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Canada Post Black History Month Stamps

2/16/2018

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February is Black History Month. Despite the shortest month of the year, February is packed with numerous significances for Black History. Since 1926 in the United States, the second week of February was designated as Negro History Week by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). (See my past post Black History Month for further information.) Hence, the premiere of the Marvel Studio Black Panther movie set for February 16, 2018.
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Every February 1st since 2009, Canada Post has issued new stamps to commemorate Black History Month in Canada based on two distinguished Black Canadians. This year the honour goes to Kathleen (Kay) Livingston and the former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Lincoln M. Alexander. 
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(©2018, Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
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(©2018, Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
As cited in Canada Post’s Details Magazine, Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone (1918-1975) was a long-time Toronto resident. She “was an activist, humanitarian and popular radio host devoted to the empowerment of Black women. She founded the Canadian Negro Women’s Association in the 1950s and, in 1975, launched the Congress of Black Women of Canada – now a nationwide organization. In 2011, she was named a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada.” (From Canada Post)

Toronto-born Lincoln MacCauley Alexander (1922-2012) was a prominent attorney and Politian who had a distinguished career as a public servant. He was the first Black Canadian to be elected to the House of Commons in 1968 and was appointed to the federal Cabinet in 1979. In 1985, Lincoln Alexander was appointed Ontario’s 24th Lieutenant Governor becoming  the first member of a visible minority group to serve in that vice-regal office in any province in Canada until 1991. He encouraged countless young people to pursue their dreams – often telling them, "I did it. You can. You will." (From Canada Post) On November 28, 2013, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario declared January 21st of each year Lincoln Alexander Day.

As a presenter of Black History and a hobbyist coin and stamp collector, I have always wanted to write a piece about the Black History Month stamps that Canada Post issues. One burning question I asked Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services  from Canada Post was “who is the person who decides to feature distinguished Black Canadians on stamps for Black History Month?” The answer is the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee (SAC) that was established in 1969 who recommends the themes and designs for Canada’s annual stamp program.

​According to Jim; “it’s a group of twelve experts in the fields of design, history, culture and philately who serve three year terms (on occasion, renewable one time) and advise on stamp topics and designs. It’s a balanced group from across the country and we make a conscious effort to represent the whole of the country re race, gender, language, etc.”
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From The Blog, in the post ​How Canada Post Chooses What Goes on a Stamp on May 20, 2013, then Chair of the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee, Robert Waite explained the process involved in how someone gets featured on a Canadian stamp. Prior to 2005, with the exception of the ruling Monarch, a person had to be dead to be featured on a Canadian Stamp. However, to commemorate the 80th birthday and of the life and achievements of internationally renowned Canadian jazz composer and musician Oscar Emmanuel Peterson (1925-2007) Canada Post  issued a stamp in his honor on August 15, 2005.  As a result, Oscar Peterson became the first living Canadian to appear on a Canadian stamp. History was made. 
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
​Although it is a practice and not a policy, according to Robert Waite, the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee would “prefer that subjects previously have been awarded an Order of Canada designation or a Governor General's Award.” (From The Blog)
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Nevertheless, the honour of the first Black person to be featured on a Canada stamp goes to a former slave, Josiah Henson that was issued on September 16, 1983. 
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Josiah Henson (1789–1883) escaped slavery in the United States and like many slaves he followed the North Star to freedom in Canada along with two of his youngest children in tow on October 28, 1830. Josiah Henson, was an author, abolitionist and minister who co-founded a settlement and school in Dawn near Dresden, Ontario to what we know today as Uncle Tom’s Cabin. His life was modeled after the character Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. (From Canada Post)
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Prior to the formal Black History ongoing series, another distinguished Black individual commemorated on a Canadian stamp was Portia White. Entitled Portia White: Irrepressible Talent was part of The Millennium Collection, Extraordinary Entertainers released on December 17, 1999. 
​Portia White: Irrepressible Talent
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Hailed from Nova Scotia, Portia May White (1911-1968) “was a Canadian contralto [type of classical female singing] singer who overcame the obstacles of gender, race and the exclusive nature of the classical music world to gain international renown, and recognition as one of the greatest voices in Canadian history.” (From Creative Canadian Women)

Portia White came from a family of firsts. Her father, William White was the second Black Canadian admitted to Acadia University who graduated in 1903 with a degree in Theology and later became the first Black Canadian to receive a Doctorate of Divinity. Her brothers Bill White was a composer and social activist who became the first Black Canadian to run for federal office for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in the Toronto constituency of Spadina in 1949. And Jack White was a noted labour union leader and one of the first Black Canadians to run for provincial office in Ontario. (From Portia White)

As part of an aim to bring about more diversity to the stamp program, the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee came up with the ongoing series stamps and the correspondent First Day Covers commemorating February’s Black History Month in Canada in 2009.

​According to Jim Phillips, once the decision has been made to feature someone on the stamp, two to three design firms are assigned to provide concepts. “The design firms, which have to be professionally accredited firms, are chosen for their experience in both design and miniaturization, and also their location when we’re assigning stamp issues on regional topics.  The winning concept is chosen by the Stamp Design Committee.”

To date, since the inception of the ongoing series stamps commemorating February’s Black History Month in Canada since 2009, twleve distinguished Black Canadians, including honorary Canadian Nelson Mandala; two disbanded Canadian communities, Africville in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver, British Columba; a military battalion and an explorer and translator, have all graced their presence on Canadian stamps. Ten of the twelve individuals were recipients of some prestigious awards and for many including an Order of Canada designation or a Governor General's Award.
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Here is the list of the ongoing series stamps commemorating February’s Black History Month in Canada:
2009
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Abraham Doras Shadd (1801-1882) was a free-born and prosperous shoemaker in Delaware who devoted his life to the abolitionist movement. Shadd was a conductor for the Underground Railroad who “provided escaping refugees with food, shelter, clothing and guidance. In 1851, Shadd and his family moved to southern Ontario’s North Buxton area, where they joined many of those he guided to freedom. He was the first Black person to serve in Canadian public office when he was elected to the Council of Raleigh, Ontario, in 1859.” (From Canada Post) “In 1994, the road that traverses the heart of North Buxton was renamed A.D. Shadd Road in his honour.” (From BlackPast.org)
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Rosemary Brown (1930-2003) was an activist, politician and feminist who arrived from Jamaica in 1950 to study social work at Montreal’s McGill University. Rosemary Brown “became the first Black woman elected to public office in as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the British Columbia legislature in 1972. She also ran for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), making her the first woman to run for the leadership of a Canadian federal political party.” (From Canada Post)
2010
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
William Hall V.C. (1825-1904) became the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian and the first Canadian sailor of the Victoria Cross recipient on October 28, 1859. Hall received the medal for his actions in the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion in 1857. While serving on the HMS Shannon, Hall volunteered with a relief force where a British garrison was besieged by mutineers. “Two survived the attack, Seaman Hall and Lieutenant Thomas Young, but only Hall was left standing, and he continued to fight until the relief of the garrison was assured.” Issued in 2010, this stamp pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. (From Canada Post)
2011
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Dr. Carrie M. Best (1903-2001) was a Black Canadian journalist, human rights activist, author, poet, publisher and broadcaster. Best is known to be the first Black owner and publisher of Nova Scotia’s first newspaper for Black Canadians called The Clarion published from 1946 to 1956. One of her biggest stories was Viola Desmond’s racial segregation of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Dr. Best had a radio program in 1954 called The Quiet Corner for twelve years and she also wrote for The Pictou Advocate from 1968 to 1975. (From Canada Post) In 1977, Dr. Carrie Best published her autobiography entitled That Lonesome Road.

“Ferguson (Fergie) Arthur Jenkins was born on December 13, 1942, in Chatham, Ontario whose pitching abilities got him signed to the the Philadelphia Phillies 1962.  Throughout his career, Fergie Jenkins would pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies (1965-66), the Chicago Cubs (1966-73, 1982-83), the Texas Rangers (1974-75, 1978-81) and the Boston Red Sox (1976-77). He also played basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters in the off season to stay in shape. Fergie Jenkins is the only Canadian honoured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York (inducted July 21, 1991). (From Canada Post)
2012
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
“John Ware (1845-1905) was a cowboy who helped establish the ranching industry in the part of the prairies that would eventually become Alberta. Born into slavery in South Carolina, Ware travelled to Texas after the Civil War, where he became an experienced cowhand. In 1882, strong and industrious, Ware drove 3,000 cattle across the border for the North West Cattle company, and then settled in Calgary then moved his ranch to Alberta Canada in 1900.

With his great stature, abilities and sense of adventure, Ware had all the makings of a folk hero. Skilled with the lariat, he pioneered steer-wrestling and won his first competition at the Calgary Summer Fair of 1893, setting a precedent for what would become a highlight of the Calgary Stampede. Ironically, he died in 1905, when his horse tripped and crushed him. (From Canada Post) An ex-slave slave who became a prominent Albertan cattleman, John Ware’s funeral was the largest in Calgary history. 

Viola Irene Desmond (1914-1965) Desmond was arrested in Nova Scotia in 1945, for sitting in the “whites-only” section of New Glasgow’s Roseland theatre. After being dragged from the theatre, sitting up all night in jail still wearing her white gloves, Desmond was tried without counsel and convicted of defrauding the province of the additional one-cent tax for seats in the whites-only section, and fined $20. She paid the fine but went on to fight the charge in higher levels of court. Subsequent trials focused on tax-evasion, not that Ms. Desmond has been a victim of racism. [In 2011], the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia invoked the Royal Prerogative and granted Desmond a posthumous pardon, the first such to be granted in Canada, and the government of Nova Scotia formally apologized.” (From Canada Post)  Activist Viola Desmond will be grace the new Canadian $10 bill. (Viola Desmond’s stamps are one of the most requested stamps for reproduction in publications and exhibits.) 
2013
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
"Joseph (Joe) Seraphim Fortes (1863-1922) arrived in Vancouver in 1885 in a tent on the beach at English Bay where he became Vancouver’s first official lifeguard and a swimming teacher in 1894. Thousands attend his funeral when he died in 1922 and in 1927; citizens raised money to install a fountain at English Bay in Fortes’ honour. The inscription read: “Little children love him.” (From Canada Post) Joe Fortes saved over 100 people from drowning. His stamp issued in 2013 commemorated 150 years of his birth.

"Oliver Theophilus Jones is a Canadian jazz pianist, organist, composer and arranger. Born to Barbadian parents in Montreal, he began his career as a pianist at the age of five.  In 1980 Oliver released his first jazz album, The Oliver-Jones Trio. Since then Oliver Jones continues to receive numerous accolades including five Junos, four honorary doctorates, and the Ordre National du Québec and as an Officer of the Order of Canada.” (From Canada Post)
2014
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Located in Halifax, Africville is “one of Nova Scotia’s oldest black communities [that was settled in the 1840s] has become an important symbol of the struggle against racism. The town never received proper roads, health services, water, street lamps or electricity. After neglecting the community for years, the City of Halifax razed Africville in the 1960s [to make room for a new bridge]. It evicted residents and ordered its dwellings destroyed. Africville remains an enduring symbol of the need for vigilance in defence of African-Canadian communities and institutions." (From Canada Post)

Hogan’s Alley was the unofficial local name of a “four block long alleyway in Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast. It was known as a vibrant destination for food and jazz and was a centre of the city’s black community. It was called Hogan’s Alley, although the origins of the name are obscure. It too was razed in the 1960’s to make way for new development.
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This stamp also features actual photos of area residents imposed on a background image of the alley. The two people shown are Fielding Spotts, a cooper by trade and the first Baptist in Western Canada, and Nora (Zenora) Hendrix, grandmother to rock legend Jimi Hendrix and cook at Vie’s Chicken and Steak House.” (From Radio Canada International) 
2015
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2013) was imprisoned for 27 years in South Africa. He was an activist, author, leader of the African National Congress who became the first President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 elected in a free vote by persons of every race. In 2001 Nelson Mandela became the first living person bestowed with honorary Canadian Citizenship in 2001. “The stamp was designed with a photography taken on Mandela’s first visit to Canada in 1990. The world mourned Mandela’s passing on December 5, 2013.” (From Canada Post) 
2016
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(©Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
"No. 2 Construction Battalion was the first and only Black battalion in Canadian military history. Black men wanted to contribute to Canada's First World War effort despite discrimination. As a result, a special unit was created in 1916 in Pictou, Nova Scotia so Black men could serve their country. The No. 2 Construction Battalion served with the Canadian Forestry Corps to support the front lines by building roads and bridges, defusing land mines so advancing troops could move forward and they brought out the wounded. No. 2 Construction Battalion was officially disbanded on September 15, 1920." (From Historic Canada)
2017
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(©2017 Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
Mathieu Da Costa, believed to be the first named Black person to reach Canada. He was not a slave but an explorer, pioneer, translator and an interpreter who travelled as a member of the expedition party of French explores Pierre Dugua and Samuel de Champlain in 1607. He served as an interpreter between the French and the Micmac Indians who spoke five languages: Dutch, English, French, Portuguese and pidgin Basque, the dialect that many Aboriginals used for trading purposes. As a result, Mathieu Da Costa’s talents helped to bridge the gap between the Europeans and the Micmac Indians.
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Although the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee choses who appears on a Canadian stamp as well as the designer, the Canadian public also is involved in the decision making process. Anyone can participate in nominating an individual and/or topic as many topics come from the public. 
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​Stamp subject suggestions can be submitted by the public and directed to:

Chair
Stamp Advisory Committee
Canada Post
2701 Riverside Drive, N1070
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0B1
 
(Click this link to be directed to the process involved in how to suggest a subject for a stamp and/or apply to design a stamp.)

One individual I would love see grace a Canadian stamp to commemorate Black History Month in Canada, is my heroine Harriet Tubman. Unbeknownst to most Canadians, Harriet Tubman settled in St. Catharines, Ontario from 1851 to 1858 before returning to the United States to serve as scout, spy and nurse in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Harriet Tubman is still considered the first and only woman to have led American troops in war.  But that is a subject for another post. 

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Black History Month

2/1/2016

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(This blog was posted on LinkedIn on February 1, 2016.)
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Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson
February is Black History Month which is celebrated throughout many countries aside from North America. The United States have been celebrating it since 1926 due to the efforts of Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson.  former slaves, Dr. Woodson (1875 - 1950) was a noted black scholar and historian; he was disappointed that no schools taught the history of Black America which he felt was a vital cornerstone in the formation of American society. As a result, on February 19, 1926, Woodson designated the second week of February as Negro History Week.
That week coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln -U.S. President who freed slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 (February 12) and Frederick Douglass - a black freedom fighter who helped slaves escape (February 14).  In 1976, as part of the nations’ Bicentennial, Negro History Week was changed and expanded to Black History Month.

In Canada, the Black Railroad Porters brought the celebration of Black History to Toronto in the 1950’s.  The Canadian Negro Women’s Association then broadened the celebration to the Black community.  In 1979, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) successfully initiated the formal celebration of February as Black History Month with the City of Toronto.  However, it was only in 1996 that February was declared Black History Month across Canada.

But why is a month needed to celebrate Black History? The need to celebrate Black History is to educate the public of the history of Black people and the contributions they have made in Canada. Although Blacks have been in this country since the 1600’s, there was not a lot of information on this subject.  Early historical books have no mention of Blacks in Canada nor do they mention their contribution throughout Canadian history.  

There were many well-established and thriving Black communities throughout Canada but they have long since disappeared.  There were few or no monuments or museums to acknowledge them.  One reason why history was not recorded is that people did not record their stories, being too busy struggling to survive. Furthermore, stories were not passed on to their children due to the shame associated with the past.

In his article, entitled “Why We Need Black History Month - All Year Around”, Henry Martey Codjoe, Policy Consultant with the Alberta Department of Education, wrote the following:

 “ … I find it a tragedy that many Black and African children grow up today convinced of their own inferiority. The educational process largely ignores the contributions of Blacks to world civilization and is full of negative perceptions of Blacks and their culture. The school system in North America has continually perpetuated the historical myths and stereotypes about the African past….”

As a Black educated in Canada, I too was not aware of Black history or of Black people’s contribution to this country.  It was not until 1995, after becoming a member of both the Ontario Black History Society and the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia, that I became educated on this subject.  Aside from learning briefly about slaves in the United States from school, I have since learned that Canada too had slavery and of the great achievements that Blacks have made in this great nation.  

Henry Codjoe’s article continues with the following:

Why is it important to know our history? Carter Woodson, …was the premier Black historian to put forward the idea of African history as a form of Black cultural empowerment and emancipation. In his view, the knowledge and dissemination of African history would, ‘besides building self-esteem among blacks, help eliminate prejudice among whites.’…

In a speech at Hampton Institute in 1921, Woodson addressed the issue head on: ‘We have a wonderful history behind us. ... If you are unable to demonstrate to the world that you have this record, the world will say to you, 'You are not worthy to enjoy the blessings of democracy or anything else'. They will say to you, ‘Who are you, anyway?’…

The purpose of Black History Month then, is to recapture the many missing pages of Black peoples’ struggles, triumphs, and contributions to Canadian society. Similar to Carter Woodson, I too feel that educating the public about Black History is twofold. One, it enlightens the public about this subject. Second, it helps to dispel any misconceptions and stereotypes that Black people in the past, whether in the United States or in Canada, were associated only with slavery or as domestic servants.

Source:
"Ghana Review" Vol. 1. No. 6, Friday 27 January 1995, Supplement Black History Month, "A Commentary on Black History Month in North America." From the African Heritage Month Web-site  http://www.dal.ca/~acswww/dalbh.html, Why We Need Black History Month-A Canadian Perspective with permission of Randy Barkhouse.

Quote: "You go to school, you study about the Germans and the French, but not about your own race. I hope the time will come when you study Black History too." ~ Booker T. Washington (1856 - 1915)
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‘Celebrate Our Flags’ & Tillsonburg’s Olympic Team

8/19/2015

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25th Anniversary of Tillsonburg’s Town Flag
Jen Gibson is the Collection & Exhibit Specialist with Annandale National Historical Site, the home of the Tillsonburg’s Community Museum, located at 30 Tillson Avenue in Tillsonburg, Ontario. In honour of our Canadian Flag celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Jen decided to display Tillsonburg’s prominent flags from the museum’s permanent collection in the exhibit “Celebrate Our Flags” in the Pratt Gallery (named after Bill and Marion Pratt) from May 1st to August 30th. In keeping with the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, she has a podium set up, with exact dimensions as the Olympics with second and third place on the same level, showcasing the Olympic Flag from 1952 that the “Livvies” Basketball Team brought home.

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Jen Gibson, Annandale's Collection & Exhibit Specialist
While conducting research for the exhibit, Jen found that this is the “25th Anniversary of the Tillsonburg’s Town Flag.” The flag consist of the word “Tillsonburg” in blue lettering in between twigs of Maple Leaf branches; an Otter, Tillsonburg’s symbol, with Edwin Delevan (E.D.) Tillson’s motto “Forward” underneath it with the date 1872 signifying when Tillsonburg was incorporated from a village into a Town.  That date also marked when E.D. Tillson was elected as Tillsonburg’s first Mayor. George Tillson, E.D. Tillson’s father, settled the area in 1825 who is known as the founder father of Tillsonburg.

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Tillsonburg Town Flag
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Signatures on the Tillsonburg flag
Twenty-five years ago DDM Plastics wanted to fly a town flag at the entrance of their offices. As a result, Tillsonburg Town Council held a contest to design Tillsonburg’s town flag.  Local resident Eric Crifts designed the flag while local art teacher Ches Sulkowski “tweaked” the design. On October 3, 1990 Mayor at that time Jean Ferrie flew the flag over the library. All municipal buildings including DDM Plastics flew the Tillsonbug flag. As part of a fundraising, local residents paid $2.00 to sign their names on the Tillonburg Town flag. In 1995 when Tillsonburg celebrated its 125th Anniversary, members of the 125th Anniversary Committee signed their names on that flag. 
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Tillsonburg's 125th Anniversary flag
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Signatures on flag
The Union Jack
Also as part of the museum’s collection are a few British flags that were once flown in Tillsonburg. Before Canada was a country, prior to Confederate, the Royal Union flag or more commonly known as the Union Jack, was flown. Tillsonburg’s Royal Union flag was owned by one of the two Imperial Only Daughters of the Empire (IODE) Chapters in town. IODE started a chapter in Tillsonburg in 1922 called the James H. Wilson chapter, named after a patriot Principal from Tillsonburg Public School. Another chapter started in 1939 called the HMS Courageous Chapter, named after a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier shot down during WW II. This latter chapter had the Union Jack flag. IODE was founded in 1900 by Margaret Polson Murray of Montreal who wanted women to demonstrate their love of Canada by providing comforts to the soldiers in the Boer War. Both Tillonsburg chapters ended due to low membership but IODE chapters throughout Canada continue today.
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Tillsonburg's Union Jack flag
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IODE’s motto: “One Flag, One Throne, One Empire”
With England’s long and illustrious history, many, many flags were flown over her shores. During the 1270s the patron saint of England, the cross of St. George was a red cross on a white ground. In 1606 after King James I succeeded the throne; it was combined with the cross of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, which was depicted as a diagonal white cross on a blue background. This flag would eventually form one of the two Union Jacks. The first Union Jack was from 1707 to 1801. It was originally the Royal flag.

On January 1st 1801, The Act of Union was legislation uniting Ireland with England (and Wales) and Scotland - the second Union Jack was born. From 1801 to 1965 this Royal Union “flag was flown across British North America and in Canada even after Confederation from 1867 until 1965. The Royal Union Jack was the only official National Flag of Canada.“ (Historical Flags in Canada.) This flag consists of the diagonal red cross of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland being incorporated with the other two crosses. The Union Jack represents three countries under one Sovereign. It continues to be Britain’s national flag that is flown above Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Sandringham Estate (country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen) when The Queen is not in residence.
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Royal Union Flag (1707 - 1801)
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Royal Union Flag (1801 – 1965)
(Photos courtesy of/& used with permission by Government of Canada)  

Diagram showing the making of the Union Jack using the 3 crosses 
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(Picture from the Internet)
The Red Ensign - Canada’s Unofficial Flag
Another flag that had various designs over the years was the Red Ensign. Used by the British Merchant Marine in 1707, the Red Ensign consisted of a red flag with the Union Jack in the upper left corner.
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The Red Ensign 1707
(Photo courtesy of/& used with permission by Government of Canada) 
The term “ensign” means a flag used to indicate the nationality of a ship or aircraft. The Red Ensign was never adopted as Canada’s national flag nor was the three versions the Canadian Red Ensign flags: 1868, 1921 and 1957.  From 1868 until 1965 when it was replaced by the Maple Leaf Flag, the Red Ensign consisted of the Union Jack in the corner with the coats of arms of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as they were part of the Confederate.
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Red Ensign (1871-1921)
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Canadian Red Ensign (1921-1957)
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Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965)
(Photos courtesy of/& used with permission by Government of Canada) 
In 1921 the Red Ensign consisted of the coat of arms of the nine provinces in the Confederate. That same year the coat of arms was replaced by the Canadian Coat of Arms and approval was granted to fly this flag on Canadian government buildings abroad. Authorized by an Order in Council in 1945, this flag was also used on federal buildings in Canada until our national flag was adopted.  When Canada's coat of arms was revised in 1957, the maple leaves on the Canadian Red Ensign was updated from green to red.

Tillsonburg never had the latest version of the Red Ensign with the red leafs. This flag flew over the Town Hall until 1965 when Canada’s own flag was adopted. Due to the red colour in the flags, the exhibit is a bit dark. Jen Gibson explained that “red is susceptible to fading and the marker used on the signed flags.” Jen also pointed out that the crests on the flags were hand drawn.
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Our National Flag – The Maple Leaf
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At high-noon in the capital of Canada, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on February 15, 1965, then Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson raised the first official National Flag of Canada - the Maple Leaf Flag. Also in attendance was then Major-Governor General Georges-Philéas Vanier, other members of the Cabinet and thousands of Canadians. Our national flag was born, making February 2015 the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian flag. Great debates occurred whether to make the Union Jack or the Canadian Red Ensign our national flag. Strong opinions have always occurred about Canada having our own flag. During his reign, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King tried twice, in 1925 and 1945, to establish a committee to address this issue but both times he was forced to abandon the idea due to staunch outcry that it was an attack against the Union Jack.

During the 1963 federal election campaign, the Liberal Party Candidate Lester B. Pearson, promised to introduce a national flag for Canada. However, his opponent, Progressive Conservative leader and former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker opposed the idea. Similar to the sentiments of many veterans who fought under its banner, former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker opted in keeping the Canadian Red Ensign flag. Nevertheless, Lester B. Pearson kept his promise. In 1964 as Prime Minister he set up a committee. After many debates and designs, the final design of our new Canadian flag consisted of an 11-pointed red maple leaf on a white square background in between two red bands. George Stanley, Dean of Arts at the Royal Military College of Canada was the major player in the design.  Although not a statuary holiday, National Flag of Canada Day held on February 15th was established in 1996.   

At 11:56 a.m. on February 15, 1965 in Tillsonburg, Canada’s new official National Flag was raised at Annadale High School accompanied by a 21-gun salute by the Anndale High School Cadets Corps. Anndale High School had two flags, one on their flag pole and another on the roof. An hour later the National Flag of Canada was raised at the Tillsonburg Town Hall. A programme for this celebration is displayed in the “Celebrate Our Flags” exhibit. The Maple Leaf flag in the exhibit was the last flag to fly over the Federal Building that stood at the corners of Ridout and Broadway Streets and housed the Post Office, Customs and National Employment offices.  The Federal Building was demolished in 1994.

‘Brownies in Tillsonburg’
Another flag in the Tillsonburg’s collection is from the first Brownies in Tillsonburg. In the exhibit, Jen writes that the Girl Guides of Canada started a chapter in Tillsonburg in October 1923. Seven years later the Brownies formed their first pack in Tillsonburg. “Brownies are a division of the Girl Guides of Canada that is currently for seven and eight year olds. Brownies gain skills and learn about the world around them. One of the skills learned at Brownies is the significance of flags in their unit and in Canada. Girls have the opportunity to take part in coloured parties and march in parades with flags.” The First Tillsonburg Brownies flag featured an elf. 

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The First Tillsonburg Brownies flag
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Brownie outfit
Cadet Flags
There were two Cadet Corps in Tillsonburg. In 1910 No. 240 Cadet Corps of Canada from Annandale High School was formed and in 1960 the No. 2655 Cadet Corps from Glendale High School started.  In May 1960, Tillsonburg held a Dedication and Presentation of Flags to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Glendale High School Cadet Corps and it also marked the newly formed Glendale High School Cadet Corps. Over 400 Cadets participated in the parade for this ceremony. Glendale High School Cadet Corps disbanded in 1967, a year later so did Annandale High School Cadet Corps.
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Tillsonburg Livingston Basketball Team
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Unbeknownst to many I’m sure, is that Tillsonburg had a basketball team that went to the Olympics not once but twice in 1952 and in 1960. As members of a local Intermediate basketball team, Bill Bennet and Roy Climie approached Gerry Livingston, owner of Livingston Wood Products, in 1946 for financial assistance to purchase team uniforms which he did. However, Gerry Livingston became more than a sponsor; he wanted to create an Olympic calibre team in basketball and within his company. Many players on the Intermediate “B” basketball team were recruited from his business like Bill Coulthard who was an accountant in 1947 when he joined. Mr. Livingston also recruited outside talent to create the Tillsonburg Livingston Basketball Team, commonly known as “Livvies.” 

The Livvies
In 1952, the Livvies became the Canadian National Basketball Champions. That same year, workers from the Livingston factory installed a basketball floor on the Tillsonburg Arena to hold the Olympic Basketball Finals from May 19th to 24th where the winning team would represent Canada at the 1952 Olympic Games.  Large crowds of over 4,000 packed the Tillsonburg Arena to watch the matches between the University of Western Ontario Mustangs and the Livvies.

The Tillsonburg team won their first two games by 76-65 and 76-69 and London won the third game by 83-82. However, the Livvies won the fourth game by 87-75.
As a result, the Livvies formed the nuclei of the 1952 Canadian Olympic basketball team held in Helsinki, Finland. The Livvies players on that team were comprised of: Harry Wade, Woody Campbell, Bob Phibbs, Bill Coulthard, Bob Simpson, Jim “Red” Curren and Chuck Dalton. The rest of the team members included the following: Glen Pettinger, Bill Pataky, George Wearring, Bob Pickell, Car Ridd, Roy Williams and Tillsonburg coach Paul Thomas and manager Eddie Bowering. (See pictures of this game.)

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1952 Tillsonburg Livvies
At Helsinki, the Canadian Basketball Team defeated Italy 68-57, Romania 72-51 and Egypt by 63-57. However, they lost two games by small margins to Brazil, 57-55 and Argentina 82-81 and lost their final match against the Philippines 81-65, placing the Canadian tem 13th overall. “Despite defeat, the fact remained that a small town of 5,600 had produced a team of Olympic calibre. Tillsonburg was proud and would always be remembered for basketball and name of ‘Livingston’”. (Hoop-La ’92 Souvenir Programme p. 5.)
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Jersey worn at 1952 Olympics
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Signed basketball & used in Olympic game
1960 Pre-Olympic Basketball Team
Mr. Livingston set his sights again to establish yet another calibre Olympic basketball team for the 1960 Olympic Games. With a different squad and new coach, members of the Livvies 1959-60 season would once again comprise part of the Canadian Pre-Olympic basketball team that played in Bologna, Italy, included the following: John McKibbon, Raymond Monnot, Barry Ager, Ambrose and Robert Gardner, Warren Reynolds, Fred Ingaldson, Don McCrae and George Stulac. However, the Canadian team came in fifth place which prevented them from advancing to play in the Olympics held in Rome, Italy.

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1958-60 Tillsonburg Livingston Basketball Team
 During the 1960 season, the Tillsonburg Livingston Basketball Team folded. However, four former members were part of the 1964 Canada Men's Olympic Basketball Team: John McKibbon, Warren Reynolds, Fred Ingaldson and George Stulac. The following members of the Tillsonburg Livingston Basketball Team were inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame: Dr. Paul Thomas, Coach from Tillsonburg, in 1980; Gerry Livingston, Warren Reynolds and John McKibbon in 2001; Fred Ingaldson in 2002; Bob Phibbs in 2007 and Bill Coulthard in 2013.

According to the Souvenir Programme celebrating Tillsonburg’s 125th Event, Tillsonburg had and continued to produce high caliber athletics. In 1930 the Tillsonburg High School had a championship Girls Basketball Team. In 1972, Bruce Coulthard, Bill Coulthard’s son, was a member of the Canadian Olympic basketball team. A piece of Tillsonburg history we in Oxford County should be proud of.
Gallery of pictures:
(Pictures taken of the exhibit at the Museum were with consent/permission)
Quote: "The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion." (Spoken by The Honourable Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate on February 15, 1965)
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“They Still Have Names”

7/21/2015

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"They Still Have Names"
As part of the 100 Events to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of WW1 called Oxford Remembers, Scott Gillies, the Curator from the Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum, invited author, historian and veteran Grant Smith to speak on Thursday May 28, 2015 to a small gathering on how to look for military relatives who served during World War One. The discussion went well with the Museum’s theme at that time, Reaction & Recruitment: Oxford Goes to War.
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Entitled "They Still Have Names," Grant Smith’s presentation outlined how the men who fought with the 133rd Battalion were from Brownsville, Tillsonburg and other parts of South-West Oxford and the history of the Maple Leaf. Which ties in well with the Canadian Flag just celebrating its 50th Anniversary on July 1st. Grant also confessed that he is a "fanatical Toronto Maple Leaf fan" since 1946. Listening to his presentation, every Canadian should be.
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Grant Smith with Markham hockey jersey
Grant Smith
After reading a poem, Scott Gillies reported that Grant Smith, a Delhi native, served as a helicopter pilot with the Canadian Armed Forces who has a passion for the two World Wars. Grant Smith explained the title of his presentation. He saw the movie Dead Poet’s Society where one of the students touched a war memorial and said “they still have names.” Grant wanted to dedicate this to Private Andrew Miller, a soldier’s wish, who was killed in action in June 2010. He had written to his mother “tell them who I was and ask them never to forget me.”

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Grant’s father was a Sergeant Major who fought in the Second World War. As a child Grant was surrounded by veterans and read the Legionnaire Magazine. By 14 years of age he knew all the great Canadian battles like Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and Passchendaele to name a few. Grant recalled while watching a televised hockey game in 1954 between the Hamilton Junior A Red Wings and the Toronto Marlies and wondered why the Marlies’ crest was a Crown superimposed on a Maple Leaf and why was it on a hockey jersey?
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The Crown on the Maple Leaf
Fast forward 50 years later to 2004; Grant once again saw the Crown on the Maple Leaf. He was asked by his son to be an Assistant Coach in the Markham Minor Hockey Association. The Markham sweaters had the crest of the Crown superimposed on a
Maple Leaf but no one knew why. Then a revelation! In June 2013, a select Markham major Bantam hockey team went to Maple Leaf Gardens where Grant Smith heard “the holy grail” speech on Conn Smythe.

      On how he
[Conn Smythe] had built Maple Leaf Gardens in the middle  of the 
       Depression opening it in 1938. Scattered around the dressing room are hockey
       bags that bore the insignia of the Crown superimposed on a Maple Leaf. And
       in that moment everything I knew about the First World War converged with
       my passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs and I shouted out to the room: "AND
       CONN SMYTHE WAS AT VIMY RIDGE". And so began the quest for the answer 
        as to why the Crown and Maple Leaf was on a Markham sweater.

Maybe if both Canadians and Toronto Maple Leaf players knew this history and the insignia, then maybe the players would play better and more Canadians would be fans?


 Vimy Ridge
Grant Smith then explained how during World War I the French and British  failed to take Vimy Ridge on three different occasions and in 2 1/2 years and lost over 65,000 men. Vimy Ridge was a 7- kilometer long tract where Hill 145 was located which had a height equivalent to a 50-story building. On top of this hill the Vimy Memorial would later stand.  The land flatten out to Farbus Woods where the Germans had their big guns.  In 1917, it was Canada's turn to try to take Vimy Ridge.

For three months the Canadian soldiers underwent intensive training where each battalion would be responsible for taking a segment of the German trenches along the Ridge. At 5:30 a.m. on Easter, Monday April 9, 1917, the Canadian soldiers began their attack at Vimy Ridge with two waves and 985 Canadian and British artillery guns. The first wave consisted of 20,00 soldiers in 25 Battalions. It was the 50th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Grant illustrated this by using the audience as waves of Canadian Corps. "The fabric of the men and women of the Canadian army was a varied as it is today: Native Canadians, Greeks, Italians, Chinese, Hungarians, Poles, Macedonians, Ukrainians, Indians, French, English, Scots and Irishmen. But they all gave their nationality as Canadian. It was possible the largest gathering of Canadians ever."

Describing the battlefield
Through his research, Grant Smith knew that the 168 Oxford County and the 133rd Norfolk Battalions were scattered throughout the army with 500 Norfolk men who participated in the battle of Vimy Ridge along with Artillery Officer Conn Smythe.  Grant read some letters from these soldiers to family members back home describing the battle. 

     Easter Sunday,  April 8 - Lt. Frank Smith of Townsend, 2nd Battalion:
  
   Dear Father:
     It is Easter Sunday. We have just had our dinner and I am writing this in the
     field surrounded by thousands of other Canadians. It is a beautiful day. The
     sun is bright and we are all hoping tomorrow will be as nice for we are looking
     forward to its being the biggest day in Canadian history. I am proud to be here
     to do my little bit with the rest of the boys. By the time you get this letter you
     will know what has happened. My trust in God and all is in His hands. In order
     to win this war and destroy the awful menace that is at our gate, sacrifices must
     be made and lives laid down. (See video of Grant reading this letter.)

Grant cited that "the infantry had 3 minutes to walk forward toward their own exploding shells, after which the guns were elevated and fired another 90 meters in front of the attacking line." Canadian pilots described the battle as "Vimy Glide." The objective was to take the Red Line that laid half way to the final objective with the second wave attacking to its conclusion.
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Battalions at the Battle at Vimy Ridge
PictureOxford & Norfolk Counties' Battalions

The War Diary of the 14th Battalion
Grant read another Soldier's letter:
      Major Guy McDowell of North Walsingham, Princes Patrica Canadian Light
      Infantry
      Dear wife: The Canadian troops went over the top on Monday April 9th, at
      5:30 o'clock, preceded by a wonderful barrage from the artillery and machine
      guns. It was so perfect that the German troops did not have a chance to get out
      of their dugouts before our men were at their trenches. It is impossible to imagine
      what heavy barrage it like. The noise is terrible, and there appears to be a sheet
      of flame moving toward the enemy. When you realize that some of the guns used
      are four to five miles in the rear and that the slightest  mistake in elevation or an
      error in judging the wind would make the shells fall short and kill our own men,
      shows how serenity artillery has become.

      As for our own battalion, several things out of the ordinary happened which
      might interest you. One was the band played the men over the humping off
       trench, as it is called. This is a pipe band and is perhaps the only pipe band
       in France not with a highland battalion. The city of Winnipeg presented the
       P.P.C.L.I. with this band when the battalion was first recruited, and it has been
     with them ever since. Also the men actually kicked a football across the contested
     ground. I had read such things happening, but thought it was mostly paper talk.
(See video.)

Grant also read several letters from the War Diary of the 14th Battalion which included Norfolk stories of the advance. According to the war diary's by 7:10 a.m. the Red Line objective was reached; 16 Norfolk men had been killed. After a two hour break the second wave began their final assault on Farbus Woods. By 2:00 p.m. the Canadians had taken Vimy Ridge. Four Norfolk men in the 4th Battalion were killed in action.

Vimy Ridge taken
With a choked voice, Grant read an expert from the newspaper from that time:
     Vimy was the pinnacle of Canadian military  achievement. Canada
      could now take its place among the nations of the world. But what
      a price! While there was breast-thumping pride throughout Canada,
      3,598 families were left to mourn the death of a father, son or brother
      lost on the slopes of Vimy. Over 10,000 more were wounded.

From his research, Grant Smith reported that 22 Norfolk men were killed; 15 were buried in the Nine Elms Cemetery  in Belgium along with two Oxford County men. The two Oxford County soldiers killed were Ernest Hanfield and Private Thomas Cussons. I had the distinct pleasure to be of sitting beside the latter's relative that was in the audience. 

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Private Thomas Cussons killed at Vimy
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Ingersoll Native Thomas Cussons named after his uncle
Grant Ingersoll Native Thomas Cussons was named after his uncle who had enlisted in Ingersoll on January 20, 1916. Private Thomas Cusson was killed during the second wave of the attack during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Grant Smith further reported that the Canadian soldiers "will go on to win battles at Hill 70, Passchndaele, Amiens, Canal du Nord and establish themselves as the most potent 'shock troops' in the war. In the end over 67,000 will die.

And they all had one thing in common - their Canadian cap badge that featured a Crown superimposed on a Maple Leaf. "
  
The Conn Smythe Story
After World War I, Conn Smythe bought a hockey team called the Toronto St. Patrick's in 1927 and renamed it the Toronto Maple Leafs. Grant read the following excerpt why Smythe chose the name:

        The Maple Leaf to us, was the badge of courage, the badge that meant home.
        It was a the badge that reminded us all of our exploits and the different
        difficulties we got into and the different accomplishments we made. It
       was a badge that meant more to us than any other badge that we could
       think of... so we chose it... hoping that the possession of this badge
       would mean something to the team that wore it and when they skated
       out on the ice with this badge on their chest... they would wear it with
       honour and pride and courage, the way it had been worn by the soldiers
       of the first Great War in the Canadian Army.


Grant reported: "It is the same Maple Leaf that is engraved on the graves stones of our soldiers."
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Maple Leaf engraved on soldiers' grave stones
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Toronto Marlies' insignia (Photo courtesy of/& used with permission by Marlies.ca)
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Toronto Maple Leafs Logo
Grant Smith then tells the audience of the connection. Conn Smythe was affiliated with a Major Junior A team called the Marlies which he gave them a crest of a Royal Crown superimposed on a Maple Leaf. The Marlies were affiliated with the Junior B Team the Markham Waxers who also wear the Maple Leaf and Crown. On Opening Day in 1938, Conn Symthe had the Pipes and Drums of the 48th Highland Regiment of Canada - the 15 Battalion at the Battle of Vimy- march onto centre ice to play "The Maple Leaf For Ever."

Bringing it Home
Grant returns to his story in the dressing room at the Markham ice rink. During their first hockey game Grant told the boys a short version of the above mentioned story. During their last game of the season with a a score of 1-1, Grant was asked by his son to give a pep talk. He said to the team: "Boys. You are taking the Maple Leaf to the top of the hill today and you are not stopping half way up. You're going all the way to the top." Grant said the team stormed out of the dressing room and won the game. Later, one boy told his mother that coming out of the dressing room they felt like soldiers.

Grant Smith cited that the moral of the story: "The Maple Leaf is our emblem. It is not some passive warm and cuddly symbol. It was baptized in our blood and will always lead from the front. If you are a Canadian, hockey imitates life. Our younger generation does listen to our stories and songs. We only need to take the time to tell them the words."

Like myself, the rest of the audience was in awe of Grant Smith's story. Someone made the comment that if this was the States, everyone would know of this history. How  true. Every Canadian and hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leaf, should know the history of how the Maple Leaf became the insignia on the hockey jersey. I am sure this story would instil national pride with both the Toronto Maple Leaf players and Canadians who then would be proud to support their hockey team. For the players would play with pride and courage and the team would once again be a source of Canadian pride and Canadians could become "fanatical" Toronto Maple Leaf fans.

Oxford Remembers
Oxford Remembers Oxford's Own - Guide to 100 WW1 Commemorative Events happening in Oxford 2014 - 2018

Gallery of pictures from Grant Smith's presentation. (Pictures taken of the exhibit at the Museum and of Grant Smith's slide show were with consent and permission.) See videos.

Quote: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.” ~ From Poem “For the Fallen” by Robert Laurence Binyon
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Turtlefest & Otterville’s Splash Pad

6/26/2015

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Tillsonburg’s Annual Turtlefest and the opening of Otterville’s Splash pad, just another fun-filled family packed awesome weekend in Oxford County with beautiful weather!

Tillsonburg’s 5th Annual Turtlefest
Patricia Phelps, the Curator of Annandale Historical Site & Museum, was the brainchild behind Tillsonburg's Turtlefest who reported that “Leamington can have tomatoes and Weirton can have Willy, Tillsonburg can have George T.” While researching for topics about 15 to 16 years ago, a newspaper article from 1890 was found reporting how George Tillson, the founder of Tillsonburg, Ontario, stated he would return as a turtle after he died to see how his town prospered. Mr. Tillson died in 1864. According to the newspaper article, a large turtle was found at the Tillson homestead - located off Vienna Street - which a man could stand on. They named the turtle George T and he was put in a cage and displayed to the public.

Patricia Phelps felt the turtle George T should be resurrected and a Committee was struck 6 years ago. As a result, Tillsonburg has been celebrating Turtlefest for 5 years. The three-day long festivity brings over 1,000 people to Tillsonburg with events occurring at various sites throughout the town including the Annandale Historical Site & Museum. This year's event occurred from June 19th to the 21st.
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Sand Sculptor Nick Blandin
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Andy, Lynn Kim & Tassa visit every year
Hamilton native, sand/snow sculptor & artist Nick Blandin, craved a large turtle from sand. The creation “can last a month if protected from other factors like birds” Nick reported. To discourage the fine feathered friends, Nick curls a string of wire and places them on his structure to dissuade birds from landing on his masterpiece.  When asked what his largest sculpture was, Nick reported a dragon that was 45 feet long and 6½ feet high that was built in a parking lot. During the winter months Nick does oil painting.
Never Give Up
Children’s author, Jan Everett, explained how she wrote and illustrated her book Never Give Up as a surprise birthday present for her husband John. The children’s book is about how John tries to save turtles by helping them cross the road. John explained to a group of young children that an underground tunnel was built, the Long Point Causeway Improvement Project, "putting him out of business" for all crawling critters, including snakes, use the tunnel to cross the road. Never Give Up is Jan Everett's first book that she wrote two years ago. She has sold over 500 copies which has been an inspiration to cancer survives but "the book is for everyone" Jan says. The book sells for $9.99.
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Turtle entering culvert (Photo courtesy of/& used with permission by LPCIP)
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9-year-old Michael helps a turtle cross the road with John's help
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Jan & John Everett with her book
U-Belong Initiative
Amanda is a Secret Agent for the U-Belong Initiative with her bunjo chairs. The goal is to encourage people to sit and chat to get to know one another. "Oxford County is one, we are not Tillsonburg, Woodstock or Ingersoll we are all Oxford County. We need to break down the barriers from where we live."  The idea came from the Buddy Bench that a child in the United States came up with. Bunjo chairs will be at all events and festivities throughout Oxford County; it made its debut at Turtlefest.
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Bunjo chairs
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Amanda in front of U-Belong Chair
Turtle Haven
Angie Schoen, is a Wildlife Custodian from Turtle Haven, a non-profit organization dedicated in protecting and providing shelter to turtles and tortoises, explained how pet stores do not report that the cute tiny green turtles grow to the size of dinner plates. Red-Eared Sliders are turtles sold in pet stores that owners tend to release in the wild after 5 years when they grow big and smell. However, Sliders are invasive turtles that are no match for our native Midland Painted Turtles once in the wild. Seven out of 8 species of Ontario turtles are at risk with 2 listed as endangered. As a result, Angie encourages people to call  519-264-2440 when an injured and/or dead turtle is found.
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Tortoise & Painted Turtles
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Angie showing repaired turtle shell
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Eggs extracted from a dead turtle
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Grown Red-Eared Sliders
While there, Turtle Biologist Jory Mullen dropped off an injured Snapping Turtle that she cared for to Turtle Haven. All native turtles even injured ones that are taken home to be cared for, must be returned to a rehabilitation centre like Turtle Haven after 3 days.

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Injured Snapping Turtle
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Biologist, Jory shows underside of turtle
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Dolly & The Skunk Lady
A lot of interesting fact sheets were available at the Ontario Wildlife Rescue table. Animal rescuers, Dana and Josh specialize in providing care to injured animals and amphibians that can include owls, turtles and even skunks to reptiles. Laurel Beechey from Tillsonburg is known as The Skunk Lady who cares for injured skunks. Dolly is a licensed educational animal under MNR that is de-sprayed.
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The Skunk Lady with Dolly
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Animal rescuers Dana & Josh
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Dolly The Skunk
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Other displays and activities at the Annandale Historical Site & Museum included the Pioneer Cemetery, face painting, Turtle Tales, Turtle Find, Turtle Tea and a Historical Walking Tour. Both the little ones and adults alike had plenty to do and see at the 5th Annual Tillsonburg Turtlefest.

Otterville's Mini-Splash Pad
June 20th marked the official opening of the mini-splash pad at Otterville Park and naming of the park. Members from the Otterville Optimist Club, the Friends of the Otterville Park and the Otterville fire fighters all helped to organize and fund-raised for this project. Don King reported that after finding out in 2012 that the wading pool would be coming out, plans were made to have it replaced. “When something needs to be done it gets done” Don said of Otterville residents.
The Trillium Foundation gave a $30,000 grant to cover the $70,000 costs. With various sprayers, the min-splash pad is intended for small children to use. Aside from the splash pad being added, benches and landscaping were installed as well as paving stones with donor’s names on them were around the edge of the pad.

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Opening Ceremony for Mini-Splash Pad
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Getting ready to cut the ribbon
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Official opening
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15-month-old Mason DeWachter 1st splash pad user
According to Gail Lewis, Otterville chose the pool to be a War Memorial. Father and son Dr. H. W. Downing and Dr. Murray Downing thought it would be a good thing for they were treating a lot of infections from children swimming in the Mill Pond. Both the big pool and the wading pool were constructed in 1949. Martin Smith did all the excavation for free as he lost his daughter who had drowned in Mill Pond.
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Otterville Park has a lot of history. It once housed a Crystal Palace that was dismantled to be assembled in the park where Big Bands played like Guy Lombardo with his brother. Gail recalled the story that when Guy played in Otterville, his mother kicked the kitchen staff out saying “no one but me cooks for my boys.”  Various sports were played there including baseball were the games were integrated with both white and black players in the 1800s. Otterville Park was designated a historical site in 1991 to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
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Bronze plaque honouring the area's WW I Veterans
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WWI Memorial Cannon donated by the Federal Government
There are many more stories and historical information on Otterville Park but that will be for another post.


Gallery of pictures from the 5th Annual Tillsonburg Turtlefest & Otterville's Mini-Splash Pad Opening. (NOTE: Guardians' consent and approval was obtained to photograph their children.)
Quote: “Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.” ~ James Bryant Conant
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The Writer’s Circle

5/29/2015

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Tillsonburg Writer’s Circle
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Despite the passing of Robin Falconer Wallace Barker-James on April 21, 2015, the Woodstock Writer’s Circle met for the second time on Wednesday May 20, 2015. Robin was the brainchild for both the Woodstock Writer’s Circle and the Tillsonburg Writer’s Circle.

The
Tillsonburg Writer’s Circle met for the first time on March 19, 2015. There were 20 people in attendance with a wide range of skills and backgrounds from farmers wanting to document the history of an organization, to writers, poets and songwriters who had published books and even a few of his former students. Robin, who had organized and led the group, asked members how the group was to run. It was decided to meet biweekly for two hours and to have a writing assignment to complete and an opportunity to share their writings for the group to provide creative feedback. Robin told the group that “we are all story-tellers” and suggested to write a page each day, about 570 words.

One goal of the Writer’s Circle that Robin suggested was paying dues to have a 50 – 50 draw and to raise money to either send a student to a Writer’s Conference or for a bursary. I’m thinking that a bursary for a student would be most fitting in honour of Robin Barker-James.
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Robin Barker-James (Picture taken by Jackie Thompson)
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Robin Barker-James
Robin Barker-James was an extraordinary man. Not only was he the author of the book The Last Trench Fighter
that he made into a play in 2012 called “1914: The Last Trench Fighter” he was a military historian who was the founding member of the Tillsonburg Military History Club in 2007 and the former President. He so much loved the history of World War I that he dug trenches on his Tillsonburg property, the Bill Findley Outdoor Education Centre
(Barker-James Outdoor History Site) where for 18 years he ran educational programs for students to experience first-hand what life, death, combat and the horrors of the First World War was like with his Trench Tours.

Robin was a retired history, English and Drama teacher at Glendale High School who was well-loved by his students. (Read the following article entitled Robin Barker-James
"a legend of a man" from one of his former students,
Leslie Waghorn.) For his dedication in bringing outdoor experiences to his students, Robin Barker-James received the Diamond Jubilee Medal on June 25, 2012.

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Diamond Jubilee Medal program closed on February 28, 2013
("Created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, this commemorative medal served to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving Canadians were recognized.") (Both text and image cited from website: https://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=eng)

 

_A memorial service will be held for Robin at the Lions Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Centre, on Saturday May 30, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

The Woodstock Writer’s Circle
Author and former Woodstock resident Vicki Van Sickle spoke on April 16, 2015 about Getting Published at the Woodstock Public Library.  Who knew that that would be the last time we would see Robin Parker-James alive? He was present when
Darlene Pretty, Manager of Public Services at the Woodstock Public Library, announced that Robin would be starting a Writer’s Circle on May 6, 2015 and showed the book mark with his picture on it. Five days later, Robin James-Barker died in his sleep of sudden cardiac arrest.  
Like their first session, eleven people were present at the Woodstock Writer’s Circle.  One such person was Fred Freeman who shared with the group that he has been writing for a number of years with Southgate and for the Sentinel-Review. His column Watts New appears every other Friday in the Sentinel-Review.

Fred stated that everyone was asking him why he doesn’t write a book. So he did. Called Grandpa Fred and The Shinplaster is a collection of 28 articles that Fred Freeman has written over the years. He writes “about anything and everything.” One example is an article on Home Children, in 1910, 100,000.00 children from England came to Canada to work. Fred said his father-in-law was a Home Child. He also passed around one of his latest articles from his column entitled Big Becky the first power plant at Niagara Falls. You could hear the passion in Fred’s voice as he provided the history of the plant.
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Fred Freeman with his book
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Book Grandpa Fred and The Shinplaster
Another member, Pete read a paragraph of and passed around a few pages of the science-fiction book he is working on. Pete explained in 1998, he was hit by a drunk driver while walking. After spending a week in a coma he sustained brain injuries and lost the ability to read and write. However, ten years ago Pete went back to writing, something he had not done since his childhood. He reported that he had to relearn the alphabet which was very frustrating. Writing seemed to be a catharsis for Pete to help heal from that ordeal. Due to the accident, Pete has to relay on a powered wheelchair to get around.  

Over the last two weeks Pete wrote about 200 pages. Nevertheless, Pete reported he was not satisfied with his progress. I informed Pete that given his situation and how far he has come, it was phenomenal! His story was amazing and many of the other group members told him they could not wait to read his finished product.

In an attempt to "open the door" to her grandchildren about death and dying, Wendy Cooper wrote her book My Heart Will Sing.
Other members of the Writer's Circle shared their  "homework" assignment with the group. The topic was red hat and everyone who contributed had good stories. People felt this was a safe place to read their writing, something they would not have imagined doing before.

Group Facilitator,
Jackie Thompson, Information Services at the
Woodstock Public Library, shared her research on finding an agent and on writer’s block. Just like Robin Barker-James stated, "all that is required" to attend the Writer's Circle "is a desire to write." It is no wonder that Oxford County has numerous authors like
Brian Reynolds,
a member of the evening book club, who published his first novel entitled Mouse with  Smashwords, an on-line publishing website. Also, author Elaine Cougler who will be at the Norwich Public Library on June 16th at 6:30 p.m. to talk about her book Loyalist Luck Book Two of Loyalist Trilogy.
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With venues like the Writing Circles and other Writing Clubs, I suspect there will be a slew of other authors emerging from Oxford County in the near future.

Other Writing Clubs

Norwich Library Writing Club - meets the 1st Wednesday each month 
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Norwich Public Library
Next meeting:
Wednesday  June 3, 2015
Contact:
519-863-3307

Tillsonburg Writer’s Circle -
meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at
Tillsonburg Library's Program Room
Next meeting: Thursday June 11, 2015
Contact: 519-842-5571

Woodstock Writer’s Circle - meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Woodstock Public Library
Next meeting: Wednesday  June 3, 2015
Contact:
519-539-4801 Ext. 3001
Gallery of photos from the Woodstock Writer's Circle on Wednesday May 20, 2015:
Quote: “There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
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Dynamic Presenters at Learning Unlimited (Oxford)

4/30/2015

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Learning Unlimited (Oxford)
One of many things older adults can look forward to in their retirement years, is continuing to attend learning opportunities. Learning Unlimited (Oxford) is one such endeavour. Founded by the late Eva Latham on September 29, 1982, Learning Unlimited (Oxford) owes its existence to Eva Latham who was “a brilliant and inspirational leader, through whose vision and will, the organization came into being. She was the founder and the driving force which made it possible for seniors of Woodstock and area to come together with a common cause. She and they believed that ‘using the mind preserves it’ and that older people need educational stimulation if they are to stay alive in the community. That belief is still very much alive today. The total program has been designed to stimulate interest in a wide variety of topics, increase knowledge, and develop seniors’ sense of self-worth, confidence and dignity.” (Learning Unlimited (Oxford) brochure.)

Learning Unlimited (Oxford) is an eight week program for older adults
that runs every Wednesdays from October to November. The second program runs from March to April. There are two sessions consisting of two interesting and engaging speakers. Coffee is served at 10:00 a.m. followed by the first presenter from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Lunch is available for $8.00 at noon with the second session running from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

On April 8, 2015, author John McKenty was the presenter in the morning session and motivational speaker Marva Wisdom spoke in the afternoon. Newly appointed President of Learning Unlimited (Oxford), Paul Ward, opened the program telling a few jokes. Shirley Rowe, Program Committee, introduced the guest speaker, John McKenty, who worked at the same CCM plant with her husband. John McKenty spoke to the large audience about the Canada Cycle & Motor: The CCM Story.
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Author John McKenty with Paul Ward, President of Learning Unlimited (Oxford)
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John McKenty's book Canada Cycle & Motor: The CCM Story
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Canada Cycle & Motor: The CCM Story
John McKenty explained how as a retired school principal he got involved in writing his book about the history of CCM, Canadian Cycle and Motor Company. Growing up in Perth and his love for history, John McKenty researched and wrote a book about local brothers owning a hardware store who had a lot of CCM advertisements. John focused his research on CCM. His book Canada Cycle & Motor: The CCM Story is mainly about the company's history. 
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Draisienne (Hobby-horse) 1818
But to understand the history of CCM, one must first understand the history of the bicycle. However, no one knows for sure where the bicycle came from or who invented it. In order to get around in his large gardens, Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun of Germany got his local blacksmith to build a bicycle he designed. The draisienne or Hobby- horse was born. Made entirely from wood, one would walk or run to move the bicycle.

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Safety Bicycle ca 1888
Mr. Dunlop developed the rubber tire in 1888 with air that he made for his son’s tricycle. That same year the first coaster brake was developed and the chain and sprocket were attached to the back wheel. The bicycle was no longer made entirely of wood, it now had two wheels of the same size and brakes were used making it a safe bicycle. Everyone wanted one. Soon women not just men were riding bicycles. But bicycles were not used by youngsters. They were made for adults, priced for adults and targeted for adults for they had the money to purchase them. However, with the advance of the horseless carriages, the motor vehicle, everything changed. Everyone wanted these new powerful machines. Therefore, youngsters were targeted to purchase bicycles. According to John McKenty, CCM did an excellent job in this. CCM flooded the schools from east to west with their scribblers or exercise books with their slogan “School Days are Bicycle Days.” CCM products like bicycles, ice tacks, skates were advertised throughout the scribblers. CCM ingeniously entered the youth market in a big way.

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Velocipede (“fast-foot”) ca 1869
In France, a blacksmith named Pierre Michaux, developed the first pedal equipped bicycle known as the velocipede or fast-foot. No longer did the rider have to walk, pedals were used to turn the two wheels on the bicycle. This bicycle became very popular but it was very uncomfortable and dangerous. The only way to stop was to wait for it to slow down or run it up a tree.

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High-wheeler (“penny-farthing”) ca 1874
In England the front wheel was made bigger. There were many High-wheeler Bicycle Clubs (Woodstock is no exception) that were formed where members wore uniforms resembling military. In a group, Club members looked like a battalion. The front racer even had a whistle or bugle. Bicycle races became quite a popular sport in its day. However, problems with the High-wheeler consisted of sudden stops. The phrase “taking a header” came from here.

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The Rover popular for both men & women
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CCM Scribblers
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CCM's aggressive advertisement during the Depression
Massey-Harris Agricultural Works
Daniel Massey established Massey Agricultural Works in Newcastle, Ontario in 1847. After Daniel Massey died, his only son Hart Massey took over the family business and in 1891 merged with their competitor Harrison to form Massey-Harris. A plant was located in Brantford, Ontario with the head office in Toronto. Massey-Harris was the largest manufacturer in the British Empire.
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Massey Bicycle Works - The Silver Ribbon
In 1896 Hart Massey died, his fourth son Walter Massey took over as President. He had a great interest in bicycles and felt Canada had everything except the patent to build bicycles here. A deal was strict with Coronal Pope who was paid $10.00 for every bicycle sold to use his patent. The Massey Works Bicycle built the Silver Ribbon. These bicycles were only built for a short time. As a result, today a Silver Ribbon Bicycle, according to John McKenty, is a valuable piece of manufacturing history.

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The Silver Ribbon
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The Birth of CCM
However, Massey Bicycle Works had stiff competition from Spalding Bicycles who opened a very large operation in Hamilton, Ontario. Walter Massey wanted investors and looked at his Methodist church congregation to Senator George A. Cox and Sir Joseph Flavelle. Both men were millionaires. With their financial backing, Walter Massey bought out four bicycle competitors and merged them with Massey Bicycle Works to create CCM, Canada Cycle & Motor Company. In September 1899 CCM was launched and shares were bought. What could go wrong with investors like Senator Cox and Sir Flavelle involved?

Nevertheless, money was lost on this venture for many reasons according John McKenty. One reason was the advance of the motorcar. However, another reason was CCM’s public relations problem. In rural Canada people wondered why billionaires like Senator Cox and Sir Flavelle were interested in bicycles, men who were chauffeured around. They figured it was for the money. They were right. In 1903 Thomas A. Russell, who grew up on a farm in Exeter, Ontario, helped to turn CCM’s public relations around. He closed all four plants and kept the one at Toronto Junction.

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CCM Model Car - The Russell
CCM made a Canadian car for Canadians but it was only produced for ten years. In 1950 with the war effort, CCM helped build military supplies. After the war, CCM could not build a vehicle in Toronto for what Henry Ford could in Detroit, Michigan. Canadians were patriot but would not pay almost $2,000.00 for a motor vehicle when they could purchase one for $500.00.

Automobile Skates
CCM became synonymous with ice tacks or skates. The steel used in the bumpers from the Russell Automobiles were used to make the CCM’s
Automobile Skates. Until 1920 CCM made the blade and boot together. CCM skates were favoured among famous hockey players, except for Gordie Howe who wore Bauer skates, and they produced panels every year of the winning hockey team for the season. In order to draw in the younger crowds to their tacks, CCM turned to Bobby Hull, the most celebrated hockey player in the country, and launched the Bobby Hull line where his picture and signature were used on bicycles and hockey equipment.
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Winning hockey team poster
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George Parsons
George Parsons signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in October 1935. However, his hockey career was over before it was stated.  In March 1939, he got a hockey stick to his left eye which
cut his retina. He lost the sight in that eye and it was eventually removed ending his hockey career. At age 25 George Parsons was forced to retire. He was hired at CCM and   throughout his 40 years there, he raised through the ranks. Parsons's most notable achievement was the CCM full-mask helmet. For years he lobbied to make it mandatory for hockey players to wear hockey helmets. This was achieved in August 1978, when players in the National Hockey League had to wear protective helmets.

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Spent 40 years with CCM & designed CCM's hockey helmet
CCM Plant in Weston, Ontario
In 1917, CCM built a new plant in Weston, Ontario. Again, CCM would struggle had some up and down cycles. Whereas CCM’s price went up their quality went down at the same time when their competitors’ price went down and their quality went up like Rollies. CCM was bought out by Pro-Cycle in 1983 and the Weston plant was closed.
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The History of Bicycle Racing
Bicycle racing was a popular sport 100 hundred years ago. Canadian brothers Willie and Arthur Spencer were bicycle champions. Willie Spencer won his first six day race in San Francisco in 1917 and his younger brother Arthur won the American Sprint Championship. Willie Spencer was one of a few six-day bicycle racer champions for CCM where he rode the CCM Flyer. He would win almost all bicycle races both in North America and overseas. Willie Spencer also was a promoter for bicycle racing at Maple Leaf Gardens.

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Willie Spencer at 15, as the 1922 American sprint champion & promoter at Maple Leaf Gardens
Six-Day Bicycle Races
Despite that both hockey and baseball were popular professional sports throughout North America, bicycle racers made big money both from their winnings and from their sponsors. John McKenty reported that bicycle racers were making more money than Babe Ruth between 1914 to the 1930s. One of the highest payed professional athlete at that time was the
six-day bicycle racer William “Torchy” Peden. Peden received a gold-plated bicycle, the  CCM Flyer, for his many winnings.
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Former CCM tool-and-die maker Gord Chard & John McKenty
Gord Chard
Long-time CCM employee Gord Chard took two weeks to shut down the CCM operation. He turned out the lights and locked the doors at CCM for the last time. The Weston plant was demolished soon afterwards. CCM played a huge part in Gord's life; he met his wife Alice there, they spent a lot of their social life at the manufacturing company and Gord played on the CCM industrial hockey team.  John McKenty stated that CCM was a fascinating part of Canadian history, culture, sports and manufacturing.
Conclusion
John McKenty gave a synopsis of his presentation. CMM crossed so many pieces of Canadian history. They made tacks; had a close relationship with professional athletes. They provided scribblers to all schools throughout Canada during the depression and they had champion bicycle racers.
In June 2013 Canada Post released two permanent stamps dedicating Canadian motorcycle manufacture, one stamp was the CCM 1908 Lightweight Motor Cycle.
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"© Canada Post Corporation, 2013. Reproduced with Permission."
PictureMarva Wisdom speaks to the large audience at Learning Unlimited (Oxford)
The Past President of Learning Unlimited (Oxford) Bernard Calder, thanked John McKenty for his informative presentation. 

Marva Wisdom - The Second Dynamic Presenter  
Following lunch, Learning Unlimited (Oxford) member
Inez Fishwick introduced the afternoon speaker, Marva Wisdom who was described as a great leader who speaks about her personal and professional life. Marva Wisdom is a consultant of her organization called Wisdom Consulting. She is a dedicated volunteer, mentor and advisor who has received numerous awards. She is the President of the Guelph Black History Society; the Founding Chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (Guelph Chapter) and was the Director for both the YMCA/YWCA of Guelph and the Rotary Club of Guelph. Marva Wisdom coined the acronym L.E.a.D. which stands for Leadership, Engagement, and Diversity, qualities she uses to bring both the community and the country together. Marva Wisdom’s topic was "Building Community and the Modern Day Underground Railroad".

Marva Wisdom described how her parents emigrated from Jamaica to settle in Tavistock, Ontario. She explained that there were a lot of immigrants who settled in Canada as it was perceived to be “the land of milk and honey.” Her father settled on a farm for the family lived in the country in Jamaica. Marva Wisdom explained that she never fitted in living in Tavistock and going to school. However, when the family moved to Stratford, Ontario, where her parents still reside, she fitted in better there. People were much warmer and more welcoming. Marva reported how she was called the “N” word walking down the hall at school. The next day there were eight guys who lined the hallway and chanted her name. This happened everyday when she walked by. Marva Wisdom stated she would like to thank those young men who lifted her spirits. She reported that every person has a story to tell. People "need to own their history, to own their stories. We are all similar in more ways than we know. In our differences is where we find our learning. We need to find safe places to share our stories."


The BME Church in Guelph
Moving from her personal life to her professional life, Marva Wisdom explained how the BME
(British Methodist Episcopal) Church in Guelph was up for sale in 2011. Despite residing in Guelph with her family for 25 years, Marva only visited the church on two occasions. Guelph did not have an organized black population. A lot of research on the  area showed that during the 1800s and 1920s, 20% of Guelph's population were black.

The Church was built in 1880 by former fugitive slaves who arrived in the area via the Underground Railroad. Marva Wisdom confessed that she was not aware of the black history in the area aside from the Queen's Bush Settlement in Wellington County. Since this was such a significant historic site, Marva Wisdom could not see the property sold with the possibility of  the church being demolished. She reported that there were a about 50 to 60 offers in purchasing the church. As a result,
along with
the Guelph Black Heritage Society, where she is the President, Marva Wisdom also got the Methodist Church involved. She realized that the church could be used in many possibilities within the community.

Marva Wisdom explained how there are 36 properties on parsonage from Niagara Falls to St. Catherine's, Brantford and Woodstock. Furthermore, across southwestern Ontario, one in ten of these properties are left to be maintained by churches like the
Nathaniel Dett Chapel in Niagara Falls. However, despite good intentions of wanting to purchase the church, there were a lot going against them like a lean on the property and litigation.

Nevertheless,
the Guelph Heritage Society was successful in purchasing the property for $100,00.00 a lot more money then they had indented to spend but there were a lot of legal fees.

The Guelph Heritage Society
The final sale of the BME Church in Guelph was secured on November 12, 2012.
The 131-year old church is rented out all week and has many programs from all different cultures occur there. One program is a circle of  youths and elders who share their stories. Marva Wisdom reported that the plan for the Guelph Black Heritage Society is for the space to be available for the community to be used  as a cultural, historical and social centre.
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Marva Wisdom stated that it is important "securing our history, heritage is important. The Underground Railroad is no just about black people, it is about us we stand together and we fall together." The centre is a safe place for people to tell their stories and she cited the various programs and events that occur there. 

However, Marva Wisdom explained that although there are historic sites, sometimes they are not always protected. She provided an example when she visited Africville in Nova Scotia. Despite a plaque to acknowledge this once Black Canadian community that was ravaged with racist tactics forcing the residents to leave during the 1960s, its set up in a dog park. Ironically, underneath the dedication signage was a dog waste disposal unit. Marva Wisdom reported that when she brought this to someone's attention there was flack with residents in relocating the dog park. No one wanted to acknowledge the past historical significance of that land mark. Nevertheless, a comprise was eventually reached.

Marva Wisdom was a bit disappointed when she realized there was not enough time for questions.
Learning Unlimited (Oxford) member, Jim Elliot thanked the afternoon speaker.  A crowd gathered around Marva Wisdom following the meeting to ask their questions.

Learning Unlimited (Oxford)
All in all it was a most interesting and informative day listening to both these dynamic presenters John McKenty and Marva Wisdom. Although over now for the year, rest assured one can anticipate another year of great presenters at Learning Unlimited (Oxford). The $30.00 fee is well worth the cost. All sessions meet in the Auditorium of  the former Br. 55 Royal Canadian Legion, since April 11, 2015 renamed
The Private T.W. Todd Memorial Hall, located at 576 Brant Street in Woodstock. For further information you can contact Irene Lazenby at 519-462-2597. 
Gallery of photos. Also see videos of John McKenty's talk: 
Quote: "The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old." ~ Rosalyn S. Yalow
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Summer at Norwich United Church

3/24/2015

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Summer’s Country Wagon
St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated at Norwich United Church with a Jamaican luncheon. On Tuesday March 17, 2015, Summer Dunchie spoke to the United Church Women’s Group (UCW) at their General Meeting about her native foods and served about 27 members lunch. Summer is the one-woman operation of the chip wagon located at 7 Stover Street South in Norwich called "Summer’s Country Wagon" which is painted in the Jamaican flag’s colours of green, yellow and black. Summer’s is opened from May 1st to October 31st, she serves both Canadian and West Indian foods like jerk chicken, jerk pork, curry goat, oxtail with rice and peas, rotis with goat, shrimp, chicken or vegetarian. Her most popular item is jerk chicken wings.
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Summer’s Country Wagon open May 1st to October 31st
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(Picture from the internet)
PictureSummer Dunchie speaks to UCW
Ackee and salt fish
Summer described what she was serving the group; ackee and salt fish, another ackee dish without fish, green bananas, fried dumplings, fried plantation, rice and coleslaw. Carrot juice Jamaican style was also served as a beverage. Summer began cooking the food that morning from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Summer explained that ackee and salt fish is the national dish of Jamaica. Ackee is grown in clusters in ten feet high evergreen trees. There are certain parishes in Jamaica where ackee was grown, St. Elizabeth and
Clarendon.  Ackee was imported from Africa around 1788 probably from a slave ship. Now Jamaicans usually grow ackee as well as bananas and plantain. When ripen, ackee is pear shaped and turns from green to red. Three black seeds are exposed. Ackee is a delicacy that is served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.


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Ackee tree (picture from the internet)
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Ackee in a meal (picture supplied by Summer)
Summer opened her food stall in May 2013 and has resided in the village of Norwich since last year when she joined the Norwich United Church. Summer found people to be "awesome” and is supported by all members of the community including students from both schools. Locals are getting use to the taste of Caribbean foods. When someone is not sure of something Summer provides free samples. During the months she is closed, Summer caters birthday parties, weddings, funerals, New Year’s Eve parties and even Chamber of Commerce events.

The United Church Women's Group
The United Church Women's Group meet monthly and hold general meetings quarterly. As a member of the Church and UCW, Summer was asked to give a presentation. She thought not only will she talk about her native Jamaican foods but she would also offer lunch. The best way to talk about something is to try it out or taste it.

President of UCW Lois Iring opened the meeting with a prayer. Doris
Empey introduced the entertainment. The female quartet consisting of Linda Torkelson - Secretary - Joanne Ward, Janet Hilliker and Julie Ferris sang the Negro Spiritual “King Jesus is Coming” in a capella. Following the singing Doris Empey introduced the guest speaker, Summer Dunchie.
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Female Quartet: Julie Ferris, Janet Hilliker, Joanne Ward & Linda Torkelson
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St. Patrick, a.k.a. Deborah Dufton, Norwich Museum Curator
Pictures of the fruit/vegetable ackee were provided by Summer in its varying forms:
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Linda serves coleslaw to Janet Slater
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Jamaican food
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Scrumptious desserts, some green to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, were served along with tea and coffee. A good time was had by all who seemed to enjoy their first Jamaican luncheon of ackee and salt fish.
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Lenore Reeves choices dessert
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Pianist Karen McFadden, Norwich United Church’s Choir Director, played a hymn while collection was taken. Both Janet Slater and Doris Empey read passages and the group sang a hymn. Doris thanked Summer for speaking and she was presented with a nice floral arrangement. Lois Irving thanked everyone to make this day happen. 
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Shirley Miller, Janet Slater, Doris Embey & Karen McFadden at the piano
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Floral arrangement for Summer
History of NUC and UCW
In speaking to long-time church member Jessie Tribe, she provided me with a brief history of the church. Jessie has been a member of the Norwich United Church since she was seven years old. That is when she and her younger brother who was five at the time were baptized. At 94 Jessie
continues to attend church with her family. She was an active member of the church who taught Sunday School for 40 years, was the Church Secretary for more then 10 years and sat on the Board of Directors taking turns in office. Along with now President Lois Irving, Jessie also helped formed the UCW in the 1960’s.

Jessie explained how there were two associations, the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and the Women’s Association (WA) where she belonged to both. Nationally, the United Church Women was formed when these two groups amalgamated on January 1st, 1962.

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3 of 4 generations of the Tribe Family Lori & Lyla Visser & Jessie Tribe
Meeting times
Regular Meetings of the United Church Women's Group are held the second Tuesday each month. The next meeting will be on April 14th at 2:00 p.m. held at a member’s home. General Meetings occur about three times a year with a guest speaker. All meetings are open to any woman regardless of their religious orientation. Anyone interested in joining can contact President Lois Irving at 519-863-2036.

Gallery of pictures from the UCW's St. Patrick's Day Jamaican luncheon:

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Public Speaking Association - Woodstock Chapter

3/17/2015

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PSA Meetings
On Tuesday February 17, 2015, the Public Speaking Association (PSA) held their meeting at the Five Star Buffet Restaurant in Woodstock. Executive Director of the Woodstock Chapter, Peter Wright, explained to the group that PSA is an organization on how to market yourself as a speaker. This is not Toastmasters (where Peter is a member) it helps people speak to a crowd. The motto is: “Change the World from the Front of the Room.”

Peter sees the two organizations as complimentary: "Toastmasters helps people learn to speak and develop leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment. There are organized programs and projects helping people create and deliver speeches for many different situations. Speech organization and creation, posture, vocal variety and storytelling are a few examples. Toastmasters does not actively provide speaking engagements for members. The Public Speakers Association’s primary purpose is to help members find opportunities to speak to groups and to build a successful speaking career. It does this through promotional activities, a directory of members and publicity. It does provide additional training through meetings, webinars and monthly training calls.”

The Public Speaking Association started in the United States by Tanya Hoffman who is the CEO and Founder. She reports that being a speaker “is about changing lives, whatever your specialty is somebody is waiting for you.” If you get nervous speaking in front of a group, PSA can help, if you have  been speaking for a little while you can tweak it, use them as a platform to try different things and find out about speaking opportunities. If you have been speaking for a long time PSA would love to connect with you. According to Tanya, “speaking is hugely motivating, fulfilling and an incredible way to make amazing money.” Build your business by becoming a speaker.

PSA came to Canada in early 2014 yet there are already six chapters: Alberta; Cambridge, Kitchener & Waterloo Chapter; Mississauga; Niagara; Toronto and Woodstock. Peter started the Woodstock Chapter in October 2014.

There are only two major rules to attend meetings:

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Peter explained the three levels of membership, General Speaker Members, Featured Speakers and Director’s Program. Each level of membership entitles one to more opportunities to grow your business. Public Speaking Association Meetings also have informative guest speakers and the Woodstock Chapter was no exception.

It’s Understood Communication

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Keeping to the theme of public speaking, guest speaker Sue Johnston, Communication Coach and Trainer, spoke to the group about her book Talk To Me: Workplace Conversations That Work. “Sue helps you talk so people listen, listen so people talk, and change the world one conversation at a time.”

With a degree in Psychology and Sociology and a MBA in Communication Management, Sue established her business It’s Understood Communication, a communication coaching, training and consulting business, in March 2003 where she is the Head Coach. Her manifesto is “Our mission is to save the world from poor communication.”

Sue’s book is best described in her own words via a 2:41 minute YouTube:
Sue provided the group with a user guide to conversation which she reports is the most powerful business tool. The group also identified their communication style. Communication assessments are available on her website. With her colorful stories and engaging manner, one could listen forever to Sue Johnston talk about improving communication.

Meeting Times

The Public Speaking Association Woodstock Chapter meets every 3rd Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Five Star Buffet Restaurant located at 327 Norwich Avenue in Woodstock, Ontario. Contact Peter Wright for more information.

The Woodstock Toastmasters, who changed its name to Oxford Orators, meet
every Monday except holiday weekends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Canadian Mental Health Association at 522 Peel Street in Woodstock, Ontario.
Guests are always welcome to attend either organization.

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Happenings at Norwich Public Library

2/19/2015

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Black History Month

February is Black History Month. The Norwich Public Library had a beautiful display depicting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quotes to commemorate Black History Month. “Why is a month needed to celebrate Black History? The need to celebrate Black History is to educate the public of the history of Black people and the contributions they have made in Canada. Although Blacks have been in this country since the 1600’s, there was not a lot of information on this subject. Early historical books have no mention of Blacks in Canada nor do they mention their contribution throughout Canadian history. There were few or no monuments or museums to acknowledge them. One reason why history was not recorded is that people did not record their stories, being too busy struggling to survive. Furthermore, stories were not passed on to their children due to the shame associated with the past.”1

However, there is now an abundant source of information on this subject; a Google search can attest to this. Also, the recent airing of Lawrence Hill’s novel The Book of Negroes, has drawn attention to Black History and the renewed interest on the subject that many people were not aware of, like Canada having slaves. (There are some great ideas using The Book of Negroes in the classroom.) Locally, there were well-established and thriving Black communities within Oxford County that have long since disappeared and are largely forgotten. Black History Month is the one time of year that these communities are brought back to life and remembered as the thriving settlements they once were.

Black History Month is due to the efforts of Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson; a noted black American scholar and historian. In 1926 he proposed Negro Week to
honour the accomplishments of Black Americans during the second week in February to coincide with the birthdays of American abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 14th) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12), who is credited with the abolition of American slavery. In 1976, Black History Week was changed to Black History Month in the United States. In 1996, February was declared Black History Month across Canada thanks to the Ontario Black History Society.

There are no Black History events happening in Oxford County this year but there are in other communities like London. The London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC) has numerous events for Black History Month. Check out their posters below for further details.
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The play "Intimate" at the Grand Theatre in London
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Justine Turner & Mark Drewe's documentary. Contact Justine Turner at 519-697-3430, website: http://londonsblackhistoryfilm.com/
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Local Author at the Library

On Wednesday January 28, 2015, local author W.
(Whitney) J. Dickson from Burgessville, Ontario read from her new book The First Born of the Dead to a small gathering at the Norwich Public Library. With a degree in Environmental Management from York University and a Masters degree in Archaeology from the University of Oxford, Whitney studied history of
eugenics and population control. The first two years she studied all the foundations in the environmental sciences. In her third and fourth years she "did a lot of computer modeling in extrapolating trends by taking computer models of planet earth and putting in as many sort of variables that you possible can to see what is going to achieve the best results." What they found "every single time were these brutal population crashes happening around 2050, 2065. It is not due to famine as most people feel but uncontrollable diseases. If deadly concentrations of populations are not stopped, they will stop themselves."

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That is the premise of her book, “looking at what do we need to do today to achieve the best outcome for population control now to prevent devastation in the future.” Whitney's thesis was on the controlled and forced population control. “What if they adopted these recommendations and changed the law tomorrow to enforce population control what outcome would we end up with in the future?”  

From the Goodreads website, a summary of Whitney’s book The First Born of the Dead is described as the following: “The Yates twins, Anna and Aurora, are born into a true aristocracy: one determined not by gender, ethnicity or culture, but by species. Although they are raised with the paradigm that genetics is the most important factor in defining their identities, these two very different sisters know there is more to who they are. When a rogue group of government scientists reveal the depth of institutionalized discrimination, Anna and Aurora know they must fight for the cause of equality. Set to the backdrop of a revolution, this is the bittersweet story of a family caught in the middle of a political struggle and torn apart by extremism.”

Whitney answered questions from the audience who were mainly from the Teen Book Club like Brodie Harris and Keaton Lagkeman-Marshall who was in attendance with his brother Rhome. Local residence Doris
Empey who babysat Whitney for three years,  reported that "it is nice to see young people like Whitney succeed."

When asked by Librarian Page, Lia Byl what the best advice she could offer to anyone interested in writing, W. J. Dickson reported: "don’t study [creative writing course] at school instead take a science course". She does not believe one has to attend school to learn how to write. She had considered going to college and university to take a creative writing course but the advice she was given was if "you study writing at school you are only going to write books about books that have already been written and adopt the voice of authors who are already known for that voice and I think there is a lot of truth to that. One of the most important thing is to develop your own voice. Don’t study creative writing at school study the thing you want to write about. You need to develop your own voice."

The genre of The First Born of the Dead is Science Fiction published by Double Dragon Publishing in August 2013. This over 200 page book is Dickson's first novel. Available to
download the eBook through Indigo, Chapters, Lulu.com, iTunes Barnes & Nobles, Amazon-kindle or Kobo.

Happenings at the Norwich Public Library

Each month the Norwich Public Library puts out book markers that lists all their numerous clubs and activities that occur each month.


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The various clubs include:
  • Knitting at the Library - Every Wed. 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
  • Writers Club - Every 1st Wed. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Teen Book Club - Wed.  Feb. 25th @ 6:30 p.m.
  • Adult Book Club - Thurs. Feb. 26th @ 7:00 p.m.

Services include:

  • SMART - Seniors Maintaining Active Roles - Every Wed. & Fri. @ 12:30 p.m.
  • Read With Me - Weekly reading to a volunteer reader spots available
  • Ontario Early Years - Every Friday 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Arts & Crafts:
  • After School Craft/Gaming - Every Thurs. @ 4:00 p.m.
  • Nail Art - Every other month @ 6:30 p.m.
  • Feature Saturday - Once a month - Mar. 14th, Book Bags
  • Nutty Science - Tues. Feb. 24th @ 6:00 p.m.

Movies:
  • Classic Film - Wed. Feb. 18th @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Movie Night - Thurs. Feb. 19th @ 5:30 p.m., "Tammy"
  • Movie Matinee - Sat. Feb. 28th @ 11:00 a.m., "The Maze Runner"

The Norwich Public Library has something for everyone's tastes and interests.



(1 From the article “The importance of Black History Month” by Heather A. Rennalls published in The Oxford Review, Saturday, February 19, 2000 Page 17.)

Gallery of photos from author W. J. Dickson's visit to the Norwich Public Library. Refer to my Google + to view three videos on W. J. Dickson.

(Note: Parents' consent and approval was obtained to photograph children.)
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