The annual general meeting of the Wellington County Historical Society provided a few surprises as the evening progressed recently in the Aboyne Hall of the Elora Museum and Archives building.
Prior to the meeting, and with the tunes of Al Koop on banjo and Brayden Benham on guitar in the background, a launch was held for the 27th edition of the journal “Wellington County History” which this year has a military theme.
President Ron Hattle welcomed everyone, and in relating the highlights and accomplishments of the society over the past year, also read a 1932 article that had been stored at the OAC Guelph about the origin of the historical society and the help given by the Women’s Institutes. Wellington County Museum and Archives administrator Janice Hindley expressed pride and enthusiasm for the group’s accomplishments and awards during the past year and for the exciting programming and displays that are to happen at the museum in the next several months. Reports were given by membership director, Jude Dowling, treasurer Kathy Bouma; and publication committee representative Helen Aitkin.
In a nutshell the society’s finances are stable, the journal has some very interesting war-time stories, but for a county the size of Wellington a historical society membership of only 205 is “quite disappointing.”
The annual Jean Hutchinson Essay Competition featured a theme this year, “I Love a Parade.” In the Junior Division tying for second place were brothers Jonah and Joshua Doupe of Belwood. Taking the award for first place in the adult class was their mother Silvana Sangiuliano. Other prize winners were Caroline Sealey of Alma and Rachel Buchner of Guelph. Honourable mention was noted for Elisabeth Easterbrook of Fergus, Shirley Langdon of Arthur and Royden McCoag of Palmerston.
Special commendation was awarded to a group from the Wellington Terrace Long Term Home where recreation therapist Meghan West led a number of seniors in sessions of story-telling about parades they had witnessed. The installation of the 2014/15 Slate of Officers was conducted by Sharon Currie, district Women’s Instutute president. Installed were: president Ron Hattle, secretary and publications co-ordinator Helen Aitkin and treasurer Kathy Bouma. The position of membership director was left vacant. Directors are: Ian Easterbrook, Betty Ferguson, Cynthia Rabstein, Anne Reid, Ev Robson, Jim Webb and Willa Wick. Anyone who is fascinated with Wellington’s history and would be interested in being part of the society is encouraged to contact them.
Curatorial assistant Amy Dunlop gave an overview of the project, “My Story, My Tattoo.” Many people have been interviewed so far to provide the stories behind, and reasons for, their various tattoos. The next scheduled interviews are at the museum July 7. Other library session interviews are in Marden on June 19, Harriston on July 24 or Erin on Aug. 26.
