Brockville Museum

Volume 24 Issue #2 August 2009

The Monitor

Leading Brockville entrepreneurs figured Only Yesterday they had a good chance of profit and of establishing a business that would provide jobs By Stan Westall for years to come. Their faith in Mann was An enormous piece of brightly-painted justified by initial reception for his seeders. farm machinery sprawls across a corner of the Presumably, they had excellent balance (making Brockville Museum. Fully restored to working it easier on the horses) and engineered precision condition in 1998 (but not destined to move th which guaranteed maximum coverage with anytime soon) it's a fascinating study in 19 minimum wastage of precious seed. century agricultural technique. It's not difficult But like the farmers it served, to imagine it hitched to a matched team of bays by its 18-foot tongue, drawing on four-foot wheels, this huge Monarch seeder-cultivator made by artisans in 19th century Brockville. Harder to conjure up are the images it represents – early civic enterprise, revolutionary technology, industrial optimism, farming tenacity and the overarching drama of late 19th century politics in North America. Briefly, this Mann seeder was built in 1888 to prize-winning specifications in J.W. Mann's engineering works (on the waterfront, between Apple and St. Andrew's streets), five years after the company had been founded so hopefully by Mann and a board of Brockville agricultural manufacturing was subject to investors. Unfortunately, civic hopes for a solid, economic and political factors over which it had job-making establishment were short-lived. The little or no control. In the maelstrom of nation- company, facing a labour dispute, moved to building that followed the American civil war Hamilton in 1903. and Canada's confederation farmers sought Mann must have been a superior 'reciprocity' with the United States, which, in engineer. In a highly competitive field his their view, would offer a ready market for their designs won acceptance and rave reviews at the products. Manufacturers, on the other hand, Paris Exhibition of 1900. This was a time when wanted high tariff protection and open access to technology was transforming the countryside. At the markets of Queen Victoria's Empire. the start of the century pioneers had broadcast Liberal leader Sir Wilfrid Laurier's seed by hand over newly-cleared land. Now, “unrestricted reciprocity”, said Sir John A. horses and ingenuity were making it possible to Macdonald's Tories, would lead to annexation by multiply farm production while saving time, the United States (which many contemporary labour and material. Between 1896 Americans would have applauded). Instead, his and 1911 wheat acreage tripled. Wheat party favoured a national policy of high tariff production quadrupled. Ever-changing walls, popular with the regional manufacturing technology stimulated the growth of start-up centres of Ontario and Quebec, but one which companies in this, Canada's first major industry. failed to bring prosperity north of the Great Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2 Director’s Message Lakes, according to later Canadian historians. As it happened, reciprocity was achieved gradually, At the end of August we will be saying without the loss of sovereignty, culminating in goodbye to Hannah Cody. Hannah has been virtual free trade in agricultural implements in with us for a full year. Not only has Hannah North America... by 1944! But by then, many of worked on two major projects but she has also Brockville's pioneering industries had burned been involved in many of the day to day down, been acquired and moved, switched to museum activities. How will I ever remember to other forms of manufacture or simply change the charts on the thermo-hygrographs the disappeared. first of every month? That is Hannah’s job! And by which time, of course, the Mann Hannah has been joining the volunteers on the Seeder/Cultivator had been retired to a barn at collection committee, working with Alyssa on the Rocksprings farm where it had been since its policy writing, helping Amy with children and purchase in 1890 by Briton Ellis and its use by adult programs and acting as a docent for bus himself, his son and grandson. In fact, had it not tours. Hannah has learned first hand that all been for Clarence Cannon's attendance at the staff collect garbage and recycling, answer the closing Ellis farm auction of 1985 the Monarch telephone, be on the reception desk when the might have been lost forever, like so many of the volunteer is ill, process the artifacts as they cumbersome antiques that litter abandoned come through the door, assist visitors and clean Ontario farms. But Mr. Cannon bid and paid $35 the kitchen. for the privilege of keeping it in his barn at I know Hannah will enjoy her upcoming Frankville for 13 years, where it was year in museum studies at Sir Sanford Fleming. reconditioned and restored by him, his friend The museum program there is a very interesting, Aden Freeman and nephew Alan Kilborn. busy and challenging one and I know Hannah Touchingly, before his death in 2004, as a will do very well. I am looking forward to suitable memorial to pioneer farming, Mr. hearing from Hannah as she pursues a career in Cannon gave the seeder to the museum, where it the heritage field. continues to tell stories to imaginative viewers. On behalf of the Board of Management, staff and volunteers I thank Hannah for her contribution to the Brockville Museum and wish her well in her future endeavours.

Bonnie Burke

New Exhibit – Brockville Through the Camera Lens This exhibit includes black and white photographs taken in the 1950's and 60's by professional photographer George Eland. Also on display is a collection of coloured photographs by Dr. Dwight Mallory in the 1940's and 50's. The aerial views of Brockville (C1945) were taken by Murray and Son professional photographers. Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2 Hannah’s Farewell Voices II Released It has been a year and three months since The people have been interviewed, the I first started working at the Brockville Museum, photographs have been collected, the facts have and it still feels like it was just yesterday that I been checked, and the content has been edited – first stepped in here for an interview with over and over again. Yes, Brockville Voices II: Bonnie. Tales from the Twentieth Century is finally I’d like to thank all of the staff and complete. The book features fifteen narratives volunteers here for making this such a from Hughena Cooke, Fred Gilbert, Peter welcoming and comfortable environment to Johnston, Harold Latham, Vera Lawson, work in. Griswoldene Lewis, Mildred Lorimer, Anyone who Betty MacDowell, Frances might read my job MacOdrum, Margaret Ness, Herb description would think it Sheridan, Jack Shepherd, Everett to be a normal ‘desk- Snider, Ben TeKamp and Wilmot Young. job’, but that was never To celebrate the release of this true. The best part of this second oral history compilation, the job was that there was Brockville Museum hosted a book something different to do, th launch party on Thursday, June 25 . and learn, everyday. In attendance were many museum From assisting with members, eight of the featured storytellers (Fred ’ children s programs, guiding tours, digitizing Gilbert, Peter Johnston, Harold Lathem, Betty artefacts, setting up for teas, attending different MacDowell, Jack Shepherd, Herb Sheridan, meetings and much more – there was something Captain Ev Snider, and Ben TeKamp) and their always on the go, and that dynamic was what invited guests. The evening began at 7:00pm, made this job so fulfilling. with a few words from Bonnie Burke Being hired to compile Brockville Voices (Director/Curator), Brian Porter (Board of II was a true privilege. It was a great deal of Management), Councillor Jane Fullerton (as work, and took a significant amount of time, but Acting Mayor) and Hannah Cody the end result is something that I am truly proud (writer/managing editor). After the speeches, of, and it is my hope that it will be enjoyed by guests had the opportunity to socialize, enjoy this community for years to come. wonderful refreshments, purchase the book, and There is no place like the Brockville have it autographed by all the present Museum. The people I have met here have storytellers. taught me so much – on both a professional and Ms. Noreen Kelly-Storr, a former personal level, and for that, I am grateful. member of The Brockettes, travelled to And a special thank you to Bonnie for Brockville from Toronto for this special event. ensuring that I am the most prepared student She enjoyed her evening, meeting with the other going into Sandford Fleming’s Museum guests, and looking at all the photographs of The Management and Curatorship programme! Brockettes that are found in Brockville Voices II. Many thanks to all those who attended, Thank you everyone! and especially Paul Naylor, Brian Porter, Amy Whitehorne, Viktor Kaczkowski, Jean Ouellet, Roger Burke, Cathy and Brooke Bigalow, Hannah Cody Barbara Pollard, and Harold and Barb Healy for helping make the night run as smoothly as it did. Brockville Voices II: Tales from the Twentieth Brockville Century is available at the museum gift shop for $24.95+GST. Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2 During ‘Mad Scientists’ week, From the Brockville Recorder children discovered chemical reactions, how to and Times, July 6, 1904 pop popcorn faster and make boomerangs. In August, ‘Super Soaker’ dove into the world of water. From fish to the water cycle and precipitation to water balloons, everyone had a splash! Our final session began on August 18th. Children explored some of the strange stories of the area in ‘It Happened Here.’ They visited the fire station, heard some stories about our crimes and even read tea leaves to tell their fortunes. I would like to extend a special thank you to Hannah and Bonnie for putting this program together while I was ill. The next big public event will be on Friday September 18th. This year has been designated as the International Year of Obnoxious weeds about the streets have been Astronomy. To celebrate, local astronomer Frank taxing the patience of Street Inspector Menish Hitchens will be delivering a family program during the past few months, who has done his called ‘Are We Alone in the Universe?” utmost to keep the town presenting in a clean Following the 45 minute presentation, those in and neat appearance. One day recently Mr. attendance are invited to head outdoors to view Menish hit upon a happy idea and the weed the stars. Feel free to bring along a telescope to nuisance will now be a thing of the past. He share with others. This is a program for sufficiently interested the members of the board everyone, no previous stargazing knowledge is of works as to get their consent to purchase a required! It promises to shed some light on our one-horse mowing machine, which they did from solar system as we celebrate the International the Cossitt Mfg. Co. The mower was given its Year of Astronomy and the contributions of first trial on some unsightly weeds on William Galileo Galilei to the field. Street yesterday afternoon and worked to As the summer draws to a close, we are perfection. This morning the machine was at looking forward to welcoming school groups work in Victoria Park. back to the museum. We are always looking for small craft supplies to add to our craft cupboard. If you happen to have some things you are Summer Programs at the looking to clear out, especially small metal Museum coffee cans (with lids), please contact Amy at By Amy Whitehorne the Museum. Don’t forget to visit the What’s On This summer, the museum has been filled section of the Museum website to keep up with with the sounds of children. Our Summer the events and other programs here at the Programs are proving to be quite popular, with Brockville Museum. many children returning session after session. It all started with ‘Art Attack’ in July. Mark your Calendar Children had a chance to create art using paint made from Kool-Aid, making their own November 13-14th, The Brockville Artists’ modeling clay and learning about some famous Studio Show and Sale artists. Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2 Upcoming Fundraising Events Summer Weekend Students Every fall there are two fundraisers. The first is our annual book and potted plant sale. Please bring in your donations of gently used books and potted plants. The sale will begin on September 1st and concludes on September 22nd.

The next fundraiser is the silent auction. We are collecting memorabilia, antiques, collectibles and novelties which will go up for auction on October 7th. Bidding will end on the 10th. Keep an eye out for some donations while you are cleaning, just make sure they are at the Museum by the week of September 28th. And don’t forget to drop by and place your bid. Left to right: Rebecca Schauber and Oneida For both these events, we need your Crawford wearing their new museum polo donations to make these fund raisers successful. shirts. For more information contact the Museum. Rebeccca, Oneida, Brianne, and Adam will be on duty until after Thanksgiving weekend.

Volunteer Position Available The Board of Management requires a Art In The City Tour June 20 + secretary to take minutes at the monthly board 21 meeting and prepare minutes for distribution to board members. Anyone interested in this position please call Bonnie Burke at 613-342- 4397. New Display at the Brockville Public Library For the month of September, Volunteer Brenda Foss has designed another display for the Brockville Public Library on Advertising Trade Cards. The ‘silent salesman’ of the 19th century was the advertising trade card. They were given away free of charge by Eric Deskin, Wood Worker, and Claudia Deskin, businesses to promote their products and Artist. services. At a time when coloured pictures were still relatively uncommon, trade cards were Upcoming Events avidly collected and save in special albums. Enjoy this colourful collection of cards Leeds and Grenville Genealogical Society is from the Brockville Museum’s archives. holding their annual Basic Course in Genealogy beginning September 10th for six weeks. Cost $50. Call 613-342-7773 to register. Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2 Congratulations

Artist Claudia Deskin (above left) created the chalk pastel painting “A Stream In The Islands” which was raffled by the Friends of the Brockville Museum. The winner was Laura Male of Hamilton ON. Both Laura and her husband are Biologists and greatly enjoy the painting. Above are Claudia and Bonnie (right) Past Chairman of the Friends of the drawing the winning ticket. Brockville Museum, Bill Miller (above) dropped Local Artist in to say goodbye to museum friends. Bill and Celia Kainz his wife Peggy have moved to Woodstock to be (standing) closer to children and grandchildren. organized The Friends of the Museum purchased several ticket the bench seen in the photo. A plaque on the selling days. bench pays tribute to Bill and recognizes the Celia and many contributions Bill made to the museum. museum Best wishes to Bill and Peggy. volunteer Irene Lyle sold tickets at the Scotia Bank. The Friends of the Brockville Museum thank the artists and volunteers for raising $1294.00.

Thank You to our Good

Friends and Neighbours

Thank you to Doug and Wilma Timleck for purchasing the new Brockville Museum sign Installing the new sign which has been placed on the west wall. Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2 In Her Own Words the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage. “In H er Own Words” takes place at the Brockville Coming to the Brockville Museum this Museum on Friday September 25th at 2pm. Tickets September as part of the 2009 Festival of are $8 and reservations may by made by calling Storytelling, is the enchanting and captivating 613-342-4397. “ performance of In Her Own Words: The Loves and Adventures of an Irish Heroine” in which FOS List of Events September 24-26, 2009 storyteller Mary-Eileen McClear uses the diaries of On Friday evening from 7pm- 9pm, the young Margaret Owen to recount her remarkable Brockville Museum will be the setting for a night life. of spooky stories and urban legends. Vampires Ireland in 1908 was a pleasant place to grow have definitely catapulted their way up the up if, like Maggie, you were of a privileged class. popularity ladder recently and to pay homage to But privilege has no guarantee, and Maggie finds their success, FOS is hosting a youth night. Kiss of herself moving between Ireland, France and the the Vampire and Other Bloody Tales will feature United States as she seeks health and happiness. bone-chilling stories that may have you scrambling Her journals not only gives us a glimpse of for the lights. Tickets are $8 at the door, or come what Maggie looks like but they also paint a dressed as a vampire or Goth and get in for $5. picture of a girl who is For those wishing to expand irrepressible, who needs their storytelling experiences FOS is laughter beyond food and drink, offering two workshops at the and who strives always to be museum on the Saturday morning. noble. Mary-Eileen McClear introduces The diaries, which start Once Upon the Truth – a workshop th with her 12 birthday and move that shows how to bring history alive through the years, follow through storytelling. From 10:45 am Maggie as she discovers love until noon, Adwoa Badoe presents and as she meets some of the Rhythm of the Storylines – a famous people of her time. She workshop devoted to dance, is forced to flee the villains in movement and music for storytelling. her life, encounters love, war, Storyteller Mary-Eileen McClear The cost is $10 each or $15 for both. tragedy and redemption. In the Popular teller Adwoa Badoe has end, Maggie sees that life is much like “The been writing and telling stories for years. She has House That Jack Built,” for events build upon published several children’s books and takes events, cause and effect to dictate the twists and pride in entertaining audiences. A love of dance turns of life. has led her to teach different forms of movement Mary-Eileen McClear’s storytelling has from her native Africa. Adwoa performs Pot of taken her from New Brunswick to British Wisdom – an afternoon of African folktales for the Columbia, from schools to the Stratford Festival. whole family at the museum starting at 2 pm. Though folktales are her stock in trade, it is true- Tickets are $5 for a single and $15 for four. life stories that win her heart, and to that end she Join our hosts that evening at 8 pm for Music, seeks out historical characters to write about. She Myrth and Mischief at the Brockville Museum. is the founder of The Story Barn, a storytelling Tickets are $15. Seating is limited. centre in Baden, Ontario which is now in its 21st Reservations are recommended for all year. events and can be made by calling the FOS 2009 is very excited to be bringing Brockville Museum at 613-342-4397. Mary-Eileen’s performance of “In Her Own Words” to the Brockville Museum following its successful tour which included a performance at Brockville Museum The Monitor August 2009 Volume 24 Issue #2

From the Archives These advertisements for the New Theatre remind us of those nights ‘out on the town’.

October 22, 1928 October 20, 1922

Gift Shop News • For the adults 'Brockville Voices II' featuring local residents Capt. Everett Snider, Betty New items can be found in the gift shop: MacDowell, Fred Gilbert, Harold Latham, Summer Time Fun Jack Shepherd, Peter Johnston, Ben TeKamp • Butterfly kites, bouncing balls, gliders, hand and Herb Sheridan. fans, beautiful pop up cards, kaleidoscopes, • Local author Mary Mueller's book 'The and hand butterfly houses. Stone House' and new book from Dr. Alvyn Old Favourites Austin titled 'Elizabethtown – The Last of • Wooden toys such as Jacobs Ladders, the Royal Townships'. Acrobat Man, Button Spinners, and Cup and Ball. Books Hours of Operation • A good supply of the children's Bobbie Kalman series including 'Classroom Games', Summer hours of operation are: 'Home Crafts', and 'Old Time Toys'. Monday to Saturday 10:00AM – 5:00PM Sunday 1:00PM – 5:00PM