Two journalistic projects highlighted the evening recently at the 85th annual meeting of the Wellington County Historical Society, (WCHS). Members were presented with the recently-released journal, the 26th annual publication of “Wellington County History.”
In his opening remarks president Ron Hattle drew attention to several accomplishments the WCHS has been involved with over the past year: the digitization project partnering with the Museum and Archives through which all essays since 1943, plus copies of the Journal from its beginning in 1989 were scanned and stored on the website.
The WCHS partnered with the Clifford society for the publication of an updated Clifford history book authored by Ray Shaus. There was also plaque repainting through partnership with Heritage Centre Wellington and the Arthur and District Historical Society.
Greetings, including a list of projects and upcoming events, were extended from Arthur, Guelph-Eramosa Heritage, Minto Heritage Group, Mapleton, Harriston, the Wellington Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, and the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
A memorial tribute was paid to four influential society members: Ross Irwin, David Beattie, Marjorie Durnford and James Gow.
The society’s essay contest dates back to 1943, and is open to all adults and juniors in the county. This year’s topic was “Winter.” Among the adults was a tie for first between Elisabeth Easterbrook of Fergus with Run Towards the Light, and Betty Quast of Rockwood for First Winter Experience. Second was Silvana Sangiuliano, Belwood, with Stop The Car.
Among the Juniors, 10-year-old Abby Griffin, of Rockwood, took top honours with her story A Snowflake’s Journal.
Winning and honourable mention entries may be read online at www.wellingtonadvertiser.com.
First Place (Tie): First Experience I Remember – Betty Quast and Run Towards the Light – Elisabeth Easterbrook;
Second Place: Papa Stop The Car – Silvana Sangiuliano;
Honourable Mention: An Assortment of Memories – Irene Workman, Born In England – Cynthia Rabstein, Wintering in the Wilds of Wellington – Jim Soul, Winter– Mikayla Kent (Age 9) Elora, and Storm-stayed – Betty Audet.
Guest Ken Edwards gave an informative talk on “The Railway Stations of Wellington County: From 50 to One in 100 Years.” For Edwards, the most important line was the Wellington, Grey and Bruce. Palmerston was the biggest most active station, with 30 trains a day arriving and departing. In addition Edwards gave a whirlwind tour of the various other stations and flag-stops up and down the County of Wellington.
Each of the county historical societies has events of interest to the general public during the upcoming months.
Notable from the museum is the opening of “the barn” – the renovation of the old bank barn now accessible to the public with interpretive panels and displays of original agricultural equipment.
The official opening of an outdoor exhibit that tells the story of men, women and children who were buried in the House of Industry (Poor House) Cemetery between 1877 and l946 will be held on June 27 at 3pm.
The cemetery is just east of the Museum on Wellington Road 18 next to the Trestle Bridge.
