Bruce County Historical Notes

Volume 60, No. 2 September 2018 Published by Bruce County Historical Society

Formosa after Mass, 1901. Courtesy of South Bruce Tourism Annual Dinner Meeting German Settlers in Bruce County Speaker: Pat Kelly October 27, 2018 Formosa Community Centre, 13 Community Dr. Doors open 11 a.m., AGM at noon, Dinner to follow Tickets: $25.00 Buy your tickets by October 19, 2018 For tickets call: Dorne Fitzsimmons 519-368-7186 Bill Stewart 519-376-9787 Doug Lennox 519-422-1737 Documentary film screenings draw capacity crowds

By Robin Hilborn information in the documentary.

Big crowds at the Community Complex in Loud applause greeted Ross’s comment that on May 12 (about 1,100, “It’s our sincere hope that the people of Bruce full capacity) and June 2, 2018 (about 850) County, and the people around the province applauded the premiere of “The Bruce”, the when this gets seen by a wider audience, really three-part documentary exploring the history do have a greater appreciation for the view of of Saugeen Ojibway territory and Bruce the Ojibway people that were here before.” County. Attendees of the premiere gave the show a 4.6 On May 12 Episode 1 debuted to a packed out of 5 rating (based on a voluntary, online house - free tickets sold out online. The show poll representing 10% of the total audience). began at 7 p.m. but since “doors open” was announced for 6 p.m., people lined up well Reactions from viewers to Episode 1 were very before 6 to claim their seats. positive: “It was a brilliant collage of commentary, music, historical facts and acting.”

“It’s a part of our history that most of us don’t know, but should.”

“We enjoyed seeing cameo appearances of local personalities”

“We have never seen a response like this to any film we have worked on,” said Director Zach Melnick and Producer Yvonne Debert, of the Visual Heritage Project.

Zach Melnick said, “After such a great response from Episode 1, we’re excited to share the Seats filled quickly at May 12 premiere. R. Hilborn photo second and third episodes with the people of Bruce. It’s wonderful to see so many people Episode 1, “The Fishing Chiefs” told the story interested in the history of Bruce, because of the Saugeen Ojibway and their struggle I believe a solid understanding of history— to maintain their fishing rights amidst the from many different perspectives—is key to pressure of European settlement. imagining a better future.”

Chief Lester Anoquot said that the Saugeen Episode 2, “The Last Frontier” and Episode 3 Ojibway Nation (SON) appreciated the “The Peaceful Path” were premiered on June 2 partnerships with the community, Bruce to a slightly smaller but no less enthusiastic Power, the Historical Society and Trillium audience. Foundation which made the project possible. The May 12 and June 2 screenings were Steering Committee chair Ross Lamont said, followed by a presentation of Episode 1 at “We really do appreciate the level of engagement Saugeen Wesley United Church as part of and involvement that the Saugeen Ojibway Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 21. people have had in this, their community leaders, their political leadership, their elders.” All three episodes of “The Bruce” are available He added that various spokespeople worked on one video disc, in either DVD or Blu-Ray with the committee to ensure the integrity of format. The discs will be distributed for free

Page 2 to every school and library in Bruce County, edited into three, 50-minute parts, archival along with a curriculum companion. drawings, paintings, photographs and film, along with 3D and motion graphics were added “The Bruce” was created in a partnership to each episode to further enrich the stories. between the non-profit Ontario Visual Heritage Former radio personality and Drayton Theatre Project and the Bruce County Historical veteran Neil Aitchison tied the whole series Society, in collaboration with the Saugeen together with his dulcet tones as narrator. Ojibway Nation. The project was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 2016, and by The Bruce was seen across the province on partners in the community. television. Each episode was broadcast twice on TVO, between Aug. 12 and Aug. 31, 2018, “The Bruce” has been under development since and more broadcasts will follow. May 2016, when the project was kicked off by a community brainstorming session. With the At the premieres, a constant flow of people guidance of BCHS’s Steering Committee, the placed pre-orders at the BCHS table for “The project team conducted 50 research interviews Bruce” on disc and in book form. 500 copies and dove deep into the historical literature. 33 of the companion hardcover 236 page book by historians, knowledge keepers and elders were Robin Hilborn, also entitled The Bruce, arrived subsquently interviewed on camera, and 62 re- from the printer on June 15. enactments of historical events were planned. The companion book was officially launched Hundreds of volunteers from across the region on Aug. 13 at the Bruce County Museum & played a huge role in bringing the story of Cultural Centre. Author Robin Hilborn gave Bruce County to the screen. In April 2017, 130 his behind-the-scenes look at the making of people of all ages and experience answered “The Bruce” documentary film and recounted the open audition call to fill the role of some how he wrote the companion book using the of Bruce’s most celebrated and notorious film script. The book launch was presented by historical figures. With the help of theatre both the Bruce County Historical Society and groups, retirement clubs, Ontario Parks and the Bruce County Genealogical Society. Parks , Bruce County and countless other organizations, props, costumes and locations were sourced for 24 re-enactment filming days from June through December. As word of the project spread, additional volunteers stepped up - with a total of 179 volunteer actors appearing on-camera, and 102 more helping behind-the-scenes.

Some of the events that were re-enacted included: the treaties of 1836 and 1854, the 1854 land sale, the 1908 burning of the Peninsula, the coming of nuclear power to Bruce, and the establishment of the national parks in the 1980s. Landscapes were filmed throughout the County to complement the re- enactments. BCHS President Irene Howe; “The Bruce” author Robin Filming generated some impressive statistics. Hilborn; Joe Dietrich of Trillium Mutual Insurance Co., Over 4,500 shots, or 40 terabytes of footage, one of the book sponsors were collected for “The Bruce”. After being

Buy “The Bruce”! Order form for documentary and book on Page 11

Page 3 Bruce County German heritage pieces

By Laura Leonard, Curatorial Assistant, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre Throughout the early history of Upper Canada, later Canada West, there were several large waves of immigration. The first set of German settlers to come en masse to Upper Canada were the Pennsylvania-German who settled in the Niagara area, and Waterloo County after the War of 1812. The second wave, known as Continental German settlers, came between the 1830s and 1860s from Germany, Switzerland, and the Alsace region, often as a result of social programmes. As roads into Bruce County didn’t open until the 1850s, many of Bruce County’s German settlers first stopped in areas like Waterloo County, where others spoke their language and shared their cultural beliefs, before moving to settle in the Bruce. Chest of drawers made for John Plfuss Sr., 1898. Bruce County Museum, 2017.009.001 As skilled craftsmen, German settlers contributed to Ontario’s then emerging material of Continental German settler furniture. This culture in the form of furniture. By the time piece is part of a set, and was made for John the Bruce was open, Upper Canada/Canada Polfuss Sr. of Carrick Township in 1898. This West had a distinct furniture style that directly piece is one of several outstanding furniture reflected the melting pot it was, with influences items within the Museum’s collection created from Britain, continental Europe and the by Continental German settlers or those of United States. A comfort to many settlers was Continental German descent. the cultural furniture, such as the German Kleiderschrank, made by the many skilled Another such settler in Bruce County was craftsmen, of various backgrounds, who were John P. Klempp who was born in Waterloo able to continue a group’s cultural traditions. County in 1857 and came to Carlsruhe around Ontario’s furniture style is often referred to 1870 with his father. Klempp was a cabinet as vernacular, meaning for everyday use and maker until around 1880 when he became a utilitarian in nature. Though vernacular, hotelkeeper in Neustadt, and later Walkerton. many furniture makers continued to put their Though born in Canada, his father was own cultural style into the pieces they created. Continental German, and was the person from whom Klempp most likely learned his trade. Similar in form to others, pieces created by The chest seen here was created by John P. Continental German settlers are characterized Klempp. It features inlaid birds and trees, by ornate inlay, folk symbols such as stars and most importantly has his name atop the and chevron lines, as well as dovetail and mirror stating him as maker. lapped joints, and using pegs rather than nails or screws to attach backboards or mirrors. Various settler groups left their marks in Present on some pieces are initials or dates; many ways throughout Bruce County, and traditional forms of German furniture with contributed to the variety and cultural blending personalized decorations were given as gifts that makes the County what it is, and who to celebrate important dates and happenings we are, today. German settlers brought to such as anniversaries and weddings. Bruce traditional furniture forms such as the Kleiderschrank, or wardrobe, and modified Pictured here is a chest of drawers featuring the the Ontario furniture style to reflect their above-mentioned unmistakable characteristics cultural background. The most outstanding

Page 4 is the Continental German furniture tradition Sources: which sets itself apart from other groups Bird, Michael S. Canadian Country Furniture 1675- both aesthetically and in craftsmanship and 1950. Stoddart Publishing Company. 1994 is highly prized by collectors, museums and descendants of the makers. Pain, Howard. The Heritage of Upper Canadian Furniture. McLaren Morris and Todd Ltd. 1978

Shackleton, Philip. The Furniture of Old Ontario. The McMillian Company of Canada. 1974

Chest created by John P. Klempp Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre 2010.005.001

Formosa German heritage excerpts from “The Bruce”

The image on the front of this newsletter George Browne built a brewery near Macklem’s features the Church of Immaculate Conception Mill in Kincardine. In 1858 or 1859 Huether located in Formosa. The following are excerpts & Schoenau built another brewery on Queen from the book “The Bruce” by R. Hilborn Street North. Their product was lager beer, a concerning Formosa’s German heritage, beverage favoured by Germans. However there brewery, and church. weren’t many Germans around Kincardine so the brewery moved to Neustadt. By 1900 In 1853-54 a contingent from the southern part whiskey and beer were no longer made in of Germany and from Alsace settled around Kincardine. what would become Formosa and formed a tight-knit German-speaking community. The demand for lager beer in the largely Prominent among them were the Fischer, German settlement of Formosa was met by the Hauck, Mosack, Schumacher, Seitz, Uhrich Andrew Rau brewery, built in 1870. In those and Zettel families. More German settlers days lager beer was an accepted part of life in came to the eastern part of Carrick, to the Formosa. Every Sunday morning after mass, centre of the township, near Deemerton, and the hotels were filled by church-goers having a to Mildmay. quiet mug before starting on the drive back to the farm. Strange as it may seem, the license Breweries were important parts of the economy: inspectors didn’t think it advisable to enforce they bought barley from local farmers. In 1856 the law about prohibited hours.

Page 5 the area so Rev. Archangelus Gstir appealed to King Ludwig I of Bavaria, a patron of the arts, for money to help build a new church. He sent 3,000 thalers (about $2,000), which went toward expanding the wooden church and building a larger stone church on top of it. This was achieved by laying the foundation of the new church around the old one. The massive stonework rose up around the wooden church, which stayed in use. When the new roof was in place the wooden church was dismantled and removed piece by piece through the front door.

Immaculate Conception Church is a Formosa Hotel, March 1960. Photo by Bruce Krug. Bruce magnificent structure constructed by County Museum, Krug family fonds, A2014.003.K-60-01-01 volunteer labour using locally-quarried stone The Formosa Brewery survived two and measures 160 by 60 feet. Its lofty spire devastating fires, in 1874 and 1881. The is visible for miles around. In 2001 Canadian brewery workers remained independent of author Jane Urquhart used the story of the trade unions. When major Ontario brewers church construction to start her historical were hit by long strikes in 1958 and 1968, novel The Stone Carvers. She based her beer sales were shut down everywhere else in woodcarver Joseph Becker on the man who Ontario and everyone drove to Formosa to get carved the intricate Gothic-style altars, beer. Formosa Springs Brewery had to operate local craftsman Nicholas Durrer. around the clock to satisfy the lineups of thirsty customers, at times insisting on a limit of one case per customer. The plant closed in 1971 but in 1989 Algonquin Brewing set up a microbrewery in the historic building

Church of the Immaculate Conception interior, front of postcard postmarked 1922, BCM&CC, Krug family fonds,

Formosa Spring Brewery Token. On reverse: “Good for 40c on return of 1 doz. pt. bottles.” Bruce County Museum, 987.020.001 These excerpts are from “The Bruce” book, a companion to “The The inhabitants of Formosa are largely of German or Alsatian descent and members Bruce” documentary film (DVD and of the Roman Catholic church. Prominent Blu-ray). atop a hill in Formosa stands the Church of the Immaculate Conception, built between They are all available for purchase, 1875 and 1883, thanks to support from a at the Bruce County Museum or by European king. The original wooden church, built in 1857, could not contain the numbers using the order form on Page 11. of German Catholic immigrants pouring into

Page 6 Some big plans for Sauble and Oliphant that didn’t work By John C. Carter the Saugeen. This river is navigable, and would afford perfect shelter for a large number of In 1856, Brampton farmer John Lynch* had vessels of considerable size, for nearly a mile his prize winning article entitled “Report of from its mouth, if they were once in the river; but the Agricultural Condition and Prospects of its entrance is obstructed by a shifting sand- the County of Bruce,” published in the initial bar, on which there is rarely more than three volume of the Journal & Transactions of the feet of water, and which of course precludes the Board of Agriculture for Upper Canada. The entrance of vessels of any considerable size.” immediate payback for his efforts was a prize Lynch’s solution to this problem was to dredge that he received for 15 pounds, and the long out a channel and protect it with piers, hence term reward and future benefit for us, was a a good harbour could be constructed here at fascinating description that he left of Bruce much less cost than one at the Saugeen, or any County between 1849 and 1854. part of the coast south of Lyal Island. He added; “A harbour here would also be more effective While the focus of his article was on agriculture, than any that could be made at the Saugeen, Lynch also delved into and wrote about other as the River au Sable affords abundant room topics which were related to Bruce County at and water for vessels of any description, and this time. In discussing harbours, Lynch wrote; a small cluster of Islands completely protects “Considering the extent of the lake coast, the the entrance from the north and north-west.” settled part of the country is very deficient in Other advantages would be that as a connecting good harbours.” At Saugeen (Southampton), link between and , “where a good harbour would be very desirable” this proposed harbour was only 17 miles from due to the flourishing town developing there (about 5 miles less than the route and because of its location as a connecting from Saugeen to Owen Sound), and seven link between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, miles from the “good and capacious harbour” Lynch suggested that “the harbour is but at Colpoy’s Bay (Wiarton). Several small lakes indifferent, with no immediate prospect of between Sauble and Colpoy’s (Spry and Boat effectual improvement.” The situation wasn’t Lakes), with streams connecting them, would much different at Penetangore (Kincardine), or render most of this distance navigable for in other bays along the whole western coast. canoes. Another attribute of Sauble that Lynch What was the solution? proffered, was “a splendid perpendicular fall of ten or twelve feet, affording most superior mill Lynch’s surprising answer was at Sauble.** This privileges,” which was located two miles from he made specific comment about; “The River the mouth of the . au Sable enters the lake twelve miles north of

Huron Fish Company at Main Station Island from 1839 Prospectus. John Lynch hoped to ship fish from this site through either Sauble or Oliphant, to markets across North America. Courtesy of Public Library.

Page 7 To connect with markets in Toronto, John open abounding rich agricultural land with Lynch advocated the construction of a branch good timber, resulting in these assets being line of the Grand Trunk Railway from , “speedily converted into positive riches.” through the counties of Wellington and Grey Lynch’s plan certainly sounded good, and to Owen Sound, “and thence to the mouth of from his perspective, it was functional and the Au Sable or the Fishing Islands.” He saw achievable. advantages for a railway ending there instead of on Georgian Bay, and argued that; “a However such would not be the case. At railway terminus at or near the Fishing Islands Sauble, the problem of sand blocking the (Oliphant)*** would be almost in the beaten path river entrance was not resolved. (Even of the American steamboats, and vessels from today, shallow water still causes challenges Lake Michigan or Lake Superior could leave a for boaters there). Oliphant never became portion of their freight and passengers at the the business centre that proponents hoped Fishing Islands (Oliphant), and proceed with it would. Shallow water also kept this the remainder to Goderich, Detroit, Cleveland settlement from developing, and prevented or Buffalo, calling on their return to make up large vessels from docking at the shoreline. their upward cargo. That a railway terminating In both cases, the cyclical level of Lake in this neighbourhood would be very desirable, Huron did not provide the right conditions and of immense advantage to this section of to make good harbours, and the building of the country, there can be no question, and navigable ports in these locations was not the people of Bruce confidently look forward feasible. In addition and over time, local to its completion at some not very distant fish stocks declined, and the quality and day.” Lynch also believed that such a railroad quantity of harvestable timber diminished. link would attract foreign trade and capital This negated the need for a direct route for and increase property values, which further trade from Sauble and Oliphant to markets supported the reasons why the Grand Trunk in Toronto and at American destinations. option running from Toronto “to the Au Sable Consequently, John Lynch’s high hopes for River below the falls,” would be preferable. Add success were dashed, and as a result the to this, the running of a railroad through “an histories of Sauble and Oliphant would be inland and remote tract of country,” would forever changed! improve communication for settlers, and

Plan of the Town Plot of Oliphant, surveyed by C. Rankin P.L.S., traced from a copy of record in the Department of Indian Affairs.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Copyright: 2018 Queens Printer Ontario

Digital copy available to view at Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre.

Page 8 Endnotes

*For more on John Lynch’s comments about agriculture and Bruce County, see my article in the forthcoming issue of Bruce County Historical Society Historical Notes Yearbook Edition (2019), entitled “John Lynch’s 1855 Assessment of Bruce County.”

**It wasn’t until 1881 that La Riviere au Sable/Sable River, officially became known as the Sauble River.

***Lynch wrote that: “Surveyors are now (1855) employed in laying out a town on the main land opposite the Fishing Islands, and a road in a direct line to Owen Sound.” This plot would contain 1,000 acres, and be called Oliphant, in honour of then Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Laurence Oliphant.

Bibliography & Suggested Reading Buchanan, Barbara & Helen Moore. “Oliphant,” in Green Meadows and Golden Sands (Wiarton: Echo Graphics, 1984). Ferris, Marion. “Sauble Falls,” in Green Meadows and Golden Sands (Wiarton: Echo Graphics, 1984). Fox, W. Sherwood. The Bruce Beckons (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1953). Hilborn, Robin R. Heart of the Great Lakes (Southampton: Family Helper Publishing, 2015). Johnston, Bob. “Once Upon a Time: Early History of Oliphant,” Saugeen Times (June 25, 2018).

McLeod, Norman. The History of the County of Bruce (Owen Sound: Bruce County Historical Society, 1969), v. 2. Monkman, Irene & Ray Fleming. Oliphant and the Islands. Lake Huron (Toronto: Ojibway Crafts, 1912). n.a. Illustrated Historical Atlas of the Counties of Grey & Bruce Ont. (Toronto: H. Belden & Co., 1880). Schmalz, Peter S. The History of the Saugeen Indians (Toronto: Ontario Historical Society, 1977). Dr. John C. Carter is a member of the Bruce County Historical Society’s Publication Committee, and a Research Associate at the University of Tasmania. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Successful launch of “The Bruce”

The Historical Society and Bruce County Genealogical Society hosted a successful book launch for “The Bruce”, including wine & cheese reception and book signing by author Robin Hilborn on August 13, 2018.

Robin also shared a video of detailing some of his behind-the-scene experiences during the filming of “The Bruce” documentary.

“The Bruce” documentary DVD, Blu-ray and companion book may be purchased at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, or by using the Order Form on page 11.

Page 9 Genealogical Society Events Bruce County Museum

These meetings take place at the Bruce Riding the Rails is the newest addition to the County Museum & Cultural Centre. Everyone Permanent Gallery. Model trains tell the story is welcome. Free admission. of rail lines in Bruce County. Be transported back in time to the 1950s when the railway September 28, 7 p.m. stretched to the Huron shoreline. Speaker: Allan Thompson, journalism profes- sor, Carleton University Roly Fenwick Pow Wow Emanations Crossing the Golden Bridge: voices of the September 15 – November 24 Barnardo children Exhibit Opening Reception September 15 This work recounts Roly Fenwick’s experi- October 15, 7 p.m. ences spent on the shores along Lake Huron Speaker: BCGS President Glenys Johnson & Georgian Bay, specifically at Saugeen and Welcome to COLONSAY (Colbhasa) ...the Cape Croker. “My project was to join and en- Jewel of the Hebrides & My Ancestral Home ter the spirit of the community and spiritual celebrations and to evoke the Information: 519-797-2080, ext. 129 texture of their culture through the cadences and movements of the Pow Wow. Colours in Bruce & Grey Branch, OGS the regalia and dance rhythms reflect their spiritual heritage connections.” Roly Fenwick, The Bruce & Grey Branch, Ontario 2017. This exhibition is proudly presented by Genealogical Society’s Annual Fall Event. Community Foundation Grey Bruce and Sau- geen Shores Community Fund October 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Normanby Hall, Ayton. Includes hot lunch. Speakers’ topics For more events and exhibit information, in- include: Creating a Family History using cluding details of the After Hours Museum Genealogical Software, Home Children, and Mixer: Burlesque, October 26, and the Chap- United Empire Loyalists. ter 55 … Recreation for Retirees workshop series, September 20 - November 22, visit For registration information, go to www. brucemuseum.ca. brucegrey.ogs.on.ca.

Contribute to the promotion and preservation of History !

Here are some of the historical society’s positions and activities that you could volunteer to help with. We have positions to fill on the BCHS Executive: - Vice President - Director - SE area (Carrick, Culross, Teeswater, Mildmay) - Public Relations Coordinator - Book Sales Coordinator We have opportunities to help out with ongoing events: - Soliciting articles for the newsletter, or helping with Yearbook articles - Assistance with planning and executing the Annual General Meeting - Assistance with organizing the annual bus trip

Page 10 BCHS Book Sales Coordinator and Yearbook Editor Bill Stewart at the Bruce County Heritage Farm Show 2018

Congratulations to the Bruce County Heritage Association on the 25th Annual Heritage Farm Show!

The Bruce County Historical Society and Bruce County Genealogical Society partnered in a booth of book sales, genealogical searches, kids’ activities and family trees!

Order “THE BRUCE”: get the disc and the companion book

1. Choose format: 2. Choose delivery method: o Video: DVD $25 ____ copies o Mail o Video: Blu-ray $30 ____ copies o Pick up * o Book: The Bruce $31.50 ____ copies ($35 less member discount of 10%) 3. Place your order: o Please send the videos/books checked above to: Name/address:______Email address ______Tel. no. ______I enclose a cheque for $______payable to the Bruce County Historical Society. For disc delivery by mail, add $5. To the U.S., add $10. For book delivery by mail, add $17 for Ontario addresses. Outside Ontario, add $22. To mail one DVD with one book, use the postal rate for one book. Postal rates are for one copy; contact Dorne for rates on multiple copies. Mail your cheque and this form to: Dorne Fitzsimmons, Box 51, Tiverton ON N0G 2T0 * The Society will advise of where to pick up your order. Bruce County Museums Memberships and Donations

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre A friendly reminder to check your membership status on 33 Victoria St. N., Southampton the address label on this newsletter. If you see (2018) 519-797-2080 / 1-866-318-8889 on the label, it’s time to renew. brucemuseum.ca Annual Memberships $20.00 each Life Memberships $500.00 each Kincardine Lighthouse Museum 236 Harbour St, Kincardine ON Please join or renew by submitting your (519) 396-3468 membership fees or questions to:

Paddy Walker House Joyce Osborne, Membership Secretary Box 298, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0 235 Harbour St., Kincardine Email: [email protected] 519-396-1850 walkerhousekincardine.com For memberships mailed to the U.S., please pay in U.S. funds. Treasure Chest Museum 407 Queen Street North, Paisley DONATIONS (519) 353-7176 Donations can be sent to:

[email protected] Bruce County Historical Society c/o Dorne Fitzsimmons, Treasurer St. Edmunds Museum PO Box 51, Tiverton, ON N0G 2T0 7072 Hwy 6, Tobermory (519) 373-7032 (during open hours) [email protected] Newsletters available by email

Wiarton Visitor Information & Train Station To receive your newsletter by email, rather than 400 William St., Bluewater Park, Wiarton by postal mail, please advise 1-877-534-1400, dial 0 Dorne Fitzsimmons @ [email protected]. Like the Bruce County Historical Society on One advantage of an electronic newsletter is the Facebook for regular updates! colour images that may be enjoyed!

Bruce County Historical Society Box 51, Tiverton, Ont. N0G 2T0 www.brucecountyhistory.on.ca 40009993

Annual membership in the Bruce County Historical Society is $20