Thursday, June 18, 2009

Paper Trail

Since its inception in the early 1990s the Tyrconnell Heritage Society has gone through many changes. With the passage of 16 years from the moment the concept was first envisioned many of the original founding members have retired or moved on. Locked within the experience and memories of those individuals is a wealth of information about the Backus Page House site, the organization and the area itself. The opportunity exists to access information from a small number of those founding members who remain in the community while a portion of that information is gone forever. A glimpse into yesterday can be found, on occasion, hidden in the extensive paper work accumulated through the operation and administration of the society business. The current administration is working to compile a complete source of board meeting minutes and have been reasonably successful in doing so. One item of interest that has come to light is a log book kept by A. L. Paterson. The entries are brief but act to give the reader a clear glimpse into the birth pangs of the THS. The first entry in the handwritten notebook reads thusly:

“March 28, 1993- At a meeting of the W.E.G. & Historical Society it was brought up that the Ministry of Natural Resources was considering disposing of Morley Page house in Dunwich Twp. D.C. Mckillop & Don carol were asked to write to the Ministry expressing the opinion of the group. DCM. wrote and submitted a 7 page report.”

Moving further into the notebook another entry notes some progress:

“Wed July 28
Meeting held at Wallacetown Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Several persons were phoned and invited to be present.
14 present
-get acquainted, discussion on how to proceed.”

Later on that year it can be seen that the foundation for the Society was being laid in place:

“Thurs. Nov.18. 7:30 p.m.
Meeting at Wallacetown Hall.
18 persons present
- meeting chaired by DC. McKillop
- decision to ask for rent- free use of hall for meetings
adopted name of Tyrconnell Heritage Centre
-next meetings will be Dec 9, 1993 and Jan 13, 1994 (second Thursday)
-nominating committee named
D.C. McKillop, Anne Lilley, Alice P to bring slate of officers to Jan. mtg.
-Alice to send account of meeting to local newspapers and insert notice of next mtg in paper. “

The last entry for the year is as follows:

“Thursday Dec 9,1993.
Meeting at Wallacetown Hall
-Speaker Henry Valks of Min of Nat resources
-encouraging re our proposal
-would probably give house & 5 acres of land.”

Following entries in the notebook show that 1994 was a very busy year with community members meeting regularly to work out the details of how the organization should proceed. Correspondence and records indicate that in June of 1994 the Tyrconnell Heritage Society became an incorporated nonprofit organization as an affiliate of the Ontario Historical Society. With its incorporation in place the Society was ready to take the next step in fulfilling its mission to restore and preserve the Backus-Page House and the grounds situated in the heart of the Talbot Settlement.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Flat Thomas in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Flat Thomas Talbot has recently been spotted down beach side in Central America. Flat Thomas accompanied Martin and Magda Harding to Tamarindo, on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. According to the Hardings "This was his first day, so he hadn't acquired a tan yet"!
According to Wikipedia, the first European to reach Costa Rica was Christopher Columbus in 1502. Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain in 1821. By 1821, Thomas Talbot had managed to acquire more than 65,000 acres for himself , referred to by some as his "palatinate or princely domain", in the townships of Dunwich and Aldborough.

Friday, June 5, 2009

"Water, Wind and Fire"


"Water, Wind and Fire"
A performance by the American Wind Symphony Orchestra
June 30th, 2009 at 7:30 P.M.

Port Stanley Waterfront "Berm"Pull up your lawn chair on Port Stanley's harbourfront "berm" and be lulled by the sweet sounds of the American Wind Symphony's 45 piece orchestra onboard barge Point Counterpoint II's floating stage. This open air, waterfront concert is presented by the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin. Partial proceeds of the event will benefit the Stork Club Museum and Hall of Fame and the United Way. A Fireworks display presented by the community of Port Stanley businesses will complete the magical evening at approximately 10:15 p.m. Donations for fireworks will be gratefully accepted by the Port Stanley Volunteer Fire Association.

For tickets go to http://www.ticketwindow.ca/ or call 1 877 700-3130
For more information visit http://www.elgintourist.com/ and/or call (519) 631-1460 x 168

Park in St. Thomas and Take the Aboutown Shuttle to the Performance
Don’t want to struggle to find a parking place in Port Stanley? Why not park your car at 450 Sunset Drive at the County of Elgin Administrative Building and take the Aboutown Shuttle to the Show? Shuttles will run from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. and again for the return trip from 9:30 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. More information on the Aboutown Shuttle will be posted on elgintourist.com shortly.

American Wind Symphony Schedule
This isn’t just an ordinary event, but an entire musical, multi-cultural and learning experience! The performers busy Port Stanley Schedules include a Patron’s Concert, Public Tours of the Barge and Musical Workshops onboard Barge Point Counterpoint II. For more information on the American Wind Symphony’s Schedule go to:
http://www.elgintourist.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=427&x=articles&s=home

Performer Billeting
Would you like to house an international performer from June 28th to July 2nd? Do you have a family member who may benefit from expert musical tutelage? For 52 years, it’s been traditional for the musicians who make up the American Wind Symphony Orchestra to live with local families for a few days at each stop on the concert route. Whether traveling through the U.S. or abroad, the experience of getting to know the local residents has long been a rewarding highlight for these fine young performers. This year’s tour of the Great Lakes, Illinois and Mississippi Rivers is no exception. Click here for billeting info
http://www.elgintourist.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=429&x=articles&s=home

Public Tours of Point Counterpoint II Barge – Monday June 29thth 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm &
Wednesday July 1st from 3:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.

The Floating Stage …
The American Wind Symphony Orchestra brings with it the world’s "most unique showboat" – Point Counterpoint II. A silvery wonder which draws fascinated attention of passers-by, this self-propelled floating art gallery is the centre of community activities during the orchestra’s residency in Port Stanley. To find out more about touring Point Counterpoint II go to: http://www.elgintourist.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=428&s=home&x=articles

Patron’s Concert – Monday June 29th – 7:00 P.M.
A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the American Wind Symphony in their natural element – on Point Counterpoint II! A limited number of tickets will be available for the symphony concert experience which will also include a tour of the barge’s art centre and a wine and cheese reception. Tickets $100.00 + GST. To purchase tickets contact Lindsey Morritt at lmorritt@elgin-county.on.ca and/or call (519) 631-1460 x 168.

Chamber Ensembles and/or Quartette Performances Available For Hire – Monday, June 29th -1:30 pm and Wednesday, July 1st – 7:30 P.M.
Ever wanted a miniature symphony in your own backyard? Members of the American Wind Symphony in either chamber ensemble or quartette configurations are available for hire for the price of $500.00 + GST during Monday June 29th at 1:30 pm and/or the evening of July 1st. For more information and/or to confirm a performance contact lmorritt@elgin-county.on.ca or call (519) 631-1460 x 168.

Student Music Workshops – Wednesday, July 1st 1:45 – 3:00 pm
For budding musicians! An unparalleled opportunity for students of local music academies and schools to work one on one with American Wind Symphony musicians on board the barge. For more information contact lmorritt@elgin-county.on.ca or call (519) 631-1460 x 168.

The Music
Wind Symphony concerts begin with the spectacular opening of the vessel’s music shell, powered by hydraulic lifts. As the roof is raised, the first strains of Aaron Copland’s "Fanfare for the Common Man" are heard – and an evening of fascinating sights and sounds begins. Musicians are arrayed in a series of stainless steel sculptured "trees," so that all are visible. And the percussionists are not wallflowers in this group – they perform right out front, with their gleaming batteries of timpani, drums, mallet instruments, chimes and bells. More …
http://www.elgintourist.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=428&s=home&x=articles

Fireworks Presented by the Port Stanley BIA – June 30th, 10:15 P.M. (approx.)
Conveniently timed so you can sleep in on July 1st, the community of Port Stanley businesses are again sponsoring an evening of fireworks that will follow the symphony’s performance. Pull up a chair, lay out a beach blankie or sachet up to the bar at GT’s for a spectacular view at Port Stanley’s waterfront. The view is just as great from the berm, following the American Wind Symphony performance. Donations gratefully accepted by Port Stanley’s Volunteer Fire Association … remember to fill up the big boot!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

May Is Museum Month

ONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATION’S 10TH ANNUAL “MAY IS MUSEUM MONTH” EVENT CELEBRATES MUSEUMS’ ROLE IN BUILDING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES; LAUNCH MAY 5TH AT QUEEN’S PARK

Toronto, May 1, 2009 – This year, the ONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATION (OMA)’s 10th May is Museum Month campaign celebrates the role of museums in creating and sustaining vibrant communities all across Ontario. Beginning with a Museums’ Day launch at Queen’s Park on May 5th, the annual awareness campaign will continue throughout the month with special exhibits and events at museums in every corner of the province.

“Ontario museums are at the heart of our communities,” comments Marie Lalonde, Executive Director of the Ontario Museum Association, the advocacy voice for over 650 Ontario community museums. “We attract tourists, we educate, we improve quality of life – and we contribute considerably to the economic health of the province.

“There is also a desire for cultural enrichment in our modern communities,” Lalonde continues, “and museums and galleries are uniquely positioned to provide it.” She cites the tremendous success of the recently introduced SunLife Museums + Arts Pass program in Toronto, in which a museum pass may be borrowed at all 99 Toronto Public libraries. “People line up every Monday morning for a chance to borrow the museum passes!” she reports. A similar museum pass program has been an overwhelming success in Ottawa for several years. Another successful initiative offers new Canadians a Cultural Access Pass as soon as they become citizens. The pass gives them free access to museums of all types, to help them connect to, and learn about Canadian culture.

In fact, the modern community museum does more than offer culture – it reaches out to groups in the community and helps give them a cultural voice. For example, Scarborough Museum offers mentoring programs in art and drama to youth at risk, and then hires these same young people for summer work. A new program piloted in Waterloo uses the artefacts and photographs in local museums to help create “memory connections” for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. MuséoParc Vanier brings on volunteers with special needs and helps builds their confidence to enter the work-place; and involved a local First Nations group in creating a documentary about a Métis woman’s experiences, which will be shown at Expo2010 in Shanghai.

The Markham Museum partners with cultural groups to develop permanent exhibits of the many “settlers” who moved to Markham over the years –Italian, Slovak, Southeast Asian and Chinese. By framing their experience as settlers in a new environment, the museum hopes to develop a deeper level of understanding amongst the groups. The museum is even working on building a community garden which will be co-managed by dozens of cultural groups. “The response has been overwhelming,” says Cathy Molloy, Curator of the Markham Museum. “Everyone wants to be a part of this.”

May is Museum Month continues throughout May all around the province with special events and exhibits open to the public (see list below).

Building on International Museum Day which is celebrated globally on Monday, May 18th, 2009, May is Museum Month celebrates and brings awareness to the 650-plus museums, historic sites and art galleries all across Ontario. These sites are a rich educational resource for a fascinating range of subjects, including agriculture, medicine, broadcasting, mining, sports, science – even cheese & shoes. Each site also tells the stories of the people who built and are building this province – heroes, inventors, First Nations leaders. They also celebrate and preserve our diverse cultural heritage, and help foster mutual understanding, cooperation and peace amongst the peoples of this province.

For ongoing updates about May is Museum Month activities and discounts, visit the website at www.museumsontario.com/mmweb/ or call 1-800-ONTARIO.

The ONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATION is a non-profit association of Ontario museums, historic sites and art galleries and their employees and volunteers, as well as companies and individuals serving the heritage industry. For over 35 years, the Association has promoted museums and advanced the standards of professionalism for museum workers throughout Ontario.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Marie G. LalondeExecutive DirectorONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATIONTel: 416-348-8672Toll-free in ON: 1-866-662-8672mlalonde@museumsontario.comwww.museumsontario.com/mmweb/

MAY IS MUSEUM MONTH 2009 IS PRESENTEDWITH THE HELP OF THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS:
National Gallery of Canada
Canadian War Museum
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC)
Royal Ontario Museum
Ontario Heritage Trust
Canadian Museum of Nature
The Bata Shoe Museum
Art Gallery of Ontario
Tourism Hamilton
Region of Waterloo Museums
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Textile Museum of Canada
Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA)

MAY IS MUSEUM MONTH 2009
At the heart of Ontario’s communities
SELECTED EVENT LISTINGS

Celebrating Architecture!
May 1- 31
London Regional Children's Museum, London

Free Fridays!
May 1- 29
Museum on the Boyne, New Tecumseth

What's New in Old Stuff: Recent Donations
May 1- 31
Museums of Mississauga, Mississauga

Through Their Eyes
Opens May 1, 2009
Niagara Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Annual Poppy Push Plant Sale
May 2, 2009
McCrae House, Guelph

Backus-Page House Museum
2009 Season Opening Celebration
May 3, 2009
Tyrconnell Heritage Society, Wallacetown

Quilting With Love, Quilt Show
Opens May 8
Museum of Northern History, Kirkland Lake

1837 Rise to Rebellion
May 9-10
Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives, Georgina

Gardening for Beginners Workshop
May 9, 2009
Museum on the Boyne, New Tecumseth

Mothers Day Tea May 9, 2009
Dionne Quints Museum, North Bay

Precious Metal: Silver for Our 25th Anniversary
Opens May 10
Grimsby Museum, Grimsby

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity
Opens May 16.
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

Loyalist Transportation
Opens May 16
Mariners' Park Museum, Milford

Something OLD, Something NEW
Opens May 16, 2009
Welland Historical Museum, Welland

The Loyalist Mosaic
Opens May 16
Rose House Museum, Picton

Welcome Weekend
May 16-18
Ameliasburgh Historical Museum, Ameliasburgh

Victorian Tea
May 17
Moore Museum, Mooretown

International Museum Day Special Events
May 18
Grey Roots Museum & Archives, Owen Sound
Markham Museum, Markham
Penetanguishine Centennial Museum
St. Catharines Museum, St. Catharines
Wellington County Museum & Archives
All Ottawa regional museums
Plus:FREE ADMISSION ON MAY 17th to all of Ottawa’s national museums

Teddy Bear Tea Party
May 18
London Regional Children's Museum, London

Arts Festival May
16 & 17
Sharon Temple Historic Site & Museum

Made to Measure: Lecture with Alison Matthews David
May 20
Textile Museum of Canada, Toronto

Carnival: The Spirit & the Soul
Opens May 21
Varley Art Gallery, Unionville

Relive the Talbot Settlement- Celebrating 200 Years
May 23
Backus Page House, Wallacetown
Tyrconnell Heritage Society

25th Anniversary of the Gardiner Museum
May 23-24
Free public admission all weekend
Gardiner Museum, Toronto

Grimsby Historical Society House Tour and Grimsby Museum Box Lunch
May 23
Grimsby Museum, Grimsby

Lilac Festival/ Tea with “The Queen”
May 23, 24
Macaulay Heritage Park, Picton

Contact:ONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATION
Toll free (ON) : 1-866-OMA-8672
Tel: 416-348-8672
museummonth@museumsontario.com