Clarington Museums & Archives Blog

Wild about Culture

2011-09-23T13:02:00.007-04:00

My, What Big teeth you have....

Explore history, music, live performances, crafts and environmental education!

Saturday October 1st from 11 to 4 we are celebrating Culture days in Clarington. We will be discovering our communities history, learning about environmental conservation, enjoying music and puppets and all in a gallery setting full of incredible art. If you are asking what kind of event is that? I can tell you it is a WILD one!

We are looking at wolves.
Wolves hold a special place in the our psyche. To the Pioneers they were the enemy, a top predator who was a threat.
Thomas Conant writes in 'Life in Canada' about the fall of 1806, at a time when our Government was offering a $6 bounty for wolves. He was "keeping company" with a young woman who lived some 3 miles back from lake Ontario. He had been courting until late and left to walk home in the dark. getting about half way home he heard in the distance the baying of wolves. He further describes the encounter as such;
"In a very few minutes the wolves were upon him, in full cry, eyes protruding, tongues lolling, and ready to devour him. A near-by beach tree, which his arms could encircle, furnished him with the means of escape. He climbed and climbed, while the wolves surrounded him and watched his every motion, never ceasing their dismal howls the live-long night. Thus he kept his lonely vigil. To lose his hold for a single second meant instant death."

This is not the only account of early settlers spending the night in a tree. In one case a fiddler was stuck in the rafters of his unfinished house.
What we can learn from this is not so much about animal behaviour, but a great deal about the fears and attitudes of the settlers. The woods were a scary place full of dangerous animals, and the settlers saw it as their responsibility to civilize those woods.

Now we understand a great deal more about food chains and the complexity of ecosystems.
Wolves still hold a power place in our imaginations. The wolf is a re-occurring character through out the Patria plays. We are lucky enough to be displaying costumes, props puppets and set pieces designed by Jerrard and Diana Smith for these plays. We have wolf masks for 'The Enchanted Forest' and a 10 foot tall wolf puppet that was used in the 'Princess of the stars' an incredible piece of theatre staged on a lake.

Come by and make your own wolf mask, explore the exhibit and see the great show by Glen the paddling Puppeteer. To top it all off it is all FREE.

Thanks for looking D.

The Greatest Show

2011-09-20T11:51:00.004-04:00

We are so lucky to have this show at the Clarington Museums and Archives.

It is an exhibit of designs, costumes, puppets, masks and set pieces designed over the past 30 years by Jerrard & Diana Smith for the Patria Cycle of music dramas created by composer R. Murray Schafer.

Displayed are designs and pieces from; 'The Greatest Show', 'Princess of the Stars', 'The Enchanted Forest', 'Ra', The Palace of the Cinnabar Phoenix' and 'The Crown of Ariadne'.

The Heritage centre has become a magical place to visit, and to come to work. One of the striking pieces is a 10' tall wolf puppet that was used in the Princess of the Stars- It had been mounted to a boat for that production as it was staged on a lake. The Audience would go to the lake front before dawn to watch the theatre piece. Part way through the performance this giant wolf lit from within would come floating across the lake calling and singing.

It is always interesting to see how the public react and interact with pieces like this in the context of a museum. This summer we ran camp, essentially around the feet of this representation of 'Fenris' (the camp kids called him 'Bruce' instead).

It was wonderful to have the kids creating art surrounded by designs of incredible things and those designs made solid.

This is an interesting and inspiring exhibit, on display until the end of January. Drop by and have a look when you get a chance

Thanks for looking

It's the End of the World...but not as you know it!

2011-05-17T09:15:00.005-04:00

The News lately has been kind of grim. Between floods in Manitoba and Quebec, wild fires in Alberta, earth quakes in Italy and draughts in Germany things are looking sad. My heart goes out to all those effected. I hear that there is a christian group in the States that is telling every one to get ready because the 'Rapture' is going to Happen, and not just happen sometime, but happen this Saturday May the 21st. Followed by months of tribulations and the world will end in October. -Oh poop!
Well looking into it - people have been predicting the end times regularly since the year 53.

The Norse of course had a different take on how the world would end. They called it Ragnarok or the destiny of the gods. This is the final battle between the gods and the giants and it would mean the end of the world and indeed the cosmos.
The Norse believed that Giants in Wolves clothing (Skoll and Hati) would devour the Sun and the moon, plunging the earth into darkness. The world serpent would writhe creating great waves. This frees a ghoulish ship called Nagelfar, made out of the finger and toe nails of the dead (bet you wont see that in the "Thor" movie...) Brothers would turn on brothers and all would be chaos. They predicted that the earth would quake helping the wolf Fenris (Fenrir) to break his chain and join the fight, eventually to devour Odin the all father the head of the Norse Pantheon.

The Norse believed that the fates or Norns measured out the length of a mans life, and that all things must end. In the end this battle would consume all the gods and giants leaving nothing but the new born daughter of the sun. It was this new sun that would be the start of the life again.

Up lifting stuff right?

If you would like to learn more about Norse mythology, there are some great books you could find at your local library. You could stop in at the museum and learn more about the Norse.

We are presently planning an exhibit on the end of the world for next year to coincide with the end of the Mayan Calender. It will focus on a variety of movements including the Millerights who had a lot of following in the Bowmanville area. They predicted the end of the world in the 1840's.

Be sure to look for it then... assuming we are still here.

thanks for reading.

D.

Spot The Viking!!!

2011-05-13T15:55:00.006-04:00

Have you seen this Viking?

Is your head cold? Do you need protective head gear to guard against a hazardous work place, or non- compliant Saxons? Well look no further. Try a helmet! Not just any helmet, this conical spangenhelm based on sample from the 11th century. All you need to do is spot our Viking around town or at a community event. Snap a photo and send it to the Clarington Museums and Archives face book page - or bring it in to the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre and you are automatically entered in a draw to win THIS spectacular helmet!

Thanks for looking

'Norse-ing around’ Viking Fun and Games

2011-05-10T15:49:00.005-04:00

Through reading and preparing for the exhibit here and for Educational programmes to go along with the exhibit an interesting view of the Norse has developed. These people were so much more than just the violent hairy raiders that History remembers them as. They loved games and contested. There are numerous references in the historic record of ship races, wrestling or ‘glima’ word games like riddles and often of Hneftafl- or ‘Kings Table’ a 1000 + year old board game.
This is a game played on a grid with 2 players. The ‘Attacker’ side is set up with his men clustered some on each side of the board. The ‘Defenders’ are clustered around the King which starts on the centre square. The Attackers are trying to capture the King, and the Defenders are trying to get the King off the battle field – to one of the corners of the board. All the pieces move like rooks in chess- in straight lines as far as is clear front to back or side to side but not diagonally. Each piece is thought of as a ‘Viking Warrior’ equipped with a Shield and Axe, they are evenly matched. You can not capture a piece one on one, but if you sandwich an opponents piece between two of yours it is as one of your soldiers ran up behind the enemies warrior and hit him from behind. The king is not captured this way. The King is naturally the best warrior on the field. To capture him he must be surrounded on all four sides. This is not an easy task.
This game seems to give us a lot of insight in to how these people thought, and played. It is interesting how connected you can feel to people who lived over a thousand years ago.
We have had a version of this game out for people to try and we have enjoyed watching people play it. Be they kids at camp, parents with kids or adults together, everyone I have seen try it really enjoys this game.
It isn’t exactly x-box but ….. Wait a weird thought just occurred to me. The example we have in the exhibit is, well carved in the top of a box sea chest and the grid on top has the centre square marked with an ‘x’- so you could call it the original x- box. Regardless it has proven to be a lot of fun for or visitors to ‘play like a Viking’.

If you are interested in more information about Viking games check out the exhibit, or come to this months Thor’s Day Thursday “Viking Pastimes’ By Neil Peterson May 26th 7 pm to 9pm
Thanks for Reading
D.

March Break Adventures

2011-03-02T09:34:00.002-05:00

March 14-18th. Discover the exciting history of the Vikings.

Interactive displays include a 32 foot boat, weaving loom, weapons of war, games, and a Viking encampment. Activities include making shields and helmets and writing ancient Norse ruins.

Call or visit the museum for more information.

Edwardian Christmas at Waverley Place

2010-12-02T13:19:00.002-05:00

Friday, December 3 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

at Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre
62 Temperance St.
Bowmanville, ON

Edwardian Christmas at Waverley Place. Free tours of the Bowmanville museum begin at Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre with cookies and Christmas carols. Craft for children also.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, December 9 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Begin at Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre
62 Temperance Street
Bowmanville, ON

Enjoy a candle lit tour of Waverley Place (the Bowmanville Museum). Accepting PRE-BOOKED tickets only, $7/person. Visit the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre to reserve your spot.

www.claringtonmuseums.com
905-623-2734

Christmas Craft and Bake Sale

2010-10-28T14:28:00.001-04:00

The Friends of the Museum will be hosting their annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale at the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre on Saturday, November 20th, 2010 from 10 AM to 1 PM. The sale will feature unique hand-made crafts such as Christmas ornaments and gifts, knitted items, homemade jams and jellies and baked goods. Proceeds from the sale support Clarington Museums and Archives. Join us on November 2oth to find that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift while supporting your local museum. The Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre is located at 62 Temperance Street in Bowmanville. For more information, please call the museum office at 905-623-2734.

Pumpkin Bee

2010-10-07T09:59:00.003-04:00

Throughout the day, you can carve your own pumpkin for
Halloween, have your face painted, make a pioneer toy, or play traditional games from the 1800s. Treat your palette to
seasoned pumpkin seeds roasted over an open fire. Tour our traditional one-room schoolhouse, sit at an antique desk, try writing on a genuine slate board, and dance to live music. $3.00/person.

Opening of New Exhibit -September 18th

2010-08-31T12:23:00.002-04:00

Voices of the Town: Vaudeville in Canada is a traveling exhibition available from the Peterborough Museum & Archives. This bilingual exhibition explores the remarkable story of Vaudeville through the lens of the Roy Studio.
Voices of the Town recreates the ambience of an evening at the theatre, complete with a reproduction ticket booth and kinetoscope. Photographs from the Ballsillie Collection of Roy Studio Images, the authentic costume of “Oklahoma Jack“ and a palette of educational programming are sure to make this exhibition a memorable and entertaining experience for everyone.

Check our website www.claringtonmuseums.com for more information.

Spirits Haunt the Streets of Bowmanville

2010-08-31T12:15:00.001-04:00

Hear tales of hauntings and history, stories and spirits, ghosts and genealogy! For more than 200 years the people of Bowmanville have been unknowingly building a repertoire of scary local stories, each one filled with enough mystery and intrigue to confuse and shock even the keenest minds. The time has come to open Bowmanville’s historical vault and share some of our tales of eerie and unexplained phenomenon.
Every Wednesday evening beginning September 1st until October 27th join Clarington Museums and Archives for our bone-chilling, lantern-lit tours through the streets of Bowmanville. Over the course of the evening, you will hear a score of ghostly accounts while being introduced to the town’s early history. Advance purchase of Spirit Walk tickets is required! Reserve your space today or be gravely disappointed! Reservations can be made by visiting the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre at 62 Temperance Street between 11:00 am until 4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday or by calling the museum offices at 905-623-2734. Tickets are $7.00 each. The walk begins at 7:00 PM at the Bowmanville Museum and ends at 8:30 PM with refreshments at the Museum. Please note that if you are under the age of 14 you must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the evening.

Edwardian Lunch on the Verandah

2010-08-11T13:51:00.003-04:00

Join us every Wednesday and Saturday of the summer, beginning July 7th and ending Saturday, August 28th, we will be serving a light lunch menu, including soups, quiche, scones, and sweets, that are sure to satisfy. Teas are served from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Bowmanville Museum
37 Silver St.
Bowmanville, ON

info@claringtonmuseums.com or 905-623-2734

Historic Bowmanville Cemetery Tours

2010-08-11T13:49:00.002-04:00

On August 11, 18 and 25th, at 6:30 PM join Clarington Museums for guided tours of the Bowmanville Cemetery. A costumed guide will conduct a 90-minute tour of the oldest parts of the cemetery, discussing the history of burials, Victorian funeral customs, Bowmanville’s historic past and the interesting personalities that made it happen!
Pre-registration and payment is required. $7/person, $5/ person for members.
Please call the museum office at 905-623-2734 to book. Space is limited so call early.

Mystery History Day Camp

2010-08-11T13:47:00.001-04:00

Join the Clarington Museums and Archives DISCOVERY CLUB and join in the Intrigue and Mystery History Day Camp, which takes place August 16th – 20th. Decipher codes as a spy for the day on August 16th, discover the early inhabitants of Clarington on August 17th, dive into the science of submarines on August 18th, blast off into space on August 19th and then become a mad scientist on August 20th with ooey gooey experiments.
Day camps run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and are suitable for children aged 5 to 11. Before and after care is available for an additional fee. The cost per child is $30.00/day, or $120.00/week. To register call 905-623-2734, or visit the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre at 62 Temperance St, Bowmanville. You can also visit our website at www.claringtonmuseums.com.

X-TREME EXPLORERS HISTORY CAMP

2010-06-22T13:51:00.002-04:00

July 19th -23rd
9 AM -4 PM
Experience Medieval Times as you graduate from Page to Knight.
Explore the hot and dusty pyramids of Ancient Egypt.
Learn what it would be like to Walk Among the Dinosaurs.
$30.00 per child/day
OR
$125.00 per child/week
For children ages 5 -11
Before and after care available for an additional fee.
To register call
905-623-2734,
or visit the Sarah Jane
Williams Heritage Centre
at 62 Temperance St,
Bowmanville.

Canada Day Celebrations!

2010-06-22T13:50:00.001-04:00

Come celebrate Canada Day at the Bowmanville Museum on Thursday, July 1st. Olde Time Races will begin the day at 10:30am where events such as the three legged race and sack race will give children and adults, alike, the chance to win first, second and third place ribbons. Throughout the day, Friendly Fire will be providing musical entertainment on the front verandah. By popular demand, Jungle Jack is returning again this year providing entertainment for children and the young at heart with his balloon art. Throughout the day you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride with a guided tour of historic Bowmanville. Visit the OPG Heritage Tent and take part in heritage games such as croquette and bocce ball as well as crafts for the kids featuring whirly gigs, Corn husk dolls and many more. Then drop by Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre to visit our Girl Greatness exhibit showcasing Girl Guides and their 100 year history! While you’re there, take in the toe-tapping tunes of the old time Fiddlers. Our Canada Day event runs from 10:30am – 2:30pm with our official birthday celebrations starting at 1:30pm. They will feature the raising of our national flag, speeches from our local politicians and a celebration of the Navy’s centennial with, of course, free Birthday Cake! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with face-painting, cotton candy, BBQ, games, crafts and more to help us celebrate Canada’s Birthday!
For more information please contact the Museum Office at 905-623-2734 or visit

www.claringtonmuseums.com

Victorian Teas on the Verandah

2010-06-22T13:44:00.003-04:00

Doors Open Clarington

2010-05-06T15:51:00.001-04:00

Unlock Your History!

Sunday June 6th 2010 10 AM- 4 PM

12 Different local historic sites open with free admission.

See www.doorsopenclarington.com for more information.

Garden Party Plant Sale

2010-05-06T14:31:00.002-04:00

Saturday, May 29, 2010
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Wonderful selection of organic vegetable plants, tropical and heritage plants from the museum’s gardens

Bowmanville Museum, 37 Silver Street

Call the museum office
905-623-2734 for more info
www.claringtonmuseums.com

Historic Walking Tour of Orono

2010-04-21T13:33:00.002-04:00

On Saturday April 24th at 11:00am Clarington Museums and Archives will be hosting a guided walking tour through Orono. Orono’s pioneer history as well as interesting facts about many of Orono’s older structures and homes will be highlighted.

The tour will start at the Orono Town Hall and will be about an hour and half long. Come prepared with suitable clothing for the weather and walking shoes. The cost is $7.00 per person and pre-registration is preferred. To register or for more information please call the museum office at 905-623-2734.

Chat Room Series Begins

2010-04-08T15:19:00.001-04:00

Clarington Museums and Archives is pleased to announce our new Chat Room Series hosted in the one room Schoolhouse at the Clarke Museum. In this new use of an old space, Clarington Museums will be bringing experts, historical re-enactors and artisans into our community. We will explore history, and its artifacts during this regular series in the schoolhouse.

In our first Chat Room on Saturday, April 17th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, we invite the public to bring their antique, vintage and collectible books to be appraised by local experts. Monetary appraisals as well as advice on how to best care for your treasured volumes and tomes will be available. Turn the day into a book event by visiting the Kirby Church fundraising book sale first and then bring your new purchase over to the Schoolhouse to find out if you have a treasure. Each visitor may bring in up to 3 books for appraisal and the cost is by donation. Light refreshments will also be served.

Looking forward to the fall, our next Chat Room Series will be held on Saturday, November 13th in which we will remember our wartime efforts in Clarington.

Log onto the museums and join us in our historical adventures!

Archive Awareness Week @ the SJWHC Museum

2010-04-08T15:17:00.001-04:00

Our Archives holds the key to unlock many of the hidden treasures of our community’s history. Join Clarington Museums and Archives in celebrating its archives from Monday April 12th to Friday April 16th. The archives in Clarington holds the most extensive collection of local historically important papers, photographs and artifacts and we want people to know about it.

Have you ever wondered why Orono is called Orono; or why King Street in Bowmanville runs on a northward angle to the west after passing Liberty Street; or what’s that monument about in downtown Newtonville? We can provide the key to unlock the answers to these historical questions and much more. Our archives are also a valuable resource in investigating your own family history.

During Clarington Archive Awareness Week, we are waiving our usual research fees and allowing visitors to use the archives for free. This is a great time to introduce yourself to the archives or to continue your research projects. This offer is only open to researchers who visit the archives in person. To take advantage of this free offer please call ahead (905-623-2734) to book your appointment with the Archivist.

Visit us during Archives Awareness Week and discover the mysteries of Clarington!

Money Problems?

2010-03-25T15:07:00.003-04:00

To a Friend, on a Sudden Reverse of Fortune
HANNIBAL, MO., Aug 18, 18--.
FRIEND STEWART:
I regret to hear of your sudden and unexpected heavy loss, and hasten to offer you, not only my earnest sympathy, but aid in whatever way I can assist you.
I know your energy and hopeful spirit too well to believe that you will allow this to depress or discourage you from further effort. Perhaps there is, somewhere, a blessing in this reverse. I have had my dark days….
The child learns to walk after many falls, and many of our richest and most prosperous men have attained their eminence and wealthy only by the experience resulting from failure.
I predict that you will build on your ruins a brilliant future. How can I serve you? Let me know; by doing so, I shall understand that you have not ceased to value my friendship.
Sincerely Your Friend,
HERBERT D. WRIGHT

Hill, Thos. E. Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms. Chicago: Hill Standard Book Co, 1887.

Etiquette of Shaking Hands

2010-03-04T12:15:00.003-05:00

1 The snob that sticks out two fingers when shaking hands
2 The cold-blooded, languid person, that exhibits only indifference as you shake the hand.
3 The generous, frank, whole-souled individual that meets you with a warm, hearty grip.

Hill, Thos. E. Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms. Chicago: Hill Standard Book Co, 1887.

Marrying for Money!

2010-02-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

MARRYING WEALTH
Let no man make it an ultimate object in life to marry a rich wife. It is not the possession, but the acquisition, of wealth, that gives happiness. It is generally conceded fact that the inheritance of great wealth is a positive mental and moral injury to young men, completely destroying the stimulus to advancement.

Hill, Thos. E. Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms. Chicago: Hill Standard Book Co, 1887.

Doors Open Clarington Event

2010-02-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Every year, Doors Open Ontario attracts large crowds across Ontario. From April to October, residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand Ontario’s hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.
On Sunday June 6th from 10 AM – 3 PM the doors will open to local heritage and cultural sites in Clarington free of charge. This features but not limited to the POW Camp 30, Wilmot Creek Fish Hatchery, the Orono flaxmill, and Willsona Farms.
Contact Clarington Museums and Archives for more information.
www.claringtonmuseums.com/
www.claringtonmuseumsandarchives.blogspot.com/

Letters of Excuse

2010-02-11T10:11:00.004-05:00

Excuse to a Teacher for Non-Attendance of Child at School

WEDNESAY MORNING, Sept. 4, 18--.
MISS BLAKE:
You will please excuse Gertrude for non-attendance at school yesterday afternoon, she being detained in consequence of a severe headache.
Very Respectfully,
MARCIA BARROWS.

Hill, Thos. E. Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms. Chicago: Hill Standard Book Co, 1887.

How would you behave in 1887? Hill's Manual of Social Forms

2010-02-11T09:47:00.005-05:00

Letters Accompanying Gifts.

Accompanying a Betrothal Gift of a Ring
No. 84 ELDRIDGE COURT, Jan. 1, 18—
DEAR ANNIE:
Will you accept the accompanying ring, and wear it as a pledge of the undying affection of,
Yours Constantly,
WILLIAM

Hill, Thos. E. Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms. Chicago: Hill Standard Book Co, 1887.

Winter Fun

2010-01-14T14:55:00.003-05:00

All the staff at Clarington Museum and Archives are wishing you all a wonderful winter season. Winter is the time of year to have lots of fun outdoors and keeping active indoors. Remember to dress for the weather. It's also a great time to catch up on reading and research, and exploring new branches in our family trees and history. Contact our Archivist today at claringtonmuseums.archives@rogers.com to book your research appointment. Keep in mind our education programs which include 'Exploring History', 'Hunting Grounds', 'Pioneering in the Past', 'Let's Play', and 'Soldiers Story', which meet many of our schools curriculum requirements. Book one program or plan to spend the day with us by enjoying two programs and using our on site lunch room. Lastly but most excitedly is our Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance! Hosted at the Orono Town Hall on January 23rd in support of the Preserve Kirby Church Fund.

Virtual Clarington Museums and Archives

2010-01-14T14:48:00.001-05:00

Check us out online at www.virtualmuseum.ca. 'Bowmanville: 150 Years of Celebrating Community!' was produced to complement the celebration of Bowmanville's Sesquicentennial as our first virtual exhibit. The exhibit can be found on the Virtual Museum of Canada website under the Community Memories section.

7th Annual Winter WonderLearn

2010-01-14T14:46:00.002-05:00

Come visit us at the 7th annual
Winter WonderLearn on the Family Day weekend!
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Clarington Museums and Archives is pleased to be part of this wonderful family event. Enjoy a day of free family fun, outside and in! Parents and children can move their bodies, exercise their minds and shake of the winter blahs at this interactive learning festival. Local organizations like ours will be offering demonstrations and workshops in arts, sports, science, and nature.

And don’t forget to bring some warm clothes so that you can join Charles Taws on a historic horse-drawn-wagon ride through the neighbourhood!
Visit the Clarington Public Library website ( http://www.clarington-library.on.ca/ ) for more details.
See you there!

Clarington Museum and Archives at Queen's Park!

2010-01-14T14:43:00.002-05:00

Drop by and visit us at Queen's Park. For yet another year we've been invited to participate in the Community Exhibits Program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Many are approached, but only few are accepted. This year we submitted an exhibit titled, 'Here's to Good Health: Fitness in the late 1800s' which focuses on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Camp 30 Preservation

2010-01-14T14:23:00.002-05:00

With the recent creation of a Clarington Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, issues concerning heritage landmarks in the region are coming to the fore. The Clarington Branch of the ACO has stated that: “One of the first priorities of our local branch is the preservation of Camp 30, the last remaining intact German POW camp in Canada.” To highlight this project, this post will focus on the history of the Bowmanville Boys’ Training School and Camp 30.

It all began in 1922, when John H.H. Jury, of Jury & Lovell Drugs, ventured to Toronto to hear Alex Edminson speak about the perils of juvenile delinquency. Jury was inspired by the speech, so much so, that he decided to donate his 150 acre Darch Farm. The land was used to establish a Training School for Boys, which opened in the summer of 1925. The property served as a school from 1925 to 1979, with the exception of four years during the Second World War, when it was utilized to intern German Prisoners of War.

From 1941 until 1944, the federal government took over the site of the Bowmanville Boys’ Training School to use as a POW camp. Camp 30 housed high ranking German officers captured by Allied Forces. Some of the more infamous of the inmates included: General Von Ravenstein (one of Rommel’s Generals in the African desert), and Otto Kretschmer (the famed UBoat 99 Captain).

Throughout this time, there were many escape attempts by the inmates of Camp 30. The most well-known of these has been called the “Battle of Bowmanville.” The battle, which lasted from October 11-13, 1942, occurred as a result of the shackling of Germans during the raid of Dieppe. A ripple effect forced the decision of the War Office in London to have the German POWs shackled. When the Camp 30 inmates refused to submit to the orders, they barricaded themselves inside several buildings and fought the Canadian Guards. It was during these events that the only recorded gun shots were fired inside the walls of Camp 30.

Camp 30 is no doubt an important facet of the history of Bowmanville, and should be celebrated as such. Sometimes, the purpose behind preserving this site comes into question; yet, it can be noted that by housing these POWs Bowmanville made a tremendous contribution to the Allied war effort.

If you would like more information about the efforts of the ACO in Clarington check out their website http://www.arconserv.ca/branches/show.cfm?id=39 or contact the Clarington Branch President, Clark Morawetz @ acoclarington@arconserv.ca

For more information on Camp 30 or the Bowmanville Boys’ Training School come see our gift shop for a great selection of books!

Vote for Alfie Shrubb!

2009-07-25T09:46:00.004-04:00

Support Alfie Shrubb to become a member of the England Athletics Hall of Fame…

Born December 12, 1879, Alfred “Alfie” Shrubb did not intend to make running his life’s ambition. It was a chance encounter with F.J. Spence and an invitation to join the Blue Star Harriers Running Club in Horsham, England, that changed his life forever. He ran as an amateur from 1899-1905, and professionally from 1905-1912. During this time he won over 1,000 races, and set 28 world records. In 1908, he began his coaching career. Alfie moved to Canada in 1928, where lived in Bowmanville until his death in 1964. (http://www.wikipedia.org)

He still influences the landscape of running through the Annual Alfie Shrubb Museum Fun Run/Walk in Bowmanville, which began in 2003, as a fundraiser for the Clarington Museums & Archives.

Now it’s time to recognize Alfie Shrubb on the world stage!

The England Athletics Hall of Fame “honours those people who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of athletics” (http://www.englandathletics.org). This year Alfie has the opportunity to be inducted into the hall of fame and you can help!

Vote for Alfie Shrubb by August 30th, 2009 @
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DT_2bD1YwZsAs1XFoLiT9Www_3d_3d

For more information on Alfie Shrubb, see: www.alfieshrubb.ca OR purchase the biography “The Little Wonder: The Untold Story of Alfred Shrubb World Champion Runner” by Rob Hadgraft, available in our gift shop.

All Doll'd Up Exhibit

2009-07-17T12:12:00.006-04:00

Come tour one of Canada's finest doll collections. The exhibit includes rare collectable dolls, interactive activities for all ages and a tribute to Barbie's 50th year. For more on our current exhibits and museum events please visit our website @ http://www.claringtonmuseums.com/

This post is to supplement our current exhibit "All Doll'd Up" located at the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre, 62 Temperance St., Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.

Enjoy these vintage Barbie commercials, and Happy Birthday Barbie!

Welcome!

2009-07-17T12:09:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the new blog for Clarington Museums & Archives! In the coming months we will be posting supplementary material for our current exhibits; interesting historical facts, tidbits, and stories; and programming information. Please stay tuned!