March 2008 NEWSandviews The Quarterly Newsletter of the Historical Association Vol. 36, No. 1 ISSN 0700-4427

In this issue... Change of Plans! Please take note! Our April meeting Archives, including such points as Change of Plans ...... 1 venue and topic have been revised as their evolution as the County SCHA AGM ...... 1 we were unable to coordinate our Archives and the newly-launched meeting time with the availability of searchable descriptions database of President’s Message...... 2 Shaw’s Pancake House. their holdings. Instead, our own Ellen Millar, Please plan to attend on Tuesday, Call for Nominations ...... 2 Assistant Archivist, will present an April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Simcoe SCHA Executive ...... 2 overview of the Simcoe County County Museum.

Heritage Day SCHA ...... 3 SCHA Annual General Meeting History Committee ...... 3 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Gwillim Group Project ...... 4 Stevenson Farms, Essa Township This year, we have a new venue for death in 1933, the estate was Prize Winning Play Presented .. 4 our Annual General Meeting. Our purchased by William J. Wood who SilverShoe Historical Society .. 5 Director-at-Large, Stephen Milne, ran a successful dairy and livestock will be our host and speaker for this farm. The farm has since passed Letter from the OHS ...... 5 evening. We will enjoy a wonderful down through the family to its roast pig dinner at the Stevenson current owners, Stephen and Susanne From the Mailbag ...... 6 Farms property, the Bed and Milne. Stephen is the the thrice great Tecumseth and West Breakfast owned by the Milnes. The grandson of the Stevensons, and will Gwillimbury ...... 7 Farms are not only their home and speak to us about Loblaw: The business, but also a remarkable part Reluctant Grocery King from Andrew Hunter Award ...... 7 of their family history. Stevenson Farms. In 1832 William Stevenson and his Tickets are available at our April Coming Events ...... 8 young wife Elizabeth Pringle settled meeting, by calling Brad Rudachyk at Visit our Website on these lands having come from the 726-7380, or by mail to SCHA, Box Edinburgh Scotland the same year. 144, , ON L4M 4S9. The cost is www.simcoecountyhistory.ca Their original log home was replaced $30 for members and $35 for non- in 1850 by a 12 room frame house members. which was was later renovated in If you wish to contribute to our Silent 1927 by their illustrious grandson Auction fundraiser, please let us know Theodore Loblaw, the founder of the by May 1st so we can arrange for pick Preserving the Past, Loblaw grocery chain. The house up of your item. became a seasonal family retreat for in the Present, Loblaw. After Loblaw’s untimely For a look at this beautiful venue, visit for the Future. http://www.stevensonfarms.com.

NEWSandviews 1 President’s Message This will be the last time that I have membership, fundraising, and every Annual General Meeting since the honour and privilege of writing programming. 2002. to you in News and Views as the It has been my privilege to work Of course, this is farewell, not President of SCHA. I will be with an outstanding executive and goodbye. I look forward to stepping down at our annual general board of directors. Their care and continuing to serve SCHA however I meeting this coming May. After commitment to SCHA and the might as Immediate Past President as careful consideration, I have history and heritage of Simcoe well as assisting the editor of this concluded that the time is right for a County has been enthusiastic and very fine newsletter, if she will let change. unwavering. Thank you. me. SCHA needs the energy, ideas, and I would be remiss not to mention the In closing, thank you, for the direction of a new President. Much support given to me by you, our opportunity that you have given me has been accomplished over the past members. I very much appreciate the to serve you as your President over few years. Much remains to be done, confidence you have placed in me, these past six years. especially in the areas of having acclaimed my presidency at From the SCHA By-Laws, d) prepare an agenda for meetings, At this time, both positions are May 2000 in cooperation and consultation with without nominees for the coming the Corresponding Secretary. year. Please forward names for 4. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS 4.2 The FIRST VICE PRESIDENT consideration of these or any of the 4.1 The PRESIDENT shall: shall: executive positions to the a) provide positive leadership for a) have the powers and SCHA Nominating Committee, the Association; responsibilities of the President in Box 144, Barrie, ON L4M 4S9. b) preside at meetings of the absentia; A copy of the full constitution and Association; b) accept and perform such lawful by-laws is available upon request. c) be an ex officio member of all duties as the President requests or committees; delegates.

The SCHA acknowledges the financial support of the Government of through the Ministry of Culture, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the County of Simcoe.

Simcoe County Historical Association Executive You are invited to submit Brad Rudachyk, President 726-7380 [email protected] photos and articles regarding your historical happenings in Mark Fisher, Second Vice President 728-3825 [email protected] Simcoe County. Photos will Peter Wiseman, Treasurer 725-0224 be returned. Jill Hynes, Corresponding Secretary 739-6220 [email protected] Mail to SCHA, Box 144, Ellen Millar, Recording Secretary 726-9300 ext. 1287 Barrie, ON L4M 4S9. [email protected] Deadline for the For Membership Information, contact next issue is Earl Elliott, Membership Chair 734-9808 [email protected] May 25, 2008

2 NEWSandviews Another Great Heritage Day Celebration with the SCHA

Dorothy Duncan, our guest speaker, Dorothy instructs the group on the fine prepares the day’s culinary delights. points of pioneer desserts.

Peter Wiseman, above, perfects his whipping technique, while our cookie baking contest winner, Ellen Millar (second from right) is The crowd enjoys entertaining demonstrations, congratulated by fine food, and tales of Kate Aitken. judges Earl Elliott and Mark Fisher, as well as Dorothy Duncan.

Orillia History Committee by Dr. Richard Johnston Our 10th Annual Sir John A. Day. This idea was met by applause the importance of teaching Canadian Macdonald Dinner sold out again this from the audience. history in our schools. This was an th past January 12 . Richard Gwyn, past Hugh Gainsford, again attending as a appropriate challenge from the great chancelor of St. Jerome’s College in guest of honour, spoke as well about grandson of Sir John A. Waterloo, and Toronto Star editorial writer gave an excellent talk on Hugh “Canadians: Who We’re Not” and the Gainsford (left) need to celebrate our wonderful shares a Canadian heritage. Gwyn pointed out conversation that in the USA, there is rarely a with speaker major political speech that does not Richard cite or quote Jefferson, Washington, Gwyn Lincoln or Adams; whereas, in (centre) and , the opposite is true. As Alan Ross reported in the Orillia Packet & (right) at the Times, Gwyn proposed that one way annual Sir to pay more attention to our history John A. th Macdonald would be to Canadianize the May 24 dinner. holiday by renaming it Macdonald

NEWSandviews 3 The Gwillim Group’s Project: Unveiling June 8 by Barbara Verney The Gwillim Group's project to On December 18th, 2007, we held the honour Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe is Dedication Ceremony. All of the progressing well. The bronze statue committee members were present, is in place at the corner of John and plus members of Council, and Barrie (Yonge) streets. the community. The sculptor, Brenda Wainman Goulet, is very knowledgeable and spoke passionately about her subject. The Rev. Terry Whitlam stressed the importance of the ceremony. Finally the statue was dedicated by Barbara Verney to the Town to celebrate its 150th Anniversary.

On Sunday, June 8th, 2008, there will be an Unveiling Ceremony. The Honourable David Onley, Lieutenant Governor, and his wife, Ruth Ann, will be the honoured guests. A large tent and seating for the dignitaries will be located in the Post Office parking lot. We have plans to have Above: The dedicated committee Welsh music, an honour guard from whose hard work has brought a the Queen’s York Rangers, and an beautiful piece of art and history to Indian Blessing. Refreshments will their community. be served.

Prize-winning Play Portrays Local History by Helen Yielding Oscar winners and the Tecumseth and gunpowder explosion, a homicide, a writing skills have earned her the West Gwillimbury Historical Society mystery burglar and the regular prize of a professional production of members have much in common. In disappearance of cattle and pigs from her play at Theatre Aurora for a six- 1993 this Historical Society won a local farmers. An investigative night run in April. Dorothy Duncan Award for the Toronto newspaper reporter, Roy If you are interested in local history, production of a video on local history. Greenaway, broke a story about cattle good drama or just great Just last week news of another rustling in the Beeton area that led to entertainment, plan to see Flanagan’s triumph in recorded history was made the discovery of a connection among play, The Rustling, on any of the known; a play commissioned by this these events. Subsequently, a police following dates: April 3, 5, 11, 16 and Society, written by playwright investigation uncovered a bizarre plot 18 at 8 p.m. and a matinee on April 13 Dalene Flanagan, won a competition which led to the biggest trial in at 2 p.m. Tickets are available by for new plays submitted to Theatre Ontario’s history at that time and the calling Theatre Aurora at 905-727- Aurora’s Playwrights of Spring incarceration of several local citizens. 3669. The theatre is located at 150 festival. Flanagan’s sensitive portrayal of the Henderson Ave. in Aurora, just west In 1927 the village of Beeton was the shock and shame this trial caused in of Yonge St. For more details, see centre of a series of events that the small community of Beeton is www.theatreaurora.com included thefts, a child’s death from a both powerful and instructive. Her

4 NEWSandviews The SilverShoe Historical Society by Jane Cooper-Wilson, Executive Director Our Mission Statement: Township officials and private 1. The Mass Gravesite of numerous “To research, locate, restore, preserve, donations to cover our operating residents who died during the scourge th protect, honor and embrace the final expenses. of epidemics, during the late 19 resting places and the legacy of our Reconstruction work at the Cemetery century and in the early years of the th esteemed Ancestors, who sought and Pre-Rebellion Burial Grounds 20 century. refuge and a new beginning in the must continue. Phase 2 involves a 2. Typical fugitive slave gravesites wilderness of Ontario.” substantial escalation in expenses. that were designed to prevent Our objective is to secure affiliation Increasing our membership database desecration by possible slave catchers and incorporation with other and the implementation of a major following the Fugitive Slave Act of recognized organizations to promote fund raising drive will be our 1850. our collective cultural heritage and organization's starting point toward 3. The Ancestor Tree that is a natural multiculturalism. resolution of this on-going problem. symbol of the wide-ranging migration In doing so, the S.S.H.S. is willing to Memberships are $10/adult per year of the Freedom Seekers in Ontario. partner with other organizations to and Junior Members, under the age of When Phase 2 is completed in Spring, facilitate projects that will bring about 16 are free. An S.S.H.S. membership 2008, our visitors will also have the increased public awareness regarding card provides the holder with an opportunity to take a Memorial Walk the extensive, diverse and, hitherto, opportunity to assist in making some into the past. There they will be able unrecognized and unwritten or important history-making changes that to witness some of the devastation that missing history of Simcoe County. will have a substantial impact on beset the Cemetery Site, in the years future generations and, to have a lot of The summer months of 2007 marked a prior to 1997, when the S.S.H.S. was fun during this wonderful learning formed to advocate and protect this major milestone in Black History with experience. the Bicentennial Celebration historic treasure trove. commemorating the abolition of The Visitors are visibly moved when they We have some wonderful events Atlantic Slave Trade. The SilverShoe experience the natural beauty and planned for the future. Our Annual Historical Society chose this historical spirituality that surrounds them at Spring Clean-up is scheduled to begin year to Incorporate under The Ontario Bethel-Union Pioneer Cemetery at 8:00 a.m. on May 31, 2008. This Historical Society and to signal (formerly known as Sunnidale Union, year the clean-up will be quite implementation of Phase 2 of the Est. 1855). (Although the Cemetery extensive, as we are anticipating a reconstruction work at the Bethel- was not officially registered until wonderful attendance at our Union Pioneer Cemetery and Burial 1855, graves in the adjacent Burial Juneteenth Memorial Candlelight Grounds Site in New Lowell. Grounds date back prior to The 1837 Service and Grant Project Unveiling Rebellion.) This Cemetery is unique, Ceremony on June 21, 2008. More The S.S.H.S.’s Incorporation under in that it is one of very few, if not the The Ontario Historical Society details will be available in the June only interracial cemetery of its kind, issue of News and Views. became a reality in the fall of 2007 and during a period in history when the was followed shortly after with our burial of Aboriginals and people of To learn more about the S.S.H.S. successful application for a Roots of African descent were segregated in contact us at 705-428-6391, email Freedom grant, offered by The Ontario this country. Although, racism was not [email protected] or visit our Ministry of Civilization and unknown, for the most part, the website at www.silvershoe.ca (the Immigration and in partnership with various cultures lived in a symbiotic website is presently being updated). The Emancipation Festival, Owen relationship that extended to many You can mail your donations and/or Sound Branch and The Township of interracial marriages. Therefore, these membership fee to Clearview. This is the first time since hardy pioneers made multiculturalism, the S.S.H.S. was organized in 1997 The SilverShoe Historical Committee a way of life, long before the word c/o J. Cooper-Wilson that we have requested any form of became politically correct. Provincial funding. To date, we had P.O. Box 1571 been solely dependant on the kindness Our visitors have the opportunity to 7269 Hwy. 26 and indulgence of Clearview take a guided walking tour of the site, Stayner, ON L0M 1SO where they are able to witness:

NEWSandviews 5 From the mailbag “Heaven was the word for Canada” CFHA Spring Conference Greetings, We are delighted to have as our to assist slaves is widely On Saturday April 5, 2008, the keynote speaker Christopher acknowledged, the role played by the Canadian Friends Historical Densmore, Curator at Friends contemporary Canadian Friends is Association (CFHA) will be hosting Historical Library at Swarthmore much less well known. their spring conference entitled College, Additional confirmed On behalf of the CFHA I would like “Heaven was the name for Canada”: speakers include Karolyn Smardz to invite you and members of the The experiences of free Blacks, Frost, Executive Director of the Simcoe County Historical escaped slaves and the Religious Ontario Historical Society, Rosemary Association to attend. Sadlier, President Ontario Black Society of Friends at the historic Thank you for your time with regards History Society, Gary Pieters, Co- Yonge Street Meeting House in to this matter and I look forward to Chair Committee to Commemorate Newmarket, Ontario. your participation. and Memorialize the Abolition of the The conference is designed to bring Slave Trade and Afua Cooper, Project Regards, together researchers, historians, and Advisor for the Ontario Bicentenary Andrew Cresswell other interested parties from what Exhibition. Related historical Social Science Department Head have been two distinct fields of associations and groups will also be Humberview Secondary School historical examination: inquiry into in attendance. Due to the size of the 135 Kingsview Drive the abolition of slavery, and inquiry meeting house, participation will be Bolton, Ontario L7E 3V8 into the history of Religious Society limited to about 65 people. of Friends (Quakers) in Canada, Phone: 905-857-0771 x574 respectively, for a day of sharing and While the Quaker involvement in the Fax: 905-857-7772 celebration. U.S. struggle for abolition and efforts Email: [email protected] Summer student position at Oro-Medonte Township From the Editor: This is an excellent RESPONSIBILITIES: c) Strong organizational and time opportunity for any university-level a) Responsible for researching and management skills involving history students you know. The Oro- generating a report on historic attention to multiple deadlines; Medonte History Association properties within the Township of d) Excellent oral and written requested the creation of this Oro-Medonte boundaries, utilizing communication skills; position, and the Township complied . documentation found within the e) Must be willing to work flexible Municipal Administration Centre and hours including evenings and the County of Simcoe Archives. POSITION TITLE: weekends; Seasonal Historical Researcher b) Responsible for the scanning of f) Must have own transportation and PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND photos and documents contained in hold the appropriate motor vehicle JOB DESCRIPTION STATEMENT: the Oro-Medonte History Association license (G) classification as outlined The Seasonal Historical Researcher files stored at the Township of Oro- by Government Regulations. Medonte Administration Office and shall be responsible for the research Please forward your resume to: and preparation of a Historical developing an artifact catalogue. Mr. Shawn Binns, Manager of Report, scanning photos and c) Perform other duties as may be Recreation & Community Services documents and for the delivery of assigned. Township of Oro-Medonte tours at the Oro African Church, KNOWLEDGE: National Historic Site. 148 Line 7 South, Box 100 a) University Student pursuing a Oro, ON L0L 2X0 REPORTS TO: degree in history; [email protected] Manager of Recreation and b) Sound knowledge and experience Community Services Resumes should be submitted by with computer software applications; April 18th at 4:30 p.m.

6 NEWSandviews TecWeGwil Happenings The Andrew Hunter Prize 2008 An Evening of Historical Riches The Andrew Hunter Prize is awarded annually for the best essay on the history of The members of the Tecumseth and Simcoe County, Ontario, written in a course by an undergraduate student in any West Gwillimbury Historical Society university or college. In this fifth year of the competition, we look forward to are incredibly wealthy, not in the receiving many worthy entries. monetary sense, but in treasures of Conditions: Entries must be undergraduate essays between 3,000 and 5,000 things and memories. Under the words in length on some aspect of the history of Simcoe County, Ontario, written guidance of George Phillips, many in English or in French. The author must be a part-time or full-time undergraduate members shared their wealth at the student in a degree program at an accredited university or college. The essay must annual Show and Tell meeting. have been written to meet the requirement of an undergraduate credit course during For example, two individual photos, the 2007-2008 academic year. Entries become the property of the Simcoe County each displaying several famous Historical Association and may be published as part of an essay collection. Canadian citizens from the mid Submissions: Entries shall be submitted no 1800s, were prized possessions of later than March 31, 2008 and will not be Bob Evans and Vera Stoddart. Stuart returned to the contestants. Essays must be Calhoun dialed in a radio station on typed in Times New Roman 12 point font, double spaced, and should not bear the his 1925 receiver. A unique Canadian instructor’s comments or grade. Two copies board game based on successful must be provided. A cover sheet must list the bombing missions from WW2 was a author’s name, address, phone number, status, valued family artifact of Tim Orlik. school affiliation and department, and the The display of an 1884 newspaper, name of the instructor for whom the paper was complete with advertisements, written. brought comparison shopping to a Entries should be sent to: new level. This particular newspaper The Corresponding Secretary was used as padding in the wedding Simcoe County Historical Association photograph of Isabel Abbott’s P.O. Box 144, Barrie, ON L4M 4S9 grandparents. American politics were Adjudication: Entries will be judged by a distinguished panel appointed by the implicit in a button embossed with Simcoe County Historical Association. The winners will be announced in early “Billy Possum”, probably a reference May, 2008 with the presentation of the prizes to take place at the Annual General to the Taft vs. Roosevelt election. Meeting. June Chamber’s button collection is a Prize: There will be two prizes offered, one for $750 and one for $250, in wealth of information in many ways. Canadian funds. The Simcoe County Historical Association may edit the winning As well, a wealth of talent and entries for the purpose of publication. memory was evident in a model The Simcoe County Historical Association is under no obligation to award a prize. sailing vessel created by John Northwood in his Grade 7 manual Video of Town’s History a Visual included some charming interviews training project. And 7 year-old Kent Treat with long-time citizens and a brief Chambers is finding value and A little nostalgia and a lot of pride account of the history of each of the enjoyment in the 1930s Hardy Boys were reflected on the faces of the hamlets and towns within an series of novels. members of the Tecumseth and West engaging storyline narrated by Betty Three members, Betty Anderson, Gwillimbury Historical Society as Anderson. Even though this Betsy Flood and Judy Breckles they viewed a video produced by production was released 15 years reminisced about past experiences their Society in 1993. New ago, the video is still fresh and with friends and family. Judy’s Tecumseth: The New Town with a entertaining and it was a great way to th rendition of her aunt’s famous song Long Past won an award from the celebrate the Society’s 30 birthday was a charming addition to her story. Ontario Historical Society for its year. It was also a fitting programme A “share the wealth” evening was visual portrayal of local history. It for February – Ontario’s Heritage enjoyed by all. Month.

NEWSandviews 7 COMING EVENTSof our Member Societies Historical Society – Apr. 12 – Rick Roberts – to May 3 – Symbols of Canada: contact Jackie Baillie 705-435- Researching Canadian Military The Paintings and Quilts of Ada 5626 or [email protected] Records using Online and Bruce Torrance Meet at Museum on the Boyne, Traditional Resources Apr. 12 – 1 p.m. – Curator’s Talk Fletcher Cres., Alliston every 2nd May 3 – Lady Tevoit – English May 6-25 – 14th Annual High Wednesday except July, Aug. & Parish Registers School Student Exhibition Dec. – 7:30 p.m. June 7 – TBA May 8 – Opening reception 6:30- Barrie Historical Association – Huronia Museum Huron 8:30p.m. contact Val Brucker Ouendat Village May 28-Aug. 3 – 3rd Annual ODAC Meet at Barrie City Hall – 7:30 549 Little Lake Park Road, Midland and OMAH All-Ontario Open p.m. – Call 526-2844 Juried Art Show Apr. 10 – AGM – Alladin Banquet www.huroniamuseum.com May 31 – Opening reception 7:00 Hall, 41 Essa Road, 6:00 p.m. Apr. 26 – Heritage Dinner p.m. May 8 – Mark Fisher – Sir James Historical Society – Centennial Robert Gowan and the Gowan contact Ross Wallace Museum and Archives family papers Meet at Knock Community Centre, 13 Burke St. at Beck Blvd. Collingwood and District 10th SR at 9th Line, Innisfil – 2:00 Call 549-2150 Historical Society – contact Joan p.m. www.pencenmuseum.com Miller Leisure Time Club, 100 Apr. 19 – Peter Dickey – Dickey Mar. 22 – Easter Eggstravaganza – Minnesota Street, Collingwood – Bee Honey 1-3:30 7:00 p.m. Midhurst Historical Society – May 3 – Genealogy Workshop – 9 Apr. 7 – Suzanne Ferri, Curator of contact Alice Mitchell a.m.-4 p.m. – $30 the Blue Mountains, Craigleith Meet at Midhurst Library, 12 Finlay May 17-June 15 – ROM Star Lab Heritage Depot – “The Mary Ward Mill Road – Call 726-5940 Simcoe County Museum and the Moberly Connection” Apr. 14 – Rev. David Adams – 1151 Highway 26, Midhurst – May 31 – House and Building Tour Genealogy Call 728-3721 – Visit six of Collingwood’s Museum on the Boyne – Apr. 30 – Historica Fair historically and architecturally contact Rachelle Clayton June 7-8 – Wheels and Tracks in interesting buildings 250 Fletcher Crescent in Riverdale Motion – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Essa Historical Society – contact Park, Alliston – Call 435-0167 Olive Lee Orillia Museum of Art and Tecumseth & West Gwillimbury History monthly meeting Historical Society – Meet at Thornton Library – 1:30 contact Helen Yielding p.m. Meet at St. Paul’s United Church, Peter St. and Coldwater Rd., Orillia – Meet at Tec We Gwill Hall, Mar. 22 – Annual Reports and 7:30 p.m. , 7:30 p.m. Show and Tell Apr. 16 – Lloyd Johnston – Call 905-775-7144 or 905-936-3659 Mar. 29 – Margaret Baker – United Blacksmithing Apr. 21 – Dalene Flanagan – Empire Loyalists May 14 – Heather Kirk – Mazo de Beeton Rustlers play reading Genealogical Society – la Roche See page 4 for performance details contact Claudia McArthur May 19 – 30th Birthday Party Meet at Church of Jesus Christ of Orillia Museum of Art and June 8 – Heritage Train Trip and Latter–Day Saints History 30 Peter Street South, Picnic 79 Ferris Lane, Barrie – 2:00 p.m. Orillia – Call 326-2159 www.simcoebogs.com www.orilliamuseum.org

8 NEWSandviews