Grey County Historical Society

Welbeck Sawmill - Tour - June 19, 2013 meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:23:00 +0000

Have you travelled on Highway 6 between Owen Sound and Durham and noticed a road sign for Welbeck Road but never ventured down that road to see the sawmill and store? This is your opportunity. Everyone is invited to attend the Wednesday, June 19 meeting at 1:30 p.m. of the Grey County Historical Society at the Welbeck Sawmill.

The story of the Welbeck Sawmill began in 1849 when an Irish settler, Pat Walsh, took up land and built a cabin near the River Styx in Bentinck Township. By 1872 a water powered sawmill was operating, meeting the needs of settlers for barn timbers and lumber. In 1892 a post office was established across the road from the present retail store and was named the Welbeck Post Office. Subsequently the mill was called the Welbeck Sawmill. Fires and hard times have been the enemies of sawmill businesses over the years.

In 1966 a fire completely destroyed the water powered mill but a new mill was built utilizing diesel and electric power. In 1984 the shingle mill destroyed by the 1966 fire was rebuilt and is today a great attraction for visitors. Come and enjoy a tour of this unique Grey County landmark in its beautiful natural setting.

Coordinator: Bonna Rouse 519.372.9897
Location: 522598 Welbeck Rd. RR2 Durham

Take Welbeck Rd. west off Hwy. 6 north 7 1/2 miles north of Durham then 2 miles to the Sawmill.

GPS Address:

522598 Welbeck Rd.

West Grey, ON

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GCHS 46th Annual Dinner - 3 Rs and more

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:41:00 +0000

The 46th Annual Dinner of the Society was held at the Durham Legion on May 15, 2013.

Janet Iles, President of the Society, welcomed everyone to the dinner. After announcements and introductions of the head table and the members of the Board of Directors, those gathered enjoyed a beef and chicken buffet dinner.

Roger Lamont brought greetings from the Bruce County Historical Society. Petal Furness brought greetings from Grey Roots.

Lynda Chiotti in her presentation of the Society's Heritage Certificate of Recognition to Andrew Armitage outlined his many contributions to the preservation and promotion of Grey County's history.

As you may have noted in the title of this posting, it references the 3Rs. This relates to the talk by Ross Kentner and it is not referring to Reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic. Ross Kentner's talk shared his concerns about heritage preservation.

He stated,

the present state of heritage preservation throughout the region is like standing on an ocean beach and hearing the siren of a tsunami warning! In fact, we're all overwhelmed by the present threats to our heritage and I include our politicians when I say that.

The types of threats to heritage preservation he mentioned are natural disasters, the "march of time" and the "attitude of politicians at all levels of government that heritage can only be preserved if it can be afforded",

Kentner had several suggestions but one key one was

with so many historic structures at risk, it's not going to be enough to save a building. It's got to be re-purposed, re-stored and re-cycled as a viable component of the local economy. We all thought thatʼs what we had accomplished with the Marine Rail Museum in Owen Sound.

He praised as examples of what can be done with the heritage 3 R's: the former Knox United Church to Harmony Centre and the former Meaford Town hall and Opera House that has become the Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre. He gave kudos to the Grey County Council for voting to restore the 140-year-old arched bridge over the Spey River south of the village of Chatsworth. His challenge to the Historical Society was "Who is going to market and how?" after the work is done.

Kentner strongly believes that "in Owen Sound the harbour is our heritage heart and soul" and that "Owen Sound is arguably the geographic and historical epicentre of Great Lakes marine history".

He spoke at length about the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum and the city's decision that it should close. One of the challenges he put to those in attendance concerned this Museum.

At the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum we had a major harbour front tourist attraction. The decision to close it must be revisited and should be reversed! I can't think of any more urgent initiative for this organization to champion than that!

Ross Kentner left the listeners with many challenges for the Heritage community that includes the Grey County Historical Society.

photos by Mike Kirby

April 2013 General meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:04:00 +0000

Members and guests met at Grey Roots to learn about best practices about preserving our documents and heirlooms. We also had the opportunity to see behind the scenes in the archives and the collection area.

Archivist, Karin Noble showed examples of original items that are kept in the climate controlled storage area. She also quizzed us on our knowledge of Grey County History. Several received prizes.

Registrar, Joan Hyslop took us behind the scenes of collections. We saw many interesting items that can be used in the museum displays.

Ted Noble took us out to see several steam engines.

We then had some refreshments before going on to the business of the day that included our annual meeting.

Andrew Armitage to Receive the 2013 Heritage Certificate of Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:54:00 +0000

At the 46th Annual Dinner on May 15 in Durham, Andrew Armitage will receive the 2013 Heritage Certificate of Recognition. He is being recognized for his preservation and promotion of Grey County's history since his arrival in 1971. He has used a variety of media to do so that includes, newspaper and magazine articles, lectures, radio scripts, etc.

Please join us at our annual dinner to congratulate Andrew. Advance Tickets only that must be purchased by May 1st. Contact us at info@greycountyhs.ca to find how you may purchase them. Non-members are certainly welcome to attend.

April 2013 - General Meeting - Behind the Scenes at Grey Roots and Annual Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 01:30:00 +0000

On Wednesday, April 17, we will meet at Grey Roots, close to Owen Sound for both a general meeting and our annual meeting.

We will gather together for the welcome and then we will divide into two groups to see behind the scenes of the museum's collection and the archival collection. Even if you have had a chance to visit these areas before, new things are always being added. Learn about how they safeguard these precious resources. Feel free to ask questions about the items and how you can take care of your special items and documents.

Our annual meeting includes the election of the slate of executive and board members. We need a quorum of at least 20 members. Non-members are certainly welcome to both meetings.

If you haven't purchased your tickets to the annual dinner in May, you may do so on Wednesday. Tickets must be purchased by May 1st.

Fun at the March meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:34:00 +0000

Fun and play are two words that can be used to describe the March meeting held near Meaford at Carl Jolley's Toy Riding Museum.

After a brief meeting, Carl Jolley shared the story of how he collects the different toys as well as the restoration work. The group was divided into two groups. While a group was touring the museum, the other group enjoyed refreshments, looked at books on antique riding toys, looked at the smaller scale toy collection, visited and played crokinole.

The tour of the museum brought back memories of some childhood toys but introduced us to some unusual toys as well or from versions before our time. Everywhere you looked there was something interesting to see. Carl Jolley shared some of the stories behind the different items on display.

The following are a just a few photos of items in the museum.

Thank you to the Jolleys for hosting our meeting. It was a fun afternoon.

Return to your childhood or that of your ancestors at the March meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:03:00 +0000

The March 2013 meeting will allow you to return to your childhood or that of your ancestors. We will be visiting Carl Jolley's Riding Toy Museum.

The Museum is a unique collection that will bring back fond childhood memories for many. Included in his collection are many wagons, some with brakes, springs and headlights dating back to 1890. The museum also includes pedal cars, hand cars, tricycles, scooters, horses, trains and sleds. Carl has spent years collecting and lovingly restoring his many treasures. "Witnessing people finding again the cherished wheeled vehicle of their childhood makes my day more than theirs," he says. Carl will also share with us his restoration techniques.

Co-ordinator Frank Bassingthwaite: 519-538-3661

Location 7th line just south of Highway 26, 2 km west of Meaford.
For Map check here

All are welcome
PS - We will be announcing the name of the winner of this year's Heritage Certificate of Recognition.

Tickets will be available to purchase for the 46th Annual Dinner ($25 each) in Durham with the guest speaker Ross Kentner at the Durham Legion on May 15, 2013.

Snow, potluck, immigrant ancestors and what is that object?

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:12:00 +0000

Too much on snow on February 20 caused us to postpone the meeting for a week until the 27th. February 27th was also a snowy day at times but a small group braved the weather to come to the February meeting of the Grey County Historical Society in Markdale.

Good food and conversation was the order of the day for the winter potluck at Cooke's Presbyterian Church.

It was members' day. It was a chance to share a story or an object with those who attended.

A few people brought some interesting articles and we had a chance to guess what the object was used for. We had fun putting down our answers. If we didn't know, we made up a fun answer. The person who brought the item told the group what it was after the different answers were read out loud. - Some of the photos of the objects will be posted on the Society's Facebook page over the next week.

One member also brought examples of tokens from stores in Markdale - mounted with photos and information.

Frank Bassingthwaite did a very interesting mini-presentation and shared some stories and photographs about his immigrant ancestors. All but one of them ended up in Sydenham or St. Vincent Townships.

Despite the small turn out, those who were there had an enjoyable afternoon.

February meeting changed to February 27

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:52:00 +0000

The meeting scheduled for February 20th has been moved to February 27 because of the poor weather and unsafe driving conditions in some parts of Grey County.

At noon, there will be a potluck lunch. Bring food to share and your own dishes and cutlery. At 1:30 we will begin the meeting. Frank Bassingthwaite will talk about his Bassingthwaite ancestors. Please bring an item to share or to stump the group.

We hope that better weather will be the order of the day on the 27th.

Heritage Certificate of Recognition - Deadline is approaching

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:24:00 +0000

If the stormy, snowy weather is keeping you indoors, perhaps this is a good time to finalize your nomination for this year's Heritage Certificate of Recognition.

Our website gives the details and the necessary form for your submission. Be sure to carefully consider the judging criteria.

The deadline is noon on Friday, February 1, 2013.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:49:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

The programs from 2012 were interesting and varied. 2013 also has a great line-up of programs. They are all scheduled until May.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 16. We will start with a potluck lunch at noon at Cooke's Presbyterian Church in Markdale. The program is member generated. Frank Bassingthwaite would like to know by the middle of January if you would be interested in doing a 10 to 15 minute presentation related to Grey County history. We also want members to bring something for show and tell related to Grey County History.

You only have a month left to get your nominations in for the Society's Heritage Certificate of Recognition. Please check out the website where you will find the nomination form, instructions on entry and details on what the adjudicators are looking for when they look at the nominations. They want lots of detail so they can do a fair assessment. They use a marking grid.

War affected what was in Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:39:00 +0000

When the Grey County Historical Society met at Central Place in Owen Sound for its November meeting, we learnt about how the war affected what the women were wearing. Wendy Tomlinson was our guest speaker. She shared her passion and knowledge about clothing that was worn in Canada and abroad during the First and Second World Wars.

Wendy began with pre-war fashions and how they changed as women went in to the workforce on a grander scale. She brought samples to show. The full skirts from pre-war became much slender and the hems rose some. After the First World War, there was much relief with the flapper style dress.

During the Second World War, the suit dress was much in style. Post-war in the fifties, the skirts were full with crinolines.

What was happening in the world certainly affected what was worn.

Wendy with some of the items she brought to show the group.

We certainly enjoyed our visit to Central Place Retirement Home. We were so pleased that so many of the residents came to hear our speaker. I am sure it brought back memories. Some of them shared what they remembered of the clothes during the war years. We thank them for their hospitality.

What did they wear during the war years in Canada?

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Do you know what style of clothes were worn by Canadians during the war years? Do you have photographs of your family members/ancestors during those eras?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Note: at 2 p.m. Owen Sound

Wendy Tomlinson has been accumulating an extensive collection of vintage and antique fashions from the early 1800s to the 1960s. Central Place Retirement Community will be the venue for Wendy's presentation entitled "Rationed Fashion: Clothing of the War Years". Residents of Central Place will be invited to join for what will be a most interesting fashion display and discussion.

Co-ordinator Susan Schank 519-376-7630

Location Central Place Retirement Community 855 3rd Avenue East, Owen Sound -- in the Dining area.

Parking available in the municipal parking lot across the street. All are Welcome to attend.

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Richard Bentham shared the story of his ancestors at the October meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:09:00 +0000

The guest speaker at the October 2012 meeting, Richard Bentham, shared the story of his ancestors who came to Artemesia in the 1860s.

Richard's research began with the information found on a gravestone in the Flesherton Cemetery.

Richard Bentham

Died Apr 23 1903

Aged 93 Yrs.

Native of Yorkshire, Eng.

Magdalene Gilchrist

His wife

Died Sept 24 1903

Aged 78 Yrs.

During his research at the Family History Centre in Etobicoke, Richard learned that his great grandfather came from Horton in Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales. In 1986, Richard and his wife Lorraine had the opportunity to visit Horton during a trip to England. There they met a genealogist who had done a formal study of his family. She showed them the places where his ancestors had lived.

They were shown the home where Richard was born on December 26, 1810 and grew up and lived later with his own family. The home was a very small dry stone building that to-day might serve as a one car garage. Life was hard and hopeless for the Bentham family in Yorkshire. At the age of 12, Richard was indentured for a period of seven years. Richard married Jane French in 1832 and they had two sons, Richard and William. Sadly, Jane died of Cholera at the age of 37.

Richard came to Canada in the spring of 1850 to Darlington Township, leaving behind his two sons.

Magadelene Gilchrist left Ireland that year as well with her husband and child. Unfortunately, during the voyage, they died. Some how Magadelene met Richard and they married. They had a family and things were so much better in Canada. In 1861, they came to Grey County. Richard shared the story of the family in Grey County. It is on this farm that Richard and Lorraine now live.

Richard Bentham family in 1879 in Grey County (near Flesherton, Ontario)

Richard has kindly given us the text of his talk. It will appear in an upcoming issue of the Grey County Historian.

We also had a delicious potluck prior to the talk.

October 2012 meeting - Potluck & Bentham history

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Please join us at noon for a potluck lunch at Cooke's Presbyterian Church, 14 George St. in Markdale, Ontario. Bring food to share and your dishes and cutlery. Beverages will be supplied.

Following a short business meeting at 1:30, Richard Bentham will share the story of the Bentham family.

The forebears of Richard Bentham fled the grinding, dismal circumstances of ordinary people in Yorkshire, England and Ireland in the mid-19th century. They arrived in Ontario as pioneers and faced daunting challenges simply to survive. Hope for a new beginning saw them through many hardships. Richard Bentham of Grey Highlands Farm near Flesherton discusses what they were leaving behind and what they were looking for here. The story of the Bentham pioneers could be a template for the many thousands of pioneers that poured into Grey County.

September meeting Knights of Meaford and area

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:17:00 +0000

Ron Knight shared stories of the Knight family when he spoke at the September meeting at the Meaford Hall. Several members of the Knight family were also in attendance. Ron's grandfather, Stanley Knight, researched and wrote the family history but it was published in 1975 after his death. Thomas and Margery Knight lived in Cork Ireland in the late 1600s.

Seven Knight brothers came to North America; two went to the United States and five came to Upper Canada. They came to Newmarket in 1844 and moved up to the Woodford area in 1847. Alfred and Harris stayed in Woodford and both married Luton sisters (Alfred married Martha and Harris married Ann. As they were Quakers, they travelled by foot to Newmarket for meetings.

In the family, there were a long line of woodworkers. They had the Woodford Carriage and Cabinet works. In 1880, they moved to Meaford where they established the Meaford Furniture Factory. The family business, Knights of Meaford, is still in operation today. The 1940 flooring matcher still works. The company still uses their 1910 time clock.

Ron also shared a couple of interesting items from his father's collection. The first was a branks or scold's bridle. The audience was not sure whether they should believe that it was used as a punishment for women who were nags. If you do an Internet search, you can read some interesting information about this device.

The other was protection for horses in medieval battles.

The Knights have been working on some restoration work of the old Firehall. The hall was built in 1887. In 2011, they undertook the restoration of the bell tower.

It was a most interesting meeting. After the presentation, those in attendance visited over refreshments.

September 19, 2012 meeting -- Learn about the Knight Family of Meaford

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Everyone is invited to join the Grey County Historical Society on Wednesday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Meaford Hall - Terrace Room to learn about the Knight Family of Meaford. Please note that this is a change in venue.

In 1843, seven Knight brothers came to Canada, most settling in the Quaker community in Woodford, Sydenham Township, Ontario. Over the years since, they and their descendants have worked in the wood business, making furniture, carriages, wood flooring, windows and doors while developing a keen interest in the history of the Meaford area.

The result of this interest was the publication of a family genealogy and Pictorial Meaford, a history of the Town in picture form as well as an archival collection of documents.

Come and explore this historical and business journey from a family insider.

There will be an opportunity also to see the old Meaford Firehall, next door after the meeting.

Harrison Park - August meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:52:00 +0000

The speaker for the afternoon, Richard Thomas, was introduced by John Harrison. John drew members’ attention to the numerous books Richard has written outlining history of this area in particular.

Richard entertained the meeting with a power-point presentation of Owen Sound’s past, buildings, shipping, etc., many of which came from the J.J. James collection, dating back to the 1920’s. He noted that Harrison Park was originally known as “Harrison Pleasure Grounds”, and that this is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the park. The area was actually located in Derby Township.

When the City of Owen Sound wished to purchase the park from the Harrison family, the area was valued at $10,000.00, however eventually the matter was settled by a “gift purchase” from the family, and the City actually paid $5,000.00. Many of the magnificent trees we enjoy throughout the park were planted by members of the Harrison family.

The park boasts one hundred and four campsites, a restaurant, bird sanctuary, laundry, heated outdoor pools, waterfront, dumpstation, trails (included a ski-hill), tennis courts basketball court, ball diamond, bandstand, a cairn commemorating the slaves who came to this area via the Underground Railway, and many more attractions .

John Harrison also elaborated on many points of interest, filling in the family’s involvement with the Park from the beginning.

The next meeting is Wednesday, September 19 in Meaford.

Thanks to Bonna Rouse for her notes on the meeting. Photos by Janet Iles

Harrison Park is 100 years old! August programme

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Harrison Park is 100 years old in 2012 and the people of Owen Sound have been celebrating. Several weeks ago, the community celebrated in grand style with many activities planned by the Friends of Harrison Park.

Our next meeting: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Owen Sound

Enjoyed by residents and visitors to Owen Sound, Harrison Park is one of the jewels of the "scenic city". Noted local author, Richard Thomas, has collected numerous anecdotes and photos which capture the memories of many citizens in preparation for his latest work entitled 100 Years of Pleasure: the story of Harrison Park, 1912-2012. Richard will enlighten us with photos and stories about the park and his work in putting the book together.

Co-ordinator Tom Cole 519-334-1119

Location: Christie Hare/Shore Room #2, Bayshore Community Centre, 1900 3rd Avenue East, Owen Sound

Everyone is welcome to join us as we hear some of the stories of this park's history.

Historic Leith Church - July meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:50:00 +0000

Once a Presbyterian church "auld kirk" built in 1865 and later a United Church until 1969, Leith Church was restored and is being maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers known as the Friends of Leith Church.

It is this group that welcomed the Grey County Historical Society for its July meeting.

When you walk through the doors you step back in time. Although, there are modern updates much what you see replicates what it was like when people worshipped there. Cameron Graham and Pete Telford shared the story of the church and the work that was done to restore it.

On the opening day of the new church building back in 1865 on property donated by Adam Ainslie, two services were held, one in English that attracted 300 worshipers and the other in Gaelic that saw 200 in attendance. This was in January! Imagine the difficulty getting there when the roads weren't plowed. Cameron painted us a vivid picture of what it must have been like with no lighting. The first minster who arrived as a student, Alexander Hunter, was a dynamic preacher. Unfortunately, he died in 1869.

The group's website tells the story of the church and the restoration work that was done. When the group began its work, the building was in great disrepair. The photos show the work that was done.

Currently, three church services are held each year. The building is also used for concerts. It has great accoustics.

The churchyard holds the Leith Cemetery. Noted artist, Tom Thomson is buried there. Many of the former residents are buried there. A binder containing the listings of all buried there is available to help visitors locate graves of interest.

The website also has this information posted in the section about the Cemetery.

Note the box pews.
The stained glass window shown above is a more modern addition and when the restoration work was done, it was kept in place as it had been featured as a Christmas postage stamp.

Thank you to all those who worked to restore and preserve this wonderful part of our local history.

Second and fourth photos courtesy Paula Niall.

Historic Leith Church

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Wednesday, July 18th you are invited to join the Grey County Historical Society as we visit the historic Leith Church. Closed as an United Church in 1969, a group called Friends of Leith Church undertook the restoration of this historic building beginning in 1992 when the group was formed.

Churches in the late 1800s and on were the centre of the community life. This church was built in 1865.

Take time before or after to visit the monuments in the church yard. There we will see names of the settlers of this area.

Meeting 1:30 p.m. July 18 - All are welcome

June 2012 - Our visit to the Conservation Authority Headquarters

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:43:00 +0000

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to learn about the local conservation authority: the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. John Cotrill, CAO provided us with information about the responsibility of the authority and its history.

In 1985, the North Grey Region and the Sauble Valley Conservation Authorities joined together making the area managed by the Authority quite large (11,000 Hectares or 27,181.591961 acres or 42.471 square miles.

In 1959, the Authorities published their conservation reports. These large volumes provide useful information on the history of the area and are worthwhile checking if you are doing genealogical and historical research in the areas covered by the previous authorities. Copies are available at the Conservation headquarters and at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library.

Kirsta McKee, Community Relations Co-ordinator, talked about the history of two of their managed properties. Spirit Rock Conservation area near Wiarton, Ontario is also known as the Corran Estate or MacNeil Estate. Alexander McNeill purchased the property but his wife never lived to see the completion of the home. The house had seventeen rooms after an addition was added. The property once had wonderful gardens and orchards and farmland. McNeill was a Member of Parliament from 1880-1901. After his death in 1932, the property went to his son, Malcolm. When he died the property went to the housekeeper. She was unable to maintain it and sold it in 1960 to someone from Toronto. The property was vandalized. A fire damaged most of the building shortly after the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority purchased the property in in 1976. The ruins are a reminder of this once majectic home.

photo at Spirit Rock Conservation Area - August 2011

She also talked about Bruce's Caves Conservation Area, once winter home of Robert Bruce who fled Scotland. He died in 1908. This property is in the former Keppel Township.

The Authority headquarters' property has trails and an arboretum and visitors are welcome to explore. The linked map shows the areas under the Authorities' jurisdiction. Visitor's are welcome at the recreation areas.

The July meeting will be in Leith.

June meeting at the Conservation Authority

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 02:20:00 +0000

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 1:30 p.m at Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, near Owen Sound

John Cottrill, CAO of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority will review the history of the Authority, the amalgamation of 1985 and its role as defined in the Conservation Authorities Act. The presentation will also include an overview of some of the key properties within the 28,000 acres under its jurisdiction, including Inglis Falls, Spirit Rock and Bruce's Caves.

Co-ordinator: Rod Saunders 519-538-5944

Location: Grey Sauble Conservation Authority HQ, 237897 Inglis Falls Rd., Owen Sound

View Larger Map

You are welcome to join us.

45th Annual Dinner - some photos

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:57:00 +0000

The 45th Annual Dinner of the Grey County Historical Society was a success. It was held on May 16, 2012 at Cobble Beach Golf Links. Dr. Bill Fitzgerald talked about his research on that area. A special treat was the performance of four native songs by Ellen Brown and Susan Schank. It was a great honour to present the Society's Heritage Certificate of Recognition to the Kemble Women's Institute.

April 2012 meeting - A silent film, heritage building inventory and an annual meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Grey County Historical Society) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:52:00 +0000

This coming Wednesday (April 18th), we will be at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library on 1st Avenue West, Owen Sound.

The program once again looks quite interesting and we hope you will be able to join us. We have the opportunity to see Chicago of the North, homage to the legacy of Owen Sound's early days and to the history of silent film that highlights some of Owen Sound's great historical buildings and characters. Original score by the Silent Film Ensemble. Filmmaker Isaiah Walters will discuss his inspiration for the film and its development.

The talk will be followed by a review of Owen Sound's Register of Properties of Cultural Value or Interest, led by Sandy Parks, the City's Heritage Coordinator.

A brief annual general meeting follows where the nominating report will be given. Members please show your support. We need a quorum.

Tickets for the annual dinner in May will also be available for purchase. Tickets need to be purchased by May 5. Non-members are invited to purchase tickets. The annual dinner is at Cobble Beach on May 16. The cost for the evening is $30 for dinner, guest speaker Dr. Bill Fitzgerald and some special entertainment. Can't attend the meeting this Wednesday? Send an email to info At greycountyhs DOT ca for more information about how you can purchase tickets.

The program is open to the public.