May 28, 2004 Heritage updates and footnotes

The following are a few short items that may be of interest. 

Our Veterans 

I have written about our war veterans several times and will again for D. Day next week.  I note that Canada’s oldest WWI veteran Clifford Holliday died earlier this month at age 101.  He was one of eight veterans left from 650,000 Canadians in WWI and the only one of the eight who was in combat. 

On the question of remembering our veterans I was pleased to discover an interesting veterans’ memorial project by North Bay resident Linda Martin (705-476-5523 –vipphotos@sympatico.ca)  She photographs the medals and photographs etc. of a veteran and digitally produces a composite photograph which when framed serves as a beautiful rememberance memorial of the veteran.  For deceased veterans a ceramic version of the memorial photo is available in durable ceramic for installation on a headstone for all to see.  Her work has been well received when displayed in various locations including the one in the photo where Linda chats with Nipissing M.P. Bob Wood.  Wood was recently appointed Chairman of the Government’s Veterans Affairs Committee for the second time and has provided strong leadership in getting improvements for veterans. 

Trumpeter Swans 

Trumpeter swans with their 3 meter wings were prevalent in our area a century ago and were even hunted for their meat and feathers.  By 1933 there were only 77 left.  Biologist Harry Lumsden started the fight to increase their numbers some 20 years ago and there has been considerable activity in Callander Bay the last 3 years.  In 2002 six pairs were released and 14 were released in 2003.  Some stayed hidden in the Cranberry Marsh and others were seen in the open.  They left last fall for open water in the Wye Marsh, Magnetewan, Burlington and some have returned.  They are numbered for identification and have been seen in various locations in the area. 

A Lake Nipissing Swan Restoration group has been working with the Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation Group overseeing the project.  This year’s release of ten 2 year old babies (cygnets) will take place June 5 at 5pm at Centennial Park on Callander Bay.  The birds cannot fly until their new feathers come in this fall at which time it is hoped they will have a connection here and return in the spring. 

Dr. Kevin O’Grady who is an active member of the swan project told me that he recently saw a crow steal an Osprey egg from its nest on the Great Manitou Island where he was birdwatching. 

Stan Darling 

While visiting the Blossoms and Blackflies Festival in South River, I noted that Bev Kingdon, one of the leaders of the Swan project had given a talk on the project earlier in the day.  Norm Miller the MPP for Muskoka opened the Festival and later had lunch at Renee’s Café where I was having lunch.  I happened to have a copy of the Stan Darling article I wrote recently in my car and gave Norm a copy which he enjoyed very much both being conservative members in the same area. 

Callander Bay Heritage Museum’s 25^th Anniversary 

The Callander Bay Heritage Museum will be hosting their 25^th Anniversary Garden Party on June 6 at 2pm at the Museum.  Come and recognize their good work and see the official opening of the Dionne Quint Movie display called When Hollywood Came to Callander. 

Don Clysdale working on his new book on Callander Bay. Doug Mackey photo.

Board member Don Clysdale has recently completed an excellent document on the old lumber businesses on Callander Bay with special emphasis on the archaeological remains of some of these activities.  Look for it at the museum. 

Powassan Centenary 

Powassan will celebrate its 100^th anniversary of incorporation next summer and plans are under way for many exciting events including a book, a calendar, social events etc.  The planning committee is currently looking for ideas prior to decisions on activities.  Call Chairman Roger Glabb at 724-9055.  The book committee is looking for written and photographic material. (Gladys Piper 724-2206.) 

Doors Open 

Doors Open is a fascinating new project of the Ontario Heritage Foundation (www.doorsopenontario.ca).  It has not come to our area yet but is in numerous communities across Ontario.  Now in its 3^rd year hundreds of heritage sites will be open and free to the public to see what is normally unaccessible.  There is an excellent book on the various communities, sites and dates, available at the email address above or at 416-325-5000. 

I have written about the outstanding artist Doris McCarthy who lives on a 5-acre property on the Scarborough Bluffs.  She has donated her home and property and a huge endowment for artists to the Ontario Heritage Foundation.  For the 5^th year in a row the property with Doris in attendance will be open on May 29-30.  For more details contact 416-338-3888 or www.doorsopen.org. 

Richard Lebel  (R) from the Mattawa Horticultural Society supervising installation of new boardwalk by the Mattawa River.  Doug Mackey photo.

Heritage Gardening 

Among the many gardening activities currently underway I recently noted a new boardwalk being built by the Horticultural Society in Mattawa along the Mattawa River.  When done it should be a nice place to stroll and look for the ghosts of the hundreds of explorers, missionaries and fur traders that have plied the river over the last 4 centuries.