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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 12, 1971 TOWNSHIP OF PICKERING MUSEUM BOARD 1/71 A meeting of the Pickering Township Museum Board was held on TUESDAY, the TWELFTH day of JANUARY, 1971 at EIGHT o'clock p.m. at the Municipal Building PRESENT: Mr. H. Cook, Chairman Mr. R. Miller Mrs. D. Earle Mr. D. McLean N. C. Marshall, Secretary 1. MINUTES - On motion of Mrs. Earle, seconded by Mr. McLean and carried unanimously the minutes of the meeting of December the 8th were approved. v � 2. SOUVENIRS - The various souvenirs mentioned at the previous meeting had not yet been delivered. The stock of the supplier had been exhausted in these particular items and delivery would be delayed for some time. The Board noted that in view of the fact that the Museum is now closed the absence of these items was not critical. 3. ELECTRICAL WIRING - The Chairman reported that he had not been able to complete the measurements necessary for the preliminary pricing of the installation of the wiring. He hoped to be able to complete the task in the near future. 4. PUBLICITY - Again the need for some form of pamphlets to hand out to tf the various visitors to the grounds was mentioned. A suggestion that the old pamphlet be reproduced as an interim step pending the completion of material for an expanded one was put forth. No real conclusion was reached although the Board noted the limited budget available for this item and considered the extra cost involved in producing two publications as opposed to one. It was hoped that Mrs. Storry would be able to provide sufficient material for an expanded bulletin in the very near future. Mr. Miller is to go through his files to secure a suitable photo which would be used on the cover of the leaflet. It was also suggested that some form of legend be printed on the back of the pamphlet identifying the various buildings on the property. 5. METROPOLITAN TOTONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY REPORT tJ The Board expressed concern over the general tone of the report noting that the writer had apparently failed to realize the true concept of the Museum. lJ ..J -2- 1/71 •� In the first instance the Museum was never intended to be a living pioneer village other than on History In. Action Day. The whole idea behind the Museum was to acquire and preserve examples of early Ontario architecture. The majority of the buildings on the grounds are examples of buildings that once existed in the area and the fact that the Board was obliged to secure examples of this architecture from other areas is immaterial. The buildings on this site do in fact maintain this concept in the sense that they trace the development of the pioneer from the early settlers cabin and log barn through to the more sophisticated homes of the well to do farmer and the various buildings with which he was associated in the many hamlets of rural Ontario such as the Blacksmith Shop, Harness Shop, and Hotel. The founders of the Museum did not envision the property as becoming a parallel operation to Pioneer Village and their main concern was that the buildings in question be preserved for the education of present and future generations. The Board noted that the buildings had been located on the property in accord with a master plan which had been followed faithfully in all instances. Consideration has been given to laying out proper gardens but obviously this particular type of activity must take second place to the immediate problems of restoration. The Board noted the utilization of the property for educational purposes, particularly the group of Teacher's College Students who spent a week at the Museum studying various aspects of it and assisting in cataloguing. In addition approximately 1500 school children have gone through the building during the past year. Quite obviously the most significant problem facing the Museum Board is that of administration. With so many buildings to maintain, it is difficult to visualize how - the public can be given full access to all of the facilities consistent with proper security arrangements. Possibly the only answer is to have a staff member conduct regular tours through the building leaving the remaining facilities locked. There was no question that the public want to and have every right to view the interior of all buildings and yet the danger of vandalism and theft is far too great to be ignored. The Board noted the guidance it had received through the auspices of Mrs. Duncan of the Toronto Historical Board and formerly of the Conservation Authority administration staff at Pioneer Village. Through her guidance and the experience of the Board members the restoration programme has been carried out with a degree of historical accuracy not otherwise possible. It was noted that the Steam Barn and Gas Barn located on the former Gillman property were never considered to be part of the Village concept, but rather a distinct display associated with the development of the gasoline and steam engines during the early part of the century. Both of these displays are unique. u •J 'J ftigd -3- 6. The Board regretfully accepted Mrs. Mildred Spang's resig- nation from the membership of the Board. Her resignation came as a result of other commitments which made it difficult for her to continue on the Board. 7. ANTIQUE PURCHASES - Mr. Miller inquired whether the Board would be interested in obtaining a Major Harper circular resaw, circa 1385. .. Evidently Mr. John Thornback was willing to sell this saw which he had restored, for $150.00. It would be used in the woodworking shop located behind the Blacksmith Shop and is considered to be a legitimate part of the display in this facility. On motion of Mr. McLean, seconded by Mrs. Earle it was agreed that Mr. Miller be authorized to purchase the Major Harper circular resaw, circa 1685 for a cost not to exceed $150.00 with a view towards completing the wood- working display to be located in the rear of the Blacksmith Shop. CARRIED. Mr. Miller also mentioned the existance of a saw mill which was owned by Mr. Robert Nesbitt of Uxbridge. The steam barn L layout includes provision for such a saw mill utilizing the steam generated from the boiler in the building. He is not sure whether or not Mr. Nesbitt would be prepared to sell the item but wished the authority of the Board to approach him. It was agreed that he be authorized to negotiate with MIr. Nesbitt with a view towards acquiring the sawmill in question. On motion the meeting adjourned. L DATED Chairman . Secretary _ _ L L L L L L L