A notice from the Fredericton Heritage Trust

Greetings, history and heritage supporters of Fredericton.

Please note the three great events listed below and tell your friends. I hope to see you at some of them.

The November 5 event is especially significant for the city because of growing interest in what might happen to York House (next to Brunswick St Baptist church) regarding its future use. I recently toured through the building to see its ten spacious work/living areas, a large auditorium covering half of the top floor, and dry basement.  A great opportunity awaits here for rigorous community thinking toward a revitalized signature building.

Liz Burge
Acting president, FHT

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER  5, 2011      
At the Fredericton Public Library gallery (September 12 – October 30) the heritage Trust’s 8 panel display in the staircase gallery promotes the October 5 public talk Historic York Street and Its Unique Railway Station by popular historians Ted and Anita Jones.A public reception starts at
6 PM, with the talk at 7 PM.You are most welcome.

SATURDAY  OCTOBER 22, 2011  2:30pm  New Brunswick and the War of 1812.

Bob Dallison is the former Director of King’s Landing Historical Settlement. This talk leads into the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the March of the 104th from Fredericton to Québec and Kingston.

Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, 23 Dineen Drive, UNB Campus.  Refreshments. Free Parking.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2011 2pm
Re-purposing heritage buildings (as in re-uses for York House on York St.) 

An illustrated talk by Shane O’DeaShane O’Dea of Newfoundland knows the issues and the ‘greening’ of re-purposing old buildings. He has restored two heritage properties he owns and promoted the development of St John’s, Nfld as a nationally significant heritage-savvy city. He chaired the Board of the Heritage Canada Foundation as well as three Nfld heritage organizations, and served on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. He is widely known for his engaging speaking style and his proven arguments for sustainable re-development of old buildings.Professor O’Dea will use illustrative images to discuss past successes and failures in both city and outport, and outline the current pressures, changed attitudes and risks about re-purposing heritage buildings. Audience questions and reactions will follow.

Preceding his talk will be the Trust’s Annual General Meeting at 1pm.

Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, 23 Dineen Drive, UNB Campus.  Refreshments. Free Parking.

A Message from the Fredericton Public Library: Authors “in the house” this fall

This fall the Fredericton Public Library will host a great line-up of speakers who will either be launching new books with us, or talking about things historic and interesting to the Fredericton community.  We hope you’ll come out to hear what they have to say.

Wednesday evening, October 5, at 7 pm, Ted and Anita Jones will give a free public talk on Fredericton’s historic York Street, as part of the formal launch of the York Street Train Exhibit now hanging in the library’s Staircase Gallery.

York Street is one of the original streets of Fredericton’s town plat, running from the St. John River southward to what was then considered the back of town.  A ferry crossed from St. Mary’s Village on the north side to Phoenix Square at the foot of York Street on the south side.  As a result, a farmers’ market at City Hall became the centre of the commercial area, and numerous shops, hotels, livery stables, factories and other businesses were built along lower York Street.  As York Street expanded, churches schools, private homes, and more industry developed.  In 1869 a wooden railway station was added and, in 1923, a brick station replaced it.  Following years of deterioration, that same brick station has been restored recently to become once again a significant landmark of historical  York Street.

Together Ted and Anita are the authors of Fredericton and its People, 1825 to 1945, and Historic Fredericton North:  Nashwaaksis, Devon, Barker’s Point, Marysville, 1825 to 1950.

Wednesday, October 26, Pulitzer Prize-winning Maine author Barbara Walsh will read from her book August Gale, a tale of a deadly Newfoundland hurricane.  She’ll be back on November 3 to read at 10:30 am from her children’s book Sammy in the Sky.  And on Wednesday evening November 2 we welcome Trudy Kelly Forsythe for the Fredericton launch of Prose to Go: Tales from a Private List, a peek into the private lives of 18 professional writers from the NWT to PEI.

See you at the library!

12 Carleton Street
Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5P4

Located in Fredericton’s historic Military Compound, the library is at the foot of Carleton Street across from the Carleton Street Armouries. The library boasts a wonderful view of the Saint John River.

Now Seeking 2011 Martha J. Harvey Award Nominations

Martha J. Harvey was a founder of the York Sunbury Historical Society, which was established in 1932.  She was a president of Fredericton Women’s Institute, an involved member of the Social Service Council, and was deeply committed to the welfare of the greater Fredericton community.

The Martha J. Harvey Award of Distinction is presented to individuals, or groups, who have shown a dedicated commitment to the goals of the York Sunbury Historical Society.  Past awards have honoured those who have made significant contributions in writing the history of central New Brunswick, in preserving its artefacts and heritage buildings, or in offering exemplary service to the Society in its efforts to discover and preserve the history and heritage of York and Sunbury counties.

On December 8, 2010, the York Sunbury Historical Society presented two Martha J. Harvey Awards.  Firstly, an award was given to The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society at the University of New Brunswick who is devoted to the study of war and the complex social and human situations that arise from it. The Centre runs a visiting speakers program and local conferences, many open to the general public. It is also the publisher of, ‘The Journal of Conflict Studies’ and books and articles by its staff and faculty.

The second Martha J. Harvey Award was presented to the Honorable David Dickson for long and meritorious service or contribution to the Society.  Since his retirement, Dickson dedicated much of his time to history and education through special presentations at schools, university classes and community groups.

Past Recipients:
1981 – Lt. Gen E.W. Sansom
1984 – Senator Muriel Fergusson
1984 – Lucy McNeil
1985 – Dr. Alfred Baily
1985 – Dr. D.J. McLeod
1986 – Louise Hill
1987 – Fred H. Phillips
1988 – Dr. Elizabeth McGahan
1988 – Dr. Stuart Smith
1989 – Dr. James Chapman
1990 – Alden J. Clark
1991 – Dr. Ivan H. Crowell
1992 – Velma Kelly
1993 – Ted Jones
1993 – Dr. Murray Young
1994 – Donna Wallace
1995 – Richard Bird
1996 – Fred White
1998 – Ruth Scott
2000 – Government of New Brunswick Heritage Branch
2004 – Frederick Wilmot Hubbard
2005 – Mr. & Mrs. T.W. Acheson
2009 – Paul O’Connell
2010 – The Honorable David Dickson and The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society

Officers’ Quarter’s articles pertaining to the award:
Volume 10, Number 3 (Summer 1994) – The Royal Tour of 1939, “The Martha J. Harvey Award of Distinction” by Ted Jones (page 8). Available for download on this page.

Volume 15, Number 1 & 2 (Spring and Summer 1999) – A Publication of the York-Sunbury Historical Society, Inc. “Congratulations Ruth Scott! …” by Ted Jones (page 15). Available for download on this page.

Content of articles may not be reproduced, retransmitted, disseminated, sold, distributed, published, broadcast or circulated without permission.

The York Sunbury Historical Society is announcing a call for nominations for the annual Award of Distinction for outstanding individual contribution to the field of history of Central New Brunswick. Any member(s) in good standing of the York Sunbury Historical Society may nominate a candidate for the award. The committee believes the award should be considered in two select categories: For outstanding contribution in the field of New Brunswick history, with particular interest and applicability to central New Brunswick. – OR – For long and meritorious service or contribution to the Society.

2011 Martha J Harvey Award Nomination Form

Aida Flemming, Popular Winter Pastimes in Fredericton, Canada’s Flag, New Brunswick’s Flag, Antique Furniture, Recipes, Klondike Kate, Roméo LeBlanc, the York-Sunbury Museum, the United Empire Loyalists, Poetry, Book Review and Dr. James Chapman

Volume 11, Number 1 (Winter 1995) - The new Governor-General of Canada once lived in this Fredericton home

We have back issue copies of Volume 11, Number 1 (Winter 1995) – “The new Governor-General of Canada once lived in this Fredericton home” available for purchase for $4 (plus postage and handling).

Contents:

“Letter from the Editor …” by Ted Jones (page 3)
Abstract:
The letter from the editor highlights a feature of the York Sunbury Museum on the third floor that houses artifacts such as clothing, quilts, portraits as well as documents including several books all dating back to the early 1900’s.

“Letters to the Editor” by Mary Ryan of Fredericton, George Bidlake of Fredericton, Bruce Lynch Assistant Administrator of the York Sunbury Museum and Ralph A. Shaw of Hartland (page 4 & cont. on page 27)

“Curator’s Corner …” by Kelly McKay (page 5)
Abstract:
This article describes several popular winter pastimes in Fredericton in the late 1880’s and early 1900’s. These included several games similar to hockey and tag and were all group oriented and high energy and involved sliding, skating, snow shoeing and sleigh rides.

“Beyond York-Sunbury … British Columbia Hosts UEL Convention” by Fred Hubbard (page 6 & cont. on page 8 )
Abstract:
This article describes the annual convention of the United Empire Loyalists in 1994. It details the tours of the area and historical landmarks, themed dinners, meetings, seminars and workshops.

“Garrison Ghosts” (page 7)
Abstract:
This article draws attention to events from early 1935 related to the York Sunbury Historical Society including monthly, annual and executive meeting highlights.

“Poetry Pavilion” The original Officers’ Quarters was called the Pavilion by Brian Bartlett (page 9)
Poems include: The Skater Tale, A Game on Mt. Iceberg and Museum Radiance

“Aida Flemming … the Later Years” by Carolyn Atkinson (page 10)
Abstract:
This article chronicles Aida Flemming’s incredible self less contribution to her community. She served on numerous boards and was a strong advocate for health care, reading, continuing education and was directly involved with members of the community as well as the SPCA, Childrens Aid Society and the Kindness Club.

“Feature Article … Reflections on Canada’s Flag” by Dr. George F.G. Stanley (page 14)
Abstract:
This article offers insight into the original designer of the Canadian Flag, a short biography and an excerpt from his book regarding the process of creating the final design approved by the Queen, which resulted in the maple leaf portrayed on the official flag of Canada.

“New Brunswick’s Flag – A Parallel Proclamation” (page 16)

“Furniture Expert polishes Off Series” a report by Pat Flemming (page 17)
Abstract:
This article offers insight into antique furniture through restoration and appraisal expert, Alistar Fox. He explains origins and recreations transpired as well as how to restore and preserve furniture today.

“The Officers’ Bookcase … A Daughter’s Tragic Life: Adèle Hugo – La Misérable by Leslie Smith Dow” review by Anita Jones (page 18) – A review of two children’s stories written and illustrated by a young Minto student during his time in grades 7 and 8.

“Recipes from the Pioneer Kitchen …” by Pat Flemming (page 19)
Recipes include: Boston Baked Beans, Aunt Hilda’s No-Knead Brown Bread and Ice-Box Ginger Snaps

“The Search for Klondike Kate” a report by Ruth Scott (page 20)
Abstract:
This article offers information and the progression of the discovery of Klondike Kate’s true identity and contribution women’s movements and Canadian history. Ann Brennan embraced the research and eventually published a book revealing Kate Ryan’s actual experiences from New Brunswick to the North.

“Passing through … Canada’s 25th Viceroy” by Ted Jones (page 21)
Abstract:
This article follows the life of Roméo LeBlanc as a teacher at the Provincial Normal School from his appearance to his route travelled to school and his post teaching career resulting in being Governor General of Canada. It describes, relationships with students, colleagues and the impressions he left on them.

“The Governors-General of Canada” from 1867 to 1995 (page 24)

“Books from the Barracks … A Young Author from Sunbury County: The Adventures of Micmac the wonder Dog and The Adventures of Micmac the Wonder Dog: Tomahawk’s Revenge by Chris Fulton” review by Mary Mayo (page 25)

“The Last Word” with Dr. James Chapman (page 26)
Abstract:
This article documents an interview with Dr. Chapman and discusses his early life, his careers including the military and professor at UNB, the honours he received, his research, publications and an overview from his perspective on the growth of Fredericton.

If you are interested in acquiring a copy of this issue of the Officers’ Quarterly, please contact the York Sunbury Historical Society and Museum office or drop by the office at 571 Queen Street and pick one up.