The Whitby HIstorical Society - 2005 Events
Whitby Sesquicentennial year, 2005, was an exciting time for The Society and The Museum. Our many volunteers were busy beavers planning events and activities to celebrate Whtiby's historical past from 1855 to 2005. A history of big and little things,
the continuity of lives well lived.
Our president, Margaret Boyce, had a dream to create a Calendar of historic events, from the beginning in Whitby -to the present, in the form of a coffee table book as a lasting memento, fundraiser, and vehicle to help bring awareness to the community about, The Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre in downtown Whitby.
Heritage Day in Whitby - 2005 was celebrated by the Whitby Historical Society in two locations a Book Launch at Sobeys on Thickson's road and at The Museum with special displays<
Peter MacKellar, Matt Armstrong, Jay Cannings, Darryl Whitlock and Matt Cardwell Members of the Whitby Dunlops Hockey team were kept busy signing autographs
The Ontario Trillium Foundation that had awarded the group a $54,000 grant, made a presentation of a plaque to The Society, accepted by Margaret Boyce, President.
Jim Flaherty MP, (MPP for Whitby-Ajax at the time) and Alan Strike, a volunteer with OTF, presented the Society with a special plaque.
Jim Flaherty, MP said, “I am pleased that the important service that the Whitby Historical Society provides has been recognized by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, especially during this, Our Sesquicentennial year. The commemorative Sesquicentennial Book is a wonderful tribute to our collective past and will be cherished for many years by the people of Whitby.”
Margaret Boyce, President Whitby Historical Society accepted the plaque on behalf of WHS saying,
“The Whitby Historical Society is very happy to have the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The impetus gained in the first few weeks of being given this grant have made a tremendous difference to the level of services that we have been able to plan for and provide to the community and especially to the school children who will be attending special tour to learn about early history in Whitby and Area, a microcosm of Southern Ontario history. Also thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation support, we have been able to add to our fundraising efforts and create this premier Sesquicentennial Memento book in honour of Whitby’s proud 150 year history.”
Special Remarks were also given by Gerry S. Emm, Deputy Mayor; Lorne E. Coe, Councillor; and John Dolstra of the Durham District School Board also were on hand to say a few words about the fine job the Whitby Historical Society is doing to preserve Whitby Heritage. Then Deputy Mayor Gerry S. Emm commented on the fine job WHS is doing in the community and once again pledged the Town's support in future.
Matt Cardwell spoke on behalf of the Whitby Dunlop's and thanked Whitby fans for supporting the Teams efforts. You are invited to see team updates at
The Whitby Dunlop's web site.
Carol Wood-Keston, WHS Board of Director thanked Sobeys on behalf of WHS for hosting the event. "Community endeavours depend on local business supporting them and we'd like to thank Sobeys for getting involved and supporting us locally." Janet Muir from Sobeys Head Offices along with store manager Nick Lucarelli said they were happy to be in Whitby and look forward to providing Whitby shoppers with all their grocery needs.
Trina Astor-Stewart, Special Projects Coordinator for the Society, who also photographed many of the pictures in 'Our Sesquicentennial', and and together with her husband Breck Stewart managed the funding and publishing for the book, thanked everyone for attending.
Jack and Noni Hutchinson dressed in costume for Heritage Day.. Jack and Noni also appear in the book,
"Our Sesquicentennial"
At right are several other personages featured in the book and on hand to sign autographs- Jack Hutchinson, David Chambers, Carol Wood-Keston, Monica Lawlor, Pat Embury, Ruth Holdsworth and Sarah Anderson. Many others attended who are not in this picture.
Our Sesquicentennial, a 48 page full colour book was created for The Whitby Historical Society in cooperation with Breck & Trina Astor-Stewart of Astor Holdings Inc. and
Astoria Magazine.
The Whitby Historical Society was pleased to be awarded an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant for the purpose of restoring some antiques, cataloguing and curatorial consulting. Included in the grant was a small portion with which to begin this Calendar/Book.
Astor Holdings Inc. was asked to do a feasibility study and see if there would be enough community support with which to have this book published. The Whitby Business Community responded with overwhelming generosity and enough advertising revenue was generated to have 15,000 books printed. There were many activities held to celebrate Whitby's Sesquicentennial; this book, which was entitled 'Our Sesquicentennial, Whitby, Brooklin, Ashburn, Myrtle' is the only commemorative book celebrating Whitby at 150 years.
Heritage Day Events
at The Whitby History Museum
in 2005
Demonstrations took place at the museum all day, given by volunteers and heritage handcraft experts.
Old Fashioned Preserves and Jam tasting
by Pat Embury,
WHS Board of Directors
Spinning and Knitting - by Stephany
Rug Hooking - by Ruth Holdsworth VP and Kiersten
Basket Making - by Bill Holdsworth
Cross Stitching - by Kim Mather
Volunteers and Tour Guides - Jane Snyder
Since Whitby Historical Society opened its doors at the Whitby History Museum and Gift Shop, at 123 Brock St. South, it has been visited by people from across Canada as well as abroad. The History Museum offers theme'd displays, special events and demonstrations in old-fashioned craft making. School children especially enjoy the butter making and pioneer kitchen ‘hands on’ activities. Our dedicated volunteers come from all walks of life and share a desire to preserve our history for the generations to follow.
