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2011 PHS News & Events Archive

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Student History Awards 2011

PHS presents an award to the graduating student who achieves the highest mark in history at Secondary Schools in Peterborough and surrounding area. The award is presented at the school’s graduating ceremony. 

The following students received this award in 2011.
St. Peter’s – Julie Reed
Holy Cross – Zachary Simmonds
PCVS – Claire O’Manique
TASS – Nicholas Mabee
Kenner – Emily Howitt and Graham Hendren
Crestwood – Sarah Trudell
Adam Scott-–Jessica Hilker
Lakefield District – Shannon Dillon
Norwood – Naomi Cailes

Crèches From Around The World

From November 22 until end of December the Jean Forster Collection of Crèches (Nativity Scenes) from around the world will be on display in the Harvey Connell Room at Hutchison House.

Jean Forster’s niece, Mary Lavery, who has generously loaned them to us for the Festive Season, now owns the Collection of 80 Crèches. Citizens in the various countries where Jean worked for the World YWCA in the 1970s and 1980s gave the Crèches, to Jean. The Crèches are made from many different materials and portray the Nativity as it is interpreted by each culture.

For More Information contact Hutchison House 705-743-9710

Jean Forster Collection of Crèches (Nativity Scenes) from around the world

PHS Christmas Party

The Board of Directors of PHS invites its members and volunteers to a Christmas celebration at Hutchison House Museum on Sunday afternoon, December 11, from 2 to 5 pm. Come and see the museum decorated for the festive season and a display of “Crèches from Around the World” in the Harvey-Connal Room. Refreshments will be served.

PHS Welcomes New Board Members

Kathryn McLeod and Dr. Michael Eamon have joined the Board of PHS.

Inverlea Park Plaque

When one proceeds east on Parkhill Road, crossing George St. and then Water St. a lovely park appears on the left. It is a park of lawns and trees and borders on the river. It is named Inverlea Park. Possibly to many people who hurry past the Park on their daily errands it is just another park. But Inverlea has an interesting past. First, the park was named after Inverlea, the original house that was built on this acreage. It was the home of Robert Dennistoun a Peterborough County judge. Before the house was demolished in 1911 it was used as one of Ontario’s first museums. It was also Peterborough Historical Society’s first home and served as Peterborough’s first library. In 1904 The Ontario Historical Society met there. At one time it was used as a children’s summer camp, a campground and a popular swimming beach.

Much more information is located on a plaque that has been erected at the southwest corner of the Park at the corner of Parkhill Rd. and Dennistoun. A visit to read the plaque and a stroll around the Park is a nice experience.

The Inverlea Park plaque; erected at the southwest corner of the Park at the corner of Parkhill Road and Dennistoun Avenue.
The Inverlea Park plaque; erected at the southwest corner of the Park at the corner of Parkhill Road and Dennistoun Avenue.
The Park was named after Inverlea, the original house that was Peterborough Historical Society's first home and served as Peterborough's first library.
The Park was named after Inverlea, the original house that was Peterborough Historical Society’s first home and served as Peterborough’s first library.

Dedication Ceremony

Close to 50 people gathered at Hutchison House Museum on June 21st to officially dedicate the museum’s new accessible ramp system as the Michael Townsend Memorial Walkway. A bronze plaque has been mounted on the walkway as a lasting tribute to Michael and his leadership in promoting greater access for people with physical disabilities.

As past Chair of PHS and Chair of the Hutchison House Management Committee, Michael played a key role in planning for the 2010 renovations to the museum, which included an accessible parking space and ramp system and a new accessible washroom. Sadly he passed away on May 26, 2010, just weeks before the project was finished.

The renovations were funded by a significant grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and generous donations from PHS members.

Dr. Thomas Symons shared his personal memories of Michael.
Dr. Thomas Symons shared his personal memories of Michael.
The plaque is located at the entrance to the walkway.
The plaque is located at the entrance to the walkway.
Participating in the ceremony were (left to right) PHS Chair Dennis Carter-Edwards, former PHS Board Member Gail Corbett, Michael's sister Sonny Cook, Councilor Dean Pappas, MPP Jeff Leal, Dr. Tom Symons, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, and Lorna Hillborn, Past Chair of the Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Participating in the ceremony were (left to right) PHS Chair Dennis Carter-Edwards, former PHS Board Member Gail Corbett, Michael’s sister Sonny Cook, Councilor Dean Pappas, MPP Jeff Leal, Dr. Tom Symons, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, and Lorna Hillborn, Past Chair of the Council for Persons with Disabilities.

2011 Heritage Award Winners

The PHS Heritage Awards for 2011 were presented on Wednesday April 20th at the Empress Gardens. These awards are given annually to individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to heritage preservation in Peterborough and surrounding area. Graham Hart acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Nominations were invited from the community at large. Winners were selected by a panel of volunteer judges: Graham Hart, Louis Taylor and Dr. Art Turner.

On behalf of Elwood Jones, Diane Robnik (left) accepted the F.H. Dobbin Award from Kathy Hooke, for his book Little Lake Cemetery.
On behalf of Elwood Jones, Diane Robnik (left) accepted the F.H. Dobbin Award from Kathy Hooke, for his book Little Lake Cemetery.
Terry Hawkins (left) presented the George A. Cox Award to Terry and Katherine Helmer for adaptive re-use of the 1840's Westwood Mill on the Ouse River.
Terry Hawkins (left) presented the George A. Cox Award to Terry and Katherine Helmer for adaptive re-use of the 1840’s Westwood Mill on the Ouse River.
Andrew Wasson (left) accepted the George A. Cox Award from Terry Hawkins, on behalf of Seven Hills Developments for the refurbishment of the façade on the historic Turnbull Building in downtown Peterborough
Andrew Wasson (left) accepted the George A. Cox Award from Terry Hawkins, on behalf of Seven Hills Developments for the refurbishment of the façade on the historic Turnbull Building in downtown Peterborough
Pat Young (left) accepted the J. Hampden Burnham Award on behalf of the Save the St. Martin's Parish Hall Committee, from Ben Dick.
Pat Young (left) accepted the J. Hampden Burnham Award on behalf of the Save the St. Martin’s Parish Hall Committee, from Ben Dick.
Suresh Kandaswamy presented Kerry-Lynn Parsons with the Samuel Armour Award for her Teacher's Guide on Sir Sandford Fleming, A Man of His Time.
Suresh Kandaswamy presented Kerry-Lynn Parsons with the Samuel Armour Award for her Teacher’s Guide on Sir Sandford Fleming, A Man of His Time.

PHS Heritage Awards 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011; 7:30p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Empress Gardens, 131 Charlotte Street

Reception to follow awards. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Award winners are:

  • Elwood Jones for his book “Little Lake Cemetery”
  • Kerry-Lynn Parsons for her Teacher’s Study Guide in support of the theatre production about Sir Sandford Fleming called “A Man of His Time”.
  • Save the St. Martin’s Parish Hall Committee for their successful effort and campaign to stop the possible demolition of the historic building.
  • Terry and Katherine Helmer for their restoration for adaptive re-use of the 1840s Westwood Mill on the Ouse River.
  • Seven Hills Developments for the refurbishment of the façade of the Turnbull Building