Waterford and Townsend Historical Society
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday November 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Waterford United Church Hall
This AGM is critical for the survival of the Society.
All executive positions, except the Vice President, will be coming vacant.
Without a President, Secretary, and Treasurer, the WTHS will no longer exist.
Kindly consider what you can do to ensure the WTHS continues to play a role in our community.
The sale of the train station will also be on the agenda.
Just when you thought we were history...We're back!
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Wednesday November 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Waterford United Church Hall British War Brides in Canada It seems that a part of war is falling in love. Countless movies have been made about it! But what was it really like? Did Hollywood even get close to the reality? Chelsea Barranger will present an overview of the experiences of these young British war brides from meeting the dashing soldiers in the midst of the horrors of war to their postwar settlement in the cities, towns and farmlands of Ontario and Quebec. Ms. Barranger holds a PhD in Canadian History from McMaster University where she wrote her dissertation about how British war brides adapted to immigrating to Canada. She is employed as a Policy Analyst with the Council of Ontario Universities. Image courtesy of CTV News |
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Location of Waterford United Church 135 Main Street South, Waterford, ON |
Saturday September 10, 2022 at 11:00 am
(Rain Date : Sunday September 11th at 12:30 pm)
Greenwood Cemetery
Waterford's History Carved in Stone
WTHS Society member Karen Lindsay will lead an outdoor walking tour examining the history of Waterford's Greenwood Cemetery. The talk will cover the material and symbolism of the headstones as well as tales of some of those who have already made the journey from cradle to grave.
***Meet at the white octagon building in the cemetery.***
Note: There will be moderate walking over uneven terrain.
Tuesday October 18, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Waterford United Church Hall
The Whisper on the Night Wind:
The True History of a Wilderness Legend
Professional explorer, #1 best-selling author and Norfolk County resident Adam Shoalts joins us to discuss his solo expeditions including his latest adventure and new book, The Whisper on the Night Wind: The True History of a Wilderness Legend. This fascinating century-old tale from the wilds of Labrador and Shoalts's attempt to unravel it is sure to inform and entertain.
"It is a spine-tingling adventure, straight from a land steeped in legends and lore, where Vikings wandered a thousand years ago and wolves and bears still roam free."
Mr. Shoalts's books will be available for sale after the meeting.
Norfolk County Budget Deliberations 2021
Norfolk County Council is considering further significant Heritage and Culture budget cuts, for 2021.
Below is the text of a letter sent by our Society to council raising our concerns. Also below is a link to a petition against the cuts, started by local heritage enthusiast Wes Wilson. Please consider signing, and/or writing your own letter to council (contact details below).
To access the Petition, click HERE
Writing to Council
To ensure the letter is included as public record, write the following statement at the top: “I wish this letter to be a matter of public record.” Send the letter to both email addresses below:
Waterford & Townsend Historical Society Letter
Dear Mayor Chopp:
I am writing on behalf of the Waterford and Townsend Historical Society (WTHS).
The primary purpose of this organization is the promotion and understanding of past events in this area. It is by gaining an understanding of the past that we are better able to understand our present and future.
Norfolk County has a rich history. One gateway to this history for the general public is the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum (WHAM). This is an outstanding facility housing professional displays of local history. A failure to properly fund this resource will lead to a reduction of hours, resulting in a loss of income. Lack of funding will also result in an inability to properly maintain permanent exhibits and to research, create and present temporary exhibits as well as to host community functions such as the summer children's program. WHAM is anything but a dusty, small town museum. It is an important fixture in the local cultural scene, all the more important as our community grows with people from larger urban areas moving to our community.
WTHS has a long association with WHAM. In fact, the Historical Society gathered the initial artifacts and created the museum before turning over carriage of the archives to the County. WTHS continues to have a strong connection with WHAM.
In the past couple of years joint programs utilizing the museum facilities have included presentations on Alexander Graham Bell and telephones that were manufactured in Waterford by the Dominion Telephone Company, the 1979 Tornado, World War I Quilts, and Farmerettes in Norfolk during World War II. All of these presentations were well attended.
We urge a reexamination of the proposed funding reductions to arts and cultural services. They may seem an easy target, but the long term consequences of such funding cuts is the loss of connection to the past events of Norfolk County, events that continue to inform our understanding of who we are as a community.
If you would be interested in further discussion, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully;
Michael F. McDonnell
President
Waterford and Townsend Historical Society
CC. Councillor Huffman
James Christison
Melissa Collver
Norfolk County Council is considering further significant Heritage and Culture budget cuts, for 2021.
Below is the text of a letter sent by our Society to council raising our concerns. Also below is a link to a petition against the cuts, started by local heritage enthusiast Wes Wilson. Please consider signing, and/or writing your own letter to council (contact details below).
To access the Petition, click HERE
Writing to Council
To ensure the letter is included as public record, write the following statement at the top: “I wish this letter to be a matter of public record.” Send the letter to both email addresses below:
Waterford & Townsend Historical Society Letter
Dear Mayor Chopp:
I am writing on behalf of the Waterford and Townsend Historical Society (WTHS).
The primary purpose of this organization is the promotion and understanding of past events in this area. It is by gaining an understanding of the past that we are better able to understand our present and future.
Norfolk County has a rich history. One gateway to this history for the general public is the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum (WHAM). This is an outstanding facility housing professional displays of local history. A failure to properly fund this resource will lead to a reduction of hours, resulting in a loss of income. Lack of funding will also result in an inability to properly maintain permanent exhibits and to research, create and present temporary exhibits as well as to host community functions such as the summer children's program. WHAM is anything but a dusty, small town museum. It is an important fixture in the local cultural scene, all the more important as our community grows with people from larger urban areas moving to our community.
WTHS has a long association with WHAM. In fact, the Historical Society gathered the initial artifacts and created the museum before turning over carriage of the archives to the County. WTHS continues to have a strong connection with WHAM.
In the past couple of years joint programs utilizing the museum facilities have included presentations on Alexander Graham Bell and telephones that were manufactured in Waterford by the Dominion Telephone Company, the 1979 Tornado, World War I Quilts, and Farmerettes in Norfolk during World War II. All of these presentations were well attended.
We urge a reexamination of the proposed funding reductions to arts and cultural services. They may seem an easy target, but the long term consequences of such funding cuts is the loss of connection to the past events of Norfolk County, events that continue to inform our understanding of who we are as a community.
If you would be interested in further discussion, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully;
Michael F. McDonnell
President
Waterford and Townsend Historical Society
CC. Councillor Huffman
James Christison
Melissa Collver
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Artifact Installation
Vents from the roof of the old Penman factory on Alice Street, Waterford (most recently an Antique Market) were installed in the park across the street, on the Trails system, with an interpretive sign. Mike Kopach of "Mr. Painting & Decorating" was working on the building renovations, and rightly thought that the artifacts should be saved and displayed. So members of the Waterford & Townsend Historical Society worked with the local Trails Association, Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum, and local volunteers and donors, to install the vents at minimal cost, and to prepare appropriate information regarding history and function. This is a very exciting community-led project! |
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Artifact Donations to Waterford Museum
In 2017, the Society purchased objects of local significance from private sellers, including a sign from Bauslaugh's hardware store in Waterford, a tin of Maple Leaf baking powder packaged for J.A. Beckett's grocery store, a tin of English Cream baking power packaged for H.A. Sanderson's store, and a can of Ripe Tomatoes from Waterford's own Bowlby Bros. & Co. canning factory.
The Society donated these items to the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM) in October.
An antique fiddleback telephone, manufactured in Waterford, was donated earlier in the year, and will form part of a special communications exhibit opening at WHAM in September 2018.
In 2017, the Society purchased objects of local significance from private sellers, including a sign from Bauslaugh's hardware store in Waterford, a tin of Maple Leaf baking powder packaged for J.A. Beckett's grocery store, a tin of English Cream baking power packaged for H.A. Sanderson's store, and a can of Ripe Tomatoes from Waterford's own Bowlby Bros. & Co. canning factory.
The Society donated these items to the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM) in October.
An antique fiddleback telephone, manufactured in Waterford, was donated earlier in the year, and will form part of a special communications exhibit opening at WHAM in September 2018.
December 2017 article, Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum newsletter
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Regular Meetings / Activities
Waterford Hockey Team 1905
Most months, there is a presentation or activity connected with local history. Occasional outings are also arranged. Please see the top of this page for upcoming programs
Photo of Waterford Hockey Team 1905, from George Pond's collection as displayed at the wonderful Norfolk Genealogy website. (Be advised that there is precious little hockey played at our meetings!)
Location of the Waterford United Church.
PAST 2020 & 2021 EVENTS
1776 portrait of Brant by leading court painter George Romney
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Wednesday February 12, 2020 7:00 pm at the Waterford Old Town Hall 76 Main Street South, Waterford, Ontario Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea) Dundas lawyer Jane Mulkewich spoke on the complex legacy (including the slave trade) of Joseph Brant, the First Nations political & military leader of the late 18th century. |
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Wednesday March 11, 2020 7:00 pm at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Farmerettes of WW2 Learn about the forgotten history of the young women who answered the call, by working on the farms in Ontario during the Second World War, with the Ontario Farm Service Force. Join author Bonnie Sitter as she shares her research and book, Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, for a glimpse into this important agricultural movement, through letters, essays and camp songs. The book has been selected to be adapted as a play using the same title, and has been nominated for the Alison Prentice Award which recognizes the best book in Ontario Women’s History in the preceding 3 years. |
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Billy Hitchon and his mother on board the Mauretania, February 5, 1946.
(Karen L. Hermiston, CWAC Photographer)
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CANCELLED
Wednesday April 8, 2020 7:00 pm at the Waterford Old Town Hall 76 Main Street South, Waterford, Ontario War Brides of WW2 Speaker Chelsea Barranger explores a little-known aspect of Canadian identity and immigrant history, based on her recently-earned PHD in History from McMaster University. When Canadian boys returned from World War 2, many of them were accompanied by their new brides. Between 1942 to 1946 some 48,000 war brides immigrated to Canada, including Chelsea's grandmother. This was the largest immigration to Canada since the First World War. |
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CANCELLED
Wednesday May 13, 2020 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Painter William Edgar Cantelon Melissa Collver, Director of Norfolk County Heritage and Culture, will speak on the Cantelon Paintings. William Edgar Cantelon was a Norfolk County artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, well-known for his distinctive water colours of local scenes and people. |
Young Girl Picking Flowers;
Woman Strolling;
Country Landscape
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CANCELLED
Wednesday June 10*, 2020 Waterford Greenwood Cemetery 609 Thompson Road East (Concession 9), Waterford Walking Tour of Waterford's Greenwood Cemetery Member Karen Koopman Lindsay will guide us through some of the fascinating stories and markers of Waterford's Cemetery. * Rain Date To Be Advised |
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Wednesday August 19, 2020*
7:00 pm Waterford Shadow Lake Trail Park (outdoors) (meet outside the Waterford Train Station, north side) Waterford, Ontario Masks and social distancing are required. Bring your own chair if possible. 2020 Annual General Meeting Join us to talk about plans and projects going forward, including passing of the new Constitution. Give us your feedback from 2019. Let us know what you'd like to see the Society doing going forward, especially for its 50th anniversary in 2020! Consider joining the Executive, or the Research Committee. * Rain Date August 20, same time and location |
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POSTPONED, DATE TBD
Wednesday September 9, 2020 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Saturday September 12, 2020 Various Locations, Townsend Barns Project Book Launch & Self-Driving Tour The Historical Society has been on a mission to document all the barns in Townsend. Sometimes they disappear shortly after being photographed, so this has been an important project, initiated by Doris Wilson (1913-2010), a long-time member of the society, and passionately furthered by member Cathy Judd (1949-2019), amongst many others. We are excited to announce that a selection of the barns and related materials will be published this year in book form, while the entire catalogue will gradually be made available over time electroncially. The book will be launched at the Waterford Museum (WHAM). The following Saturday WHAM and the Historical Society will co-host a self-driving tour of a selection of remaining Townsend barns. |
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POSTPONED, DATE TBD
Wednesday October 14, 2020 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Waterford & Townsend Historical Society 50th Anniversary: A Celebration & Retrospective Join us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Historical Society, and its accomplishments over the years, including the founding of the Waterford Museum and collection; Curator James Christison will display and discuss a selection of its notable items. |
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CANCELLED
Monday 9 November, 2020 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford Jam for Britain Canadians during the Second World War answered the call in more ways than one! While soldiers fought and nurses tended the wounded overseas, the Canadian Red Cross and Women’s Institutes across our country rallied together to feed war-ravaged Great Britain, launching the hugely successful Jam for Britain campaign. Join us at WHAM as Samantha George, Curator of Parkwood Estate National Historic Site in Oshawa, ON, and Vice President of the Culinary Historians of Canada, provides a glimpse into the home-front tenacity – peeled, chopped, stewed down, and preserved into 4lbs tins. Samantha previously participated in Field Kitchen and Trench Food demonstrations at Vimy100 commemorations in France in 2017. Joint meeting with the Waterford & District Horticultural Society |
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Wednesday August 18, 2021
7:00 pm Waterford Shadow Lake Trail Park (outdoors) (meet outside the Waterford Train Station, north side) Waterford, Ontario Social distancing is required. Bring your own chair if possible. 2021 Annual General Meeting Join us to talk about plans and projects going forward. Give us your feedback. Let us know what you'd like to see the Society doing going forward. Consider joining the Executive, or the Research Committee. |
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