ARTHUR – With Arthur 150 celebrations fast approaching, Arthur native Dianne Macdonald is getting ready to make a 150 scrapbook, documenting the Canada Day weekend events.
“It’s to preserve our history,” Macdonald said.
The scrapbook will contain different mediums:
- photos taken by volunteers and participants;
- newspaper clippings;
- activity schedules;
- ribbons and pins;
- a crocheted poppy; and
- anything else that fits.
The goal is to document all of the activities running over the weekend in one way or another.
The project is no small feat, Macdonald said.
The book selected runs 100 pages, all of which Macdonald hopes to fill.
Once the scrapbook is finished, it will be kept in the Arthur and Area Historical Society’s rooms in the Arthur Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors will be able to come and view the book, in its location “so that the world can enjoy it for years to come,” said society member Jeff McKee.
Like many of the festivities running from July 1 to 3, the scrapbook will pay tribute to Arthur being designated “Canada’s most patriotic village,” by bringing in the theme of poppies through black and red borders, and a touch of white, rounding out Canada’s colours.
Assembling the scrapbook will largely begin once the weekend is complete and is anticipated to take several weeks until ready for viewing.
But Macdonald is hoping to get a jump on things by putting some of the boarders and design elements into the scrapbook ahead of time.
She first became involved with the project in May, when the 150 committee sought someone to handle the scrapbook.
“They needed help, so I’m helping,” she said.
Although Macdonald will have volunteers to assist with assembly, she is largely at the helm.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the finished product,” she said.
