Juily 15, 2005 Powassan Centennial a Success

From June 24^th to July 3^rd Powassan celebrated 100 years of incorporation.  It originally was a small community located 3km west of Powassan on the South River but relocated to Genessee Creek when the new (now the CNR) railway went through in the mid 1880’s.  There was a lot of partying during the 10 day event but this being a history column I will look at some of the history that was reviewed . 

History Book 

Powassan produced small commemorative books on their 50^th and 75^th anniversaries, but the current one is much more ambitious.  The book had its official launch on June 24^th at the Curling Club surrounded by numerous panels of photographs and other memorabilia.  The finished hardcover book will not be available until the end of August just before the Fall Fair but several digital copies were available for perusal and were selling well.  Copies can be ordered at the Municipal Office 466 Main Street, P.O. Box 250, P0H 1Z0 or by email at powassan100years@yahoo.ca ($25.00) 705-724-2813. 

Guests viewing historical photos at the display at the Curling Club- Doug Mackey Photo.

History Alive Day 

On July 1^st Powassan’s Clark House Museum held a “History Alive Day” from 9-4pm.  The museum was open, the grounds were filled with activities and there was lots to eat.  Old tractors, an old railway gas car giving rides, old restored cars, a spinning wheel, quilters, etc. were on display.  Many gathered for Canada Day Celebrations at 6pm.  A Homecoming Parade and a Homecoming Dance took place the next day. 

Photo Exhibit 

Some of the excellent photo display at the curling club will be relocated to the Library’s Downstairs Gallery July 11^th for those to missed it.  The Library is running an exhibition of photographs and articles by the late local historian and author Hartley Trussler until July 9^th during library hours.  There was a reception on June 24 with members of the Trussler family in attendance. 

Mary Heasman taking orders for the new history book at the History Alive Day at the Clark House Museum.- Doug Mackey Photo.

Memorial Park 

One of the permanent results of the 100^th is the upgrade of the Memorial Park in the centre of Powassan.  New flower gardens, trees and a beautiful new Gazebo (dedicated July 3^rd and followed by a family picnic) will be enjoyed for many years to come. 

Congratulations to Councilor Roger Glabb who headed the Centennial Committee, the council, and the dozens of volunteers who made this an event to remember. 

From June 24^th to July 3^rd Powassan celebrated 100 years of incorporation.  It originally was a small community located 3km west of Powassan on the South River but relocated to Genessee Creek when the new (now the CNR) railway went through in the mid 1880’s.  There was a lot of partying during the 10 day event but this being a history column I will look at some of the history that was reviewed . 

History Book 

Powassan produced small commemorative books on their 50^th and 75^th anniversaries, but the current one is much more ambitious.  The book had its official launch on June 24^th at the Curling Club surrounded by numerous panels of photographs and other memorabilia.  The finished hardcover book will not be available until the end of August just before the Fall Fair but several digital copies were available for perusal and were selling well.  Copies can be ordered at the Municipal Office 466 Main Street, P.O. Box 250, P0H 1Z0 or by email at powassan100years@yahoo.ca ($25.00) 705-724-2813. 

History Alive Day 

On July 1^st Powassan’s Clark House Museum held a “History Alive Day” from 9-4pm.  The museum was open, the grounds were filled with activities and there was lots to eat.  Old tractors, an old railway gas car giving rides, old restored cars, a spinning wheel, quilters, etc. were on display.  Many gathered for Canada Day Celebrations at 6pm.  A Homecoming Parade and a Homecoming Dance took place the next day. 

	Displays at the History Alive Day.  Florence White Spinning (Holly Crogan with her soap behind)
	Restored old cars.
	Pat Kilroy and “Bailey” one of his trained dogs.

Photo Exhibit 

Some of the excellent photo display at the curling club will be relocated to the Library’s Downstairs Gallery July 11^th for those to missed it.  The Library is running an exhibition of photographs and articles by the late local historian and author Hartley Trussler until July 9^th during library hours.  There was a reception on June 24 with members of the Trussler family in attendance. 

Memorial Park 

One of the permanent results of the 100^th is the upgrade of the Memorial Park in the centre of Powassan.  New flower gardens, trees and a beautiful new Gazebo (dedicated July 3^rd and followed by a family picnic) will be enjoyed for many years to come. 

Congratulations to Councilor Roger Glabb who headed the Centennial Committee, the council, and the dozens of volunteers who made this an event to remember.