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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260226T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260226T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160849
CREATED:20260223T032604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T150236Z
UID:103681-1772112600-1772125200@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:February 26 HPS Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Heritage Port Stanley \nAnnual Meeting \nThursday\, February 27\, 2026 – 1:30 p.m. \nPort Stanley Festival Theatre \nAttendance: 28 members \nChair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 and welcomed everyone. \nNora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement. \nAdoption of the Minutes – January 29\, 2026 \nMoved by June Ayrhart and seconded by Margi Cole that the minutes be approved as circulated.\nMotion carried. \nTreasurer’s Report \nAnne Kent presented the treasurer’s report. Current balance in the general account is $1926.22 with two GICs of $4000 and three GICs of $1000. \nMoved by Barb Cookson\, seconded by Bronwyn Fitz-James that the report be adopted as presented.\nMotion carried. \nExecutive Update \nNora noted that she and David will be presenting the group’s heritage videos at a Lunch and Learn on March 19 at Port Stanley United Church. Everyone is welcome. \nShe also spoke about the new Municipal Grant available and advised that an application will be submitted to support several initiatives\, including the walking tour brochure\, oral histories\, and heritage signage. This will help spread the word throughout the community. \nAnne Kent and Ted Halwa have completed revisions to the walking tour brochure and will soon be preparing both a website version and a new printed edition. \nAnnual Memberships \nMembers who have paid their 2026 memberships will receive their cards at the March meeting. \nHeritage Question of the Month \nWhat fish could only be caught by locals in March or April at night? \nAnswer: Smelt. Helen Albert won the mug\, although many members knew the answer. \nTentative Future Meetings \n\n\n\nDate\nLocation\nTopic\nSpeaker\n\n\n\n\nMarch 26\nPSFT\nAgnes Hepburn Papers\nSally Martyn\n\n\nApril 23\nPSFT\nThe McKee Treaty and Local Indigenous History\nNora Sanders\n\n\nMay 28\nThe Mill\nHistory of the Mill\nJohn Smith\n\n\nJune 25\nMitchell House\nHistory of the Mitchells\nJoan Clayton\n\n\n\nHeritage Announcements \nCraig Cole noted that a working group is reviewing the postcard collection and that anyone is welcome to participate. Members interested in joining are asked to contact Craig\, Nora\, or Janice Mann. \nTed Halwa expressed concern regarding the incline rail cars\, as the future of the St. Thomas Railway Museum is uncertain. This matter will be looked into further. \nSally Martyn encouraged members to attend the Central Elgin Council meeting on Monday\, March 2 to sit in the gallery in support of saving the designated portions of the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital. Several group members will be speaking. \nHeather Emerson is researching the military history of Port Stanley citizens and welcomes any information members may have. Sally mentioned that local churches have honour rolls listing members who served in the two World Wars. \nOn Saturday\, March 7\, the Sparta & District Historical Society is hosting its annual potluck supper and games night at the Sparta Church Museum. There will be crokinole\, as well as board games and cards. Potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. (bring your own dishes and cutlery and one food item to share)\, with games to follow. \nFeature Presentation – Netting the Waters \nThe movie featured excellent historical photographs of the early days of fishing and the “fish wars” on Lake Erie\, followed by an overview of modern commercial fishing practices on the lake. Members learned about the use of gill nets for pickerel and yellow perch\, and troll nets for smelt. \nFor those unable to attend\, the film is available online at: https://nettingthewaters.vhx.tv/ \nThe meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. \nNext Meeting: March 26 at 1:30 p.m. at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. \nSecretary: Sally Martyn\nChair: David Russell
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/february-26-hps-meeting/
LOCATION:Port Stanley Festival Theatre\, 302 Bridge St\, Port Stanley\, ON N5L 1C3\, Canada\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1C3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260226_135738.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260319T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160849
CREATED:20260311T134236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T130345Z
UID:103761-1773917100-1773939600@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:March 2026 HPS Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special Lunch and Learn event at the Port Stanley United Church on Thursday\, March 19\, featuring Dave Russell and Nora Sanders. They will be presenting excerpts from the Oral History Project and sharing insights about the ongoing project that captures the stories and memories of our community. \nThis event is open to everyone\, and we would love for you to attend. The Lunch and Learn program begins at 10:45 AM with the presentation\, followed by a soup and sandwich lunch. There is no set fee for the lunch. Guests are invited to contribute whatever amount they wish in the donation bowl as they line up for their meal. \nCome for the stories\, stay for the community\, and enjoy a delicious lunch. We look forward to seeing you there!
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/march-2026-hps-meeting/
LOCATION:Port Stanley United Church\, 239 Colborne St\, Port Stanley\, ON N5L 1B9\, Canada\, London\, Ontario\, N5L 1B9\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/March-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260326T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260326T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160849
CREATED:20260316T131259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T124323Z
UID:103771-1774531800-1774544400@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:Agnes Hepburn Papers
DESCRIPTION:Heritage Port Stanley Meeting\nThursday\, March 26\, 2026 | 1:30 PM\nPort Stanley Festival Theatre \n  \nAttendance: 32 (31 members\, 1 guest) \nChair 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. \nLand Acknowledgment: Nora Sanders \n1. Adoption of Minutes (February 26\, 2026)\nMoved by Richard Haddowt\, seconded by Kathy McNeil\, that the minutes be approved as circulated.\nMotion carried. \n2. Treasurer’s Report\nAnne Kent presented the report: \n\nGeneral Account Balance: $1\,768.19\nGICs: Two at $4\,000 and three at $1\,000\n\nMoved by Nancy Moore\, seconded by Al Slater\, that the report be adopted as presented.\nMotion carried. \n3. Executive Update\n\nDavid reported that the incline railway cars will likely return to Port Stanley.\nNora 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.\nGrant application submitted to Central Elgin.\nSally and Dave photographed all designated and clerk’s list buildings\, as well as signs and murals in Port Stanley.\nDave attended a meeting of Port Stanley committees at the Kokomo Club House.\n\n4. Annual Memberships\nMembership cards were distributed to paid members present. Missing cards will be printed by Nora. \n5. Heritage Question of the Month\nQuestion: The current public school in Port Stanley is its fourth. Where were the first\, second\, and third schools located? \nAnswer (Janice Mann): \n\nFirst: East side of Francis Street (1 room)\nSecond: West side of Francis Street (2 rooms)\nThird: West side again (4 rooms on two floors\, later 2 basement rooms)\n\n6. Tentative Future Meetings\n\n\n\nDate\nLocation\nTopic\nSpeaker\n\n\n\n\nApril 23\nPS United Church\nMcKee Treaty & local Indigenous history\nNora Sanders\n\n\nMay 28\nThe Mill\nHistory of the Mill\nJohn Smith\n\n\nJune 25\nMitchell House\nHistory of the Mitchells\nJoan Clayton\n\n\n\n7. Heritage Announcements\n\nSally Martyn reported Sparta & District Historical Society hired two students available for Heritage Port Stanley projects.\nHayden Sawyer assisted in producing three video histories (Sparta driving tour\, walking tour\, and war veterans video). These will be available on the website.\nNora reported on a Heritage Central Elgin motion supporting retention of designated structures on the Psychiatric Hospital property.\nA presentation on preserving heritage barns through photography was also noted.\n\n8. Feature Presentation\n“Who Was Agnes Hepburn” – Presented by Sally Martyn \nSally shared extensive materials and photographs highlighting Agnes Hepburn’s life and contributions\, including: \n\nTeaching career and lifelong residence in Port Stanley\nHandwritten histories (St. John’s Presbyterian Church\, family history\, local resorts)\nTweedsmuir Histories of Port Stanley\nHistorical booklets and archival materials preserved thanks to Skip Taylor\n\nThese materials will eventually be housed at the Elgin County Archives. \n9. Adjournment\nThe meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM. \nNext Meeting \nApril 23\, 2026 | 1:30 PM\nPort Stanley United Church \nSecretary: Sally Martyn\nChair: David Russell \nAppendix: Sally Martyn’s Speaking Notes – “Who Was Agnes Hepburn?”\n\nBorn 1881 – Died 1972 (age 91)\nParents: Susannah (Kennedy) and Andrew Hepburn\nLifelong resident of Port Stanley (285 Bridge Street)\nTeacher (Barrie and Port Stanley\, 32 years)\n\nKey Contributions: \n\nWrote St. John’s Presbyterian Church 100th anniversary history (1954)\nCompiled family and community histories\nPreserved early records (e.g.\, voter lists\, settlement histories)\nAuthored Historical Sketch of the Village of Port Stanley (1817–1952)\nCompiled Tweedsmuir History of Port Stanley\n\nLegacy: \n\nMaterials preserved through Skip Taylor\nNow housed or destined for Elgin County Archives\nRecognized as “Citizen Exceptionale” for preserving Port Stanley history\n\nKey Historical Topics Covered in Her Work: \n\nFormation of Elgin County (1851–1853)\nCholera outbreaks (1832\, 1849)\nLocal landmarks and industries\nRush-Bagot Treaty (1817)\nEarly tourism and businesses\n\nAgnes Hepburn’s work remains an invaluable resource for researching the history of Port Stanley.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/agnes-hepburn-papers/
LOCATION:Port Stanley Festival Theatre\, 302 Bridge St\, Port Stanley\, ON N5L 1C3\, Canada\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1C3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260326_141304.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260423T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260423T133000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160849
CREATED:20260316T132245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T135919Z
UID:103776-1776951000-1776951000@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:The McKee Treaty and Local Indigenous History
DESCRIPTION:Heritage Port Stanley Meeting\nThursday\, April 23\, 2026 | 1:30 PM\nLocation: Port Stanley United Church \nAttendance: 36 (30 members\, 6 guests) \n1. Call to Order\nChair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 PM and welcomed everyone\, with a special welcome to John Smith on his return to Port Stanley. Nora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement. \n2. Adoption of Minutes\nThe minutes of the March 26\, 2026 meeting were approved as circulated. Motion moved by Nancy Moore and seconded by Laurie Nagge. Carried. \n3. Treasurer’s Report\n\n\n\n\n\nAccount\nAmount\n\n\n\n\nGeneral Account Balance\n$1\,702.19\n\n\nGICs\n2 × $4\,000\n\n\nGICs\n3 × $1\,000\n\n\n\n\n\nThe report was presented by Anne Kent and adopted as presented. Motion moved by Nancy Moore and seconded by Richard Haddow. Carried. \n4. Executive Update\nDavid Russell reported that the incline railway cars will likely be returned to Port Stanley\, with the final location still to be determined. He also noted that he and Nora Sanders recently conducted a walking tour. \nNora Sanders shared that the grant application to Central Elgin has been approved for $1\,800 (less than the $3\,400 requested)\, and the funds can be used across the proposed heritage initiatives. She also noted that the walking tour is nearly complete. \nAnne Kent added that Maureen Jenkins assisted with drawings from photographs\, and discussions with the printer have taken place regarding layout. The design will be similar to the Sparta walking tour and is expected to be printed soon. \n5. Correspondence\nAnne Kent read a thank-you letter from ChildCan acknowledging the $100 donation made in memory of Lin Welsh\, wife of Brian Welsh. The letter expressed appreciation and recognized the tribute. \n6. June 27 Walking Tours\nSally Martyn reported that six tour guides are confirmed\, which is the minimum required\, though additional volunteers are encouraged to participate and learn the routes. \nThe tours will begin at the Kettle Creek Inn and will include three different routes. Sally will remain at the starting point to provide historical context about Port Stanley and Christ Church while groups wait for their tours. The start time is still to be determined. \n7. Heritage Question of the Month\nQuestion: There are many theories about the name Kettle Creek and where it came from. What was the creek called before it was called Kettle Creek? \nThe correct answers were Kanagio (Iroquois)\, Akeksibi (Ojibwas)\, and Riviere Tonti (French explorer Chaudière). Joan Clayton and Janice Mann correctly identified all three. \n8. Future Meetings\n\n\n\n\n\nDate\nLocation\nTopic\nSpeaker\n\n\n\n\nMay 28\nThe Mill\nHistory of the Mill\nJohn Smith\n\n\nJune 25\nMitchell House\nHistory of the Mitchells\nJoan Clayton\n\n\n\n\n\n9. Heritage Announcements\nHelen Albert has some heritage postcards to share. Barb Cookson suggested including her former home\, an important Captain Berry homestead\, in the walking tour. \nSally Martyn reminded members about the Historical High Tea and Fashion Show taking place on June 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Sparta Church Museum. Interested attendees can contact her for tickets. \n10. Feature Presentation\nPresenter: Nora Sanders \nNora began with a 13\,000-year-old Paleo-period spearhead discovered by Dave Bolt in 1978 north of Port Stanley. She explained that the area had a sub-arctic climate at the time\, with nomadic peoples hunting caribou\, small game\, and fish. Her research referenced Professor Emeritus Chris Ellis from Western University. \nShe then discussed the Archaic period\, highlighting artifacts brought by John Smith that were initially thought to be arrowheads but were actually Thebes Cluster spear points or knives\, as bows and arrows were not yet in use. These artifacts\, made from materials such as Onondaga chert and rarer non-local chert\, date back as far as 10\,500 years. \nMoving into the Woodland period (1000–500 BC)\, Nora showed a stone gorget worn around the neck and a scraping tool from Hope Stock Farm. \nHistorical accounts were also referenced\, including observations by Louis Jolliet in 1669\, writings by Anna Jameson in 1838\, and the 1895 work Country of the Neutrals by James Coyne. \nNora then discussed the McKee Purchase (Treaty 2)\, showing maps from 1670 and 1790 outlining the land involved. The treaty was signed by 35 First Nations representatives using their totems. \nShe provided background on Alexander McKee\, noting his role as a trusted intermediary fluent in both English and Indigenous languages. \nShe concluded with discussion of the arrival of the Oneida people in 1840 and noted that while much has been learned\, many historical questions remain unanswered. \n11. Adjournment\nDavid Russell thanked Nora Sanders for her engaging presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM. \nNext Meeting\nThe next meeting will be held on May 28 at 1:30 PM at The Mill\, 181 Brayside. Carpooling is encouraged\, and a shuttle service will be available from Harrison Place. \nSecretary: Sally MartynChair: David Russell
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/the-mckee-treaty-and-local-indigenous-history/
LOCATION:Port Stanley United Church\, 239 Colborne St\, Port Stanley\, ON N5L 1B9\, Canada\, London\, Ontario\, N5L 1B9\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-McKee-Treaty-and-Local-Indigenous-History.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260528T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260528T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160849
CREATED:20260316T133832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T130819Z
UID:103779-1779975000-1779987600@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:History of the Mill
DESCRIPTION:The May meeting of Heritage Port Stanley will take place on Thursday\, May 28 at 1:30 p.m. at 181 Brayside\, Port Stanley. \nJohn Smith will present “History of the Mill\,” sharing insights into the origins\, development\, and historical importance of the Mill within the Port Stanley community. \nAll members and guests interested in local heritage are invited to attend. \nLocation: 181 Brayside\, Port StanleyTime: 1:30 p.m.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/history-of-the-mill/
LOCATION:181 Brayside St\, 181 Brayside St\, Port Stanley\, ON N5L 1A2\, Canada\, London\, Ontario\, ON N5L 1A2\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/history-of-the-mill.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160849
CREATED:20260316T140938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T140938Z
UID:103782-1782394200-1782406800@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:History of the Mitchells
DESCRIPTION:Heritage Port Stanley’s June meeting will be held on Thursday\, June 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Mitchell House. \nThe featured presentation\, “History of the Mitchells\,” will be delivered by Joan Clayton. The presentation will explore the history of the Mitchell family and their contributions to the heritage and development of Port Stanley. \nMembers and guests are welcome to join for this informative session. \nLocation: Mitchell HouseTime: 1:30 p.m.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/history-of-the-mitchells/
LOCATION:Mitchell House\, 320 George St\, Port Stanley\, ON N5L 1C5\, Canada\, London\, Ontario\, ON N5L 1C5\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/History-of-the-Mitchells.png
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