Author John Boyko is Guest Speaker at Historical Society Public Meeting
Acclaimed author John Boyko, will be discussing his latest book, Blood and Daring: How Canada Fought the American Civil War and Forged a Nation, at the Peterborough Historical Society’s public meeting on November 19th.
Since its release in May 2013, the book has received critical praise in both Canada and the United States. The National Post called it “a wonderful and seamless popular history full of colourful characters, intrigue and political back-stabbing of the first order”.
Canadian participation in the American Civil War is not generally well known. In fact, some 40,000 Canadians fought on both sides of the war.
John Boyko grew up in Peterborough. He has earned degrees from Trent, Queen’s and MacMaster Universities and is considered a distinguished scholar of Canadian political history. He is the author of five books, is a regular contributor to newspapers across Canada and has appeared many times on television and radio. Currently, he is an administrator at Lakefield College School.
The PHS monthly public meetings are held in the downstairs auditorium of the Public Library, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
PHS Annual Historical Bus Trip Saturday, October 19th
Planes, trains, and a Victorian mansion – this year, the Peterborough Historical Society’s annual bus trip has something for everyone. The bus leaves the Canada Coach Office at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, returning around 5:30 p.m.
First stop is a visit to the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, with its memorabilia and artifacts and an extensive collection of vintage aircraft in the adjacent Air Park.
Lunch will be served at Dougals on the Bay, located right on scenic Brighton Bay.
The afternoon includes a stop at Memory Junction Museum, a privately-owned museum located in the former Brighton CNR station, built by the Grand Trunk Railway in 1857. The owners purchased the station and the property around it in 1987, and have assembled displays relating to railway history, including a 110-ton locomotive built in 1906, a boxcar built prior to WW1 and a 1929 caboose.
The final stop will be a guided tour of historic Proctor House Museum. This red brick mansion was built in the 1850s and was occupied by the Proctor family until the early 1960s. It opened as a house museum in 1975, reflecting the Victorian lifestyle of one of Brighton’s most influential early families.
Tickets are $80.00 each or two tickets for $150.00 (which covers all admission charges and lunch). To reserve tickets call 705 743- 9710 or stop by the PHS office at Hutchison House Museum, 270 Brock Street.
Volunteer is Recognized by the City
PHS volunteer, Paul Lumsden, was recently recognized by the City with a Cultural Betterment Award. A progessional contractor, Paul has contributed his expertise and countless hours to assist with the up-keep and physical improvements to Hutchison House over the past several years. In 2010, he oversaw major renovations to the house which included installation of an accessible ramp system and washorrom and a new up-graded kitchen. More recently, he managed relacement of the cedar shake roof and the construction of a new front porch. Paul sits on the Hutchison House Management Committee and continues to provide advise on the on-going maintenance of our historic building.
Author John McKenty is Guest Speaker At the PHS April Public Meeting
With its bikes in summer and skates in winter, the Canadian Cycle and Motor Company (CCM) was a household name in Canada for almost a century.
In his book, The CCM Story, author John McKenty traces the fortunes of this uniquely Canadian company from its founding in 1899 to its eventual demise in 1983. Built on hours of extensive research and personal interviews, McKenty draws together a diverse cast of some of Canada’s best-known businessmen, celebrated athletes and colourful con artists to paint an unforgettable picture of the company’s contribution to Canadian cultural history. His presentation is bound to spark fond memories for all who grew up with CCM bikes and skates.
John McKenty will be the guest speaker at the annual monthly meeting of the Peterborough Historical Society on April 16, at the Peterborough Public Library, starting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.
McKenty was born in Peterborough is now a retired high school principal and local history writer in Perth. Copies of his book The CCM Story will be available for sale at $20.00 each.
PHS Annual General Meeting
Over 60 members attended the Society’s Annual General Meeting at Princess Gardens on February 19. Newly elected Board members for 2013 are: Barbara McIntosh (President), Dennis Carter-Edwards (Past President), Peter Darling (Treasurer), Janet Bradley (Secretary), Susan Jewell, Linda Lumsden, Terry Hawkins and Don Willcock.
Keynote speaker, Eric Hanson, Heritage Resource Coordinator for the City of Peterborough, gave an engaging presentation on highlights of the past ten years since the City’s Heritage Preservation Office was established. He noted that the biggest change has been the City’s move towards a more holistic approach to protecting built heritage by looking at the broader cultural landscape instead of simply looking at individual structures.