HomeMy WebLinkAbout94-1073Post bound, handcarved wooden cover with brass hinges, compiled in 1965 by the Kinsale-
Greenwood Women's Institute. This volume covers the years 1897 to 1965.
Some of the information in this scrapbook actully extends to 1978.
KINSALE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
1897
TWEEDSMUIR HISTORY
1965
"FOREWORD”
I am so glad to hear that the Women’s Institutes of Ontario are going to compile village history
books. Events move very fast nowadays; houses are pulled down, new road are made, and
the aspect of the countryside changes completely sometimes in a short time.
It is a most useful and satisfying task for Women’s Institute members to see that nothing
valuable is lost or forgotten, and women should be on the alert always to guard the traditions of
their homes, and to see that water colour sketches and prints, poems and prose legends
should find their way into these books. The oldest people in the village will tell us fascinating
stories of what they remember, which the younger members can write down, thus making a
bridge between them and events which happened before they were born. After all, it is the
history of humanity which is continually interesting to us, and your village histories will be the
basis of accurate facts much valued by historians of the future. I am proud to think that you
have called them “The Tweedsmuir Village Histories”.
Written by Lady Tweedsmuir.
The "Tweedsmuirs"
Lord Tweedsmuir, born John Buchan at Perth, Scotland, August 25th.1875, was the son of
Reverend John Buchan, Educated at Glasgow University and Brasenose College, Oxford, he
was called to the bar in 1901. The same year he became private secretary to Lord Milner, then
high commissioner for South Africa. In 1903 he returned to England, and soon became a
member of the publishing firm of Thomas Nelson and Sons, Edinburgh. During the World War
he served on the staff at British Headquarters, and in 1917 became director of information
under Mr. Lloyd George.
He was a member of Parliament for the Scottish Universities from 1927 until 1935, when he
was appointed Governor-General of Canada, and was raised to the peerage, taking the title of
Baron Tweedsmuir of Elsfield. He died in Montreal February 11th, 1940.
Historian and novelist, some of his works were: Sir Walter Raleigh, Julius Ceasar, The
Massacre of Glencoe, The Thirty-nine Steps, The Three Hostages, Greenmantle, etc. Memory
Hold the Door was his autobiography, and one of his late works.
Lady Tweedsmuir: Susan, wife of our beloved Governor-General, has written many plays,
children's books and reminisences. She was an ardent W.I. member in England and was
made an Honary Life Member of F.W.I.O. She advocated that our organizations across
Canada compile the histories of our local communities and villages. She returned to
England following the death of her husband, and is still residing there (1962).
Mrs. Adelaide Hunter Hoodless was born February 27, 1857, in the County of Brant.
She was the youngest of the twelve children of David and Jane Hunter.
Through the inspiration and effort of Mrs. Hoodless
the W.I. Organization was founded February 19th, 1897 at Stoney Creek.
CURATORS
Mildred McTaggart 1965-1975
Janet Crawford 1975-1962
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Gladys Brown
Jennie Harrison
Lorraine Nicholson
Gwen Mowbray
Sheila Brooks
Pearl Brooks
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statement Relative to Cover............................ 1
W.I. Branch Inception................................. 2
Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir, and Forward................. 3
The "Tweedsmuirs"......................................4
Mrs. Adelaide Hunter Hoodless.......................... 5
Curators and Members of Tweedsmuir History Committee... 6
Table of Contents...................................... 7
Part 1: Historical Records
Women's Institute Branch History.................... 8
Community History................................... 100
Farm Histories...................................... 200
Village History..................................... 300
Church Histories.................................... 400
Cemetery Histories.................................. 500
Library History..................................... 600
School Section History.............................. 700
Industries, Past and Present....................... 800
Clubs and Organizations, other than Church.......... 900
Personalities....................................... 1000
Family Trees........................................ 1100
Armed Service Records............................... 1200
Part 11: Miscellaneous
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover - designed and crafted by John Kingstone........................ 1
W. I. Branch Inception................................................ 2
Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir - Foreword................................... 3
The "Tweedsmuirs"..................................................... 4
Mrs. Adelaide Hunter Hoodless......................................... 5
Curators of Tweedsmuir History Committee............................. 6
Members of Tweedsmuir History Committee............................... 6
Table of Contents..................................................... 7
Women’s Institute Branch History...................................... 8
Community History..................................................... 100
Life in 1971 compared with life in 1871............................... 100
Past memories of Concession 7 - 1969.................................. 103
Proposed Pickering Airport - 1972..................................... 105
The Greenwood Community Centre - 1972................................. 109
Town of Pickering Inaugural Meeting - 1974............................ 111
Restoration of Old Greenwood Schoolhouse - 1980....................... 112
Crafts in Greenwood - 1971-1980....................................... 116
Relocation of Pickering Museum - 1978................................. 118
Farm Histories
Lot 7, Concession 5 The Brown Farm.................................... 200
Lots 1 & 2, Concession 6 The Mackey Farm.............................. 202-4
The McBrien Farm............................. 203
Lot 4, Concession 6................................................... 207
Lot 5, Concession 6 Sadler Farm....................................... 209
Lot 2, Concession 7................................................... 210
Lot 4, Concession 5................................................... 210a
Village History
Kinsale............................................................... 300, 308
Hooker & Sons......................................................... 306
Kinsale Store......................................................... 307
Greenwood Diary 1967.................................................. 351
Houses in Greenwood Village........................................... 355
Church History
Mount Zion............................................................ 400
Kinsale............................................................... 450
Greenwood............................................................. 460
Salem................................................................. 465
Cemetery History...................................................... 500
Library History....................................................... 601; 112
School History........................................................ 706; 112
Centennial Year 1967.................................................. 700
Valley View School.................................................... 705a
Mount Zion School..................................................... 709
Personalities
Charles L. McTaggart.................................................. 1000
Hugh Fulton Crawford.................................................. 1001
Frederick J. Byers.................................................... 1002
Lyman T. Barclay...................................................... 1003
Andrew Morden......................................................... 1003
Janet Mowbray......................................................... 1004
Armed Services - Record - designed and crafted by Tony Owen
Roll of Honour Kinsale................................................ 1200
Roll of Honour Greenwood.............................................. 1201
Table of Contents cont’d.
Inserts Between Pages 7 and 8
Map of Southern Ontario
Map of Town of Pickering - Place names and physical features
Map of area in 1860 - existing lots with owners' names.
Hand Drawn Map of Southern Ontario
- WOMEN'S INSTITUTE BRANCH HISTORY –
HISTORY of the KINSALE BRANCH
of SOUTH ONTARIO W.I.
by Mrs. Charles MsTaggart,
I believe Kinsale Branch of the W.I. is justified in claiming to be the second Institute
Organized in 1897, although Minute Books in their possession begin in the year 1906.
Mrs. R.R.Mowbray in her History of Kinsale written in 1931 states,"That learning of the W.I.
formed at Stoney Creek, she called the ladies of the community togather and suggested they
form a group for the sociability of it and to meet in the homes and exchange ideas. This was
done the same year."
Miss Viola Powell states in 'Forty Years A-Growing' that a second Institute was formed the
same year. (1897)
The Baily Times-Gazette published in their paper at Whitby, on Nov, 29,1952 in their column
'In Days Gone By', "___ that fifty years ago Kinsale W.I. one of the first to be organized in
Canada has attracted a large number of farmer's wives."
The Charter Members Were: Mrs. Royal Rogers, Mrs.Clarkson Rogers, Mrs. John Seldon,
Mrs. Joseph Harbron, Mrs. Ralph R. Mowbray, Mrs. Lovell Harrison, and Miss F.Pearce.
The first Mintues show the record as stating Mrs. R.R. Mowbray was President with Mrs.
Parkin as Secretary-Treasurer. In April 1906 the following Officers were elected:
President - Mrs. John Seldon
Vice Pres. - Mrs. A.Parkin
Sec-Treas. - Miss F. Noble
Directors - Mrs. C. Rogers, Mrs. H. McBrien, Mrs. E.Lawrence,
………………..Mrs. R.R.Mowbray, Mrs. Pallister, Mrs. Thos.
……………… Richardson
Prog, Conn. - Mrs. J. Corner, Mrs.J Rodd, Mrs.H. Pilkey, Mrs. J.
………………..Harbron, Mrs. F. Seldon, Miss Nellie Lidgett. Organists- Mrs. F. ………………. Gibson, and Mrs.J.Rodd.
Meetings began with the singing of a Hymn and the Lord’s Prayer, and ended with The King, The Opening Ode was not used until 1912, and the Mary Stewart Collect until after 1930.
The Roll Call brought forth responses similar to this:
Mrs. Mowbray - sang a little Hymn, she sings while preparing breakfast
Mrs. Gibson - Instrumental
Miss Noble - Reading 'Opportunity'
Mrs. Lawrence - How to Clean Wallpaper
Mrs. Parkin - A Beauty Recipe
Mrs. Pallaister - excused
Mrs. Brignall - Song Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone?'
Mrs. McBrien - excused.
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I., by Mrs. C. McTaggart,
Victoria A. Mowbray
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I., by Mrs. C. McTaggart,
In the early years it seemed enough that they could get together and discuss their common
problems. Their subjects for discussion reflect the needs of the time and show indeed that “
…it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are one.”
There was a joyous warmth and a touch of humour in their meetings as they exchanged
ideas and discussed –
The washing of Flannels to Prevent Shrinkage
Whether it is Right or Wrong to play cards, Lost Heir and Dominoes
The Art of Conversation
Health and Home Hygiene (a travelling rubber bath tub was shown and one
of the members willingly offered to demonstrate if they wished.)
Canning and Preparing Vegetables
How to Keep Young
How to Spend Winter Evenings
Care of Hair (washing hair too often was thought to cause deafness)
Care of Poultry and How to Run an Incubator
How to Care for the Baby
Boys, they thought should have a good common school education anyway, and a better one
if it could be afforded. A boy who was going to farm could be sent to Agricultural College at
Guelph. A girl, send her to MacDonald Institute if only for a few weeks.
Men were called ‘the sterner sex’
They congratulated themselves that they were now living in the Twentieth Century, and had
so many more conveniences then those gone before.
They were advised that the Bible was the Book of Books and not to be forgotten.
They kept in touch with the District and had speakers come to them.
For lunch they decided to have a plain tea, (bread, butter, meat if desired, fruit pickles salad,
and either one kind of cake or pie, not both). Anyone violating this rule be fined 50¢ and
published in the Pickering News.
Throughout the first twenty years or more Mrs. R.R.Mowbray’s leadership, humour, and
intelligence guided them so that they left their meetings feeling “cheered” and that they had
“profited” by them. In their appreciation they presented her with a rattan Rocking Chair.
On June 28th, 1906, the W.I. met in the Kinsale School. The children presented a program
and the W.I. members served them lunch. This was the beginning of a tradition that was
carried on for the next fifty years until the school was vacated. The following are the Minutes
of that Meeting:
10
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I., by Mrs. C. McTaggart,
Kinsale, June 28th, 1906
Kinsale Branch of the W.I. met in the school-house, with ten members present and five
visitors beside the children and teacher.
Meeting opened by all standing and repeating the Lord’s Prayer, Mrs. Mowbray acted as
Convenor, Mrs. Seldon and Mrs. Parkin absent.
Minutes were read and found to be correct.
Roll Call. Mrs. Mowbray being the only member to respond. The rest of the members too
hot to act in any way. Mrs. Mowbray gave a little talk to the school children and sang a pretty
song entitled 'There will be something for Children to do in Heaven'.
The pupils of the school gave the following programme:
Recitations by Howard Mackey, Myrtle Denny and
Clarence Richardson
Song - A Little Talk with Jesus by three girls
Recitations by Harley Brignall and Annie Lidgett
Dialogue - by three girls
Reading on Nature Study - Lila McBrien
Recitations by Carrie Lawrence, Joe Parkin and
Meridith McBrien
Song - Winnie Richardson and Mabel Pallister
Recitations by Irwin McBrien, Laura Sadler,
Ernie Brignall, and Ralph Mowbray.
At the close of the programme, the pupils sprang a surprise on their teacher, Miss Rogers by presenting her with a suitable address and an album. Meeting was then closed by singing God Save the King. Lunch was then served to all and a very enjoyable hour was spent. Receipts 15¢.
Next Meeting to be held at Mrs. Pilkey's.
F.E. Noble,
Sec.-Treas.
In 1956 a Fiftieth Anniversary of this event was held and many former pupils were present.
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I. by Mrs. C. _McTaggart,
Picnic of the Kinsale Women's Institute
Kinsale School - May 30th. 1956
Left to Right -
Mrs. McBrien; Mrs, Fred Parker; Mrs. Lloyd Moody; Mrs. Roy Mowbray;
Laura Sadler; Mrs. P. Wilson; Mrs. Wm. Brown; Linda Eastwood; Mrs.
Annie Hadley; Mrs. N. Gibson; Mrs. J. Stell; Lyla McBrien; Mrs., C.
Ledgett; Mrs. N. Gormley; Mrs. K. Parket; Mrs. McPherson.
The Annual Picnic was held this afternoon at the school. This was the fiftieth meeting of the
Institute at the school.
Plans had been made and invitations sent out to the pupils of fifty years ago asking them to
attend and take part in the programme. Former members of the W.I. in the vicinity were also
invited, all of these had attended the Kinsale School at some time.
12
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I., by Mrs. C. McTaggart,
The Following were Present:
Mrs. McBrien, Miss Lylia McBrien, Mrs. Chas. Lidgett, Mrs. Wilson, (Winnie McBrien), Mrs.
Clarence Richardson, Mrs. R. V. Mowbray, Mrs. Annie Hadley, Mrs. Lloyd Moody, Mrs. E.
Pardon, Mrs. McPherson, Mrs. N. Gormley, Mrs. Walter Stevenson, Mrs. V. Parkin, Miss
Lewella Mowbray, Mrs. Norman Gibson, Mrs. Biggs, Mrs. Ken Holliday, Mrs. Fred Parkin,
Miss Laura Sadler, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Holden, Mrs. Cowling, Mrs. Lloyd Emphrinham, Mrs. R.
E. Mowbray, Mrs. M. Parkin, Mrs. J. Stell, Mrs. Legge, Mrs. Waltham, Miss May Brown, Mrs.
Fred Titterton, Mrs. C. McTaggart, Mrs. J. Kingstone, Mrs. J. Wagg, Mrs. J. McDonald, Mrs.
R. Birell (Prov. Pres.), Mrs. L.Honey (Dist. Pres.), Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Wm. Brown, Miss
Linda Eastwood, Mrs. Lanfford, Mrs. Keogh, Mrs. Frank Rogers, and Rev. H. Moore.
Mrs. Jake Wagg opened the meeting with an address of Welcome to the visitors. Mrs.
Wagg mentioned many changes had taken place in the past fifty years and at present farms
had been sold for subdividing which would bring about even greater change in the future.
The Maple Leaf was sung, followed by the Lord’s Prayer said in unison.
The children and the members of the Branch were called on to answer the Roll Call with the
name of a bird seen in the spring. A good responce was given.
Mrs. Williams, (music teacher of the school) was then called on to present the programme
prepared by the children.
The songs were introduced by Shannon Smith and given in groups of three. The first group,
Going to the Fair, Suddenly there is a Valley, and a Prayer for Peace. Second group, Liza
Jane, One Hundred Years Ago, and Red River Valley. These numbers were well-received
and showed much training.
The following names are those who took part in the programme:
Mrs. Wagg read the Minutes from the 1906 meeting held in the school, also excerpts from
the Third and Fourth Class Books used at that time. The Old Arm Chair, The Little Cottage
Girl, Tom Brown’s School Days, The Barefoot Boy, the Bell of Atri, and others.
Mrs. Wagg also had a display of old books which the people were invited to inspect.
Mrs. Birell, our Provincial Board Member brought greetings and congratulations from
Headquarters to the Branch on having successfully carried on for that number of years.
13
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I., by Mrs. C. McTaggart, 1966, contd.
As the fifty years passed the Kinsale W.I. began to look around at their Community, the sick
were always remembered, boxes were sent to the elderly people at Christmas time,
donations were given to the Sunday school and $50.00 toward a new piano for the hall.
They became interested in the school, and saw that a Health Inspection was made. The
children too received their attention and prizes were given to the one who collected the
most starling eggs and wood chuck tails. Prizes were also given for weed collections and
oral competitions.
During both World Wars the W.I. did their share. An amazing amount of Red Cross work
was done, money was given for Relief Funds, Clothing quilts, and socks were made. Gifts
were sent to their boys in uniform. In the Second World War three Institute mothers, Mrs. J.
Stell, Mrs. Roy Mowbray, and Mrs. C. Lidgett sent sons who paid the supreme sacrifice.
Girls of the Community were not forgotten, showers were sponsored by the W.I. and for many
years no bride left without a quilt made by the Women’s Institute. A Junior Institute was
organized and carried on for a number of years. In 1961 they began to sponsor a 4H
Homemaking Club which is still alive and successful.
Mrs. J. Kingstone is beginning her Tenth Unit as Leader.
An Historical Scrapbook was begun by Mrs. A. Harbron and carried on by Mrs. J. Wagg. In
1964 they began to compile a Tweedsmuir History.
Good times were enjoyed on bus trips, picnics etc. The W.I. Haoolwe’en, Valentine and
Euchre Parties were events to which the whole community looked forward.
The Institute Programs were interesting and educational. In 1938 to1939 Kinsale won a
leather brief case for the best planned programme of the year. Local doctors spoke to them
on many occasions and they became interested in nutritition, as well as Home Influence,
Citizenship, Antiques, Past History, Handicrafts, Child Safety etc.
Short courses were sponsored and attended.
The last 5 years an annual visit has been made to Fairview and the elderly people were
visited and entertained.
On June 16th, 1962, Kinsale Women’s Institute celebrated their 65th Birthday. The Oshawa
Times on June 23, 1962 gave the following report of the occasion: -
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I., by Mrs. C. McTaggart, 1966, contd.
Presidents Guests at Kinsale W.I.
A very enjoyable meeting was held in Kinsale United Church by Kinsale
Women’s Institute when thay had as their guests the Past District President
of South Ontario. Those present were: Mrs. L. Johnston, Brougham; Mrs. Frank Roberts,
Whitby; Mrs. Cronk, Pickering; Mrs. Wm. Heron, Brooklin; Mrs. L. Honey, Honeydale; Mrs.
Wm. Brown, Kinsale, and Mrs. Cawker of Port Perry.
The History of Kinsale’s Women’s Institute was read by one of their members showing the
wonderful achievements that have been accomplished down through the years. Mrs.
Cawker read a very appropriate poem which she composed entitled ‘ A Tribute to Kinsale
W.I.’ this was followed by a programme or readings, vocal solos and tap dancing.
Dainty refreshments were served when Mrs. Cawker, District president and Mrs. Brown,
retiring District President, cut the beautifically decorated cake. A social hour was enjoyed
when the Past Presidents renewed old acquaintances and reminised about the past
left to right -
Mrs. S. Cawker, District President of South Ontario
Mrs. Wm. Brown, Immediate Past President of South Ontario
Mrs. John Kingstone, President, Kinsale W.I.
(photo at Kinsale Church, June 16,1962)
15
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I. by
Mrs. C. Mc.Taggart 1966. contd.,
A Tribute to Kinsale W. I.
by Mrs. Cawker
A small group of country women,
Had a brain wave it seems -
They organized a Women’s Institute
To realize a dream.
They named it Kinsale W.I.,
Sixty-five years ago;
The Motto - For Home and Country
And they lived by it - we know.
They have learned crafts and skills
To be efficient wives,
Shoulder to shoulder they have worked,
And had the time of their lives.
Citizenship and Education was a MUST -
Agriculture and Canadian Industries too,
Over those Resolutions they surely fussed
At times they hadn't a clue.
A History of the local farms
The F.W.I.O. did stress,
What our ancestors have done -
Is important we guess.
Home Economics and Helath was not neglected
Interesting Topics we'll admit -
And are very necessary
If we expect to keep fit.
The short Courses from the Dept.,
Have educated them fine;
They are now "excellent cooks" -
Their meals are divine.
The Local Leaders Training Schools,
Which are held in the fall,
Have proven most helpful,
A benefit to all.
Conventions and District Annuals,
Kinsale has always attended;
This we think is "splendid".
All phases of the W.I. programme,
They have studied well we hear,
Congratulations are in order
They worked hard for many a year -
So, to-day, we extend to Kinsale
Sincere best wishes galore!
And wish them continued success
For sixty-five years more!
16
History of the__Kinsale _Branch of South Ontario W.I. by Mrs. C. McTaggart, 1966,
contd._
Although much can be said about those who had the inspiration, the initiative, and the will to
start such an organization as the W.I. we should not forget to, pay tribute to those who
through the years have with their steadfastness and loyalty carried on.
Mrs. Cronk, President of the District spoke to the Kinsale W.I. on January 27th, 1921, saying
"eachmember of the Institute was like a stone fitted in a wall and just as necessary if we
would build our Institute." The mortar used by the Kinsale W.I. had those ingredients which
bonded and held the stones together for nearly seventy years, making the W.I. one
organization which has endured through two World Wars and tremendous changes in our
rural life.
Unfortunately some of the record books have been misplaced, so that it can only be said that
some of the Presidents were:
Mrs. R.R Mowbray (served several terms)
Mrs. Seldon
Mrs. Richardson
Mrs. V. Parkin
Mrs. R.E.Mowbray
Mrs. WM.Brown
Mrs. I. McLean
Mrs. V.Wagg
Mrs. Roy Hill
Mrs. J. Wagg
Mrs. J. Kingstone
Mrs. Wm. Young
Secretary Treasurers recorded were:
Mrs. Parkin
Miss. F.E.Noble
Mrs. McBrien
Mrs. Seldon
Mrs. Pallister
Mrs. R.R.Mowbray
Mrs. M.Gormley
Mrs. C.Lawton
Mrs. Wm. Brown (served several terms)
Mrs. J. Wagg
Mrs. V. Parkin
Mrs. Newport
Miss May Brown
Mrs. Hugh Crawford
Those who have held District Offices are:
President - Miss May Brown
Mrs. Wm. Brown
Secretary - Miss May Brown
2nd Vice Pres. Mrs. Hugh Crawford
Convenors of Standing Committees -
Mrs. J. Wagg
Mrs. C. McTaggart
Mrs. M.Mowbray.
17
History of the Kinsale Branch of South Ontario W.I. by Mrs. C. McTaggart, 1960 contd.
Her Majesty The Queen
Buckingham Palace,
London, SW 1, England
Sincere greetings on this the Golden Jubilee of the womens institute of
Great Britain, from the second oldest institute Kinsale Ontario
Patricia Kingstone
President
VR/RN 11.03 P.M.
Mrs. Patricia Kingstone,
President, Kinsale Womens Institute,
R.R. #2,
Claremont, Ontario
Ottawa, Ont. May 31st/65
FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN BEGINS: -
THE QUEEN SINCERELY THANKS THE MEMBERS OF THE KINSALE WOMENS
INSTITUTE FOR THEIR KIND MESSAGE OF GREETINGS ON THE GOLDEN JUBILEE
OF THE WOMENS INSTITUTE OF GREAT BRITAIN ENDS.
SECRETARY TO GOVERNOR GENERAL
THE BRANCH MAKES BREAD AT THE MOWBRAY HOME
Illustrations:
Evelyn Stell, Gwen Mowbray, Mrs. Art Stevens
Janet Crawford
Mrs. Mary McLean
The Mowbray Children
19
Kinsale Women’s Institute Branch History
January 1974
The Kinsale Branch began sponsoring a 4H Homemaking Club in 1961, and there has been
one every year since then. The girls have leaned to sew and many have made their own
clothes. They have also learned to cook, which I am sure is appreciated by their mothers.
Leaders through the years have been; Mrs. John Kingstone, Mrs. Wm. Young,
Mrs. C. McTaggart, Mrs. Kenn McTaggart, Mrs. Grant Pascoe, Mrs. H. Crawford,
Mrs. D. Morden, Mrs. David Bendall.
This picture was taken at Ajax in 1968
Seated left to right-Leader Mrs. K. McTaggart,
Linda Thomas, Kathy Pegg, Leader- Mrs. Grant
Pascoe, Karen Slater seated at back.
Standing-Carol Goodwin, Debbie Guest, Janice Wilson, and Brenda Middleton.
1973 Raye Pascoe and Gayle Vernest
Front-Donna Wilson, Mary Lou Mordem, Darlene Scriver, Lilian Strike,
Janice Wilson, Carol Goodwin.
Second - Marilyn Outhouse, Andrea Soars, Anne Hornov, Linda Legacy, Susan Cragg,
Ruth Honingh, Karen Hume, Rosalie Brooks. Back-Gayle Vernst, Julia Finlay, Carolyn
French and Wendy Woof.
1973- Mary Lou Morden, Anne Hornov, Andrea Soars, Donna Wilson, Marilyn Outhouse,
Lilian Strike, Mrs. Morden and Janet McTaggart.
Oshawa Times – June 20th 1972
Kinsale Women’s Institute 75th Birthday
Cutting the 75th anniversary cake for Kinsale Women’s Institute are (from left)
Mrs. Sam Cawker, provincial board member, Mrs. Wilfred Cragg, president of the
South Ontario Kinsale Women’s Institute branch, and Mrs. Nelson Williams,
president of the South Ontario District Women’s Institute. Birthday celebrations
were held Wednesday afternoon at Kinsale Community Centre, and Included a
re-enactment of an institute meeting of 1906. The women dressed in ‘period’
costumes, complete with bonnets to protect dainty complexions in the days before no
summer was complete without a suntan. The skit included a winded late-comer who had been
delayed chasing ‘poor Betsy’, her cow, out of the fall wheat field before she ate herself literally
to death. According to a history compiled by Mrs. Mildred McTaggart, early topics of
discussion at the Kinsale Women’s Institute included whether it is right or wrong to play cards
or dominoes. Men were referred to as ‘the sterner sex’. Charter members who formed the
Kinsale institute in 1897 were Mrs. Royal Rogers, Mrs. Clarkson Rogers, Mrs. John Seldon,
Mrs. Joseph Harbron, Mrs. Ralph R. Mowbray, Mrs. Lovell Harrison, and Miss F. Pearce.
The Kinsale chapter was formed shortly after the first Women’s Institute in Stoney Creek, Ont.
100
COMMUNITY HISTORY
"HISTORY IS AS MUCH THE PRESERVATION OF THE PRESENT AS IT IS RESEARCH
INTO THE PAST"
by Mrs. H. Crawford - June 1971.
With this fact in mind the members of the Kinsale Women's Institute spent an evening
comparing life in 1971 with life as it had been in 1871.
In 1871 foods were bought only when they were in season, Jam was made when fruit was
cheap and plentiful. Food was preserved by processing in hermetically sealed containers,
Jars, bottles and tins. Eggs were bought when plentiful and stored in isinglass for winter
use.
Now, in 1971 it is still cheaper to buy produce in season but it can be obtained at other
times. For example, apply storage buildings keep fruit at the correct temperature and
humidity. These apples go on sale as "Sleeping Beauties". Not so much canning and
bottling is done at home now. Many homemakers put meats, fruits, vegetables and baking
in freezers - this is called fresh frozen. The goods remain fresh for many months.
In 1871 shopping was done early in the morning at the markets to get the produce fresh as
it came in from the farms. Now, as there are several shipments each day from the Food
Terminal to the Supermarkets, this is no longer necessary. The busiest times at the
supermarkets now are probably Thursday and Friday evening. As many women work
outside the home this is the most convenient time to shop with their husbands. Many
convenience foods ere found in these stores, such as cakes, cookies, muffin, tea, coffee
and pudding mixes. These are called instant. You simply add water and stir. Even complete
four course dinners can be had in compartmented trays from the frozen food counter.
Laundry work is now very different. It is one area in which the work is easier for the
housewife in 1971 than for her sister in 1871. Most homes have water softeners, water
heaters, washers, spin dryers, and hand irons and ironing machines, all powered by
electricity. Some even have automatic laundries where the laundry is washed and dried in
half an hour, using thermostatic controls. There is a multitude of products to help ease the
load of laundry work-detergents that can be used even in cold water, bleaches to whiten,
softeners for bluing and fluffing, sprays for starching, sizing to renew finish. Many fabrics
now on the market can be washed and hung to drip dry with no need for further care; pleats
remain in; wringkles remain out.
In most towns there is a drycleaning business where heavy garments can be professionally
cleaned. In some cases the customer runs the machines himself at a lesser charge. For
those with no home laundries there are laundromats where one may rent a washer for
twenty-five cents and a dryer for ten cents.
.
The kitchen is still the place where the homemaker spends a great deal of her time. In it
everything is arranged to increase efficiency and ease of cleaning. There are cupboard built
into the walls, counters with smooth tops of arborite or tile. The walls and floors are of vinyl
or linoleum tiles which are easy to keep clean. The fixtures include a single or double sink,
refrigerator, stove, automatic dishwasher, garbage disposal unit, blenders for mixing,
beaters, kettles, frying pans, bread toasters, coffee makers, knives, can openers, all run by
electricity. If natural gas has been piped into the house, some of the larger fixtures are run
by it.
The pots and pans are most often made of aluminium or stainless steel. These ere
sometimes lined with teflon which prevents food sticking and scorching.
This kitchen is swept with an electric broom or an electric vacuum cleaner. The floor wax
on the tiles is polished with an electric polisher. In this home it is a minor disaster if there is
an electric power failure.
Houses have changed mainly in style. Many are bungalows - one story instead of several.
The outside is usually material that is readily available. Now that our forests are becoming
depleted brick, aluminum, cement, and asbestos are the chief material used. The sidings
come in many colors.
Inside there is as great a variety as there are peoples' wishes. The floors may be hardwood
treated with plastic coating or tile in many shapes and materials. Carpeting is of man made
fibres such as nylon and propylene as well as wool.
The walls are usually plaster or drywall construction. Wall panellings of all kinds are used for
decorative purposes. Walls are covered with paint, paper or burlap. Windows are covered
with draperies that can be drawn across to keep out the light. Often there are no glass
curtains. Sometimes slatted venetian blinds are hung at the windows. Many draperies are
made of artificial fabrics which are easy to care for.
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COMMUNITY HISTORY
102
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Page two – by Mrs. H. Crawford
In 1971 the entertainment differs greatly from that of 1871. Dinner parties are still held,
mostly for special occasions such as wedding anniversaries but often in a restaurant rather
than in the home. Afternoon tea parties have been discontinued except as fund raising
events for churches and clubs.
Many people find the greater part of their fun in their own home watching television. Here
one can see dramas, sports events, moving pictures, variety concerts, stage performances,
educational programsand news. It certainly has lessened the community spirit in small
villages. Sports clubs now exist for bothmen and women. Women, unlike their counterparts
in 1871, find that no sporting events are barred to them; they play hockey, baseball, tennis
and badminton. They ski and skate and even practice karate.
The greatest change however has taken place in health and medical services. Babies are
now delivered in hospitals. Prenatal classes are available to expect mothers to train them
in caring for their infant’s physical needs.
Doctors are hard worked. It is almost impossible to have a doctor make a house call. Only
in an extreme emergency will he come. The patient is taken to the doctor’s office.
Children and adults are immunized against communicable diseases such as diptheria,
measles, smallpox and poliomyelitis. Consequently more children survive the infant period.
Hospital care and doctors’ fees are taken care of by an insurance scheme run by the
government. Payment of the fee admits a patient to a hospital ward and pays eighty
percent of the doctor’s fee.
When those who follow us look at the pictures of our times they will be as amused at our
style of dressing as we are at that of 1871. We speak of the dress of our grandparents as
quaint of ours as picturesque. Men’s fashions have become more attractive than they were
thirty years ago. Hair styles are less severe – the hair being worn down on the neck.
Moustaches, beards and muttonchop whiskers and sideburns are again in vogue, hiding as
usual some of the less beautiful faces. Men’s clothing is colorful and individualistic –
garments of velvet and satin for leisure wear – denims and canvas and cotton for sports.
Young women wear their dresses well above the knee, whether or not their legs are
symmetrical. Middle aged women tend to have short hair, curled artificially if necessary,
whereas the younger ones prefer straight hair well below shoulder length. All advertising
stresses the fact that the human animal is beautiful and all humans are urged to dress
accordingly.
This has been combined and correlated from the actual writing of the members of the group
by Janet W. Crawford.
June, 1971
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COMMUNITY HISTORY
The Stouffville Tribune
August 28, 1969
Milton N. Pegg
PAST MEMORIES REMAIN DESPITE MEN AND MACHINES
There has been a great commotion going on this summer up on the seventh concession of
Pickering north of Greenwood and west to the Brock road. There were violent explosions
making nearby houses tremble as the cement bridge over Duffin’s Creek was blown to
pieces. There was the snorting and clattering of bulldozers, the rumbling of great earth
movers and adding to the din, the moving in and out of trucks and big cement mixers.
Rasping chain-saws cut down trees great and small, while powerful machines dug out the
stumps and loaded and removed them. Wire fences, rail fences, and stone fences were
removed. The road allowance has almost doubled in width and new steel fences and gates
erected.
Old timers who have used this road for over half a century see these changes with a
nostalgia tinged with sadness as its whole appearance is being changed. Much of this
road was lined with fine old maple and elm trees. As one passed eastward from the Brock
Road and descended the three hills to the bottom of the valley of Duffin’s Creek, a fine view
was to be seen from the top of each hill. Many of the trees are now gone, the hills cut down
and the valley filled. Near the old bridge at Duffin’s Creek where the branches of the trees
almost met overhead the scene was one of idyllic pastoral charm. From the north came the
clear sparkling water to flow under the bridge. Here many a fine trout was lifted from the
shadowy depths and here many a farmer’s lad came for a cooling dip on a hot summers
day. The songs of the woodthrush, robin and many others could be heard from the dense
woods to the south. To the north, until recently, stood the old Boyer mill belonging to the
late John Bayles, mute reminder of the days when the farmers hauled their grain with horses
and wagons to be ground into meal for their livestock. East of the bridge was the crossing
place for the birds and animals of the forests as they clung to the sanctuary of the
bottomland woods. Sqirrels, rabbits, foxes, partridge, wild turkey, and deer have been seen
to pass over the road here. It is hardly to be expected that creatures of the wild will willingly
cross over this new wide highway.
Viewing this area recently, the writer and his son, Edward, saw where a bulldozer had made
a few passes over the site of George Graham’s old blacksmith shop which over a century
ago stood at the top of the hill, west of the bridge. A few minutes search revealed many
artifacts including blacksmith made bolts, hinges, links of logging chains, an iron wedge,
pieces of horse shoes, a front caulk for a horse shoe, horse shoe nails, a broken file made
into a chisel, a nut with a handle used to tighten wagon box end rods, clinkers and bits of
coal from the forge and most nostalgic of all, the porcelain armand part of the yead of a doll
that probably belonged to George Graham’s little daughters.
As one thinks back it is hard to realize that in a place of such quiet charm and beauty there
have been grim tradedies. At the old bridge, and near to it, five persons met sudden and
violent death. One evening about a hundred years ago Mrs. Graham was milking the family
cow, when their dog which had been tormented by some boys at the blacksmith shop,
rushed to her side for protection and comfort. The cow turned to lunge at the dog and one of
the cow’s horns entered Mrs. Graham’s eye and pierced her brain. Six children were left
motherless. Later George marrked again and had ten more children making a family of
sixteen children raised.
On a cold January morning in 1904 Abe Boyer, who was 69 years old, was working alone in
the mill. The heavy coat that he wore caught in projecting key on a heavy steel shaft. He was
thrown violently around, striking his head on a beam. His body fell into the open mill-race
below and was not discovered until several hours later by his anxious wife and neighbours.
In 1905 Thomas Bayles, a brother-in-law to Abe Boyer took over the mill. In 1907 he too was
accidently killed while moving a pile driver up to the dam to do repair work.
Just before the outbreak of the Second World War, two young lads wholived in Brooklin,
Jack Maynard and Bill Cassidy, had tinkered with an old Chrysler car, stripping it down to
the chassis, with only the motor, the front seat and a box on the rear for ballast remaining.
One evening with the joyous exhilaration of youth, they sped westward along the seventh of
Whitby and Pickering Townships, with open muffler, travelling at high speed. Several
persons heard the noise as of an aeroplane passing. As they neared the bridge over
Duffins Creek, owing to some loose gravel, their machine went out of control, going into the
north ditch and turning over. The cedar tree on the north side of the bridge bore the scar
from the impact until it was cut down this year. Both young men were instantly killed and the
water flowed red under the bridge.
It is true that almost every locality where human beings have lived or traveled that there have
been tragedies. Some are recorded but many are soon forgotten. And so as we reminisce,
some of we older folk wonder why this bridge should be widened, levelled and paved at an
expense of hundreds of thousands of dollars to make more speedway into this quiet place,
which to those who have lived here since childhood, is one of the fairest and loveliest places
on earth. Are the powers that be defeating their purpose? We wonder.
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COMMUNITY HISTORY
Illustrations:
Old railway bridge on Westney Road south of Greenwood
Highway bridge at Greenwood built in 1933
The corner – Spring 1972
Looking down the hill 1972 Paddock Rd. corner changed.
Construction being done for a new bridge in 1972
Looking south on Westney Rd. 1972
105
COMMUNITY HISTORY
AIRPORT PROPOSAL STIRS PICKERING HORNET'S NEST
The tranquility of Pickering Township was shattered early in March with the announcement
of the proposed second Toronto International airport and with it a new community of 150,000
to 200,000 people. Residents in the area polarized into groups, for and against the plan. It
became an issue in the federal election, with politicians disagreeing with party leaders. As
the year ended, the airport question was still up in the air. Here is the chronological account
of the main events surrounding the airport controversy.
1972
March
Mar. 2 - Federal and provincial governments announce new international airport city of
150,000 to 200,000 to be built in northern Pickering Township.
Pickering Township Reeve John Williams forecasts chaos. William Newman MPP is
dismayed. Whitby Mayor Des Newman is delighted, Oshawa Mayor Ed McNeely is pleased
Mar. 3 - Ontario MP Norm Cafik says he will have a survey and meetings on the airport issue.
Mar. 4 - Pickering Township council votes unanimously to oppose the airport. Reeve
Williams calls it a "shambles from beginning to end".
Mar. 7 - Eight hundred people of township form anti-airport group. People or Planes (POP).
Dr. Charles Godfrey elected chairman, at Brougham meeting.
Mar. 13. - Whitby council supports airport with exception of Reeve Tom Edwards,
Mar. 14 - Transport Minister Don Jamieson meets MPs on airport plans in Ottawa.
Mar. 17 - Eight hundred attend airport protest meeting in Pickering. Local government
representatives voice opposition.
Mar. 21 - Pickering Township Councillor Don Kitchen says in speech at Kinsmen Club that
chances of stopping airport are remote. Ontario County Council votes strongly in favor of
airport.
Mar. 23 - Provincial government sets up airport information office in Pickering.
POW (Progress over Welfare) group is formed to support airport.
Mar. 24 - Trudeau promises to halt airport development if majority of population served
opposes it.
Mar. 26 - POP asks Premier William Davis and Prime Minister Trudeau to stop
expropriation until full airport information given.
Mar. 27 - Davis says Pickering was best all-round site for airport.
Valleyview Public School, located at end of a runway, could be affected by noise, group
says.
Mar. 28 - Toronto group meets at city hall to oppose airport,
April
Apr. 4. - Transport Minister Don Jamieson's office says it will open the books on the airport
to POP people. Oshawa Council asks Jamieson to limit Cedarwood to 25,000 or 30,000
people. 300 at Claremont question government representatives on airport.
Apr. 5 - Norm Cafik MP will survey riding on airport question. POP publishes airport
information newspaper supplement parodying government's publications.
Apr. 6 - Larry Foster, planner of Cedarwood says Pickering will boom even without the
airport.
Apr. 10 - Federal task force recommended against Pickering site in 1970, says report
issued by Uxbridge councillor Clark Muirhead,
Apr. 11 - Whitby and Brooklin residents form POP group east of Pickering.
Apr. 25 - Don Jamieson says Pickering was chosen for the airport because it rated highest
in five factors of site selection. Environment group warns of noise pollution.
Apr. 26 - Mr. Jamieson says the airport will be built unless there is a forceful argument
against it.
Apr. 27 - Jamieson speaks at Oshawa Chamber of Commerce dinner. Chamber supports
airport.
May
May 13 - POP holds spring festival throughout airport area to publicize its position.
May l6 - First steps taken to acquire airport land. Appraisers start visits to determine
market value. POP warns of gulls on airport site.
May 18 - Norm Cafik MP organizes public survey of residents on airport.
May 23 - Barnet Danson MP for Yrk North and prime minister's secretary calls for full inquiry
into airport. Rent-free life for two years in homes sold to the province is offered by
government. Province announces program for development to purchase 25,000 acres.
May 25 - POP says owners should wait for expropriation and not be pressured into selling.
June
June 1 - Ontario Government invites 150 landowners to open house on airport at Whitevale,
Brougham and Cherrywood to ask questions. 15-mile POP walk in township is led by Bruce
Kidd, Bill Crothers and Stan Worsfold.
June 12 - Ministry of Transport announces historical study of airport site,
June 15 - Mock funeral for Pickering Township held by POP at queen's Park in Toronto,
Norm Cafik extends return date for airport questionnaire.
COMMUNITY HISTORY
Airport Proposal – Page 2
July
July 7 – Airport plans increase industrial queries says Whitby Development Commissioner
Wes Winters. Students record history of Pickering Township.
July 10 – Airport supported by Cafik survey. Cafik won’t oppose site; calls for transit piece
of propaganda”.
July 13 – William Newman MPP opposed to airport despite Cafik survey.
July 30 – New airport project office moves to old Brougham school.
July 31 – POP says it has government report which says second airport should be scrapped.
August
Aug. 21 – 2,500 acres of land purchased by government. POP Chairman Dr. Charles
Godfrey says it is “an easy slice of the pie”.
September
Sept. 10 – Transport Minister Don Jamieson pledges airport site inquiry.
Sept. 16 – Earth Days festival held at Claremont to protest airport.
October
Oct. 1 – Pickering man boots appraisers off his land. Airport need not proven says York
Simcoe NDP candidate Wally Gustar. Univeristy of Toronto Professor Andrew Patenall
Supports POP.
Oct. 4 - Airport plan emerges as major election issue.
Oct. 5 - Planner says new city will keep small hamlets in airport area. Conservative leader
Robert Stanfield speaks against airport at Ajax.
Oct. 16 – Ministry of Transport official says very few objections received to expropriation
notices.
Oct. 17 – Pickering council opposes methods used to estaglish North Pickering community.
Oct. 19 – Federal government to make inventory of historic buildings on airport site.
Oct. 24 - Ministry of Transport spokesman refutes comments on brief on airport by East
York Mayor True Davidson to Metro Toronto Executive committee.
November
Nov. 1 - Ontario Premier William Davis says new city to come even if no airport.
Nov. 3 - Dr. Charles Godfrey says he would like to see airport funds go towards a sports
complex.
Nov.13 – Council not convinced by audio-visual show against North Pickering city by
ratepayers.
Nov. 20 – Pickering Township council opposes expropriation for airport.
Nov 27. – POP says airport site opposed in government report. Hearings on airport held in
Toronto.
Nov. 29 – Airport location said inconsistent with oronto-Central Region by Urban Planning
Council.
December
Dec. 13 - $46 million slated by province for North Pickering community.
Dec. 18 - North Pickering to be a separate unit of government in proposed Oshawa region.
Details to come later. Reeve John Williams calls it “city of chaos”
107
COMMUNITY HISTORY - Mrs. Lorraine Nicholson – January, 1974.
THE PROPOSED PICKERING AIRPORT
Shortly after the Federal Government announcement of a proposed airport in Pickering
Township in March, 1972, objectors to the proposal organized into a group known as P.O.P.
(People Or Planes). An office was set up in the old uninhabited Greenwood School and a
number of local and nearby residents gave unsparingly of their talents, time and resources.
Great concern was expressed about possible pollution, noise, expropriation, wildlife, loss of
valuable farmland, etc. and an investigation was requested as to the need for a second
International Airport, not far distant from the present one at Malton.
A major consideration of the proposed airport was the human element involved – the
probable uprooting of well-established families, who in many instances carefully chose their
location for its beauty, tranquility and productiveness. Others, perhaps, inherited their
locations and neither knew, nor wished, any other way of life.
Other side effects involved the hard feelings evidenced in the communities with neighbours,
friends and even relatives choosing sides, depending on their individual interests and
pursuits. It was a sad thing to witness the diverse feelings of those who had once been
warm and devoted friends and who would never again have their previous close
relationships
There were, of course, a good number of people who were in favour of the airport coming to
their area and they formed a group know as P.O.W. (Progress Over Welfare). Their reasons
could have been obtaining an attractive price for their property or perhaps they were
approaching an age where farming was a physical or financial handicap. No doubt the
proponents were sincere in their approval of the proposed airport and felt it would bring with
it employment for the surrounding area.
In order to gain finances, the P.O.P. Group held Festivals through the Township on
May 13 and 14, 1972 and again on Sept. 16, 17, 1972.
Taken by Michael Nicholson day of Festival.
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Community History
There were public hearings in Toronto and Claremont for those who objected to expropriation
in November, 1972. The matter was not resolved and it is understood expropriation continues.
An independent Review Board has been formed and their findings should be available in a
year’s time.
At the time of writing this account it would seem that nothing has been definitely decided
regarding the proposed airport but considerable disruption in the various communities
continues to take place, both with regard to the loss of property and the disruption of family life.
It is to be hoped that in the not too distant future, a final decision will be forthcoming.
109
COMMUNITY
Illustration:
Thursday, August 17, 1972 THE TRIBUNE Page 7
Greenwood’s Community Centre, part of an extensive sports complex, was officially opened,
Aug. 12. Nine members of a committee, who established a goal, then set out to achieve it,
are shown here, (left to right) – Ken Spratley, George Staley, Ken McTaggart, Gerry Fisher,
Pete Byberg, Les Wilson, Stan Outhouse, Doug Morden and Doug Clarke.
- Jim Thomas.
The following is a hand bill that was sent out for the opening:
OFFICIAL OPENING AND DEDICATION OF THE GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE
SATURDAY AUGUST 12 1972
Program Starts 10.30 A.M.
Fastball Tournament – Local Teams Competing for Prizes
Many Activities Including – Bar B.Q. Home Baking Refreshments
Admission Adults 75¢ Children 50¢
DEDICATION AND RIBBON CUTTING
8 to 9 p.m. Attending Will Be
Norm Cafik M.P. Ont. Riding Bill Newman M.P.P. Ont. South Riding Local Dignitaries and
L.I.P. Officials
OPENING DANCE
9 P.M. to 12 Live Music Admission $5 Per Couple
Tickets Available From The Executive
Gerry Fisher Pres. Peter Byberg Vice Pres. Ken McTaggart Treas. Ken Spratley Sec. Geo
Staley Doug Morden Stan Outhouse Les Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Milton Pegg John Beelin.
THE HISTORY OF GREENWOOD PARK
In the late 50’s the boys of our area played ball in the farm field north of Gerry Fisher’s
Paddock Garage. A change in ownership of the farm took the field away in 1960. The
search began for a new ball diamond. Mr. Geo. Moore suggested that the 7 acres just
south of the store on Greenwood Rd. owned by Mr. W. Lawson would make a good park.
A meeting took place on Jan. 6 1961 at which the first motion was passed and I quote:
“That we go ahead and try to purchase the Lawson land for a
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COMMUNITY
community park.” The people present at the meeting were Geo. Staley Pres. Gerry Fisher
Vice Pres. Marion Wilson Financial Sec. Geo. Moore Recording Sec. Ross Scriver Ken
McTaggart and Doug Morden Board Members. It was found that the Province would pay
25% of the price of $4900 and the Township of Pickering would match $ for $ on the
remainder. The $2000 was raised locally and by March 1961 the land was acquired. In May
the ground was levelled and the long grass burned off. A ball screen was built by Geo.
Moore and Les Wilson used his tractor on the outfield and so it went. Many people gave
freely of their time and drew satisfaction from the fact that the park brought so much
enjoyment to those in the area summer and winter.
Last Oct. Ottawa announced the Local Inititives Program of grants for community projects. A
meeting was held at the Church at which a Community Centre was discussed. Mr. Peter
Byberg who sparked the idea thought a group of civic minded people could build one with a
L.I.P. grant and other grants available. The ground was broken in Dec. 1971. Our centre is
now almost completed. The existence of our park and building was made possible by the
willingness of three levels of government to work hand in hand with a public spirited local
group to provide much needed facilities.
PLEASE COME AND HELP US CELEBRATE THE OPENING
Ken Spratley Secretary
Greenwood Community Association
Greenwood Ontario
GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE – Taken from Stouffville Tribune, Aug, 17/72
It’s official. The hamlet of Greenwood has a new Community Centre. It was opened,
Saturday evening, the highlight of a day filled with activities.
Area residents have just reason to be proud of their project.
But it’s only the beginning. That’s the feeling of committee secretary, Ken Spratley and a
similar enthusiasm is apparent among others on the board.
Ken estimates the value of the site at $160,000 with the township’s share about $36,000.
The Provincial and Federal Governments have provided generous grants and the community
itself has responded admirably.
“The grants were a great help”, Ken said. “They provided us with a building first and gave
the local people more incentive to pitch in and help”. He praised the co-operation of M.P.
Norm Cafik; M.P.P. Bill Newman and members of Pickering Council. To put a dollar value
on help at the local level, from the residents themselves, would run into the thousands, he
said.
Mr. Spratley feels the next step is to put a roof on the arena that will accommodate natural
ice first and hopefully, artificial ice later on. The ice-making plant will be installed on the
west end of the Centre, with dressing rooms to the east.
Opportunities for expanded facilities in the Park itself are unlimited. Members look to the
day when the grounds will include a tennis court, a soccer field and perhaps even a ski tow.
“Let’s face it, this won’t happen tomorrow, but some day it will”, envisioned Pete Byberg,
one of the original promoters of the Centre project.
By Mrs. C. McTaggart – January, 1974
In January, 1973 the local Park Board, with the help of others in the community, maintained
an open air ice rink, and children from the area made good use of it. Dances, meetings, and
receptions were held in the building.
Late in the year they enlarged the surface for the rink and made preparations for future
artificial ice. Now in January, 1974 the open air rink again is busy every day and evening
with children playing hockey and skating.
Baseball field was levelled and tennis courts were added in 1972
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Community History
AGENDA
INAUGURAL MEETING
TOWN OF PICKERING JANUARY 7TH 1974
1. OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS
2. INVOCATION AND DEDICATION - FATHER QUESNELLE
3. SINGING OF O' CANADA - TO BE LED BY MR. ALBAN WARD
4. REMARKS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL
5. MR. JIM KING, PRESIDENT OF THE BAY RIDGES KINSMEN, WILL PRESENT A CHAIN
OF OFFICE TO THE MAYOR
6. RECOGNITION - MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
7. DELEGATIONS -
(a) Mr. Hugh Miller will address Council
(b) Remarks from Mr. Norm Cafik, M.P.
8. REPORTS -
(a) Ontario Humane Society Report for the month of November 1973 with comparison figures
for the month of November 1972
RESOLUTIONS -
(a) To appoint signing officers for the Corporation of the Town of Pickering
(b) To appoint offcial bankers for the Corporation of the Town of Pickering
(c) To adopt accounts for the month of December 1973
(d) To adopt the Department Head reports for the month of December, 1973
10. BY-LAWS-
(a) By-law to appoint the Town Clerk
(b) By-law to adopt a Coporate Seal
(c) By-law to appoint a Treasurer Collector
(d) By-law to appoint a Town Engineer
(e) By-law to appoint a Planning Director
(g) By-law to appoint a Fire Chief
(h) By-law to appoint a Director of Recreation and Transportation
(i) By-law to appoint a Deputy Treasurer
(j) By-law to appoint a Auditors for the year 1974
(k) By-law to authorize the borrowing of $1,500,000 to meet, until taxes are collected the
current expenditure of the Municipality for the year 1974
(l) By-law to provide for the collectionof taxes for the year 1974
11. OTHER BUSINESS
12 CONFIRMATION BY-LAW
ADJOURNMENT
14. CLOSING AND BENEDICTION - Reverend D.B. Pugh
15. REFRESHMENTS - Committee Room
REPORT ON RESTORATION OF OLD
GREENWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE FOR USE AS A BRANCH LIBRARY
It is the purpose of this Report to investigate and comment on the existing condition of the
old schoolhouse, its suitability to the new use proposed, and to estimate the costs of
restoring it for use as a library.
The old school is located in the Village of Greenwood just south of the intersection of
Concession Road #6 and Westney Road. Greenwood itself is located north-east of Toronto,
just south of #7 Highway and about two miles east of Brougham which is at the intersection
of #7 highway and the Brock Road.
The schoolhouse site is most scenic. It is located on a gentle rise of land with a panoramic
view of the surrounding countryside to the west. In the immediate area of the old
schoolhouse there are some fine old maple trees which were planted at the turn of the
century.
The entire aspect is one of gentle rural serenity, certainly a most suitable and enviable
location for a local library.
Overall, considering the age of the building, it is in remarkably good structural condition and
apart from the necessary remedial work to the rear (west) wall requires little in the way of
structural repairs.
Structural elements are satisfactory provided the brick repairs are carried out. Exterior and
interior repairs are required and a new roof is required. In order to provide proper insulation
and vapour barriers most interior finishes will be replaced. With reglazing of windows,
installation of storm windows, and caulking, the building should be airtight to present
standards.
By relocating the present Brougham branch to Greenwood the Town of Pickering Library
Board will be able to provided a more centralized library service to the area residents in
larger and improved quarters.
Library service would be made available to approximately 1,200 people which will be
growing to 2,000 in the next few years. Of the 293 children attending Valley View School,
which is next to the proposed library building, 262 are bussed in. Teachers could be
encouraged to let these children use the library during school hours and /or recess. A
converted classroom is presently used as the school library and is staffed by a part-time
teacher-librarian. According to Jean Free, School Library Consultant for Durham Region,
the school library’s book collection is very limited and in her opinion a public library this
close to the school would be a great asset. It would be an excellent opportunity to promote
co-operation between school and public library, and could prove to be a model for locating
future branch libraries.
As well as providing an improved library service the Board intends:
(a) To house and display at this location all the library’s records
(some of them date back to 1893) and Canadiana, presently stored at the Rouge Hill branch.
(b) To collect, organize, and have on reference all available material on the history of the
area.
Report re restoration cont’d.
(c) To work with community groups in sponsoring and presenting programmes and exhibits.
The Museum Board could be asked to display artifacts from time to time and to donate their
collection of old books for restoration and display. Members of the community could be
asked to loan documents and photographs for exhibit.
(d) To restore an historical building and provide it with a new life, thus preserving an
important part of local history which might otherwise be demolished.
The recommended bookstock volume for a small library such as this is approximately
5 volumes per capita. Keeping in mind the population increase, the librarys collection
should be built up within the next 2 to 3 years to contain between 8,500 and 9,000 volumes,
65-70% of which should be non-fiction and at least 35% children’s books. The proposed
plans which follow in this report indicate a total of 9,650 volumes for the layout shown.
On the exterior the only architectural changes proposed are:
(a) Removal of the enclosure for the outside stair to the basement.
(b) Restoration of the cupola which housed the bell.
(c) Construction of a large window in the west wall where none occurs now. This would
open up the view to the west, which as mentioned earlier is most spectacular.
(d) Rebuilding of the wooden steps at the exit door in the south-west corner.
(e) Restoration of all wood trim, eaves, fascias, soffits, etc. and repairing of all masonry,
including remedial work to west wall.
(f) Replacing the existing metal roofing which is badly deteriorated with a new cedar
shingle roof as original.
(g) All windows and doors repaired and reglazed as required, including storm units.
(h) Painting of all exterior woodwork and trim.
The intent is to restore the exterior and the interior as original and that the furniture and
equipment for the library be compatible in material and design.
An allowance has been included to carry out some landscaping in the immediate area of
the building and to install walkways relating to pedestrian approach from the town and the
school and from the parking area.
Costs of the work are estimated as follows:
Architectural—————— $62,500.00
Mechanical—————— $10,400.00
Electrical——————— $ 5,000.00
CONSTRUCTION COST——————— $77,900.00
Library Shelving and Furniture—————————— 12,600.00
Landscaping————————————————— 4,000.00
Architectural and Engineering Fees———————— 8,800.00
Contingency————————————————— 5,000.00
$108,300.00
Report re restoration cont’d.
For its age, the schoolhouse is in exceptionally good condition.
However, if action is not taken soon to correct roof leakage, masonry
repairs, eaves repairs, and if the building is left unheated during more winters, there will be
a rapid acceleration of damage to finishes and structure. It is therefore fortuitous that a use
has been found for this excellent example of its genre and in our opinion there are no
obstacles, either structurally, or from the point of view of being able to accommodate the
library function, to its conversion for use as a library.
TEXT OF GWEN MOWBRAY’S SPEECH AT OPENING
OF OLD GREENWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE LIBRARY JUNE, 1980
Your Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the official opening of the old Greenwood
Schoolhouse Library.
It seems a long time ago that Gordon Duncan, a former board member, suggested that the
old school in Greenwood would be ideal as a library. Today this suggestion has become a
reality and the Board hopes you are as pleased as we are with the result.
The preservation of historic buildings would not normally be thought a function of the Library
Board. The Council may rest assured that we will not treat this as a precedent. Once is
enough.
However this building, a good example of a Southern Ontario red brick school house, has
been a focal point for the community since 1860 and we saw an opportunity to continue this,
albeit in a different way, for many years to come.
The Greenwood School has had several lives. From 1860 until 1963 when the new school
was built, this was the elementary school for Greenwood village and the surrounding farm
community. Since 1963 it served for several years as the administrative office for Pickering
School Area #1. For a short time it housed the Kinsale Library then the office of People or
Planes and was finally leased to the town to be used by Museum Board. It has stood empty
for the last four years.
During this last 120 years, physical changes as well as changes in use have occurred. The
basement, with a coal burning furnace to replace the box stoves and inside washrooms
were added in 1929. Electric light was installed in 1946 and in 1952 the increased school
population necessitated a permanent partition dividing the school into two classrooms.
Architect Bill Lett has taken this dilapidated and neglected building and turned it into a
charming and living restoration.
115
Report on restoration cont’d.
Every little schoolhouse in Ontario undoubtedly claimed a potential Prime Minister among its
students. This school had one. John Diefenbaker, although not old enough to be registered
as a pupil attended on a regular basis for several years when his father, W.I. Diefenbaker
was the teacher from 1897-1900.
The former students are represented today by Miss May Brown, who at 91, is the oldest
living graduate, a loved and respected member of this community all her life.
We are fortunate to have with us today the Honorable Pauline McGibbon, Lieutenant-
Governor of Ontario and her husband Mr. Donald W. McGibbon.
On April 10, 1974 following years of dedication to education, social works and the
development of culture, Her Honor was installed as the 22nd Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario
and the first woman to be appointed to this position.
Her Honour was the first woman President of the University of Toronto Alumni Association
and its first woman Chancellor, first woman Governor of Upper Canada College and first
woman Chancellor of the University of Guelph. In the arts her Honour has made an
outstanding contribution to the Dominion Drama Festival, the National Theatre School of
Canada and has received the first Honorary Degree in Theatre Arts granted by Ryerson
Polytechnical Institute. Her Honour was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 1967.
Prior to her appointment as Lieutenant-Governor, Mrs. McGibbon gained valuable
experience as the first woman on the Board of Directors of I.B.M. Canada and IMASCO Ltd.
Again on behalf of the Board I should like to thank MPP’s George Ashe and Bill Newman for
their continuous support of library services.
We are extremely grateful to the directors of the Ontario Heritage Foundation for their very
generous financial assistance. This project had been shelved because of its high cost but
their enthusiastic response brought it back to life.
Wintario has also given a grant toward the furnishings. Locally the Brougham Citizen’s
League has also contributed and provided a beautiful pine cabinet to house old books
donated to the Pickering Museum and the Library.
115A
14 Pickering’s Bay News, Wednesday, June 4, 1980
Diefenbaker’s old school becomes a library
By Charlotte Gentles
The old Geenwood school, built in 1860, was officially opened by Lieutenant Governor
Pauline McGibbon as a library on last Sunday. The old school house where John
Diefenbakers, former Prime Minister of Canada attended school and his father was a
teacher, has been restored and turned into a library.
Lt. Gov. McGibbon said she is an avid reader. Prior to her appointment to office she was a
patron of the Metro Toronto libraries. Her honour said she felt that television encouraged
children to read. They see a program and want to know more about what they have seen so
they go to the libraries and search for the information that they are looking for.
Her honour said libraries express the character of a community by the type of books the
shelves contain. Through the reference books and types of non-fiction books on the shelves
one receives an indication of what a community is like.
She referred to her previous visit to Greenwood. “This is my second visit to this community
in a relatively short time. On my previous visit here I had the pleasure of officially opening
your museum village.”
At the conclusion of the various brief speeches the vice-regal party and dignitaries left the
dias and walked to the Old Greenwood School House Library door. Lieutenant Governor
McGibbon cut the red ribbon and Miss May Brown, 91, the oldest living graduate of the
school, unlocked the school house library door.
She was presented with a framed sketch of the historic building by the chairman of the
Pickering library board, Mrs. Gwen Mowbray. Her honour said she was thrilled to “receive a
momento of this historic occasion.”
During the speeches library board member John Coates said, “the Durham Region Board of
Education gave the building and the land on which it stands to the people of Pickering.
When the library board was instituted 12 years ago the board had 60,000 volumes in the
libraries of Pickering. In 1968 there was a circulation of 62,000. It is now up to a 200,000
circulation. The board has 1,200 Canadiana volumes, half of which have been restored,
and the other half are in the process of being restored.”
The director of the Durham Board of Education, Ken Munroe was presented with a framed
sketch of the Old Greenwood School House Library by Ward 3 councillor Gerry Fisher. Mr.
Munroe congratulated the library board of Pickering and particularly
Mrs. Mowbray for the work and effort they put into “bringing about this event.”
Left to right Aide De Camp Major Peter Marani looked on as Mrs. Gwen Mowbray, Pickering
Library Board Chairman and Miss May Brown, 91, the oldest living graduate of the
Greenwood School enjoy Lieutenant-Governor Pauline McGibbon recalling her visit to
Greenwood last year. (photo by Charlotte Gentles)
Left to right Aide de Camp Major Peter Marani holds framed sketch of the Old Greenwood
School House which had been presented to Lt. Gov. Pauline McGibbon by Pickering Library
Board Chairman Mrs. Milton (Gwen) Mowbray. Lt. Gov. McGibbon shook hands with Mrs.
Mowbray after the ribbon was cut declaring the Old Greenwood School House Library
opened. (photo by Charlottte Gentles).
116
Crafts in Greenwood 1973 – 1980
Green and White Crafts
In 1973 the Federal Government offered to fund Senior Citizen’s groups, to help them carry
out projects for the enrichment of the community in which they lived. This was known as the
New Horizon’s Program.
A group of seniors, members of the Good Neighbors’ Club, formed a committee to apply for
this grant to finance a crafts school. The prime mover was Mrs. Beth Johnston of Whitevale.
The applicants were:
Milton Pegg—— Betty Pegg (Mrs. M.)—— Greenwood Road
Ernest Trimble—— Olive Trimble (Mrs. E.)—— Conc. 6, Greenwood
Lloyd Johnston—— Beth Johnston (Mrs. L.)—— Whitevale
Rev. Thomas Fleetham—— ————— Conc. 6, Greenwood
Donald McLean—— Grace McLean (Mrs. D.)—— Sideline 14-15
Herbert Middleton Sr., —— ————— Conc. 6, Greenwood
Edward Pascoe ————— Conc. 6, Greenwood
Mary White (Mrs. F. H.) ————— Whitevale
Rae Griffin (Mrs. G.) ————— Sideline 14-15
In February 1974, Marc Lalonde, the Minister of Health and Welfare, informed the group that
they had been granted $4,950.00, the full amount that they had requested.
Greenwood Recreation Association and the Town of Pickering assisted the project by
building a new room, 20 feet by 50 feet, at the west side of the Greenwood Community
Centre. The above directors gave $1,500.00 of their grant towards the cost and in return
an agreement was drawn up between the Greenwood Recreation Association and the
Green and White Crafts. This gave the Crafts the exclusive use of the room, rent, heat, and
electricity, free for a period of five years.
The first classes started in Weaving on April 29, 1974 with eight students and two teachers.
The teachers were the very best; both held teaching certificates in weaving. They were Miss
Carrie Oliphant, for many years the treasurer of the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners and
her former pupil and now colleague, Mrs. Ellenbeth Hobbs.
Weaving proved to be a very popular craft; as many as six courses of ten lessons each were
given in a year. Often twenty students would be instructed in a class. In the first class all
pupils were over sixty-five years of age but soon the whole community and neighbouring
communites were involved, both young and old.
In September a course in Furniture Refinishing, Reupholstery, and Caning was started by
Mrs. E. Puckrin; soon after Rug Hooking by Mrs. Evelyn Spratley and Macrame by Mrs. Mary
Martin were added to the crafts being taught.
Success bred success and in 1975 a second grant of $4,190.00 was applied for and given
by the Federal Government. By 1976 the craftsmen were so competent that a show and
sale was held in the craft room.
During this period of time some directors dropped out and were replaced for varying
periods by Mrs. Janet Crawford, Mrs. Carole White, Mrs. Patricia Pegg, Mrs. Doreen
Shewan, Mrs. Eileen Philp, Mrs. Betty Goodwin and Mrs. June Johnstone.
116a
In the Spring of 1976 a new Board of Directors was formed to introduce new crafts. They
applied for a New Horizon’s grant and received $9,600.00. The Board for Project 11 were:
Garnet Dickson – Chairman for a few months until stricken by a stroke; succeeded by
Sid Pugh – Chairman from Sept., 1976-July 1979.
Wilf Monney – Secretary Treasurer
Beth Johnston (Mrs. L.)
Irene Dickson (Mrs. G.) – resigned 1977
Rachel Griffen (Mrs. G.)
Lloyd T. Johnston – deceased June 1977
Doreen Monney (Mrs. W.)
F. H. White
Mary White (Mrs. F.H.)
Five new crafts were added:
Crochet taught by (Mrs.) Sue Langton
Flemish tapestry taught by (Mrs.) Engelien Van Nuys
Oil painting taught by (Mrs.) Kay Parker
Picture framing taught by (Mr.) H. Nelson
Pottery taught by (Miss) Wendy Spencer
An upper craft room above the original one, was finished. The Directors gave $1,000.00
toward the expense and painted it. They also bought rugs for the craft room at a cost of
$1,558.00.
Of these five new crafts three – picture framing, crochet, and oil painting were still attracting
students when the grant was all used up.
In July 1979 the assets of the two Green and White Crafts Projects were combined under
the name of Green and White Crafts and carried on under a new Directorate without any
further backing of the Federal Government. The new Directors were:
Eileen Phil (Mrs. H.) – Chairman
Aileen Adams (Miss) – Secretary
Janet Crawford (Mrs. H.F.) – Treasurer
Patricia Pegg (Mrs. Don.)
June Johnston (Mrs. L.)
Betty Goodwin(Mrs. D.)
Milton Pegg
Betty Pegg (Mrs. M.)
The most interesting outcome of all this craft work was the formation of a Weavers’ Guild
named “The Shuttlebug Weavers’ Guild”.
Janet Crawford
117
Illustrations:
Weaving class in session – 1976
First craft sale – April 29, 1976.
First craft sale – April 29, 1976
117a
TOWN OF PICKERING MUSEUM
As soon as the Federal Government expropriated the land on which the museum was
situated, concerned citizens began planning to have it relocated in the Village of
Greenwood. The site chosen was the south west corner of Greenwood Road and
Concession Six. This land was purchased from the estate of the late Dr. and Mrs. Barclay.
Negotiations began in 1973 among the Town of Pickering, the Federal Government and the
Pickering Township Historical Society. The Historical Society had opened the Museum in
Brougham to preserve historical buildings, relics, and artifacts in the Pickering area.
The central problem was the inability to produce definite ownership of the Greenwood site.
There were many clouds on the title. The Federal Government had offered $528,000,00
for relocation but did not complete payment until the title was cleared. Arguments developed
over the rental to be paid to the Federal Government for the site after they had taken title to it.
Finally all obstacles were cleared. By October 1978 work was started on the land. On the
appended fact sheet are all the details concerning people and companies involved, costs,
and dates of moving. December 6th was the first moving day. First they rolled out the church,
then a shed, two barns and a house.
By June 1979 all the buildings were in their places; the landscaping was nearing completion;
several buildings were restored. The blacksmith’s shop. Which had had its beginnings in
Greenwood, cater corner from the Museum site, was back home on the Museum grounds.
The original Museum building and the barn, housing the gas and steam machinery, were left
behind in Brougham because of the prohibitive cost of moving them.
All this work was coordinated through a Museum Board of five members - Wally Berniacki,
Chairman,; Tom Quinn of the town’s Recreation Department; Greenwood residents, John
Bryant and Marg. Bleasdale; and Gwen Mowbray of the Library Board. Councillors Norah
Geraghty and Gerry Fisher also attended Board meetings.
The Board had hoped to hold the usual "History in Action Day” in September 1979. However,
volunteers were still unpacking warehouses crammed with artifacts, so a "walk through”
opening was held on Saturday September 15th. Guests walked from the entrance on the
west side of Duffin’s Creek, through a forest glade, over a rustic bridge and on into a typical
village of the 19th century.
The Honorable Pauline McGibbon, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario cut the ribbon to unveil
the plaques to commemorate the occasion. One plaque came from the original grounds
at Brougham: the other marked the new location. She said: "It is an honour to be here and
take part in such an event. It gives one a great feeling to see the rewards of hard work".
Pickering Mayor Jack Anderson introduced the speakers - The Honorable Wm. G. Newman
M.P.P., Mr. Scott Fennell M.P. and Mr. George Ashe M.P.P.
This opening was combined with the annual Greenwood Day. The weather was sunny and
warm. There were crowds of happy people. It was a memorable occasion.
During the winter of 1979-80 the Museum Village came to life for a day. A C.B.C. Crew
used the buildings to film one segment of "The Great Detective" starring Douglas Campbell.
Historical sketches of each of the buildings are to be found on the following pages. Please
note that these descriptions were written while the Museum was in Brougham; that No. 1 the
original Brougham School Section 10, and No.15 the gas and steam barn, were not brought
to the new site in Greenwood.
Janet Crawford
118
FACT SHEET
Relocation of the Pickering Museum
Date: —— December 6, 1978
9:30 a.m.
Greenwood Community Centre, Village of
Greenwood (see attached map)
Client: Town of Pickering
Cost: $600,00 (to relocate all the structures
and prepare new site ie. Parking lots,
pedestrian bridge, landscaping)
Companies Involved: (a) Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
Consulting Engineers, Surveyors, Planners
Don Mills, Ontario
- design and project managers
- responsible for feasibility, site planning,
- landscaping and structural engineering studies
(b) Bruce S. Evans Ltd.
Agincourt, Ontario
- responsible for general site works
(c) Rutherford Contracting Services
Willowdale, Ontario
- responsible for moving structures
119
Page two
Structures:
All buildings are equipped with period
pieces, donated by local residents.
They include:
- Church and Church shed
- Combination Barn
- Cole House
- Collins’ House
- Beef Ring Barn
- Odd Fellows Hall
- Log Barn
- Log House
- Harness Shop
- Hotel
- Blacksmith’s Shop
- Tailor Shop
The scheduled re-location will be phased over three days.
They will be moved from the Village of Brougham, along Highway 7, to the Village of
Greenwood, a distance of 2 miles.
120
Page three
Concept: The buildings will be set up on the new
site as the Town of Pickering Museum in
the Village of Greenwood.
The site will be integrated with the Village
and allow visitors to view buildings
and equipment in historical settings
dating from the early 1800s.
Contacts: Mr. Nick Douloff
Director of Communications
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
(416) 449-2500
Mr. Tom Quinn
Director of Parks and Recreation
Town of Pickering
(416) 683-2760
Mr. Wally Biernacki, Chairman
Pickering Museum Advisory Committee
(416) 245-5544 PAGE 2657
Mr. Ted George, Vice President
Bruce S. Evans Ltd.
(416) 293-4134
121
Page four
Mr. Dick Rutherford
Rutherford Contracting Services
(416) 221-8444
Highway 7 will be closed at 9:00 a.m. on December 6, 1978, so media representatives should
take the 401 and exit at Brock Road north. Turn right at Concession 5, then left on to
Greenwood Road, which will bring you to the Greenwood Community Centre.
122
PICKERING TOWNSHIP MUSEUM
1.
a) Museum Building –
b) Historical Sketch –
The main building displaying some of the local areas oldest artifacts was the beginning of
an idea born to Robert Miller, of Brougham, and a group of dedicated citizens interested in
the history of their community. The year 1959 was the 100th birthday of the sturdy brick
school house, referred to then as School Section No. 10. It had outgrown its usefullness as
a school house, and a new site and building were located across the road. Headed by Mr.
Miller, the aforesaid group organized itself into a Historical Committee, raised funds by
subscription and by appeals to the County of Ontario and the Township of Pickering, and
purchased the building and site. Little change has been made in the one hundred year old
structure and it has since become the nucleus of the Pickering Township Museum Grounds.
Described by one knowledgeable in such matters, the collection of tools used by pioneers
in the area displays the best assortment in Ontario. Exhibits of furniture, clothing, toys and
machines, from early farm paraphernalia to relics of the Victorian Era are contained therein.
2.
a) Building – Church Shed –
b) Historical Sketch -
Not too many years ago this building was the east section of the remaining Church Shed at
Mt. Zion Church located in Concession 8, Lot 5. It was originally built as part of the primative
Methodist Church at Balsam. This Church was also known as the Temple Hall. The Church
Shed was moved to Mt. Zion by the use of horses just before 1890. In 1967 it was donated
to the Museum and under the supervision of Morley Simms, the local men tore it down and
transported it to the Museum Grounds. Here, it was re-built in its original form. It was
necessary to replace one plate and two of the original posts. The splice in the plate was
done the same as the original one by Milton Parkin. This is an unusual splice and is rarely
seen in any timbers.
c) Donated by – Mt. Zion Church Congregation
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3.
a) Building – Bible Christian Church –
b) Historical Sketch –
The Bible Christian Church was built in the year 1853 on the south west corner of Lot 24,
Concession 5, Pickering Township. When the congregation merged with the Methodist
Church, the building was sold to William Henry Major. Prior to 1890 it was moved to the
Robinson Farm and used for storage and tools. It is from this location that it was moved to
the Museum property.
The Church has been restored to its original status as a place of worship. Several services
have been conducted in the building while on the Museum grounds, the Minister preaching
from the curious box pulpit. On Thanksgiving, 1970 it was again used in the service of God
with an interdenominational service of Thanksgiving being held.
Also during the year 1970, the building was featured in a CBC television production
entitled “Magantic Outlaw”.
c) Donated By – Mr. Newton Robinson
4.
a) Building – Brougham Central Hotel -
b) Historical Sketch –
This building was built by Nelson Woodruff, an early pioneer of the area prior to the year
1852 and was located on the north side of Highway No. 7 in Brougham at its present
intersection with the Brock Road. It was only used as a Hotel up to the year 1870 and was
later operated as a store by Hugh Mechin until 1915. In later years it was operated by
several store keepers with the rear of the property being utilized for living quarters. The
Mutch family were the last to utilize the building as a store.
Moved to the Museum Grounds in 1969, this is the last building on the property awaiting
restoration.
The front portion of the building is constructed of four inch square scantlings in the wall
grouted with stone lime and cement. The rear is plank with the planks mortised into the top
and bottom plate. It is interesting to note the extreme width and thickness of the plank
utilized in the construction.
c) Donated by – The County of Ontario
124
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5.
a) Building – Blacksmith Shop –
b) Historical Sketch –
The Blacksmith Shop is believed to have been built around the year 1856 and was originally
located on the north side of Concession 6 in the Hamlet of Greenwood. For many years it
was operated by the late Walter Wilson.
The building itself required very little restoration and to all intents and purposes is much the
same as it was when it served the needs of the residents in the Greenwood area. The front
portion of the building contained the Blacksmith Shop while the rear section was used as a
woodworking shop where amongst other things, the local resident’s wagon wheels were
made and repaired. The second storey of the building was used as a paint shop and the
thickness of the planks used in the walls suggests that there was little likelihood of any
unwanted dust getting into the room and spoiling a paint job. Wagons often received as
much as eight separate coats of paint and obviously the painter took extreme pride in the
end products. It is interesting to note that the wagons were pushed up a ramp into the paint
shop through the large doors on the side of the building. There were always willing hands in
the vicinity of the Blacksmith Shop to lend assistance in such tasks.
c) Donated By – Miss Edna Green
6.
a) Building – Harness Shop –
b) Historical Sketch –
Originally this building was located on the east side of the Central Hotel and while not joined
directly to the building, it shared a common porch with the Hotel. About 1920 the building
was attached to the rear of the Central Hotel and was used by Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Wannop as a
residence until moved to the Museum Grounds. Mr. William Coakwell was the last harness
maker who operated the shop itself.
c) Donated By – County of Ontario
125
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7.
a) Building – Oddfellows Hall (Whitevale Church) –
b) Historical Sketch –
It was constructed originally as a Christian Church, but was only utilized for approximately
ten years for this purpose. Around the turn of the century it was acquired by the Indepenent
Order of Oddfellows, and for the major part of its existance was occupied by them as a
meeting hall. In later years it was acquired by Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Cooper. Were it not for
the financial assistance of Mr. John C.W. Irwin of Whitevale and Mr. Harry A. Newman of
Greenwood it would not have been possible to locate this building on the property.
This was undoubtedly the most difficult building to move to the Museum Grounds because of
its immense size. Originally located on the Altona Road immediately north of the 5th
Concession Road, it was brought across country to a point east of the Village and along the
5th Concession to the Brock Road. Again it was taken across country immediately south of
Brougham to its present location.
The building exterior was in remarkably fine condition. The interior was almost wholly re-
plastered in the year 1970 and the building now presents a large area for display purposes.
c) Donated By – Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Cooper
8.
a) Building – Combination Barn –
b) Historical Sketch –
This barn was originally located immediately north of Brougham in Lot 18, Concession 6. The
original structure was probably re-built from another old barn as there are both hewn timbers
and sawed timbers used in the building. The Brougham Beef Ring was operated from this
barn for many years.
c) Donated By – Mr. William Newman, M.P.P.
126
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9.
a) Building – Cole House –
b) Historical Sketch –
This house, circa 1858, features a most interesting type of construction. Inside, certain
sections of wall have been left unrestored to allow visitors to see that all walls are formed by
boards laid one on top of the other.
It is startling to try to calculate the amount of wood used in such a house, but one is also led
to visualize a country side so full of trees that settlers considered wood a commodity to be
used freely.
In the interests of conservation we could not use this method of construction to-day, but it
certainly has well withstood the ravages of time and is a sturdy and well-insulated dwelling.
Located on the 16th Avenue in Markham Township, it was originally owned by Luton Miller,
who purchased the land on which it was built in 1857. Amos Cole bought it from Mr. Miller
in 1881 and it was deeded by Amos to his son Fred who with his wife Rosella were the last
occupants of the home.
c) Donated By – Mrs. Rosella Cole
10.
a) Building – Collins House –
b) Historical Sketch –
The first patent for the land on which the pine plank house stood was in 1811. The owner of
the house, Elmer Collins, advised that the house had been built in Reach Township early in
the 19th Century, the exact date unknown. The original owner of the house was one Bobby
Jones, merchant, mill owner and freight and express delivery owner of Uxbridge. He sold it
to Joshua Collins and his wife Winnifred, parents of Elmer, and the family occupied it from
early in the century until 1940.
The pine plank was secured to hand-hewn beams with hand-made spikes. Originally there
were no windows on the south side; one window on the east side, was a source of light for
the parlour.
127
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The house, similar to many in Pickering Township, withstood winter gales
and ice storms, and Mr. Collins recalls tales told by his mother of hardship and struggle in
the early days to maintain existence in an isolated area. No house was locked in those days,
and were havens for the storm-bound traveller who was always fed and cared for until he
could resume his journey.
c) Donated By – Mr. Elmer Collins
11.
a) Building – Log House –
b) Historical Sketch –
The first building to be moved to the Museum Grounds was the two storey log house,
donated by an enthusiastic historian and collector, M.J. Corchi, now deceased. It was
moved here from Brimlay Road and Sheppard Avenue in Agincourt. The house is furnished
in accordance with the period in which it was first inhabited, about 1830, and contains a
stone and brick fire place of the period fashioned by a local stone mason John Devitt.
A collection of iron cookware above the fire place, priceless dishes of the period, and hand-
made cupboards, apple dryer and hooks on which hams and herbs were hung to dry,
wooden bowls and other rough culinary pieces are part of the kitchen and living quarters,
while the bedroom holds a rope bed with straw mattress, cradle and pine chest, and an
enormous chest of drawers. These are but a few of the furnishings, but with the help of
experts the little house reflects the warm and comfortable atmosphere where dwelled a
happy, hard-working and good-living family.
12.
a) Building - Log Barn –
b) Historical Sketch
Although the log barn, circa 1830, somewhat resembles the log house in structure its
original location was 150 miles away, in a small German settlement in the Land of Lakes
District near Lake Mazinaw. The building was purchased from Paul Marquard and is typical
of the early pioneer farm buildings found in this area. With great difficulty and with a great
amount of voluntary labour the barn was moved from its original site in three adventurous
trips, and restored, log by log, exactly as it was built by Mr. Marquard’s ancestors. It houses
farm implements and vehicles of the period.
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13.
a) Building – Beef Ring Barn -
b) Historical Sketch
The small building near the barn was what was called in the early part of the 20th Century a
Beef Ring Barn. This building originally stood on the 9th Concession of Pickering Township.
Area farmers in turn regularly brought a beast to be slaughtered and the carcass was divided
among the members of the beef ring. In this way all of the farms had a constant supply of
beef, and no money was exchanged. There being no refrigeration in the times it was
necessary to have fresh meat each week.
c) Donated By – Mr. Thompson
14.
a) Building – Gas Barn -
b) Historical Sketch –
Both the gas barn and the steam barn were constructed from one large barn located in the
Bay Ridges subdivision measuring 100’ x 50’. When this barn was torn down it was
possible to construct the two buildings each of which is 25’ x 100’ long. The original barn
had a double swing beam which made it practical to construct the two smaller barns.
The Gas Barn houses a variety of early Canadian gasoline engines, many of which were
found in use in the area on local farms.
c) Donated By – Mr. William Newman, M.P.P.
129
-8-
15.
a) Building – Steam Barn -
b) Historical Sketch –
This barn houses one of the finer collections of early steam engines available in the Province.
Some of these, such as the large boiler immediately inside the door of the building are one of
a kind.
The steam engine is one of the earliest forms of mechanized power available to the farmer
and industrialist alike. Some of the stationery engines in this building came from farms in the
area and were used for many years to run saws and similar farming implements.
Acknowledgements –
A tremendous amount of credit must go to the many men who have given so freely of their time
in establishing the steam systems and maintaining the engines on display in these two
buildings. Particular note should be given to Andy & Ken Ramsay and to Mac Middleton for
their assistance over the years and to those dedicated individuals who worked along with
them.
FALL/WINTER
79/80
Municipal Building
1710 Kingston Road
Pickering L1V 1C7
RELOCATION OF THE PICKERING MUSEUM FROMBROUGHAM TO GREENWOOD
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION NEWSLETTER
131
Lock, stock and barrel
Four historical buildings on flatbed trucks move across Duffin Creek bridge in Pickering while
a vanguard clears the way. Town is shifting Pickering Museum intact from the village of
Brougham, where Ottawa expropriated the land, to new site in neighboring village of
Greenwood. Two more moving days will occur early in the new year. The project’s budget is
$600,000, with museum due to reopen July 1979
The Toronto Sun, Thursday December 7, 1978
THE DAY THEY MOVED A MUSEUM
First they rolled out the church, then a shed, two barns and the Cole house. In all 13 buildings of
the Pickering Museum will be moved two miles from the Village of Brougham to a new site in
Greenwood village in Pickering. Yesterday was the first of three moving days as the historic
buildings, dating from the early 1800s, were transported along Highway 7. The museum is
being moved off land expropriated by the federal government and is to reopen in July. It'll cost
$600,000 to move the buildings and prepare the new site.
Historic church and barn are moved to new Pickering museum site
Five of the thirteen buildings on the old museum property at Brougham were moved, Dec. 6, to
a new site at Greenwood. Here, the 'procession' including a barn and a church, turn off Hwy. 7
onto Concession 6. Cost of relocating the structures has been placed at $600,000. The
museum's re-opening is planned for July, 1979.
September 1979
Lieutenant governor Pauline McGibbon
opening the Town Of Pickering Museum
at its new site in Greenwood. This
scene is in front of the general store.
FARM HISTORIES
LOT 7 CONCESSION 5
THE BROWN FARM
by Mrs. Charles McTaggart,Feb.1967.
The Pickering Story by Dr. McKay gives us the following information on the page of Pickering
Township Original Crown Grants, concerning Lot 7 Concession 5
1798 - J. Farrand
1799 - J. Farrand - Elmsley
1835 - Elmsley - Sharrad and Gibson
In 1851 Alexander Brown purchased 50 acres on Lot 7 Con.5 from James Sharrad. There
were no buildings erected and no one had lived there except "squatters". A frame house was
built a few feet north of where the brick one now stands, and Alexander, his wife Mary and
eight months old son Robert took possession in the spring of 1852. A barn, part of which is
still standing was built.
The brick house which is still the farm home was built in 1870. The bricks were made for it
at the brickyard...
The Brown Farm, by Mrs. C. McTaggart, Feb.1967, contd.
Alex, purchased the fifty acres adjoining the west, P. Maddegan in 1872.
In 1888 his son John married Emmaline Smith and after fixing over the snug log house on the
west fifty acres, began their marriage there. After the death of his parents John bought the
original east fifty acres and moved into the brick house in 1902.
Both John and his father took great pride in their horses. They liked to drive a team well cared
for and full of life. Along with others of his times he kept pure bred sheep.
In 1927 a new addition was built to the barn, with the increasing need for gravel, the Browns
have sold approxomately 20 acres to the west.
John Brown lived to the ripe old age of ninety-six (1954). His son Wm. Alexander married
Gladys Pegg in 1922, and they with their son William Andrew still live in the farm home.
The house now has oil heat and a bathroom, a partition has been removed and the lovely old
fireplace is again in use.
This year (1967) the Brown Farm proudly displays the sign of a Century Farm at their gate.
MACKEY FARM LOTS 1 & 2, CONCESSION 6
PICKERING TOWNSHIP
by Mr. Charles Mackey-Feb., 1949
This farm, now owned by Chas. Lidgett, was in the Mackey name over one hundred and
twenty years, when the last owner C. L. Mackey sold to Mr. Lidgett. The original deed was
obtained by a Mr. J. Elmsley of Toronto, who has a deed from the Crown of most of the land
near Kinsale.
The Mackey family were pioneer settlers of Scotian descent, having first migrated their
independance, moved to Canada to be on British soil. They settled on the lake shore in
Whitby township.
The twenty grandchildren of C. L. Mackey are all living in Ontario County, and are the sixth
generation to live in this country. The marriage certificate of the first owner of this farm, is
still held by the family, and as there was no resident minister within eighteen miles, they were
married by Mr. McDonald a Justice of the Peace of Whitby in 1833. Their names were Levi
Mackey and Rachael Potter. The first house was the Stone house near the school, which is
in good repair.
A son of this Levi Mackey, also called Levi, kept store at Kinsale for many years in the very
building now used as our store.
The Rachael and Levi Mackey who were married by the Justice of the Peace in Whitby were
only eighteen years old, and had come to Canada as United Empire Loyalist, but could not
get the free land given by the British Government because they were not twenty-one years
old.
Mr. Charlie Mackey also has in his possession a small wooden picture of two pansies and a
daisy inlaid in coloured wood and made by the late Mathew Gold whose wife was a cousin
of his father, Sylvester Mackey.
I can remember a meeting at Mrs. Sylvester Mackey's. Her favourite scripture she could
recite from memory so well, was the Psalm "Sweeter than the Honeycomb". The carpet of
the parlour where the bay window is was really beautiful in a flower profusion, and the dishes
used for the lunch were all hand painted.
Sylvester Mackey built that house when he got married to a Miss Graham, and the place was
then divided into two fifty acre farms.
This farm is now owned by Charlie Lidgett.
McBRIEN FARM - Lot 34, Concession 5. West Whitby
by Isabella McBrien
Henry and Mary McBrien came to Canada as United Empire Loyalist. Their first house was a
log house on the hill to the east of the big stone house.
Long Tom McBrien was just a child when they came there, and he was the father of Harry and
Locke, Mary and Bell. Henry and Mary built the front part of the stone house, and Tom built the
back part.
Long Tom's wife was much younger than he, and Bell recalled hearing them tell that Locke, her
brother, was ten years old when she arrived and she was not very welcome to this world. Long
Tom joined the Fenian Raid.
When Harry McBrien lived there it was a beautiful well kept home, with the new barn and a
lovely lawn where the Kinsale people had many grand Garden Parties.
Joseph Rogers, who built the log house still in use by Maitland Gormley, married a sister of
Long Tom McBrien. His sons were; Royal, who built the home where Frank Rogers family live,
and Walter, whose family many of us remember. Also Frank and Herb, who are living in
Florida or California I believe.
204
MACKEY FARM LOTS 1 & 2, Concession 6 Pickering Township
by Charles Mackey; February 17, 1949.
This farm now owned by Chas. Lidgett, was in the Mackey name over one hundred and
twenty years, when the last owner C. L. Mackey sold to Mr. Lidgett. The original deed was
obtained by a Mr. J. Elmsley of Toronto, who has a deed from the Crown of most of the land
near Kinsale.
The Mackey family were pioneer settlers of Scotish descent, having first migrated their
independance, moved to Canada to be on British soil. They settled on the lake shore in
Whitby township.
The twenty grandchildren of C. L. Mackey are all living in Ontario County, and are the sixth
generation to live in this country. The marriage certificate of the first owner of this farm, is
still held by the family, and as there was no resident minister within eighteen miles, they
were married by Mr. McDonald a Justice of the Peace of Whitby in 1833. Their names were
Livi Mackey and Rachael Potter. The first house was the Stone house near the school,
which is in good repair.
A son of this Levi Mackey also called Levi, kept store at Kinsale for many years in the very
building now used as our store.
The Rachael and Levi Mackey who were married by the Justice of the Peace in Whitby
were only eighteen years old, and had come to Canada as United Empire Loyalist, but
could not get the free land given by the British Government because they were not twenty-
one years old.
Mr. Charlie Mackey also has in his possession a small wooden picture of two pansies and a
daisy inlaid in coloured wood and made by the late Mathew Gold whose wife was a cousin
of his father Sylvester Mackey.
I can remember a meeting at Mrs. Sylvester Mackey's. Her favourite scripture she could
recite from memory so well, was the Psalm "Sweeter than the Honeycomb". The carpet of
the parlour where the bay window is was really beautiful in a flower profusion, and the dishes
used for the lunch were all hand painted.
Sylvester Mackey built that house when he got married to a Miss Graham, and the place
was then divided into two fifty acre farms.
This farm is now owned by Charlie Lidgett.
FARM HISTORIES
CENTRE OF LOT 2, CONCESSION 6, PICKERING TOWNSHIP
by Milton Parkin, February 1967
Concerning the centre of Lot #2, concession 6 of Pickering Township and after a great deal of
research, I have come up with the names of all the owners of the lot.
Starting with the original title to Mr. Jacob Farrand in 1798, then the land was owned by Hon.
John Elmsley in 1799, who cut the trees and cleared the land. In 1823 it was transferred to his
son, John Elmsley Jr. The said land contained a strip, one third wide along the east side of the
south part of said lot to # 7 Highway.
John Elmsley Jr. sold 50 acres to James MacKay on June 11th 1831, who sold to William
Draper in 1833. On August 8th, 1835 it was sold to Edward Lane, who then sold it back to
John Elmsley Jr. and John Jr. then sold it to Mr. Robert Spence. All this latter part took place in
one year. Spence had the land for 10 years then sold it to Alexander Mackie, who obtained
the land with the strip, along the east side of # 7 Highway in 1845. Mr. Mackie was one of
the surveyors of the land in Pickering Township, thus 70 acres being laid out by him, later
proved to be very accurate.
In 1869 Robert Spence held a mortgage on John Mackie's land. John Mackie's tile drained
the land and he removed the stones which he used to build the line fences which are still
there. A plank house had also been built by Mr. Mackie, a little south and west of the
present house.
CENTRE OF LOT 2, CONCESSION 6, PICKERING TOWNSHIP.
by Milton Parkin, Feb.1967
In 1907 this land was sold to William Parkin Sr. Mrs. Wm. Parkin died January 18, 1904
leaving her husband and a teenage family - Herbert, Victor, Fred, Mary (Mrs. Walter Bayles)
and Joe. Mr. Parking died in 1907 When the estate was divided up, it consisted of the
home farm and this 70 acres and a life Insurance policy from the Home Insurance Circle.
Albert Parkin took the home farm where he still lives with his two sons, Harold and Jack. Herb
Parkin took the 70 acres; he married Mable J.Pilkey on December 30,1908. They have four
sons and one daughter, William, Milton, Stanley (Deceased), Herb Jr. and Eileen (Mrs..
Robert Young).
Herb Parkin built the present house in 1908, and raised the barn, putting a foundation and
stable under it. The lumber "being cut from the home farm. Lot # 4, Con.6, He farmed here
for 37 years.
In 1926 he bought 80 acres to the north of his farm from a Mr. James Salton. His son, Milton
Parkin moved to the farm April 1st 1945, renting the farm until September 19th 1962, when
be bought 100 acres (the south end).
In the late 1940's, he remodled the barn, took out all fences except the line fences, and
started strip cropping, and growing registered seed. The strips were half a mile long. In
the early 1950's he built the second barn, putting a Seed Cleaning Mill in it. In it the first
Elite Seed Grower in Ontario County. He has one son Milton Jr.
LOT 4. CONCESSION 6. PICKERING. THE SOUTH PLACE
by Mrs. J. Wagg - June 30, 1938
I am also indebted to the splendid memory of Mr. Sadler for the history of this place.
The first owner to be remembered was a Mr. Edward Stephenson, who was superintendent
of the Sunday School when Mr. Sadler was a boy. Mr. Sadler recalls that Mr. Stephenson
used to have Sunday School picnics in Bailey Wetherall's bush, and Hortop's bush just south
of the line fence on our side road. Some of us can remember the last bit of bush that
remained there. Mr. Stephenson used to give prizes at these picnics and the Sunday School
was then held in the Kinsale Church that is now R. V. Mowbray's store. An interesting thing
about the church was that the seats were all mortised into the floor. Mr. Sadler also says it
was a long time ago that that was a church.
As he remembers the farm then it was well cleared, no more trees than there are to-day, and
there was mustard.
A Mr. Bowes came next and sowed the entire farm to barley, selling the grain and making
enough money to buy a farm at St. Mary's.
Then came Rev. Mathew Gold who paid $1.00 per year to Squire Reed at Almonds. He
married Squire Reed's daughter but she did not stay with him a great deal of the time, being
a spoiled only girl. So Mr. Gold built the present small house up on the orchard for Mr.
Nathan Richardson's family, Mrs. A. Harbron's father, so he could live there with them.
After Mr. Gold left, he is still living in England at the age of 103, Mr. Richardson and family
moved to the farm house and remained a number of years; Mrs. Harbron's mother being
buried from there and Mrs. A. Harbron married while living there.
Mr. and Mrs. Rodd came next, if remembered correctly, and had their home burned. It was
expected fire was caused from hot ashes in a barrel. They later kept store at Kinsale, and
the Dennis family moved on the farm and lived in the small house now standing there.
Mr. and Mrs. W. Mayne were the next tenants. Then Fred Parkin bought the place and
married Winnie Richardson; they lived there five years.
Clarence Richardson had it in his possession twenty years. During that time many different
families lived in the house; Mr. and Mrs. Cairns, Mr. and Mrs. Shad Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs.
Woodward.
Mr. J. Wagg bought this farm on October 15, 1936.
In the summer of 1952, Garnet Wagg and Verle Wagg, are building a new house on this
farm.
Mr. Sadler always said the first church in the district was the building still in use as a store
(1947) and the seats were held down by wooden pins under the floor. He thinks some of the
pins can still be found under that floor.
LOT 4. CONCESSION 6, PICKERING TOWNSHIP
by E. Hannis - June 30, 1938.
Mr. William Sadler who will be 88 years old this July 14, and whose memory is very keen, tells
me this is the history of the farm.
The first man who lived here was a Mr. McGee. He had a log house near the line fence near
the Parkin orchard. Then Mr. Reed came and built a log house where the present house is
standing. he had two sons and five daughters. The Mrs. Reed that quite a number of us
remember who lived where Mrs. A. Harbron is now living was the wife of Watson Heed, one of
these two boys. Mr. Sadler remembers going to school with these Reed boys and girls when
there was a log school with the door facing west and quite close to the road on the school
grounds where the Kinsale school now stands. He adds, "My, but that is a long time ago".
Then Mr. Thomas Redman bought the place and his son Seth Redman and wife Polly
remained for some years. After they moved to Quaker Hill and retired. Mr. Frank Thompson,
Mrs. V. Parkin's father lived here for a number of years.
Mr. J. Wagg bought the place and moved on March 31, 1913, 25 years ago. Mr. Sadler
remembers as a boy coming on horse back to help the older Parkin boys water their horses
at a well in the northeast corner of the garden where there is still a hole.
One of the oldest stories to be recalled on this farm was that Wing Rogers, that would be
Clarkson Roger's father and grandfather of Alf Rogers, visited the Reed home with Quaker
pamphlet. He was a devout Quaker, so knelt to pray with the Reed family. While all were
kneeling, those Reed boys got his Quaker hat and put it over the small dog who went around
the room trying to get from under it. Wing Rogers never visited the Reed family again.
A story told of Lew Dunn's grandfather (John Dunn's father) at religious services it was
expected of everyone to give a testimony (or to testify). As he would pull himself up by the
back of the seat in front of him, he would always begin in a shaky voice, "I had a guid Mither,
but a cussed Faither".
Lot 5, Concession 6, Pickering Township
NORTH SADLER FARM – 1938
by Laura J. Sadler.
The north Sadler farm was purchased from Squire Emsley about One hundred years ago.
Squire Emsley had been given the land for his services in the Army. About twenty-five acres
had been cleared by a tenant, Elijah Foster, who lives in a small house near where the one
partly stands today, and the large locust trees that still remain, were there then. My father and
his brother planted the maple trees in the long lane and the big old spruce that stands in front of
the house when they were small boys. When my grandfather had thought about starting to farm,
he walked from Toronto, then known as Muddy York, to attend a sale at Clarke, and walked
back the same day arriving home as the clock was striking twelve. It was the following spring
they came to live, with their first child one year old. That summer they built their house, and then
their barn in the year 1850. They had a family of five boys, George, James, Thomas, William
and John, and one daughter Susannah (Aunt Susie). As the family grew up the three eldest
sons settled in Middlesex County, and at the death of their father in August 1877, the farm was
taken over by my father William Sadler who has owned it ever since. A few years later he
bought the farm to the south known as the Redman farm. Thomas Redman was the first settler
on the farm, so worked in the summer on what is now Crews farm and chopped the wood off
his own farm in the winter, starting in the corner next to the Harbron farm near the road. His
wife was Rebecca Hughes of Kinsale. They had a family of twelve children. All the children
of the neighborhood went to Salem to Sunday School and church. An annual picnic was held
in Hortops bush in the field a few rods south of the house, with sports in the afternoon and a
supper in the evening. Collectors were appointed to go to each family for groceries, flour, etc.,
and it was all baked in a large brick oven in our yard. A lot of the bricks still remain in the
ground. Their mail was collected weekly from a house on the Brock Road north of Brougham
for which they always walked, the neighbors taking their turn.
Lot 2. Concession 7 Pickering Township
by Mrs. M. Parkin - 1967.
This farm was crown land and John Dunn was first owner.
After John Dunn, Lou Dunn, a son, took over the farm.
Then Mr. Burkart bought the place from the Dunn Estate. The house during this time was
vacant and the land was worked by Lloyd Wilson.
In 1945 Pine Grove farms (owned by Jessie E. Burt) bought the farm from Mr. Burkart.
There were buildings both at the north end of the place and also at the south. The buildings
at the north end were torn down, the house during Mr. Dunn's time and the barn pulled down
in 1949 by Pine Grove Farms.
The land is worked by the present owners but the house has been lived in by tenants.
Jack Morgan (employee of Pine Grove Farms), now of Claremont, lived in the house around
1945.
Afterwards it was rented to Harold Clark who lived in it for two or three years.
In 1951 Walter Mitchell rented the house and lived there for ten years.
In October, 1961 Fred Titterton (employee of Pine Grove Farms) moved in.
In 1962 the east fifty acres was sold to John Hotner.
In October, 1966 the farm was sold to John Captain.
The front ten acres and buildings was sold to 0. Jones in 1967.
HISTORY OF THE NORTH OF LOT 4, CONCESSION 5, PICKERING TOWNSHIP
April 3,1962
This land was granted by the crown to William Foster Coffin of Montreal
on August 8, 1799. Nothing is known of Mr. Coffin's activities in this
district and it is possible that the property was handled by a brother who
was a lawyer in Toronto, then Muddy York.
By an indenture dated September 12, 1838, the land was purchased by John McDonald for
the magnificent sum of "twenty-five pounds with interest payable at a future day". Apparently
Mr. McDonald benefited from the shrewdness of his Scottish ancestors and from his own hard
work, for two years later, in 1840 he sold the land to John and Phoebe Clerke for the sum of
two hundred pounds. It is interesting to note that at this time the land was described as
being in the county of York.
Mr. Clerke died without a will in 1862 and the property was divided equally among his six
sons and two daughters, Mrs. Susan Clerks Powell of Middlesex County receives payment
of six hundred dollars for her share in 1871 and James Clerke payment of five hundred
dollars for his share in 1873.
In 1890, Aaron Parkin bought the land from the Clerks estates. It is interesting to note that
one signature for the Clerke estate is that of John Clerke's daughter, Elizabeth Ann, who was
the wife of Ralph Wesley Mowbray and lived on the farm occupied at this time by William
Carson.
On April 1,1911 , Aaron Parkin sold the farm to his nephew, Victor, who occupied the
property until the spring of 1946. At this time, due to ill health, Mr. and Mrs. Parkin sold
the farm to Arch Bunker who owns the place at time of writing.
April 3, 1962.
VILLAGE HISTORY
HISTORY OF KINSALE
by Victoria A. Mowbray, Aug. 1931.
Kinsale is a small village about eight miles north of Whitby, situated on the sixth concession
of Pickering Township in the County of Ontario. About one hundred years ago the first
settler in Kinsale neighbourhood was Wing Rogers, coming from Vermont to make a home
for his family in the wilds of Canada. He settled in the woods about a mile and a half west
and north of Kinsale; cut down the bush, cleared a spot and set up the first dwelling in the
vicinity. A couple of years later, in 1833, Ralph Mowbray came from New York City with his
family to hew out a home near the same place.
The land all around was owned by one Lord Emsley from England. Why he had possession
of so much land, I do not know. Surely it was not for its value, for in one instance he gave
a man fifty acres of land for chopping one side road one and one quarter miles long. Soon
after the above families were settled in their homes, other settlers came in thick and fast,
viz; McAvoy, Coultice, Dunn, Redman, Parkin, Sadler, Gibson, Adamson, Gee, Hyfield,
Horton, Salton, John Mackie, Lawton, Sylvester Mackey, Joseph Rogers, McBrien,
Stevenson, Lawrence, Brignall and others who all settled in and around Kinsale.
Kinsale Village History
Illustrations:
- Mrs. R.R. Mowbray, Mrs. J Harbron
- Mrs. Norm Gibson
- Mrs. C. Ledgett, Mrs. Lawton, Mr. Ledgett, Jean, Mr. Lawton, Roxena Ledgett, Orville Lawton.
- M. Parkin, C. Rogers, L. Rogers, 0. Lawton, Olive Redman, Aileen Gormley, Bertha Mayne,
Bernice Rogers.
- Mrs. Joe Harbron, Gladys Mowbray.
KINSALE VILLAGE HISTORY
Illustrations:
- Kathy Bentley, Laurenn Mayne, Mabel Harbron, Elva Redman, Elwood Stevenson, Eddie
Bentley, Everett Mayne, Guy Stevenson, Willie Bentley, Bernice Rogers, Aileen Gormley, Celia
Wagg, Bertha Redman, Wilbur Holliday, Bill Parkin, Lloyd Rogers, Ken Holliday. Olive Redman,
Bertha Wayne, Clifford Rogers, Milt Parkin.
- 1915 schoolteacher, unknown, Gladys Mowbray, J.Wagg, C.Ledgett, Viola Lewis, V.Parkin,
unknown, H. Parkin, unknown, C. MacKay, Bob Pilkey, unknown,C.Lawton, M.Brignall, C.
Lawrence Gibson, R.E.Mowbray, Mrs.H.Parkin, Mrs. C.Ledgett, Mrs.Kate Parkin, Mrs. C.
MacKay, Mrs.C.Lawton. Mrs. B.Corner, Stuart Corner, Annie Rodd, Amy Corner, Greta
MacKay.
- Teacher, Edna Redman, Mrs.J.Brignal, Mrs.Clem Lawton, Isabel Brignell, unknown, Violet
Sadler, unknown, Mrs. Lew Dunn, unknown, Mrs.Norm Gibson, Mrs. Kate Parkin, Mrs. F.
Holliday, Mrs. H. Parkin, Mrs.R.E. Mowbray, Mrs.J Wagg, Mrs.Al Parkin, Olive Redman,
unknown, Laurel Holliday.
- Violet Sadler, Elva Redman, Mrs. Joe Parkin, Edna Redman.
- Edith Hooliday, Florence Mowbray, Noreen Weller, Olive Redman
History of Kinsale, by Victoria A. Mowbray. Aug. 1931. contd.
Among the early settles not mentioned before was Jahn Clerke who settled on the farm now
owned by Victoria Parkin. He hailed from Kinsale, Cork County, Ireland; and in his entire
journey did not find a name more suitable for our little village than that of his own home town
Kinsale, which met with the approval of concerned and still sounds good after the lapse of
many years. The last member of Mr. Clerke’s family, Elisabeth Clerke Mowbray, passed away
a little over a year ago at the age of eighty-three years.
A few of the homes still remain in the family name but most of them have changed hands. Those
remaining are A. Rogers Sadler, Parkin, Dunn, E. Mowbray, McBrien, Lawton and
Stevenson. The old Gibson and Mowbray homesteads are now owned by Carson, Hortop
farm by Harbron, Gold farm by Richardson, Redman by Wagg, Clerke by Parkin, J. Mackie
by H.Parkin, Sylvester Mackey by Chas.Lidgett and Joseph Rogers' farm by M .Gormley. Mr.
Gormley's home has the distinction of being the only original log home in the vicinity, built when
Joseph Rogers settled on the farm. It is still in use but so camouflaged by modern
improvements that it can hardly be recognized. The farms on the corners have repeatedly
changed hands. The farm on the east side is at present owned by Thomas Hirst, north-
west corner by Mr. Crews, and the southwest corner by Mr. W .Bell.
A one time Kinsale was quite a flourising village. We had a Temperance Hall, harness
shop, cheese factory, cider mill, general store and Post Office, blacksmith, carpenter,
wagon shop, shoe store, church, quite a number of dwelling houses and a population of
eighty.
The first church was built one mile west of the village, in 1849 at what is still known as Salem
Corners. A community burying ground was laid out. Wm. Gibson (F.W Gibson’s
grandfather) I am told was the first person to occupy a portion of that plot for his last resting
place "...until the day breaks and the shadows flea away." Since then a great host have
rested there. The grounds have been twice enlarged to meet the demands of the Grim
Reaper-Death. This cemetry has been well cared for and is still for neatness and beauty a
"joy to behold". The church stands in fairly good condition and is used for the funeral
services and other meetings. I was once told an amusing incident, by one that was there at
the time, which happened in this church a long time ago. A good old man, noted for being
just himself and nobody else, (whose name I shall not mention) went as was his custom, to
prayer meeting on a cold winter night and was called upon by the minister to lead in prayer.
In response he shouted, " I cawn’t, my feet’s oo’er cau'd", plainly demonstrating that physical
discomforts are not condicive to health of mind and heart. For a long time he has been
peacefully resting in the old churchyard.
History of Kinsale, by Victoria A. Mowbray, Aug, 1931 . contd.
He lived to be a very old man , away up in the nineties, and after he was unable to get about,
his open Bible, on a little stand before him, was his constant companion until the last leaf of
life was turned to be continued in the next. Later on in history the need was felt for a church
at Kinsale which was duly erected in the year 1854 and was used by the Methodists until it
was considered unsafe, the foundation having given away. In 1929 the residents decided to
build a new one. This was made possible by the generosity of a former resident (Mrs. R. S.
McLaughlin) together with the generous contributions of the community. All worked together
with a will and succedded in erecting a very fine church, its beautiful memorial windows a
great tribute to the energy and generosity of the present generation. We hope they will long
live to enjoy its privileges and be greatly blessed by being faithful to their trust.
The first store was opened by John Fairless followed by Mr. Levi Mackey, who carried on a
successful business for a number of years then sold out to Mr. Willis, whose successor was
Mr. Alvin Orvis. The latter sold out to Mr. John Rodd and later it became the firm Rodd &
Mowbray. Now it is showing up in the colours of a chain store under the name of R.V.
Mowbray.
The harness shop on the north-west corner was carried on by Joseph Sadler during his
short life in Kinsale, then torn down. Thomas Brignall had a wagon shop just west of
Mr. Sadler. Mr. B.Weatherall started a cheese factory which was quite. active for a few
years then proved a failure. Mr. George Salton operated a cider mill and turning lathe.
The shoe store was successfully carried on by Mr. Richard Brignall who kept a good
supply of footwear and had a thriving business until he was called to his reward. He
was succeeded by his own son Mark, but the competition of large firms and machinery
finished his business, so our shoe store was closed. Mr. John Lawrence, our genial
carpenter who was ever ready to give a hand in any kind of building or wood work, was
always faithful to his trust until he received the summons to lay down his tools. His son
Edward faithfully kept up his father's work until he too was called away. The first blacksmith
of my recollection was Mr. John Hortop, then Mr. James Foley who was succeeded by a
Mr. Allen for a short time. Then a Mr. Ben Wagner, a faithful worker and a man of genius,
who held the post for many years until his health gave out. During his regime the shop and
house were destroyed by fire. By the kindness and sympathy of the surrounding neighbour
hood a new home and shop were soon erected which afforded better accomodation than
the old buildings.
Our village has been five timed visited by Fire and there are three unsightly gaps still
showing were new buildings will probably not be erected. Mr. Wagner did a good business
here until failing health made it necessary for him to give up.
History of Kinsale, by Victoria A.Mowbray, Aug. 1931, contd.
The smithy and the home were then bought by Mr. James Pengelly who carried on for several
years until he found a more lucrative position in Brooklin. Since he left there has not been much
done in that line owing to the use of cars, tractors and other machinery which do not seem to
require so many trips to the shop.
The Sons of Temperance flourished for a time in the sixties, then dwindled and their hall
standing on the south-east corner was bought by the church officials and moved to where it
now stands. It was once destroyed by fire then rebuilt and has done duty for Sunday School
and other community activities for some time.
Before we had a regular mail, the residents had to go to Harmer's Corners, east of Whitby, for
their mail; afterwards to Whitby. In a few years time, we had a mail delivery from Whitby to
Kinsale and across to Brougham every day. The Post Office was in connection with the store,
although for a time Mr. Weatherall had charge of it in his house. It reverted to the store and was
there looked after until 1908 when the system was changed and we had rural mail delivery at
our doors where every swain or business man could get his expected letter at first hand
instead of taking a long tramp for them at night after a hard day's work. Our route is called
Route 1, Brooklin. So Kinsale as a postal centre is done.
The first school house was built at Salem Corners on the Hyfield place. Joseph Gillespie
and George Gamble are names of two of the teachers. In 1852, the Union School Section
No.2 was formed and a frame school.house was build on Mr. Lawton's farm. Mr. Tilley was
the first teacher, then a Mr. Ganton, in 1855. Up to this time parents paid an amount agreed
upon for the tuition of each child. The school system was then changed to what was called
free school. The residents were taxed to pay the expences of the school and every child
could go . Later on in the twentieth century, it was made compulsory for each child to
attend school until fourteen years old. In 1860, a brick school was built on the same site,
which still stands as one of the best equipped school in the county. Many of the boys and
girls who received their early training there are taking their places in the higher ranks of life
both socially and commercially. (Among later teachers were George Pegg in the 1890'2 and
Doreen Alma Pegg in 1941 —2. She boarded at Chas. Ledgett's.)
The old ox-cart and wagon trails, old log bridges of thr past have been supplanted by the fine
iron and cement bridged which add to the beauty of our country, and paved roads sp
widened that they perilously near some of our dwellings. Hills have been cut down, and
everthing possible has been done for the tourists who now frequent the roads, to make
travelling by motoe a joy and comfort; and woe betide the ox-cart, wagon or carriage, which
in these times would dare obstruct its path. Our Kinsale Highway - concession 6 in. Pickering
Township - is now part of Highway #7.
History of Kinsale. by Victoria A. Mowbray, Aug, 1931, contd.,
One change I am glad to record is the abolition of public grog houses which in early times
were dotted along the roads about two miles apart, where the weary traveller could rest ald
slake his thirst to his heart’s content with "real good whiskey", and would often lose sight of
the fact that ha had had enough. This improvement is not as satisfactory as it might be when
we take into consideration the present speed of travelling which still brings those places
objectionally near. We hope for still better conditions in the future for the rising generation.
Mrs. Richardson’s corner had the honour of catering to the inhabitants in the vicinity of Kinsale,
a Mr. Snell being the proprietor.
Only two of the former residents of Kinsale aspired to municipal honours: Sylvester Mackey
and R.R.Mowbray. Latterly two, respective sons of worthy sires are following in their footsteps:
Charles Mackey as Reeve of Whitby Township and R.E.Mowbray as Councillor in Pickering
Township.
Our women too have not been behind in doing their part towards the advancement of
community welfare. Over thirty years ago, in 1897, a young woman married a farmer at
Stoney Creek, and being entirely ignorant of the requirements of a farmer's wifem
conceived the idea of starting a society to help those who were in a similar situation. It
was duly organized and named Women's Institute. Kinsale Branch was the next one
organized the same year. Charter members: were: Mrs. Royal Rogers, Mrs. Clarkson
Rogers, Mrs. John Seldon, Mrs. Joseph Harbron, Mrs. Ralph Mowbray, Mrs. Lovell Harrison,
Miss F. Pearce. It is still going strong and has been a great help to us in all our homes and
in social work. The movement is now worldwide. Our women are also actively interested in
church and other community activities.
A great many changes have taken place during the past century. Commodius barns and
comfortable houses of metal, brick, lumber or cement have taken the place of the log barns
and cabins of earlier times. Homespun yarns, home woven clothing and tallow candles are
unknown to the present generation. Electric lights take the place of candles. Automobiles,
trucks and aeroplanes supplant the carts, wagons and carriages of former time, while
tractors supply the horsepower for much farm work. We are living in a new world. The time
is past when maidens walked through the bush to Oshawa to buy a new bonnet, carrying
their shoes and stockings until near their destination in order that they might have them
looking well on their arrival in town. They walked back the same day with purchases, which
did duty much longer than they do now. When men would shoulder a bag of wheat and carry
it many miles to have it ground, then would carry the flour.
History of Kinsale by Victoria A. Mowbray, Aug. 1931, contd.
home the same way. Those times are past, and we are glad that they have changed, but we
scarcely realize how much we owe our forefathers, the pioneers of our race, for their powers of
endurance and sterling qualities; and it behooves us to be worthy sons and daughters of such
worthy sires and mothers.
I cannot close without alluding to cherished memories of the old church in Kinsale which was
not lacking for leaders in prayer and song. I think I can still hear Mr. and Mrs. Hortop,
Mrs. Mackey, Mr. Dennis, Mr. Brignall, Mr. Brown and others. Also Nathan Richardson's
clarion voice singing "Sweeping Through the Gates of the New Jerusalem, Weaned in the
Blood of the Lamb," whether or not it was the best for the younger ones, who always looked for
their elder’s to take the lead, we do not know. In later years, we are glad that the younger
people are taking more part in church work, and hope that the coming generation will be still
more active and diligent in the Master's Service, in making this world better fitted for the
kingdom of our God.
VILLAGE HISTORY
HOOKER'S GARAGE G.M. CARS AND JOHN DEERE EQUIPMENT SALES
by Mrs. A. Hooker, 1966
We had been living in Oshawa, but Mr. Hooker had been looking for a place in the country, as
we like country living. Seeing this place empty, he made inquiries about it and bought it from
James Pengelly in 1931.
We have lived here for 35 years. At first it was used as a car repair shop. In connection with it
we had a refreshment booth. In 1939 he started as a John Deere Tractor Agent, and sold the
odd car on the side for Chas. Cooper Motors at Claremont.
During this time Mr. Hooker had a large Service Building erected on the property. In 1957
General Motor approached them concerning a dealership for their line of cars - which was
accepted.
The business is now a Limited Co. With our two sons Jack and Gerald in business with their
father. The business also employs four mechanics, a parts manager and a bookkeeper and
also two other salesmen.
History of Kinsale Store by Mrs. Roy Mowbray, February 1967.
The Kinsale Store
The Kinsale Store originated from the old church where our forefathers attended worship. With
the construction of a new church the Kinsale store came into being where it served the
community for a number of years.
The first storekeeper as far as we know was Mr. Tom Willis, who after a short time sold it to
Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Orvis, who managed it for a number of years. When the Orvis' moved to
Dryden the store was then bought by Mr. and Mrs. John Rod, who worked up a successful
business taking the farmer's produce to Toronto and bringing groceries, hardware, dry goods
etc. Before long they were able to build a place by continually replacing old with new. Along
with the store they also managed the Post Office for many years until the time when the mail
was delivered from Brooklin to private boxes.
When Mr. Rodd's health failed his son-in-law, Roy Mowbray, went into partnership with him.
They delivered to the neighbouring villages; Greenwood, Audley, Mount Zion, and Brooklin.
With the coming of the chain store and families owning their own cars there wasn't much
business for the smaller merchants so after a number of years Mr. Mowbray sold out to Mr.
and Mrs. Wilson. They continued in business for several years then sold to Mr. and Mrs. Curl
who finally closed the doors, thus ending life of another old Kinsale landmark.
KINSALE VILLAGE HISTORY
Illustrations:
- Alice Bell, Aileen Gormley, Jean Weller Bertha Redman.
- Sept.1934 Looking west from the Kinsale Church
- The old Kinsale Choir Members Seated - Kate Parkin
Violet Sadler, Lena Sadler, Carrie Gibson, Florence Mowbray, Myrtle Gormley, Winnie Parkin,
Mabel Higgs, Belle Ledgett. Laura Sadler, Eva Rodd, Ethel Pilkey, Annie Rodd, Winnie
McBrien Wilson(seated in corner) Eva Edwards Pardon by Mrs. MacPherson.
Page 351
Village History - Greenwood Diary, 1967 - Janet Crawford
Passers through might think Greenwood a sleepy little hamlet living in a society valid fifty
years ago. This is how it appears but the very eventful year of Canada's centennial proved
that this is not so. For the Tweedsmuir history of the Kinsale Branch of the Women's Institutes,
I am going to set down what I know of 1967 as
The Greenwood Diary 1967
January - The year was brought in by the ringing of the school bell at 12.01 a.m. The sound
added to the feeling of thankfulness and prayer at the watch night service in the United
Church.
Early in January euchre parties were held at the school. It was here that discussions arose
about what the village centennial project might be. A committee was formed. The committee
members were Peter Byberg, Doug Morden, Denis Owen, Tom Elrick. The following projects
were proposed - sidewalks, tree planting, new street lights, general clean up, construction of
a foot path in the village, memorial cairn, construction of an asphalt pad which would
accommodate both summer and winter sports in the community park.
It was about this time that traffic was resumed on Westney Road with the completion of the
new bridge over the C.P.R. tracks near the fourth concession.
Valley View school has come a long way since it replaced the one hundred and three year
old Greenwood school. The business administrator Lloyd Johnston announced that television
sets, record players, and radios would be available as teaching aids. The teaching of Oral
French by the regular classroom teacher with the aid of books and records was begun.
February - February is always a busy month in the world of scouting and this year was no
exception. The Brownies had their fly-up ceremony. Flying up to Guides were Carol Goodwin,
Lynda Mote, Marilyn Disney and Janice Moore. On Feb. 19 the annual church service for the
Rovers, Scouts, Girl Guides, Cubs and Brownies was held. The regular minister, Rev. T. H.
Fleetham spoke especially for the young people. The choir sang the new Centennial hymn.
On Saturday, Feb. 25th, the Greenwood Girl Guides held a tea at the church to raise money
for their centennial project, to buy a tent floor for Camp Adelaide in Halliburton. The planned
entertainment was the showing of two films, one on guiding, the other, a travelogue "Across
Canada". However neither the films nor the commentator arrived. The worst snow storm of
the winter had made all the roads impassable. The girls did provide the guests with some
entertainment. They gave their "Thinking DaY" programme that they had prepared for the
previous meeting. In spite of the weather there was a good turn out.
More than seventy five Boy Scouts, Rovers, Cubs and guests attended the Father and Son
banquet in the church on Feb. 18. Mr. Jack Hooker was honored on his retirement as
chairman of the 1st Greenwood Group Committee. The presentation was made by A. S.
Collins. The most important part of this banquet was the father and son team of the
Morden's. Sixteen year old Lloyd Morden received his Queen Scout badge from his Father,
Scoutmaster Doug Morden. Lloyd is the first Queen Scout in the Greenwood troop,
organized six years ago.
March - All the projects planned for centennial year went forward during this month. Committees
met and decisions were reached. However it was a rather quiet month otherwise. The
parents of the public school children attended a series of classes on "The New
Mathematics". The Board of Pickering TSA 1 unveiled a tentative plan to provide
kindergarten classes to the children in the school area. The plan involved picking up the
children at the other schools in the area and bussing them to Brougham, a village two and a
half miles west of Greenwood on Highway #7. This kindergarten was petitioned for by the
parents of Greenwood. Unfortunately this plan was vetoed by the Ontario Municipal Board.
The 4 H girls started their new course "A World of Food in Canada" under the leadership of
Janet McTaggart (Mrs. Ken. McTaggart) and Raye Pascoe (Mrs. Grant Pascoe). The
Womens' Institute attended a food forum at Uxbridge "Tricks With A Mix". We learned to
make up a large quantity of biscuit mix which could be stored in the refrigerator for an
indefinite period and then used little by little to make delicious recipes. Mrs. Mowbray, one
of our members, took instruction in hat making. She passed her skills on to the members of
the community at a two night course held at the North East Pickering Community Centre. We
were all fashionably hatted for our Easter services.
As Easter was in March there was much doing at the church. There was a large
communicants class. The following were received into membership by confession of faith—
Edward Henning, Lloyd Henning, Robert Clarke, Anthony Owen, Harold Pegg, William Lee,
Kenneth Gardiner, Brian McTaggart and Lloyd Morden.
Joan Oxford, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Rod Oxford, was married in Toronto. The Oxfords are
former residents of Greenwood.
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Pegg sold their farm to Bobby Baun, defenceman on the Toronto Maple
Leaf hockey team. Mr. & Mrs. Pegg moved into the home formerly owned by Mr. & Mrs.
Warhurst on Greenwood Road.
April - This was the month that saw the tax rate in Pickering Township climb to
unprecedented heights. It was reported that taxes on some properties had risen 400% in the
past six years. The council was criticized by both the residents from Bay Ridges sub-division
and the rural population in the northern part of the township. Reeve Laycox stated that the
municipaltiy is losing industry because of the adverse publicity it is receiving through these
pressure groups. The council also objected to the High School Board taking an option to
purchase 40 acres of land at $3,900.00 per acre. The chief of police for Pickering Township
felt that his men should be patrolling the north part above concession three instead of the
Provincial Police. The council decided to approach the Department of Municipal Affairs
regarding the feasibility of dividing the township, north from south. The Reeve said that
Pickering had lost 14 potential industries during the last year because of the lack of
serviced sites. He was also critical of the assessment rate on the nuclear hydro plant. He
said the $2.00 per square foot was not enough, — Now do you see what our difficulties
were in government at the municipal level in 1967? Somehow Greenwood had modern
streetlights installed to replace the old ones which had been there for many years.
The 4 H Homemakers Club had a buffet luncheon for their parents and friends at the last
meeting of their centennial unit. The achievement day was held at Brougham. Cathy Pegg
and Brenda Middleton were presented with their county honor pins on the completion of six
unite of 4 H work.
Our minister Rev. T. H. Fleetham entered Oshawa General Hospital to have cataracts
removed from his eyes. Rev. R. H. Wylie B.A., of Almonds United Church, preached at one
point in the charge each Sunday until our own minister returned.
May - Shirley Gardiner was married to Jo Kapuscinski in St. John, the Evangelist Church in
Whitby. Their reception was held in the Polish Hall. They vacationed after the wedding in
Eastern Ontario and Quebec.
The Herb Middleton farm was sold to a holding company with the intention of developing
small acreage building lots. This farm is lot 10, concession six. Permission for development
will have to be obtained from the Township Council and the Ontario Municipal Board.
Miss Edna Green, having sold her property at the foot of the hill, next to the General Store,
donated the renowned blacksmith shop to the Brougham Museum.
Travel to Toronto and points west was speeded by the inauguration of the G.0. commuter
trains which began to run from Liverpool station on the Base Line Road in Bay Ridges.
June - Kinsale Womens' Institute, many of whose members live in Greenwood, held their
70th birthday party. To mark this special year they decided to provide a historical marker at
Salem Church. John Kingstone carved the wooden plaque, which was erected by Charles
McTaggart, on cedar posts given by Milton Mowbray.
The dissatisfaction about the blacksmith shop going to Brougham began to surface at this
time. It is well expressed in a letter to the Stouffville Tribune written by W. G. Duncan, of the
Paddock Road. "At one time the village of Greenwood was a busy and prosperous place.
It had one of the largest mills in the district which made the town a centre for the surrounding
area and attracted many businesses to it. The blacksmith shop was the workplace of men
whose reputations as masters of their trade are still remembered. But the years have not
been kind to Greenwood's heritage ----- The four storey mill is gone, victim of fire. There is
little now in Greenwood to remind one of the past except the red blacksmith shop. It survived
and became a source of pride to the village folk. For was it not the worthy subject of a famous
painting by Manly Macdonald? Now the shop is to be removed to Brougham Museum. Here
it will be lovingly restored to its original condition by those dedicated to preserving our past.
What a wonderful addition to the Museum it will be; but at what terrible cost to the local pride
of the Greenwood villagers.
Flyer: 1867 – 1967 Greenwood Centennial Day
July - The Climax - Saturday the 15th was the big day; all day long there were festivities to
mark Canada's Centennial. Charles McTaggart, Chairman, and his committee carried out the
programme outlined in the advertisement on the previous page. This ad gives no idea of how
marvellously successful the whole day was. Former residents returned to join in the fun and
friends from neighboring towns and villages came to help us celebrate. The parade was the
highlight of the day. There were so many floats and entries that it extended for a mile. The
W.I. had a three part float representing Women and Children in 1867, 1967 and an amusing
projection of what might be in 2067. "The Weekly Wash", by the U.C.W. showed Mrs. E.
Pascoe toiling away on a scrub-board while Mrs. D. Morden relaxed beside an automatic
clothes washer. The Boy Scouts were accompanied by their mascot, a white goat.
Fortunately he behaved himself. Artist Bill Lishman's "Iron Horse" was there too. He had
made it from scrap metal and automobile parts; a sculpture of a pacing horse which
captured in frozen, motionless splendor the robust muscles of the animal.
August - Mr. and Mrs. Phil Harrison, Mrs. Don Wherry, Anne Messer, Linda Eastwood and
Hugh Crawford returned from an educational tour and cruise of England, Russia and the
Scandinavian countries.
October - Greenwood Squirts won the Ontario Softball Championship. Members of the team
are -Bobby Maxwell, Wesley Woof, Billy Turner, Kevin Collins, Danny Ellicott, Leslie Fisher,
Brad Staley, Mark Cranfield, Darrell Staley, Greg Hutton, David McKenna, Billy Outhouse,
Larry Elson, Ricky Bleasdale. They were coached by George Staley and Stan Outhouse.
Rosemary Scriver and Jerry Pascoe were married by Rev. Fleetham in the church by candle
light. The reception was at the Claremont Legion Hall.
Judy Riley and Michael Skinner were married in All Saints Anglican Church, Whitey.
The Church too celebrated Centennial year in a special way. At the Congregational Meeting
Jan. 25, 1967, a pamphlet entitled "Church in Action" outlining the work done in 1966,
inspired the members of the congregration to appoint a committee to see whether or not we
could build an addition to the church for Christian educational work. The Board of Stewards
sent a letter to all villagers, regardless of religious affiliation, asking for their support for the
building. It was to be a cement block structure, 30' x 40' costing $14,000.00 without
furnishings. Help came from everyone in the village. Charles McTaggart was in charge;
many villagers gave their labor voluntarily to help erect the building. It was begun during the
summer and was completed for dedication on Nov. 26. Rev. M. Butters, Pickering, and Rev.
J. Porter, Oshawa, assisted Rev. T. H. Fleetham at the ceremony.
These are not all the happenings in Greenwood in 1967 --- There was the work of the leaders
who helped with Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Rovers, Four H and all the athletic teams
— The Rover Crew donated a Memorial Plaque to the Village. Several new houses were
built — There were 14 baptisms, 8 weddings, and 5 funerals — The outdoor Centennial
worship service at Claremont Conservation Area was terminated by a thunderstorm — The
same four young people who rang the bell at the beginning of 1967 went to Valley View
School and rang it again to terminate the year.
Mrs. C. E. Pegg of Ponda Nesta Farm, Westney Road has excellent pictorial records of this
Centennial Year.
Greenwood Village History - Mrs. G. McTaggart - Jan. 1974
Starting at the north side of Con. 6 at the east end of the village:
Lot 10. Con. 6:
In April, 1967 Herbert Middleton sold his farm to a Holding Company. He retained the farm
house and lot and he, and Doreen, live there with their family, Herb Jr., Brenda, Howard, Alan
and William.
In 1962 Chas. McTaggart rented his house to Wm. and Margaret Thomas. Their family were
Linda, Bill and Grant. In August, 1965 they purchased the house and part of the lot and in
September, 1971 sold it to Edward and Diane Tait. Linda Thomas became a Nursery School
teacher. In 1973 she married Stephen Shaw and they live in Mississauga. Bill and Margaret
moved to Barrie.
In 1964 the McTaggart lot was divided and Ken McTaggart became the owner of the western
portion. Here he built a brick bungalow, and brought his bride, Janet Jones of Mount Zion, after
their marriage on July 4th, 1964. They have two children, Lisa Anne and Michael Charles. A
brick garage was added in 1968.
Greenwood Village History - Mrs. C. McTaggart January 1974
Mr. and Mrs. Irvine Perkin completely renovated their house and still spend time here in
Greenwood in the Spring and Fall.
Ross and Evelyn Disney too have added a number of improvements to their home, such as a
stone fireplace and enclosed front porch. This house on the north east corner is said to be the
oldest house in Greenwood. They have two children Helen and Ruth.
Manse (see Church History)
Lot 11, Con. 6:
Gerald Hornov bought one and one half acres bordering on Concession 6, which at one time
had been part of Lorraine Clarke's property. This was divided into three lots and in 1961 and
1962 he built three houses.
Greenwood Village History
1 - The east house was rented to Mr. Fox and then to Roger Conant, and was sold to the Fehn
family in October, 1964. Mrs. Fehn lives there with her brother, Mr. Heimsath, her son Warner,
and daughters Thea and Linda. Marianne married Bruce Rogers and they live in the village.
2 - Gerald and Elizabeth Hornov live in the center house with their family, Peter, Ann and John.
An older son, Edward, lives in Bay Ridges and is with the Bell Telephone Company.
3 - The west house was rented first to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Small, then to Denis and Dorothy
Owen. In 1966 Grant and Elizabeth Messer bought the property. Their daughter Barbara
married Rev. John Buttars; Kenzie is living in Australia and Anne married Ron Morrish, a
teacher, in 1973. They live at St. Catherines.
In Nov., 1973 the house was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Morley Shortt. Their family is David, Larry
and Kathryn.
Nelson and Violet Cole live on the same property with family Clarence, David and Donald.
George and Ruth Blake sold their home in 1969 and are living in Ajax. Bob married Edith Trail,
Carol married Carl Leitch, and Sharon married Ken Stevens. The three families live in or near
Brooklin. Janice married Ken O'Blenes and lives in Oshawa and Jim married Heather Ross
and lives in Ajax.
The house was purchased by Robert and Bette Enright, who did considerable renovating
before they sold it in 1973 and moved to Orillia. Debbie and Dale Enright both obtained their
R.N.A. and Randy attends Grade Xlll in Orillia. The present owners are William and Janet
Smith who have three children, Stuart, Jo-Anne and Caroline.
Peter and Rita Byberg, over a few years, completely renovated their home. Their family is
Catherine, Peter, Stephen, Scott, John and Ann.
In 1966 Mr. George Skinner died from cancer. Doris and family moved to Ajax. Michael
married Judy and lived in the house here. In 1970 Doris married Norman Mason and they are
living here with Janis and David John. Michael and Judy live in Oshawa and have one child.
Mr. and Mrs. L. Dyer sold their house in 1972 to Len Weatherston. Since that time it has been
rented. At present Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are living in it.
Lorraine Barlow continues to live in the fine brick house just west of the Weatherston property.
Her daughter Sharon married Denis O'Shea and live in Toronto. They have two children.
Janice became an R.N. and is married to Donald Hobbs. John Paxton, a nephew who lived
with them for many years, became a teacher and is married to Ruth Collins. They have a
family.
George and Myrtle Staley sold their home in 1973 and moved to north Oshawa with family,
Daryl, Bradley, Robin and Laura. Their oldest son Ronald married Sue Morley and lives in
Oshawa.
They have one child.
Sybe and Caroline Post bought the property. They have three daughters, Kathleen,
Deborah and Christine.
Lots 11 & 12. Con. 6
The house in which the village blacksmith lived in years gone by was sold by Miss Edna
Green to Alan Reid of Kinsale in 1968. The Blacksmith Shop was donated by Miss Green to
the Pickering Township Museum at Brougham and moved there. A copy of a painting of the
Blacksmith Shop painted by Mr. Manly Macdonald appears on the cover of Greenwood
Through The Years.
The house was rented to Mr. Kellar and then to Wm. Lishman. Mr. Reid renovated it and sole
it to John and Suzanne Andrew May 1, 1969. Ian, their son, was five years old. Mr. Andrew
came from Sydney, Australia. On June 10, 1971 he was instantly killed in a motor accident.
Mrs. Andrew continues to live here with her son Ian.
In 1960 the former 'Green Home' was occupied by Roy and Phyllis Rogers and family. Carol
Rogers married Wayne Moore, and they live in Ajax.
Bruce married Marianne Fehn and they live here in Greenwood. Mr. Rogers sold the house
to Allen and Kathleen Strike. They have three children, Lilian, Piers and Jamie.
In 1973 Mr. Strike sold the property to Mr. George Martin and moved to Toronto.
The Martin family consist of Mr. & Mrs. Martin, Donald, Paul, Pamela, Derek and Kendra.
Lot 12
Continuing along the private road, 'The Mill'
end house owned by Vic Wardle were sold. They
were resold to Dunbarton Development Ltd. and
renovated in 1973.
Mrs. Mitchell Sr. continued to live in the west
apartment of The Mill after Mr. Mitchell's
death in 1972, with her son, Alan. Her son,
Bill, occupied the east apartment with his
wife Stella and family Billy, Julia and Sandra.
Mrs. Mitchell and Alan moved to Oshawa in 1973.
Bill and Stella moved near Pickering.
At Present Bruce end Marianne (Fehn) Rogers live
in the west apartment with Kelly, their daughter.
Bernie and Sharon Gehmair live in the east half.
After the Minakers moved to Lochlin, the house
was rented and among those who occupied it were
Colin and Linda Duke, and the Irwins.
At present Jim and Bridget (Clarke) Misener live
in the front apartment. They have two children,
Wendy and Raymond.
Mr. and Mrs. Daview live in the rear apartment.
Lot 12
The Greenwood Store continues to serve as a very vital function in the community. The
Clarkes have been with us since 1955. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, Douglas and son Bob all take
their turn behind the counter. Bob has been Postmaster and Mrs. Clark is the Store
Manager.
Village History Mrs. C. McTaggart
Village Properties on the South Side of Concession 6
Lot 10 Con.6
In May 1968 the house and farm owned by Wm. McKay was sold. Mr. McKay was in poor
health and died in November the same year.
Bill Magda, Mr. McKay's grandson who spent his summers here, is attending McMaster
University in Hamilton.
The house was rented by Gordon end Margaret Vanderwerff Their family are; Jerry, Jack,
Agnes, Sydney, Pat, Marlene, Arnold, Jeanie, and Tammy. Mr. & Mrs. Vanderwerff now live
in Whitby.
In 1970 the farm was sold again and subdivided. A contractor Mr. Jacobsen bought and
remodelled the house. It was then rented to MR.& Mrs. Armstrong, who lived there over a
year then moved to western Canada. At present it is occupied by Mr.& Mrs. Geo. Nokes
and son Mark.
Lot 11 Con.6
Misses Mildred and Gertrude Corbett continue to live in their fine brick house on the south
west corner. In 1972 the old frame garage was torn down and a new one started next to the
house. It was completed and bricked to match the house in 1973.
The north end of Lot 11 was the Trimble farm until it was sold to the Lawsons in 1950. From
time to time lots were sold along the Wetney road and down the hill.
Tragedy struck the Eastwood home when Mildred on her way to teach school was involved
in an auto accident and died as the result of it. Both Mildred and Glynn suffered from
diabetes and Glynn in poor health at the time of his wife's death, died the following year
1966.
Linda, their daughter attended Durham College and is en A.R.T. (Accredited Recording
Technician) at the hospital in Port Perry.
The house was sold to Bob McTaggart in 1968 and he sold it to Mr. Peter Edwards in 1970.
At the present time it is undergoing a complete remodelling.
Village History 1960-74 Mildred McTaggart
Village Properties on South Side of Concession 6
Lot 11
The home of Charles and Mildred McTaggart end their three sons Kenneth, Robert and
Brian was built by Charlie in 1962. It is situated on a Lot of 3.69 acres bought from the
Lawsons. A shed was built to the south-east to house Charlie's supplies as general
Contractor.
In July 1964 Kenn married Janet Jones of Mount Zion. Kenn works with the Houdaille
Industries at Oshawa and they live in the village.
Charlie died of Cancer in 1968.
In the spring of 1969, 1500 Scotch Pine end Norway Spruce were planted on the Lot. In
1970 the shed was completed.
Bob married Loretta Natale of Toronto in May 1970. He is Senior Draftsman and Technician
for Canadian Kodak, Toronto. They live in Markham with their baby daughter Karen.
Brian married Deborah Enright of Orillia (formerly Greenwood). Brian and Debbie live in
Port Perry. Brian is an electrician with Rosa Murray Electric, Uxbridge. Debbie is en R.N.A.
The home of Douglas and Marjorie Morden and family, Lloyd, Larry, and Mary Lou, was built
in 1959 by C. McTaggart.
In June 1970 Lloyd married Nancy Hooker of Kinsale, and after living in Whitby for awhile,
came back to live in Greenwood.
Lloyd is an Insurance Adjuster.
Larry and Mary Lou live at home.
Proceeding on down the hill, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Outhouse own the next home. Their children
are Bill and Marilyn.
This house was built for Denis and Dorothy Owen and family Tony and Michael, in 1965 by
C. McTaggart.
In 1969 Denis became ill, and it was sold in 1970. The Owen family moved to Victoria B.C.,
where Denis died in 1973.
Tony married Bonnie Gardiner in 1970 and they live in Victoria. Tony is a Photographer for
the B.C. Government. Michael lives with Dorothy in Victoria.
Village History 1960-74 Mildred McTaggart
The house referred to in Greenwood Through the Years as 'The Paint Shop' no longer exists.
This was part of the Trimble property until the farm was sold in 1950. Some of the tenants
were, the Wm. Marks family, Cy Wannop, and the Maxwells. In 1960 Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Green
were the owners.
Late at night on December 10th, 1964 the house suddenly burst into flames. Ruth Maxwell
with her three small children, Billy four years, Ronald, eighteen months and Jimmy three
months barely escaped with their lives.
Mr. & Mrs. Don Clarke, who were returning home, spotted the glow of the fire and quickly
came to the scene. Mrs. Clarke was just in time to catch the baby as Ruth tossed it to her
from the north window. Others arrived and the other children and Ruth escaped the same
way. Bill Maxwell was at work at the General Motors Plant in Oshawa at the time. The house
was completely demolished by the fire.
The Lot was bought by Mr. & Mrs. Koenen who built a modern bungalow in 1970 on it. They
have three daughters, two of them are married, one living in Oshawa and the other in
Pickering. Frances is attending University.
Mr. & Mrs. John Bryant purchased the next lot to the west from Mr. McCully in 1968.
The Bryants came to Greenwood in 1959 and rented the 'Pengelly House' Lot 10 from the
Highland Creek Sand and Gravel Company. The property was expropriated by Metro
Toronto as a Garbage site, and the Bryants, rather than give up their house decided to
move it. And so, on August 31, 1973 their home was moved along the highway, down into
the village, across the bridge and up the hill to it's present location. People lined the roadway
that day as they watched the old house come up the hill. Part of the story is told here by
picture.
The Bryants have two daughters Sarah and Leslie.
'The Barn'
The original barn for the Trimble farm was burned and this was probably built about 1969.
This property was sold with the farm to the Lawsons, and then resold along with some other
acreage and the old house further up the hill, to Wm. Green. After the Green house or Paint
Shop burned, the Barn was sold to Mr. Cy. Waters who began to convert it into a dwelling.
The Waters lived there a number of years and then sold it to Mr. and Mrs. Ian McCully. Mr.
McCully did further renovating. Their children are Allister and Shona.
In 1972 Mr. McCully rented it to Mark and Nancy Walker who live there at present with their
little daughter Lisa.
Village History 1960-74 Mildred McTaggart
Mr. & Mrs. E. Trimble live in the original farm home which was built about 1830 by J.
Demorest who owned the saw mill. The house was 'raised' like a barn. The back section
was probably first used as dwelling and later a driving shed. The huge beams are held
together with wooden pins and square nails used at that time. The wooden pins are as
smooth as satin, such was the pride of workmanship in those days.
In the basement there can still be seen the base of the old pioneer walk-in fireplace. At one
time a verandah skirted three sides of the house. It still has some of the original plaster in it
which was made with the use of horse hair.
Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Trimble purchased the farm in 1909 and came to live there. They put a
dormer window at the front and the back section was raised up higher.
In 1934 when Ernie and Olive were putting in new flooring, they found beneath one of the old
planks a dried bouquet of flowers.
After the farm was sold in 1950 the south part of the back section was made into a garage,
and later the driveway was surfaced.
Mr. & Mrs. Ross Scriver remain in their house.
Rosemary married Gerald Pascoe in 1967. They have a son Stephen and live at RR 2,
Marmora.
Carol married Rick Rimmer and they live at Cherrywood. They have a daughter.
Sylvia is a R.N.A. at York Finch Hospital.
Darlene is living at home.
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Elson sold their home in 1970 and moved to Prince Albert, Ontario with
Virginia, Larry and Sharon.
Wayne Elson married Marilyn Major in 1969 and lives in North Oshawa. They have a son
Ross. Wayne owns a trucking business.
Mr. & Mrs. James Howard bought the Elson home and sold it to Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Joss in
1973, who have a baby daughter.
The Elson lot was divided and Mr. & Mrs. John Harrison built a new home on the west
section in 1972. Their children are Iain, Malcolm and Caireen. In 1974 Mr. Harrison
accepted a position in Scotland. At present the house is rented.
ONTARIO (County) CO-OPERATIVE MEDICAL SERVICES
By Mary S. McLean
The interest in organizing a Medical Co-operative to prepay the cost of hospitalization was
instigated by the Farm Forum groups within Ontario County. Farm Forums were the first to
organize on a county-wide basis. Previously, in many organizations, there were north and
south groups in Ontario County. Of the close to twenty Forums, the McLean family organized
about ten, and several of them were in the northern part of the County.
At the suggestion of Greenwood Farm Forum, during the winter and spring of 1948, joint
meetings of four or five Forums were held each Review Night (monthly) to study and discuss
Co-operative Medical Services. This effort culminated in the calling of a county-wide meeting
to plan for a Hospital Insurance Co-operative. It was attended by three very active co-op
men - Leonard Harman of Toronto (later General Manager of the Co-op Union of Canada),
William Nicholson of Bruce County, and Art Musgrave of Grey County.
How do you organize a county-wide Co-operative when your only asset is willing people?
We asked both the North and South Ontario County Federations of Agriculture for some
funds to start the much-needed service. They gave us $30.00 with which we bought a
minute book and an official seal for "Ontario (County) Co-operative Medical Services."
At that time "Blue Cross" was supplying Hospital Insurance for employee groups of fifty or
more, but they were not interested in self-employed people because of the cost of organizing
and collecting premiums. The only coverage available for these people was by insurance
companies who were operating for a profit. Upon investigcation by the Ontario Department
of Insurance, Queen's Park, it was found that one company paid only 25 cents of every
premium dollar in benefits. This bad experience made any medical insurance difficult to sell.
My husband, Irven McLean, drove Beatrice and I to all parts of this County, speaking to
groups wherever we could as well as contacting the busiest people in many communities,
also the municipal councils.
Our organizing meeting was held in the Municipal Office at Sunderland. Every Township in
the County was represented. One Director was appointed from each Township and each
was expected to organize a group of at least ten members. Mike Boychyn of Whitby
Township was named President, Russell Morrison, Reeve of Thorah Township, was Vice-
President and Mrs. Mary McLean was Secretary-Manager.
Our first two groups were, in Whitby at Sinclair's Corners, with Bert Hannam as Secretary,
and at Greenwood with Mary McLean as Secretary. The third group was Beaverton with Mrs.
Olive Callaghan as Secretary. We applied for, and received, our Charter in June 1948,
being the fifth County to organize.
This was all accomplished by willing volunteers without pay, mileage, or any payment for other
expenses. Our first fiscal year was nine months. During that time the office was in our home
and we supplied all the paper and all the many things needed in an office, including Beatrice's
typewriter, desk, chair, and mimeographing machine, also our telephone. A file drawer was
purchased from the funds.
Directors' and Audit Committee meetings were held every two months in a central location.
Ontario was a long County and some had many miles to travel. Attendance was remarkably
good. After the first fiscal year a small mileage was paid, but it was five years before anyone
received a per diem for attending Board and Audit Committee' meetings, and then it was only
five dollars.
It was the great need for the protection from crippling hospital bills that provided so many
dedicated workers. When claims were paid promptly and satisfactorily by the Co-operative it
brought in more members from that locality.
Group Secretaries were the main promotion agents. We advertised in the newspapers two or
three times a year to assist the Group Secretaries. This was expensive, as the advertisement
needed to be in ten or twelve papers to cover our long County. After the first nine months, the
Group Secretaries were paid a certain amount for each new member and a percentage for
the premiums collected, once a year. We sent individual billings from our office and a list to
the Group Secretary. The member payment was made to the local Secretary and they
forwarded it in a lump sum. The office also sent second notices to delinquent members.
During the first few years, Beatrice and I were paid twenty-five cents an hour for the hours
which we were in the office. This was not full time for the first couple of years. Irven McLean
was our willing driver. He never had any official position in the Medical Co-operative.
In May 1949, the day that the Auditor was at our office to audit our first nine months, Irven
McLean had a severe coronary thrombosis. He was only fifty. He had worked in General
Motors for twenty-three years. During the Second World War years he worked in Oshawa
and on the farm. We shipped milk to Toronto. He quit General Motors at the close of the war
as he felt that the returned men needed the jobs. It is a strange coincidence that the work
he had done for years was taken over by Gerald Henning, who later married Elva McLean.
We had our farm paid for at the time Irven had his first heart attack in May 1949. We had
improved our herd to include only pure bred holsteins. Jim McLean, a nephew, who grew
up in our home, came home for three months to work the farm. By that time we knew that
Irven could never operate a dairy farm again and so we sold all our herd and lived on the
money for the next couple of years. Irven then became an insurance agent for Co-operators
Insurance Association (a car insurance co-operative), but was never able to work full
Our first insurance was for hospital coverage only. The premiums were $7.50 per year for a
single person or $15.00 for a family (regardless of how many children). The hospital at Orillia
charged $3.50 per day for a standard ward. The operating room was separate — usually
about $15.00. X-rays were from $5.00 to $15.00. All services were billed separately. At that
time Oshawa Hospital was about $4.50 per day and other charges were accordingly. The
hospitals generally in use by our members were Orillia, Lindsay, and Oshawa General. And a
few went to Toronto hospitals. The hospitals at Uxbridge, Port Perry, Ajax, and Whitby have all
been built since.
We moved our annual meetings to different areas of the County to give the members equal
opportunity to attend. The interest of our members was encouraged by members receiving
progress reports from our office. The Co-operative belonged to the members. It was a means
of sharing the cost of illness. A reserve was required by the Department of Insurance at
Queen's Park, under which we operated. The reserve was invested and the interest used to
help cover the cost of operating the business.
We made Surgical coverage available and then In-Hospital Medical coverage. Our fourth
added benefit was "Major Medical". It was compulsory but cost only $2.00 for a single
member and $4.00 for a family. Later, a small portion of our Major Medical premiums was
forwarded to a pool which was operated by the Co-op Medical Services Federation who
paid excessively large claims from the pool. At the end of our fiscal year those members
who had extraordinary expense during the year sent in their receipts and those charges
which were not payable under our other coverage were considered a "Major Medical" claim.
We shared the year's premium among those Major Medical claims which were presented.
We paid more than $1,000 on one M.M. claim.
The Co-operative Medical Services Federation of Ontario was a co-ordinating co-operative.
Each of the 31 County units was autonomous but the Federation had a Secretary-Manager
who operated under a Board which was elected at the annual meeting from the County
Medical Co-operative's who paid dues according to their size. It was a Board of nine and I
was a member of the provincial Board for eleven years. Most of that time I was the only
woman. (I found that you had to be a little better informed than the men in order to be
accepted as equal.) The Federation had an advisory capacity. The Federation manager
travelled across the province, providing help for problems which arose in some areas. He
also helped to plan new coverage and assisted in getting it approved by Queen's Park.
From time to time, at the invitation of the Federation, Beatrice McLean went into some of
the Counties for a week or two at a time to assist with bookkeeping or management
problems, and she always was head of the registration tables at the annual meetings of the
Federation.
You will notice by the list of our local County Board that women shared with the men as
Presidents as well as Directors. "Health" is a very interesting field of endeavour for women.
Ontario (County) Co-operative Medical Services had 39 groups of self-employed people in
1960. We added "office calls" to our coverage in 1961 and began to give coverage to small
employee groups which were unable to get protection through the Blue Cross. Sometimes we
competed with Blue Cross and won the group. Two examples were the Uxbridge and Port
Perry High School staff and the nurses and staff of Uxbridge Cottage Hospital. We offered
weekly indemnity and accident and sickness benefits to employee groups through a co-
insurerer co-operative. We had sixteen employee groups altogether, bringing the total number
of employee and community groups to 82.
When we added office calls to our Plans, the work increased rapidly and our little office
became so crowded that we were working in the hall and living-room as well as the office. In
1962 I built an addition to my home for an office. Getting permission from the Township, to
build, was an interesting experience. I went to the Township Office with a plan for the building
and asked the Clerk, Lloyd Johnston, if I could build. He called on Mr. Prouse, the Building
Inspector, who also gave his O.K. I asked if there was anyone else who should be consulted.
"Oh, no!" Mr. Prouse would issue the permit. I didn't want it stopped when it was half done
as had been done on another building in the Township. Then, they remembered that a new
man, the Planning Manager, might have something to say about it. They phoned him. He
said that I must apply to the Council, which met that evening. Lloyd had nearly two sheets of
foolscap full of business already but he said that he would put me at the top of the list - and
he did.
There was quite an audience. I explained my request and showed the councillors my plans.
Bill Newman and Mrs. McPherson (the Deputy-Reeve), and most of the Township employees
had our coverage and said it was a worthwhile business. The Council gave the plan their O.
K. Then the new man, the Planning Officer, objected. He said that I must get permission from
the nearest property owner. I said, "That will not be a problem - it is my daughter." The
audience had to be called to order. He then said I must get permission from anyone who
bordered on my property. A councillor said I was on a farm 5/8ths of a mile long. There was
a lot of discussion, but the Planning Officer insisted, and that is what I did. When the
newspaper reported the Council Meeting, the large heading was "Much Ado About Nothing!"
It was a report of my application.
The large, well-lighted office was completed in mid-summer 1962 and we were all glad to
move out of the cramped quarters.
When the province provided Hospital Insurance, we arranged to collect the premiums yearly
from our members and forward them to OHIP monthly. We received no pay for this service;
we could invest about six months' premiums, which helped. The main reason was that our
members had become dependent on us. In fact we were expected to have all the answers
for a variety of subjects. Some older people asked for help in getting their pension and many
other problems. If we didn't know, we tried to obtain the answers.
It was a very satisfying business. There were often letters which expressed appreciation. One
man said that he was sure that his recovery was speeded up because he didn't worry about
the cost.
There was no bickering among the employees. We were a happy group. Mary McLean was
Manager from the start until June 1967. While Lorraine Clark Barlow's girls were in public
school she worked from nine to four and went home at noon. Neither she nor I thought that
young children should go home to an empty house. We had five employees from 1962. Susie
Pascoe and Lorraine Nicholson had joined the staff. One day when Charlie McTaggart was in
the office he said, "I believe that you and I are the biggest employers in Green-wood. Later
Betty Goodwin was a member of the staff, also Elva Henning and Nancy Nicholson.
Several young people had their first experience in office work in our Co-operative during
summer holidays. Among them were Mary Stanley, John Paxton, Susan Crawford, Lloyd
Henning, Carol Webb, and Joan Hoar.
Beatrice McLean was the Assistant Manager and bookkeeper during our entire years of
operation, even in 1966-67 when she was at Simcoe Street United Church as Director of
Christian Education. It was during that year that I retired, when I became 70 years old, and
Lorraine Nicholson became Manager July 1st, 1967.
When the Ontario Government included doctor's expenses in their coverage it was no longer
permissable for any company to provide any coverage offered by O.H.I.P. There wasn't
enough other coverage needed to make it possible to operate on a county basis. Twenty-
two County Co-operatives amalgamated to form the Co-operative Health Services of
Ontario. Beatrice was a member of the provincial Board of Directors for seven years, and
on the Executive as Secretary one of those seven years. The one office was in Willowdale.
It was a hectic three months preparing for the closing of Ontario (County) Co-operative
Medical Services in December 1969. It wasn't only the staff that regretted the closing. The
personal service was no longer available for the members. Dental insurance was added to
the available coverages, but C.H.S.O.'s main concern was with employee groups.
During the twenty-two years that Ontario (County) Co-operative Medical Services was in
business, with the office at Greenwood, we filled a great need for individual hospital and
medical coverage for small groups which were unable to obtain it anywhere else. Good
coverage for low premiums was possible due to low overhead expenses. Our service was
appreciated, and many personal friendships had their beginning.
ONTARIO (COUNTY) CO-OPERATIVE MEDICAL SERVICES
DIRECTORS 1948 to 1969
John A. Ball
Russell Batten
Walther Beath
Ryerson Beare
Mike Boychyn
Mrs. Douglas Callaghan
Ernest Camick
Mrs. Walter Carruthers
Charles Dalby
Russell Day
George Edwards
Mrs. Philip Francis
Mrs. Russel Francis
Mrs. George Geisel
Anson Gerrow
Mrs. Russell Gray
Clarence Hallett
Mrs. John Hamer
Frank Hancock
Albert Hannam
Kenneth Harrison
Edgar James
Alex Johns
Walter Kerr
Edgar Latcham
Mrs. Roy Leask
Clinton Midgley
Russell Morrison
Mrs. Irven McLean
Wallace Maclean
Mrs. Harper Newman
Arthur o'Connor
Mrs. T. Parliament
Vernon Powell
Gordon Rynard
Thomas Seymour
James M. Smith
Mrs. George Squire
Samuel Speiran
Mrs. Ronald Stiver
William Weldon
Clarence Werry
PRESIDENTS of Ontario (County)Co-op Medical Services
Mike Boychyn, Russell Morrison, Walter Beath, John A. Ball, Mrs. Walter Carruthers
Wallace Maclean, Clarence Werry, Mrs. Philip Francis, Mrs. Ronald Stiver, Mrs.
Irven McLean.
The Secretaries of the three largest Groups were: Olive Callaghan (Beaverton); Florence
Francis (Cannington); Beatrice Grey (Uxbridge).
Illustration:
- 1962 Annual meeting of the Co-op Medical Federation Bob Moffat of Orono, President;
Mary McLean, Director
- Prof. Bob Forshaw at the mike. The lady director is Mary E. McLean.
- Mrs. M. E. McLean — Ontario (County) Co-operative Medical Services Long Service
Recognition
CHURCH HISTORY
A HISTORY OF JACKSON'S CONGREGATION
and
MOUNT ZION CHURCH
"One Hundred Years of Worship and Praise"
CENTENARY YEAR 1856-1956
'Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:'
Psalm 127.
Ministers Who Served the Jackson's and Mount Zion Congregations
Minister — — Assistant(s)
Previous to and circa. 1850
George Gambell, first local preacher and school teacher,
Toronto District - Oshawa Circuit
1851 - John Law — — Robert Lochead
1852 - John Law — — David C.McDowell
1853 - Peter Ker — — --------------------
1854- - David B. Madden — — Robert Fowler M.D.
(Site for the frame church purchased.)
Whitby District - Whitby Circuit
1855 - David B. Madden — — Alexander Drennan
1856 - William Willoughby — — Thomas D. Pearson
(Frame church erected.)
1857 - William Willoughby — — Thomas D. Pearson
1858 - William Willoughby — — Alfred Andrews
1859 - John Hunt — — Alfred Andrews
1860 - L.Warner — — G.N.A.F.T. Dickson, S. Might
1861 - L.Warner — — G.N.A.F.T. Dickson, R.O.Wilson
1862 - L. Warner — — G.N.A.F.T. Dickson, R.O.Wilson
Whitby District - Pickering Circuit
(Duffin's Creek, Brougham, Mount Pleasant, Claremont, Glen Sherrard, Jackson's, Salem,
Greenwood, Kinsale, Audley.)
1863 - William McFadden — — Alfred McCann
1864 - William McFadden — — Alfred McCann
1865 - John N.Lake — — Edward Morrow, B.A.
1866 - Henry Reid — — Albert C.Wilson
1867 - Henry Reid — — Albert C.Wilson
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
Minister — — Assistant(s)
1868 - Thomas Stobbs — — Newton Hill
1869 - Thomas Stobbs — — William Walsh
1870 - Thomas Stobbs — — William Walsh
1871 - George H. Cornish — — James E.Werden
1872 - George H. Cornish — — Joseph Deacon, Andrew W.Ross
1873 - George H. Cornish — — Andrew W.Ross
(Union of the branches of Methodism to form the Methodist Church
of Canada. Frame church moved to the present site.)
1874 - W.W.Leech — — T.P.Steel
1875 - W.W.Leech — — T.P.Steel
1876 - W.W.Leech — — T.P.Steel
1877 - S. Washington — — ----------
1878 - W.Dingman — — ----------
1879 - Chas.Langford — — W.Wilkinson
1880 - Chas. Langford — — Wm.H.Learoyd
1881 - Chas. Langford — — T.Bartley
1882 - F.C.Keam — — T.Bartley
1883 - F.C.Keam — — J.J.Ferguson
1884- - F.C.Keam — — J.J.Ferguson
1885 - F.C.Keam — — J.J.Ferguson
1886 - H.S.Matthews — — ---------
1887 - G.M.Brown — — ----------
1888 - G.M.Brown — — ----------
Whitby District - Greenwood Circuit
(Greenwood, Brougham, Mount Zion, Audley, Salem, Glen Major, Kinsale, Glen Sharrard
changed to Glen Major; Salem services discontinued circa.1890.)
1889 - W. Hall — — W.A.Bunner
1890 - G.W.Hewitt — — ----------
1891 - G.W.Hewitt — — ----------
l892 - John Harris — — George Mason
1893 - John Harris — — C.W.Reynolds
(The present brick church erected.)
1894 - John Harris — — W.Elliott
1895 - John Harris — — E.A.W.Dove
1896 - James Thorn — — T.H.McDonald
(By now a six point circuit; student assistants were discontinued and substituted by lay
ministers if available.)
1897 - 1899 - G.R.Clare
1900 - 1901 - James MacFarlane
1901 - W.W.Leech
1901 - 1902 - Daniel Williams
1903 - 1905 - E.A.Tonkin
1906 - 1908 - E.A.Tonkin
1908 - 1912 - S.T.Tucker
1913 - 1915 - E.W.Tink
1916 - 1918 - J.O.Totton
1919 - - H.Wilkinson
1920 - 1922 - J.W.Bunner
1923 - 1925 - Monagut W.Leigh
(Union of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches to form the United Church of Canada.)
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
Minister
1926 - 1928 - Joseph Barnes
1929 - 1931 - W.S. Smart
1932 - 1934 - Fred Horton
1935 - 1938 - H. H. Mutton
1939 _ 1945 - R. W. McVey
1946 - 1948 - A. C. Luffman
1949 - 1952 - H. R. Monkman
1953 - to the present - Henry Moore
1954
The date 1851 is the earliest mention of Jackson's as a constituted preaching point. Some
of the names of the persons appearing in this congregation, however are found in the
following congregations for the years as indicated:
1850 Whitby Village Branch Oshawa Circuit
1849 Salem Branch (opened) Oshawa Circuit
1848 Hyfield Branch (in school house) Oshawa Circuit
1847 Brooklin Branch Oshawa Circuit
1846 Hyfield Branch Markham Circuit
1845 Hyfield Branch Markham Circuit
MOUNT ZION UNITED CHURCH - CHURCH OFFICERS - 1956 -
The Minister - Rev. Henry Moore
The Board of Trustees - Lloyd Wilson, -Chairman; - Leslie Harbron, -Sec'y-Treas.
Rod Appleby, Burnett Jamieson, Lorne Jones,
Walter Carson, Irving McAvoy, Ralph Jones,
Cecil Disney, Cecil Jones, Elmer Wilson.
The Committee of Stewards - Ralph Jones - Chairman.
Walter Carson, Leslie Harbron, Lorne Jones,
Cecil Disney, Reginald Hoskins, Percy Jones, Lloyd Wilson,
Earl Disney, Burnett Jamieson, Irving McAvoy,
Jack Empringham, Cecil Jones, Elmer Wilson.
The Session - Rev. H. Moore, Burnett Jamieson, Cecil Jones
Choir Leader - Mrs. Elmer Wilson; Assistant - Alan Clark, Lorne Carson
Organist - Mrs. Wm. Harbron; Assistant - Alan Clark
Sunday School Superintendent - Burnett Jamieson
President of Women’s Auxiliary - Mrs. Lloyd Wilson
President of the Men's Club - Mr. Earl Disney
President of the Young People’s Union - Lorne Carson
Parsonage Committee Representative - Percy Jones
Recording Steward of Official Board - Burnett Jamieson
Centenary Committee - Rev, H. Moore, (Chairman), Mrs. Walter Carson, Lorne Carson,
Alan Clark, Burnett Jamieson, Mrs. Cecil Jones, Mrs. Elmer Wilson, Mrs. Geo. Wilson, Mrs.
Lloyd Wilson
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
HISTORICAL OUTLINE
THE FIRST CHURCH...
"...To have and to hold, the said parcel or tract of land and premises unto, and to the use of the
said Trustees and their successors in the said trusts FOREVER..."
Thus read the title deed for the Jackson's Congregation Meeting-house on the Nineth day of
February, 1854. Three years earlier this congregation had been reported as a constituted
group in the missionary reports of the Wesleyan Methodist Church to the Conference, in 1851.
It is assumed that in this year the Jackson's Congregation was first organized and as such
petitioned the Conference for a regular ministerial supply to be conducted by the Reverend
John Law and his assistant, Robert Lochead, who were responsible for other local
congregations in the district on the Oshawa Circuit. At this time, Pickering Township
Wesleyan Methodism was under the authority of the Toronto District. Previous to 1851, and in
the part of 1845, the names of the Trustees i.e. George Day, John Weir, John Wass, Edward
Jackson, David Bowes and Edward Bowes, and other names of the original congregation
appeared on the Conference reports from the Markham and Oshawa Wesleyan Circuits.
Those were the pioneer days of Pickering Township, Although the Township had been
surveyed between 1791 and 1800 with its neighbouring Township of Whitby, settlement had
been confined to the lakeshore and the Indian trail paralleling it, now known as Kingston
Road. By 1812 the Brock Road was opened for travel between the Township of Brock,
Lake Simcoe and Frenchman's Bay port. However, the concessions were little more than
uncompleted paths through the virgin woods. Records indicate that even by 1834 the
Seventh and Sixth Concessions were open only two or three miles east and west of the
Brock Road, and that the earliest settled farms had little more than a half dozen acres of
cleared land with a log dwelling and a barn. As the tide of immigrants from Yorkshire and
Northern Ireland found their way to Port Hope and Frenchman's Bay, they disembarked and
trudged on foot to the interior of the township carrying on their backs their belongings and
what supplies they could afford. Within the next few years paths between the clearings were
widened to allow for better travel and transport, and with this improved communication
pioneer families gathered in the fellowship of their neighbours for Christian worship.
By 1855 no less than 4 branches of Methodism were to be found in the township, along with
Baptist, Presbyterian, Quaker, Episcopalian and Roman Catholic adherents. The Methodist
Episcopal congregation of the Mount Zion district met in a building known as the "White
Church" began in 1857 on the south-west corner of Lot 8, Concession 7. The Bible Christian
Methodists worshipped in a building erected on the north-east corner of Lot 1 of the 8th
Concession. Two prominent congregations of these early days were those of the Primitive
Methodist branch which gathered at the Bethel Church and the Balsam Church, both on the
9th Concession. This diversity among the Methodists was largely due to the proselyting
efforts of two competing Methodist conferences, the English Connexion and the Episcopal
Conference in the United States,
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
The First Church... continued:
Although, as previously stated, the Jackson's Congregation was organized as a preaching
charge in 1851, and although the site for their meeting-house has been purchased in 1854, it is
conjectured that it was not until 1856 that the congregation was able to afford the erection of a
building. Considering the economic hardship with which the early settlers were handicapped,
and since it is the date in the stained-glass transom over the entrance to the present brick
church, this latter date is proposed. The deed from which the extract was quoted earlier listed,
listed the purchased site as being 12 suare rods, in the north-west corner of Lot 6, Concession
7. At this time the adjourning property to the east and south belonged to John Jackson, hence
the origin of the congregation's name. One of the oldest, living former members of the Mount
Zion community can hazily recall this first meeting-house as it appeared on this site. A
weathered frame structure, built on posts, this first church was the
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
The First Church... continued:
plainest design in keeping with the pioneer taste. Each side contained two windows, the
entrance door was to the north. Inside this door the box-stove was placed, and the stove-pipes
ran the interior length of the building to provide maximum extraction of heat from the burning
fuel. It has been suggested that the reason for the purchase of 12 square rods of land was in
contemplation of a burial ground, although there is no record of any interment having taken
place at this site.
As the newly-cleared land began to yield abundance and the pioneer folk prospered, as
children matured and families had more hands to do the farm work, as the social life of the
community continued to develope and centre around the church, some of the facilities of the
original site were found to be inadequate. In 1873 and 1874 a union of Methodist branches
took place joining the Methodist under the single authority of the Methodist Church of Canada.
Locally this union resulted in the absorption of smaller groups by the more prominent
congregations. From 1855 Jackson's had a preaching charge on the Whitby Circuit, but a
circuit included 10 points i.e. Duffin's Creek, (later Pickering Village), Brougham, Mount
Pleasant, (west of the Brock Road on the 7th.Concession), Greenwood, Claremont, Glen
Sherrard, (now Glen Major), Jackson's, Salam, Kinsale, and Audley. These points were
well supplied with qualified clergy by the Toronto Conference, and it was not long before
Jackson's became the prominent congregation of its district. By 1871, names of families
appear in Jackson's Church records which were formerly associated with the Methodist
Episcopal, Bible Christian and Primitive Methodist Congregations.
Considering the growth of the congregation and the prosperity of the district, it was decided
in 1873 to re-build the original church on a more favourable site to accommodate better
those attending services. The greatest need appeared to be that of a large, sheltering
church shed and an adjacent hitching grounds for the horses and rigs. In exchange for the
old site, Samuel Jones Sr. agreed to provide a new location for the church, in fact it is said
that he offered the land to the Trustees. Permission to dispose of the old property was
received from the Conference office in Toronto, and with this memorandum of authority, the
Trustees, George Day, John Wass, Edward Jackson, Edward Bowes, John Jones, Joseph
Jones, and Richard Wilson Sr. completed the transaction on August the 26th, 1873.
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
ACROSS THE ROAD...
On August the 29th, 3 days after the transaction, the title deed to the new site was drawn up,
and it was here for the first time that the name "Mount Zion" appears. The Trustees aquired
from Samuel Jones Sr. a plot of land 82 feet long and 78 feet deep in the south-east corner of
Lot 6, Concession 8. Although the deed stated a "consideration of $20. of lawful currency" it is
doubtful if any exchange of money actually took place. Local lore has it that shortly after the
latter transaction, John "Squire" Disney, the owner of the Jackson farm, wished to obtain the
old 12 square rod site from Samuel Jones Sr. However, Mr. Jones and Mr. Disney did not see
eye to eye and Mr. Jones refused to relinquish the property. Many years later, after the passing
of both gentlemen, their sons, Edwin Disney and Samuel Jones Jr. agreed to exchange a black
colt for the site. And so it is said that the present site was indirectly "traded for a black colt".
No record exists concerning the details of the re-building of the frame church on the new site,
however, beginning at this time anniversary services were observed in the latter part of
October. The Trustees of the Mount Zion Church are listed as George Day, John Jones,
Richard Wilson Sr., Joseph Jones, John Elijah Jones, Uriah Jones and John Brander.
However, several former members of this church remember details of its congregation and it
is to them that we owe our description.
4O7
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
Across the Road... continued:
Apparently no stone foundation was built for the church but again mounted on cedar posts
exposed a foot or so above the ground level. The building was roughly 30 by 50 feet with a
shed extending east from the north-east corner, still standing to the present day. The sash in
the windows contained many small panes of glass, there being two windows on each side as
in the former building. It is highly probable that the church was moved on log rollers by teams
of horses from its old site, as was the custom of those days. Around the church-yard a straight-
rail or board fence was erected with a gate at about the present drive-way.
Many years earlier an Orange Lodge Hall had been built on the south-west corner of the
adjoining lot # 5, Since the lodge property and the church property abutted there was no fence
erected between them, and the 2 frame buildings, standing in opposite ends of the yard were
similar in appearance. The unpainted pine boards had mellowed to a weathered grey blending
with the darker grey of the split cedar shingles on the roof. Each frame building had; a clay
brick chimney at its northern extremity, and the church shed extending between them
assisted in enclosing the yard on 3 sides. Indeed, in spite of its modesty, the cluster of
buildings must have appeared comfortable and substantial to the passer-by.
Upon entering the church by the south-end door, the single, centre aisle presented a large
box-stove. The pews were shortened on each side to allow free passage for the
worshippers around the stove, and overhead, extending the upper length of the interior was
the customary string of black-tin stove pipes. Proceeding up the centre aisle, one's foot
tread was softened by a plain carpet which led from the stove to the communion table and
pulpit. On each side, straight-back, board pews. relics of which still can be seen in the
present church basement, accommodated the worshippers. A spindle railing separated the
pulpit and the communion table, which was raised on a small platform, from the congregation.
Originally the pews were also placed to the right and left of the pulpit, the choir being seated
on a similar platform in the back of the church, in the south-east corner to the right of the
doorway. Later the choir loft was moved to the front north-west corner, where most of the
old members remember it. Practically no conspicuous colour accented the interior of the
church but the neutral tones of the well scrubbed floor and furnishings presented a restful
atmosphere for worship.
Every Lord's Day and throughout the week, this building and the neighbouring hall were a
centre of thriving social activity. Each Sunday morning at 10 o'clock the young and the older
men and women met in two separate classes to study the word of God. In the afternoon
Sunday School was held
408
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
Across the Road... continued:
at 2:30 p.m., and in the evening at 7:30 p.m. came the evening service. Most of these
Christian folk did not make a practise of riding to church each Sunday. The majority of the
families walked from their farms at least twice on Sunday, winter and summer, to the church
building, and thought nothing of it. All meetings were held and well attended, the church being
filled to capacity for the evening services, and often overflowing at the entertainments held
during this week. The Epworth League, which corresponds to the present Young People's
Union, met every Wednesday evening at 8:p.m. and on Thursday evening, the mid-week
Prayer Meeting was conducted. After these meetings, refreshments were frequently served in
the hall, but these could not be compared with the bid, annual hot-dinner served either in the
hall or on tables in the church shed, or often, later, in both places for lack of better
accommodation. An interesting reference was made to the use of which the nort-east
window was put for the Sunday School enterainments. Apparently, performers were required
to enter left stage, through this open window, behind a curtain. It is to be hoped that the
weather was always accommodating, the step-ladder was substantial and that no one on
the outside gave in to his mischievious ideas while watching the others predede him through
the window. Often in the late fall and the early spring the mud between the 2 buildings were
excessive, offering the local gallants justifiable opportunity to pick up the girls and carry them
to safety.
Throughout the "late eighties", the annual church dinners held late in October reached such
popularity that families travelled often 5 or 6 miles to attend and the crowds were waited upon
in relays. Ine oldster remarking on the abundant spread concluded by emphasizing that the
tables were loaded with "all the kinds of vittles you could imagine". The proceeds from these
gatherings were set aside foe maintenance, missions or a future reserve.
Mention should be made at this point to the activities of the Temperance Union in the
community. Apparently there were 2 periods when the membership and the social life of
this group were particularly active. The first of these was from 1870 to about 1890, the other
later in the 1900's. We are told that the young people of the district held their meetings in
the Orange Hall weekly, often acting as host to the neighbouring unions. A formal opening
and business portion was conducted at the beginning of the meeting, after which there was
a programme. These programmes were the highlight of each meeting, often becoming quite
hilarious with nonsense and fun. Frequently sides were chosen and judges appointed, them
each side was required to out-do the other side's performance. A lunch was served at the
close of the programme and here the young swains had opportunity to sample, and the local
belles opportunity to display, the culinary skills of each kitchen. Many oldsters remember
these meetings as a time of rich fellowship and warm memories.
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
Across the Road... continued:
Soon it was evident in the early 1890's that the church's accommodations were growing
more and more inadequate for the needs of the congregation. Congregations in Claremont,
Brooklin, Pickering were established in large brick churches which were more efficient and
comfortably appointed. With spirit the members of the Mount Zion Church rallied to meet the
financial outlay for a larger building, and by the spring of 1893 sufficient funds had been
acquired to begin planning the new house of worship.
THE BRICK CHURCH...
A contractor's tender dated April 26,1893, stated ...
"I hereby agree to build a church at Mount Zion according to plans and specifications now
drawn by A. Post, architect, and for the sum of $2,496. for the completion of the whole work
If brick vernred (veneered) $2,427.00
If sides papered $ 16.00
$2,443.00
(Signed) Wm. Noble."
It appears that the trustees had approached Mr. Noble of Whitby in view of availing
themselves to his services in the erection of the new building. The above tender covered
one portion of their enquirey, however, on the opposite side of the same document a tender
is submitted for the..."Carpenter and Joiner work for the new Brick church at Mount Zion."
No record of any contract exists today, but many of the older members recall that Mr. Noble
was awarded the contract, so the Trustees must have been satisfied with the above prices.
Mr. Westlake of Whitby was awarded the bricklaying and masonry contract, and a Mr. Wilson
of the same town was contracted to do the interior decorating. The interior furnishings were
also let to contract, a wood-working establishment in Port Perry being responsible for the
pews. The pulpit was donated by the Young People's Union with the pulpit chairs as a gift
from interested relatives of a prominent church family. Through the spring and summer
construction on the church services continues, and upon the customary anniversary date in
October the new house of worship was dedicated.
Reverend John Harris was the pastor of the circuit and under his leadership morning and
evening services were observed. Mr. Richard Wilson Sr. directed the choir, his daughter
Jenny (Jane) accompanying at the organ. The Brooklin Choir and Quartette provided the
musical offerings and leadership in the evening service. At the time of this writing, there
were living in the vicinity of the Mount Zion district
A History of Jackson's Congregation and Mount Zion Church,
The Brick Church... continued:
several persons who were present at these opening services. As well as a choir leader, Mr.
Richard Wilson Sr. was the treasurer of the Building Fund; Mr. T.C.McAvoy was a leader in
raising in raising the funds, with the assistance of other members of the Board of Trustees,
and the Stewards Elijah Jones and John C. Jones. Owing to the treasury not having sufficient
finances to completely pay for the outlay, a mortgage was granted to the church by Mr. George
Middleton, a gentleman seriously interested in the church and its activities. Several years later
this mortgage was burned, the Reverend John Harris having returned on this occasion to
perform the ceremony.
The east section of this shed was built at the Primitive Methodist Church in Balsam and it was
removed to Mount Zion churchyard shortly before 1890.
KINSALE UNITED CHURCH HISTORY
KINSALE UNITED CHURCH
100TH ANNIVERSARY
20 SEPTEMBER 1964
ORDER OF SERVICE
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
DOXOLOGY
THE LORD'S PRAYER
HYMN 31 - "PRAISE THE LORD YE HEAVENS ADORE HIM"
RESPONSIVE READING - 719
THE LESSON
CHOIR
PRAYER
OFFERING - OFFERTORY PRAYER
ANNOUCEMENTS, GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTION
CHOIR
HYMN 662 - 'O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST"
SERMON - REV. ROBERT K. McLEAN, B.A., B.D. PRESIDENT, BAY OF QUINTE
CONFERENCE
HYMN 164 - "THE CHURCH'S ONE FOUNDATION"
DENEDICTION
We are indebted for our music to the Choir of Greenwood United Church
ORGANIST - MRS. CHARLES McTAGGART
SOLOIST - MR. WILLIAM BROWN
SOME NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH
As is comes in the case of rural churches, no satisfactory records can now be found relating
to the early history of our church. The cornerstone stone at the north- east corner of the
present building bears the inscription 1864 which is taken to refer either to the year In which
the original church was erected on this site or the year in which the church was first organized.
An examination of the records in the Registry Office discloses that by Indenture of Bargain
and Sale dated the 4th day of February 1865 the present site was sold by one David L.
Reed of the Township of Whitby to Thomas Stevenson, farmer; John Fearless, merchant;
Richard Brignall, shoemaker; George Wilson, farmer; John Bottom, blacksmith; Thomas
Sadler, farmer and John Edwards, farmer, who are described in the dor ument a "trustees of
the Kinsale Congregation of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada, in connexion with
the English Conference".
Twenty years later a subsequent conveyance, whereby some additional land was acquired,
shows the Trustees in 1885 to have been Thomas Stevenson, James Hughes Rogers,
Richard Brlgnall, James Hortop, Benjamin Naquir, Ralph R. Mowbray and Sylvester Mackey.
The occupations of the original Trustees present a typical cross-section of a rural community in
Upper Canada in.
the 1860's. We catch a glimpse of a rural hamlet which provided the surrounding farms with
essential goods and services of a more specialized nature than those produced and
performed on the farm and which was a focus for the economic and social life of an essentially
agricultural area. The church performed a vital social as well as spiritual function and it was
relatively easy for it to survive and prosper as an Institution. The gradual breakdown and
disappearance of such communities as our society has become more complex and mobile
has presented the rural church with problems as to alms, organization and even Survival
which, as yet, are largely unsolved.
For many years after its establishment our church prospered and was a vital force in the lives
of the local Inhabitants. There was as well a Sunday School, Mission Band, Women's
Missionary Society, Young People's Union and Women's Association, all well attended and
actively supported.
Eventually the original church became unsafe for further use and in the year 1929 was replaced
by the present building. This was made possible by the generosity of the residents and
former residents of the area coag led with a good deal of volunteer labour upon which
community projects in rural areas have always depended heavily.
The windows in our church commemorate twelve families of this church which in 19 29 bad
been for some time prominent in local affairs. Starting at the north-east corner of the building
and reading clockwise the names are:
Mowbray
Richardson
Sadler
Lawton
Rartop
Redd
Stevenson
McRrien
Parkin
Mackey
Lawrence
Rarbron
In addition, some of the furnishings of the church were given by and commemorate the families
of Rarbron, Parkin, Miller and Davis.- Our current major project is to make necessary repairs
to our windows to preserve this memorial to our early families.
A comparison of the names of the families which presumably were most active in the affairs
of the church in the years 1864, 1885, 1929 and 1964 gives a good indication of the extent
of the change which has occurred in this community. Only two of the twelve names inscribed
on our windows in 1929 are borne by present residents Although a number of the other
families are still represented In nearby centres.
The scroll hanging on the -west wall of the church bears the names of those of the
community who served in the armed forces during the First World War. That on the
east wall bears the names of those who
served in the Second World War. As late as 1939 theyoung people of the area were fairly
numerous and active in the life of the community. Our heavy loss of life during the Second
World War, coupled with increased mecho leation in agriculture and its attendant exodus of
young people seeking work elsewhere, have resulted in a serious age gap in the local
population. Whether the church will succeed in attracting and keeping the new generation
now in their teens, remains to be seen.
The rural church at the present time is in a period of extreme crisis and some substantial
change in its orientation must take place if it is to survive. This particular church is faced to a
manifest degree with the problems of the rural church in general. Prediction as to its future is
indeed difficult. It would be pleasant on this 100th Anniversary of our Church to talk with
assurance of the next centennial celebration. But this would not be realistic and if our church
is to survive it must clearly Pace reality. It is at least possible to say that the present members
intend to continue and that our church has at times in the past twenty-five years been much
closer to disappearing than it is at present. We have lost most of the old families which were
the support of our church in the past. But we have also gained new families who are a source
of great strength. And this is certain:
THAT SO WHO AS THERE BE EVEN A
HANDFUL WITH FAITH IN GOD AND
A DESIRE TO DO HIS WILL, THERE
NEED BE NO FEAR FOR THE FUTURE
The following is a list of the ministers of our church. In the early days when the church was
part of a large circuit the ministers were ably assisted by a number of lay preachers of whom
there Is no satisfactory record available.
MINISTER ASSISTANT
1889- W. Hall W. A. Donner
1890-1891 G. W. Hewitt
1892 John Harris George Mason
1893 John Barrie C. W. Reynolds
1894 John Harris W. Elliott
1895 John Harris E. A. W. Dove'
1896 James Thom T. H. McDonald
1897-1899 G. R. Clare
1900-1901 James MacFarlane
1901 W. W. Leech
1901-1902 Daniel Williams
1903-1905 E. A. Tonkin
1906-1908 E. A. Tonkin
1908-1912 S. T. Tucker
1913-1915 E. W. Tink
1916-1918 J. 0. Totton
1919 H. Wilkinson
1920-1922 J. W. Bunner
1923-1925 Montague W. Leigh
1926-1928 Joseph Barnes
1929-1931 W. S. Smart
1932-1934 Fred Horton
1935-1938 H. H. Mutton
1939-1945 H. W. McVey
1946-1949 A. C. Luffman
1949-1952 H. R. Monkman
1953-1958 Henry Moore
1959 Thomas H. Fleetham
Kinsale United Church History
Illustration:
- Former Kinsale Church Built 1864.
- Mrs. R. S. McLaughlin Laying Cornerstone - 1929.
- Building in progress and completed 1929.
FINANCIAL REPORT OF KINSALE CHURCH
No. 4911768
No. 95O7566
RECEIPTS — — — EXPENSES
Sale of Pews (Brooklin) 1000.00 — — — Wm. Clark (Labour) 1040.00
Auction Sale 1446.25 — — — Mitchell Bros. (Lumber) 292.17
Sale of Windows 380.00 — — — Horton & Wallace (Survey) 390.00
Sale of Church 34715.25 — — — Bank Service Charge .40
Interest (Apr. 28/78) 16.53 — — — Term Deposit #2880227 10000.00
Interest (Oct. 31/78) 59.53 — — — Term Deposit #2880226 10000.00
— — —Term Deposit # 2880225 10000.00
— — — Term Deposit # 2880224 5890.00
— — —Total 37612.57
Total Receipts 37617.56 — — — Bank Balance Dec. 31/78 4.99
— — — Total 37617.56
Note; Term Deposit are paying 9 3/4 % for 5 years.
Treasurer - Douglas Morden
We have examined the books re Kinsale Church for 1978 and have found them to be
correct.
Don Beach Lorraine Nicholson
**********
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' REPORT for 1978
April, 1971
At a congregational meeting held April 1, an offer of $9100.00 was presented from the
Ministry of Transportation and Communication. This offer was refused by the congregation
and a motion was passed to sell the Kinsale Church. A letter was sent to the M.T.C. asking
$22,000.00 which was subsequently refused.
March, 1974
An application was made to the Pickering Planning Board to rezone the property to
residential. This was refused because the lot was not large enough.
The trustees attempted to purchase 3l ½ ft. x 132 ft. from Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Gray. This
was refused by the Land Severance Committee in August 1974.
Pickering Township approved the rezoning of the property as is but this had to be approved
by the Ministry of Housing due to the land freeze for the proposed airport noise zone. This
approval finally came in May 1977.
Board of Trustees Report cont'd.
November. 1977
At a congregational meeting called to discuss the situation, the trustees were instructed to
continue with the sale of the church.
January, 1978
Six centre pews and seven side pews were sold to Brooklin United Church for $1000.00.
June. 1978
The contents of the church were sold by auction on June 15, for $1446.25. The auctioneer
donated his services.
An offer to purchase was received from Ronald B. Hughes on June 20, 1978 for
$37,OOO.OO. This agreement was approved by Oshawa Presbytery in July.
Wm. G. Irwin was hired as the lawyer for the Board of Trustees.
The purchaser's lawyer disputed the boundary lines of the property, so a survey was taken at
a cost of $390.00.
The stained glass windows were all removed and four were taken by descendants of the
original donors. The remaining eight were crated and are stored in the Greenwood Church.
The removal of the windows, covering the openings and crating the eight windows cost
$1332.17. We received $380.00 for the four windows taken by the descendants.
The sale of the church was completed on October 6, 1978. Additional costs were
Real Estate Commission - $ 1850.00
Lawyers' fees and costs - $ 434.75
Chairman - Ken Brooks
Secretary - Don Goodwin
*******
Greenwood United Church Women 1978
The United Church Women were privileged to have two excellent Speakers in 1978 - in
January Mrs. Evelyn Wilson, who's topic was the Caribbean, illustrated by record, slides
and commentary and in May Miss McLlvride spoke of the handicapped children in Jamaica.
GREENWOOD
ANNIVERSARY
OCTOBER 15th, 1978
Evening Address
by
Beatrice R. McLean
"HISTORY OF GREENWOOD CONGREGATION"
HISTORY OF GREENWOOD CONGREGATION
by Beatrice R. McLean Read I Chronicles 22: l4 – 19
Before "anniversary" time this year, a special committee was formed to assist with planning,
as 1973 is the 50th Anniversary of our church building. This is indeed an important milestone
in our church life. However, I would like to begin what I have to say be referring to another
anniversary. The Greenwood "congregation" is at least 115 years old. As far as we know it
became a separate entity in 1863, which is 115 years ago now.
I have no doubt that before that time the Methodist families of our community attended church
at Salem where the present church was built in l849 under the Oshawa Circuit. In 1855 a
Whitby Circuit was formed. Then in 1863 the Pickering Circuit came into being, consisting
of ten congregations of which "Greenwood" was one. Salem and Greenwood were detailed
as separate points where services were conducted at that time. Other points on the Circuit
included: Duffin's Creek (now Pickering Village), Kinsale, Claremont, Mount Pleasant (west
of the Brock Road on Concession 7), Brougham, Jackson's (now Mount Zion), and Glen
Sharrard (now Glen Major). Two ministers, with several local preachers or student ministers
were needed to care for these ten congregations.
From 1863 to 1876, services of the Greenwood Methodist Congregation were held in the
Orange Hall which stood a short distance to the north of the Parsonage property (today's
Manse). In 1876 the Methodist Congregation bought the present site of our Church from the
Anglicans, who had purchased it from the Roman Catholics. The Methodists erected a new
white frame Church on the land. That building is very dear to many present-day residents as
it was used until 1927. It could be said of the congregation of 1876, in the words of James
Milligan, a Methodist lay preacher who became a noted journalist:
"They did not faint nor falter
Through all their toilsome days;
To Heaven they raised an altar
Of sacrifice and praise."
The Salem Church closed in 1890 and the members and adherents dispersed to the four
nearest Methodist congregations at Greenwood, Mount Zion, Kinsale, or Audley.
When we speak of the "history" of the Greenwood congregation, we need to remember also
the Kinsale congregation because we amalgamated in January 1969. The Kinsale
congregation was at least as old as the Greenwood one, for you will have noticed that it is
included in the ten points on the Pickering Circuit in 1863. An elderly Kinsale lady used to tell
how they went to Kinsale Church in the morning, walked to Audley Church in the afternoon, and
walked to Salem in the evening. Walking many miles meant nothing to them in those days, as
they were accustomed to it. Today we are being urged to "walk" more, or "jog”, by the radio
and TV" commercials. Our ancestors did it without outside urging!
By 1896 Greenwood, Kinsale, and Mount Zion were on a six-point circuit. Therefore, the
student assistants were discontinued and lay ministers, if available, assisted the one ordained
minister.
The "Sunday School" is one of the most important aspects of church activity. People are
seldom active in church life, after they become adults, unless they have been interested
when children.
In the 1860's William Gibson organized a Union Sunday School which was held in the
Orange Hall. The Brown family have a little book which was given to John Brown (father of
May and Bill Brown) for Sunday School attendance in 1865. The Browns are one of our
pioneer families. I cannot list other pioneer families whose descendants are here this
evening for I would likely miss some.
If you haven't already read the framed poster in the Sunday School room downstairs, do so
this evening. It is advertising a social to raise funds for the Sunday School, November 8th,
1876. Tea was served in the Orange Hall at 5 o'clock p.m., after which addresses were
expected from six gentlemen, including both the M.P.P. and M.P. Admission was 25¢,
children 15¢ - proceeds to be applied towards furnishing books and papers for the Sabbath
School.
During the erection of our present church building in 1927, Sunday School was held in the
Salem Church, and William Pegg, who is with us tonight, was the Superintendent.
From the very earliest in the life of the Greenwood Congregation the Sunday School has
been a vital factor - and I'm sure the same could be said for the Kinsale congregation. We
owe much to the teachers and officers of the Sunday School throughout 115 years of activity.
The "Ladies Aid" of the Greenwood Methodist Church was organized about 1894. Records
were lost in a fire but we know that Mrs. John Seldon, who lived in the house Mother and I now
occupy, was the first Secretary. The first social, we are told, was a Honey Social held on the
lawn of Mrs. Seldon's home. It was much like a modest garden party, the refreshments
consisted chiefly of honey supplied by Mrs. A. Boyer.
Some items from Minute Books have been preserved. At one meeting a motion was carried to
ask the other appointments on the circuit - Brougham, Mount Zion, and Kinsale - to aid the
Greenwood ladies in supplying a rag rug for the parsonage. It would take 35 to 40 years, and a
Mrs. Brown was to be asked to weave it. At another time it was carried that 50 ¢ be taken
from the treasury to purchase a spray of flowers for a dear departed member. (Compare that
with what we pay today for flowers for a funeral!) And, the members were asked to consider
raising the fee of the Ladies Aid Society from 5 ¢ to 10 ¢.
With the coming of church union in 1925, the women's organization became known as the
"Women's Association" or more familiarily as the "W.A.", and more recently it became
known as the "United Church Women, the "U.C.W.".
In the 1920's the idea of a new church to replace the old 1876 white frame building was a
cherished dream. Slowly and quietly the ladies laboured. How proud they were when plans
were finally assembled and the ladies were able to present $1,000 to the building fund.
(Do you realize how much work was involved in accumulating the sum of $1,000 in the
1920's?)
Mildred McTaggart, our organist, remembers that one Friday evening when her older sister,
Essie Pegg, came home from choir practice she was quite perturbed. She said that she
and Bill Ormerod had been standing near the back of the old white church when they felt the
building shaking. She said, "My goodness, if the building is that shaky, we surely need a
new Church!" BUT, what she hadn't realized at the time was that the building shook
because of an earthquake tremor which was felt over an extensive area. I know that the
people of Oshawa nearly all ran out into the streets asking each other what had happened.
When the decision was made in 1927 to build a new church, all worked together with a will
and succeeded in erecting the fine brick Church we have today. They were modern-day
workmen carrying out tasks similar to that which King David of old set out for his son,
Solomon, about under-
taking the building of the temple. We read in our Old Testament passage this evening: I
Chronicles 22:19, "Devote your-selves ... heart and soul, to seeking guidance of the Lord your
God, and set about building his sanctuary."
The chief builder of our present Church was a man named Ashenhurst who lived near
Goodwood. Prior to taking up carpentry for a living he had been a school teacher. The
brickwork of the church was done by a man named Deverill.
The Church was opened with special dedication services fifty years ago, on January 15th,
1928. There is one of the original posters on display downstairs today about the festivities for
the "opening". I have asked Miss May Brown, the oldest member of our congregation to
read the report of the opening as it appeared in the "Pickering News" newspaper.
(May is preparing to celebrate her 90th birthday next Sunday.)
A NEWS ITEM FROM THE PICKERING NEWS ABOUT THE OPENING OF THE
GREENWOOD UNITED CHURCH IN JANUARY 1928:
"The opening services of our new church were held January 15th, with afternoon and
evening services. We were honoured in having Dr. Chown /the Moderator of The United
Church of Canada/ preach at both services, and Rev. Mr. Ferguson, of St. Andrew's Church,
Pickering, read the lesson. Rev. Dr. Chown, assisted by our pastor, Rev. J. Barnes,
conducted the dedication service, Dr. Chown took his evening discussion from the text, 'We
would see Jesus', urging us to seek for Jesus and the mind of the Master in all the affairs of
life, secular as well as spiritual, and thus make ourselves, our church, and our nation living
epistles of God's love for our world.
"St. Paul's United Choir from Pickering supplied the music in the afternoon, and the Brooklin
United Church Choir in the evening. The services of the choirs, also solos by Dr. Fallaise, of
Pickering, and Mr. C. Thompson, of Brooklin, were very much appreciated.
"Many could not get standing room at the afternoon service, and the church was filled to
capacity in the evening.
"On Tuesday evening an appetizing chicken supper was served to some four hundred
people, followed by a splendid program, with our Pastor, Rev. J. Barnes, in the chair. Rev.
A.M. Irwin, of Whitby, and Rev. Mr. Hassard, of Toronto, gave splendid addresses. Miss
Edith Law, soprano soloist of Toronto,
Miss Nellie McGhie, violinist of Toronto Conservatory, and Mr. W. A. Dowland, of Whitby,
delighted one and all with their music. We hope to have the privilege of hearing them again.
"Our building committee are to be congratulated on the splendid success of their efforts, and
we now have a beautiful, homelike church in which to worship. May the spirit of unanimity and
co-operation that have been the keynote throughout the building campaign, carry on through
following years, and may our new church be a source of inspiration to us 'who have builded
better than we knew', and to the generations who take our places as the years go by."
(End of newspaper clipping.)
At the time of church union between the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches
in 1925, the Greenwood Circuit had been re-organized into a three-point charge of Greenwood,
Kinsale, and Mount Zion. It became a member of the Cobourg Presbytery in the Bay of Quinte
Conference of The United Church of Canada. Two years later, Oshawa Presbytery came
into being.
There is another original poster on display downstairs today for an Anniversary in the mid-
thirties when Rev. Mr. Horton was the minister. Rev. Walter Rackham was the guest speaker.
He was the grandfather of Nancy Hoar who now lives at Greenwood.
Ministers of the Greenwood Pastoral Charge over the past fifty years have been; Rev.
Joseph Barnes, Rev, W. S. Smart, Rev. Fred Horton, Rev, H. H. Mutton, Rev. Robert W,
McVey, Rev. Arthur C. Luffman, Rev. H. Russell Monkman, Rev. Henry Moore, Rev. Thomas
H. Fleetham, Mr. John A. VanGulick, and now our present pastor. Rev. A. Melvin Butler. We
need to make special mention of the Rev. "Tom" Fleetham who was with us eighteen of the
fifty years!
We have been speaking much of this present Church Building, which is fifty years old this
year, BUT a church is only as important as the individual men and women, youth and children
who make up the worshipping congregation and go out to serve in the community and the
world in Christ's name.
In Paul's message to the people of Corinth there is a message for us. In the l6th verse of the
3rd chapter of First Corinthians, we read: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and
that God's Spirit dwells in you?" Did YOU, each one of you, know that you are God's temple
and God's Spirit lives in you!
We owe a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay to those unselfish, untiring men and women of the earlier days of the Greenwood and Kinsale congregations. May the same courage, faith, and unity characterize our efforts today, AND in the future, as characterized those of former days.
Our Church has had a marvelous PAST. The PRESENT is favourable. The FUTURE, what
of it? Are we prepared to make the sacrifices that our forefathers made, that our Church will
be a force for good in our communities? Will our Church and our Community be better for
our having lived and served, and will we be proud of what we are passing on to another
generation?
Let us BUILD the CONGREGATION, remembering David's admonition; "Devote yourselves,
heart and soul, to seeking guidance of the Lord your God, and set about building...."
LET US PRAY:
"0 God and Father of us all,
Today our hearts rejoice
In those who build Thy kingdom, Lord,
Obedient to Thy voice.
A hundred and fifteen milestones mark the road
Our fellow-workers trod,
Who as a torch to light the way
Held high the Word of God.
Today as stewards of Thine house
We lift to Thee our prayer
That we who have this charge to keep
Be kept within Thy care." Amen.
(Adapted from hymn lines by Elizabeth Knobel)
461
GREENWOOD SUNDAY SCHOOL
By Mrs. Milton Pegg, 1966.
Sunday School plays an important part in the life of any community of children.
If children are not taught in Sunday School, they seldom continue into Church and take their
responsibility as church members and work for their community, through the Church.
Down through the years since 1860 there has been a continuous Sunday School in
Greenwood. It was first held in the Orange Hall which stood somewhere near the top of the
hill on the road running north, somewhere near where the Ron Hoar home in (1966) stands.
William Gibson organized the first Sunday School. The framed poster still to this day, in the
present Sunday School, was the advertisement for a Social to raise funds for the Sunday
School in 1876. It reads as follows; "Greenwood Sunday School will (D.V.) hold a social on
Wednesday, November 8th, 1876. Tea will be served in the Orange Hall at 5 o'clock sharp.
After which addresses will be expected from the following gentlemen: Reverends Messers,
Ross and Pickering, Duffins Creek, Leech of Greenwood, Coffey of Claremont, Honourable
F. N. Gibbs, N.W. Brown, M.P.P. and Dr. Tucker. Admission 25 cents. Children 15 cents.
(This is a far cry from present 1966 where we would charge $1.75 adults and children, 75
cents). Proceeds to be applied for books and papers for Sunday School. A cordial invitation
is extended to all. Printed by J. M. Watson, Gazette Office, Whitby".
For years William Gibson was the Superintendent and Richard Wilson, Treasurer. In 1906
Wesley Gee was Superintendent when Sunday School was held in the Methodist Church. He
held this office for seventeen years. Mrs. Gee, his wife, and their three daughters were active
here too as teachers and pianists.
In 1915 the Adult Class, known as the "Gleaners" was organized. Mrs. Fred Gibson as
teacher. They held monthly meetings as well. For years Mrs. Gibson was the faithful teacher.
When she no longer was able to carry on, Mrs. Milton Pegg, who was her assistant, took her
place, and is still teacher in 1966 of the present class.
The Young Men's Class was organized at the same time, was celled the "Helping Hand".
May Brown was teacher of this for some years. It gradually disappeared and the men joined
the Gleaners, or Adult Class as it became. At present time no men attend.
A number of willing workers have carried on down through the years. Wesley Sadler, William
Pegg, William Brown; Milton Pegg was appointed in 1939 and carried on faithfully for
seventeen years. Ross Jackman filled in for two years and Mrs. Milton Pegg carried on for a
few years, then David Pegg and Mrs. Perry Wilson, "Aggie" as she was known to all. In her
first year of office, as she was conducting the Family Day Service, or as it was then called
"Mother's Day, she collapsed and was carried to the Sunday School room, where she died
of a heart condition. She died carrying out the work she loved. She had also been teacher of
the primary class for many years. Perry, her husband, had been treasurer for many years
and as we write this, three of their grandchildren attend regularly and have had perfect
attendance for some years.
Other secretaries and treasurers were Reta Flynn, now Mrs. Les Harbron), Cecil Walls,
Gertrude Corbett, John Griffin, Alfred Pegg, Ina Robertson, (now Mrs. Alex Sanders) and
Ken Robertson.
Pianists down through the years were Doris Gee (Mrs. Hortop), Marian McVey, Edward
Pegg, Carol McVey, Marjorie Byers, Joyce Closson and Jean Pascoe, Marion Pegg, Hazel
Closson, Mrs. Edgie Pegg and Mrs. Pascoe and Mrs. Les Wilson.
Teachers through the years were the Gee Girls, 3dna Green, Edgie Pegg, Frank Hayward,
Mildred McTaggart, B. McLean and E1va McLean, Jean Pascoe, Mrs. C. Closson, Grant
Pascoe. Grant was also treasurer for awhile. Mrs. Andrew Pegg taught for a good many
years. She usually taught the Junior Girls. Even to-day we hear the remark - "She taught us
well". She was a good teacher. Joe Pegg taught the Junior Boys and was leader of Sigma
C. His cousin, David Pegg, succeeded him when he moved from these parts. When David
left his cousin, Ken McTaggart, taught that class. Sharon Clark taught the Junion Girls, then
Shirley Gardiner and Mr. Ross Jackman, the Young Peoples.
The present teachers are Young People - Mr. P. Harrison, Mrs. Wherry and Mrs. C. McTaggart;
the Intermediate Classes - Mrs. W. Trolley and Joan Gardiner and Mrs. P. Harrison the
Primary Classes; Mrs. Doug. Morden the Junior Girls, Mrs. Edgie Pegg the Kindergarten
and Mrs. Alfred Pegg the nursery. In 1962 the new curriculum came into being, with a change
of books, new way of teaching, a change of worship service. The books and materials are
more expensive and the children are provided with reading books to build their own library
through the years. The teachers' book is now called the "Guide".
We believe this change is good and as we write this story another change is taking place.
We do not have the good old Christmas Concert, with all the trimmings, and hustle and
bustle of preparing a program of songs, dances, recitations, drills and dialogues, and we
had some excellent ones in the past Now we cater to Christmas Parties, where children are
entertained, instead of the children entertaining their parents as in the past. We like these
days too.
If we have left out any important names, it is not intentional, please forgive us. It is hard to
keep with all the changes so rapidly rushing in on us.
462
CHURCH HISTORY by Reverend T. H. Fleetham - May, 1972
The churches on the Greenwood Charge of the United Church are rural churches and there
is no area where there has been greater change, or where change has been felt more than
in the rural areas and especially the rural church.
Now this is not to say that change is new, for change has always been with us, but it is the
acceleration of change, and it has come into areas over which people have no control and it
has left a feeling of instability and insecurity. These feelings have been felt in the church.
Change has made its existence felt in two areas of life, the economic and the sociological.
Our church has made a study of the rural church and they have noted certain trends, and I am
going to list a few of these here so that we will be able to recognize them in our community.
The economic trends:
Rural people are not sharing proportionately the prosperity of the nation. Farming is
becoming a "Commercial enterprise" instead of a "way of life". His investment results in a
need for larger returns and this in turn has produced surpluses and affects his economy.
High investment now required in farm enterprise renders it difficult for the young man to get
started and the retiring farmer to conclude his business.
The Sociological trends:
The mobility of people to-day has changed the established community bounderies, thus
many small places of business and institutions have disappeared.
Rural people are not isolated from the urban and their culture is largely urban to-day.
Machinery has largely substituted for co-operation among neighbours.
Rural people are becoming much more organized for the expression and the realization of
objectives, such as the organization of the milk board and the "Record of production".
There is now mass communication and a general raising of educational standards and with
modern methods of transportation there is now no gap between rural and urban people.
Now rural people share in government sponsored security programs.
The country church and the country school which at one time were the centers of the
community has been subjected to great change and in some communities they have
disappeared.
I have listed these trends so that we will be able to recognize them and their effect in our
own community of Greenwood, for these trends are general throughout rural Ontario. The
great trend is that the rural community has become increasingly urban in outlook. In our free
and areas like ours that are close to the large urban centers we have people who have built
their homes in our areas and commute to their work. Only a few of these people have found
their way into the church.
We now have the rural people who have cottages and boats who spend their week-ends
away from their usual home. The use of Sunday has changed to a day of out-door activity,
and this is also true of farm people to-day.
The church has tried to strengthen the church by a program of amalgamation and re-
alignment and this has happened in our own Charge, at the suggestion of the Presbytery the
Congregation of Kinsale moved to be re-aligned with the congregation at Greenwood and
we now have a two-point charge that was once a three-point charge. I have been closely
related to the committee for re-alignment of the Presbytery and I feel that our program of re-
alignment and amalgamation has been but very moderately successful.
There are factors and signs for which we should be thankful and gives the church hope. There
are new families who have come into the church and have been a source of strength. The
families who have their roots in the community and have been here for a long time are very
faithful. We do not have the attendance at our services that we should for the population is
greater now than it has ever been, and one of the marks of this age seems to be small
church attendance.
It is interesting to note that in spite of what might be deemed to be reverses we are raising
more money for the work of the church than at any time in our history. One of the marks of our
age is that the cost of operation is going up all the time, and we seem to be able to meet
these costs, and our givings to the mission work of the church is also increasing.
These are hopeful signs. In every area of our life there is change and it is rapid change to-
day; it is our task to learn to adjust to change. We hold a great faith in the Church and in its
Lord who created it, and also in the faithful people who are maintaining it, who feel that it is
the body of Christ in the world called to do his will, and if it is faithful to its task then truly it
will survive and go on into the future.
RALLY DAY SERVICE
The Methodist Church
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER. 26, 1920
"Bring them all in l "
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Inaugural )Rrruire
for
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Qwera Music (Organ or Amir–The Saunas or Hill, Holy, Holy WILL be
,a.. cs-o—avIrA
Tar Lrnma Snau Sea: hot oa stand.
Lander. Gfwp ywr ham.
Reapome: We lino them up unto the Lard.
Lauder: hot an give dun[a unm we Lal C h
Rotuma: It is mm mal not m to Jo.
Lendev It is reare melt right, amt our Lnnnden duty, that we should at
all amtm and fn A plain, give things unw I be, U Holy Lard, Fmher
Almighty, Everlasting Gul.
In Unison: Therefore with anguli and astonish and with all the ourso
of haves we laud and magnify Thy glorious namer cermore inning
Thee, and saying:
Holy, holy, holy, lord Cul of baso.
Haven and earth arc lull of Thy glory.
Glary be IOTher, O Imd moat M1igh.
Hvuu:"For ix the howl wobervem. aline Him' 'The HymnarySI.
Poise the LmtL' It beavenudme Him:
Powe Him, angels, in the hoth ;
sun and moon, repine ip Him:
Prase Him, all ye .M light.
Poi¢ LispLcnll Ina He hath "les,;
Wulb His mighty "its 0";
laws which nmxr shall M bm4m
me their guidance bath He matte.
Praise me hmlI for He 1s Limbo
Nicer shall His PthembC fail;
GW had mNe Hh ninu v!utorlmu,
Sm and death dna not chop
loo Ne GW of ournt wationl
Hum on h' ,Hu e
pea cm;
lai
Heaven, a' arts. andal creation
laud and magnify Hot Name. Awn.
Ata Srnw
Peau $: 1.7 (In a can)
O swum. le: m airy nano :he lad: let an mite a postal wise to IR
up a av salvation.
In urs name helom His fraena with dammiiving, and main a joyful
iwto Him with palms.
the Imp is a gnat GW. and a great Y'tg above all gods.
In His M1eM arc the drop plum M me earth: the urp at IM
hills is His also.
The sea u His, and He made It: and His bands formed the dry lam).
O came, let us worship and bow dawn: let nes hnxl before the head
war
mater.
ForHe is our G W: and we nn the temple of His immure, and the shcep
of His hand.
TO, Lonsoms Paavn: (1'o M said or lung In "noun)
summers. fro be rad by Ne leadttnno appointed)
sentWe know It all Wings Work ogether to good to them that love
Gcq m than who arc the called a filly aHu putpve.
What shall we often my m thele ideas? If Gal M for an who on bm
agaiut ml He thwal mN ,at His own bin Wt delisvN Him up for m all,
how wit He win widt Him ale Lately at,, us all things?
Wla shall sepame us It= the ]me N GM1tnti Small aiWlatiw, m
dimness, cmpesuc on or larrumn w rukalmaa m top m many NAY,
in Al thin thing we are more than maimamn through Him that loved w.
For I am penn.JN, that neither death, no, lim, we Appeal car
priaipa'nia, r Ween, nu things present. nes things to
heght, nor depth nor yy othercomplete. shall M able an Antonioup
nmm tM mm of Gal. whish h in Gbt am our Imo
Ammo 8: 98. 8a, on W. J>Ah
HYMN: "How firm a foundation, In mina of the Lmd"
the flYmnnry" 903.
How firm a fmmdaminn, n o ninu of the LoN,
War wore
faith in Hu Noted awarn
He hung
WM1atmase to
my thanNoted
Mu HCd? said,
Fe ym vM to Jaunt for e: 0 have dd)
Fear mt. b 1 n with wham O h not mid:
1.1 am Wtemt and will mill give smose ;
Tithed yyMYthiel help Aman.an,1mha rho No 'Land.
OpMldg'sly the
aa(mv wI ,hams.
WMn tbmugh tM t it a wmers 1 all thane m gn.
The rrvm of woe shall nes tham troubles
An I will 4 with n tin de penbla m .
And umtify to than n h why dhua+
Wyhen through fiery slab thy thy wPx aylrvll Ib,
Th ellamulslhallmwrnhuutlFee: lhonlyp nyn
Thy drum to comms end thy amid to refine.
The nal that can no
both leaned for repo
1 will nohl will not Jeeam to His fon:
That soul, though all hA mhauld entlawur Mistake.
I'll trop q never—nn. new forsake)
Leodee Let us dNiche wrv:1w, to CN61 and w His work in His
hes been a growing mea=n for the relief of collaring nosed by poverty.
Church. Nye este part of that Church and bear our responsibilities os
igmmam, explanation, inhumanity and war. Private onel politic 1Sure
fallwers u( Jesus CM1rbr and witnesses of Hu Word. L h right tba'efnre,
d the recognition of homes sigh, base been Upheld the GM1Such
hat we abuuld re w our pemmal vows of loyalty and devmion looking
Studied Elie mind of the Mosher. Na realm of life but has been drawn
for His guidance and blessing.
under the searching Poetry of Jam (Amisv
We ¢member with humble m,mkMivimg doe love of Gtvl shown to
In our day the complexities of Safety, cmnomhe, v re ort international
us i CM1rht 1 S r Lotti. Fm Hia msning. life, death and WE Soon
and racial relatiom, Sall Sae to sefiaus Wad pmyetful sandy and action. We,
oRet oro Aeart(eh praise Fm tM1e avumnee of Hia abiding pruenca of
m port of We Christian Church, must dedicate hem and miml without
Hu strcnittM1 (m our wnkneo, Hu mmfon (m our wrmw, Hispurity for
me n His Smaller in the wmmunny and Shu world.
n soiledn®e, Hu joy for our dulln¢s, we gie grateful meaks.
m
In die knowledge of these things we dedicate omen, At A, to work
In the knowledge Of Show thing we offal o,nerves once main in
fa the establishment of Christian attitudes and muiummim in uus variety
dNihation.
and fat She Mttetm Sad of national and mesal relmmm.
Paavv: (In unrwn)
Passau: (Ica unmad
Accept us. O Law, even m we am. Forghn the cordesumus w iiah has
Hem us, O Lord, as we pray for wMom and undeaaadmg m mmdo
too open let as bale as rf we had not known Tom. Enable us, now to yield
he need of our day. Enlighten ous cobalt m we Study the pladdes
the
the mast swbhorn Su n ni of am facing m Thy sway ad to know doe
(nriiig goxrammt hminm, education and w Grant m we
joy of holding nothing bah,
pmY Th¢, Faun 'tW n u when Than dust show us Thy way.
9cercr Paavee
P=T m from dWninior the opportunities for seemingly Small Wavier
Lender: Hear those Our rosiest, O fund.
which came to s. Give us gam OR pray for those whore opportunities
Irak Imge to M.
All: Amen.
May all our Sandra be done in accordance wish Thy will. CuAm,
Lander: We remember with thanksgiving the Church of which w
n o molva, that we May Italy do Thy work for the Sake of Christ
a pate Gratefully 'e Iram k back three who have laid he Ammyr
Jesus our Lad.
(omulmiom area which The United Churdi a Canada 4 bulla We
remember the leaden whoa Christian smtesm in hip has Intl us on to as
Ns,m, Issuro:
gm thing; 6, man and w n who have kept the faith in dhelr
Hear thea oor prayers, O Cot
generating and who leave passed on the faith to new genera(i'm; and thereL<ndn:
,,he, in the man, of Combat, have carried the hope and healing Of the
All: Amen.
Cowel m her cer.
la the Intendedly, of thow Ihms we dedicate rumba to Jesus Christ
goes OR coo "Hear US, O (each'
and His work in n r Church.
MEMO To IlymmM: fandax. Ery ear Sang I nabAn o.. Tit. car USA, as Nemvw,
222)
PR'YESES; (In hen)
Gram, O Gua, shot we may do Thy work worthily in our Church.
Hear us, O Laid, as we Thy servants mat
lanning and
So move in by Thy Spirit Eliot we may Sown wiselyIntothe planning
Frmm many vight umlemeadl the Are.
execution of the CM1... AS work, sting outour pan without self-
ur
To lay our loand anyone at Th
y feet.depreciation
or parade. We give whxlvn at that time fellowship wish
And yield mm D,s,,H ims h ch
Ilryrtlf which iW the Marc, of all proxy, that we may become a winning
Far Thou, O Ies u M1 pe alone,
fellowship. radiant of Thy low. .
u
And mUS 7? wehowbelow Thymarine -
Enlarge our amen of Thy Church throughout the would. Open
ds to receive new truth from all members of Thy family even u
The wmdTMu she da f
Sy wt m days o yore
we gladly mare with mass,
Not Ixxn pmeaimed atm o'er land andsea:
In Thy name we dedicate nunclm afmh to work !m me growth of
The gmpel mesmge ling hoes shore to shore,
And
Thy Church in Ne whole world, and for the enrichment of world-wide
wog ofntilsettiwMngof me on,ugly,
EnrPmclaimurgdut
Christian fellowship.
Ne Nurchrn Throbone.
,SILENT P"Ust;
O Court she living and Somal Timor.
LeadHURT these our Prayer. O GW.
Unchangingstill d rough all me charging yam.
Ali: Amen
No Unrest name w earth wan Sala heard',
No other wice has movie, to calm our fean.
Leaden We remember that through the centuries Chrhlian people have
Two spat area more tarot Thy people free,
worked in the name of Jam Christ for the imprmement of society. Then
And make m one in rmc and Same m'Phee.
Now make its one in salving Thcc, O lord
One in the hope of sludge yet is an
one in the Favor emetion OF whom,
One In the can ed gift Of Find
One i,Wm faith the Oherstheld of Yore.
One in the Love that lives for occasional
—john Shuler Anderson
'Fr Elm n Economical? Hymv roOYrighr 1954 by The Ham
SStanleyofd re; eby Penta
n_
Anwass: (BY ane appointd) "Vtsmn 1e"rna Purum"
Lender. Hear the gracious promises of onr Lord ]eau Come
"Verily. verily, l say unto you, Whatsoever we shall sk[he Father
my name, He will give it in,
Am
in
it shall be given vn seek, and W shall find Doak,
and a sMll be npmeal Ford you: Fm everyone that silicon
mceneano and he that sodium findnh: and to him that
Footballs it shall be npendl"
"Verily, verily, 1 my unto you, He that belimmin on e, the
,acres that I do shall he do aha; and "my worksthan
these shall he do: because 1 gra hard my Father."
Today, we am met m inaugurate The United Chinch Winston, Joao
y go forward boring their full Pon I, ]met and world tesped
dolit9 i,, Church. We believe that this is great step favored.
[Nish pride we banks back on the work wmrsen Lave done in the Church.
Frightfully we ran be thankful for the work they have don in response to
:he roll of the Mater to carry the Gasper into all the world. Their work
dua the ...Judgments at hurt, has been an Essentialpart of the Church,
e. In hke samism, they have hes, comment for the outreach of the
Gravel
velyond their own mrsir mina. This. too, has been an important
r in
he
Today we e,I,bmw the beginning, not Ed anew
ork hutch a new
,candidates, Enough which believe, we tan Ad the old work Factor.
The oponents of many rhhnh wormy s groups suggmaN I% ams muds,
Faster lam
Yer and thought have brought M Nis day. We ch, mmmd in his
tganmtimy as to any, only we we pm ourselves into it Ones the will to
nadlec great things wore t1 Pan.
In us take time to read this Former of amendment stands, that when
we stand to child it cloud Foods we may do so with einmiry.
(GHa dare far all d¢ women to dad the prayer dlmdy)
Lendu: let to stand.
Dialects. (insed
Our Father lard of life and GW of old saltation, with hiph beans
and btu in b tWgunm I' organization f The ILOR d Ch rtres
Winston believe Nm m following Thy IeatlinB I depeMm
upon Than we mnfidendy expect great things.
In Thy preen¢,do [ with Than and with one
ulnae m put bead and 1111 mr, HenWait work of Thy Church_ With
enlarged vision and JeepenN wnxmxtion give us Salary of heart in the
great ad,entu,, of the new way. Take form m wary vain ams Front things
should always remain a they used, Teach ustmove each n challenge
with a freer way 1f thought and arum:. In all things keep us alaeto
Thyself w FrontThy life may w mn make our negammtioa living Citing.groomvi s in aping and achy.
O Lord, we re forward in Thy name. In am mngngadon we pledge
turves to prayer, study, dmli and allon unable as to take am, ad m
bringing our Clients ex
to fuller perienm of Thy Power and to more
,mimi separate, of Thy Spin .
In that Power and Spirit we pledge ourselves to the world-wide work
of the Church. Save a from self interest, and send us hearts large enough
to take in the whole world for which Chair mine,
Hall yet with multaim, of spirit, we enter upon this new terms
-
nted uther. To Than be the Fraud and thanksR:vmR that Thou haat
mu
day and placed upon or hearts the joyous burden of Thy
work. Amen.
Dmemanon OF THE Fxrcnrty[
(Congregation seated)
Lender: Let as continue in silent }TT llm a omen who have hmn
chem, members of the Federation o 1Te come
fisim m
Lend,: (When them have come md,,M) Let na all nand.
Mia.idler or a r¢ Aomem (m Has ?executive)
You I ... a been chosen In yin::'fellow ""kers to Nke Of and am on
ShAliry, among there. Yours a to be a urvite of leadership. As your lord
and Smith varmed..
"l all, following [Jim you will nerve this
fellowship "1 women. Do yOoone you:send, in reliance upon Cod, a Nie
work? Du on undertake 'troy' n .rive by your leadership :o help women
of the Church to a deeper and richer expertena of the livingm Chruo to a
fuller panicipatl;5n n all dr, work of Christ' Chute and a writerer
as Chn i atoado :n all vital community, national and and,
ordered mma
me?
The Memhnc of the Calculate will human,
Wish God's help 1 will strive no d" His wmk in this in i"iNeo, of
His Church. MaY He give me connoteaddundemanding or
Nmugb His Spinc
Mmm" or one chmm: Let us Phi
O Gad. mar Fathm, bleu From who have uWenaken leadership in The
United Church Women. Fill them with Thy Spirit, moduc them with
understanding and give them joy in this sorder. Ibrough jam Christ we
ask it Amen
u
Hvuu: "Lead oq O King Eternal" The Demure 402
Lead mi.0 Kin Eternal:
The day of mmmt bm uume;
Henafmth in field, of mnynnt
Thy from 0,11 be nor house:
Thaoogh Jaya of perpetuation
Th, W ace has made w ammg;
And now, O King Emmah
We lift our bautlemng.
Lead on.0 King Etmlal;
'rill rlris Herae war shall rcs¢.
.And hulincu shall wlusper
I ' he sweet Ames of lw.
For not with words luutl Clashing.
Nor mol of wring drums.
But Mc4 of love and mercy. _
The hewn,ly Kingdom mmm.
Lead nn, O King Fostered.
We follow, not with four
For gladness hraYa lib morning
Where er Thy fab appear:
Thy Free,b Hired om un
We Fumy) in its light;
The mown awaiu the vongreat;
Lead 11,0 God of might. Amen.
Min' dm
Nowo Him whn able o do exceeding abundantly ,home all out
we
mk or think. breading tithe power Wert worketh in as.
Ilnw Flim be (lory in the (lmmb by Elitist Bous throughout ;dl r,
wotld w4hantso, Amen.
Ma
This mrOce has been prepared by 1'he Be,. Nmab L. Hughes,
M.A., B.O.. PID, t
(infun are ian ln4mm mamas or Insider)
1,.._1....1 \ + oma
Hallowed Shrines.
Salem Church, pictured on the cover, is one of hundreds of rural churches built in Canada in
the last century. Situated on a sideroad in Eastern Ontario's Bay of Quinte Conference, it has
not had regular services for 90 years.
Built of wood in 1849, Salem was originally a chapel of the Wesleyans, the largest Methodist
group in Canada. The work was done by members of the congregation. The accounts were
kept in pounds, shillings and pence, the currency of the time. It was representative of Canada's
rural churches when Canada became a nation in 1867. The fabric was bricked over in 1880. Ten years later the church was closed, and its members transferred to another church. Since then it has been lovingly tended and cared for. A commemorative service is held in it every year.
The cemetery with its distinctive gravestones tells of those who founded the church. Most of
them came from Ireland, driven out by the Potato Famine of 1845-47. As refugees from
privation and hunger, they found Canada a land of new opportunity and hope, as have
thousands from many different countries in our own time.
Rural churches like this would likely have any one of a dozen favourite Biblical names —
Shiloh, Ebenezer, Pisgah, Sharon, Bethesda, Bethany and Olivet. Perhaps most of them
have now been closed and torn down. In many cases their sites have been forgotten.
Upon a township map I saw Mount Caramel's sacred name.
Salem, Bethel, Zion, too, each one of Scriptural fame.
They mark the little churches' sites where through the passing years
The faith that grew in Palestine was giv'n to Western ears.
These shrines of the past are unfamiliar to many people to-day. Small and commonplace as
they were, they made a mighty contribution to the moral and spiritual development of Canada.
It is well that some of them, like Salem, should be preserved, to remind us of our past and
the way by which we have come.
Photo Credit: Kenneth A. Moyer
SALEM CEMETERY by Mrs. Wm. Brown 1968
In recent years the practice of holding funerals at the Undertaking Parlours is commonly
adopted. The odd one is still held from the home, and a few from the church to which the
deceased belonged. The last funeral to be held in Salem Church was that of Miss Minnie
Stevenson, a sister of Wesley Stevenson, Coronation Road on February, 1948.
What a lot of history can be gleaned from the inscription on the monuments. An interesting
fact is that the verses revealing the faith of those left to mourn, are no longer carved on the
stones. One reads "Until the Day Breaks; Another:
Friends nor Physicians could save
This mortal body from the grave,
Nor can the grave confine it here
When Christ and judgments shall appear.
The old box stove used for many years, was donated to Pickering Township Museum at
Brougham.
Decoration Day is held yearly, the last Sunday in June. Relatives of those buried at Salem
come from far and near to make the graves of their loved ones beautiful. A special service
is held in church.
In 1967 in June a Plaque was erected by the Kinsale Womens Institute, paying tribute to the
original founders of Salem Church and giving the date 1849 when it was built.
The Salem Church belongs to the Greenwood Circuit, and is under the Jurisdiction of the
United Church of Canada.
On February 14, 1968 1.17 acres of land was purchased by the Board from Mr. Don Milne.
This land adjoins the present Cemetery directly south Western portion.
Board of Trustees
Reverend T. Fleetham — Chairman
Milton N. Pegg — Secretary
Cecil Disney — Treasurer
George Squires, Ralph Jones, Leslie Harbron, Leslie Wilson, Wm. Clark, Harold Parkin,
Wm. Brown, George Puckrin.
May, 1972 - the Resident Minister of the Greenwood Charge has been Chairman of the
Trustee Board rough the years. Sandy Moore, Salem Corner, was the Caretaker for many
years. In 1931 Wm. Brown was appointed Caretaker, and he and his son Bill still carry on.
The grounds are kept in excellent condition, and a keen interest is shown by them in the
descendants of those who are buried there.
Frank Disney of Mount Zion served as Treasurer for many years and at his death his son
Cecil became Treasurer. Mr. Leslie Harbron became Treasurer in 1970. Mr. Fred Gibson
was followed as Secretary by Mr. Milton Pegg in 1943 and still holds this office.
The last twenty-five years has put the Board in a much better financial position; this was
mostly due to the starting of a Perpetual Care Fund.
Land was bought on the East side of road and later to the south. The Church itself has been
restored with a new roof, masonry work, new window sills, chimney fixed, front step and
some painting done inside. Much credit is due these men who have served so faithfully
through the years.
LIBRARY HISTORY
KINSALE ASSOCIATION LIBRARY
by Mrs. C. McTaggart, May 1966.
The first library meeting recorded was held in the old Kinsale hall on December 11th, 1928.
These minutes tell something of how the Library was started.
The previous winter 1924-25, an energetic group of young people "got up a play" and raised
a considerable sum of money by presenting the play in nearby communities. With the money
obtained from this source and a donation from the Women's Institute, books were purchased.
The old hall was chosen and permission given as a place to house the books.
Mr. Ralph Mowbray was elected as Chairman, and Mrs. Mowbray as Treasurer. Mrs. C.O.
Lawton was the first Secretary. A membership fee of fifty cents a year, and a fine of one cent
per day for overdue books was to be charged. Mrs. Hadley was to be on duty Sunday
afternoons from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
The next minutes were recorded on January 9th, 1928. Then it was decided to register as a
Board with the Department of Education, and to pay a salary of $5. per year to the Librarian.
Other members of the Board 1930-1940 were: Mrs. C.J.Stevenson, Mrs. A. Harbron, Mr. W.
Stevenson, Mrs. V. Parkin, Mrs. Wm. Brown, and Mrs. Gee. Those who took their turn as
Librarians were: Gordon Farandale, Gordon Stell, and Mr. W. Stevenson.
No minutes were recorded during the War years 1940-1946, and one can only presume that
hearts, minds and hands were too full to leave time for the pleasure and relaxation of reading.
On May 20th,1947 members appointed to the Board were Verle Wagg, Milton Pegg, Miss
Edna Green, Mrs. Wm. Brown, and Mr. and Mrs. Mowbray. At this meeting, because the old
hall was to be torn down, it was arranged to move the Library to a room above the old
Creamery at Greenwood. This was part of the F.L. Green property. Some of the Greenwood
people became interested and those who served on the Board were: Mr. Waannop, Mrs.
Newport, Mr. Wm. Lawson, Mrs. Jackman, Mrs. E. Trimble, Milton Pegg, Mrs. C. McTaggart,
Mrs. Brown, the Mowbrays, Mr. Dyer and Miss Edna Green, Librarian.
Each year with Grants received from the Province, County, and Township new books were
added. As many of the Board as possible went to Toronto each year and selected the new
books. A record of the circulation and expense account was kept and a report made.
In 1957 Edna Green sold her home and for several years "The Library" because of lack of a
suitable building became nomadic. As a temporary measure the books were moved to a
building across from the Greenwood store. Lack of heat and light made it difficult to carry
on, and in 1961 permission was obtained from the Kinsale School Board to use the school.
The pupils for the term 1961-1962 were bussed to Brooklin, leaving the school vacant.
Kinsale Association Library, by Mrs. C. McTaggart, May 1966. (cont'd)
In 1961 the Board members were: Mr. M. Mowbray, Mrs. C. Guest, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Curl, Miss
Edna Green, and Mrs. C.McTaggart. Under the supervision of Mrs. Mowbray and Mrs. Guest a
great deal of work was done. Books were cleaned, some discarded, pockets and cards
inserted. In September 1962 the school was needed again, so back they came to Greenwood,
this time to the basement of the old school. Here again light and heat were not the best, and
the odd squeal of a rat sent members scurrying to a higher level. However, membership which
included many school children increased considerably.
It was with thankful arms we carried the books upstairs in 1963 to the south side of the old
school. Here we had heat and light and reasonable assurance that we would not have to move
the next year.
Here the Library has remained to date. There are a present 172 members most of these being
school children who come in their classes every Wednesday afternoon. The Library is also
open Wednesday evenings.
At present those serving on the Board are: Chairman - Mrs. M. Mowbray, Librarian - Mrs.
Guest, Secretary - Mrs. C. McTaggart, Treasurer -Mrs. H. Crawford, Mrs. I. Slater, Mrs. Brown,
Miss. E. Green, Miss B. McLean, Mrs. E. Pegg. Mrs. Slater and Mrs. C. McTaggart alternate
as Librarians every Wednesday afternoon, the other members taking turns in the evening.
SCHOOL SECTION HISTORIES
1960 IS CENTENNIAL YEAR
The year 196O marks the centennial of the building of the present Greenwood School, but
previous to that the first school in what is now the village of Greenwood had been on the site of
the present school.
The original school was of frame construction. To be able to attend school in those early days
was a privilege, highly prized, even though the teachers were the strictest of disciplinarians.
To reach school, the children were obliged to find their way through the woods by numerous
paths leading from the scattered homes.
School opened with prayer and then the study of the "3 R's". The benches were arranged in
long rows about the room. Books were very scarce in those early days.
School Section No.9 Pickering, as was the custom at that time, set their own mill rate for
school purposes and arranged for its collection. Mr. Nelson Chapman was the Collector of
the School tax in the Greenwood School Section in the 1850's and 60's, for which he
received approximately $10 a year.
In the late 1850's residents of the Greenwood School Section realized that they must have a
larger school, and so for a few years they levied a tax in excess of current needs. (For
example, the general school tax of $491.23 was realized from an assessment of 5 mills on
the dollar.) In 1858 besides the local taxes, the years receipts included a County Grant of
$72. and the Clergy Reserve, apporptioned by Township Council, was $85.
(You will recall that, by the Act of 1791 establishing the provinces of Upper and Lower
Canada, the British Government set apart one-eighth of all the crown lands for the support
of a "Protestant clergy." These reservation after being the cause of much bitter political and
ecclesiastical controversy, were secularized by the Canadian Parliament in 1854 - a law
being passed whereby the money derived there from should go into a separate fund to be
divided proportionately in the districts from which it came, to be used for secular purposes,
chiefly education.)
An excerpt from the minutes of the Greenwood Annual School Meeting, January 12,1859,
reads in part: "Moved that we have a free school for 1859. Moved in ammendment that we
have a rated school. Amendment lost,12 in favour of rate school and 19 against. A poll
demanded. Free school 20, rate school 11. Moved that non-residents pay the sum of 2/6
per month as School rate. Carried." (Editors Note: Apparently there were at least 32 tax
payers present at this Annual Meeting.)
At a special School Meeting held March 22,1859 with Frederick Green Esq. as Chairman
and George Ballard as acting Secretary, we find this important decision: "It was moved by
Mr. William Sadler and seconded by John G. Craig that it is expedient to build a new school
house during the present year in this School Section. Carried almost unanimous.
THE OSHAWA TIMES, Monday, April 18, 1960
Will Celebrate Centenary In June
GREENWOOD (Staff) - On June 18, Greenwood Public School will be 160 years old. The
hamlet of Greenwood will attract hundreds of visitors to celebrate the centennial.
The most important guest of the day, if he can be present, will be Canada's prime minister,
the Hon. John Diefenbaker, who attended the school when his father was principal.
The prime minister has written the committee in charge of the centennial and promised that
he will be present if his itinerary will permit.
DIEFENBAKER WAS PUPIL
The prime minister attended the school for part of the 1899-1900 term. When he visited the
school in 1957 during his nation-wide election campaign, he told the gathering that his
mother sent him off to school with his father as a disciplinary measure.
"And there I sat," he said, "under the eagle eye of my dad, and I behaved."
Mr. Diefenbaker's father moved to Todmorden the next year and he taught there several
years before moving to the west.
HIVE OF ACTIVITY
Greenwood, 100 years ago was a hive of activity from a commercial standpoint. Today,
there is only one general store.
About 1860, Greenwood boasted three distilleries, a tailor who employed four women, the
only telegraph office between Oshawa and Toronto, two mills, a shoemaker, three hotels,
two blacksmiths, a harness and cooper's shop. The latter made the barrels for flour that was
shipped from the local mills all over the country.
Back in the 1830's and 1840's, this community was known as Norwood, but later took the
name of Greenwood from the Green family long associated with the milling business. Miss
Edna Green, a descendant of this family, still resides at Greenwood.
PIONEER FAMILIES
Early names around Greenwood were the Browns, Sadlers, Byers, Clarks, Wilsons and
Middletons. Many of their descendants will be present at the centennial.
The present school building was built on the site of the first Greenwood school. Originally it
was one classroom, now divided into two rooms. Brick for the present structure came from
the Adamson brickyard, just east of the village.
The mill rate for 1860 for school purposes was five mills. The old school bell was brought
from Toronto to Frenchman's Bay by boat and then to Greenwood by horse and wagon. The
bell cost $105.18 and residents were asked to contribute to defray its cost. According to the
school minute books of that time only $95.02 was collected.
$320 PER YEAR
The land was purchased from E. Jackson for $49.47 and the late Donald Beaton, who later
became the very popular township clerk, was the teacher hired for the term of 1860 at a
salary of $320 per year, half payable on July 12 and the balance on Dec 24.
The records show that for his second term he was paid ninety pounds, rather than in dollars
and cents.
In 1860 there were 112 taxpayers but only about 90 families in the school section today.
After it was apparent that Greenwood, mainly because of its location, was not to become
the hive of industry that was earlier forecast for its future, many persons for various reasons
moved away.
55 MEN ENLISTED
During the Fenian raids an armories was established at Greenwood and 55 Greenwood
men took part in the fighting against the raiders.
Miss Mae Brown, a descendant of many generations who have lived in Greenwood attended
the school under John Diefenbaker's father. Miss Brown is the local correspondent for The
Times.
At present there are 55 pupils attending Greenwood school. The principal is Mrs. Glynn
(Mildred) Eastwood, herself a former pupil. The junior teacher is Miss Elva Stearman.
THE STOUFFVILLE TRIBUNE, Thursday, June 9, 1960
Greenwood Centennial To Be Marked June 18.
On June 18, 1960, Greenwood Will celebrate its school's 100th birthday. Going back in
history we find that in 1851 the trustees of S.S.9 purchased one-quarter acre of land from
Yeoman Jas. G. Demorest for £10 currency. The old document reads, Feb. 24, 1851, One
quarter acre land, Township Pickering, County York, Province of Canada. Reading this,
historically minded people will see a puzzle easily solved. A log school was built of hand-
hewn logs from surrounding bush.
This soon outgrew the thriving community, and in 18S0, an additional quarter-acre was
purchased from the Demorest farm, then owned by Mr. Jackson. A new brick school was
built, and it is this lady of learning we pay tribute to on June 18. We are proud of its bell, as
for years people have said it has the clearest tone and is one of the best public school bells
around. That can rightly be, as it once graced the belfry of St. James Church, Toronto. It
came by schooner to Frenchman's Bay to be hauled over road and through bush to
Greenwood.
Some changes have been made throughout the years. We now boast a modern furnace and
a fine basement. In 1911 more land from the original Demorest farm was purchased from Mr.
Alfred Trimble. The trustees throughout the years have been good stewards and on this
occasion find a treasurer well preserved, in old minute books dating back to 1858.
When the old boys and girls come back to their old home village, they will find many changes.
There will be little left to remind them of the stories their parents and grandparents told them.
Years ago Greenwood was a busy pioneer settlement. Flour mills, sawmills and distilleries
clustered along Duffin's Creek to take their power from the dams and sluiceways. One by
one these industrious businesses disappeared. The last flour mill ceased about a quarter of
a century ago when fire consumed this link with a past era.
Storms and floods have washed away the old mill race that gave to Greenwood one of the
most beautiful walks to be found in this glorious country. Until quite recently we still had our
jolly blacksmith who re-tired to Oshawa last Christmas. The shop is boarded up now where
until recently you could visit for a friendly chat with Walter Wilson, listen to his anvil chorus
and breathe the sooty air laden with stories of generations.
The history of Greenwood has been preserved for this occasion. Records, deeds and
legends have been reviewed until a book has emerged to be ready for our Centennial.
Many reunions will take place, many friendships rekindled. As the old girls and boys sit in
that quiet which comes at the end of a perfect day, may they lift their eyes to the everlasting
hills and feel God's blessing falling on them as once again they make their way back out of
their valley to their homes beyond.
—Mrs. E. Trimble
To Officially Open New Greenwood School
The trustees of Public School Area No. 3 in the Twp. of Pickering have set Wednesday,
June 26th as the date for the official opening of the new 5-room building located at
Greenwood. The structure was completed in the spring and has been in use since April.
The afternoon program will begin at 3 p.m. to be followed by an "open house" until 5 p.m.
and in the evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Tea will be served to the visitors by the members of the
Home and School Association.
1963
COMING EVENTS
The Board of Pickering Township School Area No. 3 cordially invites you to attend the
Official Opening of the new school situated in Greenwood, on Wednesday, June 26, 1963.
Official Opening and Programme commencing at 3 p.m., followed by Open House till 5 p.m.
and from 7-9 p.m. Tea will be served by the Home and School Association.
701
1960 Is Centennial Year,
"It was moved by Mr. Samuel Snell, seconded by William Sadler, that the Trustees of this
school section be authorized to purchase one fourth of an acre of land from Edward Jackson
adjoining the present school site, providing they can purchase the same for a reasonable
sum - for the purpose of erecting a new school house thereon. Carried. Proposed size of
school house 52 x 34."
Later exerpts from the School Records continue the story.
January 11,1860 "... Moved and seconded that the Trustees sell the old School House, by
Public Auction, as soon as the new House is finished. Carried..."
December 22,1860 "... Received for Old School House by note Mr. Vere McCann $37."
(Mr. McCann moved the old school across the road to his farm and used it as a dwelling for
some years.)
July 13,1860 -
"Paid E. Jackson on Land for Site — $49.47
Paid R.T.Mannel for Building — $1,039.00
Paid R.Hicks,Team and Scraper — $1.25
Paid A. Fullarton for overseeing building $29.72
(According to the school accounts, this appears to be the full cost of building the new Brick
School in 1860, which leads up to suppose that there must have been considerable
voluntary labour and possibly donated lumber. The bricks for this school were made in
Samuel Adamson's brickyard, a mile east of the school.
The School Section felt the importance of a large roof bell to toll out the call to classes, and
so, in 1860 there was a special levy to cover the cost of the bell for the new school. The bell
came from Saint James Cathedral in Toronto. It cost $99. plus transportation and a frame
for the bell.
The furniture in the new school consisted of two box stoves, one cupboard, a desk and chair,
and double seats for the pupils. There were no slate blackboards as we have today. The
blackboards were of wood painted black.
The total population of the Greenwood School Section, in 1861 , is recorded as about 450,
and the average attendance for the winter month was 55. When school facilities became
available, many of the grownup sons and daughters went to school during the winter months.
This made it necessary to have an assistant teacher for the four or five months of each year
from about 1864 to 1884. In 1864 the average school attendance was 64.
More improvements in the one roomed brick school have been made. A basement was
added in 1929 in which was established a new heating system with a coal-burning furnace.
Inside toilet facilities were installed in 1929 and again in 1943. One of the added
conveniences which proved to be a boon to learning was the installation of Hydro in 1946. In
the 1950's the present (1960) oil furnace and water pressure system was added. Electric
fixtures, a piano, a radio and travelling library are prominent sighns of the advancing times
Greenwood Public School Centennial THE STOUFFVILLE TRIBUNE, Thursday, June
23, 1960
"From Small Communities Come Forth Our Leaders" - Hon. M. Starr
"From the small communities like Greenwood come forth our leaders," stated Hon. Michael
Starr, Minister of Labour, a guest speaker at the Greenwood Public School Centennial
program held on Saturday afternoon and evening. Mr. Starr, speaking on behalf of Mr.
Diefenbaker, read a letter from the Prime Minister addressed to Miss Green. In it, he
expressed his regrets for being unable to attend. Mr. Diefenbaker was a pupil in the
Greenwood school for a short time.
Beautiful Location
Mr. J. S. Scott, Reeve of Pickering Township, drew attention to the picturesque location of
the school site. "I cannot help but marvel at the craftsmanship and architecture of a building
that was erected without the aid of Planners or Architects," he said. He suggested that today,
with the assistance of such professional men, the school would likely be built in the wrong
place.
Excellent Results
Hon. Matthew B. Dymond, M.P.P., Minister of Health noted that the results of the results of
the "little red schoolhouse" were still on a par with scholastic achievements attained in the
more modern structures. "It is not the colour of the walls or age of the building that count but
the constructive program of learning that is carried on inside the building," he said. Referring
to the Greenwood school, he said that the outlook on education was still in keeping with the
times. Other dignitaries spoke briefly, including Mr. W. J. Heron, Warden of Ontario County;
Mr. Gordon Duffin, Assist. Supt. of Education in Ontario; W. J. Lawson, Harry Newman and
others.
Teachers Present
Twenty members of the staff were introduced by the Board Chairman, Mr. Herb Middleton.
Some of the earliest teachers were Mrs. Fred Holliday, Mrs. H. E. Bunt and Miss Cora
Cruze. The present teachers are Mrs. G. Eastwood and Miss E. Stearman. Each was
presented with a gift by the program chairman-Rev. T. Fleetham. The oldest gentleman
student present was Mr. Walter Wilson, 87, now of Oshawa. The oldest lady pupil in
attendance was Mrs. K. Wilson, now of Whitby. Mr. Chas. Johnston now of California,
travelled the farthest distance to attend.
A Re-union
The one-half mile long parade, the introduction of guests, the program and the buffet
luncheon all formed a very important part of the centennial celebration. It played a second
role, however, to the re-union of former teachers with former students. In some cases, the
hands of time were turned back nearly half a century when accounts of "the good old days"
were recalled with much enthusiasm.
Each A Dignitary
Each of these gentlemen is a dignitary in his own right. Mr. Walter Wilson (left) was the
oldest ex-pupil present at the centennial celebration of the Greenwood Public School in
Pickering Township on Saturday afternoon. He is pictured here with Hon. Michael Starr, M.P.,
Minister of Labour. Mr. Wilson operated a blacksmith's shop in Greenwood for over fifty
years. He is now retired and resides in Oshawa. —Staff Photo
702
1960 Is Centennial Year,
The new homes in the community, and the consequent increase in the school population,
made it necessary to employ two teachers in 1952. Curtains and partial partitions were not
very satisfactory, and so, a more permanent partition was erected in 1955 to make the
school into two rooms.
Our children today have many fine educational aids, but we should not forget those who
paved the way for these better things when they walked endless miles through mud and
snow to hold school with a few slates and a half-dozen dog-eared books for equipment.
"GOOD MEN and TRUE"
There has been little change in the "trustee" system in this School Section in 100 years
although, after the early years, the school taxes were collected with other township taxes.
Each school section is autonomous. At the local meeting, which is held annually in the
school, trustees are elected to serve for a three year term. The trustees choose which one
of them shall act as Chairman and which as Secretary-Treasurer for the year.
An excerpt from the minutes of the Greenwood Annual School Meeting, January 12,1859,
reads as follows: "...Moved that Mr. Ballard act as trustee, Moved in amendment that
Edward Jackson act as trustee for the ensuing three years. Moved as an amendment to an
amendment that Mr. Lennon act as trustee. On a show of hands a majority was declared in
favour of Mr. Ballard. A poll was demanded by Mr. Chapman and Mr. Gibson. The polling
resulted in majority of three in favour of Mr. Jackson, Mr. Jackson was then declared duly
elected."
At times the trutees had unusual problems to solve, as evidenced by the following:
December 26,1888 "... Moved by Thomas Wilson and seconded by Alex Moore that this
Section will stand John M. Gerow a Law Suit in the event of him suing an a/c which he
claims for wood delivered in February 1884. Carried."
On May 11,1889, a special School Meeting was held to authorize the Trustees to arrange to
borrow (until such time as the taxes for 1889 were collected) sufficient funds to pay the
principal and the cost of the Suit of John Gerow vs. School Section No. 9 - it having been
decided against the School Section in the Court.
The success of the School has been depended largely on the "Good Men and True" who
have acted as Trustees of S.S. No. 9 Pickering throughout the years, without pay. The
public-spirited persons who have been Greenwood's Trustees during the hundred years are
listed below. (The records of a few of the years are missing.)
Back To School Where He Went, Dad Taught
JOHN DIEFENBAKER RETURNS TO OLD DESK IN GREENWOOD SCHOOL
John Diefenbaker, Progressive Conservative leader yesterday visited a little red
schoolhouse of 1860 vintage at Greenwood, on Highway 7, north of Whitby. It was the school
he had attended at the turn of the century when his father. William T. Diefenbaker taught
there. Several senior citizens of the little farming community, who were classmates of Mr.
Diefenbaker, joined the present students to give him a hearty welcome.
Michael Starr, P.C. candidate and M.P. for Ontario riding, in greeting the party leader,
pointed out how some of Canada's illustrious leaders had come from such pioneer
schools. "Mr. Diefenbaker is such an example. You children here today, have the same
opportunity to rise to great heights as has this great statesman," Mr. Starr remarked.
Arriving by plane from Saskatoon, Mr. Diefenbaker and his wife motored out to Greenwood
to chat with old friends.
About 15 men and women, his classmates of 1899, the year a school photograph was taken,
answered the call, ending with Diefenbaker, who answered, "present."
"Of course I was pretty young when I first started here," the P.C. leader told the gathering.
"Mother thought I was best out of the way. And dad being the teacher, I had to sit at a desk
right under him.
"There's been little change in all these years," he told the gathering. "We were just as
happy as these youngsters."
The children sang several songs, danced a square dance, and besieged the P.C.
leader for autographs. A local fruit farmer donated a box of apples, and Mr. Diefenbaker,
gave these out to the children.
At Greenwood School in Pickering Township there were two pictures of John Diefenbaker
pasted to the blackboard.
One was a standard campaign shot and one showed him as a curly-haired four-year-old in
a school group.
His father taught at the 93-year-old school and little John attended it for part of the 1899-
1900 school year.
More than a dozen of his old schoolmates sat in the single classroom yesterday, along
with the 1957 pupils.
FATHER'S TREES
It was a sentimental occasion. Mr. Diefenbaker strolled over the school grounds and spotted
two maple trees he remembered seeing his father plant on Arbor Day in 1900. Frank Lynde
remembered the day William Diefenbaker, the teacher, sent young Johnnie down to the
privy to see if it was on fire.
Smoke was pouring out of it but Johnnie found there was no blaze — just a clandestine
cigarette party thrown by the big boys of the school.
The visit to the old school was "one of those experiences that come once in a lifetime," the
PC leader said.
He explained that he started school at four because he was so much trouble at home "my
father decided he could keep an eye on me here"
I LIKE MIKE
It was about as non-political an occasion as Mr. Diefenbaker will experience in the campaign,
but party workers had handed out plenty of Ontario riding candidate Michael Starr's "I Like
Mike" election buttons.
Mr. Starr said the school visit was "one of the highlights of my campaign.
"From schools such as this come the great men who lead us in this country," he said. "The
same opportunity awaits every boy and girl in this classroom."
At the end of his visit Mr. Diefenbaker skimmed through the school hoard's old account books,
showing salary payments made to his father as teacher.
"Look at how irregular they were," he said to Mrs. Diefenbaker. "He, had no regular pay-day
—whenever they had money they gave him some."
George Johnston, schoolmate of the Conservative Leader, holds school register as Mr.
Diefenbaker signs in under watchful eye of Principal Mrs. Glenn Eastwood.
703
"Good Men and True"
Edward Jackson 1859,66; Nelson Chapman 1860; William McCullough 1861; Samuel
Sommerville 1862; George Ballard 1865, 65; Samuel Adamson 1865, 68, 72, 82; James
Geddes 1864, 71; Oliver Johnson 1867; George Gibson 1869, 84; Joseph Mongomery 1872;
Fred Meen 1873; William McKittrick 1874; William Devvitt 1881, 91, 94, 1908; Michael
Gleeson 1883, 93, 97; John Mitchell 1884, 87; Lovell Harrison 1887,88,90; Joseph Brignall
1888,90; William Clark 1889; Fred L.Green 1882,92,1911,14,17,20,23,26; George Law 1895,
98,1901; E.Jackson 1896, 99, 1902; John E. Disney 1900, 03, 06; Richard Wilson 1904, 07,
10, 13, 16; John Seldon 1904; Wm. Pengally 1908; Fred W.Gibson 1909,12, 15,18,21 ,24,
27; William Middleton 1917, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 ,34, 37; W. Fred Disney 1929,32; William G.
Clark 1930,33; Percy Clark 1935,38; Norman Wilson 1936,39,42,47; Herb Middleton 1940,
46, 49, 56, 59; Howard Ormerod 1940, 41, 44; Frank Hayward 1943; Edward Pascoe 1945,
48; Charles Closson 1950; Charles McTaggart 1951,54,57; Elmo Disney 1952, Frank
Webb 1952, 53; Denis Owen 1953, 55; George Moore 1958.
WE NOW PRAISE
When Jesus, the son of Serach, wrote his famous 44th. chapter in the apocryphal book
known as Ecclesiasticus, to praise famous men, he began by recalling the acclaims due to
kings and ministers of state, then he went on to pay tribute to teachers. We, too, wish to pay
tribute to teachers - the Teachers of S.S.No.9,Pickering!.
1859 S.Dillworth; 1860 Donald J.Beaton; 1863 James Brown; 1868 William Ballard;
assistant Mr. Glass; 1869 asst. Sylvanus Philip; 1871 G.H.Hopper; 1871-75 asst. Marion
Sommerville; 1874 Sam. F.Johnson; asst. John Willison*; 1877 G.P.Samon; asst.
Wellington Sterling; 1878 Andrew Hamilton; 1878-82 asst. Mary AnnJackson; 1879 Mr.
Henderson; 1882 W.A. Fraser;185 Robert H.Walks; 1890 W.C.Sheir; 1892 W.J.Marquis;
1894 William G.Ward; 1899 William T. Diefenbaker; 1900 William Eadie; 1903 Etta Clarke
1905 Georgia Van Volkenburgh; 1906 Eva Willis; 1908 Robert B.Hinman; 1911 May Sonley;
1912 Jane F.Pilkey; 1914 Elsie Robinson; 1916 Cora Cruse; 1919 Ada Nickle: 1920
Kathleen Webster;1924 Marian Fraser; 1925 Lillian Plewman; 1928 Jean McWhirter; 1929
Marion Brandon;1934 Isabel Rutledge; 1937 Pearl Hickson; 1938 William Maffey; 194l
Robert Hunt; 1942 (Mrs) Gwen Lade; 1942 Emily Petty;1943 Edith Stewart; 1944 Helen
Kean; 1946 Eileen Puckrin; 1949 Edna Green; 1952 Jerry Starchow and Edna Green;
1955 Jerry Starchow and (Mrs.) Mildred Eastwood; 1956-60 Sr.(Mrs.) Mildred Eastwood;
1956 Jr.- (Mrs.)Elizabeth Johnston; 1957 Jr.- Audrey Hopkinson; 1958-60 Jr.- Elva
Stearman.
(*) John S.Willison, born in Huron County of Scottish parentage, came to Greenwood when
in his teens to visit his uncle, Robert Elleker, then living half a mile east of Greenwood. Mr.
Willison spent some years here and was an assistant teacher. He was active in community
activities and took a special interest in the "Mechanics' Institute". After John Willison left
Greenwood, the next word came of him, he was"cub"reporter on a London, Ontario, paper.
Shortly afterwards, it was learned that he was on the Toronto Globe. This was followed by
information that he was promoted to editor-in-chief. A close friend of Sir Wilfred Laurier, he
wrote the life of that great statesman. Later, he himself, received the title of - SIR John
Willison.
Looking Back
One of the oldest lady ex-pupils present at the Greenwood centennial gathering on Saturday
afternoon was Mrs. Taun of Bracebridge, the former Beatrice Adamson. She shared the
platform with two other ex-students, Mrs. K. Wilson of Whitby and Mr. Walter Wilson of Oshawa.
Time Turned Back —
The hands of time were turned back on Saturday Afternoon as former teachers were re-united
with former students at the Centennial Celebration of Greenwood Public School. Here, Mrs. H.
E. Bunt (the former Miss Robinson) offers a few words of instruction to a former pupil, Mr. Herb
Middleton. Mr. Middleton is now Chairman of the Board. Mrs. Bunt was a teacher in
Greenwood in 1914—forty-six years ago. — Staff Photo
704
FAMOUS "EX” PUPIL
On May 28th, 1957, John Diefenbaker - now Prime Minister of Canada - visited the
Greenwood School which he had attended as a youngster.
Of particular interest to Mr. Diefenbaker was roll call of the class of 1899. It was during this
feature of the day's programme that the guest-of-honour renewed numerous friendships of
his boyhood days at Greenwood. The roll call was called by Miss May Brown, herself a
teacher and a former member of the 1899 class. Some of those present when the roll was
called included Walter Carlton, Frank Lynde, May Wilson, Ethel Wilson, Gertie Gibson, Fred
Byers, Fred Disney, Aggie Byers, May Brown, and Stanley Byers. It was to this reunion of
clasmates that Mr. Diefenbaker devoted considerable of his alotted time in Greenwood.
CENTENNIAL YEAR PUPILS
Greenwood Public School (S.S.No.9 Pickering) 1959-60.
Teachers - Mrs. Mildred Eastwood is the teacher of Grades 5,6,7, and 8. Miss Elva
Stearman is the teacher of Grades 1,2,3, and 4.
Grade 1 - Dougie Benns, Brian Brooks, Stephen Campbell, Debbie Fisher, Barbara Hamm,
David Henning, Larry Morden, Carol Scriver, Janis Skinner, Billy Thomas, Henry Vanderville.
Grade 2 - Joey Benns, Wayne Brooks, Bridget Clarke, Richard Day, Virginia Elson, Derek
Jones, Brenda Middleton.
Grade 3 - Janice Blake, Jimmy Blake, Linda Eastwood, Marylin Hamm, Sylvia Scriver, Linda
Thomas.
Grade 4 - Bryan Clarke, Lloyd Henning, Heather Kellar, Herbie Middleton, Lloyd Morden.
Grade 5 - Michael Benns, Philip Benns, Karen Clarke, Robert Clarke, Judy Copley, Joan
Gardiner, Edward Henning, Brian McTaggart, Judy Moore, John Ruiter, Rosemary Scriver,
Ronnie Titterton.
Grade 6 - Eric Benns, Sharon Blake Beverly Kellar, Shirley Kellar, John Moore, Elizabeth
Ruiter, Ronnie Staley.
Grade 7 - Jill Copley, Bonnie Gardiner, Ken Gardiner, Bonnie Moore, Bruce Rogers, Marion
Titterton.
Grade 8 - Donna Barlow, Gary Titterton, Doug Webb, Kathie Wilson.
Beginners - (Pupils registered for September, 1960) Cathy Benns, Rosemary Brooks, David
Clark, Janet Clarke, Clarence Cole, Leta Fisher, George Hill, Howard Middleton, Lloyd
Moore, Dawne Weatherston.
704a
Diefenbaker Relives Those Happy Times of Early Schooldays at Greenwood
He's At The Top Of His Class Now
Don Grant. Telegram
Progressive Conservative leader John Diefenbaker makes a sentimental return yesterday
to a brief period of his learning at Greenwood School in Pickering Township. Teacher
Audrey Hopkinson explains progress of little Marcia Wilkins, who now sits in seat occupied
by Mr. Diefenbaker for part of the 1899-1900 term. (See
Greenwood, May 28 (Staff).— One day in 1899, a curly headed youngster, really too young
to attend school, was banished to his father's' classroom by his exasperated mother.
Today for two hours, John Diefenbaker relived with obvious, pleasure those happy days at
the, Greenwood School just off No. 7 Highway northwest of Oshawa.
To a group of his classmates of those years and to this year's pupils, Mr. Diefenbaker
explained today that he had created so much trouble at home that his mother had finally sent
him at the age of four to sit under his father's eagle eye.
"I was right here under the gun," he said pointing to the seat. He and his wife Olive were
guests at a homecoming celebration yesterday.
It was the second homecoming in less than 20 hours for the Conservative national leader.
Monday he was guest of honor in his present home town of Prince Albert, Sask.
Recalling his first days at school, Mr. Diefenbaker said he was anxious to learn to read
because the Diefenbaker family subscribed to the old Globe.
"I was in hurry to find out what that barometer meant which it carried on its front page every
day," he said.
After strolling around the school and yard, the Conservative chief remembered that two trees
standing in one corner of the lot had been planted on Arbor Day 1900.
He described the relaxing visit to the school as a wonderful break in his hectic national
election campaign. After flying into Toronto from the west to be met by a group of Toronto
candidates and supporters at Malton early yesterday, Mr. Diefenbaker spent most of the rest
of the day sleeping and fulfilling television commitments.
Of his old classmates — there were about 15 present — Mr. Diefenbaker said he couldn't
remember of people acting younger —regardless of age—or happier.
In addition to Mr. Diefenbaker's brief speech and songs and dances by the pupils, the
program included a reading of old minutes of meetings of the board of SS No. 9 Pickering.
One noted that Mr. Diefenbaker's father, who taught at the school in 1899, 1900 and 1901,
had been paid $65 on account.
Also on display was an 1899 picture of the student body, a picture for which Mr. Diefenbaker
recalled he posed reluctantly.
There weren't supposed to be any political overtones to the homecoming but there were
plenty of "I like Mike" buttons worn by supporters of Michael Starr, Conservative MP for
Oshawa.
After a reception Wednesday afternoon in Weston on behalf of John Hamilton, Conservative
MP for York West, and dinner in Regent Park for David Walker, Rosedale candidate, Mr.
Diefenbaker will speak to a major rally in Oshawa tomorrow night.
But yesterday he was wrapped in nostalgia.
"As you grow older," he told the children, "you will find as I have that there is nothing more
wonderful than to live in memory of the days of long ago."
705
Excerpt from Past Years in Pickering
A large majority of those who settled in Pickering in the earlier half of the last century were men
of fair education, and among them there were not a few who had received such training as
fitted them for business of a public kind.
Such men valued education and were careful at as early a period as possible, to establish
schools in which their children might enjoy its advantages. Practically nothing is known of
school life in the Township till the period of the thirties.
The first schools were rough log structures, crudely chinked and plastered, with unplaned plank
floors, and absolutely devoid of maps, globes and all modern apparatus of education. The
desks always homemade were usually ranged around the walls and the pupils sat on backless
benches facing them. The centre was occupied by a big box stove, about which sometimes,
when seats around the walls were occupied, other benches were placed for the smaller
children.
As in other parts of Ontario, school life often languished in the summer months, but when the
fall frosts prevented further field labout the bigger boys and girls and often young men and
women came flocking back to school.
Union School Section No. 2 (Kinsale) was formed in 1852. The following are the principal
teachers who have served the Section, Mr. Tilley 1852-4., Mr. Ganton 1855, David Frost
1856, Mr. O'Reilly 1857, J. Palmer 1858, Miss McLean 1859, George Bartley 1860,
Charles Clarke 1861 (in this year the present school was built., Wm. H. Dundas 1862, W.
Law 1863-4, W. L. Black 1865-6, Levi Mackey 1867-9, Miss L. Palmer 1870, Alex
McMurray 1871, James Balfour 1872, L. F. Johnston 1873, G. H. Hopper 1874, S. M.
Brown 1875, Mr. Bain 1876, Miss Susan Betts 1877, L. F. Johnston 1878, A. L. Brown
1879, J. A. Yeomans 1880, E. 0. Graham 1881-2, R. J. Niddery 1883-4, Mr. Jeffery 1885-6,
Byron Jones 1887-8, Walter Thorn 1889, W. H. Greenwood 1890-2, Frank Chapman and
Walter Thorn 1893, G. E. Pegg 1894, John McCullough 1895-6, Alfred Holliday 1897-8,
Miss Pearce 1900-1, Miss Minnie Annan 1902-4, Miss Sherrard 1905, Miss L. Roger 1906,
Miss L. Francis 1907-8, Miss C. E. Black 1909, H. N. Kidd 1910, Miss Annie Johnston
1911/
Pickering Township School Area No. 3
Official Opening
OF
Valley View Public School
At Greenwood
ON
Wednesday June 26, 1963
at Three O'clock (P.M.)
Board of Trustees
C. L. McTaggart, Chairman
D. L. Goodwin
S. E. Hoar
H. E. Middleton
L. W. Waltham
Mrs. M. Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer
Teaching Staff
W. J. Boyd, Principal
M. Phillips Mrs. C. Malcolm
Miss P. Diasio
W. A. Bush, Music Supervisor
A. Morden, Building Superintendent
Architect S. W. Sherbowich
WEIN CONSTRUCTION
Contractor John Kamper
PROGRAM
"0 Canada"
Chairman's Remarks ............................................ C. L. McTaggart
Introductions ................................................................ D. L. Goodwin
Official Opening by ........................................ Hon. M. B. Dymond
Township Representative ........................................ L. T. Johnston
Dedication ........................................................ Rev. T. H. Fleetham
Inspector of Public Schools ................................ J. C. McClelland
Presentations ............................................................ L. W. Waltham
"This Land Is Your Land" sung by the pupils
"God Save The Queen"
The School will be open for Inspection from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Tea will be served by the Home and School Association
Official Opening of the ADDITION to VALLEY VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL
Thurs., November 9. 1972
8:00 p.m.
THE ONTARIO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Ontario County Board of Education
M. J. MOWBRAY, Q.C............................. Chairman
MRS. M. O'DONNELL, B.COMM. Vice-Chairman
J. P. BRADY A. J. MILLER
F. R. BRITTEN H. S. POLAK, Q.C.
L. D. CLARKE S. G. SAYWELL
R. W. DEAKIN T. D. THOMAS
N. H. EDMONDSON,B.A.,LL.B. M. UMPHREY
G. GOODE MRS. S. VIERIN
MRS. A. LEE R. W. WARD, B.A.
S. E. LOVELL, B.A. G. WESTCOTT
MRS. M. MclNTYRE, B.H.SC. A. WILLIAMSON
Administration Officials
K. D. MUNROE,
B.A., M.ED.............................Director of Education
J. C. RICHARDSON,
B.A., B.ED...........................Superintendent of Operations
J. C. McClelland,
B.A., M.ED...........................Superintendent of Development and Academic Services
J. R. BACKUS, C.A.................Superintendent of Business
W. J. MacDONALD,
B.A. B.PAED.................Superintendent of Program— Area 1
D. J. KETTLE,
B.P.H.E., M.ED..................Assistant Superintendent— Area 1
R. V. BLACKMORE
B.A., B.ED.............................Principal
Program
O CANADA
MUSICAL SELECTIONS
The School Choir
CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
M. J. Mowbray, Q.C, Chairman, The Ontario
County Board of Education
GREETINGS FROM THE ONTARIO COUNTY
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mrs. M. O'Donnell, Vice-Chairman
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
K. D. Munroe
THE HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Mrs. R. Elmer
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRINCIPAL
W. J. MacDonald
INTRODUCTION OF SCHOOL STAFF
R. V. Blackmore
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SCHOOL
M. J. Mowbray
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Rev. T. Fleetham
* * *
Visitors are invited to inspect the school
following the program
REFRESHMENTS
Ontario County Board of Education
M. J. MOWBRAY, Q.C............................. Chairman
MRS. M. O'DONNELL, B.COMM. Vice-Chairman
J. P. BRADY A. J. MILLER
F. R. BRITTEN H. S. POLAK, Q.C.
L. D. CLARKE S. G. SAYWELL
R. W. DEAKIN T. D. THOMAS
N. H. EDMONDSON,B.A.,LL.B. M. UMPHREY
G. GOODE MRS. S. VIERIN
MRS. A. LEE R. W. WARD, B.A.
S. E. LOVELL, B.A. G. WESTCOTT
MRS. M. MclNTYRE, B.H.SC. A. WILLIAMSON
Administration Officials
K. D. MUNROE,
B.A., M.ED.............................Director of Education
J. C. RICHARDSON,
B.A., B.ED...........................Superintendent of Operations
J. C. McClelland,
B.A., M.ED...........................Superintendent of Development and Academic Services
J. R. BACKUS, C.A.................Superintendent of Business
W. J. MacDONALD,
B.A. B.PAED.................Superintendent of Program— Area 1
D. J. KETTLE,
B.P.H.E., M.ED..................Assistant Superintendent— Area 1
R. V. BLACKMORE
B.A., B.ED.............................Principal
Program
O CANADA
MUSICAL SELECTIONS
The School Choir
CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
M. J. Mowbray, Q.C, Chairman, The Ontario
County Board of Education
GREETINGS FROM THE ONTARIO COUNTY
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mrs. M. O'Donnell, Vice-Chairman
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
K. D. Munroe
THE HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Mrs. R. Elmer
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRINCIPAL
W. J. MacDonald
INTRODUCTION OF SCHOOL STAFF
R. V. Blackmore
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SCHOOL
M. J. Mowbray
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Rev. T. Fleetham
* * *
Visitors are invited to inspect the school
following the program
REFRESHMENTS
VALLEY VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL
STAFF
Mr. R. V. Blackmore. B.A, B.Ed., Principal
Mr. E. Rice, B.A
.
Mr. F. Schaper. B, A,
Mrs. B. Graham
Miss B. Trevor, B.A., B. Ed.
Mrs. I Wilson
Mrs. J. Simpson
Mrs. M. Wilson
Mrs. C. Vernon
Mrs. W. Manock
Mrs. B. Norton
Mrs. B. Spiering
Mrs. B. Duncan
Mrs. J. Stephens
Mrs. G. Hume—Secretary
Mr. D. Turcotte—Custodian
Mrs. Connell—Nurse
By M. McTaggart, July, 1966.
'Greenwood Through The Years', printed in 1960 states with regard to the Trustee system
and School Section that 'there has been little change the past hundred years.' Indeed it
proved to be the end of an era, for in the next few years we were to see both the Trustee
System and the School Section changed and many of the 'little Red School houses'
abandoned.
In December, 1959 it was moved that a special ratepayers meeting be called to discuss the
building of a new school, as Greenwood was overcrowded. In 1961 Grades 6, 7 and 8 went
to the Brock Road School.
In January, 1962 a motion was made that a five room school, not to exceed the cost of
$100,000.00 be built as soon as possible, and that Kinsale be asked to form an area with
Greenwood. In March it was decided to build on the same lot and to purchase land to the
south and west, enlarging the school ground to five acres. Mr. Stephen Sherbovich was
hired as architect.
On December 26, 1962 the School Board of S.S.#9 met for the last time. A vote of thanks
was tendered to W. Clark and to the Board for their services. One has only to look at the
records to realize the many hours that were freely given by conscientious trustees.
On January 9, 1963 the new Board of Township School Area # 3 met. Both Kinsale and
Greenwood schools were used until after the Easter Holidays in April, 1963, when the new
school was completed. The Official opening of Valley View Public School was held on June
26, 1963.
The five man Board, elected by the two Sections, was doomed to exist for only two years. In
1965 the Provincial Government under Premium Robarts and Minister of Education Mr.
William Davis decreed that each Township be one Area. After much discussion and the
presentation of a petition to the Provincial Government by concerned ratepayers, it was
decided to create two school areas in Pickering Township because of size and population.
A five man Board was elected by each section concerned for one year. They faced the task
of trying to bring all the schools up to the same standard, and the comparatively new problem
of transportation.
Prior to this time, unfortunately, some of the isolated country schools had been the object of
vandalism. In some cases considerable damage was done and sometimes such things as
radios, etc. were stolen. One very late November night a policeman patrolling this area
noticed a light in the old Greenwood school. Thinking that at last here was his opportunity to
catch the culprits redhanded, he made haste to investigate. Much to his surprise when the
door flung open he was faced with five weary but startled trustees who, in their enthusiam
had not noticed the passing of time. Needless to say, they quickly 'packed their books and
went home'.
July, 1966.
Kinsale School, which was closed in 1963, remained closed and Mount Zion School was
also closed. Both these buildings are being used as Community Centres. Balsam School
has been sold and will be used as headquarters for the Claremont Boy Scouts. Cedar
Creek School is vacant at present. The north side of the old Greenwood School is used as
office for Area No. 1 and from here Mr. Lloyd Johnston, Secretary, conducts the business.
At present, July, 1966, four rooms are being added to the school at Greenwood and should
be ready for the fall term. There will be one room for each grade and an auxiliary class.
February, 1968
In December, 1967 five trustees were elected for one year i.e. 1968. Starting January,1969
Areas would be County wide as advised by the Minister of Education. And so, in the short
period of seven years the former School Section has disappeared. The Trustee system has
been done away with, and the 'Little Red Schoolhouse' is obsolete.
The formation of the larger area here has resulted in more uniform educational facilities,
standardization of text books, one teacher to a grade and opportunity classes. The children
in grade 1 to 3 can progress at their own rate and French language introduced by records.
The Rotary system is being tried. There is a Supervising Principal and an extra teacher to
relieve the Principal.
School Section No. 9
Trustees
1959 — Herbert Middleton
1960 — William Clark
1961 — Donald Goodwin
1962 — Area #3
Charles McTaggert, D. Goodwin H. Middleton, Stanley Hoar, Len Waltham
Secretary - Mrs. L. Wilson
1964 — Area #1
Mrs. Eleanor McKean, Charles McTaggart, Donald Gibson, Gordon Pearce, Rolland
Simmons
1965 — Charles McTaggart, Mrs. McKean, Ellis Britton, G. Pearce, Austin Pearse.
Teachers
1960 — Mr. Phillips
Mrs. G. Eastwood (Jr)
1961 — Carol White
1962 — Mr. Wm. Boyd Miss Diasio
1963 — Miss Irene Watters Mr. W. Bordeaux
1964 — Mr. Goltz
Miss Carol Holden
Miss Zina Meslin
Miss Ruth Middleton
1965 — Miss Throop
Mr. Green
Mrs. Malcolm
Greenwood School Teachers
1964-65
Gerald C. Goltz
Carole A. Holden
Zina 0. Meslin
Ruth Middleton
Irene A. (Waters) Lamb
1965-66
Gerald C. Goltz
Carole A. Holden
Carol Malcolm
Wanda Throop
Raymond Green
Enid R. Schloen
Paul R. White
1966-67
Ernest Dunning
Raymond Green
Barbara Brown
George Brown
Mary J. Esmonde
Lois B. Gemmell
E. B. Lange
Glenda Murchison
Wanda Throop
1967-8
Lloyd G. MacDonald
Mrs. Barbara Finch
Mr. George Brown
Mrs. Margaret Green
Miss Linda Johnson
Mrs. Carole Bandurchin
Mr. E. B. Lange
Mrs. G. Lelong
Mrs. Wanda Manock
Mrs. Elizabeth Brett
Mrs. Mary Salgo
Mount Zion School History - Alma & Lorne Jones - 1973
Mount Zion School
The first school was built on Lot 9, Concession 7, Pickering Township, just one-half mile west
of the present one. It was about thirty feet by fifty feet in size, a frame building, unpainted,
banked with dirt and surrounded by woods. It cost about $1500.00 to build.
The furniture consisted of a teacher's desk and chair, benches of rough boards and a box
stove; also some moveable blackboards and a few maps. The pupils all used slates instead of
workbooks that they have now. The average salary paid to a teacher at this time was about
$200.00 and this often included doing the caretaking.
In 1875 the trustees bought a piece of land from John C. Jones, about three quarters of an
acre, for $120.00. This land was the south east corner of Lot 7, rear of Concession 7. The
school was built and completed in 1876. It was a large brick building, with two entrances to
the east, and a 'bell room' or teacher's room between. The teacher's salary kept increasing
and by 1930 had reached $1,000.00 a year.
The school was closed in 1965 and the pupils went by bus to Greenwood school. In 1967,
through the generosity of Mr. Arthur Latcham, Stouffville, the school building was bought by
him for $1,500.00 and given to the Mount Zion community to be used as a Community
Centre, which it still is to the present day. They hold dances, euchres, local concerts and any
community events. The Brooklin Junior Farmers also hold their meetings there. In 1967,
when the school became a community centre, a reunion was held and a great many of the
former pupils came back to see the old school and to meet former class mates.
Prior to this time the children of the neighbourhood attended the school at the north-east
corner of Salem road and Highway #7 on the Hyfield farm. The parents paid an amount
agreed upon for the tuition of each child; In 1871 the school system was changed to "free
school", residents were taxed and every child could attend. Big boys and girls went to
school only in the winter when they were not needed to work on the land. Desks faced the
walls nearly all around the room, at which the pupils sat on benches without backs, while the
smaller children sat on benches without desks, encircling the big box stove in the center.
Mrs. Hugh Pugh (Muriel Jones)
PERSONALITIES
CHARLES L. McTAGGART — BUILDER OF A COMMUNITY — taken from the Stouffville
Tribune
Rev. T. H. Fleetham conducted the funeral service for the late Charles Lane McTaggart in the
Greenwood United Church on Friday, August 30. His passing August 28 in his 51st year after
a brave struggle to survive has saddened the entire community. He did not live long, but he
accomplished much. Kind and generous by nature, he was friendly to all and generous in
sharing with others. He will be greatly missed by his wide circle of friends and relatives. His
memory will live on.
Charlie will be best remembered as a builder, though he spent some years at farming, at
trucking and at keeping the store and post office at Greenwood. Starting to build in 1952, he
constructed over 60 homes, ranging in style from log cabins to stone mansions. He had a
remarkable ability with figures and an excellent memory which greatly helped in his work. For a
period of 18 years, he served on school boards in Pickering Township.
Surviving are his wife, Mildred and three sons, Kenneth, Robert and Brian and one grandchild,
Lisa. One brother and five sisters also survive.
PERSONALITIES
HUGH FULTON CRAWFORD 1911 - 1969
Elder son of William Hugh and Olive Rosalyn Crawford. Educated at the Royal School,
Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland. Emigrated to Canada March 17, 1931. Served in the R.C.
A.F. from July 4, 1940 to Jan 8, 1946 first as navigation instructor and then as Crew Captain in
# 7 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron.
Dec. 26, 1942 married Janet Wilson McKeand of Norwood, Manitoba. Two children,
William Hugh and Susan Roslyn. Established a business in Metro Toronto which eventually
was incorporated as Tiverton Tire Service Limited. In 1960 bought part of lot eleven,
concession six, at Greenwood, Ontario. Had a home built where the family took up residence
in Sept., 1961.
Member of — Heart Research Follow Up Study Team, University of Manitoba; Golden Fleece
Masonic Lodge; Danforth Lions Club; First President of the Scarborough Safety Council;
Active in Scouting; Steward at Danforth United Church; Recording Secretary of the
Greenwood charge of the United Church.
RESPECTED RESIDENT
Following an illness of 3 ½ years, Frederick J. Byers, passed away Saturday, May 15, 1971 at
Fairview Lodge, Whitby. The late Mr. Byers farmed on Paddock Road, north of Greenwood,
where he was born August 12, 1888, the son of James and Jenny Byers, both members of
pioneer families in the area.
He was married June 10, 1914 to Ethel Wilson, who survives him, also one daughter, Marjorie
(Mrs. Douglas Morden), and three grandchildren, Lloyd, Larry and Mary-Lou. A son Dickie
died in infancy. One sister Agnes (Mrs. Perry Wilson) and a brother Stanley Byers are both
deceased.
Up until the time of his illness, Fred was a familiar figure in the community. He was a member
of the Greenwood United Church and served as an elder, treasurer and steward on the Church
Board. In politics was a Conservative. He was a kindly man, a good neighbour and friend.
The funeral was held from Greenwood United Church May 18 with interment in the family plot
at Salem Cemetery. Reverend T. H. Fleetham officiated. Pallbearers were -Ernie Trimble,
Percy Jones, Ralph Jones, Ronald Brown, Peter Bendle and Tim Oliver.
Honorary bearers were Milton Pegg and Edward Pascoe.
PERSONALITIES
Lyman T. Barclay - 1900 - 1972. Taken from the Toronto Star
Dr. Lyman T. Barclay, former head of plastic surgery at Toronto Western Hospital and
recognized internationally as one of the great pioneers in his field, died Saturday at 72.
Barclay became world famous among doctors during World War II when he was in charge
of the plastic surgery department at the army hospital in Basingstoke, England where he
was a lieutenant colonel. Following the war he continued to operate on veterans at the
Christie St. and Sunnybrook hospitals in Toronto.
Barclay's great-great-grandfather came to Canada in 1817 and pioneered on a farm near
Claremont that is to be absorbed by the new airport. Barclay was born there and members
of his family still live on the site.
After graduating from the University of Toronto, he did post-graduate work in surgery in
Edinburgh and practised from the Medical Arts Building in Toronto before World War II.
At Toronto Western Barclay was a teaching doctor in plastic surgery for the University of
Toronto.
He retired in the early 1960s and built a large home at Greenwood on Highway 7 where he
lived with his wife, Margaret. It is on 100 acres overlooking a stream on an old oatmeal mill
site, which had been owned by his ancestors.
Andrew Morden - 1904 — 1972. Taken from the stouffville Tribune.
Greenwood Village was saddened, Nov. 29, over the sudden passing of Andrew James
Morden, following a lengthy illness.
Andy will be remembered as a thoughtful neighbor and friend to all who knew him.
Born in 1904 in Greensville, he worked as a miller in Several communities before buying the
mill in Greenwood, where he has been a resident for 27 years.
His wife, Ellen Vanessa Kendree passed away, 1960 and his daughter Mrs. Joanne
Mitchell in 1954.
He is survived by son Douglas; grandchildren Larry., Lloyd and Mary-Lou; brothers Palmer
of Hamilton and Jonathon of McKeller.
Service was held from McEachnie Funeral Home, Pickering, Dec. 2.
Pallbearers were Robert McKeowen, Ed Connors, Ralph Robertson, Bill Brown, Gerald
Fisher and Les. Wilson.
Interment was at Mount Lawn Cemetery, Oshawa.
PERSONALITIES
MRS. RALPH E. MOWBRAY - 1893 - 1973. Taken from the Oshawa Times
Mrs. Ralph E. Mowbray, 745 Stevenson Rd. N., Oshawa died Sunday at the Oshawa General
Hospital. She had been in failing health since October.
Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Whitehead, she was born Janet Whitehead, near
Port Hope, Aug. 9, 1893, and resided in Kinsale from 1923 to 1961. She spent seven years in
Brooklin and lived in Oshawa the last 4 ½ years.
Mrs. Mowbray was active in community affairs in Kinsale and was a member of the
community's United Church and Women's Institute.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Mowbray; two daughters, Mrs. Robert Armour
(Jean), Toronto and Mrs. John Thomson (Phylis), Woodstock; one son, Milton, Brooklin, and
one brother, Irwin Whitehead, Port Hope. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren.
Two sisters, Mary and Ethel Whitehead and two brothers, James and William died previously.
Mrs. Mowbray is at the Mclntosh-Anderson Funeral Home, 152 King St. E., Oshawa. The
funeral service will be in the Brooklin United Church, Tuesday, at 2.30 p.m., with interment in
Groveside Cemetery.
Rev. G. A. Mundy, assisted by T. H. Fleetham will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Canadian Heart Foundation will be gratefully
acknowledged.
ROLL OF HONOUR KINSALE
1914 - 1918
Emme Walter
Kirkley Willam
Lavington Percy
McBrien Hugh
Parkin Joseph
Richardson Clarence
Rodgers Louis R.
Rodgers Walter
1939 - 1945
Bell Alfred
Cammack Gordon
Cammack Lourence
Earndale Thomas
Gormley Arthur
Ledgett Ray
Mark Morgan
Martin Rod
Mowbray John
Mulock James
Rodgers Franklin
Steer Walter
Stell Gorden
Stell Harold
Stell Stanley
Stevenson Noble
Wagg Garnet
ROLL OF HONOUR GREENWOOD
1914-1918
Baird Charles
Brown Fred R.
Mair J Archie
Middleton W. Percy
Nutt Fred
Nuttall Harry
Pegg Milton. N.
Russell Milton O.
Trimble W. Christopher
Wideman Garret H.
Wilson Ronald
1939-1945
Annis Lawrence
Brown Fred
Campbell Ross
Hodgson Fred
Kinnear James
McArthur Angus
McArthur Neil
McVey Robert
Parks Lawson
Short Allan
Short Harold
Short Vernon
Silcox H.B.E. Rev.A.P.
Wilke Lee
Wilke Lorne