Spring 1998
Grand River Branch
In 1987, Grand River Branch approached the Norfolk Historical Society to name part of its excellent research collection the “Loyalist Library” to create a visible Loyalist presence in the heart of The Long Point Settlement. The Board of Directors agreed and a “Loyalist Library” sign and the Queen Anne flag were placed at the entrance.
Each year the Branch donates funds to purchase special materials for the collection such as: Upper Canada Land Petitions (65 reels of microfilm); 1901 Canada Census covering Niagara to London area. In return, we receive recognition in Norfolklore, the Society’s newsletter, and in the Norfolklore brochure which is circulated to their members and thousands of Ontario Genealogical Society members.
In addition, each year we donate a book related to Loyalist history or research to honour the memory of deceased members. Last year the New Brunswick Land Grant Index was donated with a memorial book plate remembering Marion Sutherland, Ruth Koch and Louella Butler.
The Grand River Conservation Authority presented a Certificate of Appreciation “Recognizing Actions Which Improve the Grand River Watershed, Promoting Heritage Appreciation and Support of the Grand River as a Canadian Heritage River” for our financial contribution to, and interest in, the creation of Loyalist Lane at Taquanyah Nature Centre at Decewsville. The “Lane” interprets three styles of fences that the Loyalists and early pioneers built and the trees they planted as they settled in the Grand River watershed. Also recognized was our physical and written support of the designation of the Grand River as a Heritage River.
The Branch thanks the Ontario Government for a Heritage Grant which makes our education/outreach projects possible.
Grand River will celebrate Loyalist Day on June 19th and the Branch’s 25th anniversary in September, 1998.
Submitted by Doris A. Lemon, UE.
Grand River members with Branch display at Heritage home at Backus Mills for Battle re-enactment of the War of 1812-14. Sept. 1997: Doris Lemon, Imogen Givens, Rachel Reeves, Mr. Backus, Carol Terry, Fred Kerr, Jean Kerr, Frederick Reeves and Claire Machan. Below: Doris Wilson, Kathleen Pasnyk and William Terry.
Fall 1998
The Branch visited Fieldcote Museum, Ancaster where Betty and Harold Lampman, UE, talked about Loyalist Settlers in Ancaster. One very special event was the celebration “Founding Families” at the Backus Conservation Area. The Branch presented our book Loyalist Families of Members of The Grand River Branch for their library.
The 25th anniversary of the Branch was a splendid celebration in the chapel of the new Luther Village on the Park in Waterloo. It was chaired by Vice-President Marilyn Branch, with decorations by Dora Mae Blayney and Fred Blayney. Pianist Joyce MacTavish, at the piano presented to Luther Village by the Blayneys, played for the colour parade as the Past Presidents and special guests entered. She then played for singing the Royal and National Anthems. President Bill Terry introduced the Past Presidents who were honoured. Eleanor Chapin, genealogist, presented the history of the Branch. Dr. Kenneth McLaughlin, history professor at the University of Waterloo spoke on `The Causes of The American Revolution’. He commented on Professor Jack Granatstein’s book Who Killed Canadian History? and the Canadian history backgrounds of the students he encounters in his courses. The anniversary cake was served to a large number of members and potential members to whom invitations had been sent. Opportunity was provided for guests to view the Branch display.
Grand River Branch was asked to support the`Unveiling of Historic Monument to Adam Young’ on Regional Road 54, between the towns of York and Cayuga in Haldimand County on September 12. This was a special day for Canadians in general, and descendants of United Empire Loyalists in particular. A large granite and bronze monument was unveiled in honour of one of the first white families to settle along the Grand River. Bill Terry, Branch President, provided advice and a number of members, some in costume, attended the ceremony and reception in the Kinsmen’s Hall in Cayuga.
Adam Young, having had his land and possessions confiscated was granted land in Upper Canada. He and his sons, John Daniel and Henry, fought in Butler’s Rangers. Following Adam and his family’s imprisonment for loyalty to the Crown, and for assisting many Loyalists to escape to Canada, they too left New York State. After discharge from Butler’s Rangers, Adam farmed at Niagara and then joined his sons and their families along the Grand River.
The Branch will attend Norfolklore ’98 Genealogy Fair, Norfolk Historical Society’s annual event on 26 September. As part of our outreach, the Society’s Board was approached and asked to name the early Upper Canada collection “Loyalist Library”. The Board agreed and the flag and a sign “Loyalist Library” were placed at the entrance to the archives. Each year Norfolklore’s brochure is sent to the Ontario Genealogical Society’s vast membership. It includes the words: “Loyalist Library, supported by the Grand River Branch UEL. Hundreds of books on early Ontario Upper Canada Land Petitions, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia resources. New in 1998: Muster Rolls for Loyalist Regiments. [Presented by Grand River Branch as part of its outreach program.]
Doris Lemon, UE Education/Outreach
[an email from Ed Scott.]
Yesterday (Sunday, 20 September) The Grand River Branch celebrated their 25th Anniversary, with President Bill Terry acting as master of ceremonies. Many of the past presidents of the Branch were in attendance including the first President of the Branch, Dr. Vera Vanderlip, who is also a past Dominion President.
The speaker was Dr. Kenneth McLaughlin, Professor of History, University of Waterloo, who gave some very interesting thoughts on “The Causes of the American Revolution”. Other branches represented included London and Western Ontario, Col. John Butler, and Hamilton. A reception followed.
June 19, 1998 – The First United Empire Loyalists’ Day Branch Celebrations
Grand River Branch
President Bill Terry, UE, and several members attended the ceremony at Queen’s Park.
On June 19, the President raised the flag in front of the historic town hall in Simcoe, in the heart of the Long Point Settlement. He had distributed the flag pattern to North Public School Grade Six and the students made and coloured theri flags and learned the words to “God Save the Queen”, which they sang with fast tempo and enthusiasm under direction of teacher Ms. J. Bertrand.
Greetings were presented by Toby Barrett, UE, MPP Haldimand-Norfolk, Bob Speller, MP and Mayor Rick Kowalski. Norfolk Militia provided Colour Guard. Rev. John Cruickshank, UE, led in prayer. Introductory remarks made by the President were followed by an address by Doris Lemon, UE, outlining the significance of the day and listing names of Loyalist settlers in the Long Point Settlement appearing in the Branch book, Loyalist Ancestors of Members of the Grand River Branch: Mabee, Teeple, Colver, Smith, Malcolm, Neal, Ryerse, Gilbert, Austin, Tisdale, Outhouse, Shippy, Woodley, Anderson, Potts, DeCou, Bowlby, Williams, McCall, Haviland, Hazen and Rapelje.
Lunch and celebration cake were served in the Anglican Church across the square. The Branch display and Branch genealogists were in the public library with a Branch book display in the afternoon.
Excellent press was received in Thessalon, Sault Ste. Marie, Port Rowan Good News, Simcoe Reformer, Port Dover Maple Leaf, the Kitchener-Waterloo Record, the magazine Rural Roots, and the Tobermory Press where a genealogical workshop was held to promote June 19th.
Submitted by Doris Lemon, UE