HomeMy WebLinkAbout1919"1811-1911
The Pickering Centennial is a thing of the past, and all those who had, the pleasure of attending
will admit that the affair was an unqualified success. Both days were all that could be desired for
such a gathering and a great amount of work had been done on the grounds to make them
suitable for the occasion. The people, of Brougham and vicinity deserve credit for the active
interest they took in the matter. When Brougham was selected as the place for holding the
celebration many were pessimistic in regard to the wisdom in making that choice,
thinking that railway facilities should have been considered more in the matter,
the result shows that their fears were groundless, as more than ample provision,
was made to convey passengers from the different railway stations, so, that there
were no disappointments by being stalled at any of the stations. The crowd who
attended exceeded the most sanguine expectations. It is estimated that on the first day
there were four thousand in attendance and on the second day about six thousand,
making in all about ten thousand. As there was no charge for admission,
it is difficult to arrive at a correct estimate, but the above we believe to be approximately correct.
With the limited space at our disposal it is impossible to give any detailed account of the
proceedings of the two days, but those wishing a more comprehensive account may have it
from Rev. W. R. Wood, of Claremont, who, is issuing a small illustrated booklet with an
account of the celebration.
One of the chief features of the two days' celebration was the meeting of old friends.
There were many there from all parts of the province as well as a number from the United
States. Old men met who had not seen each other for many years. Old ties of friendship
were cemented more firmly than ever, and many new associations were formed.
The programme which was provided for the two days' outing, was one of which the
committees in charge had good reason to feel proud. The Centennial Choir,
composed of over 200 voices, performed in a manner that would do credit to many a
city organization. E. W. Evans, of Whitby, is a past master in the art of conducting and
the work of the choir was greatly enhanced by the handsome and sweet toned
Dominion piano, which Mr. R. A. Fleming, of Markham, generously loaned for the occasion.
Many favourable comments were made regarding the instrument, which was so ably presided
over by Miss Hattie Law. A large tent was provided for the programme and most interesting
addresses were given by prominent speakers. Mr. R. R. Mowbray, reeve of the township,
made a most efficient chairman, and opened the program by an able and appropriate
address. Rev. Dr. Abraham of Whitby, gave a most excellent address, reminiscent in
character, and lofty in ideals, and delivered in a manner which pleased all.
Rev. Mr. Van Norman also gave an address along patriotic lines, and Rev. A. L. Macfadyen
who presided over the religious exercises of the first forenoon, spoke briefly. On the afternoon
of the first day, Mr. Fraser, the Dominion Archivist, of Toronto, and Col. J. E. Farewell,
of Whitby, addressed the large number assembled in the tent. On the second day
Revs. J. J. Ridditt, and Dr. A. T. Sowerby, gave each stirring addresses which were
much appreciated, and in the afternoon the chief speaker was Sir A. B. Aylesworth,
Minister of Justice, who gave an exhaustive address on ""Municipal Institutions,""
tracing their history from their beginning up to the present time. Short but interesting
addresses were also given by F. L. Fowke, M. P. and Chas. Calder M. L. A. The Hon.,
W. J. Hanna, Provincial secretary and J. S. Willison, Editor of the Toronto News were
unable to be present. The concert in the evening of the first day was a decided success,
in every respect. The tent was crowded to overflowing and the programme was all that could
be desired. Owen Smily, the well-known entertainer, fully sustained his high reputation as an
elocutionist. His humorous selections were exceedingly funny and his selections of a serious
character were very pleasing. The solos by Miss Laura Evans, Miss L. Morton, R. E. Forsyth
and E. W. P. Chamberlain, were greatly enjoyed and the selections by the Stouffville
Harmonica Orchestra were also pleasing. The Male Quartette, composed of
Messrs. R. R. Forsyth, N. F. Tomlinson, E. W. P. Chamberlain and Evans Ward,
gave a number of selections that elicited favourable comment.
One of the leading attractions of the celebration was the old log cabin,
which saw service 108 years ago, within its walls were many priceless treasurers,
heirlooms which passed from one generation to another and some of which were about two
hun¬dred years old. A few minutes spent in the cabin would create in the mind of the visitor
some idea of the cus¬toms and of the home life of the early settlers. Those who failed to see
these innumerable relics of by¬gone days, missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
The balance of this report, including a detailed list of the various prize-winners in the various
athletic contests, will appear next week.
from:
The Pickering News Friday, June 30, 1911 Reprinter: J.D. O'Brien
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