Agnes Hepburn Papers

Heritage Port Stanley Meeting
Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 1:30 PM
Port Stanley Festival Theatre

Attendance: 32 (31 members, 1 guest)

Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 PM and welcomed everyone. He expressed condolences to Brian Welsh on the loss of his wife, Lin.

Land Acknowledgment: Nora Sanders

1. Adoption of Minutes (February 26, 2026)

Moved by Richard Haddowt, seconded by Kathy McNeil, that the minutes be approved as circulated.
Motion carried.

2. Treasurer’s Report

Anne Kent presented the report:

• General Account Balance: $1,768.19
• GICs: Two at $4,000 and three at $1,000

Moved by Nancy Moore, seconded by Al Slater, that the report be adopted as presented.
Motion carried.

3. Executive Update

• David reported that the incline railway cars will likely return to Port Stanley.
• Nora noted their heritage video presentation at the March 19 Lunch and Learn at Port Stanley United Church was well received and featured in the Aylmer Express.
• Grant application submitted to Central Elgin.
• Sally and Dave photographed all designated and clerk’s list buildings, as well as signs and murals in Port Stanley.
• Dave attended a meeting of Port Stanley committees at the Kokomo Club House.

4. Annual Memberships

Membership cards were distributed to paid members present. Missing cards will be printed by Nora.

5. Heritage Question of the Month

Question: The current public school in Port Stanley is its fourth. Where were the first, second, and third schools located?

Answer (Janice Mann):

• First: East side of Francis Street (1 room)
• Second: West side of Francis Street (2 rooms)
• Third: West side again (4 rooms on two floors, later 2 basement rooms)

6. Tentative Future Meetings

7. Heritage Announcements

• Sally Martyn reported Sparta & District Historical Society hired two students available for Heritage Port Stanley projects.
• Hayden Sawyer assisted in producing three video histories (Sparta driving tour, walking tour, and war veterans video). These will be available on the website.
• Nora reported on a Heritage Central Elgin motion supporting retention of designated structures on the Psychiatric Hospital property.
• A presentation on preserving heritage barns through photography was also noted.

8. Feature Presentation

“Who Was Agnes Hepburn” – Presented by Sally Martyn

Sally shared extensive materials and photographs highlighting Agnes Hepburn’s life and contributions, including:

• Teaching career and lifelong residence in Port Stanley
• Handwritten histories (St. John’s Presbyterian Church, family history, local resorts)
• Tweedsmuir Histories of Port Stanley
• Historical booklets and archival materials preserved thanks to Skip Taylor

These materials will eventually be housed at the Elgin County Archives.

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.

Next Meeting

April 23, 2026 | 1:30 PM
Port Stanley United Church

Secretary: Sally Martyn
Chair: David Russell

Appendix: Sally Martyn’s Speaking Notes – “Who Was Agnes Hepburn?”

• Born 1881 – Died 1972 (age 91)
• Parents: Susannah (Kennedy) and Andrew Hepburn
• Lifelong resident of Port Stanley (285 Bridge Street)
• Teacher (Barrie and Port Stanley, 32 years)

Key Contributions:

• Wrote St. John’s Presbyterian Church 100th anniversary history (1954)
• Compiled family and community histories
• Preserved early records (e.g., voter lists, settlement histories)
• Authored Historical Sketch of the Village of Port Stanley (1817–1952)
• Compiled Tweedsmuir History of Port Stanley

Legacy:

• Materials preserved through Skip Taylor
• Now housed or destined for Elgin County Archives
• Recognized as “Citizen Exceptionale” for preserving Port Stanley history

Key Historical Topics Covered in Her Work:

• Formation of Elgin County (1851–1853)
• Cholera outbreaks (1832, 1849)
• Local landmarks and industries
• Rush-Bagot Treaty (1817)
• Early tourism and businesses

Agnes Hepburn’s work remains an invaluable resource for researching the history of Port Stanley.