Preserving Bruce County History

February 19, 2009

Documents dating pre 1840 and linked to the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion come home to Bruce County.

Southampton, ON) Family photographs and letters once belonging to John Stewart, a prominent figure from the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, came home to Bruce County thanks to the determination and foresight of the Bruce County Historical Society.

“It’s not often documents relating to the history of a Bruce County resident from pre 1840 surface. It’s even more extraordinary when those documents are deemed to be of historical importance by the Archives of Ontario,” said Ann-Marie Collins, Archivist for Bruce County.

John Stewart, a Scottish immigrant, befriended William Lyon Mackenzie and joined the short-lived Upper Canada Rebellion that fought for responsible government. Stewart and many others were arrested for their involvement. However, he was able to escape from prison and fled to the United States for a time.

The collection includes letters sent to Stewart while he remained a fugitive. He was ultimately pardoned and returned to Canada. He settled in Esquasing Township near Milton and moved to Paisley where he operated a farm implements foundry. He is buried at the Paisley Cemetery.

The items were offered up for sale in Aberfoyle at an Auction in January.

Members of the Bruce County Historical Society approved funds to purchase the documents and attended the auction in January. “Our intention was and still is to donate the collection to the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton,” said Karen Ribey President of the society.

They authorized Collins to bid on their behalf. Even though she was the highest bidder, Collins was not successful, as the reserve bid wasn’t met. Since that time, negotiations for the purchase have continued with Al Jones the auctioneer, and Collins is pleased to announce that the Historical Society took delivery of the collection in Kincardine today. The Bruce County Historical Society is grateful that Al’s Auctions waived their fees, making the collection affordable for them.

While the County does not have an acquisitions budget for the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, its commitment to the preservation of County history is evident when you tour the state of the art facility they built and operate in Southampton. “Council wants to preserve documents and artifacts for generations to come,” said Barbara Ribey, Director-Curator of the centre. Ribey also notes that, “Museum and Archives staff are well trained in preservation management and the well-equipped Reading Room welcomes researchers.”

“Many people in our county have documents and artifacts relating to Bruce County in their homes and businesses that should be preserved. We are happy to discuss such donations. Families and organizations who have made contributions to our collection over the years know they are safe here and the information is available.” said Collins.

NOTE: NEW MUSEUM & ARCHIVES HOURS – JANUARY TO THE END OF MARCH 2009:
The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre’s galleries and the Bruce County Archives are open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The Museum’s facility space such as rental of the 116 seat Bruce Power Theatre, meeting rooms, conference and special event facility booking is available seven days a week.

For booking details regarding facility space, school and group tours and information on this exhibit and 2009 events call 519 797-2080 or 1-866-318-8889 or visit www.brucemuseum.ca

Written by Jen · Filed Under Community News, Paisley Village News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment