YOU TOO CAN BE A
SCIENTIST OF NATURE! ICE CREAM MEMORIES NEVER MELT WALLBRIDGE – A VILLAGE WORTH REMEMBERING PICTURESQUE PICNIC SPOTS IN HASTINGS COUNTY
COVERING THE ARTS, OUTDOORS, HISTORY, PEOPLE AND PLACES
SUMMER 2019
MADOC
the town with a heart of gold! F R E E
WEDDING
HOME OF THE GOLDEN FUDGE NUGGET
CONSULTATIONS
KELLY’S FLOWERS • 613-473- 1891 • 1-800-267-3277
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Grab your baked goods from the Miner's Malt . Shoppe out back . on Sunday & . Mondays . throughout the . summer!
MADOC HOME HARDWARE 57 Elgin Street, Madoc
(613) 473-2332 MADOCHOMEHARDWARE.COM
I R I S H
SWEATERS & JEWELLERY
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JULY 1ST 2019 CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS Come and celebrate Canada’s birthday with Stirling-Rawdon Council and Township Staff!
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STIRLING AGRICULTURAL JULY 1ST 2017 August 16 -17 -18FAIR Bouncy Castle, Rock Climbing
Wall & Obstacle It’s a family evening Stirling Fairgrounds Course CANADA DAY www.stirlingfair.com of FREE fun! www.facebook.com/ CELEBRATIONS Burgers, hot dogs, cake Stirling-AgriculturalFace Painting, Come and celebrate Canada’s birthday with Stirling-Rawdon Society-848984085484598/ Glow Sticks & & beverages will be Council and Township Staff! Event starts at 6:30pm at the Glitter Tattoos available until they’re gone. WATER BUFFALO Stirling Fairgrounds (437 West Front Street). It’s a family
10 Wellmans Rd STIRLING, ON K0K 3E0 (613) 395-2395 (613) 395-3947
evening of FREE fun! Burgers, hot dogs, cake & beverages will be available until they’re gone.
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Pet supplies Brooks Performance horse feed Variety of pet foods like Royal Canin Horsey Clean Blanket service Fixed Fur Life adoption facility ...and more We take care of all your pets needs!
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227 West Front St., Stirling, Ontario 613.395.9444
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R AW D O N
Roads
celebrating life in hastings county
Country Roads
Friends of Bon Echo Park
celebrating life in hastings county
CR Country CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR Nancy Hopkins 613 968-0499 CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR John Hopkins 613 968-0499 ASSISTANT EDITOR Heather-Anne Wakeling 613 968-0499
Roads
SALES celebrating lifeDEPARTMENT in hastings county CENTRAL & NORTH HASTINGS & AREA Lorraine Gibson-Alcock lorraine@countryroadshastings.ca 613.902.0462
Preserving the Rugged Beauty & Rich History for the Future
The Friends of Bon Echo Park is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Bon Echo Provincial Park. Mazinaw Rock, which was named a National Historic Site in 1982, is the site of over 260 pictographs, made approximately 300 to 1,000 years ago. www.ontarioparks.com/park/bonecho
The Friends of Bon Echo Park are hosting more than 15 events this summer including 8 new ones. Something new and exciting every weekend. Check us out... @bonechofriends
@BonEchoFriends
@friendsofbonecho
ART DIRECTOR Jozef VanVeenen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lorraine Gibson-Alcock Angela Hawn James Kerr Barry Penhale Teddy Ryan Victor Schukov Michelle Annette Tremblay Sarah Vance Heather-Anne Wakeling Shelley Wildgen
Photo Credit curtisbird
www.bonechofriends.ca
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Gail Burstyn Heather Cowley Sandy Randle Michelle Annette Tremblay Sarah Vance Jozef VanVeenen COUNTRY ROADS, Celebrating Life in Hastings County is published four times a year by PenWord Communications Inc. Copies are distributed throughout all of Hastings County, from Bancroft and Maynooth in the North to Belleville/Quinte West in the South with all points in between, as well as Brighton, Campbellford, Havelock and the Land O’Lakes communities along Hwy 41 north of Hwy 7. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year: $25.00 2 years: $45.00 3 years: $67.50 All prices include H.S.T. The contents of this publication are protected by copyright. Reproduction of this p ublication in whole or in part without prior written permission of PenWord C ommunications Inc. is prohibited. The advertising deadline for the Fall 2019 issue is August 9, 2019
HOURS July & August Open Daily 11AM - 4PM May, June, Sept. & Oct. 11AM - 4PM Open Weekends, PA Days & Holidays Nov. to April - By Appointment Only Admission - $7.00 Each Age 2 & Under Free
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Support the Rescue by Donating Your Empties
HOW TO CONTACT US
POP CANS, BEER CANS & BOTTLES, LIQUOR & WINE BOTTLES/BAGS
Telephone: 613-968-0499 E-mail: info@countryroadshastings.ca Website: www.countryroadshastings.ca For written enquiries you can reach us at: PenWord Communications Inc. P.O. Box 124, Tweed, ON K0K 3J0
1200 Road 506, Cloyne, ON www.landolakesrescuepettingfarm.ca landolakespettingfarm@gmail.com
613-336-0330 Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL
Angela Hawn writes both fiction and non-fiction for various magazines and literary journals, both in print and online. There’s rarely a moment when some story of some sort isn’t rambling through her head, even if she’s making dinner for the family or chauffeuring a kid to swimming lessons while it’s happening. James Kerr is a writer, broadcaster, arcade champ, and media warrior. For most of his career he worked in radio running small notfor-profit radio stations and penning hours upon hours of radio drama. Now he lives quietly in a severed farmhouse in Campbellford with his lovely lady, two screaming children, a chronically nervous King Charles Caviller Spaniel, and about a dozen barn cats. James can be reached at jamesatkerr@gmail.com Vic Schukov was born and raised in Montreal, but finally found paradise in Brighton. He writes weekly columns for the Brighton Independent, the Belleville Intelligencer and the Montreal Gazette. Vic is a published novelist, a stage playwright, and a former stand-up comic in Montreal. He holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from McGill University. A tea reader once said he was Leonardo da Vinci in another life, but Vic is doubtful. Sarah Vance freelances articles for publications such as Bancroft This Week, The Haliburton Echo, Municipal Monitor and Country Roads. Sarah’s interest in cultural and social themes led her to pursue a masters’ degree, under the guidance of British philosopher Keith Ansell-Pearson. Sarah is always on the lookout for interesting angles and projects that will take her off the beaten path.
Summer Time Happiness There are reasons for the seasons and we love them all but in full disclosure we must admit that summer in Hastings County is our favourite. Is it the freedom to move inside to outdoors without great production? Yes, that’s really freeing. Is it the outings that more often than not inevitably include a stop at the nearest ice cream shop? Where you can announce what flavour you are? And is it possible to ignore our almost innate desire for outdoor summer dining — picnics and barbecues? These special social times and great moments of fresh air really do feed the soul. Our hearts warmed a little, and yours will too, when you read James Kerr’s story on the tradition of ice cream and the memories his young family made with their first ‘going for ice cream’ outing. Yes, it most definitely included a little one happily covered in melted sugary goodness and lots of smiles! Over the past decade plus, as publishers of this magazine we have travelled many local country roads. Even still there are so many more that we haven’t yet had the chance to explore. We’re sure we’re not alone with our habit of trying a different route when possible. We’re driven by the notion that you really never know what’s around that next bend! Is it a bucolic sheep farm, a breathtaking lake or river view, or an end of day gob-smacking sunset? You know what we mean. We’re going to do some extra exploring this summer and will let you know our favourite experiences. We’d love to hear some of yours. You can reach us in words or photos through our website www. countryroadshastings.ca, FB, Twitter, email, phone, snail mail. … This summer our explorations will include the use of our cell phone and camera. This has been motivated by Sarah Vance’s stimulating article on the immeasurable benefits of noticing and chronicling the nonhuman world around us and using easily available and free social media apps to save and share this data. A truly inspiring use of modern technology and since our cell phones are generally not far away — it’s easy and of great benefit to the world at large. Like the timeless Ella Fitzgerald song said – Summertime, and the livin’ is easy. We’re excited to discover the memories that Summer 2019 has in store. We’ll let you know. Please do the same.
•
Over 800 mineral specimens from Brancroft & the surrounding region with geological maps of the area
For hours of operation, contact: 613-332-3711 or bancroft.ca
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Country Roads • Summer 2019
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2, SUMMER 2019
CONTENTS 8
16
Bancroft’s Retro Candy Store
Bancroft General Mercantile 16 foot candy counter Fudge, Black Licorice, Pop Shoppe, & Vintage Novelties
75 Hastings St. N
Downtown Bancroft on the Strip
613.332.2332
20
Also visit Stirling General Mercantile 26 West Front St., Stirling 613.243.8462
30
RICH GOLD IN A BOTTLE. TASTE THE ELEGANCE! FEATURES 8 CITIZEN SCIENCE
By Sarah Vance
16 THE COLD TREAT WITH A WARM HEART
By James Kerr
20 REMEMBERING THE “FORGOTTEN LITTLE VILLAGE” OF WALLBRIDGE
By Vic Schukov
23 GRILL OF THEIR DREAMS
By John Hopkins
29 HASTINGS FARM TO TABLE - SUMMER HARVEST
OPEN
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 11 to 6 WATCH FOR PATIO JULY 2019 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK
596 Kings Mill Road Stirling, ON 613.395.4079 kingsmillcider.ca
30 P ERFECT PICNIC SPOTS IN HASTINGS COUNTY
By Angela Hawn
DEPARTMENTS 6 EDITORIAL
33 JUST SAYING
6 CONTRIBUTORS
Let Them Eat Cake - Again
24 THE VILLAGE IDIOT
Of mosquitoes and wasps
34 ADVERTISERS INDEX 36 COUNTRY CALENDAR
26 REMEMBERING
37 MARKETPLACE
38 BACKROADS
Algonquin Park
28 COUNTRY ROADS SOCIAL SCENE
Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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Citizen Science The Blue Jay’s feathers are not actually blue. This appearance is the result of the inner structure of the feathers, which distort the reflection of light off of the bird, making it look blue. The black crest along its neck is used as a communication tool, and defense mechanism. Blue Jays can sometimes sound like hawks, and they warn other birds of predators with their sharp piercing sounds.
The Democratization of Researching the Natural World STORY AND PHOTOS BY SARAH VANCE
I
used to take a lot of selfies, but then I started noticing the natural environment around me. You could say the change was incremental — beginning with the flight patterns of birds; the sounds of a muskrat excavating the shoreline, and the arrival of migrating ducks on a York River stop-over. I mean, have you ever noticed a Pine Grosbeak fanning its plumage in the sunlight? In November, when my girls and I found a flock of eight of these magnificent birds landing on the crabapple tree outside of our kitchen window, the change took hold. It was a magical few weeks, as we watched the finches roll the jelly from little apples, smashing them up against the branches and regurgitating the pulp onto the snow in a blanket
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of red around the tree. Grosbeaks don’t actually eat the pulp of the berry, but search for the seed inside, while hanging upside down and dancing along the branches. It was noticeable that they travelled with a mate, although we noticed that there was a significant pecking order. But then, when, isn’t there? Watching these winter guests, my girls and I didn’t have to Wikipedia any of our questions, because the answers were being directly translated to us — by the birds doing what they do, and just being who they are. Without even realizing it, it was those grosbeaks who gave me my first real taste of citizen science. Citizen science or citizen scientists, as it is often referred to, is an umbrella term given to every-day people who are documenting the behavior’s and patterns of the wildlife that they
Robins are very territorial birds, and it is estimated that ten percent of them die defending territory from other robins. They are also very prolific, living on every continent. Robins may find several mates in a season, and the male takes an active role in feeding the female as she nests.
see around them in the natural world. Often this happens in organic and grass roots ways and these efforts are having a direct and measurable impact on the world around them. While the grosbeaks were my entry-point into backyard science, it was when I shared photos of the birds by email with my home’s previous owner when I realized that I was, to say the least, late to the party. ... Monarch(DanausPlexippus) Photo Jozef VanVeenen
Top: Beavers are the second largest rodent in the world, and their teeth never stop growing, which makes their unpopular gnawing upon trees a biological necessity for survival. A national animal of Canada, once they were heavily hunted for food, fur and pelts, but with the decrease in hunting their population has increased.
“I thought the girls and you would enjoy the Pine Grosbeaks,� came her sweet reply. This was my wake-up-call because coming into our fourth year of living beside this crabapple tree and in this beautiful home, I had to admit that I had not noticed the grosbeak migration pattern, despite the fact that their migration had clearly predated me, and was going strong.
This simple act of noticing is, put loosely, the first and most fundamental step of citizen science. Citizen scientists notice the world around them, and can tell you about it in ways that are grounded in lived, experiential research. Sometimes noticing involves documentation with photography, or participating in a planned species count and then sharing this information with others. But citizen science can also be a
Top: Pine Grosbeaks are enucleators, which refers to a feeding style of removing the pulp of a berry in order to get to the seed inside. Pine Grosbeaks are migrating finches and are attracted to Crab Apple trees where they will remain as a flock until the food is depleted before moving on.
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Woodpeckers are the birds that are responsible for those rolling, drum like patterns that can sometimes be heard in marshes, woodlands and downtown Bancroft. These intuitive birds seem to know exactly where to hammer their beaks to find carpenter ants.
quiet, personal and introspective experience. While my accidental encounter with backyard science has become a spring-board for writing ecology into my family’s narrative and fostering our pride of place, for others citizen science
is about building a community of friends and supporters who spend time together as nature participants. In March, when the Bancroft Field Naturalists hosted a gathering at the Fish and Game Club to
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-TripAdvisor Review
iNaturalist app
build nesting boxes, the magic of “community in noticing” was evident. A “natural” literacy permeated the room and floated above the sounds of drilling and hammering, as bat nurseries and bluebird nesting boxes were constructed. “The salamanders are late this year, but should be running next week.” “What happened to the Gray Jays — they seem to have gone away? I had exactly 11 this time last year.” “There are eagles at Diamond Lake this week and there is a pair of them.” Environmental awareness is one way of describing it. Although content area literacy, might be more appropriate. Rest assured however, that whatever you call it, citizen scientists have it in droves and they express it in ways that are organic, authentic, and experiential. Being new to the game, I didn’t realize that I was supposed to bring a hammer to the Fish and Game Club, but one was given to me, and within two hours, 12 volunteers had assembled more than eight bat nurseries and over 15 bluebird nesting boxes, like professionals. And while working, (sometimes on their hands and knees) these volunteers never once stopped to talk about new movie releases; or what other people were up to — they just discussed the bats and birds as if it was their employ and field of knowledge. And this is because citizen science is their knowledge and employ, despite the other jobs they do from 9 to 5. Listening to these conversations that offered a vast and meticulous local way of knowing, they showed me how their involvement is quietly and gently, protecting the ecological sustainability of our region.
In recent years, bat populations have declined as a result of White Nose Syndrome, a condition that develops when bats try to feed too early in the season. This leads to bats that were essentially starving to death from depleted energy levels as a result of being out of synch with their environment. These units built by the Bancroft Field Naturalist volunteers will provide homes for over 800 bats, which actually use designated nurseries within their family systems. If there are qualities that set citizen scientists apart from the colloquial, “average Joes,” it is their ecological literacy, accompanied by often strong ideas and actions, about how humans need to begin situating themselves in a balance with nature if everyone is going to survive. The fact that citizen scientists are not the holders of PHD’s, research fellowships, or associate titles makes us all just a bunch of “average Joes.” That being said, it is the citizen scientists’
“Common Grackle” or Blackbirds as they are commonly called observe a pecking order that is comical to watch. Grackles hunt other birds, and dip into water to catch river life. They perform a ceremony called “anting”, where they remain statuesque on the ground while allowing ants to travel up through their wings in order to eat parasites living on their body.
Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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iNaturalist app uses image recognition
After weeks of entertaining antics the Grosbeaks finally reach and eat the seed in the middle of the little apples.
field research that is being highly sought after by academia, and is now integral to postsecondary research. Furthermore, backyard
counts are providing direct contributions to the direction of environmental policy. In April, I decided to go global.
It happened in Bancroft, on Chemaushgon Road when I participated in a “Great Backyard Bird Count.” These are annual events hosted on-line and throughout communities, within specific timeframes, by local and national organizations, such as Bird Studies and Bird Watch Canada. During a backyard bird count, or a feeder watch as these events are sometimes called, participants simply observe, count, and document the wildlife activities in their yard as they occur. Participants are then encouraged to share their findings, using social networks such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, iNaturalist, or
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Country Roads • Summer 2019
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Vintage Motorcycle Display Inside! 104221 Highway 7 Marmora, ON 613-473-2000 Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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A group of 12 citizen scientist volunteers gathered at the Fish and Game Club, and within two hours they assembled more than eight bat nurseries and over 15 bluebird nesting boxes.
other websites set-up specifically by the host research group. Admittedly, species identification was a barrier for me getting started. Living on the York River, it is easy to snap pictures of wildlife, but it is definitely more difficult to correctly identify an animal. This is where apps and online tools such as iNaturalist.org can become vital entry-points for both beginning adults and children. Within a few moments of uploading my first photo to iNaturalist, the species was identified by another user, and cross-referenced with other sightings. A few more clicks and I could access data showing a map of pin-pointed observations across the continent, as
they happen, sorted by frequency, duration, gender and size. You name it — it’s there. And if you can’t name the wildlife you are seeing, this app can help. On-line tools are also great ways to get actively involved in monitoring the environment, while appreciating it and building a community of sharing around preservation and stewardship. These tools have the further effect of democratizing science, by giving voice to the citizens who live within and through nature and allowing for environmental fellowship and solidarity. After one short season of “bird watching,” or ornithology as it is called, my whole concept
about how I fit into the greater dynamics of my backyard, and consequently, into a community of animate and inanimate others, has incurred a significant paradigm shift. And as one citizen to another, this summer, as you are walking the trails, raking leaves, or even sitting on your balcony high above the city skyline, I encourage you to keep your camera handy. Take some photos of what you see. Share them. Or strike up a conversation. Nature, my friends, has been noticing you. And today, more than ever, nature needs your eyes, and ears, and voices.
•
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Country Roads • Summer 2019
16 Bridge Street. W., Bancroft 613.332.1336 • www.fudgefactory.ca
arts, eats & boutiques
beautifulbancroft McMichael Jewellers Your Canadian Diamond Consultant
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34 Hastings St. N, Bancroft 613.334.1513 Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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Above: Jack and Ila Crowe, founders of Kawartha Dairy have established a well-respected “multi-generational” business and community legacy. Photo Courtesy Kawartha Dairy. Left: Debbie is expert at dishing out the “scoop”. Shown here with a cone of Tiger Tail ice cream, just one of the delicious flavours associated with summer vacations. Photo Courtesy Kawartha Dairy.
The Cold Treat with a Warm Heart Getting the Scoop on Ice Cream this Summer By James Kerr
T
here isn’t a food that I attach more sentimentality to than ice cream. I have treasured childhood memories of “going for ice cream.” I fondly remember every part of these excursions — piling into a car headed for Empire Cheese or Reid’s Dairy, feeling the ice cream’s sugary run-off dripping down my six-year old hand, and the gleeful race against the sun’s heat as I struggled to lick my dessert before it melted. Growing up on a local dairy farm, I always took pride in knowing that our milk that we sent to Reid’s Dairy helped to create this wonderful, magical, summer treat. The warm weather always reminds me of these special trips. I’m sure that I am not alone in my sen-
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timentality about the summer sun versus ice cream race, especially in this area which is home to two excellent ice cream manufacturers, Kawartha Dairy and Reid’s Dairy. Vicki McMillan is the Retail Manager at Empire Cheese in Campbellford. She says that Empire Cheese was built in 1953, and has most likely been serving ice cream since it opened. Empire Cheese serves both local brands, one being Kawartha Dairy’s hand-scooped hard ice cream, and the other, Reid’s Dairy’s soft ice cream. McMillan says that Empire Cheese attracts “Lots of regulars. Families. A lot of cottagers.” It’s obvious that vacationing cottagers like ice cream on hot days, but there seems to be a local
connection to this sweet treat as well. If you ask Joy Lott, Store Manager at Ivanhoe Cheese in Madoc, she’ll tell you that “People come out more on hot days. But I think they come out here because this is part of their childhood. Ice cream is part of their memory.” According to Lott, Ivanhoe Cheese has been serving Hastings County for “years and years.” In fact, the local company has been producing cheese for more than 150 years. Then go ask Tom Legere, Marketing Manager at Kawartha Dairy in Bobcaygeon, a company that serves customers far and wide right across Ontario and beyond, including Hastings County. He sums it up perfectly: “People love ice cream,” he says. “It’s tradition-based, it’s fun-based, its’ something that the whole family can do. … It’s timeless.” Kawartha Dairy too has an established area legacy. Legere said that, “We’ve been around 83 years now.” Legere describes the company as “multi-generational.” The same is true of their customers; families come in, kids, parents and grandparents. When the kids grow up, they continue the tradition by visiting the dairy with their own children. It is certainly true in my case. Ice cream runs in my blood. My grandfather loved ice cream probably too much (not that I would have made that judgement when I was less than four feet tall). When he’d pick me up for a visit, the first thing we’d do was to go for ice cream, and since the Empire Cheese Factory was conveniently located between his house and my parents’, we’d go there again on the way back too. As a child, I thought Grandpa Kerr was spoiling me kindly, that his love for me must truly be grand to let me get away with ice cream twice in one day. As an adult I realize now that he just really liked ice cream. Probably 80% of our customers are repeat,” says Lott at Ivanhoe. “Whether they’re local or seasonal coming down for cottage country. … People who are now grandparents come and say, “I remember coming here with my grandparents.” In my personal experience, the warm tradition of this cold treat does seem to pass from generation to generation. I can’t look at Tiger Tail without thinking of my Grandpa Kerr. My Dad was bit by the ice
“People love ice cream. It’s tradition-based, it’s funbased, its’ something the whole family can do … it’s timeless.” — Tom Legere, Kawartha Dairy.
The famous Mooing Cow and Train track display at Reid’s Dairy is always a hit with the kids and those young at heart. Photo by James Kerr
cream bug too, and we have shared many a bowl out on the front porch on a lazy summer evening. Apparently, once you catch the ice cream bug, it stays with you for life. Bill Hanna, VP of Sales at Reid’s Dairy, Belleville, has been employed at the firm for over 40 years now. He says that, “I see people in the store that I delivered to their house [in the old days]. From far and wide, going for ice cream is a grand tradition. The skin on both of my arms gets hot remembering those sunburns from summer car trips. There was always, somehow, ice cream involved. Of course, every trip to the Hoard’s Station Sales Barn in the old beat-up farm trick meant stopping at Empire Cheese for ice cream. I think there was some pretense of picking up cheese too, but what mattered most to me was the ice cream. As McMillan at Empire Cheese puts it, a “hot summer day, ice cream and a bag of fresh curd. What could go wrong?” And then, every trip through Belleville meant stopping at Reid’s Dairy. There was no choice in the matter. I’d run inside, hit the button on the big mechanical cow, and listen to it moo as I ran to the ice cream display to hastily pick my choice of ice cream before my sister could get hers. I always assumed my parent’s generosity in taking us, but as I am now a parent myself, I wonder. When it is hot outside, and as Hanna at Reid’s Dairy puts it, “What do you do with the kids?” Well, what you do is to get everyone to pile into the car and head out looking for ice cream. It’s an outing that the entire family can enjoy.
Everyone has their favourite flavours: Moose Tracks is a local sensation. It is the biggest seller at both Kawartha Dairy and Reid’s Dairy. According to Lott, the most popular flavours at Ivanhoe Cheese are Moose Tracks and Salted Caramel Truffle.
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Top: This unmistakable tower indicating the Reid’s Dairy outlet is a particular Belleville favourite stop. Photo by James Kerr. Above: A well-known stop for tourists, cottagers and locals alike, the Ivanhoe Cheese store has been a staple business for the community for more than 150 years. Photo by James Kerr.
McMillan states that at Empire Cheese, the hottest ice creams are “Pralines and Cream … Butter Pecan … and maybe most of all Moose Tracks.” Kawartha Dairy’s Legere points out that the Chocolate and Peanut-butter flavour “is the original salty-sweet combination.” “People are still pretty traditional,” Lott says. “Your older customers stick to your older flavours. But then, our young kids love Maple Walnut.” Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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Boudica Kerr aged 2.5 is introduced to her first ice cream shop visit, with a much-negotiated and highlycompromised scoop of vanilla. Photo by James Kerr.
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Legere suggests that a variety of flavours to choose from is important for customers: “People like variety and new things … its part of the fun of ice cream.” At Reid’s Dairy, according to Bill Hanna, “the old staples are still there. The Maple Walnut, the Chocolate, the Strawberry. … But, with the kids flavours, they’re all about something different.” Hanna even gave me a sneak peak of Reid’s Dairy’s newest flavours: Zombie Crunch, Donut Grow Up, French Connection, Blondie, and Jungle Streaker. “Colour has a big thing to do with the kids,” he tells me. I can only imagine the colours involved in a Zombie Crunch. With all these different flavours to choose from, there is something for everyone. Every person that I interviewed had a personal favourite. As Hanna said, while reflecting on his love of Sea-Salt Caramel, “It’s addictive, I tell ya!”
“People who are now grandparents come and say: “I remember coming here with my grandparents.” — Joy Lott, Ivanhoe Cheese. If you too have the ice cream bug, you can indulge in this summer treat all season long and potentially beyond. At Empire Cheese ice cream season runs from the May long weekend through to Thanksgiving. For the manufacturers, however, making ice cream is a year-round event. Legere says that at Kawartha Dairy, “A lot is sold in retail stores. More in the summer, but an awful lot in the off-season. … People do come in for cones all year round.” At Ivanhoe it seems that they’ve made ice cream a constant thing as well. “Ice cream season does not end,” said Lott, even though Ivanhoe is just an outlet for the stuff. “One year we tried to take out the ice cream and someone phoned the head office and complained. We never did that again!” With ice cream on the “brain-freeze,” my family and I decided to go out and get some while the getting’s good. Legere of Kawartha Dairy warned us that the Victoria Day weekend is a busy one,
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so we decided to start early, with the intention to visit often. My daughter Boudica (or “Boo” as we call her) is now two-and a half years old. One of the words she knows, and says remarkably well compared with the rest of her vocabulary is “ice cream.” There is no surer way to make her happy and quiet (which to say, make us as parents happy) than to propose dessert at the end of the meal. We had her first ice cream outing the other day. It was a moderately-warm weekday when my wife, toddler, newborn and I made the trek to Reid’s Dairy for ice cream cones. Although it was early in the season — and a weekday at supper time — the parlour was busy, and buzzing with excited (and hungry) customers. Some of us had more ice cream than others. Boudica, all of 2.5 and wanted more scoops than that, started off with a highly-compromised, muchnegotiated, single scoop of vanilla. At first it seemed to be a big success. She half ate it, half wore-it, and sometimes even sang to it, but she seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. My wife made the mistake of putting down her half-eaten ice cream cone within toddler reach. Boudica proudly announced: “I have Mommy’s ice cream!” My wife and I made the mistake of laughing — a parenting fail — and to make a long story short, my wife’s ice cream became toddler food. Somewhere under those layers of ice cream Boudica was wearing a big smile. She sure was happy … until the tummy ache set in. But that’s part of the ice cream experience when you’re a kid. “Celebrations, family — that is the best part about ice cream for me,” says Legere. “There isn’t much of a downside to ice cream for me.” I made sure Boo got to press the big button and watch the cow moo before we left Reid’s Dairy. The first time we go out for ice cream as a family, the four of us, and immediately we have happy memories. McMillan who has been with Empire Cheese for 14 years, and on everybody’s favourite topic, ice cream she notes, “It just keeps getting busier. Ice cream is a huge draw. Having local ice cream is even better.” Ice cream means tradition, summer, fun, memories and all generations from grandparents to kids, but for the people supplying it, it can mean all that and more. What does ice cream mean to Lott, at Ivanhoe? “A strong right arm,” she says. “Because we’re scooping all the time!” And that’s the scoop on ice cream.
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Editor’s note: Should you find yourself touring Hastings County and are unsure where to find the local ice cream bar and you’re not shy — just ask someone on the street. Most likely they’ll know. And if it’s Marmora you’re exploring, pay a visit to one of the newest purveyors of Kawartha Dairy; The Ice Cream Shoppe on Highway 7 right next to the Ultramar gas station. You might want to take that treat a few blocks away to enjoy it alongside the beautiful river running through Marmora’s Memorial Park.
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Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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Remembering The “Forgotten Little Village” Of Wallbridge BY VIC SCHUKOV The Wm. K. Ketcheson home as it is today. The farm is operated by a 5th generation descendant. Photo by Vic Schukov.
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orn in Wallbridge on the back Concessions, un-surveyed. same land he lives on, auConcessions 1 and 2 were most thor of A Place Called Walldesirable because of rich soil bridge (2016 Epic Press), and proximity to transportation Alex McNaught is unquestionably on the Bay of Quinte.” an authority on the village’s rich By his account, “Sidney Townhistory. Laughing he said “People ship pioneers figured they needask me why I call it the Forgotten ed local government, so in 1790 Little Village of Wallbridge. I ask they formed Ontario’s first muthem, ‘Do you know where it is?’ nicipal government. The federal They say, ‘No.’ ” government being Lower Cana“My father, a Scottish immida, Quebec did not recognize this grant, came to Canada in 1927 at frontier. The settlers elected offithe age of 16 to work on the Gracials, enacted by-laws and kept ham family farm — Scots who minutes of meetings — the first came in 1823. In 1858, Captain to do so in Ontario.”* The John Graham family with daughter Violet, on left. Born in 1872, Violet held the distinction of John Graham of the local militia “Typically, you did some form being one of the few women of her era to graduate from Queen’s University. inherited the family’s 200 acres.” of mixed farming depending Photo Courtesy Alex McNaught. For McNaught, “Canadian histoon the season. Milk was sent ry and literature … inspired me to to the cheese factory. You colemploy a variety of research techniques to discover beginning with the road into town: “The Wallbridge lected your dividends annually and collected for the local history of the Quinte region.” Road is an old First Nations trail, from Frankford milk monthly. Old Hastings County Directories As a young man he moved from the village to east on Frankford Road through Wallbridge villist tax assessments based on the value of livestock graduate from the University of New Brunswick. lage where the Indigenous peoples camped before and amount of land owned. Your assessment deHis 40 year absence spanned a career that began following the edge of the drumlin (a hill created termined how many days of labour you were rein a classroom and morphed to the founding of 12,000 years ago by the last continental glacier) quired to contribute under the Statute of Labour. the provincial secretariat/federation, Sport New then southward on Wallbridge-Loyalist through Citizens would meet at the town hall and say they Brunswick — ultimately closing within the City of Tuckers Woods, Aikens Flats, ending at the mouth want a road. A Pathmaster** would then approach Edmonton’s Department of Recreation and Parks. of Potters Creek.” He goes on to say that “the area each farmer — more assessed value meant more When he and his wife of 42 years decided it was was settled by United Empire Loyalists in the late days contributed in clearing plant growth and levtime to retire, they “selected a hill top location on 1780’s. Years 1788-1789 were termed the hungry elling roads. No one had cash. Deeds were curour farm — the place of my roots.” years when the British government cut off supplies rency. They would sign over a deed for a horse and Now a widower, father of two and grandfather to to the Loyalists. Concessions 4 and 5, where some a plow. A barrel of salmon was once exchanged four, McNaught is a living library of village history, settlers died of starvation, were referred to as the for 200 acres.”
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The oldest frame house in Wallbridge, built in the early 1800s. Photo by Vic Schukov.
Wallbridge has no prouder resident than Alex McNaught, author of A Place Called Wallbridge.
Emigration to the area included the 1800 arrival of the William K. Ketcheson family. From New England, they became movers and shakers in founding Wallbridge. Ketcheson had been a Colonel in support of the British during the American Revolution and was granted 600 acres on Concession 5. During the War of 1812, Wm. K. Ketcheson and his four eldest sons volunteered for active duty. Fortunately, they and other Wallbridge residents never defended their properties because the American-Fennians did not attack the Bay of Quinte area. “In 1837, we had the Rebellion of Upper Canada against the two-caste Family Compact system where the elite of Ontario wanted the British system of control. The government received things from England and did not disperse them properly. The government elite favoured each other with land grants and nepotism while the semi-literate farmers, tradesmen, and labourers were oppressed. The Reformers came from this second class of citizens, opposing large land grants to the Church of England, lack of funds for roads, schools and other local needs. Elitists empowered local militias to arrest accused Reformers and send them to jail without a hearing or trial. The poorly trained militiamen would come into an accused Reformer’s home and confiscate his belongings. If three people accused you of being a reformer, it was enough to be arrested. And, by the way, we are ransacking your home to ensure you have nothing hidden such as a gun.” “The majority of Ontario residents were Loyalist farmers not used to dictators. England sent over a gentleman in 1840 to try and smooth things out. As a result, the Baldwin Act in the late 1840’s in-
rebellion. Very few accused Reformers ever received anything.” In 1850, John Ketcheson donated land for the Sidney Town Hall and for the next century, Wallbridge became the hub of Sidney Township. Up to 1863, the village was called Sidney until it became the Postal Village of Wallbridge named after a prominent family in Hastings. Elected councillors were mainly farmers. In 1850, the Municipality of the Township of Sidney was one of the first to become incorporated when Upper Canada became the Province of Ontario. The first order of business was to build an edifice. “Wallbridge was conveniently located dead centre in the township so people could come for civics. Due to increased traffic, many trades set shop; blacksmiths, carpenters, carriage and wagon-makers, cobblers, bakers, etc. By 1878, almost every house was occupied by a tradesman. As the area thrived from sale of farm produce, log and frame houses gave way to brick and stone.” In 1858, the currency changed from pounds to dollars. That same year, municipal taxes replaced payment in labour for road construction and maintenance. “In the 1870’s and 1880’s, we had the Riel Rebellion out west. In the spring of 1885, Captain John Graham had camped 160 militiamen on his farm, preparing for deployment to the North West Territories. His youngest daughter Violet (born 1872) remembered this event, and I grew up knowing her. She was probably the first woman from Wallbridge to graduate with a university degree, from Queen’s.” McNaught is a fountain of historical anecdotes: “In late October 1819, Wm. K. Ketcheson’s granddaughter Gatrey age five was sent into the woods to deliver a message to another family. She didn’t come home. The next day, they sent a search party
sidney township
A map of Sidney Township. Photo by Vic Schukov.
troduced representative/responsible government, the beginnings of today’s Department of Municipal Affairs in Ontario. William K’s son William was one of the magistrates who determined which person received compensation for losses during the
Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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No photographs of the original Sidney Town Hall were found after professional photographer Clarence Herington died. This hand drawn facsimile by Alex McNaught is based on old Council minutes and local accounts. Illustration Courtesy Alex McNaught. This photograph is of the original 1790 Minutes that is currently stored in the Records Department, City Hall, Trenton. Photo Courtesy Alex McNaught.
of 500. On the seventh day, she curled up, said her prayers and planned to die. They found her on the eighth day and she lived to the age of 84, raising four children.” “In 1863, the cheese factory, called Sidney Town Hall Cheese and Butter Manufacturing Company, commenced operation due to the high demand by England for protein for their industrial workers.” “The residents of Wallbridge loved the Town Hall so much that the first church in 1869 was named Town Hall Episcopal Methodist Church. In 1876, the Wesleyan’s named their new church the Town Hall Wesleyan Methodist Church. A blacksmith also got into the act and named his son Sidney Wallbridge Gartner.” McNaught said that by the late 1890’s, Wallbridge was booming with artisans and people arriving daily for meetings. At least two dozen benevolent organizations used the Town Hall. In 1906, the Women’s
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Institute magazine, Tweedsmuir stated that, “Wallbridge had everything anyone could ever want.” He pointed out that David Graham’s ledgers show from 1909 to 1928, up to 40 percent of his annual income came from the Wallbridge cheese factory; in 1928, it won seven of nine gold medals for the world’s best Grade ‘A’ cheddar in European international competition. “The joke was that there was a cheese factory on every four corners of Hastings County. They say that the limestone in the ground gave the milk a special flavour. By the late 1950’s, most factories had folded because the milk was more valuable sold to Western Ontario. Also, the Sanitation Act demanded expensive pasteurization and cold storage. In its day, Wallbridge’s cheese brought honour to Canada. Hastings County is still designated Cheddar Capital of Canada.” By the 1950’s, people began to gravitate towards bigger centres. Farm kids moved away. Artisans left and stores shuttered. The Town Hall burned down in 1943, and was never rebuilt. The United Church burned down in 1970. Even the remains of the cheese factory, closed in 1958, burned down in 1979.
“Whenever I tell this story, someone asks, ‘Do you have an arsonist down there?’ By 1980, Wallbridge was about to dry up and blow away. It was saved by movement back to the country from cities. By late 1990’s, entrepreneurs had developed two subdivisions here. Wallbridge was resurrected as a desirable quiet residential place to live.” McNaught told me that, “Just before you arrived, five deer walked across my front lawn.” If an historical village ever had a curator it’s certainly Alex McNaught. Through his perseverance, a memorial park was built in 2011 on the sacred grounds of the Town Hall. Photos of the building by professional photographer Clarence Herington cannot be found, as after he died, his photographic plates of historic sites of the region were either lost or destroyed. Instead, McNaught sketched the Sidney Town Hall based on measurements in old Council minutes and accounts by locals. He researched, wrote and installed all six memorial plaques and designed the Old Sidney Town Hall Park at 84 Wallbridge Road. McNaught’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, the City of Quinte West presented their appreciation of this truly remarkable man’s contribution to the preservation of village history with the Volunteer of Excellence Award. An award well deserved. In his own words returning home must have been a natural choice as: “My love for the community is probably intuitive; it is a feeling of peace, being close to nature and experiencing the changing seasons, begin away from the hustle and bustle forces of electronic life styles. I find Wallbridge’s rich cultural heritage fascinating, unique in its own way.” Indeed!
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* Ed. Note: The Constitutional Act of 1791 split Quebec into The Canadas: Lower Canada east of the St. Lawrence-Ottawa River confluence, the area of earliest settlement; and Upper Canada southwest of the confluence. Ontario’s name originated from the Iroquois word Kanadario, or sparkling water. ** Ed. Note: A Pathmaster was one of two professions: a person who drew area maps or a commissioned officer of roads and highways.
Grill of their dreams Blackburn family memories live on with barbecue By John Hopkins • Photos courtesy Bobbie-Joe Blackburn
The Blackburn barbecue can handle 30 or more half chickens, and Scott and Bobbie-Joe continue to experiment with marinades and sauces to enhance flavour. Photo courtesy Bobbie-Joe Blackburn. His love of family and entertaining helped inspire Allan Blackburn to create a grill able to handle sufficient food for large social gatherings. Photo courtesy BobbieJoe Blackburn.
The Model T-inspired butterfly doors allow easy access to the cooking area on the grill. Photo courtesy Bobbie-Joe Blackburn.
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s far as Canadian symbols go, the barbecue could rank right up there with the Maple Leaf and the beaver. Few images define the summer experience in this country quite like meat cooking on the grill in the backyard or on the deck. Magazine articles, books and television shows are dedicated to barbecue recipes, and the surest sign of spring is the appearance of grilling devices and accessories in hardware stores. However, the barbecue is much more than simply a means of cooking food. It is also a social experience. While there is nothing wrong with turning on the grill to prepare a small family meal, the real pleasure comes from hosting those gatherings of family and friends, where everyone is outside, enjoying the sun and warmth, and taking in the aromas of food cooking on an open fire. It may not be strictly a Canadian experience, but it is a summer connection we share as surely as mosquitoes and sunburns. With that in mind, there are probably few of us who have not envisioned the perfect barbecue — the ultimate in outdoor entertaining that would allow us to host the summer event of our dreams. But how many of us have had the vision and determination to actually create the perfect grill? Some 25 years ago Allan Blackburn did, and the result is an engineering achievement that continues to provide a social hub for family and friends in the Tweed and surrounding area. The portable grill he dreamt up can handle three of the largest rib roast, 30 or more half
chickens and a full pig, has the capability of running three rotisseries at once and has a capacity for five large bags of charcoal. It has handled the cooking for events of up to 150 people and annually serves the Blackburn family reunion, which numbers 3040 people. “Dad came from a big family and we always had these large family reunions,” explains his son Scott, who along with his wife Bobbie-Joe became the custodian of the barbecue after his father’s death in 2010. “The Blackburns are big eaters, and we love to cook, and to see people eating and enjoying themselves. Dad’s philosophy I guess was to go big or go home. He had a vision.” The barbecue measures 36” long by 48” wide and 50” high. It is mounted on wheels, but with its solid axle it is not practical for towing over long distances behind a vehicle. Once at a venue it can, however, be hitched up behind a four-wheeler and towed to a specific location. Among its features are butterfly doors on each side, like on a Model T Ford, which provides easy access to the cooking area, and the ability to have any combination of the three skewers rotating. There is a potato basket and crates for steaks or half chickens. While Allan Blackburn had the vision, welder Jimmy Sherman was key to bringing that vision to reality. Allan’s wife Barbara and brother Ivan were also key figure in critiquing meals after meals until they got it right.
“There was a lot of trial and error,” Scott points out. “For example, when they first ran the skewers they were turning so fast the guys thought the meat would just fly off. They had to change the gearing. The stainless steel skewers had to be a certain size. Dad probably spent five or six years tinkering with it.” While the butterfly doors provide easy access when open, when they are closed they seal in the smoke and, combined with marinade dripping on the coals, provide a unique flavour to chicken. Scott and BobbieJoe have also spent time developing marinades and rubs to enhance taste. “We watch a lot of barbecue shows on TV and get some ideas from those,” Scott says. “We’ll try recipes out on the family and if it passes that test we’ll use it with friends.” While the unit has proven practical for large gatherings, it is also durable, and has only required minor maintenance over the years. That is partly due to the fact that it is used infrequently and only family or close friends are allowed to cook on it. Scott’s son Taylor, “can take anything I own, but as for the barbecue…,” Scott explains. “He understands it has a lot of sentimental value to our family, and we would hate to see anything happen to it.” Indeed, what started out as a practical means of feeding those large family gatherings has turned into something more for the Blackburns. “I’m a lot like my Dad,” Scott says. “When we’re out cooking I’ll hang back and let everyone eat and I like to see that they’re enjoying themselves. When we’re cooking with it it’s like Dad is cooking with us, and I think he’d be so happy to see that we’re still using the unit and it’s still bringing everyone together and bringing them pleasure.”
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Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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THE VILLAGE IDIOT BY JOHN HOPKINS
Of mosquitoes and wasps
T
he battle against pests has changed a great deal in my lifetime. When I was a boy and we had mice trouble in our cottage, we either rented a cat or set deadly traps. The cat had limited success but the traps seemed to always do the trick, a telltale snapping sound during the night attesting to their effectiveness. If you were really into torture there were the glue traps, which resulted in slow and painful death by starvation. Similarly, the best way to deal with offensive insects seemed to be to buy the most toxic spray legally available and snuff them out that way. The effect on our own bodies, and harmless plants and animals in the vicinity of the barrage of insecticide was incidental, the necessary collateral damage of the on-going war between humans and the insidious small monsters that Mother Nature thrust on us each summer. I remember our family being fascinated when friends introduced us to their insect “zapper”, an outdoor device that attracted mosquitoes with its light and then fried them on contact. Evening social gatherings would be punctuated by a sizzling sound and a small waft of smoke as another mosquito was lured in by this summer siren and then cooked in milliseconds. Nowadays we tend toward more compassionate methods of dealing with pests. We use “humane” traps that capture, but do not kill, small rodents. In this way we are able to safely release them into the wild, not to be bothered with them again until they find their way back to our home a week or so later, at which point the process is repeated. In terms of insects, there is a great trend to products that do not kill but instead simply make an area unattractive for them. Over the past year or so I have heard plaudits on the radio and firsthand accounts from neighbours on the miracle of garlic in clearing an area of mosquitoes. One can buy a spray that if administered to a region either early in the morning or late in the evening will make it unappealing to these pesky insects. I rather think it would make the area unappealing to many guests, but perhaps that is why you are meant to spray early in the morning or late in the evening. … We experimented with the garlic on our patio last summer, and for a few mornings I faithfully started my day by spraying the area with the garlic concoction. The aroma of garlic wafting through the nose on a warm summer morning is not for everybody, but apart from developing a craving for snails on mushroom caps for breakfast I did not find the experience unpleasant and the stench did not linger for long. As for the effectiveness of the garlic against mosquitoes I’m afraid the evidence is inconclusive, and we may need to alter our mixture this summer
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and see if that improves things. I can say quite definitely, however, that we have not been troubled by vampires, so I guess that is something. As much as I am in favour of and support civilized techniques of dealing with pests, I must admit that I do find a place for the more violent and forceful techniques. We have occasionally had to deal with wasp nests around our house, and I’m afraid my charity toward living things does not extend to wasps. In this case I am inclined to return to the scorched earth strategy of the past, and there is nothing like a good can of powerful repellent to neutralize the population swiftly. There is nothing subtle or benevolent about taking out a wasp nest. Again, the time to act is early in the morning or late at night, so that you have as many of the little devils home as possible. This is for the simple reason that you cannot afford to have any survivors or witnesses, as they will fly off and alert other swarms of wasps in the vicinity, and then you will have a real problem on your hands.
As for the effectiveness of the g arlic against mosquitoes I’m afraid the evidence is inconclusive, and we may need to alter our mixture this summer and see if that improves things.
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It is also advisable that you are well protected in this endeavor – I find about four layers of heavy duty clothing to be sufficient. I also tend to fit an old helmet on my head as protection against possible concussion when I run into a tree or the side of the house in the dark while I am being chased by angry wasps. All pets should be indoors, and the house sealed. The repellent I use is a foam and the container comes with a thin nozzle that can be inserted directly into the nest. With a push of the button the nest fills up with foam and the vast majority of the wasps are dead before they know what hit them (which I guess in a way constitutes a humane form of execution). It is then important to spray the outside of the nest to deal with possible escapees, for the reasons outlined above, and also knock it to the ground and dispose of it with your other atomic waste. In a matter of minutes you have solved your wasp problem and in about four or five years you may even see grass starting to grow in the area again. Oh, and by the way, this technique also tends to keep mosquitoes away.
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CELEBRATING LIFE IN HASTINGS COUNTY
I 25
R E M E M B E R I N G
Algonquin Park A Place Like No Other BY BARRY PENHALE
All sawlogs taken within the Algonquin limits of Ottawa timber baron, John Rudolphus Booth, were indelibly stamped with the large letter B. Cees Van, photogapher. Ontario Dept. of Lands & Forests. Penhale collection.
T
he provincial treasure that is Algonquin Park since becoming Ontario’s and Canada’s first provincial park in 1893, has deservedly attracted artists, photographers, filmmakers, naturalists and a wide-range of camping and recreational enthusiasts alike. It seems as if most everyone has had a memorable “Algonquin” experience. For some it may be where were they learned to paddle or heard for the very first time the spine-tingling howl of a wolf. Ask others and memories spill out involving the jaw-dropping sight of a massive bull-moose standing in its reedy environment. Perhaps most of all park visitors’ treasure those magical occasions when on an already perfect evening it is suddenly “show time” and the maniacal, reverberating cry of the loon pierces the stillness. My reading has been enhanced by the quite extraordinary book, Algonquin Park: A Place Like No Other published by The Friends of Algonquin Park and authored by Roderick MacKay. A former cottage leaseholder at Lake of Two Rivers, he was introduced to his beloved park by his parents when he was just five months old. Sixtyseven years later the retired teacher completed the research and the writing of what arguably is the most comprehensive book ever concerning Algonquin Park. Though I take a pride in my own connections to Algonquin, I am but a neophyte alongside Rory MacKay. His generously illustrated and meticulously crafted book is a volume worthy of placement on any bookshelf. It
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Country Roads • Summer 2019
Credit: The Friends of Algonquin Park.
also prompted this article. Throughout readers will discover quoted comments received from the author in response to questions concerning his relationship with the park, augmented by Algonquin Park insights of my own. With logging a key element of any history of the park, MacKay, in “Shanty Days,” notes: “The place where I first heard about logging days in Algonquin Park and the Ottawa Valley was in the reproduction of the log structure known as a camboose shanty that was central to the former Pioneer Logging Exhibit. There, in the 1960s, while sitting on a wooden bench in front of a fire under a large central chimney of logs open to the sky, Emmett Chartrand would tell stories of old-time logging and of the men before his time who lived in similar structures throughout Algonquin Park. By then all that remained of the shanties was little more than their outlines in overgrown foundation mounds. Today some of those same tales are still told in the more true-to-size shanty at the Algonquin Logging Museum.” Many men were more than just familiar with shanty life. Often brothers, Jim, Robert, and Henry Taylor among them, would leave North Hastings for winter employment in camps located within or adjacent to the park. In Robert’s case, he became a camp cook while a young man and his recollections of that period were astonishingly accurate for one so well up in years when I first located him in Arnprior. As it turned out “Old Bob” was a storehouse of information — a rare find for someone accustomed back then to
R E M E M B E R I N G
taking the roads-lesstravelled in an attempt to orally document our provincial history. The book’s index confirmed that “Bob” Taylor, a product of a pioneering Madawaska Valley family, had indeed made an appearance on MacKay’s pages. His chapter on “Like-Minded Men” though not lengthy has great importance as it introduces the reader to key individuals behind the creation of the park, k n ow n f r o m 1 8 9 3 to 1913 as Algonquin National Park of Ontario: “As one approaches the front Roderick Iain MacKay is an avid reader of Country door of the Algonquin Roads and a long-time owner of a Crowe Lake cottage Visitor Centre, to the he shares with his wife, Sandy Barr. Author of the book left stands a rock on Algonquin Park: A Place Like No Other and countless which a plaque menother publications and reports, MacKay was a recipient tions the involvement of The Friends of Algonquin Park Directors’ Award in of Alexander Kirk2008. Rory MacKay wood in the formation of the park. Elsewhere in the park, at the Algonquin Art Centre there is a plaque recognizing the involvement of land surveyor James Dickson. Lacking is a plaque commemorating the work of Robert Phipps, although there is mention of him in the park’s Centennial Ridges Trail Guide. Interestingly, although Kirkwood gets much name recognition, possibly because he chaired the Royal Commission that established it and wrote extensively on the influence of forests on climate (as we would today), it turns out he never visited the park area, either before or after it was established. Dickson, on the other hand, personally had surveyed many of the townships that were included in the new park, and had supervised others who had surveyed the rest. Phipps was familiar with much of the lands and had inspected the timber limits and logging activities of many companies working in the area. Had it not been for the efforts of Kirkwood, Phipps and Dickson, all three of whom were career civil servants and all three of whom served on the Royal Commission that established it, it is very possible that Algonquin Park never would have existed.” As a broadcaster, I was able to frequently draw on my stockpile of field research and taped interviews, some of which involved legendary figures associated with Algonquin Park: Ralph Bice, Omer Stringer, and George Phillips, to name but a few. A wonderful opportunity to use such interviews occurred when hosting a radio series produced by the CBC Schools Department. Titled The Ontario Time Machine, the series was not only aired but teachers across the province received each program on audio cassette for classsroom use. One episode dealing with Ontario’s aviation history featured, among other pilots, George Phillips who, from 1944 to 1958, had served as a flying superintendent in Algonquin Park. MacKay’s “Just Plane Folk” tells the story of “those who piloted the park’s bright yellow De Haviland Turbo Beaver aircraft and its predecessor aircraft types since 1922, along with the role of aircraft in the management of Algonquin Park, principally the suppression of fire, the protection of wildlife, and the evacuation of injured Park visitors.
It is difficult to adequately convey to those who have never flown over the Park the special perspective of the park had by the pilots. Pilot and park superintendent Frank MacDougall commented that from above he could see on each lake its own flotilla of canoes as they moved from portage to portage. I was fortunate on a few occasions while working in the Park to have that perspective when being flown in the piston Beaver, the more powerful Turbo Beaver, and the larger piston Otter. On one oral history excursion to do an interview at Cedar Lake in December 1975, I experienced flying through a snowstorm — like driving through snow in a car except that instead of coming at you from 180 degrees to the front the snow comes at you from 360 degrees. Astonishing for me to learn was that although of necessity well-disciplined in their handling of their plane, especially when fighting fire, it seems that those who fly bush planes can exhibit a touch of the unconventional, such as flying with bare feet, doing aerial acrobatics, or having a fear of heights.” Algonquin Park: A Place Like No Other contains 41 chapters and MacKay’s intimate association with the park is evident from cover-to-cover. He has done the work that will save other researchers an enormous amount of time and the fulsome index and literature cited will be welcomed and frequently perused. Personally, it has been a delight to discover the many links to personalities it has been my own good fortune to have known. Among them are the pioneering children’s camping leaders Dr. Mary Northway and Adele “Couchie” Ebbs, canoeist and educator Ron Perry, outfitters Dave Wainman and Bill Swift, artist/carver Jack Eastaugh (considered Algonquin’s artist-in-residence) and photographers Dan Gibson and Don Standfield. A large framed under-glass photograph of a canoe at the Taylor Statten Camps dock, by photographer Standfield, has place of honour in my daughter Nora’s Toronto apartment. As we take our leave of Algonquin Park we respectfully tip our Tilley hats in the direction of one who is himself often described as a park original, Rory MacKay. Without question he has excelled in producing the most authoritative book yet written on the history of that vast Ontario popular site known world-wide as Algonquin Park. While turning the pages of his all-encompassing book, one can almost hear the voices of young campers singing the familiar words, “Blue Lake & Rocky Shore, I will return once more.”
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Acknowledgements to: Roderick MacKay and Lee Pauzé, The Friends of Algonquin Park, www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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ON THE COVER
PHOTO BY HEATHER COWLEY
COUNTRY ROADS SOCIAL SCENE We’re very social and we’d love to hear from YOU. Letters to the Editor can be sent via www.countryroadshastings.ca, email or snail mail.
The Country Roads Picture Perfect photo contest (featured in our Spring 2019 issue) not only uncovered many great area photos but also the passionate photographers behind the lens. Our spring cover, photographed by Heather Cowley featured a red trillium growing in the cracks of a log. A city resident, Cowley’s multiple annual visits to the families’ cottage on Lake St. Peter in the Hastings Highlands allows her to fulfill her passion for nature. For the Nurse, Para Athlete, and lover of nature “photography is a way of capturing my love of nature and sharing it with others.” On our cover this summer is an image that captures that quintessential cottage ‘jumping off the dock’ ritual. Cowley caught the joyous moment when sister’s Sylvie and Kaelan hurtled themselves off the dock into Lake St. Peter, Ontario. We bet they did it more than once!
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a boy’s wilderness
OUR 1ST PHOTO CONTEST WAS A HIT – BOTH IN PRINT AND ONLINE FB POST 2,803 People Reached & 388 Engagements Thank you to all the talented photographers that shared their images.
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DRIVE YOUR SALES WITH COUNTRY ROADS
By Paul Brown
how he learned to love the sun how it filled his smile how a pleasant breeze came along on the journey how he spent hours that long Indian Summer day wandering the fields investigating the marshes ponds creeks tracking a wolf watching a red-tailed hawk how at evening back home exhausted and happy he was spooked by a feeling a feeling that he had without knowing acted out some ancient primitive impulse that gave him answers he couldn’t put into words to questions he didn’t know he should ask
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Vanderwater park. Photo Jozef VanVeenen
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HASTINGS Farm to Table Summer Harvest
Ontario beans, summer harvest overflows with so much to choose from!
T
he Canadian land base is well-known as being ideally suited for the growing of beans with an abundant harvest concentrated in Ontario and Quebec. In fact, 80-90% of the beans grown by those 1,200 Ontario farms that specialize in this crop are exported. Green/wax beans rate among the top four vegetables grown in Canada, and the estimated annual harvest worth ranges between $25-30 million. Many may not be aware, but beans have long been considered a staple food in the traditional diet
Some gardeners try their hand at growing Black Turtle beans, or Pretos, which have a nut-like flavour. Dark and light red kidney beans are popular in home-made chili recipes and tend to also do well in our climate. There is also a variety called Cranberry beans, known as Romano or Speckled Sugar, Cranberry beans are very popular in Italian cuisine, and have the highest folate count of all beans. They are also great beans to use in chili.
They’ve Gone Away By Robert Graham
ads, soups, stews, stir-fries and casseroles and are a source of vitamin C and fibre. Being either quickgrowing bush types or pole types, beans require a long growing season. Essentially, the bush varieties are low growing, self-supporting and nonclimbing. The pole types, with their never-ending stem elongation, must be supported by string or posts. When planning the garden, consideration of a wind shelter is important, as beans tend to be shallow-rooted and require adequate moisture. The bush-bean pods mature in a concentrated manner and successive plantings every 14 days are necessary for a continuous harvest. When fortunate to have been grown in optimum conditions, they are harvested 45-65 days after seeding. Pole-bean pods begin maturing 55-75 days after seeding and one planting will generally give continuous podding.
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Enjoy your garden and summer’s harvest.
My bean seeds have risen from their repose, are lined up like crosses row on row, a host of tiny green sentinels.
But in late fall, when Jack is standing very tall, a dark green monster with many wheels tells Jack the game is up. It cuts Jack down; my beans have gone away. Excerpt from “The Chieftain”
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The noisy crow has found another site, the quiet deer have now appeared to test Jack’s coming expose.
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of Anishinaabe peoples, and were a mainstay of Woodlands agriculture. Many First Nations utilized an agricultural system that used a combination of three plants, known as the “Three Sisters,” corn (maize), beans and squash. Planted in an interdependent manner, the beans would grow up the stalk of corn, whereas the squash spread out at the base of these two plants and provided support for the root systems. A very practical combination, these three foods supported each other: the corn stalk provided a trellis for the beans, and the beans provided nitrogen and increased fertility of the soil, while the squash leaves acted in a similar manner like a mulch that kept the soil moist. For today’s gardener, beans are generally sorted as coloured or white, and are either a bush or pole variety. White or pea beans are also known as navy beans. White kidney beans have been successfully grown in Ontario since the early 1900’s, and are also known as Cannellini or Alubia beans, which can be either white or cream-coloured. When puréed, they are similar to creamy mashed potatoes and make a perfect low-fat base for dips and spreads.
Summer will weave its magic web on my little plot. The sturdy stocks will grow, and maybe, just maybe, Jack will show.
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In a week or two, if the clouds cooperate, they will be waving at the wind. It’ll soon be time For the crafty crow to move in.
~
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Perfect
Picnic Spots in Hastings County By Angela Hawn
The effort to walk up hill is well worth the reward of an “eagle’s eye” view of the magnificent Bancroft landscape. Photo Courtesy Chris Drost.
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Church Royal Chapel. Located only a couple of kilometres away on nearby Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, this Royal Chapel is one of only six located outside of the United Kingdom. Interested in First Nations history? Check out the attached cemetery, final resting place of legendary Dr. Oronhyatekha, the first known Aboriginal Oxford scholar and one of Canada’s first Indigenous M.D.s.
ith summer in the air, it’s time to start thinking about dining al fresco, and enjoying the great outdoors for as long as possible. Canadians are good at this: we who dress in layers far longer than residents of most other countries know a good thing when it’s happening. Fast to strip off our woolies and game to brave t-shirt and shorts garb even when there’s still a chill in the air, (or mosquitos and/or blackflies hovering in our midst) we love to eat outside whenever possible. This might mean staying put right in one’s own backyard and firing up the barbecue, or assembling and broiling the ingredients for smores over a campfire. For those who like to do a little local day-tripping while packing their own lunch, consider any one of the following perfect picnic spots across Hastings County and bon appetit!
Eyeballing Eagles
Patient birders who spread their picnic blankets at Bancroft’s Eagles’ Nest Park might be rewarded with sightings of eagles, osprey, vultures and falcons, especially if they time a visit between midmorning and mid-afternoon on a day when prevailing winds blow north to northwest. The steady uphill drive to reach this scenic spot overlooking Hasting County’s most northerly town feels well worth it and once you’re parked, stretch your legs with a hike on one of the area’s marked trails. Even if the birds fail to make an appearance, the surrounding lovely views of the valley from high atop this lofty ridge of Canadian Shield provide glorious consolation.
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Country Roads • Summer 2019
The cemetery attached to the Christ Church Royal Chapel located in nearby Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is the final resting place of legendary Dr. Oronhyatekha, the first known Aboriginal Oxford scholar and one of Canada’s first Indigenous M.D.s. Photo courtesy Bev Hill LaRue, MBQ Communications, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
A Little Aboriginal History
Picnickers seeking a relaxing view with their meal would be hard pressed to find anything more mellow than the one available at Deseronto’s Centennial Park. Arrive by car via the lovely town of Deseronto or take advantage of available boat launch and docking facilities and cruise into the area through the calm waters of the Bay of Quinte. Consider whetting your appetite first (or walking off your lunch) with a visit to the gorgeous Christ
Enjoy a picnic in the cool shade provided by this Marmora’s Memorial Park picnic shelter while you relax, watching the Crowe River flow by. Photo Jozef VanVeenen
Just Splashing Around
Travellers along Highway 7 can take a lunch break at a covered table in Marmora’s Memorial Park and enjoy the sights and sounds of the scenic Crowe River while the kids burn off energy at the on-site splash pad and playground. This well-kept park with its beautiful gazebo makes a perfect spot to take some pictures or set up a lawn chair for a leisurely read. Arrive on a Saturday between Victoria Day weekend and Thanksgiving and you can check out a small farmer’s market located conveniently in the adjacent parking lot.
Looking for more information on Marmora’s mining history, a good local walk or two, or maybe even a picturesque spot in which to dangle a fishing line? The helpful staff at the nearby Tourism Office will be happy to help.
One of the restored historical buildings to be found at O’Hara Mill. Photo Jozef VanVeenen
Picnic with the Pioneers
Picnickers with a yen for local pioneer artifacts can take advantage of the sheltered picnic areas at wonderful O’Hara Mill and Farmstead, just north of Madoc. A leisurely stroll around the property presents a wealth of opportunities to explore several historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop, an old school house, a carriage house and an original log cabin moved down from nearby Bancroft and lovingly restored by O’Hara’s enthusiastic team of talented volunteers. Photography buffs often set up their tripods by the original working sawmill or atop the covered bridge. Take advantage of a guided tour of building interiors (admission by donation) or choose a trail and take your four legged friend for a walk in the surrounding woods.
Stick with Stoco Lake
As long as you’re in the neighbourhood, consider passing through the town of Tweed and laying out your picnic feast on a table at Tweed Memorial Park. Visitors can take advantage of the on-site ball diamond and soccer pitch, as well as the boat launch facilities. This lovely park’s central location makes the downtown area easily accessible, perfect for those who seek a pleasant stroll and perhaps, a chance to check out one of the world’s smallest jails!
Loving the Limestone
Few picnic spots offer a prettier setting than Vanderwater Conservation Area near Thomasburg. Situated right on the banks of the Moira River, this lovely area offers 15 kilometres of hiking trails (suitable for horseback riding, too!) Walkers can explore a range of natural environments and different forests, featuring mature cedars, hardwood and coniferous trees. A favourite activity for many Vanderwater visitors involves simply taking in the sights and sounds of the Moira cascading over a series of natural limestone steps: soothing, picturesque and perfect for picture taking.
After picnicking at Glen Miller Conservation Area check out the nearby Bleasdale Boulder, just off Highway 33 south of Frankford, Ontario. Photo Courtesy Lower Trent Conservation Authority.
Rolling on the River!
The compact facilities at Glen Miller Conservation Area feature both boat launch and dock, making it a fantastic stopover for boat and car passengers alike. A covered picnic area protects diners from
For the equestrian or hiking enthusiast, packing a lunch-basket and exploring 15 kilometres of hiking trails to find that perfect spot in the Vanderwater Conservation Area is a picnic to remember. Photo Jozef VanVeenen
PERFECT POTATO SALAD TO GO WITH YOUR PERFECT PICNIC LUNCH: Cook 2 pounds (approx.) of small yellow potatoes (peeled) in salted water until done. Allow them to cool enough to peel and chop into bite-sized pieces before placing in large bowl. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of white vinegar and let sit while you mix together the following dressing: •1 /3 cups each of both mayonnaise and sour cream (more or less depending on level of creaminess desired) • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard • 1 medium red onion, chopped • 2 stalks celery, chopped • ¼ cup dill pickles, chopped • One or two tsps of dried dill or chives (or use fresh and increase to about a quarter cup) • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 or 3 hard-boiled eggs, cooled and chopped coarsely (optional) • Dash of Italian salad dressing (optional) •A dd the dressing to the potatoes and mix thoroughly, but gently. • Garnish with paprika and fresh parsley. • Cover and refrigerate to chill and keep cool until serving.
Stoco Lake, Tweed. Photo Jozef VanVeenen
Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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the elements as they relax and take in the majesty of the glorious Trent River system. And once you’ve finished lunch, try your hand at fishing for walleye and bass or go a little further afield and check out the nearby Bleasdale Boulder, just off Highway 33. A very short and pleasant hike over even terrain affords up close contact with one of North America’s largest erratics, an impressive leftover from a long ago glacier!
The Sights from Sager’s Tower
If a little exercise with your picnic appeals, head to Sager Conservation Area and prepare to get your steps in! A short, gently upward hike from the parking area brings you to the site’s impressive lookout tower. Climb to the very top for marvelous 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside and then chow down on your packed lunch afterwards at a covered picnic table below.
A great way to build an appetite is to hike up to the Sager’s Tower, which when climbed offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. Photo Courtesy Lower Trent Conservation Authority.
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Country Roads • Summer 2019
A view of the Bay Bridge in Belleville’s Zwick’s Park offers both natural and man-made beauty. Photo Credit Angela Hawn.
Zip-lining at Zwick’s
Picnickers at Belleville’s Zwick’s Park can tuck in while enjoying both natural and man-made beauty. Pass around the potato salad as you peer at the awesome Bay Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering leading the way into nearby Prince Edward County, or simply keep an eye out for swans swimming by on gorgeous Bay of Quinte. Parents of little ones will love the fenced in playground for tots, while slightly older children might want to give the kid-sized zip-line a whirl.
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JUST SAYING
BY SHELLEY WILDGEN
Let Them Eat Cake – Again
I
am in France. Out my window, I can hear kidlets playing; their shrieks of excitement and reproach are the same as in Canada … only in French. Garden gates creak back and forth, a neighbourhood dog barks sharply. Its owner yells ‘Arret’, and pup arrets immediately, until it’s time to bark again. It’s Easter Sunday and French life is full in Saint-Zacharie. Celebration seems to be an everyday occurrence here and a large part of this joie de vivre is linked to food prep. Daily excursions to the epicerie, the produce market or the supermarket are de rigueur but the most fun, of course, are the regular visits to la boulangerie, le patisserie … the bakery!!! Mais oui! The very word, ‘boulangerie’ conjures up mouthfuls of savoury goodness. A ‘patisserie’ brings on images of warm buttery, flaky, crusty, sugar dusted discs of pleasure. Either way there’s a lot of baking going on. Everyone loves a freshly stocked bakery and the joy that emanates at the sight of an open door is not isolated to France … not by a long baguette. Just as France considers baked goods to be a basic food group, there was a time that every town in Canada boasted at least two bakeries. Belleville’s most notable bakeries were The Family Bakery and Reddick’s Bakery … both downtown, just blocks from each other; oh, and that little one with the name I can never remember … on the footbridge. Reddick’s and Family Bakery’s specialties included dipped donuts, taffy tarts and birthday cakes. Gluteny, gooey goodness transcended our sensitivities, and
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went directly to our gluttonous leanings. When I delivered newspapers in the early 70s, there were five corner stores en route. They all received regular bakery deliveries. As luck would have it, delivery day coincided with newspaper collection day so I could count on a tray of freshly baked donuts at each store, a full belly and an empty collection bag. Mon Dieu! Canadians have always loved bakeries but, unlike our European counterparts, over the last twenty years many were unable to sustain thriving businesses. The big box stores gobbled up every last crumb and we, more or less, accepted that until a revolt emerged. I credit the butter tart. With its stalwart simplicity, our Canadian symbol of all things good and golden has grown in demand to the point that most Canadians can tell you where their favourite tart resides. The butter tart was the one baked item that, though elusive, refused to go down with the ship. Bellevillians mourned the loss of Reddick’s sticky taffy tarts and when the option became substandard pre-packaged butter tarts with flamingoes on them, it was nothing short of offensive. Butter tarts are as Canadian as beavertails and bottled beer, and the hunt for real ones became a favourite pastime for Sunday drivers … especially the seniors who started their Sunday drive on Wednesday. My Aunt Ruth regularly drove the corridor between St. Catharines and Belleville but the best offerings she found were apple crumb pies from the then new Big Apple in Colborne. Tasty. Okay. Still, butter tarts remained store bought, wrapped in bulk boxes.
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on Baptiste Lake
Dr. Doug Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry New Patients & Emergencies Welcome
By the late 90s, real tarts began to re-emerge in twopacks, sprinkled about in corner stores, i.e.: Rachel’s butter tarts, and then as the cries grew louder the bakeries began to come back—some tart focused, some cake centered, and some fully-loaded. Today, Belleville boasts Crust and Crumb, Riverside Bakery, Confetti Cakes, Glazed and Confused and what’s more, bakeries aren’t confined to the confines of the Quinte area. The Hidden Goldmine Bakery in Madoc features tarts, cookies, pies and finger sandwiches!!! Remember finger sandwiches? Back when sandwiches were wee works of art. Well, they make them! Venturing north to Maynooth, there is plenty to drive for at Memories Bakery and Tea Room: pies, cakes, cookies, scones and … wait for it … maple syrup tarts; layer upon layer of Canadiana threatening to knock the butter tart from its sweet throne. I mean, can you even? Clearly, with the new norm of guerilla tarting, our bakers are back on their feet and better than ever. This I know for sure, Canadians will drive and drive for fresh baked perfection. Even if you find yourself as far afield as Bancroft, Zehr’s Deli & Bakery is freshly loaded and ready to delight. Stepping out of our county, you’ll be treated to some of the surviving bakery pioneers: Betty’s Pies and Tarts and The Dutch Oven in Cobourg, Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford, oh and there are four or five surviving and thriving bakeries in Peterborough. Canada is a huge country and these are just a few of the bakeries dotting our vast terrain. If we want to keep them, we should make the trek often. It may not be possible to do so with daily walks through their doors, as in France, but we can certainly support them with regular visits. We must make sure we never become bakery deprived again. Our nation of butter tart lovers, and all that come with them, depends on it. The church bells are ringing now here in France, at the time of this writing, and all is as bucolic as you can imagine, but it is Easter and the boulangeries and patisseries are closed. They’ll be open tomorrow and I will continue to enjoy them for the next three weeks, at which time I will pack up and look forward to Canadian bakery shopping … again.
A great place for weddings, conferences and vacation getaways. www.birchclifflodge.ca 613-332-3316
Birdbaths - Flower Pots Gargoyles - Park Benches Stepping Stones - Fountains Angels and much more!
613-332-1598 32480 HWY 28 E., BANCROFT Summer 2019 • Country Roads
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15 Springbrook Killarney Lodge Kings Mill Cider Apsley Springbrook Diner Apsley Autumn Studio Tour 16 Stirling Bancroft Barrett’s Satellite Solutions/Xplornet Art Gallery Of Bancroft, Gift Shop Dealer Ashlie’s Books Black Dog Family Restaurant & Lounge Bancroft & Area Autumn Studio Tour Lavish Gardens Bancroft Art & Craft Guild Pro Gas Stop Bancroft General Mercantile Rawdon Creek Soap Co. Bancroft Mineral Museum Rona Rollins Building Supplies Bancroft Sport And Marine Sandra Lee Randle Photography Birchcliff Lodge Skinkle’s Feed Depot & More David Ferguson Fine Woodworking Stirling Dental Centre With Edge Stirling Manor Fudge Factory & Emporium Stirling-Rawdon, Municipality Of Jungle Imports The Apple Store McMichael Jewellers Necessities Retail Store Niffers 1 Old Tin Shed ALGONQUIN PARK York River Concrete 7 Zihua Clothing Boutique Belleville Glanmore National Historic Site Kraft Village Loyalist College HASTINGS HIGHLANDS Ruttle Bros. Furniture Campbellford Empire Cheese Coe Hill 12 Coe Hill Hideaway Grill Cosby’s Small Engines Red Eagle Family Campground The Barn Chefs Tinhouse Woodworking And Espresso Bar Combermere 3 Madonna House Book Shop Madonna House Gift Shop Hastings County Services Firewood Plus Mike Bossio, Mp, Hastings -
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Box 124, Tweed, ON K0K 3J0 P: 613 968-0499 E: info@countryroadshastings.ca www.countryroadshastings.ca
celebrating life in hastings county
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celebrating life in hastings county
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Black River Trading Company Quinn’s Of Tweed Fine Art Gallery celebrating life in hastings co Stoco Jewellery Studio Tweed & Area Studio Tour Tweed & Company Theatre
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Lennox & Addington Skyhigh Historical Restoration & Consulting Weeds B’ Gone Welcome Wagon Well Dowsing Land O’lakes Friends Of Bon Echo Land O’lakes Rescue Petting Farm Madoc Chances Fitness Centre Hidden Goldmine Bakery Johnston’s Pharmacy & Gift Shoppe Kellys Flowers & Gifts Mackenzie Mills Emporium Madoc Home Hardware Madoc Timber Mart Oats And Honey Bulk Foods Renshaw Power Products Marmora Boutique Inspiration Crowe River Live Edge Firewood Plus Ice Cream Shoppe Iron Rooster Rotisserie & Grill Jillian’s Antiques & Things Orange Motorsports Possibilities Inc.-Furniture & Home Décor Powell Powersports Maynooth Arlington Hotel Brush With The North Gallo-Teck Electrical Contractor Hastings Highlands, Municipality Of Highlands Hot Tubs Hillsview Farm & Studio Madawaska Art Shop Gifts & Gallery Maynooth Farmer’s Market Maynooth General Store Northumberland Northumberland Studio Tour Ormsby Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery
Joe VanVeenen Map
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C O U N T R Y
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Things to see and do in and around Hastings County.
To submit your event listing email info@countryroadshastings.ca or call us at 613 968-0499.
Art Galleries/Exhibitions
Theatre/Live Entertainment
ART GALLERY OF BANCROFT, 10 Flint Avenue, Bancroft, 613-332-1542, www.artgallerybancroft.ca June 5 – 29 - A SENSE OF PLACE; Julie Withrow Painting and Barbara Allport Painting. Opening reception June 7, 7:30pm July 3 – 27 – HOLLY EDWARDS PAINTING (mostly figurative); opening reception July 5, 7:30pm July 31 – Aug 31 – THIN PLACES; Carol Westcott painting; opening reception Aug 2, 7:30pm
BELLEVILLE THEATRE GUILD, Pinnacle Playhouse, 256 Pinnacle Street, Belleville Tickets: www.bellevilletheatreguild.ca or 613-967-1442 Aug 28-31 - 6th ANNUAL EVENING OF ONE-ACT PLAYS, 8pm. Six original short works by local playwrights. You can bet you won’t be bored! Tickets $10 online or at the door.
BELLEVILLE ART ASSOCIATION STUDIO & GALLERY, 208 Front St., Belleville Open Tues to Sat 10am - 4pm July 9 - Sept 7 - One by One Show and Sale: - A gallery filled with 12” x 12”paintings. All paintings sell for $100 each. M. PARROTT ART GALLERY, 254 Pinnacle St, Belleville, (613) 968-6731, www.bellevillelibrary.ca June 7 – July 11 - Students of Claudia McCabe’s Open Studio present “Confabulation II”. Gallery One June 7 – July 11 - “Nocturnal Reflections” is a series of oil paintings by Duoro artist Rob Niezen. Gallery Two Opening reception for both shows June 6th from 6 - 7:30 pm STIRLING LIBRARY ART GALLERY, 43 Front Street, Stirling, 613-395-2837, stirlinglibraryartgallery@gmail.com June 12 - Aug 24 - Natural Reflections: An Exhibition and Sale featuring Sheila Romard [Oils] and Gregory Maude [Watercolours] in the Main Gallery. To be joined by Wire Artist, Iris Casey whose colorful hummingbirds will adorn the Gallery Windows and the Trenton High School students whose artistic talents can be found in the Display Cabinet. Opening Reception: June 15, 1 - 3 pm Public viewings: TWT: 10-7; F&S: 10am - 3pm. WILDEWOOD GALLERY, 33012 Hwy. 62N Maynooth, 613-338-3134. JUNE 30 – AUG 31: THE WORKS OF ROCKY GREEN AND HENRY GORDON. Inquiries:wildewood.madawaska@gmail.com 613-3383134 also on Facebook.
Art Events July 19, 20 & 21 - MADAWASKA VALLEY SUMMER STUDIO TOUR, 10am – 5pm. www.madawaskastudiotour.com July 26, 27 & 28 – ART SALE & EXHIBITION – presented by Friends of Bon Echo Park. Photography, stained glass, paintings, and pottery. Live music., BBQ. 10 am- 4 pm Friday & Saturday, 10 am- 3 pm Sunday. Location: South Beach (new location this year) Www.BonEchoFriends.ca FB @BonEchoFriends, 613 336-0830. July 28 – Aug 6– INDIGENOUS ARTISTS’ EXHIBIT & SALE — Paintings, photography, sculpture, fibre art, beadwork, prints, art cards, flutes, rattles, leatherwork, calligraphy, & CDs. – 10am – 4pm. Macaulay Heritage Park Museum, 23 Church Street, Picton. 613-476-2148 or 2521. Aug 3 & 4 — ANNUAL BANCROFT ART AND CRAFT GUILD’S SUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW — Millennium Park, 166 Hastings Street N., Bancroft. Over 50 artists and artisans. 10am – 5pm/4pm. 613 338-5431 Sept 7 & 8 – NORTHUMBERLAND HILLS STUDIO TOUR – 10 am – 5 pm. Free self guided tour. www.northumberlandstudiotour.ca Sept 21 & 22 – APSLEY AUTUMN STUDIO TOUR – 24 artists, 12 studio locations. 10am – 5 pm www.apsleystudiotour.com Sept 21, 22, 28 & 29— BANCROFT & AREA AUTUMN STUDIO TOUR — Self-guided tours. Brochures available at local businesses & Art Gallery of Bancroft. 10am – 5pm . www.bancroftstudiotour.org, or Elaine Butikofer, rebutikofer@gmail.com or 613-332-0790. Sept 28 & 29– 22nd ANNUAL TWEED & AREA STUDIO TOUR - 10 am – 5pm. Free Admission, Studio map and artist information www. tweedstudiotour.org / tweedstudiotour@gmail.com
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STIRLING FESTIVAL THEATRE, West Front Street, Stirling 613-395-2100, or 1-877-312-1162. www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com Aug 8 - 24 - SHREK THE MUSICAL – YOUNG COMPANY ; Based on the successful movie, this musical was a smash hit on Broadway! Here in Stirling, all of your favourite creatures will be live on stage: Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, Pinocchio and many, many more. 11 am, 2 pm & 7 pm Main Stage Tickets Youth (18 & under) $19 Members $28 Seniors (65+) $30 Non-Members $32 Family 4-Pack (2 Adults, 2 Youth) $79 *Plus HST. TWEED & COMPANY THEATRE, Tim Porter, Artistic Director, tim@ tweedandcompany.com, The Marble Arts Centre, 13 Bridgewater Road, Actinolite July 10 – 14 - STAG & DOE, Bonnie and Brad are having a party to raise money for their upcoming wedding—the cost of which has secretly gotten out of control. By turns wildly funny and unexpectedly touching Stag and Doe offers a look at a distinctly rural Canadian prenuptial tradition and shines a light on the nature of love, marriage, and weddings. Mild mature content, fun for the whole family! Tickets: In Person at the Tweed News or www.tweedandcompany.com Adults $25.00 Adults, Seniors $20, Student/Youth $15
Events June 16 – SONG OF MYSELF MARATHON READING - a live rendition of Walt Whitman’s epic poem to celebrate the poet’s 200th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the “Old Walt” dedication. 1-3pm Location: Amphitheatre. – presented by Friends of Bon Echo Park. Www. BonEchoFriends.ca FB @BonEchoFriends, 613 336-0830 June 22, & July 27 – SOUTH-CENTRAL/EASTERN ONTARIO, COIN, POSTAGE STAMP & POSTCARD Events - King Edward Community Centre, 75 Elizabeth Street (Hwy. #2 East), Brighton. 10:30am–3:30pm June 29- SCIENSATIONAL SSSNAKES! Learn more about the amazing reptiles we have in Bon Echo from Sciensational Sssnakes staff. Two interactive presentations on snakes and other reptiles to help us understand why it is so important to protect them. Ontario snakes will be featured with a hands-on session so you can hold some of these fascinating reptiles. Times: 11 am and 1 pm Location: Amphitheatre. Presented by Friends of Bon Echo Park. Www.BonEchoFriends.ca FB @ BonEchoFriends, 613 336-0830 July 1 – CANADA DAY BELLEVILLE – Family activities, events, and music that everyone has come to enjoy. West Zwick Island Park, 10 Bay Bridge Road, Belleville. 4pm – 10 pm. Free shuttles, free admission $5 donation for parking www.bellevillecanadaday.com July 1 – CANADA DAY MAMORA & LAKE – Parade, children’s games and fun activities in the park. At night there are fireworks. www. marmoraandlake.ca
July 2 – 25 –CHILDREN’S SUMMER DROP-IN PROGRAM – fun and games, special guests and more, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1- 3pm. Queensborough Community Centre, 14 Barry Road, Madoc. Joan Sims, 613-473-1087 or FB page. July 5, 6 & 7 - THE WHEELS, WATER & WINGS FESTIVAL AND SHAKE THE SHIELD MOTORCYCLE MEET UP. Fun for all ages, this is a weekend packed with activities in the heart of Bancroft, ON. Concerts, dances, a midway, soap box derby, classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, motorcycles, canoe & kayak races, fly-in (or drive in) breakfast and more! www. WheelsWaterandWings.com and www.ShakeTheShield.com Coordinated by the Businesses and Merchants of Bancroft. July 6– A TOWN & COUNTRY GARDEN TOUR – Eight gardens to visit with host gardeners to answer questions. Includes lunch, raffle table and more. 10am – 4 pm (rain or shine). St. Thomas Anglican Church, Belleville. Tickets $30, cfuwbelleville.com/special-events/garden-tour/ July 11 – 14 – BELLEVILLE WATERFRONT & ETHNIC FESTIVAL 41st ANNIVERSARY – Midway, vendor marketplace, main stage entertainment, ethnic food village, canine watersports and so much more. Admission is FREE! Parking donation $5. www. bellevillewaterfrontfestival.com July 12 - INCREDIBLE FARM LIFE EXPERIENCE TOUR: Guided bus departs downtown Campbellford at 9 am and will visit four farming destinations and a livestock auction and return at 4 pm. Catered lunch Adults $45, children $25, $100 for a family of 4. Jump into your rubber boots and get up close and personal to the sights, smells, and sounds of the farm! www.incredibleediblesfestival.com July 13 - CAMPBELLFORD INCREDIBLE EDIBLES FESTIVAL: on the banks of the Trent River in downtown Campbellford! Over 60 chefs and food producers serve up local, delicious, and unique low-cost portions. All-day food demos, live music and entertainment and children’s tent. Free admission. 10 am - 4 pm www.incredibleediblesfestival.com July 13 - PIG ROAST & FISH FRY IN SUPPORT OF THE NORTH HASTINGS COMMUNITY FISH HATCHERY. Help the local fisheries by attending our 13th Annual Fundraising Dinner & Auction. Doors open at 5 pm at the Bancroft Curling Club. Tickets available at Vance Motors or from any Hatchery Volunteer. www.fishhatchery.ca info@fishhatchery.ca. Proceeds to the North Hastings Community Fish Hatchery. July 13 - TURTLE FEST – Meet real-life turtles as part of the interactive presentation by staff from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre and learn how you can help protect these reptiles. Face painting, games and more. 1-3pm Location: Children’s Program Area, presented by Friends of Bon Echo Park. Www.BonEchoFriends.ca FB @BonEchoFriends, 613 336-0830 July 19 - BON ECHO HEALTHY PARKS HEALTHY PEOPLE DAY – 9:30 am Location: Pumphouse Beach www.BonEchoFriends.ca FB @BonEchoFriends July 25 & 26- LEARN TO FISH staff will be here both days from 10 amnoon and 1-3 pm to show you how to use fishing equipment and fish legally, safely, and sustainably. You will also learn some basic tips about fish identification and anatomy. Time: 10 am – noon & 1-3 pm Location: Bon Echo Creek, near park boathouse July 27- IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GROUP OF SEVEN, Sue and Jim Waddington have been on a quest to locate places that inspired Group of Seven painters like Arthur Lismer. Find out about the painting sites they found in Bon Echo. 7 pm Location: Amphitheatre Saturday
July 1 – CANADA DAY STIRLING-RAWDON – Don’t miss the celebrations at the Stirling Fairgrounds. Family evening of free fun including BBQ. Starts at 6:30pm
Aug 3 – ART IN THE PARK/FISH FRY - at Tweed Memorial Park; artisans and vendors and children’s art area. 10 am – 5 pm. Our Famous Fish Fry – Mike Mundell’s Surf & Turf- 11:30 to 1:30 at the Kiwanis Pavilion, Tweed Memorial Park. Fish fry tickets ($15) at Bush Furniture, the Tweed News, from Board members or at the event. Free (Fish Fry Tickets Septarate, $15) www.tweedartscouncil.ca
July 1 – CANADA DAY TWEED – There will be activities for all ages, including a 12:30 pm parade, games, food, fireworks and lots more. 12:30 - 4 pm .
Aug 7- THE PADDLING PUPPETEERS - Kids have fun and learn about the history of our waterways while watching a puppet show by The Paddling Puppeteers.
C O U N T R Y
C A L E N D A R
Things to see and do in and around Hastings County.
To submit your event listing email info@countryroadshastings.ca or call us at 613 968-0499. Aug 10 - FALCONFEST - Friends Event Bon Echo is home to some special feathered friends, Peregrine Falcons. Learn more about the fastest bird in the world with fun activities like making falcon kites. Time: 1-3 pm Location: Children’s Program Area Www.BonEchoFriends.ca FB @ BonEchoFriends Aug 12- SPEAKING OF WILDLIFE - Would you like to see some wildlife up close? If you do, join staff from Speaking of Wildlife for a close encounter with some animals native to the Bon Echo area. 1 pm Location: Amphitheatre Aug 16, 17 & 18 – STIRLING AGRICULTURAL FAIR – Stirling Fairgrounds. www.stirlingfair.com Aug 21 & 22 – HASTINGS COUNTY PLOWING MATCH AND FARM SHOW – 200 exhibitors of agricultural technology and services, woodlot info, and demos, crafts, family programs, antiques, Queen of the Furrow and entertainment, 9am – 4pm. Hosted by Brian and April Thompson, 1207 Sills Rd, Centre Hastings. Contact: Harry Danford 613-3955177 hdanford@sympatico.ca or Kim DeMillekdemilee@tomlinsongroup. com Aug 23, 24 & 25 - ANNUAL TWEED TRIBUTE TO ELVIS FESTIVAL Elvis tribute artist competition. Classic car parade & show, rising star youth competitions, and much more. www.tweedelvisfestival.ca
Celebrating Life in Hastings County
Aug 24 – ART IN QUEENSBOROUGH/ QUEENSBOROUGH IN ART. Queensborough has long been an inspiration for artists, including at least one member of the Group of Seven. At this first-ever event at the historic Orange Hall, you’ll be able to view a wide range of paintings, photographs and other artworks featuring, and inspired by, Queensborough. Elaine Kapusta, 613-473-1458; or FB Queensborough Community Centre, or the Orange Hall’s Facebook page, Orange Hall, Queensborough. Aug 30 - MAYNOOTH’S GOT TALENT! Contest, 7 pm, no preregistration required. Toonie admission. Emceed by Ken Ramsden with a celebrity panel of judges. Three cash prizes of $25, $50 and $75 in 3 age categories are being sponsored by Hald Robinson Haulage Ltd.
Sept 11 & 18 – MODERN SQUARE DANCING - A modern square dance group that meets weekly. Male & female, singles & couples welcome. Square dancing is a great way to get some daily steps, become connected with people, socialize and learn how to square dance too! Join us for 2 nights of FREE modern square dancing lessons on Sept 11 and 18 at 7 pm - Harmony Public School, 626 Harmony Road, Belleville. David Dunham 613-403-2882 Sept 14 – HARVEST FESTIVAL - Barbecue, pop-up farmers’ market, fireworks and a street dance. Elaine Kapusta, 614-473-1458 or Katherine Sedgwick at 613-473-2110, FB Queensborough Community Centre.
Aug 31 - 30th ANNUAL MAYNOOTH MADNESS – takes over the downtown with kids activities, live music, plein air artists, huge farmers market, Show & Shine, talent contest (Friday night at The Arlington) and demonstrations too. www.maynooth.on.ca
ATTENTION EVENT ORGANIZERS DEADLINES to submit events as follows: AUGUST 9 – for mid September thru mid December NOVEMBER 8 – for mid December thru early April FEBRUARY 28 – for early April thru mid June MAY 10 – for Mid June thru mid September Visit www.countryroadshastings.ca or email info@countryroadshastings.ca
marketplace
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TO BOOK YOUR MARKETPLACE ADVERTISEMENT PLEASE CALL 613-968-0499
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GRAVELY-ARIENS TROY-BILT-BOLENS
• Lawn & Garden Tractors • Roto-Tillers With 35+ years experience, Small but knowledgeable. (613) 473-5160 • R.R. #5, Madoc, ON K0K 2K0 (1 mile N. of Ivanhoe on Hwy. 62 - #11700)
HEALTH
SPECIALTY SHOPPING
Madonna House Madonna House v Antiques v Paintings & & Prints Giftv Collectibles Shops,v Crafts Gallery OPEN: May long weekend to July - Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10-5 Pioneer Museum July long weekend to Labour Day - Tuesday to Saturday 10-5 Gift Shops, Gallery & Pioneer Museum Celebrating 50 Years
All Shops are closed on Sunday and Monday
2887 DafoeCelebrating Rd., Hwy.50517,Years Combermere, 613-756-3713 v Antiques v Collectibles v Crafts v Paintings & Prints v MUSEUM
TOURS
Extensive Pioneer Collection Madonna House GiftAll items Shops, Gallery & in our Madonna House shops are donated and all the proceeds go to the poor. Pioneer Museum
IN COMBERMERE 2888 Dafoe Road • 613-756-3713
Celebrating Family, Friendship & Love
613-395-2596
www.stirlingmanor.com 218 Edward Street, Stirling
the
COMPASS
OPEN: May long weekend to July Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10-5 July long weekend to Labour Day Tuesday to Saturday 10-5 v Antiques v Collectibles v Crafts v Paintings &Fri, Prints BOOK SHOP: Thurs, Sat. 2-5pm
Celebrating 50 Years
WWW.COUNTRYROADSHASTINGS.CA All shops are closed on Sunday and Monday COUNTRYvROADS NEWSLETTER TODAY! MUSEUM TOURS Extensive 2887 DafoePioneer Rd., Collection Hwy. 517 Combermere, Ontario 613-756-3713
All items in our Madonna House shops are donated and all the proceeds go to the poor.
Summer 2019 • Country Roads OPEN: May long weekend to July Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10-5
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Back Roads
A 1932 CANOE TRIP ON THE TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY In July 1932, eight young Belleville men travelled by canoe along the Trent-Severn Waterway. They began their journey from Belleville and continued north of Peterborough, camping on the sides of lakes, rivers and canals. The photographer was S. Alec Gordon (1905-1989), who was a music teacher for the Ontario School for the Deaf (now the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf). This image is one of 33 taken on the journey, 13 of which have been delicately hand-tinted like this one. Photo courtesy of Community Archives of Belleville & Hastings County (album donated by Don Kellaway) Reference: 2019-034/3.
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Since 1990
Historical Restoration And Consulting
Restoration, Renovation & Preservation of • Historical Buildings • Churches • Residential • Commercial BEFORE
Honouring the 10th Aniversary of The Carmen United Church’s restoration of the tower and spire. The Church, built in 1879, is the Jewel of Historical property in the Brighton Area. The copper finials and the spirelets which were removed in 1902 were rebuilt and installed in 2009. Additional restoration of the Brick work, Broach rebuild, spire rebuild, and stain glass was also completed in 2009, along with the installation of louvres. Thanks to brothers Peter Stewart and Bruce Stewart, Lawrence Greveling and all church members. 140th Anniversary celebration for Carmen United Church September, 15th 2019. All are welcome.
FULLY INSURED AND 25-YEAR WARRANTY ON BRICK AND STONE WORK.
613.475.7141
E-mail: info@skyhighrestoration.com www.skyhighrestoration.com Summer 2019 • Country Roads I 39