Feture artcle, February 17, 2005

Feature article February 17, 2005

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Doreen Howes: a beloved teacher and volunteer

A week ago Monday, Dale Ham arrived at the News office as usual to do formatting and word processing, but, very unusually, Doreen Howes wasnt with her.

Wheres Doreen? we asked, and were saddened when Dale replied, She had a stroke yesterday. Then, attempting to cheer us, and herself up, Dale added, but I hear shes already giving them a hard time down at KGH.

Doreen started volunteering at the News in 1982, just after she retired from teaching, and for the last 23 years, she has been a major contributor to and supporter of the News. It was quiet in the office without Doreen in her usual corner, and we were all worried about what the stroke would mean.

Doreen had another stroke later on Monday and died on Thursday afternoon. It was even quieter in the office this Monday.

At her funeral this week we found out how much adversity she had overcome in her life, and how, in the words of her grandson, she always faced life straight on.

Teacher, public speaking judge, board member, team captain, lifelong volunteer, Doreen worked tirelessly throughout her life. She gave generously to her family, to her students, to the organizations she believed in, and to her community. She once wrote: Being a volunteer gives one a real feeling of using whatever talents and/or training we have had to help others, without monetary recompense, but just to give. It rewards us with a feeling of pride that we had it to give as well as the warmth of knowing we may have influenced or helped other people.

For us at the News, who were so lucky to have her support. She was always someone who could be counted on for an honest opinion. If we asked Doreen what she thought about something in the paper or an issue in general, her comments were always enlightening.

In Parham, Doreen will always be remembered as a lifelong teacher. At the News, she will be remembered as one of our most diligent volunteers. Weve always felt that as long as Doreen kept coming in, we must be keeping the paper in the right direction. Doreen wouldnt put up with us if we lost our way.

Doreen wrote the following autobiographical sketch on the occasion of receiving her Ontario Life Membership with the Women's Institute on May 24, 2003 in recognition of her 60 years of service. She was very surprised when she was called to the front of the room to receive it and was extremely honoured by this recognition. One month later, she was named Central Frontenacs Volunteer of the Year for Hinchinbrooke. Our thanks to Doreens family for allowing us to publish it

A Grandmother's Legacy (Life Story)

Doreen Shea (Porter) Howes was born at her parents' farm home on April 2, 1919, much to the joy of her two older brothers. She spent much time alone as a child, playing out scenes in her imagination, dreaming of being an actress. She went to Womens Institute. meetings with her mother; baby sitters were unknown! She attended a one-room rural school for four years and three months and passed the Entrance to High School exams with honours. As she was only ten years old, she took the first year of high school in the rural school, then attended Sydenham High School, staying through the week and getting her own meals. She was the valedictorian at her graduation, and was awarded a scholarship that was not enough to pay through university. She remained at home for two years, helping to care for her ailing mother who died after the first year. Always an avid reader Doreen made use of libraries wherever she was. She loved acting in high school, in a community drama society and at Teacher's College in Toronto, which she attended, living with an aunt who was working in that city. She had a brief teaching experience but married and had a son and daughter within the next three years. Her husband, Arthur Porter, joined the army, went overseas and was killed in a Bren gun carrier and motorcycle exercise while training in Britain, on January 31, 1941. Her father died three weeks later. Recovering from her grief, Doreen spent her time caring for her children. She joined the W.I. and enjoyed it so much that when she came to Parham to teach Grades 7-10 in 1943, she became a member there. She has filled the different offices in the branch, many in the District, also some Area involvement.

She remarried in 1948, to a farmer, Mervin Howes, returning to teaching soon after the birth of the younger of two daughters. A busy life of helping to farm, milking cows, gardening, etc as well as teaching, ensued, with Doreen obtaining her B.A. degree by taking courses at Queen's, summer and winter. She always kept up W.I. activities, church involvement and agricultural society activities. She used her drama skills helping her students in productions in the classroom and for audiences.

Her husband died of cancer in 1978. She taught three more years, after selling the dairy herd and machinery. During later years of teaching, she was able to travel in Canada and U.S.A. and had one trip to Great Britain. After retirement she traveled extensively on several continents and often spoke to interested groups about her travels. She also wrote about these travels for the local paper, where she volunteered as content editor one day a week. She joined more volunteer organizations, wrote the history of her township for a County history book, and many other articles to cover the history of organizations, community events (fall fair, W.I. meetings, etc.), biographies and eulogies.

Doreen has received honorary life memberships in the W.I., North Frontenac Community Services and Parham Agricultural Society. She has been a team captain for Heart and Stroke for eighteen years, also Media Relations Chair in the local chapter.

Four children and spouses - Douglas (Stella), Arlene (Karl), Ann (John), Bev (fiance Ed), seven grandchildren (three with spouses) and five great grandchildren make up her family. Doreen has knit a lot of sweaters and other articles for these family members; knitting is her main craft. Her family members are often amazed when she tells them of her past experiences - the Great Depression, World War II, school days (as a pupil and teacher), farming and travels to many lands in later years.

Feature Article - March 30, 2006

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Feature Article - March 30, 2006

Ombudsman slams MPAC"Getting it Right" focuses on how MPACgets it wrong

byJeffGreen

A scathing report by the Provincial Ombudsman Andre Marin has confirmed what taxpayers have been saying for years: the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) often makes mistakes.

The report went on the say that MPAC makes it difficult for taxpayers to access information about how their property was assessed, makes it difficult for taxpayers to appeal their assessment, and when an appeal successfully reduces an assessment, MPAC then ignores the appeal in future years.

“The credibility of MPAC’s evaluation process simply cannot be restored without altering how it operates on a day-to-day basis and changing key aspects of its corporate culture” Marin said in making 22 recommendations for improvements to MPAC’s operational practices.

The provincial government has committed to implementing 18 of the recommendations and will study the other 4.

In the Executive summary to his 94-page report, released this Tuesday, Marin describes MPAC as an institution that does not understand that its role is to serve the people that are subject to its efforts.

“While technically MPAC is a non-profit corporation it is in substance a public servant meant to operate in the public interest and in the public trust. As such, it has to get it right in matters of transparency, competence and fairness. My investigation of MPAC has revealed that, instead, MPAC has all too often gotten it wrong.”

Marin said that MPAC “has to accept more fully and openly than it has, that property appraisals, including the sophisticated form of property appraisal it practices, are fallible.

He noted three MPAC practices that he said, “most irritate Ontario taxpayers”

First, MPAC does not take openness and transparency seriously enough. Secondly, MPAC does not “give enough respect to the very property market that its appraisal system is built upon.” He notes that when an actual sale price differs from the price MPAC’s sophisticated computer model would predict, MPAC reacts in suspicion that the sale was suspect instead of second guessing the computer modeling.

The third practice is “that MPAC does not give adequate respect to the decisions rendered by its appeal body, the ARB (Assessment Review Board).” As many people have claimed in public meetings and in Letters to the Editor to newspapers throughout the province, ARB decisions tend to apply only on the assessment year they are made.

“While it is legally bound to accept ARB decisions for the tax year appealed, MPAC has had a history of ignoring those decisions in the very next tax year. It has even done so for subsequent taxation years that use the same valuation date that the taxpayer had succeeded in showing to be wrong. The result has been that taxpayers are in a vicious cycle of assessment, appeal, victory, assessment, appeal, victory.

It is as though MPAC is saying ‘Gotcha’ to the frustrated taxpayers”.

This disrespect for ARB decisions occurs even the hearings are heavily slanted in MPAC’s favour, Marin contends, and he asks that the government of Ontario step in to make the hearings more fair to taxpayer. Marin says that not only do appellants have trouble obtaining the information they need to make their cases; they also face a system where the burden of proof is too onerous.

“It is not the case that MPAC’s assessments should be

treated as presumptively right [at review board hearings]; appraisers are in the guesstimate business, and there are enough indications of inaccurate information in MPAC files to put any presumption of accuracy on the run,” Marin wrote.

In the 30-year history of the Ontario Ombudsman’s office, there have never been so many complaints, received in such a short period of time about a single public agency.

“Our office was inundated with protests from disaffected citizens more than 3,700 of them,” Marin said.

MPAC has accepted most of the recommendations of the report and is committed to reporting back to the Ombudsman’s office on its progress towards implementing them within six months.

The ombudsman’s report, and MPAC’s response to it are available at www.ombudsman.on.ca

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Feature Article - March 30, 2006

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Feature Article - March 30, 2006

Dinosaur bones discovered inFernleigh

byJeffGreen

Bernie Duhamel was out for a walk one day in early March when he made a startling discovery in a small cave near his home off road 506 near Fernleigh.

A pile of old bones.

At first he thought they were the remains of a farm animal, but when he carried them to his home and began piecing them together he quickly realized he was dealing with something much more unusual. So he called the Department of Natural History at the University of Ottawa , who dispatched Paleonologist Alberta Jones to see what the discovery was all about.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Jones told the News, “it is a complete Stegratasaurus, the only one that has ever been found, as far as I know. We are calling it Stegafernicus after the place where it was found.” Jones has gone over the site where Stegafernicus was found and has found the remains of other prehistoric animals. She is hoping to organise a large-scale dig at the site for later this year.

“My working theory is that the recent earthquake, which was centred over Western Quebec but was felt throughout the Ottawa Valley must have disturbed something and revealed the cave and the bones.”

The theory is supported by Bernie Duhamel’s experience.

“I never noticed that cave before,” Duhamel said, “that is, until after the earthquake.”

Stegafernicus will remain at the Duhamel home until a suitable space can be found at the Museum of Natural History in Ottawa .

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Feature Article - July 6, 2006

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Feature Article - July 6, 2006

Eganville Museum and Bonnechere Caves

by Carol Morrow

Instead of its regular June meeting at the Barrie Hall on June 17, the Cloyne and District Historical Society enjoyed a bus trip to the Eganville Museum and Bonnechere Caves .

The historical society was greeted at the Bonnechere Museum by volunteer Shelley McCloud who explained the set-up and the mandate of the exhibits. Eganville’s early history was based on lumbering; then as time went by, small industries grew up in the town to serve the population, and now tourism has developed in the area. The feature that unites the area from Algonquin Park to the Ottawa Valley is the Bonnechere River . Logs floated downriver for export through the Ottawa River , mills and businesses sprung up on the banks in town and along its course.

The Museum opened in 2002 but already over 5000 artifacts have been collected, many of them on display on two floors. On the main level are displays on the railroad, the military, civic leaders, church history, and geology. The central feature downstairs is the famous McIntyre Pump. Upstairs is a tool room and a barber shop display; in another corner is a small school room; a closet is given over to an early bridal display. A separate small room gives the pioneer woman’s display a clothesline of underwear, drying rack of blankets and quilts, round old-fashioned wood stove, wool carder and old knitting machine, as well as a great many dishes and kitchen utensils. The displays were neatly categorized and meaningfully arranged in a bright, inviting setting.

After a delicious lunch, the Cloyne group clambered aboard their yellow coach and set off for the Bonnechere Caves . Some members were a bit apprehensive about being spelunkers, but our host Chris Hinsperger soon set their minds at ease with a brief explanation of the physical aspects of the underground trip, and also gave some background history of the caves, which are young in cave years, only a few hundred thousand compared to millions. There are about a dozen different species of fossils in the limestone in and around the caves, and five underground passages which constitute the caves themselves, only two of which are navigable.

Exploring the caves was fascinating. Handrails, good lighting, and a sturdy boardwalk map out the underground route. We proceeded gradually downward into the bowels of the earth; water dripped from the ceiling, forming stalactites overhead, and trickled constantly along the natural course beneath the planks of the walkway. We could also hear the steady low rumble of the water pumps. Our tour guide explained that in the winter the pumps are off and the passages become flooded with water. The caves have a steady temperature all year round of about 10 to 12 degrees, thus there is running water in the winter. Without the lighting, there is absolute darkness inside the caves. Tom Woodward explored those caves while they were flooded in 1953 with only a rubber dingy, a flashlight and a rope before opening up the site as a tourist attraction two years later.

The excursion was very informative. We highly recommend this for anyone interested in the history and attractions of the Eganville area.

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Feature Article - August 10, 2006

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Feature Article - August 10, 2006

Understanding History and Relationships

Letter to the Editor

Ron Pethick brought up some interesting points in his letter to the editor regarding particular understandings of history: Algonquin and Mohawk relations in the 17th century, Proclamation of 1763, 18th century land cessions by the Mississauga people, as well as contemporary Algonquin relationships with the Crown, province, and local neighbours. I was particularly impressed with the point that he made regarding the genocide that was committed against Scottish and Irish people by the British historically and how they would be entitled to “complain” about that treatment to the United Nations. Ron is very correct in pointing out that Scottish and Irish peoples do have a right to educate the public about that genocide and yes, seek compensation, if they so desire. Genocide is genocide, and Ardoch Algonquin First Nation would be happy to support their efforts to pursue that if they choose.

When it comes to understanding what has happened here in Algonquin territory over the past 400 years, Ron has the same handicap as many other Canadians. That handicap is the history that has been taught to Ron and other Canadians. This history was written using documents that were created by Europeans. Those Europeans were interested in gaining control over Indigenous people’s lands and resources, therefore their understandings of the past are influenced by their desire to profit from our lands and resources. As a result of that history, Algonquin people have been marginalized to the fringes of Canadian society and the true nature of Canada ’s relationship with us remains hidden from the public. This can be seen in elementary and secondary history text books where all Indigenous peoples in Canada receive minimal coverage. We only appear as noble Indians who were deemed to disappear, or as brutal savages who infested the banks of the rivers. Every word that was created about us in the pages of European writings was designed to create a image of us in a negative way that were permit Europeans to occupy and exploit our resources for themselves.

It was only through a process of decolonizing my own mind as an adult that I was able to see past the whitewash that has passed as the actual history of this continent. In the spirit of furthering that decolonization in other people, I would like to offer the following comments on the topics Ron’s letter to the editor.

First of all, Dave Bate was correct in stating that Algonquin people were not conquered by military action on the part of the French, English, or Dutch. At least not in the same way that Indigenous peoples were tortured and killed in the West and in the US . Nor were Algonquin people conquered and driven off their lands by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). In fact most of what is in the history texts about Algonquin/Mohawk relations is absolutely incorrect. Algonquin and Mohawk peoples had relationships with each other as human beings that reflected the relationships they had with the rest of the Natural World. Any shift in that relationship was the result of the French and the English playing us against each other so that they could both gain access to our resources (ie…furs).

Secondly, the Proclamation of 1763 was a direct result of Pontiac and his followers near Detroit who had successfully resisted British encroachments on their lands by destroying 14 British forts. The Proclamation was issued by the King of England to prevent further encroachments on ALL Indigenous peoples lands within the territory claimed by the British. This was understood by Algonquins at the time as a guarantee of their rights and title. This understanding was also recognized by several British officials in the late 18th and the 19th century. Sir John Johnson even signed the Proclamation and gave it to Algonquin leaders as proof that it guaranteed Algonquin title and rights within Algonquin territory.

Thirdly, Ron told us about the land cessions by the Mississauga people in the early 19th century, and yes that definitely happened. The Mississauga people did agree to sell some of their land to the British Crown. It is the way in which that cession happened that explains the sale of Algonquin land. Oral and documentary evidence shows that the treaty commissioners tricked the Mississaugas into ceding Algonquin land in the following manner. Commissioners pulled in the oldest men in the region and put a map in front of them and pointed to areas on the map and said to them “have you ever hunted here or there”……..until they were all the way up past the Kiji Sibi (Ottawa). Mississauga elders admitted that yes they had hunted and fished all the way up to the Kiji Sibi, with the approval of Algonquin people. They even told the commissioners that it was Algonquin land, but the commissioners told them that it was ok if they sold Algonquin land. Additionally I should point out that the Mississaugas are still waiting for full payment from the government.

There was clear and concise evidence at the time of that land cession, including petitions from Algonquin leaders, and British official correspondence that shows the British knew Algonquin title and rights were still in effect. Therefore, Ron is incorrect when he states that the government did not recognize Algonquin title and rights. The government knew very well that it was Algonquin land and even talked about ways to protect remaining lands while also compensating Algonquin people for the lands already taken for settlement. The only way the lands could be purchased legitimately was through the guidelines set out in the Proclamation. So regardless of whether or not Mississauga people ceded land to the Crown, Algonquin land was never legitimately purchased from Algonquin people. Algonquin people did not surrender, sell, or otherwise dispose of their territory to the British Crown. Nor was it ever transferred to Canada after Confederation. As a result, Algonquin territory is not under the jurisdiction of Ontario or Canada , it is under the jurisdiction of Algonquins.

Ron wondered why we were not participating in the claims process like other Algonquins. This has already been addressed previously, but I will point out some of the major obstacles that prevent our participation. To begin with, the land claims and treaty process is designed to eliminate our autonomy within our territory. We do not agree that this land claim is in our best interest. It is Canada who wrongfully occupies our lands and supposedly exploits our resources (along with other Indigenous peoples) for the benefit of the entire Nation. Indigenous peoples for the most part do not benefit from this exploitation and remain the poorest of all people in Canada . Most live below the poverty line in unsafe housing and drink unsafe water because of the ways in which mining companies have contaminated the land and water in many regions. In addition, many of our elders go hungry and cannot afford the medication they need to live a healthy life because of this inequality. The fact remains that Canada continues to prosper as a nation from the resources stolen from our lands every day while Indigenous peoples continue to suffer on a daily basis.

Another obstacle to our participation is the discriminatory requirement that we hold elections to send a reprehensive to the negotiation table. Elections compromise our traditional governance practices which are based on consensus. Forcing us to do so is against numerous international human rights legislation and constitutes genocide on the part of the government. Another factor that calls into question the legitimacy of the clams process for us is the fact that if we were to participate we would be limited to one person at the table while Pikwakanagan is allowed to have the Chief and entire Council as representatives for that community. This practice is discriminatory because it establishes a hierarchy where Algonquin people must compete with each other for the little bit of land that will remain of our territory because of the extinguishment clause in the treaty process.

These are insurmountable obstacles that prevent our participation in the land claims process as it currently exists. We cannot compromise our responsibilities to our elders, women, and children. Ultimately we cannot compromise our relationship with the land. We need the land to maintain our traditions and spirituality. We cannot do this by extinguishing our autonomy through a claims process that is discriminatory. Therefore the path we follow is one in which we continue to use our lands and resources within the guidelines of Algonquin Law. This does not mean that we cannot live in harmony with our neighbours. We have every intention of supporting the efforts of year round residents and cottagers to enjoy their lives to the fullest. We have always shared our lands with others, all we ask is that you give us the same consideration and support our efforts to live our lives as distinct human beings who have connections to this land that go back thousands of years.

Paula ShermanArdoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA)Professor: Trent University Department of Indigenous Studies

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Feature Article - April 12, 2007

NAECcanoe building project

Historic and futurist water craft, a video and audio documentary about community members, and geocaching at the Gould Lake Outdoor Education Centre are just a few of the exceptional projects that will be celebrated by the Limestone Learning Foundation (LLF) at its spring grant allocations. "Limestone Learning Foundation grants are helping students, teachers and parents go beyond what is available in the classroom," explains Chair Bruce Cowle. "There are some extremely exciting projects that really offer students a unique, and new experience, such as the aboriginal canoe building project at North Addington Education Centre," says Cowle. This project involves both elementary and secondary technology students researching the history of transportation in the area, and learning about the everyday life of various peoples during the late 19th Century, including First Nations people, Metis, and Europeans. Students will construct a heritage canoe, complete with artwork that reflects First Nations history found in the rock paintings at Bon Echo Provincial Park. Students will use a variety of media forms to document this history project, and they will produce a variety of media texts to support their learning experiences, including paddling the canoe.

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Feature Article - September 20, 2007 Feature Article - September 20, 2007

New Directions for Friends of Bon Echoby Derek Maggs

Photo Ken Hook

The natural and cultural heritage of Bon Echo Provincial Park was highlighted at the Friends of Bon Echo Park’s annual general meeting on September 8. A celebrative review of this productive year was climaxed by a delightful sampling of the summer children’s programming and a thought-provoking presentation by Dr. Stan McMullin on “The Mazinaw Rock and the Local Culture”.

In 2007 the Friends introduced many changes to their activities in the park. The restoration of the century-old classic Greystones cottage involved quality work by Harlowe contractor Carson Clancy and his team. Under the direction of Operations Manager Helen Yanch, the shop featured unique clothing, books of nature and environmental significance, original art, and gifts and jewellry for both adults and children.

The 12th annual Art Exhibition and Sale featured many new artists on the theme Original Art of Canadian Nature, Wildlife and Countryside. The park took on a festive mood on the last weekend in July with visitors enjoying the painting, pottery and carvings, children’s activities, Sciensational Sssnakes!!, live musical entertainment, a great barbecue and baked goods. Under the direction of Denbigh resident Harold Kaufmann, a large team of volunteers collaborated to provide another outstanding event. Appreciation is expressed to the over 50 local businesses who contributed to increased newspaper promotion leading to a record number of visitors to the area. Samples of the artists’ work can be found at www.mazinaw.on.ca/art.

The Bon Echo fleet informed visitors about the history and ecosystem of Mazinaw Rock by providing interpretive tours and ferry service on Mazinaw Lake. Whether on the 45 minute “up close and personal” Wanderer Too’r tour of the Rock or on the Mugwump shuttle to the base of the Cliff Top Trail, Natural Heritage Education (NHE) staff were on board to provide engaging information concerning the history and unique features of Bon Echo and the rock. New federal regulations require certification of captains. This led the Board of Directors to replace volunteer captains with several certified employees, all from the local area. The valuable contribution the many former volunteers have made is greatly appreciated.

Betty Pearce of Cloyne introduced South Beach Saturday barbecues at the park five years ago. This year Sunday barbecues were added. A rotation schedule of over 30 volunteers served hamburgers, hot dogs and Oktoberfest sausages every weekend of the summer.

Bon Echo trails are an important asset of the park. Arden resident Bill Van Vugt is spearheading a new program, Trails Ambassadors, which will improve trail signage and conditions and promote their usage through guided walks and publications.

The Mission of the Friends of Bon Echo Park is to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Bon Echo Provincial Park. This beautiful part of the creation is rich in unique environmental and historic treasures. Attracting over 200,000 visitors annually it contributes both to their year-round recreational enjoyment and to the surrounding businesses and communities they pass through. The largest investment of the Friends is in the Natural Heritage Education (NHE) program. Annually funding over six of the twelve NHE staff enables the NHE team to reach over 40,000 visitors each summer with their programs. Children’s, evening and campfire programs, guided hikes and walks, interpretation on the tour boats and the cultural and environmental heritage displays in the Visitor Centre are just some of the ways the NHE impacts Bon Echo visitors. The Friends round out their effectiveness through their publications, their programs and their positive presence in many activities around the park.

At their annual meeting three people were elected as directors: Jean “Red” Emond and Ken Hook of Cloyne were elected to the board for the first time and Betty deVarennes was elected to serve a second term as director. Appreciation was expressed to retiring directors Harold Kaufmann and President Glenn McFadden. During their tenure of 6-7 years the Friends have made strides forward in their programs and activities. The draw for the 2007 Raffle was held. The fully equipped Paluski Spirit Expedition Kayak, donated by Kingston Outfitters, was won by Garnet Wilkes of Griffith. Over 10 other prizes, donated by Ontario Parks Partners, were also awarded.

Retired Carleton University professor Dr. Stan McMullin has a long history with the Friends of Bon Echo Park. Serving as a board member in the ’90s, Dr. McMullin was a contributing author and editor of two Friends publications: Massanoga: The Art of Bon Echo (1998) and The Rock: Bon Echo Provincial Park’s Silent Sentinel (2006). Dr. McMullin’s presentation examined the historical and cultural relationship between Bon Echo and the surrounding communities. He emphasized that the paper is a work in progress. An engaging discussion followed with the promise of further examination being given to this significant topic. A potluck supper rounded out the evening.

The Friends of Bon Echo Park are beginning their 20th year as an organization. A strong volunteer force has enabled them to move forward as a team and achieve more for the park. Appreciation is expressed to all volunteers who contribute their time and skills, those who donate their resources and those Friends who stand at the side and cheer them on. The Friends are looking for new members who enjoy being part of a great team to participate in this important venture. The Friends website is www.mazinaw.on.ca/fobecho.Photo: Ken Hook

Feature Article - December 6, 2007 Back toHome Feature Article - December 6, 2007 Cloyne & District Historical Society receives Trillium Grant By Marg Axford

On December 1, the Cloyne and District Historical Society's annual FamilyChristmas Party was a little more festive than usual as MPP for Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington, Randy Hillier, joined them to make a very special announcement and presentation. Thanks to a $27,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the historical society will be able to improve access to their archival holdings.

In presenting a plaque from OTF to mark this special occasion, MPP Hillier said, “History is our greatest teacher because it records people's experiences. To progress and move forward beyond tomorrow we must first fully understand where we were yesterday. Historical societies are key to this: recording the efforts of our ancestors and recognizing the importance of our unique heritage of independence and self reliance…”

Over the next two years, the grant will help as the society starts to create a comprehensive archive of all their paper, photographic and audio holdings. With their ultimate goal of providing this archive on the web, this project will help ensure their vast collection of historic materials is available to people near and far. Volunteers will be able to use the new archives to create exhibits to place in local stores, schools and halls because the information will be properly catalogued.

The second part of the initiative will help the society to publish the fifth printing of the popular local history book: The Oxen and the Axe. First published in 1974, its popularity continues as new people move to the area, new cottagers come to appreciate the area, as family members grow up and leave the area wanting to take a piece of history with them and as former residents move back wanting to increase their knowledge of the community.

The Cloyne and District Historical Society was established in the early 1970's as the Pioneer Club, devoted to recording and preserving the history and heritage of the local area. While the organization's mission remains that of recording and preserving area history, a third objective is to educate the local community and visitors about the region's rich heritage. This latter goal is achieved most notably through the operation of the Pioneer Museum. Members expand their collective knowledge through interviews, documents, physical research of buildings, cemeteries and villages, and through the discovery of new artifacts.

Approximately 1,000 persons, comprising schoolchildren, cottagers, residents of both

Frontenac and Lennox and Addington counties, campers and visitors passing through the area, visit the Society's Pioneer Museurn each year.

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Feature Article - November 15, 2007 History of Bon Echo Documentary Photo courtesy Tweed & Area Heritage Centre

Ken and Cathy Hook of 45 Degrees Latitude Digital Filming will be producing their first video documentary on the history of Bon Echo and area. The project will span the next two years and will involve gathering historical photos and documents from a multitude of sources.

“Although there have been some good television presentations that have highlighted Bon Echo, there has never been a feature length film on Bon Echo’s history,” says Ken Hook. “This will be the first and will be produced in high definition for regular and wide screen viewing. Our goal is to make an entertaining, cohesive story of how and why this area was settled and the challenges encountered."

The production will cover the colonization of the Bon Echo area and explain the aboriginal settling and pictographs through to present-day operations. The logging and mining history is particularly interesting and will be explained with photos, films and live interviews.

The Cloyne and District Historical Society, the Friends of Bon Echo and Bon Echo Park have all endorsed the idea. The final DVD will be sold at local retailers. Photos and documents will be scanned or photographed and imported into the video from a variety of sources: local museums, Queen’s Archives, Ontario Archives and private collections.

“It is still too early to explain exactly what the film will cover since we need to determine what source photos and films are available. Once we get a comprehensive digital collection together, we will be able to “storyboard” the production,” says Ken.

The Hooks would like to ask residents who are interested in contributing historic photos, documents, posters or art for duplication to contact them at 613-336-3211. All material used will be fully credited in the documentary. The Hooks will also supply contributors a digital CD copy of the material to preserve it in history.