Horticulture Building Revisited Just Before 2 P.M
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March 12, 2010 Vol. 40 No. 3 Serving the Glebe community since 1973 FREE UM H PHOTO: SOO Horticulture Building revisited Just before 2 p.m. on a cold, crisp day in January, some twenty Ottawans period in which he practiced. began arriving in groups of two and three to stand in front of the imposing After circling the main floor, which had long been used as a curling rink doors of the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park. Under a cloudless and but is now just a storage space, small numbers of people made their way to stunningly blue sky, they milled about, exchanging greetings and clapping the second floor rooms. It is here, particularly in the southern wing, that the their hands together to generate some heat as they waited for a signal to move potential of the building for full restoration and rededication of purpose be- into the interior of the 1914 building. Arranged through a co-operative effort came apparent. Amid the buzz and clicking of cameras, a few people began to between Heritage Ottawa and the City of Ottawa, this rare tour was a chance recount stories about the history and usage of the Horticulture Building. Some to peer into the nooks and crannies of this historical structure and to get a of the drama of this history and images of the building will be shared with you glimpse of the details of its Prairie-style design. Given the number of archi- in the centrespread of this issue (pages 22-23 ) thanks to the dedicated research tects, historians, reporters, photographers and urban planners present, it is no and writing of Andrew Elliott and the photography of Soo Hum. Our hope is wonder that once inside, the conversation would prove to be a constant flow of that you will then be inspired to write letters to the editor of the Glebe Report, questions and answers about architecture and methods of construction, obser- sharing memories that you or family members have of visiting the Horticulture vations about architectural details and the current state of the building, as well Building or the neighbouring Aberdeen Pavillion. This is a collective memory as commentary on the architect, Francis Conroy Sullivan, and the historical project and you are the authors. We thank you in advance. WHAT’S INSIDE Mark your calendars Abbotsford . 2 GNAG..............18 March 13 St. Patrick’s Day parade, 11:00 a.m., Bank St. March 13 Rock-a-thon, 2-4 p.m., The Glebe Centre Art . 24 Glebe History . 14-15 March 15-19 March Break March 23 GCA meeting, 7:30 p.m., GCC BIA ................21 Grapevine . 38-39 All are welcome. Books............37-39 Letters . 5 March 24 City of Ottawa public meeting on the Clemow Estate East Heritage Study, 7:30-9:30 p.m., GCC Business . 14-15 MP’s Report.........13 March 26 ‘Be in the band’ coffeehouse, 7:00 p.m., GCC Councillor’s Report . 11 MPP’s Report . .12 (see page 18) March 27 Earth Hour, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Editorial .............4 Music ..............25 www.wwf.ca/earthhour/ (see page 36) March 31 City deadline for applications for CEPGP Entertainment .... 26-27 Religion ......... 40-41 funding (see page 11) April 17 Glebe Spring Clean up of Bank Street GCA . 8 Schools . 28-33 9:30 a.m. (see page 6) May 29 Great Glebe Garage Sale NEXT DEADLINE: FOR THE APRIL 16 ISSUE THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010 2 Glebe Report March 12, 2010 SPRING Ottawa St. Patrick’s Day parade Spring fling at Abbotsford? Carrying on the tradition BY LauRA HAY When one thinks of St. Patrick’s Day parades, images of packed streets in Boston, New York, or Chicago are usually the first to come to mind. Celebra- tions, parades and processions on St. Patrick’s Day in North America began in the eighteenth century, but it was largely in the nineteenth century that they developed into what is recognized today as the traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade. By the mid-nineteenth century, Irish immigrants and descendants had well-established communities that were keen to display a sense of pride for their country of origin on St. Patrick’s Day. With militia, benevolent societies, nationalist organizations, musicians, dancers, and prominent families from all counties in Ireland, the composition of parade participants represented the various identities of the Irish immigrant. Today’s parades cover an even broad- er scope of participants and verify the saying, “Everyone wants to be Irish on ds WAR St. Patrick’s Day.” D The tradition of a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Canada varies from city to city. Montreal has had a St. Patrick’s parade since 1824. The current organizers, the United Irish Societies of Montreal, have held the responsibility for the pa- ON: DONNA E rade since 1928. Toronto was not so fortunate to have such a steadfast record. I Sometimes referred to as the “Belfast of North America,” Toronto witnessed TRAT numerous sectarian clashes in the late-nineteenth century, so much so, that the S City of Toronto placed a ban on the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Today however, ILLU the St. Patrick’s Parade Society of Toronto is currently working on its 23rd an- nual parade. For Ottawa’s record, we stand at 28 years running for our annual BY Pat GOYECHE St. Patrick’s Day parade. Over the course of these past two decades, our parade There is nothing like a bit of sunshine and warmer temperatures to get one has evolved to represent a focal part of the Ottawa Irish Festival and is by far longing for crocuses and the like. We like to think of ourselves as forward the most visible event in the week of activities around the city. In years past, thinking here at Abbotsford @ The Glebe Centre so we definitely have spring there was often a mixed collection of participants from the greater Ottawa on our collective mind! Valley coming into Ottawa, all united by enthusiasm for anything linked to Spring will have us continuing to keep fit and pushing our personal physical Ireland, a Celtic identity, St. Patrick, or Irish heritage. fitness levels through a series of programming opportunities for people at var- This year’s parade is being held on Saturday, March 13 starting at 11 a.m. The route cuts through the centre of downtown, allowing for crowds to line ied levels. Aerobics, Combo Class and Muscle Toning will continue to be of- the sidewalks of Bank Street, with their coffees in hand, to watch more than fered this spring along with Yoga and Pilates. fifty entrants parade as far as Lansdowne Park. In addition to showing some If spring makes you want to sing, you won’t want to miss two of our sing-a- Celtic pride and entertaining the Ottawa public on a Saturday morning, the long programs. Stephen Richer and friends start up the Folk-Jam sing-a-long St. Patrick’s parade is supporting the Ottawa Food Bank. Volunteers will be on Tuesday, March 9, while the Come Sing with Us program with Keith Murfin collecting food and monetary donations along the parade route as the floats, and Diane McIntyre will begin on Friday, April 9. These two popular groups marching bands, musicians and dancers stream by. are great for would be, could be singers and great singers alike. All you need is a love of singing. Our clubs are growing in number and in membership as people make new connections with participants and activities. The play reading and book club have recently been revitalized with new members who enjoy a good laugh and shared interests. Our clubs are inclusive and seem to attract like-minded, inter- ested and interesting folk. Come enjoy an opera on our big screen television or have a crack at the Wii gaming system. Golf, bowling and tennis have never been more fun….who knew how many sports were under one roof! One of Abbotsford’s best kept secrets must be our bridge clubs. We have three different groups running three different days, and these clubs are always looking for new members to join. If you know how to play bridge, you know that it runs regardless of the weather; neither sleet nor snow nor sunshine will keep a bridge player away from their game…so don’t hesitate, we are always playing and looking for new/more players. Abbotsford’s motto is “Loiter with us!” and everyone who is 55 or more is very welcome to join in our spring fling! Our spring program guide, which lists all of our activities including our weekly Speaker Series, will be avail- The parade is the most visible aspect of the Ottawa Irish Festival, March 10- 17. This year, the Irish Society of the National Capital Region is once again able in mid-March and can be picked up at Abbottsford (950 Bank Street) or working in co-operation with a number of organizations and businesses to hold at the Glebe Community Centre front desk. We are looking forward to warmer a variety of events around the city in a week-long celebration of our Irish iden- weather and seeing more of everyone as spring melts the snow and makes way tities and traditions. Following the St. Patrick’s parade, there will be an after for new ideas and activities. party at the Ottawa Civic Centre from noon until 4 p.m. Come be entertained Pat Goyeche is the program facilitator at Abbotsford @ The Glebe Centre. by local musicians and dancers! On Monday, March 15, come to a workshop and learn how to draw Celtic knots, at the National Irish Canadian Cultural Centre (310 St.