Chairman Bill Smith noted 18 months had passed with 16 more to go at the Clifford Homecoming 2017 meeting held March 12 at Knox United Church.
A Canada 150th grant hinges on Clifford’s Canada Day claim to fame. Whether an intentional celebration or not, Historical Sketches of Clifford notes that Clifford citizens back in 1867 banded together on Monday, July 1 to raise the rafters on the feed mill. Meanwhile, 278 miles away in Ottawa, Sir John A. Macdonald took his seat in the federal dominion of Canada, the first prime minister of the newly constituted country of Canada. In 2017, 150 years later on July 1, the celebration focuses on a nation and later in August on Clifford.
Unfortunately, the mill that stood proudly for 140 years was dismantled board by board back in November 2008 to be piled, shipped, and rebuilt in Western Canada. Adam Brubacher convinced his carpenter friend to create some items from the original boards from the mill for sale through the Clifford and District Historical Society. Peter Buhrow and his crew will have have step-stools, shelves, candle holders, and tool holders on display for Homecoming.
A training session for those wishing to obtain a Smart Servie designation will be held April 9 after the next committee meeting at the Knox United Church. Anyone who wants to help at the bar to sell tickets or serve require the training. Contact Dianne Epworth if interested.
Blair Wightman reported the Clifford Firefighters Association are willing to help where needed.
Clifford Homecoming 2017 will run August 4 to 7 next year.
