Grey County Historical Society

February 2012 meeting - Surrounded by books

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Those who attended the February 2012 meeting on February 15 at Great Reads in Williamsford were surrounded by thousands of books. The total likely ranges between 60,000 and 65,000 books displayed from floor to ceiling on the second floor. In the restaurant area, there are also books to purchase.

After a brief meeting, Peter Bolton shared the story of the business and the Williamsford Mill. He and his wife Tamara purchased the property in 2006. There was much work to be done on the building to get to the point where they could open their restaurant and bookstore.

The Mill was built between 1850 and 1854 by Adam Scott Elliott. It is located on the North Saugeen River. The power was used to grind grain for livestock feed. A community sprung up around the mill. While the Mill is in the former Sullivan Township the mill pond, across the road, is the former Holland Township. The mill was a grist mill until 1975.

Some shared memories of the mill.

A few shared the early Grey County books that they had brought with them. After the meeting, we were invited to view the historical displays and the thousands of books.

February 2012 - Williamsford Mill and Great Books

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 1:30 PM in Williamsford

The Williamsford Mill has had a long history and a series of incarnations. It now serves as Great Books, a bookstore and café that is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.

Enjoy a delectable lunch prior to the start of the meeting, if you are able to work that into your schedule.

The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. There will be a short business meeting. Join owners and host Peter and Tamara Bolton for a detailed, illustrated talk about their renovation of the old mill, their passion for books, and a brief discussion of local historical authors.

Please bring copies of books by Grey County authors published circa 1940 or earlier for our members' show and tell!

Who were the pre 1940 authors in Grey County? Please post the names in the comments. What books did they write?

Coordinator: Bonna Rouse

All are welcome to attend.
Directions: located on the west side of Highway 6 in Williamsford.

Grey County Historical Society Heritage Certificate of Recognition - Finall call for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000

February 1 is fast approaching. That is the deadline for receiving nominations for the Society's 2012 Heritage Certificate of Recognition.

Heritage work in Grey County that may be nominated includes any of the following: long time service in the heritage field, built heritage, natural heritage, written work and research demonstrated in other formats other than print medium, such as, the visual or dramatic arts that meet the criteria.

The person or organization must be willing to receive the award and the publicity that goes with it. Winner(s) will sign a release form prior to the Society announcing the recepient(s) of this year's award.

A copy of the nomination form is available on the Society's website. There is also information available on what information is considered for the various categories here. The committee members look forward to reviewing the nomination forms and recommending their choice to the Board.

November 2011 meeting at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound - a most interesting program

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:19:00 +0000

Members and guests met at the the Roxy Theatre, 9th Street, East, Owen Sound, at the hour of 1:30 P.M. on November 16. We gathered in the lobby area for the short business meeting.

We gathered in the theatre to learn more about the Roxy and Little Theatre. Aly Boltman began our programme with an illustrated talk on theatres in Owen Sound with a focus on the Roxy.

Ruth Gorbet and Andrew Dinsmore, spoke about the history of the Roxy over the many years since 1912. They shared their passion for our local theatre. Musicals are popular with audiences.

It was interesting to tour backstage to see where the scenes are made and to see what the stage looks like from the booth where the sound and lighting are controlled. As we walked through the green room area, we had a chance to see the many costumes for the musical, the Sound of Music, the Owen Sound Little Theatre's offering in November.

Following the tour, we had a chance to visit, enjoy refreshments and see the exhibits in the lobby.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon.

November 2011 meeting at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:16:00 +0000

Meeting of Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Meeting to be held at the Roxy Theatre, 9th Street, East, Owen Sound, at the hour of 1:30 P.M.

There will be a short business meeting prior to our programme.

Have you attended Little Theatre productions at the Roxy? Perhaps, you used to go there when it was a movie theatre. This is your chance to learn about this historic building.

Ruth Gorbet and Andrew Dinsmore, who will speak on the history of the Roxy over the many years since 1912.

A tour of the building and an illustrated talk are included in the programme.

Municipal parking lots are available off 3rd Avenue East between 8 and 9th Street and between 9th and 10th Street.

Roxy Theatre

Thanksgiving Auction Preview at October meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:36:00 +0000

The Grey County Historical Society had a sneak preview of the Thanksgiving auction items when they met for the October meeting at the Rockford Auction Centre.

Jim Snider, our host and guest speaker, shared the history of their business. His father, Elwood Snider, began the business in the fall of 1961. The company hosted community auctions in the first facility in 1968. They also conduct farm auctions.

They displayed a collection of scrapbooks that include the advertisements for the various auctions since the business was established. This provides a glimpse of the social history of the area.

In 1978, Jim Snider attended the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana and returned home to work in the family business with auctioneers: his father, Elwood and his uncle Lawrence Knaggs. With them he gained experience in the business.

Thank you to Jim and Missy Snider for giving us the opportunity to preview the items and providing refreshments.

Special date for October 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 02:21:00 +0000

Now we are not trying to confuse you but the October meeting of the Grey County Historical Society is NOT on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 6 PM in Rockford

Going once, going twice! Join second generation auctioneer Jim Snyder at that Rockford Auction Centre for an early preview of their annual Thanksgiving auction offerings, and an interactive introduction to the auction industry.

Jim will enlighten you about his family's historical auction business. View the Snyder family scrapbooks and try your hand as an auctioneer, if you dare! Note the early October date to match this Thanksgiving auction schedule

Coordinator: Norm Playter 519-371-2163.

Directions: the Rockford Auction Centre is just East of Highway 10 on the Derry Line (County Road 18) on the north side of the road.

Please join us for this special meeting.

Al Morrow shares stories of Hanover's history at the September 2011 meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:03:00 +0000

Al Morrow, a member of the Heritage Committee of Hanover first gave a brief summary of how Hanover came into being, as the settlement was located on the borderline between Grey County and Bruce County, to the west. In 1904, the Province of Ontario forced the settlement into becoming a town. Its location had led to much discussion through the early years, boundry-wise, etc.

Originally, those coming into the area came from Durham on the Garafraxa (#6 Highway), and were forced to camp for the night on the banks of the Saugeen River. Abraham Buck was one of these travellers, in 1849, and decided he liked the area, so he stayed, erecting a tavern/inn for the convenience of those coming through. For a time, the settlement was known as “Buck’s Crossing.”

Hanover was referred to for many years as the “furniture town”. The first factory was destroyed in 1900, by fire. This was built by a Mr. Knechtel, who was not a native, but born in Waterloo County in 1864. After the fire, the plant was rebuilt and operated until 1983.

Mr. Morrow conducted the group on a tour of the building which houses the municipal administration, the police office, the public library and the Council Chambers. It was interesting to note the attention given to preservation of artefacts dating back to the early history, and the Heritage Committee have been granted space in this building to accumulate and store items they wish to retain.

The bell tower was visited next, and the group was treated to a description of how this new tower came about, following the demolition of the old post office building. As the town bell had been located there, it was felt that it needed to be housed appropriately. J. Smith & Sons, Midland Clock Works, Derby, England built the mechanism for the bell. It bears the date of 1915. The original bell dated back to 1870, and came from a local church, and was brass. Unfortunately, it was stolen during the time of demolition, and the present bell does not resonate as nicely. The tower opened in 1997.

The group crossed the street to tour Heritage Square, sited where the Knechtel factory had been located. A stone at the entrance greets visitors, reading “It is good for us to be here. Abraham Buck, 1849”.

Mr. Morrow explained that the people who came to this area arrived by following blazes on the trees to mark the trail. The surface of part of the Square is composed of large tiles, many of which bear the names of people important in the history of Hanover during the first 100 years, and by following these particular tiles, one can trace the history of Hanover and its people. The Square opened in 2003, and is a gathering spot for celebrations of many kinds. A large amphitheatre with a dais for a speaker is located here, and this amphitheatre is flooded in the winter and becomes an outdoor skating rink.

Thank you to Bonna Rouse for her account of the meeting and to Susan Schank for the photographs.

Hanover, Ontario - Visit by the Grey County Historical Society

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:38:00 +0000

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 4 PM in Hanover

Join historian Al Morrow for a guided walking tour of the downtown heritage square in historic Hanover, Ontario, including a climb of the clock tower. Al will delight you with tales of early Hanover and its colorful, historical citizens. The tour will be followed by an optional dinner at the Grey Rose.

Please call the coordinator before September 21 if you'd like to join us for dinner.

Coordinator: Styn Furness 519-376-9423

Directions: meet at Clock tower on Main Street in downtown Hanover. Wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella in case of inclement weather.

View Larger Map

For a virtual tour of Hanover, visit the town site.

Home Children, Orphans, A Prominent Owen Sound Family and an Historic Home

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:21:00 +0000

Home children, orphans, a prominent Owen Sound family and an historic home were all part of the August meeting of the Grey County Historical Society.

Janet Iles, President, welcomed members to the gardens and home of the Hempels. For most of the time the sun shone and members gathered their chairs in the shade of a large tree. Most had a good view of the river below.

Andrew Armitage, local historian and former chief librarian, spoke briefly about the Frost family of Owen Sound. Both John Sr., and Jr. were mayors of Owen Sound. Alfred Frost lived in this home with his wife and nine children. Unfortunately, Alfred had an ice fishing accident, developed pneumonia and died. The home was sold to become an orphanage.

Andrew then shared some of the story of the Barnardo Children. John Thomas Barnardo of England was a head of the social gospel movement that included sending children out of the country. It was cheaper to send children to Canada than to care for these poor, often orphaned children in England.

Many have heard of the ill treatment of the home children. This was not the case for all of them. Many also became upstanding citizens.

One of the well known cases of ill treatment of one of these children in Grey County was George Green, aged 17, who was found dead in Keppel. It is believed that George died at the hands of his foster parent. Andrew shared that the Wiarton newspapers of the time provided great details of the hearing and the trial. The trial ended because of a hung jury as the jury could not decide whether Helen Findley had killed him.

Before members had a chance to explore the beautiful grounds and home, Christy Hempel shared the story of their home. They purchased the home in 2003 and did extensive work on the building before moving in. One thing they did was add windows to the east wall to take advantage of the beautiful view of the river. This home was once the orphanage in Owen Sound, under the supervision of the Children's Aid Society, one of the first in Ontario.

Purchased by the Children's Aid Society, it served as an orphanage until 1981,when it was purchased by the Robinsons who began a transformation. The Hempels adapted the home for modern efficiencies while reclaiming its traditional elegance.

August 2011 meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM in Owen Sound

Please note this program is open only to Members of the Grey County Historical Society and their guests.

In 2003, the Hempels purchased a large Victorian yellow brick riverside home in Owen Sound originally built for John Frost's son Alfred, his wife and nine children. The home was sold in 1906 after Alfred died of pneumonia from an ice fishing accident. Purchased by the Children's Aid Society, it served as an orphanage until 1981,when it was purchased by the Robinsons who began a transformation. The Hempels adapted the home for modern efficiencies while reclaiming its traditional elegance.

It is a perfect location for a rare appearance by historian Andrew Armitage's discussion of Canada's Barnardo children will highlight local examples of immigrant child laborers sent to Grey County between 1860 – 1930.

Please bring a folding chair. The Hempels are located at 313 Second Avenue East, Owen Sound. There is now no parking on 2nd Avenue East. You will have to park on one of the side streets.

View Larger Map

Coordinator: Betty Warrilow 519-376–4864.

July 2011 meeting - Keady Market

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:02:00 +0000

Tuesday, July 19 was a hot summer morning. When members of the Society arrived to visit the Keady Market it had already been in full swing for several hours. This is an old-fashioned country outdoor market that has grown over the years. There are many different products available to purchase from over 200 vendors. The summer produce is starting to arrive. Some of the items available for purchase are clothing, flowers, purses, wood products and the list goes on. The livestock are sold in several venues.

Everyone was free to wander around through the crowds. The President and Secretary headed first to the cattle barn where the auction was underway. They were in the front row so they were up close and personal with the cattle in the ring. Their preference was to have them facing them instead of the opposite, if you know what I mean. There is an electronic board that shows the weight and the bids. The caller spoke quickly in a rythmic call. Several farmers purchased several lots.

After that, they toured around some of the market.

After people had a chance to eat at the concession of their choice, members and visitors gathered at Chalmer's United Church, conveniently located next door. After a brief business meeting, Harris Kuhl shared some history of Keady. He introduced our guest speaker, Ron Kuhl.

Ron Kuhl shared the history of the Keady Livestock Market and Keady.

He shared a story that to come to Keady from Owen Sound was once a two day trip with an overnight in Kilsyth. [about ten miles southwest of Owen Sound]

The market began 1 May 1950 after Alvin Kuhl purchased the Keady United Church shed. Before automobiles, church goers came to church by horse and buggy.

At first the cattle drovers didn't like their competition. With time the livestock market gained credibility with the farmers. Julius Kuhl was the first auctioneer.

As the market gained in popularity, the Kuhls had to buy more property for the vendors and for parking. It is a popular venue for tourists and locals, especially in the summer.

The auctionners are local. Ron went to auctioneer school in Flesherton.

Flowers for sale at Keady Market

Ron Kuhl, auctioneer and part owner of the Keady Market

July Meeting - Note a different time and day of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:02:00 +0000

Yes the July meeting is going to be different. Why? Because we are meeting in the morning and on a Tuesday. We are going to the Keady Market.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 - 10:00 AM in Keady

Join the Grey County Historical Society for this special Tuesday outing to Keady Market! At 10 a.m. meet in front of the livestock barn to experience the auction in advance of a self-led tour. At 12 p.m. meet at the historical Keady United Church for an informative talk led by Market Auctioneer Ron Kuhl about the history of Keady and the market.

Wear comfortable attire, bring money for lunch. Coordinator: Harris Kuhl at 519-794-2437

If you've been to the Market before, you may be interested in learning the history of Keady and its market. For some of us, despite living in the area all of our lives, we have never experienced this popular country market. It is not just fruits and vegetables; there are animals that are auctioned off. There is also a flea market.

Directions: From Owen Sound, take Hwy 6 south 10 km to county Road 16 (watch for Keady sign one corner north of Chatsworth). Take Country Rd 16 west 10 km to Keady. The United Church and market are located on the northwest side of Keady intersection. For GPS use "117012 Grey Rd 3" address.

You can also come via Grey County Road 5 through Kilsyth to Grey Country Road 3.

View Larger Map

June meeting - Visit to two St. Vincent Township historic homes

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:01:00 +0000

Well, it took to the last day of June to have our June meeting. It was a perfect day for a drive in the country to visit these two homes loveling restored by Jim Bunow. Jim was recognized in 2010 by the Society for this work.

We had the opportunity to tour through Riverside farm house. The original house was very small. Marjorie Davison's grandparents had lived in the original home. When Marjorie and her family lived there it was enlarged. Current home owners, Ted and Joan Brown have also added to the home. The old and the new blend in so well. Marjorie and Ted shared some stories about this farm. Some took a walk to see the Big Head River that flows along the property.

Next it was up Scotch Mountain to visit the home of Jim Brunow and Sue Lavigne, once the home of James Storey. We had a wonderful tour of this home.

Thank you so much to our hosts for welcoming us into your homes. Thank you to Marjorie Davison for sharing some of your memories of life on Riverside Farm. A special thank to Paula Niall who looked after all the logistics for the afternoon.

Here are some photos of that afternoon.

Riverside Farm

Down by the Big Head River

James Storey House

The top two photos by Janet Iles. The third photo by Paula Niall. The bottom photo by Janet Iles.

2011-2012 Events Posted on the Website

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:43:00 +0000

June 1 marks the beginning of a new membership year and a new year of programs. Over at the Society's website, you will find the line up for the coming year. It sounds like an interesting and varied program. Thank you to Aly Boltman, our program committee chair for her work to arrange the non-business portion of the meeting.

You will notice that the June meeting is for members only, so if you haven't renewed yet or are a new member, the membership form is available online. You will have to print it off and mail it in. You will note also that the meeting is not our usual third Wednesday of the month. If it rains, there is a rain date on the following Wednesday. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the two houses that were recognized in 2010 for the restoration work done by Jim Brunow.

We hope to see you at our upcoming meetings.

44th Annual Dinner - Dr. Marlene Epp, featured speaker

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:08:00 +0000

At the 44th Annual Dinner of the Grey County Historical Society on May 18, 2011, Dr. Marlene Epp spoke to the attendees about the Mennonites of Grey County: Past and Present. She gave the historical background of the Menonites to begin. At Conrad Grebel University College, where Dr. Epp is a professor, there are three garden areas that represent the backgrounds of the Mennonites: the Black Walnut Garden, the Russian Mennonite Memorial Garden and the Global Garden.

The Black Walnut Garden recognizes the first Pennsylvania German Mennonites that settled in Waterloo (this represents the Swiss German roots of the people). The Khortitsa Oak represent the Russian Mennonite roots and finally the global garden represents the many cultures that have Mennonites.

She described the many beliefs of the Mennonite and the different groups from the modern to old order.

44th Annual Dinner - Presentation of Heritage Certifcate of Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:27:00 +0000

The Grey County Historical Society chose St. George's Anglican Church for the 2011 Grey County Historical Society Heritage Certificate of Recognition for its restoration work of the steeple (tower and spire). The nomination application gave a great deal of information to support this choice. Nancy King and Ruth Henderson were present to represent the Capital Campaign Committee and the congregation of St. George's Anglican Church.

Photo Ruth Henderson, Susan Schank, VP and chair of the Award Committee and Nancy King

Bill Walker, representing MPP Bill Murdock, presented the committee with a certificate to recognize the work that has been done.

44th Annual Dinner - Presentation about highlights of the past year and upcoming events.

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:41:00 +0000

On May 18, the Grey County Historical Society held its 44th annual dinner in Hanover, Ontario. After a delicious supper prepared by the Mennonite women of Hanover, we began the program for the evening.

It began with a presentation of the highlights of the past year and an introduction of upcoming meetings. This presentation will be on a digital frame at Grey Roots (our local museum, archives and tourism center) for visitors to view. Our brochures will be there to pick up too.

Our vice-president, Susan Schank has converted this presentation so that you can view it here.

44th Annual Dinner = May 18th - ticket deadline May 10

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 07 May 2011 23:41:00 +0000

The deadline for getting tickets for the 44th annual dinner of the Grey County Historical Society is May 10. It should be a very enjoyable evening beginning with social our at 5 PM. You will have the opportunity to view displays and perhaps make a book purchase. Supper is at 6 PM . We will get the chance to eat home-cooked food prepared by Mennonite women. If you are a vegetarian, please let us know when you purchase your ticket so that an alternative main dish will be available for you.

Following the meal, there will be a short presentation on highlights of the past year and a glimpse into the programs plan for the coming year. The grey County historical society heritage certificate of recognition will be presented to to representatives from St. George's Anglican church Owen Sound.

We are delighted that our guest speaker is Dr. Marlene Epp who will be speaking about the Mennonites of Grey County past and present.

If you do not have your ticket yet please contact us at info AT greycounty DOT CA so a ticket can be reserved for you and details about where to send payment can be given to you.

Eric Zweig shares his Research on Cyclone Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Eric Zweig was the guest speaker at the April meeting of the Grey County Historical Society. Eric Zweig, a sports historian, has been passionate about sports since a young lad. He began his presentation that focussed on Cyclone Taylor, by reading some entries from his grade five school journals. Practically ever page of Eric's note book shared a news item about sports.

Frederick Wellington “Cyclone” Taylor was born around 1884 to Scottish immigrant, Archibald Taylor and his wife, Mary in Tara, Bruce County, Ontario. Eric has not been able to locate a birth registration to prove Cyclone's exact birth date. Various documents indicate different years and Eric shared some of these with the group.

Eric shared some of the facts and legends surrounding the life of Cyclone Taylor. When Cyclone was a young boy, his family moved to Listowel where he played for junior and intermediate teams in the Ontario Hockey Association. In 1907, he joined the Ottawa Hockey Club and the Ottawa Civil Service.

Cyclone Taylor, named for his speed, was one of Canada’s earliest professional hockey players. He helped win the Stanley Cup twice, once with Ottawa in 1909 and with Vancouver in 1915. He was one of the first hockey stars and in 1947, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His government job led him to becoming the Commissioner of Immigration for British Columbia and the Yukon. He died June 9, 1997 in Vancouver, BC.

Eric wrote Star Power: The Legend and Lore of Cyclone Taylor. (James Lormier and Company, 2007)
to tell the story of this legendary hockey player.

Hockey the theme for the April meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Although it is April, hockey is still on the minds of the people in Grey and Bruce counties. I suppose elsewhere too because of the National Hockey League playoffs. Hockey is the theme for the April meeting.

Wednesday, Apil 20 at 1:30 p.m. the Grey County Historical Society will meet in Tara (in neighbouring Bruce County) at the Cyclone Taylor Community Arena. Author and sports historican Eric Zweig will speak of Tara's homewown historical hero, Hockey Hall of Famer, Cyclone Taylor, the subject of his book Star Power. Eric will talk about his research for the book and the accomplishments of Cyclone Taylor. Eric will also read from his newest book, Fever Season, about the cancellation of the Stanley Cup in 1919 due to the Spanish flu.

A short annual meeting will follow at 2:45. The nomination report for executive and board of directors will be presented. Several constitution items have proposed changes to be voted on.

The Cyclone Taylor Community Arena is at 150 Hamilton Street Tara. [1 block west of Yonge Street turn at Mary Ann in Tara]

We hope to see you there.

2011 Award Winner Grey County Historical Society Heritage Certificate of Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:02:00 +0000

The Grey County Historical Society is pleased to announce that the winner of the “2011 Heritage Certificate of Recognition” for their significant contribution to the preservation of the history of Grey County is the Capital Campaign Committee at St George’s Anglican Church in Owen Sound for their outstanding reconstruction of the tower and spire.

We heartily congratulate them not only for winning this recognition, but for the truly impressive restoration of the tower and spire.

As our guests, a representative from the Capital Campaign Committee and guest will attend the 44th GCHS Annual Dinner of 2011 on Wednesday May 18th at the Hanover Missionary Church, where President Janet Iles will make the presentation to this year's winner.

Following the presentation of the award, guest speaker Dr. Marlene Epp of Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo will be speaking about the Mennonites of Grey County: Past and Present.

Thank you to all who made nominations this year.

Some background information
St George’s Anglican Church Owen Sound was designed by Toronto architect M. B. Aylesworth, and was opened and dedicated by Bishop Hillmuth on August 7th, 1881. The consecration of the church was celebrated by Bishop Williams on October 31st, 1920.

The Gothic style church constructed of stone ashlar from quarries near Kingston features a 142 foot spire. The Church was completed at a cost of $12,000.00.

Because of mortar loss and damage by rain, causing instability to the structure of the Tower walls both internally and externally, and the fear of the entire Steeple collapsing causing irreparable damage to the Church building and walls, restoration of the tower and steeple began in the spring of 2009 and was completed in 2010.

Guest speaker Dr. Marlene Epp of Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo will be speaking about the Mennonites of Grey County: Past and Present, at the 44th Grey County Historical Societies Annual Dinner on May 18th at the Hanover Missionary Church 628 11th Street, Hanover.

For your more information and to order your tickets before May 1, please call Paula Niall 519-3720-0225 or Cathy or Tom at 519-364-6540.

photo courtesy St. George's Anglican Church, Owen Sound Article written by Susan Schank, Vice-President and Chair of the Award Committee

Archives Awareness Week

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:13:00 +0000

This coming week is Archives Awareness Week. Supporting and promoting the museums and archives of Grey County is part of the mission of the Grey County Historical Society.

Have you visited the Grey County Archives? If you do not live close enough to visit regularly, the website includes some wonderful information that you might find useful in your genealogical or historical research of the County. It includes: digitized Women's Institutes' Tweedsmuir histories and the diaries of Mary Williams Trout. If you are planning a visit, check the finding aids. This is only a sampling of the information available.

During Archives Awareness Week, there is free admission to the Archives. If you wish to have a behind the scenes look at the Archives, the archives' staff will be giving a tour on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.

Also during the coming week, there are two special events: Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. the wonder of European church buildings in the Middle Ages included in regular admission and Thursday at 2:30 p.m. a lecture on the IODE, admission by donation.

The museum also has an exhibit honouring the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire) century of service. Check out also the virtual display.

We hope that you will take the time this week to discover what the Grey County Archives has to offer.

2011 Annual Dinner in Hanover - Mennonites of Grey County: Past and Present

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:05:00 +0000

Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 5 p.m. Hanover
Our 44th Annual Dinner, at Hanover Missionary Church

Guest speaker: Dr. Marlene Epp Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo Mennonites of Grey County: Past and Present

5 p.m. Social hour - Displays
6 p.m. Dinner followed by highlights of the past year and presentation of Grey County Historical Society Heritage Certificate of Recognition
7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker.

$25.00 advance tickets to be purchased by May 4, 2011.

Buffet Menu:
Ham
Scallop potatoes
Vegetable
Cabbage Salad
Homemade Sours: pickles and mustard
Homemade Bread & Butter
Assorted Homemade Pies

Directions: 628 11th Street Hanover

View Larger Map

Coordinator Contact: Paula Niall 519-372-0225

Bob Elliot shares stories about Williamsford

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 01:22:00 +0000

There was standing room only in the Williamsford Pie Company when members of the Grey County Historical Society met to hear Bob Elliot share stories of Williamsford.

The Williamsford Pie Company is in the former Hardware Store that was built in 1902. Three generations of Elliots ran the business with Bob being the last to do so. The building still has a post office. While we listened to Bob's stories, we could smell the pies baking. Williamsford sits on the townline between Sullivan Township and Holland Township (now part of the Municipality of Chatsworth). Both Townships have published two history books but they do not contain some of the stories of the area. Bob has a collection of photos that tell some of the community's history.

Bob & Carol Elliot

After Bob's talk, people had the opportunity to look at the old recipe books that some had brought to the meeting and of course, to sample some of the delicious fare made on the premise.

Wendy Fuller ringing up purchases.

Judy MacKinnon and Mary Northcott outside.

Photos courtesy Marguerite Caldwell.