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President’s Message
Welcome to the October edition of the Georgina Historical Society Newsletter. Harvest Day 2019, what a great day! A big thank you to the organizing committee and all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this day a success; vendors, a bake sale, musical entertainment, old cars and boats, games for the children and all the buildings staffed by enthusiastic volunteers in costume all contributed to make this day possible. It was great to see our visitors enjoying themselves as they toured the village.
At the September General Meeting, Sarah Harrison spoke on the history of the Cedarbrea School House and education in the early years in Georgina…a very interesting and informative talk. Thank you Sarah! On Tuesday, October 15 Melissa Matt will be speaking at our General Meeting in the Noble House. Her topic will be the Ruth (Johnson) Thompson collection of Historical Research. Don’t miss this interesting talk. See you there! Reserve November 14 so you can attend the Georgina Historical Society’s Annual Dinner and Meeting.
We have a vacancy on the Georgina Historical Society Board. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact me or any board member.
~ Tom Glover
The Elmgrove School House
The Elmgrove School House has sat neglected for a number of years. The Georgina Historical Society is afraid it is in danger of being demolished by neglect. The “Little Red Brick School House” was the cornerstone of education in Ontario for over 100 years. Unfortunately not many school houses remain that would be recognized as the once centre of education in the community.
Most have been torn down or renovated and turned into homes, garages or workshops.
The Elmgrove School House, built in 1881 is a perfect example of the elementary schools of the last century and one of the few remaining in York Region under municipal ownership. Sitting at the intersection of the Catering Road and Old Homestead it is a great example of the education system in the past century and how it served us, our parents and our grandparents. It was not only the centre of education but the hub of the community. It would be a shame to lose such a valuable part of our heritage.
The Georgina Historical Society would like to know what the Town’s plans are for this building.
Will they allot funds in the budget so repairs can be made so the building can once again be used by community groups with the Elmgrove School House remaining a vibrant part of the community?
Other suggestions have been made, one, that the property be sold and the funds used to move the school to the Pioneer Village where it could be used for meetings and exhibits.
Another suggestion , that the building could be restored where it stands, as a functioning example of a one room school house and be available for school children to experience a day in a one room school.
Most important is that the Elmgrove School should no longer be neglected. Remaining in its original spot would preserve its historical integrity and It would remain an excellent example of how the school system served the community in the past. It is time to let your councillor know you are concerned about the Elmgrove School House.
Where in Georgina?
Our last newsletter mystery location was correctly identified by Enid Abram as the Mossington Park pavilion.
The picture to the left is our new mystery location. What is it and where is it located?
Antique Car show organized by Paul Brady
Melissa Matt, Curator of Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives
Lunchtime
Jackie Diasio; thanks Jackie for your tireless efforts in helping to organize vendors and activities
Volunteers Polly and Martha
Tom and Bonnie with visitors at the caboose
Music at the Bandstand. Thanks to Dee for co-ordinating it.
Music at the Bandstand. Thanks to Dee for co-ordinating it.
Vendors near the station
Hessel Pape caning a chair seat
Ravenshoe String Ensemble at the Noble House
Volunteers Kate and Emmalee at the Mann house…thanks to all the many other volunteers who contributed to a successful Harvest Day!
Kim and Shirley at the Store
Jeannie at the bake sale
Jamming at the Station! Go Derek! Go!
Congratulations to all organizers – Jackie, Dee, Paul, Melissa, Sandra, Sarah, Tom & all the volunteers, vintage car owners, musicians, singers, and vendors that made the day a fabulous success – pictures courtesy of Paul Brady.
News
At the Board meeting Gail Moore reported that the Town of Georgina had sent a crew to work on the Mann Cemetery. It’s good to see that our efforts to bring the sorry state of the cemetery to the Town’s attention haven’t fallen on deaf ears. You editor did a walk-about on Thanksgiving Day to see what progress has been made; some clearance of the shrubbery has been made but much more needs to be done. The southern boundary and southeastern third of the grounds remains covered with small trees and brush. Kudos to the Town for a good start to make the grounds look more presentable.
Dee Lawrence of our Board has been appointed by the Town to the Heritage Committee. Congratulations Dee! At the Town of Georgina Council meeting of October 16, the Heritage Committee recommended that an assessment be undertaken to include cost estimate and life cycle of the separate components of all buildings within the Georgina Pioneer Village.
Just a reminder, we have a vacancy on the Georgina Historical Society Board. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Tom Glover or any Board member.
Events
Tuesday, October 15th – General Meeting, meet & greet 6:30, meeting 7:00. Melissa Matt introduces the Ruth (Johnson) Thompson Collection in our archives. At the Noble House.
Monday, November 4th – Board Meeting 2:00 PM, Noble House
Thursday, November 14th – Annual General meeting. Egypt Hall
Saturday, November 23rd – Old Fashioned Christmas, Georgina Pioneer Village 5 – 8 PM