New Publication: Bodwells of Elgin Hall

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Hello Everyone

The information for George Emery’s newest publication is provided by Debbie Kasman, co-author of:

THE BODWELLS OF ELGIN HALL: MOUNT ELGIN HAMLET, DEREHAM TOWNSHIP, OXFORD COUNTY, 1848-2023

BY GEORGE EMERY PH. D. (UBC) PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HISTORY, WESTERN UNIVERSITY AND DEBBIE L. KASMAN, M. ED.

Is now available for pre-order – CA$50.00

This 8 1/2 “ x 11” 260 page authoritative, evidence-based study memorializes Elgin Hall, a stately home and landmark in Mount Elgin hamlet, Dereham Township, Oxford County, the Honourable Garth Turner’s ancestral home, from its construction in 1849 to its demolition in 2023. This book also explores the history of descendants of James Bodwell, Sr. (1764-1853), the family’s pioneer settler in Dereham Township, and his roots in 17th Wales, through New England, Stanstead, Nissouri, and eventually Dereham Township.

The book evolved from our “Save Elgin Hall from Demolition” Project. Debbie L. Kasman was the project’s leader; the Hon. Garth Turner, its patron; George Emery, its Historian; and Cody Groat, its expert on heritage designation.

We offer this book as a tribute to Garth Turner PC, Patron of the Elgin Hall Project, and to anyone with a love of history.

The book makes an excellent coffee table book, with its detailed studies, its rich stories, and its 125 images, 62 of which are colour.

To pre-order a copy click on this link: Bodwells of Elgin Hall

Embro Highland Games 2023!

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Hello Everyone,

Please see this guest post from Embro Highland Games:

The Countdown is On!

We are officially 9 days away from the 2023 Embro Highland Games & excitement is stirring as we look forward to welcoming over 3,700 visitors!

July 1st will be a day of fierce rivalry as hammers are thrown, cabers are tossed, the skirl of the bagpipes fill the air as the flash of clan tartan surrounds us!

We are thrilled this year to once again include Tug-of-War in our event line up with teams coming from far afield as British Columbia & Wisconsin!

Musical headliner this year is the ever popular Celtic rock group The Mudmen.

Please feel free to share the Embro Highland Games poster with your members & readership!

Check out our new website at www.embrohighlandgames.ca

National Indigenous Peoples Day – Wednesday, June 21, 2023!

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Hello Everyone,

please see this guest post from the Tillsonburg and District Historical Society:

The Tillsonburg and District Historical Society is again Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, at 4 pm at the Tillsonburg Soccer Club, Attawandaron Way, Quarter Townline Rd. 

This is the site of the largest known Attawandaron Peoples village which was settled in the 14th and 15th Century.

This National Day was established to celebrate the contributions of First Nations. Metis and Inuit people. More information can be found at About National  Indigenous Peoples Day (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca).

The theme this year will be recognition of Indigenous Veterans and their ancestors and will include participation by Branch 153 Royal Canadian Legion and a presentation by Dr Jason Pankratz. Local Dignitaries’ have been invited.

 All are invited…bring your friends and family. A limited number of Pins commemorating the Indigenous Veterans of Canada will be presented to those attending.

For more information, please contact Dave Morris, President. Dcmorris95@gmail.com

Grand Day Out – This Saturday!

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Woodlands Cultural Centre Museum

Hello Everyone,

The date is fast approaching! Please join us on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 for our Grand Day Out!

This year’s outing we are visiting the Woodlands Cultural Centre, the Mohawk Residential School and Chapel, having lunch at the Burger Barn, Pauline Johnston’s home and Iroqrafts!

The day will begin at 9:15am when we meet in the Graham St. parking lot behind the Woodstock Public Library. From there we will carpool to the Woodlands Cultural Centre. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $7 for senior and students.

After Woodlands we then will walk around the Mohawk Residential School, Kathie Richards will provide some information about the history of this school. Then the group will make its way to the Mohawk Chapel.

After a lovely morning spent visiting historic sites the group will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Burger Barn! A casual dining place serving traditional favourites with a twist!

Lunch will be followed by a walk around Pauline Johnston’s home at the Chiefswood National Historic Site, if open to the public there will be a chance to explore inside her home.

The final stop on the tour will be a visit to the Iroqrafts store, an Indigenous arts and crafts outlet.

If you are interested in joining the OxHS please let us know by Friday, June 16!

The OxHS can be reached by email at info@oxhs.ca or,
call and leave us a voicemail at 226-242-4774.
In your response please state how many people will be in your party and if you are willing to drive others or require a space in a vehicle.

Tour, lunch and other expenditures are the sole responsibility of each participant.

Mighty Men of Zorra 130th Anniversary!

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Hello Everyone,
please read this guest post from the Zorra Caledonian Society:

Special event on Sunday, June 25, 2023 @ 2 pm at the North Embro Cemetery!  

Come celebrate with us as we re-dedicate the Memorial Tug-of-War Cairn and commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Mighty Men of Zorra winning the World Championships in 1893!

Bring a lawn chair and wear your tartan!  (We are setting up in the shade, away from the road noise, but do bring your own water, if it turns out to be a scorcher of a day).

For questions about this event contact the Zorra Caledonian Society at 519-320-8113.