Mid-Winter 2014 by COUNTRY ROADS, Celebrating Life in Hastings County

MID-WINTER 2014

SPRINGBROOK’S MCKEOWN MOTORS – 80 & JUST REVVING UP! LUMBER BARON LEGACY ROOTED IN HASTINGS COUNTY MOTORCYCLE RACER GOES FROM BELLEVILLE TO ISLE OF MAN

C O V E R I N G T H E A R T S , O U T D O O R S , H I S T O R Y, P E O P L E A N D P L A C E S

Bancroft Theatre District

Winter WEAR

JOSEPH RIBKOFF, RED CORAL, LINEA, TRIBAL AND MUCH MORE. LICENCE 71195 Shoulder and Handbag Available in Black & Brown

Posies FLOWERS & GIFTS

Floral designs for all occasions

3 BRIDGE ST. W. BANCROFT, ON 613.332.5645

All Occasion Event Rentals 613-332-8014

• Tents • Tables • Chairs • Linen • China • Flatware • Stemware • Games • Décor…and more!

BANCROFT Come Visit Soon!

Check out our

“Web Shopping Site” www.aoer.ca

Alive with entertainment, first class shopping, and dining.

Have you looked at Stingray lately?

Available At: Makin’ Waves Marine 29720 Hwy 62 N, Bancroft, ON 613-332-3777 www.makinwavesmarine.com

www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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Downtown Belleville

Vintage Clothing

Your dreams come true...

hats, purses, costume & authentic jewelry

Art & Collectibles Antiques 300 Front Street, Belleville 613-967-0070 www.boretskigallery.com

Stunning Gowns from

The Village Shoppe LADIES WEAR AND BRIDAL

215 Front St., Belleville, On. (613) 969-9994

613.969.1677 286 Front Street, Downtown Belleville

Miss Priss Boutique Accessories with Attitude!

Cooney auto sales belleville

Quality Cars Since 1979

www.cooneyautosales.com 101 front st. belleville

613.210.2979

395 FRONT ST. BELLEVILLE

613.966.4200 Family Owned & Operated

Downtown Belleville - Fine Fashion, Exceptional Cuisine And Specialty Shops Galore!

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

Country Roads

celebrating life in hastings county

Country Roads

celebrating life in hastings county

CR Country

CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR Nancy Hopkins 613 395-0499 CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR John Hopkins 613 395-0499 SALES DEPARTMENT

Roads

SOUTH HASTINGS & AREA Jennifer Richardson Jennifer@countryroadshastings.ca celebrating life in hastings county 613.922.2135 CENTRAL HASTINGS & AREA Nancy Hopkins nancy@countryroadshastings.ca 613.395.0499 NORTH HASTINGS & AREA Hope McFall hope@countryroadshastings.ca 613.202.1541 ART DIRECTOR Jozef VanVeenen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Orland French Angela Hawn Sharon Henderson Barry Penhale Lindi Pierce Sheena Rowney Michelle Annette Tremblay Sarah Vance Shelley Wildgen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sharon Henderson Jozef VanVeenen

“Caring for your family’s dental health”

h t i m S g u o D . r D ssociates and A

Dentistry

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry • Comprehensive examinations • Periodontal assessment • Routine restorative fillings • Cosmetic veneers • Crowns and bridges • Full dentures, partial dentures • Oral surgery • Implants

New PatieNts & emergeNcies welcome

INTERN Maddie Budding COUNTRY ROADS, Celebrating Life in Hastings County is published four times a year by PenWord Communications Inc. Copies are distributed to select locations throughout Hastings County including the c ommunities of Bancroft, Belleville, Madoc, Marmora, Stirling and Tweed. Copies are also delivered to select homes within southern Ontario. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year: $14.69 2 years: $27.13 3 years: $35.03 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 Spring 2014 issue is February 21, 2014. COVER PHOTO: By Jozef VanVeenen Made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation

HOW TO CONTACT US

Telephone: 613 395-0499 Facsimile: 613 395-0903 E-mail: info@countryroadshastings.ca Website: www.countryroadshastings.ca For written enquiries you can reach us at: PenWord Communications Inc. P.O. Box 423, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0

At either of our two locations you will enjoy friendly people and gentle dentistry for your whole family. Belleville

208 Bridge Street east (613) 966-2777

Stirling

9B tuftsville road (613) 395-2800

www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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e d i t o r i a l

Delivering MORE STORIES is our main motivation and constant goal.

Photo: Haley Ashford

o we sat down one day and asked ourselves: How can we best fulfill the desire to give readers more? The answer – let’s launch a new bonus issue during the year. And when would be the right time for this issue? Why mid-Winter of course! That’s the time we all need a bit more motivation, inspiration, creativity and all that stuff to get us through a Canadian winter. Of course, when we chose the date for this issue we really didn’t know the good old-fashioned winter that was in store and we’re feeling rather smug about what good timing we have. You the reader get a new dose of Hastings County stories and our staff doesn’t have to traverse the tricky winter roads to deliver it to you. It’s all right here on our website in this digital format. Simply put on the kettle and settle in for a good read in the comfort and warmth of your own home. So welcome to the newest stories that celebrate the best of Hastings County. In these articles you will learn about people, places, and businesses that are an integral part of the community. Some are past, some present but together they are all stitched into the fabric of the region. How does a rural business in a small hamlet create a ‘fan base’ – one that attracts nearly 2,000 people to their ‘80th Anniversary Celebrations’ on a dreary Fall day? Well, yes they are really good business people, and they work very hard. But that’s not the whole story. They are McKeown Motors Sales of Springbrook run by – you guessed it – the McKeown family. They might be 80 years old but when you read their story you can’t help but feel they’re just getting started! What is heritage? The dictionary says it’s the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation. Luckily for all of us Evan Morton, Curator of the Tweed & Area Heritage Centre knows just how valuable preserving our heritage is. The Tweed Centre has a fascinating collection of items that tell the stories of Tweed and Hastings Co. The collection is always growing and visitors are in for a treat when they experience what’s housed in the large centre in downtown Tweed. Morton believes that tomorrow’s heritage starts today and we can’t help but agree. We thank him for his commitment to heritage past and present. This issue holds other stories about individuals who have had an impact on the Hastings Co. we know today. We won’t spoil it for you – read on and you’ll learn about them. If you enjoy COUNTRY ROADS magazine – please spread the word and let others know about this digital offering and turn them on to our website. If you should miss a print issue – well, we keep them online for a minimum of two years. And for Facebook users – the COUNTRY ROADS page exists to share lots of interesting items about the area. We love to share! Well, it’s been exciting making this foray into a bonus digital issue – our first ever fifth issue during the year. But it’s time to return to the business of the next issue on the roster. In late March we will once again hit the country roads to deliver the Spring issue. It will be available for readers to pick up from hundreds of locations throughout the area.

Don’t be surprised if you see us – magazines in arms and humming a tune. Like songbirds celebrating – spring has sprung! • Nancy & John Hopkins MEMBERS OF

BANCROFT & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

contributors Angela Hawn thanks her lucky stars for landing in Hastings County after years of an ‘on the road’ lifestyle teaching ESL in Asia, Europe and the Canadian Arctic. Although she loves to travel, some chance meetings here with a few people in the publishing business finally allowed her to put to use a few things learned long ago at Carleton University’s journalism school. When not writing or travelling, Angela enjoys the inspiration and humour consistently delivered by the nine- and 10-year-olds seen in her day job as an elementary school teacher. Her dream job? Why, travel writer, of course. Interested parties take note: for the right assignment, she’d work cheap. Closer to home, Angela seeks editorial advice and often, just plain old validation, from fellow travelling companions, husband, Mike, and their two incredible daughters, Maddie and Isobel. Barry Penhale, veteran radio/TV broadcaster and publisher, is delighted to return to his journalistic roots. For more years than he cares to remember, Barry has treasured his love of Canada in general, and Ontario in particular. He is in total agreement with CBC broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi, who expressed pride in living in a country where literary figures are public heroes. Barry would add that such recognition should also shine on those too frequently unsung women and men who have contributed to that country. His mission is to bring the stories of extraordinary Canadian people and places to public awareness. Still active in the historic community, Barry and his wife Jane live in an Ontario century farmhouse. A child of the big city, Hope McFall has recently made the move to living in Hastings County full time. Retiring from a very successful career as owner and manager of Toronto’s first green venue, which hosted events big and small for the past nine years, she moved to L’Amable and is keen to dive into a life surrounded by natural beauty. A lover of the arts, British crime dramas and almost always wearing something green, she will always take the time to stop for a chat, or share a laugh. She’s looking forward to exploring the region in her new role as North Hastings Sales Representative for Country Roads.

MID -WINTER 2014

Contents COME VISIT OUR CHARMING, CENTURY OLD SHOP AND VIEW OUR FINE SELECTION OF GENTLY USED ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES. ALSO TOYS, PUZZLES, LAMPE BERGER, AND LOTS OF UNUSUAL GIFT ITEMS.

HOURS: December: Tues-Fri 10 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun 10 am to 3 pm January - March: Sat & Sun 10 am to 3 pm

22 MILL STREET, STIRLING (OPPOSITE THE COVERED BRIDGE) 613-395-6510

Community Employment Services [start here — go anywhere]

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

8 NO SLOWING DOWN

6 6 15 16 26 27

By Angela Hawn

18 OLD BUSH DAYS

By Barry Penhale

20 UNFINISHED BUSINESS

By John Hopkins

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS HASTINGS TASTINGS ADVERTISER INDEX COUNTRY CALENDAR MARKETPLACE

22 HERITAGE CLASSIC

By John Hopkins

WANT MORE?

Michael Grimshaw Entrepreneur and CES client

Helping job-seekers and employers with everything employment related. Contact us today – and let’s get started.

Join the COUNTRY ROADS Facebook page.

195 Hastings Street N, Bancroft 613-332-1743 or 1-877-309-0317

LoyalistCES.ca

Community Employment Services Loyalist College

OR VISIT WWW.COUNTRYROADSHASTINGS.CA www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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NO SLOWING DOWN!

After 80 years McKeown Motors still humming along BY ANGELA HAWN

This early McKeown’s photo shows (left to right) a travelling sales man with Reg and Tom McKeown.

As birthdays go, it was a pretty big one. Longtime Springbrook business McKeown Motors turned 80 last year. P erhaps even more impressive, every one of those years has seen a McKeown behind the wheel. With two members of the fourth generation currently filling key roles at the garage (Allan as president and Lianne as chartered accountant) it looks like there’s no end in sight to their proud website claim: “Family run since 1933.”

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

Bill McKeown (3rd generation) has been pumping gas since childhood. His father, Reg (left) ran the business before him. Top right: (from left to right) Alan, Grace, Bill and Lianne McKeown enjoy 80th birthday bash celebrations. Last September’s party saw 1700 people in attendance and included over 900 hot dogs, plates of roast beef and pork, and of course cake. Right: 80th birthday bash guests are entertained by musical guests Freddy Vette, Kelly Trottier and Lindsay Couch, and the Wrought Iron Roots.

Dig a little deeper though and you’ll find this is more than just a successful business story. Three things spring to mind when it comes to McKeown Motors: a humble, quiet sort of dignity, strong community ties and, of course, the unusual duality (in this day and age) of a business dealing in both road vehicles and farm equipment. And perhaps one more thing: good genes. The McKeown who started the garage way back in the early ‘30s lived until he was nearly a hundred. Hmm, is working around internal combustion engines somehow good for you? Just try getting Bill McKeown, third generation at the garage, to answer that question. In fact, good luck getting him to go on the record about pretty much anything. That humble trait really gets in the way. “I think it would be best if you talked to either Ron or my wife,” he insists, cordial but firm. “You could try calling them.” His wife Grace says he’s shy. “Bill isn’t the type of guy who likes to shine; he doesn’t want to be out front,” explains Ron Reid, long-time salesman at McKeown. “How would you put it? I don’t know. Bill would rather be in the back sweeping.” And even though Grace consents more willingly to an interview, standing in the spotlight doesn’t seem to come naturally to her either. With a little gentle prodding, Grace convinces Celebrating the 1979 opening of the garage in its current location. From left to right: Grace, Leda, Bill and Reg McKeown with long time staff member Ron Reid. In front are siblings Allan and Lianne McKeown. Today they are the company’s President and Chartered Accountant. www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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Wayne Andrews has worked at the Springbrook company for many years and held a variety of jobs. He’s currently the Sales Manager. 4th and 5th generation McKeown’s (Lianne and daughter Megan) sit in the popcorn truck which is a common attraction at local community events.

Bill to answer a few questions and fills in much of the McKeown backstory herself. But in the end, one of the best sources of information about the family proves to be the man who’s worked for McKeowns’ since 1977. “I worked for GM for five years before I saw the light and went over to Chrysler,” Ron laughs, describing himself as being “as close to a member of the family without being a McKeown as you can get.” Fair enough. Ron points out everything he says comes from the objective viewpoint of an outsider, albeit one who clearly regards the McKeown family with equal parts respect and affection. It requires some persuasion and more than a little juggling of busy McKeown schedules, but eventually, between Ron, Grace and Bill, the history of McKeown Motors begins to fall into place. Things started modestly enough beside an old blacksmith shop at the corner of Highway 14 and Springbrook Road. Soon Tom McKeown had set up a gas pump and car repair business in a building once used for making carriages and sleighs. Using the back end of the building as living quarters, Tom worked hard through the depression years, son Reg at his side. And the business grew. By 1937, the McKeown garage had morphed into a dealership, selling cars and trucks for Dodge Chrysler. Shortly after the end of World War 2, they added farm machinery to the list.

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The McKeown Carousel travels to many area events for the enjoyment of all ages.

“Some of those first tractors probably came from England,” muses Bill, noting his dad and grandfather were dealing in farm equipment prior to British Massey’s merger with Ferguson. Ah, the good old days: back when a deluxe four door sedan outfitted with both heater and windshield wipers sold for just over $1100 and the price tag on a brand new tractor read much the same. Chuckling, Ron explains a similarly valued car today might carry a $30,000 price tag. And farm machinery? “A new tractor can go anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on horsepower,” claims Ron.

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

So things have changed. Ron notes today’s customers appear quicker to open their wallets, forking out considerably more money than their predecessors once spent. What was once a simple car loan now resembles more of a “car mortgage.” Yet, despite the fact prices have changed, Bill thinks customers can still find a good bargain if they’re willing to look for it. He figures a Dodge Caravan costs only a little more than it did 30 years ago, provided you stick purely with the extras available 30 years ago. In all fairness, the motor industry’s evolution goes well beyond pricing. Both Ron and Bill point out technology has certainly steered the

automobile down a road filled with vast improvements. Where some cars once rusted out after 50,000 miles, they now run smoothly at 200,000 plus. Tires are better, too. According to Ron, drivers used to count themselves lucky if they coaxed 10,000 miles from a set of well-tended whitewalls. Now they often go 70,000 without a hitch. And both men agree maintenance and repair have travelled light years from where they started. Ron explains mechanics once considered their occupation strictly “hands-on.” Now the job requires a great deal more training; where once a wrench solved the problem, computers frequently serve as tools of choice. “Mechanics are also technicians in today’s world,” says Ron. And the clientele? When McKeowns’ first opened, farming was one of the most popular ways to make a living in the Springbrook area. As many as 10 farms once filled a concession. Now those same concessions might contain only one. “Back then a farmer could make a living off a hundred or so acres,” explains Ron, noting present-day farms are much larger, most relying on cash crops or mass dairy production to stay in business. In many respects, the McKeown garage has evolved right along with the farms. In 1979 came the grand opening of what Ron calls a “state of the art building for its time.” Repair work moved indoors and a new showroom spotlighted the latest Dodge Chrysler product. Further renovations in the early ‘90s doubled the number of garage bays and increased showroom capacity. Now, at least four vehicles could be displayed. Still, as much as things change, a lot stays the same. In decades past, McKeowns’ served as community meeting place, the busy hub where tired farmers congregated on warm, late-summer evenings, pulling cokes from the icy waters of the

The four McKeown generations (Front: Tom; Back L to R: Al, Reg, and Bill) gather around a tractor in 1979.

cooler and chewing over how the day’s labour had gone. Back then the business opened up six and a half days a week. When few owned freezers, McKeowns’ even greeted customers Christmas morning so that folks could drop in and get their ice cream for the family dinner table. Zoom ahead half a century and you’ll find that kind of ready access remains largely unchanged. McKeowns’ still puts in long hours on the job. Customers find doors open six days a week, four of them from 7 in the morning until well past the average early-rising farmer’s bedtime. And

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

most of those late evening calls still come from farmers, especially around harvest time. Ron explains McKeowns’ tries to make themselves available as much as possible, helping customers find what they need when they need it most. “That’s what grows the business,” he says simply. Still, you’d be sadly mistaken to think the McKeown name just means cars and tractors. The family has been a big part of the community just as long as they’ve been selling to them. “There haven’t been too many baseball teams come through Springbrook who haven’t been

Good Food-Good Friends-Good Times In Madoc’s Historic Fire Hall on beautiful Deer Creek. Have you conquered the Barley Firehouse Burger? Wed. Wing Night Fri. & Sat. Nights -Baby Back Ribs

For menus, entertainment schedules & more visit www.barleypubandeatery.com 40 St. Lawrence St. W., Madoc, Ontario 613.473.1800 • chris@barleypubandeatery.com www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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The earlier McKeown Motor Sales building in the hamlet of Springbrook.

sponsored by McKeowns’,” says Grace, who admits she’s not exactly the most avid baseball fan, but still considers herself a community sports advocate. Likewise, McKeowns’ also helps support the local chapter of Caravan Kids, a Chrysler organization aimed at facilitating hockey playing for the youngest of stick-handlers. Connections with young people interested in farm life also run deep. McKeowns’ have supported local 4H clubs, plough matches, and just about every agricultural fair in the surrounding area for years. When the World’s Greatest Tractor Parade rumbled through the roads around

Stirling a few years back, the 4H kids returned the favour by nominating Bill McKeown for Parade Marshall. Former school teacher Grace also put in time on both Hastings Board of Education and Township of Rawdon Council. She even chaired the Moira River Conservation Authority for a while. At the same time, Bill pulled deputy fire chief duty for Stirling Rawdon, volunteering as a fire fighter for 40 years. His son Allan currently serves as a captain. And if there’s a community party, the McKeowns’ will be there with bells on. Long-time

sponsors of the local Christmas parade (which, in turn, supports both the Stirling and Marmora food banks), they and employee Doug Turpin (of BBQ on Wheels) provided 300 plus hotdogs and drinks to enthusiastic parade spectators this past December. Need further proof of that famous McKeown hospitality? Just ask anyone who turned up at their 80th birthday bash last September. Lunch guests consumed more than 900 hotdogs while 1700 partiers who stayed for supper feasted on plates of roast pork and beef. Throughout the day local sensations Freddy Vette, Kelly Trottier and

www.deseronto.ca ~ 613-396-2440

/Deseronto

A perfect destination for a relaxing winter’s day drive. Explore the vibrant mix of specialty shops, antiques/ collectibles, artisans, dining, culture and entertainment. Experience popular winter pastimes such as holiday and special events, peaceful winter walks along the picturesque waterfront, ice fishing, skating/hockey, tobogganing, snowmobiling on area trails & much more.

urban advantages in a natural setting 12 I

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

Experience Deseronto this Winter The O’Connor House

UNITED RESTAURANT Lic A.G.c.O.

ENGLISH TEA ROOM Come in and relax in this little hidden gem in Deseronto! Homemade Fare and to-die-for desserts.

PIZZA • PASTA • GRILL Mon – Wed 11-9 • Thurs – Sat 11 – 10 349 Main Street, 613.396.3611 www.unitedrestaurant.ca

Browse Our Boutique For An Eclectic Array Of Women’s Accessories

OPEN YEAR ROUND TUES – SAT • 11 AM – 4PM 369 MAIN STREET, 613.396.1888 WWW.THEOCONNORHOUSE.COM AGCO LICENSED

~ Boutique Hours ~ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10a.m.-6p.m. Friday & Saturday 10a.m.-3p.m.

Main Street • 613-396-8600 www.dancingmoongallery.com

Antiques & Collectibles

peytansplace@bell.net www.peytansplace.com

Join Us On Facebook/ruralroutes.com 428 Dundas Street, Deseronto 613-396-5360

John Mc Neills’ • P L A C E • At Tompkins by the Bay

DINING • FLOWERS • ART • GIFTS

Deseronto Self Guided Tour Map at www.deseronto.ca

Open Year Round Wed. - Mon. 11 am - 5 pm Sunday Brunch 11 am - 2 pm Open til 9 pm on Fri. - Dinner Menu

•

501 Dundas St. East 613.309.9132

www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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Reg uses the last pump at the original location of McKeown Motors before they moved to their current building.

Lindsay Couch and the Wrought Iron Roots provided musical entertainment. And when weather threatened to rain on the McKeown party, revellers took the fun inside, gathering within the garage itself or beneath big tents rented just for the occasion. Loyal customers and employees showed up in droves, all singing the praises of the McKeown family. Ron recalls chatting to one couple

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who came to the party despite the fact it fell on their 59th wedding anniversary. Long-time customers, they joked they’d driven to the occasion in their first ever, long-ago purchased McKeown car. All kidding aside, McKeowns’ boasts a lengthy list of faithful customers who return year after year. What builds these kinds of longlasting relationships?

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

Almost a quarter of McKeowns’ sizable staff have worked for the family 25 years or more. Ron quickly ticks off just a few draws for the dealership’s 37 employees: a positive atmosphere, a benefits package and that ever-increasing rarity in this day and age, a pension plan, started by the farsighted Bill over 30 years ago. As far as customers are concerned, the recipe behind attracting them is easy: any business 101 student knows the simple rule of supply and demand. Eighty years ago the McKeown family realized catering to farmers made perfect sense in the rural area they call home. “That farmer who needs a truck or a car also comes in to buy a cultivator or a plough or a tractor,” says Ron. “That’s probably the best part about McKeowns’. It might be the only dealership around that sells both tractors and cars.” And why do those same customers keep coming back? Ron points to McKeowns’ reputation for honesty, as well as their excellent service record. “I guess we’ve been around a long time and many of the customers have been around a long time,” adds Grace. “We always say, if you’re not satisfied, come back until you are.” That kind of attitude certainly results in lots of friends, though it still doesn’t lead to big egos, at least where the McKeowns are concerned. When that famous Tractor Parade hit the road, Bill rolled out every tractor available from the lot for the occasion. Quietly pleased to play a part in the event, he even went along for the ride, keeping company with fifth generation representative, grandson Jacob. So where would a guy who likes to avoid the spotlight and watch things from the background hang out? Well, no surprises there. Humbly bringing up the rear, piloting tractor number 601 out of 601 tractors in total, sat Bill McKeown, modest representative of a business proudly serving the community since 1933. •

WWW.COUNTRYROADSHASTINGS.CA

HASTINGS TASTINGS

Spicy Beef and Cabbage Hash 3 tbsp olive oil, gee or coconut oil 1 cabbage sliced thinly 1lb of ground grass fed beef 2 onions sliced 3-4 cloves of garlic finely chopped 1 litre jar of canned tomatoes 1/2-1tsp of cayenne (add more if you like it really spicy!) •H eat oil in pan and saute the onions and garlic for 4-5 minutes until soft. • A dd the ground beef and keep stirring until meat has browned, stir in cayenne and cook for another 1-2 minutes. • Stir in the sliced cabbage, jar of tomatoes and continue stirring until everything is combined. You may need to add a little water to the dish to stop the meat from sticking. • Cover and allow the cabbage to steam cook for 5-10 minutes. Keep checking every 2 minutes and give the mixture a quick stir. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Sweet potatoes are one of nature’s super foods. They pack a powerful dose of Vitamin B6, Vitamins C & D, Iron and the often under-appreciated Magnesium. Readily available, inexpensive and delicious they make a great go-to vegetable in the winter months. Be sure to keep a few sweet potatoes on hand for soups, casseroles, frites, mashed… the list goes on.

Recipes Courtesy Strattons Farm, Stirling

Strattons Farm is a small biologically intensive farm in Hastings County offering weekly vegetables baskets, pasture-raised Berkshire pork and poultry.

www.strattonsfarm.ca

Sweet Potato Soup 2-3 large sweet potatoes 1lb of side bacon 2 pints of chicken stock 1 cup sour cream (optional) Salt and pepper to taste • Preheat oven to 425F. • Peel potatoes and chop into large chunks, place into a roasting pan and toss in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. • Place the rashes of bacon over the top of the potatoes. • Roast for 40 minutes or until potatoes are soft and the bacon is cooked. • Place bacon to one side and place potatoes and 2 pints of chicken stock in a stock pot and bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. Puree the mixture with a hand blender and at this stage you can either add water for a slightly thinner soap or add 1 cup of sour cream for a thicker soup. • Your bacon then needs to be chopped into chunks and stirred into your soup.

Pork and Sweet Potato Casserole 2 tbsp olive oil 1lb of stewing pork 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed 1 tsp of ground cumin 2 tsp of paprika 2 tbsp oregano 1 litre jar of canned tomatoes 1 cup sour cream 150ml of vegetable stock • Preheat oven to 325F. • Heat oil in large casserole pan, add pork and brown on all sides, then add the onion and garlic and cook for a further 5 minutes until soft. Add the sweet potatoes to the pan, stir and add cumin, paprika, oregano and salt and pepper to season. Stir for 2 minutes. • Add the jar of canned tomatoes, and 150ml of stock. Bring to a boil, cover and place in the oven for 1 1/4 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the sour cream. • Serve with either steamed rice, green salad or steamed cabbage.

www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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Cou Ro

celebrating l

Country Ro

celebrating life in hastings c

Advertiser Index All Occasions Event Rentals............... 1

Milady’s Lace...................................... 23

April’s Image....................................... 2

Miss Priss Boutique............................. 24

Barley Pub & Eatery............................ 3

O’Connor House Tea Room............... 25

Blue Roof Bistro ................................. 4

October’s Clothing Store.................... 26

Boretski Gallery.................................. 5

Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery..... 27

CleanRite............................................ 6

Old Tin Shed...................................... 28

Cooney Auto Sales............................. 7

Peytan’s Place..................................... 29

Cottage Care Rentals......................... 8

Posies Flowers & Gifts........................ 30

Cottagerentals247.com...................... 9

Pretsell Cavanagh Davies Lawyers..... 31

Dancing Moon Gallery....................... 10

Rustic Routes Hi Country.................... 32

Don Koppin Contracting.................... 11

Ruttle Bros. Furniture.......................... 33

Dr. Brett’s Family Dentistry................. 12

Sand N Sea Swim

Dr. Douglas Smith & Associates......... 13

& Cruise Boutique.............................. 34

Elizabeth Crombie, Royal LePage...... 14

Starlet................................................. 35

Gilmour Meats.................................... 15

Steinberg Dental Centres................... 36

Hearts to God..................................... 16

Stone Kitchen..................................... 37

John McNeills Place

Table-Craft.......................................... 38

at Tompkins by the Bay...................... 17

Thomas Estevez Design..................... 39

Loyalist College Bancroft.................... 18

Tikit Visuals......................................... 40

Lullidaza.............................................. 19

Touch of Class.................................... 41

Makin Waves Marine.......................... 20

Touch of Wellness............................... 42

Marlene’s Mayhew Jewellers.............. 21

Town of Deseronto............................. 43

McKeown Motor Sales....................... 22

United Restaurant............................... 44

Country Roads

Village Shoppe................................... 45 Warren & Co..life ..................................... 46 celebrating in hastings county Welcome Wagon................................ 47

Country Roads

Wells Ford.......................................... 48 Wendalyn’s Fashions........................... 49 Wilson’s of Madoc.............................. 50 Wilton Cheese.................................... 51 celebrating life in hastings county Zihua Clothing Boutique.................... 52

CR Country Roads

celebrating life in hastings county

P.O. Box 423, Stirling, ON K0K 3E0 P: 613 395-0499 • F: 613 395-0903 E: info@countryroadshastings.ca www.countryroadshastings.ca

hastings coun Joe VanVeenen Photos

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Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

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www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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C r o s s r o a d s

Old Bush Days

Billa Flint a heavyweight of Hastings County BY BARRY PENHALE

ow different winters are from those of a hundred or more years ago, the time when men spent long months in the bush toiling in the employ of lumber-camp owners, some of whom were among the most entrepreneurial and optimistic businessmen of their day. Be they true timber barons or among the ranks of the smaller camp operators it cannot be overlooked that all were gutsy individuals and records of lumbering history confirm that within their ranks were some colourful larger-than-life characters. Any careful reading of the history of old bush days in Hastings County would suggest that logging in its heyday may have had an even greater influence than the colonization roads of the 1850s. In a letter dated December 30, 1972, written by the noted author and playwright Merrill Denison, he suggests that the history of the hinterland representing the front and back country extending to at least Flinton and beyond may need to be rewritten. Denison’s letter, written on the letterhead of the Queen’s Hotel in Kingston, was addressed to Mrs. G.A Bennett who, at the time, was the secretary of the Hastings County Historical Society. The letter contained some true gems of information and delightful observations by the then up-in-years Denison. In his prime, he was one of Canada’s notable literary personalities. At the time of writing

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The Honourable Billa Flint, February, 1879 Photo courtesy Library and Archives Canada

Denison was researching the area around Bon Echo Provincial Park, as the result of a contract with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Denison was ideally suited to this project partly through his successes on stage and in print. But his aceup-the-sleeve was his family’s long association with Bon Echo, in particular, his mother’s memories of the area. Flora Macdonald could tell of

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

great log drives on the Skoot River and remember tales told by daring river drivers of hidden caches of pure silver and the intriguing, but unfounded, interpretations of local native rock art. The letter by Denison made obvious his need to know more about the trio that truly made up the key local players in lumbering at the time — the Gilmour Company of Trenton, the Rathbun Company of Deseronto, and the Bay of Quinte-Belleville lumber king Billa Flint, whose vast holdings included Bridgewater and Flinton as company towns, and who was eventually appointed to the Canadian Senate. In reference to the publication, “Historic Hastings” (1967), Denison’s letter made generous mention of Flint’s remarkable achievements including the construction of a lumber mill at the mouth of the Moira River, which Denison concluded likely had no equal in North America. He further explained that the mill’s source of pine logs were cut on limits encompassing Lake Skootamatta in North Addington County and driven down the Scoot and Moira Rivers to timber bays on the Bay of Quinte. Both a businessman and a politician, Flint’s dominating position spanning 50 years of lumbering caused Denison to label him a kind of feudal overlord. Yet another source of interesting background to Flint may be found in the writings of Nila

C r o s s r o a d s Reynolds. In “Bancroft: A Bonanza of Memories”, she informs readers of how the community of York River, with a post office since May 1,1861, became officially known as Bancroft solely due to the enormous political clout of one Billa Flint — Senator Flint, if you please. Reynolds rightfully called him “a mover and shaker” of no mean proportion. Flint was enough of a heavyweight in Ottawa that by October 15, 1879, the hub of the north ceased to be known as York River and instead became Bancroft. It was widely reported that Bancroft was the maiden name of Flint’s wife, Phoebe. This mistaken idea persisted and those local citizens with responsibility for Bancroft’s Centennial celebrations found themselves baffled by the existence of conflicting accounts as to the origin of their community’s name. Fortunately, as Reynolds informs us, the esteemed Hastings

County historian, Gerald Boyce, came to the rescue just in the nick of time with documented evidence confirming that Bancroft was named after the mother of Senator Flint’s wife — the mother being Elizabeth Ann (Bancroft) Clement — and not after her daughter Phoebe. Flint’s vast enterprises involved a baker’s dozen of eastern Ontario villages and towns in addition to his headquarters in the bigger settlement of Belleville. His formidable influence was evident in Actinolite, Bancroft, Flinton and Troy (later to be known as Bridgewater) among other communities. At his peak it has been reported that he employed more than 300 men and that the annual revenue from his mill operations was believed to have been minimally $300,000 — a whole heap of money for the time. On June 15, 1894, Senator Flint died in Ottawa at the ripe old age of 89. Truly a giant in his

field, the colourful Flint put his personal stamp on Hastings County like few others of his time. In any examination of old bush days, his is a story not to be forgotten. •

Dedication and Sources Other than publications mentioned, research materials for this article are from my Penhale Historical Files. Particular mention must be made of the information related to Billa Flint compiled by my friend, the late Larry Turner. A fine Canadian historian, Turner left astounding research and many unfinished historical goals. Some of his papers now form an important part of my sizeable collection pertaining to the history of Ontario. This contribution to Country Roads is respectfully dedicated to Larry Turner.

A familiar sight to the lumbermen of the late 19th century, Alligator tugs, such as the Madawaska shown here, collected valuable logs in waters largely inaccessible to the river drivers. These versatile amphibious inventions were built in Simcoe, Ont. by the firm of West & Peachey. Remains of old alligators have been found within the boundaries of Algonquin Park. Photo courtesy Archives Ontario

www.countryroadshastings.ca • Mid Winter 2014 • Country Roads

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George Pepper’s big international break came in 1937 when he participated in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races. Although he failed to finish any of his races, he found steady work riding Speedway in England soon after.

Pepper and J.H. Toone (right) were honoured for shooting down three enemy aircraft on a single night in the fall of 1942.

Unfinished Business War ended Pepper’s career too soon

By John Hopkins Photos courtesy Vada Seeds/Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame In the mid-1930s George Pepper was recognized as one of North America’s top motorcycle racers.

esidents of downtown Belleville awoke to an unusual sight on the morning of Labour Day, 1936. If they lived on Yeomans, Moira, Everett or Catharine Streets, they found snow fencing and haybales in front of their homes, lining the roadways. If there was any confusion as to the purpose of these barriers, it would be erased soon enough by the cacophony of 35 motorcycle engines leaving the startline as the inaugural Canadian 200-Mile Motorcycle Roadrace got underway. While the event itself has a prominent place in Hastings County sports history, a more lasting legacy was shaped by the race winner, local hero George Pepper. The Belleville native scored a convincing triumph, finishing almost 10 minutes clear of American star Babe Tancrede after nearly four hours of racing. The victory would help propel Pepper to an international racing career that was cut short by the outbreak of World War II, in which he distinguished himself as a top pilot with the Royal Air Force before his death in a training accident in 1942. Interestingly, the Belleville roadrace was one of the few occasions Pepper’s racing luck actually held out, otherwise his legacy might have been much stronger. The son of a prominent amateur hockey

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and baseball player, Pepper first made his mark on the Canadian racing scene in the 1932 Canadian Tourist Trophy in Toronto, where he was running among the leaders before his engine seized near the finish. A few months later he finished third in the American 200-Mile roadrace event in Jacksonville, Fla., just one and a half seconds behind the winner. In January, 1936, in the American Motorcycle Club’s 200-mile event in Savannah, Ga., Pepper led the field of 71 racers nearly all the way before he was forced to make a pit stop for machine repairs and dropped to fifth. Later that year, in July, 1936, Dr. J.A. Faulkner, the MLA for Hastings West, received permission to hold a major motorcycle race through the streets of Belleville. The exact route of the event, however, was not announced until the day before the race to reduce the chance of protest from local residents. The event attracted the cream of the North American motorcycle racing crop, including Woonsocket, R.I.’s Tancrede, the 1935 U.S. champion, riding a Harley-Davidson. Aboard his British-built Norton, Pepper surged into the lead on the 16th of 120 laps around the 1.8mile track and steadily increased his advantage from there to take a convincing victory.

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

The event itself proved to be a huge success, with a crowd estimated at 20,000. “Historic circus parades which have drawn many thousands to the streets paled into insignificance as the race drew the vast crowds who surrounded the course,” wrote Paul Kirby in his book Champions All – A Sports History of Belleville. “In places the people were so thickly packed that few more could have found standing room. Along Everett Street, especially on the east side of the roadway, there was a large crowd.” Rather than provide the springboard to more victories, Pepper’s Belleville success unfortunately proved to be an isolated bright spot in a frustrating career. A month after his Labour Day triumph, he was invited to participate in the inaugural races at New York’s Roosevelt Speedway, but running in second place late in the 45-mile event he crashed. Despite this latest setback, Pepper had done enough to chase racing success further afield, and in May, 1937 the 24-year-old sailed from Montreal to compete in the famed Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. Although the races on the Isle of Man have dwindled in prestige since they were removed from motorcycle’s World Championship in 1976 due to safety concerns, they remain a daunting test for rider and motorcycle. The

Deliver Your Message In

COUNTRY ROADS SUMMER AD SPACE DEADLINE FRIDAY, FRIDAY, MAY 9 BOOK NOW SOUTH HASTINGS: jennifer@countryroadshastings.ca NORTH HASTINGS: hope@countryroadshastings.ca As captain of the Newcastle Speedway team, Pepper (on bike) led the squad to the Division Two title in 1938.

TT course covers some 37 miles of the island, located on the Irish Sea, and takes riders through villages and over mountain passes. “My first impression on seeing the course was a feeling of doubt as to whether or not I would make a fool of myself in the races,” said a typically modest Pepper in a letter to The Intelligencer sportswriter Ken Colling, “as it looked almost impossible to average even 60 mph let alone a speed like some stars of over 88 mph.” Pepper’s reputation had caught the eye of the prominent Norton motorcycle manufacturer in England, which agreed to provide the Belleville newcomer with a new motorcycle and a seasoned mechanic, himself a racer with experience on the Island. Pepper methodically worked his way up to speed during practice for his three races, but once again his luck let him down in competition. He was forced out near the end of his first race with engine problems, then suffered a similar fate in the Lightweight race. In the Senior TT, the most prestigious event of the week of competition, Pepper suffered a fuel leak on his opening lap and once again had to drop out. A disillusioned Pepper was prepared to return home before a fellow Canadian intervened, and his racing fortunes took a decided turn for the better. Toronto’s Eric Chitty persuaded Pepper to join him in the popular team-based British Speedway league, where crowds ranged from 20,000 to 60,000 a night. As part of the West Ham squad, Pepper started out as a mechanic and then rose to the position of spare rider before taking over a regular spot when Chitty left to race in Australia. According to Champions All, Pepper was eventually earning about $400 a week, well above the average of $200 a week most riders managed. In 1938 Pepper moved to captain a new Speedway team in Newcastle, which he led to the Second Division title in its first year. By now Pepper had achieved superstar status and was a nationally-recognized sports figure. “Before too long, he was indeed the idol of the crowds – newspapers announced where he would

be making his public appearances,” Kirby wrote in Champions All. “He was also one of the top riders in the country. In addition, he was chosen to pick an all-Canadian team.” The onset of war brought an end to Pepper’s racing exploits, just when he was enjoying his greatest success. Initially he worked as a mechanic building Spitfire airplanes but in September, 1941 he earned his wings as an RAF pilot and joined a night-fighter squadron. “Night-fighting is totally unlike any other kind of modern aerial combat or operation,” an RAF officer is quoted as saying in Champions All. “The day fighter tackles his adversary during the hours of light; the bomber-boys, even at night, attack a target which can’t duck or hide or run away. But the night-fighters pursue a quarry beside which a will-o’-the-wisp is a gigantic flaming beacon.” On All-Hallows Eve of 1942 Pepper and his partner J.H. Toone (the duo was known as ‘Salt-And-Pepper’, apparently thanks to Toone’s light coloured hair) distinguished themselves by shooting down three enemy Dornier aircraft, a feat that earned Pepper the Distinguished Flying Cross and Toone the Distinguished Flying Medal. Barely two weeks later, however, on Nov. 17 the 29-year-old Pepper was killed in a daylight test crash along with Toone and a boyhood friend and fellow motorcyclist, Jack Embury, who had been visiting Pepper in England. Pepper’s funeral was held in Christ Church in Belleville on Dec. 19 and his ashes buried in the Belleville Cemetery. Last November he was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which described him as “one of Canada’s most naturallytalented motorcycle racers of the prewar era.” While his international reputation was still growing at the time war broke out, the prestige he brought his hometown of Belleville is undeniable, and that is in large part thanks to that Labour Day race in 1936 where he vanquished the best motorcycle racers in North America. •

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BY JOHN HOPKINS

Heritage Classic The Heritage Centre acquired its current location, the historic Houston House, in the late fall of 1994. Photo courtesy Tweed & Area Heritage Centre

Tweed centre has eyes on past and present

he “Welcome Home” Tweed Hungerford Old Home Week held in the summer of 1978 undoubtedly left an impression on a number of visitors to the area, but for one man in particular it was a life-altering experience. “There were stunning artifacts and documents on display,” recalls Tweed & Area Heritage Centre Curator Evan Morton, “and I remember thinking ‘What’s going to happen to all of this when the event is over?’” So began Morton’s indelible link to preserving the history and celebrating the culture of the Tweed area. Morton’s passion for the celebration of his hometown led to the organization of a historical society in 1988, acquisition of office space in 1990 and ultimately the move to the cultural centre’s current location on the south end of Tweed’s main street. Along the way Morton and his volunteers have accumulated a stunning array of artifacts and memorabilia tracing the history of the region, as well as promoting the local businesses and arts and cultural community. “To me heritage is identity,” the 72-year-old Morton explains. “It is who we are and it includes the past and the present. We can’t promote Tweed if we don’t know the heritage of Tweed. We’re all

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Heritage Centre Curator Evan Morton always had an affinity for his community’s legacy, but an experience in the summer of 1978 was a pivotal moment. Photo by John Hopkins

creating heritage. To me, our job is to promote the local artists and crafts-folk and show what is done in this area. The museum here is important but it’s only part of the picture.

Country Roads • Mid Winter 2014 • www.countryroadshastings.ca

“The purpose is to draw people to the community and have them see the past and the present. Overall we want to help the local economy.” While his visit to the Tweed Hungerford Old Home Week served as a catalyst to Morton’s involvement in the heritage of the region, his family background and life experience had already given him an appreciation for the community. His father worked as Clerk-Treasurer in the town office for 50 years and according to Morton, “knew the history of the area inside and out. I didn’t always appreciate his knowledge. There’s a stage in your life I think when you don’t pay attention to these things. Unfortunately I wish I had got more from him.” Morton left Tweed to work as an elementary school teacher and librarian in Lakefield, near Peterborough, for 20 years, after which he indulged his passion for travel. “I was very glad I retired when I did because I think if I had left it much later I wouldn’t have had the chance to enjoy the experiences that I did. I went across Africa, I studied in Arizona. I was working on a Kibbutz in Israel when my dad died and I came back to settle the estate. “I think my work as a librarian prepared me well for this type of position, because as a librar-

One of the two Stewart Warner “Baby Grand” radios in the Heritage Centre’s possession. The radios were briefly manufactured in Tweed.

The museum’s displays offer a glimpse not only into Tweed’s history, but also into the development of Canadian culture through the years.

Photo by John Hopkins

ian you’re always questioning things, you’re always learning, your mind is always working.” Morton helped found the Tweed & Area Historical Society in January, 1988 and originally the collection of artifacts was only exhibited on special occasions. In 1990 the organization was able to establish a permanent Heritage Centre, taking over the three rooms that had previously served as the Tweed Police Station when the local force was disbanded. A year later the Heritage Centre moved into more spacious surroundings in the basement of the new Village of Tweed Municipal Building then, on Nov. 3, 1994, the organization purchased its current home, the historic Houston House, built in 1897. The continued growth of the Heritage Centre’s archives and its collections meant the construction of an annex to the house in 2001-2002 and the expansion of the garage in 2004.

In its present form the Heritage Centre is divided into an Information & Welcome Centre, the Memorial Hall, which features work by local artists, a Museum, the Meiklejohn Reference Room and the Morton Archives. The wealth of information stored in the Museum and Archives is a tribute to Morton’s keenly honed skills of observation and investigation. Indeed, he has made a point of making sure no artifact gets tossed aside without a thorough analysis. What may seem like an innocuous family photo to one person could turn out to hold clues to Tweed’s past that only a very critical eye can see. “You have to grab what you can when you can or you lose it,” Morton explains. “I think the biggest lesson is that you don’t necessarily appreciate what you have and you have to think before you discard things. We have to educate people to be more observant. Photos provide a documen-

tation of hairstyle, clothing or jewelry for a particular period. For people with older relatives it’s important that they take the time to talk so that this history gets passed on as well. The joy is in getting people to be aware of how precious these things are. “I often have discussions with people about the importance of recording family history and preserving artifacts. It’s always done in a light vein but the point is made. It’s so important to make a decision while you can about where a family heirloom is going to go, because after you’re gone, you can’t. People wake up too slowly to that reality.” Morton is very particular about how items donated to the Heritage Centre are handled and takes great responsibility for their care. “These pieces are not really ours [the Heritage Centre’s],” he points out. “We are acting as custodians for the family. If we get three or four examples

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I 23

Frozen in time – this signboard from the old Tweedsmuir Hotel speaks to a bygone era. Photo by John Hopkins

Country Roads publisher Nancy Hopkins admires the nylon stocking dress that propelled Wilma Knapp into the North American media spotlight.

Evan Morton takes his role very seriously – “These pieces are not really ours,” he says of the Museum items. “We are acting as custodians for the families.”

Photo by John Hopkins

of a particular item we will take the least desirable one and ask the donor what they would like to do with it – whether they want it back, or passed on somewhere else.” Looking at the many items on display in the Museum is like taking a walk through various periods of not only Tweed’s history but that of Canadian culture. There is a stunning area of toys, clothing, photos, advertisements and newspaper clippings that give an insight into the daily routines of a quaint central Ontario community. A glass-encased sign displays the dinner special for the restaurant in the old Tweed Hotel. There is a stained glass window that was salvaged from the hotel, which dates back to 1884. Photos of the hotel showed that

there were actually two windows with the same design, and Morton left space for the second if it ever turned up. But instead he had a replica made in 2006, which looks almost identical to the original. Some items on display have more unusual histories and helped propel Tweed onto a broader stage, such as the dress local resident Wilma Knapp made entirely from nylon stockings in 1964. The dress garnered such attention that Knapp eventually made an appearance on the American television show ‘I’ve Got A Secret’ and was featured in newspaper articles through North America, an astonishing accomplishment considering the limited influence of mass media when compared to today. Morton or his volunteers conduct tours of

the archives that generally run about 90 minutes. There are also two examples of the Stewart Warner “Baby Grand” radios that were manufactured in Tweed between 1946 and 1948. The Morton Archives include about 450 family histories from the area, which Morton says is, “quite exceptional for a wee rural community.” The Meiklejohn Reference Room is available for researches anxious to probe their family histories or trace their genealogy, an activity that is growing in popularity, Morton says. The Heritage Centre also gets requests for information or research by phone or email, and volunteers will undertake research on behalf of a family for a fee, depending on how involved it is. The growth of online research and

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tre. That money comes in through a combination of grants, donations and in memoriams, as well as the rental of an apartment in the house or the hall for special events. Used book sales and yard sales account for about $6,000 in income annually, while two lotteries each year add $1,400 to the coffers. There are 10 regular volunteers, and Morton himself puts in about 60 hours a week as a volunteer. Summer students have also helped offset some of the workload, although Morton says that in recent years government funding for such programs has been essentially cut in half. “I don’t think we see the same willingness in people to donate now,” Morton says. “Some people in the community appreciate what we are doing here and there is an awareness, but others no. But I think it’s like a lot of things in these communities, where it is the older generations carrying things. If you look at the people who are carrying the churches or the lodges, it is the older people, and because of that we risk losing those institutions.” Despite the financial challenges and the effort involved, Morton remains optimistic and passionate about his role. “To me this is the most exciting work to be involved in,” he enthuses. “When you open the door in the morning you don’t know what you’re going to get. Someone could come in with a special artifact, or you could get a phone call about an exceptional item or piece of information. It is full of surprises and I find it the most rewarding work.” •

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the availability of information through the internet makes such discovery more feasible, but Morton is cautious about becoming too dependent on technology. “I’d like to see us make greater use of our online options but I’d rather see these researchers come here and see Tweed,” he points out. “When people come to do their research I can encourage them to have lunch in one of our restaurants or shop in our stores. Our merchants can’t survive only on local business. Part of my job is to attract people to the area and make them want to come back.” The art on display in the Memorial Hall provides the link between the past and the present that Morton considers so vital. In January and February the hall featured paintings, sketches and photos from local artists of Tweed area churches. For March and April the hall will display similar works focused on schools from the area. “We have invited local artists to come in, select a photo of a local school from our files, then create their art work on the subject,” Morton explains. “This could be oil painting, water colour, pen and ink, sketch, fabric, whatever medium they choose. For the exhibit we shall present the art work, below which will be the photograph from which the artist worked. This should be a fascinating show.” All of this dedication to preserving and promoting the heritage of Tweed does not come without a price and the running of the Centre is a challenging financial proposition. According to Morton, he has to raise $50,000 or more every year to run the Cen-

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I 25

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 613 395-0499.

April 3 - Friends of the Tweed Library Writers’ Series: writer Katherine Sedgwick, author of blog Meanwhile, At the Manse will talk about writing blogs and her experiences as the author of “at the manse”. Tweed Public Library, 230 Metcalf Street, Tweed. 7 pm. Donations welcome and refreshments.

ART GALLERIES/EXHIBITIONS

EVENTS

Art Gallery of Bancroft, 10 Flint Avenue, Bancroft, 613-332-1542 www.agb.weebly.com Feb 6 - March 2 - Leslie Kirby-Olvet, Painter March 6 – April 6- Works by Oscar Schlienger- from the Gallery’s Permanent Collection

Feb 28 – March 2 – Belleville Downtown DocFest: Three days of outstanding documentary films celebrating life and human dignity around the world and right here at home. www.dowtowndocfest.ca

John M. Parrott Art Gallery, Belleville Public Library, 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, 613-968-6731, ext. 2240, www.bellevillelibrary.com Galleries One and Two Feb 20 - Mar 26 - Ron Pickering & Students - Watercolour

THEATRE/LIVE ENTERTAINMENT My Theatre Bay of Quinte Community Players, Trenton Town Hall, 55 King Street, Trenton. tickets@mytheatrequinte.ca www.mytheatrequinte.ca or Quinte West Chamber of Commerce 800-930-3255 or 613-392-7635 Feb 27, 28, Mar. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 - Love, Sex and the IRS

March 15 - St. Paddy’s Day- Celebrate the spirit of the Irish in Downtown Belleville. Enjoy classic Irish themed specials in Downtown restaurants as well as activities brought to you by the BDIA. Contact: Rachel Pearsall Office Coordinator BDIA bdia@ downtownbelleville.ca www.downtownbelleville.ca March 18 - Radio Personality, Sean Kelly, on the 68-year “History of CJBQ Radio in Quinte”. Hear about the establishment and early life of the “Voice of the Bay of Quinte” and some of its colorful personalities. 7.30 pm at the Quinte Living Centre, 370 Front Street, Belleville (north door) Free admission.www.hastingshistory.ca March 24 – Lichens of Ontario - Dr. Irwin Brodo, past chief of botany at the Canadian Museum of Nature, international leader in lichenology and author of Lichens of North America - one of the “great natural history books of this or any age”, will introduce us to the more common, conspicuous and interesting species found in Ontario. Quinte Field Naturalist meeting, 7:00 pm, Sills Auditorium, Bridge Street United Church, Belleville. Free-will donation.

April 12 - Exploring Creativity in Depth One-Day Workshop For Adults: This experiential workshop is an exploration of the creative process and is for artists, teachers and all those who want to access their creative potential. In a relaxed and supportive atmosphere you will use oil pastels, words and stories to discover the artist within. No previous art experience necessary. Offered by the MILKWEED COLLECTIVE OF PEC, Bloomfield Centre for Creativity, 3 Stanley St., Bloomfield, Prince Edward County. Workshop fee $50.00 Materials included. For info and to register 613-471-1392 or Milkweed.pec@gmail.com April 22 - Hastings County Historical Society Archives Angels presents “Stories from the Archives”. The Archive Volunteers will share some of the interesting stories they have found during their work at the Community Archives, illustrated with pictures and documents from the archival collections. Free public presentation- 7.30 pm, Quinte Living Centre, 370 Front Street, Belleville (north door). www.hastingshistory.ca April 22 & 24 - Pastel Painting Workshop with Sue Vanderwey 6 to 9 pm. Offered by the Tweed and Area Arts Council, Marble Arts Church, Bridgewater Rd. Tweed. $50 plus supplies. Register at the Food Company in Tweed or email bob@bobpennycook.com for more information.

April 23 & 30 - Acrylic Painting Workshop with Saga Sabin, 6 – 9 pm. Offered by the Tweed and Area Arts Council, Marble Arts Church, Bridgewater Rd. Tweed. $50 plus supplies. Register at the Food Company in Tweed or email bob@bobpennycook.com for more information.

May 1 - Friends of the Tweed Library Writers’ Series: feature writer Hilary MacLeod author of the Shores Mystery Series. Hilary will sign books and copies will be available for sale. Tweed Public Library, 230 Metcalf Street, Tweed. 7 pm. Donations welcome and refreshments

April 24 - Student Art Show- The BDIA once again celebrates the talent of local student artists with the Student Art Show. Art work to be displayed in Downtown Belleville windows during the month of May. Contact: Rachel Pearsall Office Coordinator BDIA www.downtownbelleville.ca

May 3 - Decorative Painting Workshop with Connie Clark - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Offered by the Tweed and Area Arts Council, Marble Arts Church, Bridgewater Rd. Tweed. $50 plus supplies. Register at the Food Company in Tweed or email bob@bobpennycook.com for more information.

April 26 - Watercolour Painting Workshop with Sharon Bower, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Offered by the Tweed and Area Arts Council, Marble Arts Church, Bridgewater Rd. Tweed. $50 plus supplies. Register at the Food Company in Tweed or email bob@bobpennycook.com for more information.

May 3 & 4 – Quinte Quilters’ Quilt Show 2014 - Guest Artist Joan Rieve Display of Large and Small Quilts, Textile Artwork, Wearable items and Accessories, Merchant’s Mall, Scissor Sharpening and Sales, Raffle, Quilt Sales and Tea Room Quinte Quilters’ Guild, www.quintequiltersguild.ca quiltshow@quintequiltersguild.ca 613 848-8607.

April 28 - Quinte Field Naturalist’s Annual Fundraising Dinner. Program: Transformations - Of Man and Beaver. Local landowner, Cliff Maclean regales us with funny and interesting tales of his transformation from property owner to a steward of the land. St. Mark’s United Church, Belleville. $25 per person. Call Doug Newfield for tickets: 613/477-3066. April 29 - Monoprinting Workshop with Bob Pennycook - Offered by the Tweed and Area Arts Council, Marble Arts Church, Bridgewater Rd. Tweed. $50 plus supplies. Register at the Food Company in Tweed or email bob@bobpennycook.com for more information.

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May 20 - Hastings County Historical Society presents Historian Cathie Jones speaking on “A History of the Marmora Mines”. Learn about the opening of mines in Marmora in 1820 and over 150 years of extracting iron, copper, lead, silver and even gold. 7.30 pm at the Quinte Living Centre, 370 Front Street, Belleville (north www. hastingshistory.ca May 24 - Ghost Towns & Pioneer Villages Part II - Bus Tour - Enjoy a full-day trip examining early settlements from Halloway Heights, Wellman’s Corners, Cordova Mines and Marmora. Cost is $65.00 including lunch. Tickets available by calling M.L. Morgan at 613-961-7091. In the event that the May 24 trip is sold out early, a second trip will be planned for Saturday, June 7. www. hastingshistory.ca

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