Cornwall Township Historical Society [What's New]

John Filliol Talks on the History of the Larose Forest

At the May 24th meeting of the Historical Society, invited guest speaker John Filliol spoke to members about the Larose Forest in Prescott Russell Township. Following an idea from agrologist Ferdinand Larose in the early 1920s, the Larose Forest was born in an effort to mitigate the effects of soil erosion caused by abandoned lands. Over 18 million trees have been planted on 10,540 hectares of territory between the villages of Bourget, Casselman and Limoges.

The Larose Forest has become a jewel of biodiversity in the heart of an area that is essentially agricultural. John explained that people have come from as far away as Japan and France to observe some of the unique spices of trees that were planted in the forest.

Don McIntosh (L) presents John Filliol with a Historical Memories book.

At the Pot Luck luncheon on December 4, long time member Dale Duncan was presented with a painting by Libby Cameron. The occasion was Dale giving up her long time residence on the Black River Road and making a move to an apartment in Cornwall. Dale promises to remain active in CTHS and that only her address has changed. Her enthusiasm for local history remains .

Members in attendance wished Dale well in her new home and an invitation by Dale was extended for all to drop by and visit her. But just not everyone all at the same time.

At the May 2010 meeting, guest speaker Sheena McKenna talked to CTHS members about the Gaelic language and how it influenced local culture. Immigrants arrived from Scotland in the early 1800s with few processions; only their culture, music and language. From the Highlands of Scotland, most immigrants settled in P.E.I., Glengarry County or Cape Breton Nova Scotia. Once in Canada, Sheena explained how the Scots faced almost insurmountable odds clearing land and setting-up farms. It was the culture and music that sustained them in those difficult years.

Sheena discussed the decline in the use of the language and the reasons for the decline. She says, however, that the echoes of the Gaelic language can still be heard throughout Glengarry County. There is a resurgence in the interest of the language. Currently, Gaelic is taught in 16 schools in the province of Nova Scotia. Sheena finished her presentation with a Gaelic song that is dedicated to those who preserve tradition and history.

At the April 27 meeting of the CTHS, our guest speaker was Michele Allinotte. Michele is a lawyer and a resident of the area. Michele points out that estate planning is not just for the sake of the individual, it protects your family and your loved ones too. Michele says that we should review our wills periodically and that estate planning is not a one size fits all solution. As an added service to her clients, Michele will often record a conversation with her clients as a legacy to pass on to loved ones. "We all have stories to tell," she says. What a great idea to be able to share those stories with future generations. In the photo, president Ken McDonald thanks Michele for her presentation to CTHS members.

At the March 23 meeting of the CTHS, guest speaker Leon Chamois talked to members about The Military Heritage Museum located at the Cornwall Armories. Mr. Chamois is the volunteer curator of the museum where displays and artifacts of S.D.&G.'s proud military past can be viewed. He makes it clear that the museum doesn't celebrate war; rather, it commemorates the proud history of our military men and women who fought valiantly for the freedom that we all enjoy today. The museum is dedicated to currently serving S.D.&G. Highlanders, former Highlanders and their families. As such, it is a Regimental Museum unlike the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The museum is open by appointment only. For guided tours, Mr. Chamois can be reached at 613-936-9124. In the photo, Don McIntosh (L) presents Leon Chamois with a copy of Historical Memories.

Cornwall Cheese Maker Eugene Kyer demonstrates the Process of Making Cheddar.

What normally takes 8 1/2 hours was completed in just 20 minutes as Eugene Kyer put on a cheese making demonstration for members of CTHS at the October 27 meeting. With his props and equipment Eugene,

Upper Canada Village's cheese maker, explained the whole process starting with un-homogenized milk and ending with a 90 pound cheese round. Eugene explained the ingredients that go into making cheddar and why temperatures are a big factor in determining the type of cheese produced. After the meeting, members sampled some of Eugene's two year aged cheddar. The reviews were excellent.

Historical Society member Charles Cameron (L) thanks Eugene for an informative presentation

At the September 22 meeting, special guest speaker Frank Quinn spoke to members of the Historical Society about the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority. Frank recently retired from the Seaway. He presented a well researched background on the project and how the political and technical issues were overcome.

It is still unclear whether the Seaway project has long lasting benefits for Eastern Ontario. The project silenced the Longue Sault Rapids which were one of the greatest natural wonders in Canada.

Gary Ivens Gives CTHS Members the Sweet Details on the Making of Maple Syrup

On May 26, local maple syrup producer Gary Ivens gave members the sweet facts on the process of creating maple syrup. Gary and his wife Jean produce over 400 gallons per year on their 400 acre farm, Maple Ridge, near Apple Hill. Their maple syrup operation is the first in the world to receive the Approved Forest Certification, a much coveted world renown forest certification.

Maple Ridge produces syrup with ultra modern equipment and sells mostly for the wholesale market, shipping products world wide. The farm has been producing maple products since 1850; this generation since 1969.

Gary provided all the members in attendance with bottles of his syrup. Here receiving his sample from Gary (R) is Don McIntosh (L).

On April 28, former Ag Rep for Stormont County Dale Miller explained how agriculture offices started as an experiment in 1906, spreading across the province. Stormont County established its first Ag Office in 1944. It was during his tenure as Ag Rep in 1994 that Dale and his committee of area farmers came up with the idea of recording the changes that have been made in farming over the past 50 years. That led to the publishing in 1996 of the "Evolution of Farming in Stormont County".

Dale explains that one of the features of the book is that it has lots of pictures.. something that Marland Murray insisted on.

Guest Speaker Carol Goddard Talks About the Importance the War of 1812 Played in Shaping Our Country

On Tuesday March 24, members of the CTHS heard from someone who has a keen interest in the War of 1812. Carol Goddard gave her perspective on the causes of the war as well as some of the pivotal battles that happened right in our area.

As a member of the St. Lawrence War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance, Carol gave members a sneak preview of some of the activities that are planned for the 2012 bicentennial celebrations. Carol assured members that the history of the war will be dealt with in a respectful and appropriate manner. Anyone who has an interest in assisting with the upcoming celebrations can get more information at www.celebrate1812.ca .

Ontario Heritage Trust Foundation Commemorates John Sandfield Macdonald Site

On Thursday November 13, the Ontario Heritage Trust Foundation unveiled a plaque and raised the Ontario flag in St. Andrews’ historic Pioneer Cemetery. The occasion was one that Jim Brownell MPP worked long and hard to bring to fruition. “This area is rich in culture and heritage. It saddens me every time I drive by the cemetery in St. Andrews that there is no marker honoring Ontario’s first premier buried here.” Jim’s life long goal is finally achieved. In 2007, under a Premier’s Directive, Dalton McGuinty appointed the Ontario Heritage Trust to mark and commemorate this site, as well as all resting places of deceased Ontario premiers. Jim paid tribute to the CTHS and in particular Maureen McAlear for her encouragement and the passion she has for this historic cemetery.

South Stormont Mayor Brian McGillis reminds people of the rich history that we have here in the former Cornwall Township. He is also pleased to announce that Council recently passed a motion to name the park at St. Andrews in honour of explorer Simon Fraser, another historic figure buried in the cemetery.

At the conclusion of the official ceremonies, CTHS hosted a reception in the St. Andrews Parish Hall.

At the September 23 meeting of the Cornwall Township Historical Society, member Charles Cameron shared his hobby interest with other members. Charles is a collector of antique farm implements and has a growing agricultural museum; now displaying over 51 pieces of equipment.

Charles got started as a collector many years ago. Mr. Taillon of St. Andrews gave Charles all his tools and equipment from his blacksmith shop. Since then, he has continued to add to his collection. Charles says that he restores farm equipment in memory of his late father who was a veteran of W.W. I and a prisoner of war.

Names such as McCormick, Deering, Cockshutt, Frost & Wood and Massey Co. brought back memories for many in the audience. They remember using these implements on the farm in their youth. Charles welcomes all to come visit his museum and see his display close-up. He is on Charles Rd. off County Rd 44.

Approximately 100 people showed up to watch the commemoration event in the Pioneer Cemetery on Sunday June 8 in honor of Simon Fraser’s 200^th anniversary reaching the Pacific. On hand for the celebrations were distinguished guests, Jim Brownell MPP, Guy Lauzon MP, and Mayor Brain McGillis along with township councilors. Special guests were Mr. & Mrs. Clint Smith, direct descendants of Simon Fraser, who traveled from New Jersey to attend this special event.