THE BARRIE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
45 Sunnidale Rd. Barrie, ON L4N 1G6
www.barriehistorical.com
Spring 2017
As I write this in Ottawa, winter returned with a vengeance that required an extra degree of stamina during my daily walk. No skating on the Rideau Canal either, but a few days should bring more acceptable temperatures even if we still have the rest of unpredictable March to endure. Nevertheless, spring is just around the corner so here is the upcoming programme.
PROGRAMME
Tuesday April 4, 7:30 pm, COLLINGWOOD SHIPYARDS, Barrie City Hall, Huronia Room.
Michael Moir began his career as an archivist in 1982, and served as Records Manager/Archivist for the Toronto Harbour Commissioners from 1984 to 1995. Michael joined York University in 2004 where his research interests include the history of Canadian shipbuilding, and port and harbour management in
Canada during the 19th and 20th centuries. He will give a presentation on the history of the Collingwood shipyards with particular emphasis on the wartime naval programme.
Tuesday May 9 7:30 pm, THE BARRIE TORNADO, Barrie City Hall, Huronia Room
Judith Banville from Craighurst instigated the extensive 30th anniversary of the Barrie Tornado of 1985. The commemoration of this tragic event was held in the Mady Centre with survivor accounts and a video that was compiled by Judith. She will give a presentation based on the extensive research that went
into this project.
Sunday April 9, 1 pm, 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF VIMY RIDGE, Barrie Legion on St Vincent street.
This is a special event put on by the Barrie Legion, open to the public, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle for Vimy Ridge. There will be four speakers who will give brief presentations on the importance of this seminal battle as a symbol of Canadian nationhood. Two of them, Darcy Murray and Lori Oschefski, will outline the part played by the men of various units who came from Simcoe County, The afternoon begins with a wreath laying ceremony at 1pm and a display of memorabilia.
Vimy pins for $5 will be available as a symbol of remembrance and to help defray costs.
Tuesday May 23 5:30 pm, Annual General Meeting and Dinner, Midhurst United Church, Doran Road
The Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be held at the Midhurst United Church, the same as the last few years. For anyone who has not attended before this is a wonderful opportunity to experience friendship and history with a marvelous home cooked meal and desserts thrown in.
The speaker for the evening will be Dr. Jay Young, curator of the most recent onsite exhibit of the Archives of Ontario, Family Ties: Ontario Turns 150.
This presentation will focus on stories of four family groups in Ontario at the time of Confederation, and how their lives intersected with larger historical forces of the era.
We will also be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the present Simcoe County Historical Association. It promises to be an important and enjoyable event. Tickets for $25 a person can be reserved by notifying Mark Fisher [email protected] or 705 728 3825 Tickets will also be available at any of the spring meetings.
OTHER NEWS
SIR JAMES GOWAN PLAQUE
This project was started a year ago but government bureaucracies move slowly. We now have the approval of Ontario Heritage Trust to proceed although their preference, for various reasons, is to wait for the summer of 2018 for installation in Kempenfelt Park, originally a part of Gowan’s estate of Ardraven.
He was granted all of the land between Duckworth, Blake and St. Vincent Street Park when he was appointed as the first judge of Simcoe County in 1843, The eventual unveiling will be a major affair, including the lieutenant-governor of Ontario and other dignitaries in attendance.
MEMBERSHIPS
Last year we had a number of new members join us as well as renewals from past years so we were able to keep our head above water We hope that everyone will renew again at our next meeting in April.
Alternatively you can also renew by credit card through PayPal on the BHA website. Your support is vital to keep the Barrie Historical Association alive.
DONATIONS ALSO CAN BE MADE ONLINE THOUGH CANADA HELPS
Barrie Historical Archive - www.barriearchive.ca
You may have seen notice of this organization, led by Travis Doucette, in the Barrie Examiner. Although not directly associated with the Barrie Historical Association, they are a dedicated group of volunteers who are creating a searchable, online database of historical photos of Barrie. This is a good way to ensure that any historical photos you may have are recorded for posterity and made freely available for everyone. Check their website or phone Travis at 705- 728 1968
45 Sunnidale Rd. Barrie, ON L4N 1G6
www.barriehistorical.com
Spring 2017
As I write this in Ottawa, winter returned with a vengeance that required an extra degree of stamina during my daily walk. No skating on the Rideau Canal either, but a few days should bring more acceptable temperatures even if we still have the rest of unpredictable March to endure. Nevertheless, spring is just around the corner so here is the upcoming programme.
PROGRAMME
Tuesday April 4, 7:30 pm, COLLINGWOOD SHIPYARDS, Barrie City Hall, Huronia Room.
Michael Moir began his career as an archivist in 1982, and served as Records Manager/Archivist for the Toronto Harbour Commissioners from 1984 to 1995. Michael joined York University in 2004 where his research interests include the history of Canadian shipbuilding, and port and harbour management in
Canada during the 19th and 20th centuries. He will give a presentation on the history of the Collingwood shipyards with particular emphasis on the wartime naval programme.
Tuesday May 9 7:30 pm, THE BARRIE TORNADO, Barrie City Hall, Huronia Room
Judith Banville from Craighurst instigated the extensive 30th anniversary of the Barrie Tornado of 1985. The commemoration of this tragic event was held in the Mady Centre with survivor accounts and a video that was compiled by Judith. She will give a presentation based on the extensive research that went
into this project.
Sunday April 9, 1 pm, 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF VIMY RIDGE, Barrie Legion on St Vincent street.
This is a special event put on by the Barrie Legion, open to the public, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle for Vimy Ridge. There will be four speakers who will give brief presentations on the importance of this seminal battle as a symbol of Canadian nationhood. Two of them, Darcy Murray and Lori Oschefski, will outline the part played by the men of various units who came from Simcoe County, The afternoon begins with a wreath laying ceremony at 1pm and a display of memorabilia.
Vimy pins for $5 will be available as a symbol of remembrance and to help defray costs.
Tuesday May 23 5:30 pm, Annual General Meeting and Dinner, Midhurst United Church, Doran Road
The Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be held at the Midhurst United Church, the same as the last few years. For anyone who has not attended before this is a wonderful opportunity to experience friendship and history with a marvelous home cooked meal and desserts thrown in.
The speaker for the evening will be Dr. Jay Young, curator of the most recent onsite exhibit of the Archives of Ontario, Family Ties: Ontario Turns 150.
This presentation will focus on stories of four family groups in Ontario at the time of Confederation, and how their lives intersected with larger historical forces of the era.
We will also be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the present Simcoe County Historical Association. It promises to be an important and enjoyable event. Tickets for $25 a person can be reserved by notifying Mark Fisher [email protected] or 705 728 3825 Tickets will also be available at any of the spring meetings.
OTHER NEWS
SIR JAMES GOWAN PLAQUE
This project was started a year ago but government bureaucracies move slowly. We now have the approval of Ontario Heritage Trust to proceed although their preference, for various reasons, is to wait for the summer of 2018 for installation in Kempenfelt Park, originally a part of Gowan’s estate of Ardraven.
He was granted all of the land between Duckworth, Blake and St. Vincent Street Park when he was appointed as the first judge of Simcoe County in 1843, The eventual unveiling will be a major affair, including the lieutenant-governor of Ontario and other dignitaries in attendance.
MEMBERSHIPS
Last year we had a number of new members join us as well as renewals from past years so we were able to keep our head above water We hope that everyone will renew again at our next meeting in April.
Alternatively you can also renew by credit card through PayPal on the BHA website. Your support is vital to keep the Barrie Historical Association alive.
DONATIONS ALSO CAN BE MADE ONLINE THOUGH CANADA HELPS
Barrie Historical Archive - www.barriearchive.ca
You may have seen notice of this organization, led by Travis Doucette, in the Barrie Examiner. Although not directly associated with the Barrie Historical Association, they are a dedicated group of volunteers who are creating a searchable, online database of historical photos of Barrie. This is a good way to ensure that any historical photos you may have are recorded for posterity and made freely available for everyone. Check their website or phone Travis at 705- 728 1968