bookshelf’ cont’d page 8... situated on the border, was not so Catharines and Niagara-on-the- Life, an examination of the “other much an “anomaly” – Winnipeg, Lake, are content to remain “off life” of Isaac Jelfs, delivers on its Editor’s Note: The prices of books may for example, had a similar level of the map,” so to speak, in order to promise. As Boyer reveals, Jelfs or may not include shipping or taxes. “alternative recreation” to offer – preserve their community’s quiet was in many ways the prototypical All prices are in Canadian dollars unless unassuming law clerk in England. otherwise noted. as it was testimony to the fact that “country air”. Yet clearly it is How do we select books to be the postwar “golden age” of do- important to recognize the com- He served in the Crimean War, reviewed? Our criteria are simple: we mesticity is more mythic than real. munity’s historical presence in made his way into a prestigious review all recently published books Along the Shore, Fairburn’s the larger provincial and regional New York law practice, became relating to the history of this province lovely exploration of Toronto’s pasts. Hemmings chronicles the a stalwart community member, that are sent to us by publishers, au- married well, and had a daughter. thors, and readers. To submit a book waterfront, comes just in time to community’s development from to be reviewed, forward a copy to: remind citizens of the city and the the late eighteenth century arrival Yet, in 1869, he shed himself of “From the Bookshelf,” 34 Parkview Ave., province precisely what is at stake of the Loyalist McNabb family, for that identity and lifestyle, and fled Willowdale, ON M2N 3Y2.

GREAT WHITE FLEET RELUCTANT PIONEER HARDSCRABBLE Celebrating Canada Steamship How I Survived Five Years in the The High Cost of Free Land Lines Passenger Ships Canadian Bush by Donna E. Williams by John Henry by Thomas Osborne 208 pages | $22.99 TP | 15 b&w illustrations, 144 pages | $30 HC | 96 b&w & 26 colour 264 pages | $24.99 TP | 40 b&w illustrations maps, bibliography & index illustrations, maps & sidebars The passenger steamers of the Canada In the 1870s in Ontario’s Muskoka, teenager A tale of deception and adversity, Steamship Lines were known as the Thomas Osborne endured starvation, Hardscrabble tells how unscrupulous Great White Fleet. No fewer than 51 freezing, accidents with axes and boats, politicians, emigration agents, and steamers comprised the passenger and narrow escapes from wolves and philanthropists lured impoverished eet at the company’s inception, and its bears. Decades later, after moving to the emigrants to farm the Muskoka backwoods network of routes was awesome. Nearly United States, Osborne wrote down all his in the 1870s. What these new settlers half a century after the last passenger boats sailed, this book will provide adventures in a graphic memoir, four years weren’t told was that their land was a window into a wonderful lost way of life. before his death in 1938. situated on the rocky Canadian Shield.

/dundurnpress | @dundurnpress | dundurn.com

Summer 2013 OHS Bulletin Page 7 of the events sur- War series, Doing Canada Proud, ‘Bookshelf’ from page 7 DUNDURN Welcomes Book Proposals rounding the Treaty by Canadian Forces officer and on historical topics from OHS members. of Ghent that ended military historian Colonel Bernd But he was also early drawn into Visit dundurn.com for submission guidelines. the war in the sum- Horn, is an informative introduc- labour activism, Zionist politics, mer of 1814, as well tion to the key events and issues and the radical Jewish left, quickly as an interesting foray into its im- of the first battle fought by the ascending to leadership roles in The Republic of Canada Almost mediate aftermath, the negotiated Royal Canadian Regiment in the the Communist Party and the Patrick Richard Carstens and “peace” that is often neglected in South African War. The battle Workers’ Unity League. Salsberg’s Timothy L. Sanford. Xlibris, 2013. histories of the war. The carefully- at Paardeburg Drift, as the title fierce dedication to human Hardcover; 571 pp. $35; www. detailed “Tour” section empha- affirms, saw the RCR fighting ca- rights gave him an influential therepublicofcanadaalmost.com sizes the war’s legacy, not only in pably to bring about the first major position in the Jewish-Canadian the obvious sense of preserving the British victory in the Anglo-Boer community, which he served capa- 1812: A Guide to the War colonies for the British, but also in conflict, a turning point in a war bly as a Toronto city councillor, as a and Its Legacy terms of how it has been remem- that had proved far more difficult member of the Ontario legislature, Terry Copp, et al. Laurier Centre bered, commemorated, and memo- than the British had assumed it and as a hard-hitting journalist. His for Military Strategic and rialized – in short, how it has been would be. Also significant, as thirty years of active participation Disarmament Studies, 2013. “shaped and reshaped” according Horn concludes, is the Regiment’s in the communist movement ended Paper; 264 pp. $35. wlupress. to “the changing tides of memory.” contribution to nurturing an incipi- resoundingly in 1957, however, wlu.ca; canadianmilitaryhistory.ca As well as providing an impressive ent English-Canadian nationalism. when, like so many other mem- historical overview, this book is an bers of the “Old Left,” he became The Flames of War: The excellent roadmap for summertime Memento Mori: Classifying disillusioned by clear evidence Fight for , historical excursions. Nineteenth Century of Stalinist anti-Semitism in the July – December 1813 Ontario Gravestones Soviet Union. More than the story Richard Feltoe. Dundurn, 2013. Revised/updated. Laura Suchan. of one man, however fascinat- Paper; $20. dundurn.com 2012. Paper; 86 pp. $17. ing, this biography captures the [email protected] social and political climate of Doing Canada Proud: The the times from the perspective of and the Inheritance in Ontario: those whom class and “race” had Battle of Paardeberg. Wills and Other Records relegated to the margins. Colonel Bernd Horn. Dundurn, for Family Historians 2012. Paper; 104 pp. $20 Jane E. MacNamara. Dundurn, BATTLE STORIES: dundurn.com 2013. Paper; 138 pp. $20. WAR AND MEMORY dundurn.com Despite our cherished self-image as a vulnerable provinces of British “peaceable kingdom” and a “peace- North America. “DOING” HISTORY: keeper” nation, we have an active Acclaimed military historian HERITAGE AND PRESERVATION history of battlefield participation, in Terry Copp, founder and director The dedication to genealogical Canada and overseas, as recent pub- of the Laurier Centre for Mili- The third volume in the six-part research and historic preservation lications about long past and tary Strategic and Disarmament Dundurn series, Upper Canada of our society, its individual and more recent capably attest. Studies, has led a team of enthusi- Preserved, continues Feltoe’s associate members, is well-served Carstens and Sanford are known astic students and Centre workers lively chronicle of key in by these recent “how-to” guides. to Bulletin readers for its earlier to produce 1812: A Guide to the the War of 1812 (see “From the *Please see page 6 for review of joint publication Searching for the War and Its Legacy. In the manner Bookshelf,” February 2013, for Laura Suchan’s Memento Mori* Forgotten War – 1812 (reviewed of the Centre’s very popular battle- reviews of the first two volumes). Inheritance in Ontario, by September 2012). Just as the 1812 field guides to European sites that Flames of War covers the second well-known genealogist Jane E. volume traced the war by means of saw Canadian troop engagement half of the middle year, a tense and MacNamara, is the most recent its commemorative “markers,” The during the world wars, this richly literally pivotal six months dur- entry in Dundurn’s invaluable Republic of Canada Almost, deftly illustrated book packs a great deal ing which each side advanced to- Genealogist’s Reference Shelf blends material culture and histori- of historical and geographical con- ward apparent victory, only to fall series. Like the other series cal geography to transport read- text between its covers. More than back. The escalation of American imprints, this one will prove ers through the decades of social simply a guide to historic sites, and British forces in this “back indispensable to all contemplating, and political upheaval following although the Tour section does and forth” campaign also intensi- or already immersed in, the com- the Treaty of Ghent to until the that admirably, this project begins fied the losses suffered by armies plicated web that is family history. Confederation that signified the with History, a concise but com- and civilians on both sides. This MacNamara offers a clear, step- birth of the Dominion of Canada. prehensive overview of the Anglo- volume, as the others published in by-step roadmap to the relevant Along the tumultuous way, the American conflict’s roots in the the series, is effectively illustrated court records, estate files, archi- authors remind readers of how Treaty of 1783, as well as the strat- with numerous reproductions of val materials, and online sources much that “impossible dream” egies and operations of both sides, historic etchings and paintings that, individually and collectively, was motivated and advanced with close attention to First Nations alongside contemporary photo- uncover the stories that we seek by American designs on the involvement. There is a summary graphs of artifacts and locations, about families, estates, and lega- as well as maps cies. For the significant number detailing battles whose bequeaths were not handled The OHS Bulletin is the newsletter of institutions and non-member individuals for and tracing troop in court, she suggests how news- The Ontario Historical Society (OHS). $31.50; and to non-member organizations and movements. papers, she indicates how land institutions for $42. Membership inquiries should The latest records, and manuscript records September 2013 issue copy deadline: be directed to Christina Perfetto at members@ in Dundurn’s can help to bring forward the September 3rd, 2013. ontariohistoricalsociety.ca. Canadians at information sought. Reprinting of articles must be accompanied Inquiries about submissions and advertising: by the acknowledgement: “Reprinted from Editor, OHS Bulletin, 34 Parkview Avenue, the OHS Bulletin, (issue & date) published Willowdale, ON M2N 3Y2, 416.226.9011, by The Ontario Historical Society.” All [email protected]. photo credits and bylines must be retained. Cemetery News Editor: Marjorie Stuart; From Views expressed by contributors and the Bookshelf Editor: Dr. Cynthia Comacchio; advertisers are not necessarily those of the Printer: Harmony Printing ISSN 0714-6736 OHS. The Society gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The Ontario Historical Society 2013-14 Board of Directors: Types of membership in the Society are: Individual $40; Youth $20; Senior $35; Executive: Brad Rudachyk, President; Institution/Organization $45; Life $500. Joe Stafford, First Vice-President; Caroline Di Cocco, Second Vice-President; Membership is open to all Robert Leech, Past President; individuals and societies Naresh Khosla, Treasurer; interested in the history of Pam Cain, Secretary; Ontario. The OHS Bulletin Directors: Michel Beaulieu; is sent free of to all John Carter; Serge Ducharme; members of the OHS. The Carolyn King; Allan Macdonell; OHS’s biannual scholarly Alison Norman; Ian Radforth journal, Ontario History, is Ontario History Editor: Tory Tronrud available to members for Executive Director: Rob Leverty an additional $22 per year; member organizations, www.ontariohistoricalsociety.ca

Page 8 OHS Bulletin Summer 2013