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2006-2007 Branch News
Quinte Branch in Ottawa at
OGS Seminar 2007
by Stacy Goddard
Where
do you suppose you would you find Queen Victoria and hockey on a hot June
weekend? Why Seminar, of course. We who made the trip to Ottawa had the
privilege of listening to Her Majesty as she opened our 2007 conference.
One of her modern day lawmakers, in the person of Senator Lorna Milne
followed with a rousing plea for us to keep our minds and emails on
censuses to come. As the weekend progressed, other Senators made their
presence felt. These were the men on skates whose posters soon outnumbered
the OGS ones on Algonquin College walls. Being the dedicated genealogists
that we are, we only caught the 3rd period of the big game. It was fun
being at least in the same city as those who cheered their team to victory
for what turned out to be the last time this season.
Meanwhile,
we were busy filling our brains with workshops presented by familiar
speakers and some who were less so, at least to me. We had a chance to
fill our shopping bags too as the Marketplace again offered all kinds of
family history related items. One of the tables there was, of course, from
Quinte Branch, with Roberta and Ted Cullin, Lynn Heale and Carole Foshay
spending hours selling our wares.
This
was my fourth trip to Seminar and, I felt, the most rewarding. Being able
to do research at Library and Archives Canada just added another dimension
to a fascinating journey in the search for our roots. Next year in
London–-see you all there.
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Members work the Quinte Branch table and display at Seminar 2007. Photos by Stacy Goddard & Tina Gemmell.
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Local Rum Runners
presented by C.W. ( Bill ) Hunt
on May 12, 2007
by Bill Campbell
Bill
started off with the quaint Canadian definition of prohibition; “You
could drink in your own home, you just couldn’t buy or sell liquor
inside Canada. If you were a distillery you could produce in Canada
and export to any non-prohibition country.” This definition
immediately encouraged local fishermen from Prince Edward County and
local distillers in Corbyville to work together and start smuggling
into New York State. Bill showed photos of some of the speedboats
that were developed to outrun government ships. Even by today’s
standards they were fast boats. He regaled us with tales and
pictures from his six years of research into this type of smuggling.
Bill explained how Herb & Harry Hatch from Roblin’s Mills
became wealthy, high class, upright citizens; Harry’s stable won
the King’s Plate on five occasions. Ben Kerr was the black sheep
from a good family. He had a boat marina with secret areas for storing
liquor and loading boats. Bill speculated that his
wife wanted him dead so intentionally didn’t summon help when he
was trying to land his boat in the dangerous ice of February 1929.
As a bonus Bill gave us a few tidbits from his new book (to be
published in December ) about the training program for Canadian
fliers in WW1. Everyone enjoyed Bill’s light, colourful talk and
spent the time afterwards chatting with him.
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According to the Custom
of the Manor presented by Jane MacNamara
by Stacy Goddard
Most
of us probably came to the last meeting wondering if Manorial
Records could help us in family research and left with a clearer
picture of what records are available. I have since looked at some
of the websites mentioned in the talk and find, for just one family
in one area there are documents for me to pursue. The main value of
Jane MacNamara’s talk was the overview of how manors were
structured, right up until 1922. We heard terms that we had heard
before like Court Rolls and terms we probably hadn’t, like Customals.
We also learned we should avail ourselves of the Victoria
Histories of the Counties of England to help us find the name of
a Manor in the areas of concern to us. Our “ordinary folk” might
be found in the many
documents generated by the system. Consult the Manorial Documents
Register in person or the partial list online at www.mdr.nationalarchives.gov.uk
and
don’t forget to try www.a2a.org.uk
for all kinds of documents of long ago.
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Jane MacNamara holds the audience captive with her presentation
about manorial records. Photo by Harriet Richards.
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Visit from Orland
French
by Stacy Goddard
Quinte
Branch was entertained and educated once more at the monthly meeting
on March 17th, 2007 by the noted local author.
We knew the subject would be the new Hastings County Atlas
and might have been forgiven if we expected it to be less than
interesting material. Perhaps anticipating that, our speaker warmed
us up with a couple of good jokes––and yes, they were geography
related. He also involved us with quizzes to test our knowledge of
Hastings, including one on Irish names, in honour of the St.
Patrick’s Day meeting (cast your eyes over a map of this
territory and see how much of it has an Irish moniker). After this introduction, Mr. French launched into his
PowerPoint presentation and we got a picture of how interesting
geography can be after all, particularly in Hastings County, second
largest in the province we were informed. We also got to hear about
the political formation of the county as it exists today; the
geology, which is there for us to see, now that we know what to look
for––the Bleasdell
Boulder being just the most obvious example; the industries,
past and present; the settlers and their buildings; plus the
waterways and roads. Though not explicitly mentioned, pride
underscored the talk––pride in what Hastings citizens have
accomplished and pride in this volume that can show the County and
its people off.
At the end of
his talk, Orland French took up a topic that had been expounded on
by another author and citizen of Belleville (and fellow Hastings
Archives protector and proponent) Gerry Boyce––the topic of
finding a home for the Archives. We are all well aware after two
such heartfelt speeches, that these Archives deserve to be preserved
and protected. We would then have better access to them and need not
worry about their longevity. No suggestion was made as to how we
could help the situation, but my suggestion is to lobby your local
politicians in Hastings. Tell them you want to see a community
centre with Archive in the Belleville area––maybe you can tell them
Orland and Gerry sent you. |
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Eleanor Moult thanks Orland French, editor of the Heritage Atlas
of Hastings County. Photo by Harriet Richards.
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Family Secrets Revealed
by DNA Analysis presented by John Reid
by Stacy Goddard
If getting more information on your
family through DNA analysis interests you, the monthly meeting of The
Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society was the place to be. On
Saturday February 17, 2007 at the Quinte West Library in Trenton, John
Reid spoke on this very current topic. From
television’s CSI, to meeting up with relatives you didn’t know you
had, the science of DNA is a part of our lives. Following the fascinating
presentation, members and guests enjoyed refreshments, exchanged family
research stories and visited the Local History Room of the library to
access the extensive Branch genealogical material. More
at Anglo-Celtic Connections. |
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Rod Green thanks
John Reid for his DNA
Analysis presentation. Photo by Georgette Green.
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Northshore Probus
Genealogy Club visits the Quinte OGS Research Library
by Richard Hughes
On 21
January, the Research Library welcomed visitors from the Northshore
Probus Genealogy Club of Cobourg.
After a tour of the facilities, club members Janet Bruton,
Judy Baker, Ric Newman-Jones and Kathy and Shane Maclean searched
the records for relatives and discussed many aspects of their
research with volunteers Marilyn Harry and Dick Hughes.
They resolved to return as soon as possible to continue their
family history research. |
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Shane Maclean, Judy Baker, Janet Bruton and Ric Newman-Jones from
Northshore Probus Genealogy Club search the library.
Photos by Richard Hughes.
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Annual Crouse-Wanamaker Lecture: Genealogical Resources at the
Hastings Heritage Centre
by Stacy Goddard
The
Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society hosted the annual
Crouse-Wanamaker Lecture on Saturday January 20th, 2007 at the Quinte West
Library in Trenton. This Lecture is held to honour Gordon Crouse,
the first Chairman, and
Loral Wanamaker, Honourary President, of the Quinte Branch of the OGS formed in 1980. Gerry Boyce, noted local author of works that include Historic
Hastings and Eldorado:
Ontario’s First Gold Rush was the speaker on this occasion. In
the early 1960's, Gerry Boyce enlisted Loral Wanamaker and his wife
Mildred as the Hastings County Historical Society's first official
genealogists. The focus of his talk was the Hastings Heritage
Centre’s collection of archives and their usefulness as a
genealogical resource. Those in attendance were given a take-home
list of resources at the Centre for future reference. These
resources include assessment rolls, pictures, microforms, newspaper
collections, books, and family papers. Also available was the
Heritage Society’s pamphlet, reinforcing an interesting and
informative display that Mr. Boyce travelled with. From this
exhibit, he circulated various photographs, including some
pertaining to the world of Gordon Crouse and other scenes of
historical interest. While these were fascinating, Mr. Boyce’s
talk was also educational and amusing. Part of the entertainment
came from his story about the little furry creatures that inhabit
the Heritage Centre, but also focused our attention on the problem
that all Archives have in finding suitable homes. We were made aware
that this collection has been moved about the county several times
and is still looking for a permanent home.
The Heritage Centre
is currently housed in the former Thurlow Town Hall at 154 Cannifton
Road North, Belleville (613-968-5023) where the "Archive
Angels" assist historical and genealogical researchers and
provide resources and assistance to local schools and other heritage
groups. |
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Bill Campbell thanks Gerry Boyce
for his presentation about the Hastings Heritage Centre. Members and visitors examine the displays
while Gerry Boyce answers
their questions. Photos by Bob Dawes.
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OGS
Region VII AGM:
United Empire Loyalist Settlers and Tour of Trent Port Museum
by Stacy Goddard
The Quinte Branch of the Ontario
Genealogical Society and Region VII of the OGS (consisting of Durham,
Quinte and Kawartha branches) held a joint meeting on Saturday October 21,
2006 at the Old Town Hall in Trenton. The President, Vice-President and
Executive Director of OGS were all present. Marilyn Harry of Quinte Branch
will become the new Director of the Region, replacing Nancy Trimble of
Durham Branch, whose term has expired. Brian Tackaberry, President of
United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada (Quinte), spoke on the topic
of the arrival and early lives of the first Loyalist settlers in the area
and the history of the UELAC.
There was a presentation by Regional
Director Nancy Trimble to Marilyn Hopkins of the Trent Port Historical
Society of Nancy's grandmother, C.V. Wilkins' file of the original
drawings, plans, blueprints and records including photographs of Fraser
Park in Trenton.
Following the morning’s business, a
pot-luck lunch, branch announcements and the visiting speaker, interested
guests were able to visit the Trent Port Museum in its brand new location
and the Quinte Branch Library, also in new quarters at Quinte West
Library.
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Carole Foshay, Chair of Quinte OGS, thanks
Brian Tackaberry, President of Bay of Quinte Branch UELA, for his
presentation at the OGS Region VII AGM. Photos by Harriet Richards.
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Grand
Opening Quinte Branch OGS Library
It took eight
months for Quinte Branch to get set up in Quinte West Public Library
and only minutes for people to start using its resources.
The Branch celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 26
to a packed house of members and guests.
“The Library
has a special regard for the Ontario Genealogical Society” said
Quinte West Public Library, Chief Executive Officer, Rita Turtle.
She noted the two groups can now offer their resources to
patrons doubling the success of whatever research they may be
conducting. We’ve
expanded our resources for researchers and they can do it all from
here.
OGS President
Bob Crawford noted “I use you as an example to others of what can
be accomplished when people work together.
Along with genealogy records, microfilm and computer
research, people can use the library’s digital reader for even
more resources.”
Greetings and
good wishes were presented by Dorothy Davies-Flindall, Vice-Chair of
QWPL Board, Peter Johnson of the United Empire Loyalist Association,
Gerry Boyce of the Hastings Historical Society and Quinte West Mayor
Bob Campney. Other
special guests attending were Marilyn Hopkins of the Trent Port
Historical Society, Diane Godbout of the 7th Town Historical Society
and OGS Executive Officer Fraser Dunford, OGS Region VII Director
Nancy Trimble and Chair of Durham and OGS Vice-President Don
Hinchley.
Quinte West
Mayor, Bob Campney cut the ribbon.
Coffee and cake were served and tours of the library
followed.
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Quinte West Mayor, Bob Campney cuts the ribbon held by QWPL Chief
Executive, Rita Turtle and Quinte Branch Chair, Carole Foshay
OGS Fraser Dunford, QWPL
Board Dorothy Davies- Flindall (in front) Region VII Director
Nancy Trimble, Rita Turtle, Durham Chair and OGS Vice President Don
Hinchley, Carole Foshay, OGS President Bob Crawford and UEL
Association Peter Johnson.
Photos by Harriet Richards and Dick Hughes.
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Phil Ainsworth speaks
about the History of Bloomfield in the Wellington Library
by Stacy Goddard
The Quinte Branch of the Ontario
Genealogical Society recently held its first meeting of the season
in the Wellington Public Library on September 16th, 2006. The
speaker was Phil Ainsworth. The former Director of Education for the
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is now focusing his
talents on history, particularly the study of family history. He has
long been a member of the Quinte Branch and spoke to his fellow
members and visitors about “The Village of Bloomfield: Local
History as Family History”. His presentation included many
interesting old photos of the Bloomfield of yesteryear. Mr.
Ainsworth also made available for sale copies of the County Magazine
where many of his articles have been published. The business meeting
and Mr. Ainsworth’s presentation were followed by a light lunch.
Meetings generally take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month in
various venues through the counties of Prince Edward and Hastings. |
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Quinte Branch Treasurer
Marilyn Harry presents Phil
Ainsworth with a Certificate
of Appreciation for his
presentation on the History
of Bloomfield.
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PRESS
RELEASE
Genealogy
Group Unveils New Family History Research Centre
13
September, 2006: Searching our family tree is rapidly becoming the past-time
of choice for people all over North America. For those in the Quinte area,
the newly opened genealogical research library of the Quinte Branch of the
Ontario Genealogical Society will provide a major boost to their research
efforts.
The Quinte Branch, which covers
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties as well as southeast Northumberland
County, has operated a library since 1980, but has just recently expanded
its scope of activity and re-located to the Local History Room of the new
Quinte West Public Library in Trenton. The research library is staffed by
experienced volunteers who assist equally the newcomers making the first
steps into their family’s past and the very advanced researchers.
The
library offers the traditional printed material and microfilm records
containing family histories, cemetery transcriptions, census data and
birth/marriage/death records as well as up-to-date, computerized searchable
databases. The research library is available during the normal opening hours
of the Quinte West Public Library although volunteers may not be on duty at
all times. Anyone wishing the assistance of a volunteer can phone
613-394-3381 ext. 3328 to confirm that a volunteer is available.
One of the main goals of Quinte Branch
is to assemble and preserve the histories of the families of this region.
Many family and local history books are relegated to dusty shelves or are
packed away in basements and attics. Even more sadly, many of them go out
with the garbage when older family members downsize their homes or move to
retirement homes. Quinte Branch urges everyone to dig out these old volumes
and give them a whole new life and usefulness by donating them to the Quinte
Branch research library.
Another
key objective is to assist family history researchers all around the world
as they dig in the records to find their Quinte ancestors. In addition to
research in person at the library, the Branch carries out research in
response to telephone, mail and email requests.
For
more details consult the website at sites.rootsweb.com/~canqbogs/
or phone 613-394-3381 ext.3328. |
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