For three days, June 20th to 22, 2014, the usually quite skies of Tillsonburg was broken with the thundering roar of North American Harvards flying over the Tillsonburg Regional Airport with A Gathering of Harvards and Heroes. To mark the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Harvards into Canada, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) hosted this three day event to honour both veterans and this vintage aircraft.

In 1939, the North American Aviation Harvard was imported from the United States into Canada. These single-engine aircrafts were built by North American Aviation and were used during the Second World War to train 130,000 aircrew under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada. According to André Brisson, a member of CHAA, the Harvard is “specifically designed not to work well to trick and test the pilot.”  The Harvard is a single most advanced trainer. Once one mastered flying this plane they then could become bomber pilots on the Spitfire or the Avro Lancaster.

Despite its 75th anniversary, Tillsonburg will be the only place that A Gathering of Harvards and Heroes will occur. President of CHAA Pat Hanna reported that Tillsonburg has the largest Harvard Association and operation of Harvards in North America with eight Harvards, a Tiger Moth and a Yale. Invitations for this event went out to 144 Harvard owners throughout North America. Pilots came from the surrounding area and one from Montreal.  Pat stated that two Harvard owners from British Colombia intended to fly down. However, bad weather and not being able to pass the mountains, they reluctantly had to turn around and fly back. Close to ten private Harvard owners came with their vintage aircrafts. One plane, a blue Beachcraft, came all the way from Wichita, Kansas. 

Public Relations Chair for CHAA, Terry Scott, proudly reported how a 93 year old WWII veteran Leonard Wilson took a ride in a Harvard on Friday. After the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 97 year old Parkwood resident Walter Erwin took to the skies again. For all anyone knows, these men and other veterans who had backseat rides could have flown in the same plans they once piloted 75 years earlier. “There was a lot of history” Terry stated and explained how Walter trained on a Harvard in Moncton, Nova Scotia then went overseas on two tours of duty, which equals sixty missions, on board Halifax bombers.

About 500 to 600 people milled around the Tillsonburg Airport on Saturday getting glimpses of the various vintage plans on the grounds and the booths of souvenirs and information. Some participants had the opportunity to take to the skies by purchasing time to fly with Harvard pilots. The weather on Saturday was beautiful. But Terry reported that the winds suddenly would pick up from zero to 50 knots. Warm weather could create more "thermal which is great for gliders and Turkey Vultures but can be a rough ride in a Harvard." Veterans attended workshops and networked. A banquet on Saturday night capped the evening off. About 200 quests were expected to fill a hanger donated by Danny Richer. The guest speaker for the evening was the Lieutenant-General (Retired) Allan DeQuetteville, Commander, Air Command in Canada from 1995 to 1997. The finally occurred at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday; a mass formation of more than a dozen Harvards thundering over the Tillsonburg Regional Airport.

Behind the hanger sat an impressive all black plane. Upon closer inspection it was identified as a Trojan T-28B by model airplane enthusiast, Bill Richards who had a model of one. Bill explained that the T-28’s were trainers for the American Navy after the Second World War. A trailer hook at the back of the plane was used to land on air crafter carriers that had three hooks on the ship. “The idea is to hit the middle one if you can.” The plane owned by Danny Richer sat near a blue T-28C, a new model, owned by Fort Erie resident Al Beam. Both planes have rotary engines with nine cylinders as Bill pointed out.

Aside from the three day historic event in Tillsonburg, Roger Cross is working on a documentary on both the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association and on A Gathering of Harvards and Heroes. Pat Hanna stated that both the National and CBC would be present to interview him and take pictures which would no doubt be breathtaking.

To find out more about the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association visit their website and my blog in the future.

CHAA Events:

Monthly Open House/Fly Days occur on Saturdays on these dates: July 12th and August 2, 2014

From their website: “for the sixth consecutive year CHAA and its Formation Team will be demonstrating at and supporting the Waterloo Air Show.”

They will also host their 7th Annually Wings & Wheels Family Day on Saturday September 13, 2014

A2A Photography Clinic: This would be extraordinary; for the first time in Ontario CHAA and photojournalist Eric Dumigan will be hosting an Air-to-Air photo clinic on Saturday September 20, 2014, rain date September 21, 2014. Participants will have a 2 hour classroom instruction on planning photo shoots, safety then to familiarize with the backseat of a Harvard before going up to take pictures. This all day event, lunch is provided, is limited to 8 people and cost $950 (plus $50 CHAA membership)

Tillsonburg Regional Airport Event:
The Tillsonburg Regional Airport will be hosting the South Coast International Air Show on Saturday August 23, 2014

The Opening Celebration for Black History Month in London was held on Saturday February 1, 2014 at Museum London.  Despite the inclement weather, which usually occurs on this date, the event was a great success and was well attended. Newly appointed Tourism Specialist for Tourism Oxford Meredith Maywood accompanied me at my display “Almost Forgotten: Black History in Oxford County.” This event, now in its twelve year, is organized by the London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC)  who had the following cultural groups and service providers present: Heart and Stroke Foundation; Ethiopian Association; Black Students Association from University of Western Ontario; Belize; African Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment (WISE); Kenyan Canadians In London Ontario (KECALO); African Canadian Federation of London & Area (ACFOLA); and the Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (FSCPP). Just to name a few of the fifteen exhibitors.

Samples of delicious ethnic foods were offered like jerk chicken by Caribbean Cove; Jambalaya Restaurant  had New Orleans Hush Puppies, deep fried cornmeal fritters served with a spicy Creole dipping sauce; and Event Caterer Alan Radix from Feed Your Thoughts supplied What a Sweet Jerk, jerk chicken bites. I have participated in this event tenth of the twelve years and most years I miss being able to sample the variety of foods. This year was no exception including what I brought. Oxford County’s contribution to food was generous donated by Shep Ysselstein from Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese who supplied two trays of the various chesses he makes. This was a huge hit by both young and old alike who commented on how good it was. I proudly reported that it came from Oxford County.

The ceremony kicked off at 2:00 p.m. with LBHCC Committee member Leroy Hibbert welcoming the crowd then introducing accomplished singer, songwriter and his wife Helen Hibbert to sing her lovely rendition of the National Anthem.  Fourth-year English major student at University of Western Ontario Serena Klumpenhouwer did a wonderful job singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” the Black National Anthem. Written as a poem by James Waldon Johnson in 1899 his brother John Rosamond Johnson set it to music in 1900 to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, 1900 and to commemorate him freeing the slaves. (Lincoln’s birthday and others is the reason Black History Month is celebrated during the month of February; but that is for another blog.)

Following the singing, Leroy introduced numerous London dignitaries who presented their greetings including the Mayor of London Joe Fontana. In his greeting, Executive Director of Museum London Brian Meehan reported that Black History Month is story telling which is fitting for Museum London which has been the site for LBHCC’s Opening Ceremonies since its inception twelve years ago.  Susan Truppe, MP London North Centre and Secretary for Status of Women, presented Leroy with a certificate to commemorate LBHCC’s twelve year in participating in the Opening Ceremonies for Black History Month.  MP of London-Fanshawe Irene Mathyssen mentioned this is an exciting month to celebrate the heroes of London like accomplished actor Richard Harrison; Paul Lewis; the Jenkins-Howson who were one of the first black families in London and the famous musical McAuley brothers to name a few.

Newly appointed to her position six months ago, Peggy Sattler is MPP for London West who reported that Black History Month is a time to educate the children and to dispel stereotypies and misconceptions that people have. Honourable Joe Fontana, City of London Mayor thanked Leroy and the Committee for inviting him and mentioned how he was sitting beside the first elected black councilor in London, Councilor Harold Usher. The Mayor cited the incredible milestones and perils people encountered “not only in black communities in our city but across this nation and country.” He went on to say that he will be celebrating sixty years in this country from Italy. “Our country is great not as a melting pot but a mixed salad, consisting of tomatoes, salt, pepper and magic dust.”

The entertainment portion consisted of model, dancer and singer Shelly Ann McLeod from Collective Of Black Artists (COBA) from Toronto who provided a special dance performance. Shelly performed a solely routine of a mixture of African, Caribbean and modern dance to the song “Black Woman” by Ella Andell.

The Guest Speaker for the afternoon was Joseph O’Neil, historian and the owner and operator of O’Neil Funeral Home in London. In his presentation, Joseph reported the he was born in Chatham and his ancestors got involved in the Underground Railroad. He said London has a long history that you won’t read in any book and presented highlights and interesting facts of London. In the 1830s where the railroad is was once a swamp where the tannery and most industries were. The smell was so bad the only people who lived in that area were blacks. He said families residing there were provided with a large sum of money as retribution. He mentioned how American Abolitionist John Brown came to London for he knew blacks in this area had money which he needed for arms and men for his raid.  Joseph stated that London Ontario had connections to Harper Ferry’s Raid which sparked the American Civil War.

London had three black churches, the first was the African Methodist Episcopal Church also referred to as the Fugitive Slave Chapel, built in 1847; Beth Emmanuel Church built in 1869; and the Qulibie Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Church built in 1924. Quoting from Richard Harrison, Joseph stated that “no one is going to blow our horn unless we do it ourselves.” That is why Joseph is fighting hard to save the Fugitive Slave Chapel which was demised to be demolished. The hope and goal is to relocate the church to an empty lot beside Beth Emmanuel Church where it stands on Grey Street. Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project has their 2¢ worth campaign. 2¢ represents fifteen minutes of work an unskilled labourer in 1848 when the chapel was built.

Following the presentations, the crowd returned to the display area. I had quite the traffic to my booth as many people were intrigued and not aware of Oxford County’s past black history. For those who were interested, I explained Ingersoll’s connection to the Underground Railroad and described the distinct groups of black people who settled in Ingersoll, Woodstock and Norwich Township. (On Tuesday February 11, 2014, I will be the speaker at the South Norwich Historical Society Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Woodlawn. ) I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and look forward in participating every year. According to Committee Member Leroy Hibbert, the event attracted about a hundred people. “It was a very celebrated day, nice to highlight the contributions of African-Canadians; excellent attendance despite the storm. Looking forward to the other activities in February to commemorate Black History Month.”

LBHCC’s BLACK HISTORY MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday: 8-10 p.m., Road to Freedom featuring the Karen Schuesller Singers performing songs and spoken word to tell the story of how slaves from the American South escaped via the Underground Railroad to London. The event is also a fundraiser for the Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project. Tickets are $20 (adults) $15 seniors, students and children six to 12 available at Tuckey Home Hardware, Attic Books, Lambeth Art Gallery, Long & McQuade, Delta’s Wedding & Party Planning.

For more information on
Saturday, Feb. 15: 3-5 p.m., the H.B. Beal Choir performs at Beth Emanuel Church, 430 Grey St. Admission is free.

Monday, Feb. 17: A celebration for children and families at London Regional Children’s Museum, 21 Wharncliffe Rd., where there will be singing, dancing and games, not to mention kite making. Admission is $7 adults, $2 children (under 23 months free).

Saturday, Feb. 22: 2-4:30 p.m. Symposium: Preserving Our Heritage at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre, 505 Dundas St., is featuring a panel of speakers who will share their views on how to preserve their culture. Admission is free.

Sunday, Feb. 23: 2-4 p.m. the Closing Gala followed by a reception from 4-5 p.m. at London Central Library’s Wolf Performance Hall, 251 Dundas St., featuring an afternoon of music, dance and history designed for the whole family, as well as the presentation of awards to two outstanding Black community achievers. Admission $12 adults, $6 for 12 and under.

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

Feb. 6: The Butler, based on the real life of Eugene Allen (the character Cecil Gaines, played by Forest Whitaker), an African-American who served at the White House for 34 years watching history unfold.


Feb. 13: Betty and Coletta, the stories of the widows of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and their lives after the assassinations of their husbands and how they carry on as single mothers after the assassination of their husbands.


Feb. 20: Marley, a 2012 documentary-biographical film directed by Kevin Macdonald documenting the life of Jamaican music icon Bob Marley.


Feb. 27: Akeelah and The Bee, a 2006 movie telling the story of Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.