The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, June 25, 1997 Section Two Page 7

by Lorraine Ma nfredo by Natural Heritage Press. this small town called chose to relocate in Oshawa Staff. Writer Humber is also the author of Bowmanville positioned was because Bowmanville When William Humber’s Diamonds of the North pub­ within reach of Toronto’s was too successful, Humber newest book arrives in book­ lished in 1995 and has written ever-encroaching urban says. It already had six car- stores this month, fans will be a number of children’s books sprawl. riagemakers to Oshawa’s one. thrilled to learn this entertain­ on soccer and baseball. “It is tempting to suggest “As well, Bowmanville’s ing baseball historian has In this latest 126-page that Bowmanville’s growth in Ontario Bank was turned his attention to his own offering filled with captivat­ the late 20th century owes Conservative and Methodist, community. ing photographs dating back much to the pluck and zeal of whereas McLaughlin pre­ Humber’s ninth book is to the 19th century, Humber local initiative,” the author ferred Oshawa’s Dominion called Bowmanville: A Small casts an • often affectionate, said at a Rotary luncheon Bank owned by Liberal Town at the Edge. It was often critical gaze at the histo­ recently. “But, much in fact Presbyterians and a smaller released June 19 in softcover ry and colorful characters of depends on the community’s bank, the Western, which was gradual entanglement in the prepared to loan him money.” greater Toronto region. It’s McLaughlin’s decision to easy to forget a time when go to a community nine miles prosperity was due to an closer to Toronto would ambitious local policy of change forever the fortunes of industrial expansion and a the two towns, as the carriage time when the competitive business eventually became advantages of Toronto’s prox- General Motors of Canada, imity were less pronounced, “In the bargain however, he said. Bowmanville got something Bowmanville was a thriv- better,” Humber says. “ A ing bustling brick town in its small town perhaps, but one earlier heydey in the mid to in which security, cama- late 1800 ’s. ' raderie, and access to the But just prior to the turn of countryside were readily the century the town changed available.” NEED TO KNOW from a self-confident town Humber not only recounts driving toward a future as a the history of his town on the SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR major centre, to an inward- edge, he also encourages the looking, self-absorbed place, reader to imagine its future, according to Humber. He In forging a future for the NEW COMMUNITY?, cites a sudden decline in local town, residents can look for manufacturing plants in the models in the examples pro- Gall .GOME'1 ten years prior to 1901 as well vided by earlier townspeople 'AGON «a ■ a significant decline in and the environment they cre- Author Bill Humber with the newly released book enti­ Since 1930 population. ated. tled Bowmanville: A Small Town at the Edge. But Bowmanville’s fate “My book suggests a vari- Sandra Yates wasn’t unique. In the fifty ety of these paths including a year period between 1900 to return to a " locally-based 623-5873 1950 many Ontario towns political foundation, an inte- shrunk into obscurity, he grated street pattern of neigh- Bowmanville Area noted. Bowmanville’s dimin- borhoods bisected in the man- LIBERTY ished status was evident when ner Hwy. 2 presently crosses Our hostess, will bring gifts and greetings, it was passed up by a string of the old north south grid, a PENTECOSTAL CHURCH along with helpful community information. campaigning political leaders reinforcement of key images Corner of Martin Road and Highway #2, Bowmanville between the eras of Laurier and vistas and an examination Rev. Mark A. Scarr, Senior Pastor and Deifenbaker. of what it means to design Bowmanville, once a “must communities with integrated stop for ambitious leaders” land uses in which shopping, ifôn Oaring!©» % CANADA DAY f was reduced to a place of residences and workplaces “political irrelevance”, he are all within walking dis- Family Day t WEEKEND * observes. tance of each other and in One of the twists of fate which one can walk into the Sunday, June 29,1997 which derailed Bowmanville countryside in no more than 10:30 a.m. from its intended route as a 15 minutes.” CELEBRATIONS Morning Worship Service (Indoor) major centre was business William Humber’s book ALL WEEKEND decision by a certain carriage- Bowmanville: A Small Town “God Keep Our Land” Water Slide • Splash Pools • Giant Slide maker in Enniskillen. on the Edge is available for 12:00 Noon • Trikes and Bikes for Kids Ironically, one of the rea- $16.95 at the The Book Clarington Family Picnic SAT., MON. and TUES. Entertainment sons Robert McLaughlin Studio in Bowmanville. • FREE Hamburgers and Hot Dogs " A Touch of Hawaii" 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. • Games Galore • Bouncing Castles • Fun For Everyone Traditional Dancing and Costumes ______designed by Hawaiian-born Ohulani 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY Entertainment Evening Celebrations (O utdoor) DeVries Family Gospel Concert in the park. Christian Recording Artist with Al Derry & Force Outreach Team 1 :30 and 3:30 p.m. 8 children from onefamily inspire us Special Music N.W.C. (Never Without Christ) and Midnight Cry TUESDAY Entertainment Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada FREE and their families, in 1 800's period costume Performs fri., June 27lh Battle Re-Enactment at 12 noon and 4 p.m. Singer, songwriter, communicator, Christian recording artist, and Old-Fashioned Buggy Display one of God’s mobile people, Jeff Hunt will be performing in Grand Openingof Miniature Parkwood Estate 2 pjn. Bowmanville Friday, June 27. His third decade in Christian music and his first as a solo artist have provided thousands of Don’t miss Clarington’s LARGEST opportunities to share the songs he and the Lord have written together. fireworks display at dusk! His rich bass-baritone voice and style are Bring your lawn chair usually described as somewhere between Roger Whittaker and B.J. Thomas. He says the focus of his ministry is to present “common Vacation Bible School sense spirituality”. His five albums and his August 12 -17 video arc the tangible way people can take the Christian concert experience home to re-live 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and to share with family and friends. For Boys and Girls ages 5-12 Jeff Hunt He has received the International Angel Featuring: Jamie and Laurie Smith and STRIKE FORCE Award lor Middle-of-lhc-Road Album of the CALL NOW TO REGISTER 623-5100 (Free Admission) Cullen Gardens Year and nominations for Male Vocalist and Country Gospel Album of the Year. Sponsored by & MINIATURE VILLAGE Jeff Hunt will be appearing at the Bowmanville Seventh-day ©J.P, Liberty Pentecostal Church 300 Taunton Rd. West, Whitby • 1 -800-461-1821 Adventist Church, 2850 Hwy. 2 East (at Lambs Road), Bowmanville, on Friday, June 27, at 7:15 p.m, For further information phone (905) 623-5100