06 10 1996 History Minutes
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NOTES:
The Township of Oro-Medonte
History Committee
Minutes of the Meetin2
June 10, 1996
(a) There were no meetings in April nor May
(b) Next (working) meeting, Mon. July 15, beginning at Hawkestone, at 10:30
a.m., ending at Tim's place (for supper) Bad weather day: July 16
(c) Next regular meeting(s) the second Monday of each month beginning
Sept. 9/96, 7:30 p.m. at the administration centre
1. The meeting was brought to order at 7:55
In Attendance:
Tim Crawford, Chair, Mary Garbutt, Jadeen Henderson, Walter Hutchinson and Earl
Richardson.
Absent: Carl Campetelli, Bernice Hickling, Beverley Hunter and Loreen Lucas.
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2.
There was a minute of silent mediation or prayer in memory of our friend
and colleague, Henry Neufeld.
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MOTION: that the minutes of the last meeting be adopted. Moved by Earl
Robertson, seconded by Jadeen Henderson. Carried.
4. Business arising and Correspondence: None
5. 200 Years Yonge There was discussion about a Oro-Medonte contribution to the "200
Years Yonge" project. Tim is to get a suitable map of current Hwy #11, and draft on it the
original route, and provide a brief history of the Hwy as it pertains to our Township. Our
Twp does have the distinction of sharing with Vespra the unique location of the branching of
old Yonge Street at Crown Hill. Originally, it is asserted, that the Penetanguishene Road
was a continuation of Hwy 11. Later, as Hwy #11 was completed across old Oro Township
Side Road 20-21, the Penetanguishene section became a "spur", to use an old railway term.
Action Required: by Tim
3.
6. The Mrican Church
i) An oral presentation was made, using the "chalk" board to illustrate the'origins of the
African Episcopal Methodist Church in the U.S. and the possible relationship to the church
in Oro-Medonte.
ii) The chair announced that our Collingwood friends might be bringing their friends to see
the church on June 15. Jadeen, Walter and Earl will check out the building (for cobwebs?)
prior to then. Walter and/or J adeen will be available to open the church and see that it is
locked again. Action Required: by Jadeen, Walter and Earl
iii) The committee was delighted with the new signs for the church on Hwy #11 at
Concession Line 3 (County Road #53). Some concern and related concerns were raised as
to who asked that they be put up. This will be looked into by Tim.
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Action Required: by Tim
7. Our "tourist" map of Oro-Medonte. Some discussion took place about the map. We
might have to limit its scope to scenic and historic, abandoning the craft and artisan locations
due to the concern for fairness and equity. One option would be to complete the scenic and
historic aspect, then recommend to council that the right could be given to the new chamber
of commerce, for example, to add local businesses to a "chamber" map.
Action Required: the whole committee, July 15th meeting
8. Our "next book". We agree that we should continue to work on the book", hich could be
titled, "Oro-Medonte as of 1920". We have great documents, photos, and stor ., whici' we
could include, and we might include family trees of pioneers up to that time in )ro-íy,onte
(excluding what has already been done in the heavily used, greatly acclaimed, N
We all agree that we need to continue improving the storage and encapsulatir If ou "In
invaluable archival material. Action Req' ed: going
9. Recent Activities. It was reported that the committee has been involved three ¡ ,ojects
which created an awareness of local heritage.
i) Two of our committee members (Loreen and Tim) worked with the I wkestone
community group to help plan and supply historic photos and information for their June 2nd
walking tour. Our committee learn much about Hawkestone history that we had not
previously known. Many senior people were involve in helping us compile "new histories".
Hawkestone at one time was the centre of commerce for the whole of the north side of Lake
Simcoe, having among other things, two banks! It has a rich history and perhaps deselVes a
"book" on its own, for there might be too much very interesting material to include in the
proposed book mentioned in #8 above. Committee members present at the walking tour
were pleased that Councillor Cotton was in attendance, and did the tour!
ii) Committee member Loreen Lucas has compiled a history of and wrote a little booklet
on the Hawkestone Methodist Church for the 1O0th Anniversary, June 2/96 of the current
church building. It also includes "current history" of the activity of the church in recent
years. Tim helped proofread and design the booklet for the church. Some members of the
Committee (and Councillor Cotton) attended the anniversary selVice. The selVice was
videotaped by the Committee and a copy of it is in our growing video archives. [Note by
Tim: we continue to compile "current history" by taking photographs and much video
footage of antique farm equipment displays, fall fairs, church anniversaries, etc. At
sometime in the future, these will become invaluable to that part of the next generation who
becomes interested in local history.]
iii) Committee members Jadeen Henderson and Tim Crawford provided demonstrations at
the Agricultural Day For Students, sponsored by the Oro Agricultural Association. Grade 4
students from the 4 "Oro" elementary schools attend at the fair grounds for the whole day to
rotate among various demonstrations. One of those demonstrations was of antique farm
tools, and kitchen items from the past. Jadeen, Tim and Earl Robertson loaned some of
their collection. We have received excellent feedback! Action Required: None
10. Budget Item. Tim presented a voucher for $14.74 for two large-capacity photo albums
he noticed on sale at quite a savings.
MOTION: that Tim Crawford present the voucher for reimbursement. Mo~d by
Walter Hutchinson; seconded by Jadeen Henderson. Carried.
Action Require'
hy Tim
11. Adjournment at about 9:40 p.m..
MOTION: that the meeting be adjourned. Moved by Earl Robertson. Carrí\..
NEXT MEETING: See top of page 1.
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