Inductees

To be a popular influential figure in Canadian Country Music doesn’t necessarily mean you have to play and sing. To that end, Jim Higgins made remarkable contributions to local Country Music without ever picking up a guitar.

As broadcaster, promoter and executive, he introduced local and international performers to the area and broadened the appreciation of the music form among fans and followers.

Over the years, Jim became a familiar figure through his cable TV show, The World of Country Music, and his Classic Country radio show. He’s also influential in establishing the Victoria County Music Association and organizing The Grand Ole Night of Country Music at Academy Theatre. As well, he’s been a driving force behind many charity benefit shows in aid of worthy causes. Outside of music and broadcasting,

Jim is a also busy executive with the Peterborough Lakers, promoting lacrosse throughout the Kawartha region.

Jim Higgins is living proof that word of mouth, from the right mouth, can get the message across in music and community service.

Marty Gerrard Murphy was a well-known Peterborough criminal lawyer renowned for his “dedication, wit and sense of humour.”

Except for his years studying law in Ottawa, Marty Murphy’s career was in Peterborough. He was a partner in Galvin and Murphy with his uncle, Doug Galvin. He was the brother of Sharon Murphy who was a lawyer with her husband at Gariepy Murphy. Marty founded the Thames Embankment Society, an organization to support lawyers and their work. As one of the city’s leading criminal lawyers, he was Federal Crown Attorney for Peterborough.

There were several stories of how Marty Murphy had helped clients, whom he said should always be treated as royalty. On one occasion he approached someone who was in trouble and was trying to defend himself and was distraught at the enormity of the task. Marty Murphy asked how he could help, and stayed with him the remainder of the day. He told the vindicated man to “do something for someone else in need when the opportunity arose.” Lawyers valued him as a colleague, and “our community was enriched by his contributions.”

To the great benefit of Peterborough’s musical and sport communities, our inductee moved to the region in 1957 and never left – in so doing, making his home a better place for countless others.

Born and raised in Toronto, Jack Bardeau started work with Bell Canada in 1941 but joined the Royal Canadian Air Force the following year, helping develop the radar network on Canada’s west coast. Post-war, he returned to Bell and made his way to the Peterborough area, living first at a cottage on Pigeon Lake and then, at a home in the city’s north-end in a Veterans Land Act subdivision where he raised his family.

In the early 1960’s, Mr. Bardeau contributed his singing talent to the Liftlock City Chorus, staying with the barbershop-style ensemble for more than 10 years. When the need for a new conductor for the ladies’ chorus arose, Mr. Bardeau took on the challenge and directed the Peterborough Pipers of Harmony.

Jack Bardeau also became quite involved in sport, but not until his mid-50’s. He made up for lost time, however, playing in the Peterborough Recreational Oldtimers Hockey League as well as serving as its president. He organizing the annual Kinsmen Arena tournament for teams from across Ontario, earning tournament ‘Founding Father’ status from the league. In addition to his on-ice pursuits, Mr. Bardeau also played baseball for a number of years.

It was while he was with Bell Canada that Jack Bardeau was awarded the Community Chest Award for Outstanding Citizenship in 1961. He was also a long-serving member of the Telephone Pioneers, a North American organization that supported the needs of the disabled and, in particular, the hearing impaired. Mr. Bardeau served as president of the organization’s local chapter and, upon his retirement from Bell in 1984, he was presented with a Pioneer Life Membership.

When a stroke in 1995 brought an end to his athletic pursuits, Mr. Bardeau was asked, a few years later, to drop the puck at the annual hockey tournament he founded – a gesture that clearly showed the respect he had earned from his teammates.

Jack Bardeau passed on in 2001, but his war service has been immortalized alongside that of so many others on the Veterans Wall of Honour at Confederation Square. Also not forgotten, is his strong sense of community, anchored by his unselfish efforts to make Peterborough a better place, for so many.

More than a generation of Peterborough young people learned music under the tutelage of Tommy Barnes. As proprietor of the Continental Academy of Music, Tommy taught music for over 25 years.

Widely recognized as one of Canadian Music’s finest dobro and steel players, Tommy enjoyed a career as a much sought-after session player and band member. Playing with such locally-acclaimed groups as Wildwind and The Teddy Bear Band, Tommy Barnes gave generously of his considerable talents to further many charitable organizations and fundraisers.

Stompin’ Tom Connors, and his trademark black Stetson, was a music legend whose ‘made-in-Canada’ career intertwined with Peterborough, the home of his first plywood board, his registered nickname, and one song, ‘The Peterborough Postman,’ that has become synonymous with the singer.

He released nearly fifty albums, containing most of his 300 songs that are rooted in Canadian place names. He was born in New Brunswick and raised in Prince Edward Island, and suffered a tough life before becoming an established artist. From 1951 to 1964, he hitchhiked across Canada, something of a singing troubadour. He was married in 1973 on the Elwood Glover show, and he was featured in 1974 on CBC’s ‘Stompin Tom’s Canada.’ Many of his songs are famous for their historical references.

His memorial service was held in Peterborough’s Memorial Centre, March 13, 2013. “When the Peterborough Postman passes by,” we will wonder why he said goodbye…

Each generation wishes to define its youthful existence through a definitive expression, thereby leaving its imprint on the modern evolutionary process.

So it was, the explosive 1960’s gave birth to a dedicated and talented group of young musicians, initially named “The Capris” and subsequently “Dino and the Capris.” It became one of the most popular groups to entertain three generations of Peterborough and area audiences. Whether rock and roll, or country and western, the group’s music was the sound of the 1960’s for this area.

From its formation, throughout its active playing years, the intent was to entertain as many young people as possible while improving on their musical talents. Its members, through the period spanning 1963 through 1986, included lead singer Paul (Dino) DeNoble, Garry Warriner, Ron (Hub) DeNoble, John Barnes, and Dave Coones.

One needs only to talk to anyone about those years to determine the impact of Dino and the Capris. Sheer love of music fuelled the musicians who played in the group over that time. Each participant usually spent whatever he earned to purchase more equipment to enhance their ability to produce the best sound possible.

The late Paul (Dino) DeNoble (deceased 1992) led the most popular Peterborough dance band of its era. People remain grateful for memories of the always-energetic group of musicians, namely Dino and the Capris.

Paul Ayotte was a technical writer for General Electric of Canada, 1964-2002, but is best known for his remarkable contributions to municipal government. He represented Ashburnham ward, 1978-85, 1987-2003. He served as mayor of Peterborough from 2006 to 2010. During these years he served frequently on committees for finance, public transportation, council procedures and affordable housing.

After the Ides of July flood in 2004, he chaired the Peterborough Area Flood Relief Committee, and while mayor established and energized the Mayor’s Action Committee on Poverty (Peterborough’s first since 1875). During 28 years in public office he has been a tireless advocate for fighting poverty, building affordable housing and finding ways to help the disadvantaged. He then accepted the challenge of chairing the Peterborough United Way campaign for 2012.

His family has been in the area for eight generations, and he admired the community’s ability to meet challenges and to support those in need. He challenged people to give a “gift of hope.”

His amazing public career has always been about finding ways to lead, ways to better the community one person at a time.

Paul Ayotte photo courtesy MyKawartha.com

For all his success, both professionally and personally, Jim Hendry hasn’t done well at the retirement thing.

Since departing from The Examiner in 2014 after a 32-year newspaper career, Hendry hasn’t come up for air. He has found, and continues to look for, opportunities to volunteer his time and talents to the benefit of his community. Sitting back with his feet up hasn’t been, and still isn’t, an option. Retirement, it would seem, can wait for a bit.

Born in Peterborough, Hendry moved with his family to Cobourg, returning to the city in 1982 for a job as a reporter with The Examiner. Over the following years, he rose through the ranks, serving as the daily newspaper’s weekend editor, city editor, editorial editor page and, finally, managing editor. A true professional who strove to report news factually and balanced, he was awarded a number of Ontario Newspaper Awards as well as the Harry Britain Fellowship Award granted by the Commonwealth Press Union.

Upon calling it a day with The Examiner, the road was clear for Hendry to pursue other interests, bringing to the table informed insights into Peterborough’s political and social challenges.

As a regular panelist for YourTV’s Politically Speaking, Hendry has provided fact-based opinions on the state of affairs at Peterborough City Hall and elected representatives’ performance, or lack thereof. And since retiring, he has written two editorials per week for The Examiner.

Over the past six years, the United Way of Peterborough and District has been a huge benefactor of Hendry’s passion for the place he calls home and those who need a hand up. First as a board member, then as the board chair and most recently as campaign cabinet chair, Hendry has wholly committed himself to the United Way’s mission while inspiring others to do likewise.

Other local entities that have progressed from Hendry’s board involvement include the ReFrame Film Festival as well as the Kawartha Golf and Country Club.

If these contributions aren’t enough to put Hendry into a volunteer class of his own, consider the countless hours he has contributed to ensuring newcomers to the city are felt welcome and valued.

Currently a lead member of a group supporting three Syrian refugee families, Hendry has hosted six Canada World Youth exchange participants, an American Field Services youth exchange participant, and a Belarusian boy displaced by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Collectively, that humanitarian work earned him Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honour bestowed by the international service club.

Even a most fleeting visit to the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame will confirm the important role sports play, in Peterborough’s cultural life.  But would sports be as popular if the accomplishments of games weren’t reported with enthusiasm and clarity?  In Peterborough journalism, Cec Perdue set the bar for all sports reporters who’ve followed.

In 1931, Cec became The Peterborough Examiner’s first sports editor, serving as reporter and columnist for the next 37 years.  He covered area sporting events and those around Ontario and across Canada with any Peterborough connection.  For his writing, he earned a reputation as a fair, honest and respected reporter who genuinely understood, and appreciated athletes and athletic competition.

In recognition of his journalistic skills and his contribution to Peterborough community, he was given a Civic Award by the City in 1965.  Cec Perdue was inducted into the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in its founding year of 1980: a fitting tribute for one of Peterborough’s most fondly-remembered pioneers of journalism.

• Photo courtesy The Peterborough Examiner

If you look at Pathway of Fame nomination form, the criterion for Community Samaritan category reads, “one who is ready and generous in helping others.” Una and Alan Golding were a pair who readily and generously helped others. As a couple, as well as individually, they were also proof that what is important isn’t the magnitude of the act, it’s the magnitude of the heart behind them.

Una, and her late husband Alan were both veterans of World War II and, for years, were involved, energetic members of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52: Una as Branch secretary and Alan as youth education representative. Alan was also active with Smith Township Historical Society and Una, the chief organizer of the immensely popular Seniors Picnic every June at Del Crary Park.

Both were involved in organizing numerous seniors’ luncheons and events. For nearly two decades, they volunteered with Meals On Wheels and gave generously of their time and energy with Peterborough Community Care.

In their unselfish and caring way, Una and Alan Golding have made Peterborough area a better place in which to live. Now a widow, Una continues that proud tradition.

Alan Golding passed in 2019.

When we consider the far-reaching success and resulting prominence of business people that have called Peterborough home, George Albertus Cox remains in a league of his own.

Born in Colborne, Upper Canada in May 1840, George came to Peterborough as a young man to serve as an agent for the Montreal Telegraph Company. According to historian Michael Bliss, after attaining the same position for the Canada Life Assurance Company in 1861, George vowed he would one day be its president. He did just that in 1900.

Prior to that, George became president of the Midland Railway in 1883, founded the Central Ontario Loan and Savings Company in 1884 and, in 1890, was named president of the Bank of Commerce. That was two years after he moved to Toronto as a member of a group purchasing the Toronto Globe and the Toronto Evening Star.

George died in January 1914 but not before he and fellow former city resident Edward Food founded Brazilian Light and Power, the largest utility company in South America to that point.

As impressive as his business acumen was, George’s political star was equally bright. Between 1872 and 1886, he served seven one-year terms as Peterborough’s mayor. In 1874, he served briefly as a Liberal member of the Ontario Legislature, completing the term of Thomas Fairbairn who died while in office. He was narrowly defeated when he ran for his seat the following year, meeting the same fate when he ran federally in 1987. Still, his political value was well noted as evidenced by his 1903 appointment to the Senate by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier.

In addition to his business pursuits, George served as president of the Ontario Ladies College in Whitby, was bursar of Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and was a major supporter of the Toronto General Hospital.

Not surprisingly, George possessed a fine eye for real estate. Today, his legacy can be seen in a very tangible way on Rubidge Street in Peterborough, where the 2nd Empire Cox Terrace still stands, a designated National Historic Site.

Longtime member of Warsaw & District Lions Club, Cecil gave freely of his time and talent to raise funds for a number of local causes.  He was instrumental in constructing the band shell at Warsaw Lions Park and organizing a series of charitable concerts performed there.  Believed to be the last steam-powered sawmill operator in Ontario, Cecil volunteered his expertise to help establish a viable lumber industry on the Island of Dominica.

For many years, Gwen Brown was a major contributor to the growth and vitality of live theatre in Peterborough. She was involved in forming the Peterborough Theatre Guild, which came about as an amalgamation of several theatre groups, including St. John’s Players, with whom Gwen had been previously involved.

In 1964, Gwen directed ‘Ah! Wilderness,’ the first production of a newly-formed Guild. Since that beginning, she performed as director or actor in dozens of Guild productions. As well, she worked with Arbor Theatre, a professional company that ran for many years. Along the way, her teaching skills and creative enthusiasms have been an inspiration for countless theatre devotees.

Gwen Brown passed away in 2013, in her 92nd year. More than a year after her passing, Gwen’s fellow models from the famed 2004 Flood Relief Calendar gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the flood, and the tremendous community strength, determination and generosity that helped a community both weather the storm, and champion a comeback. Gwen Brown, on display in glorious black and white, was there in spirit…

• Photo courtesy of Lois Tuffin, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawartha

Often the best indication of an individual’s love for his, or her community lay in what the individual gives back to the community. If that is so, then Joyce Kidd Yabsley’s love affair with Peterborough and the Kawarthas has been a deep, and mutual one.

For a significant part of her adult life, Joyce gave her time, talents and dedication to aid a myriad of organizations and causes: willing to do what it takes, when needed, to accomplish what’s necessary. She shared her caring energy with March of Dimes, Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and the City-County Trust Fund. Joyce assisted at many seniors’ gatherings, organizing numerous jamborees to raise much needed funds.

It’s ironic that some individuals join organizations to seek anonymity. They wish to help but don’t wish to get personally involved with those they’re helping.

For Joyce Kidd Yabsley, as many will tell you, her commitment to helping others has always been up-front, hands-on and very personal. It’s part of her love for this community and its members.

The youngest in Canada at the time, Thomas H.B. Symons was named Trent University’s founding president, and his vision and vitality molded Trent into one of the country’s most distinctive and successful universities.  Over his lifetime Mr. Symons lent his talents to numerous national and international organizations by chairing such groups as The Ontario Human Rights Commission, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, and various federal conferences on multiculturalism, and social development.

In spite of his significant portfolio of accomplishments he conducted his life with the utmost humility, supporting his community in countless ways. A testament to his character, he approached everyone – from heads of state, to passersby on the street, to first-year university students – with equal respect and admiration.

Thomas H.B. Symons passed away on January 1st, 2021.

When talking about those who’ve contributed to the growth of live theatre and performance in Peterborough, one name quickly comes to mind…

Beth McMaster is a founding member, and a tireless worker with the Peterborough Theatre Guild. She’s authored more than 30 plays, many of them debuting at the Theatre Guild under her direction.

In 1990’s, Beth McMaster was the driving force and guiding spirit behind the creation and success of Showplace Peterborough. She has written many fundraisers for the theatre and today, largely through her dedication, Showplace Peterborough is an unquestioned jewel in Peterborough’s performing arts crown.

Dr. Harterre is aptly labeled the ‘face of health care’ in Peterborough by his colleagues and peers. All who know Dr. Donald Harterre are aware of his caring concern as a devoted family physician, as well as a respected former hospital Chief of Staff, and again as champion and visionary for health care across this county, indeed the province.

Family Health Teams owe their existence to his undying positivity. Under Dr. Donald Harterre’s mentorship, the New Baby Placement Program provides placement of newborns in family practice.

His vision, guidance and professionalism benefit patient, family doctor and community, in countless ways. So much is owed by so many to this unique, caring individual we know as Dr. Donald Harterre.

• Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week and MYKawartha

If it holds true that those who have our ear have a responsibility to lend their voice to community causes and campaigns, then John Mariasine has been very responsible indeed.

Upon arriving in the city in 1970, ‘Little John’ started his lengthy tenure with 1420 CKPT as a sports reporter before a promotion to the morning drive slot in 1973. Over the next 20 years, John was the warm and inclusive voice of CKPT, greeting morning listeners with a variety of popular ongoing segments.

John’s broadcasting career brought him benefits beyond the studio in the form of long-lasting relationships with a number of community organizations. His relentless promotional work on behalf of ParticipAction, the Ontario Summer Games and the Canadian Cancer Society proved invaluable to the success of each. With the annual McHappy Day fundraiser coinciding with his birthday, John turned it into a double celebration, selflessly sharing a slice of his cake before asking for a donation.

A number of annual events also benefitted from John’s skills as an engaging emcee and DJ, including GE Christmas parties at the Memorial Centre, toy drive kick-offs at Peterborough Square and a number of YMCA fundraising events. John brought his familiar voice to the theatrical stage as well, performing in a number of musicals staged by the Peterborough Theatre Guild and the St. James’ Players, starting in 1982 with Annie Get Your Gun and continuing his thespian pursuits after retirement with roles in seasonal productions.

Through the 1980s, John donated his time and talents to Up With People, an organization that supports the participation of children and young people in educational programs that promote cultural diversity and leadership through the arts. John and his wife Penny went above and beyond for the organization, often opening their home to participants. In 2017, John’s commitment to bettering life for others manifested itself through his volunteer work for TandemEyes that saw him serve as a guide rider for the visually impaired enjoying cycling paths.

It seems, to be part of Canadian character, many of our enduring cultural achievements come not just from larger centres but from smaller communities such as Peterborough. A proud case in point, remains the shining success story known as The Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Few have contributed more to the Guild’s artistic tradition, than Syd Waldron.

For over 40 years, Syd played a vital, multi-dimensional role in a continuing saga of The Guild. Behind the scenes, (if a director’s job can be considered behind the scenes), Syd directed such classic Guild productions as The Music Man, Ten Little Indians, The Mumberly Inheritance and Sinners, to name but a few. He also devoted much time and energy to fundraising, membership drives and whatever was needed doing, organizationally.

In front of audiences, Syd shone in stellar performances: Fiddler On The Roof, Kiss Me Kate, The King And I and many more.

For Syd Waldron, the stage is truly a two-way street. He takes delight in the vibrant world of live theatre and audiences have taken delight in his talent, creativity and imagination.

Lois Harte-Maxwell was proof that with hard work and dedication, the only insurmountable impediments in life are not physical, but that of the human spirit.

Despite her own difficulties with physical mobility, Lois tirelessly supported and, in some cases, was a pioneer in creating community awareness in Peterborough for those with any form of disability. She served several terms on City Council and sat on a number of committees dealing with accessibility issues for those with disabilities. More than any other individual, Lois Harte-Maxwell was instrumental in making City Hall physically accessible to all citizens of Peterborough.

Lois Harte-Maxwell died in 2016, in her 80th year.

A fixture on Peterborough’s Country Music scene, George McIlmoyle delighted audiences for more than 40 years. With his ‘Good and Country’ band, he performed on radio, television, in clubs and at gatherings throughout the Peterborough area.

Always willing to lend a hand to those in need, George was an avid and appreciated performer who contributed to countless local causes. George McIlmoyle personified the best in the tradition of giving to others through music.

Debi Fitzgerald was a rarity among us. She was fortunate to have the capacity to combine her artistic passion, love of nature and commitment to others, into her career.

She began her career at age 12, drawing animal portraits and was, at the time of her induction in 2003, a professional artist for more than 25 years. Her appreciation for detail and intuitive kinship with the fluidity of living things, gained her the title ‘Rose Lady’ during the ‘70’s and ‘Wolf Lady’ during the ‘80’s. In the 1990’s, she was twice named National Artist of the Year by Ducks Unlimited.

Her creations can be found in collections at Buckingham Palace, as well as major corporations and galleries around the world. She shared her works to raise funds for numerous charities and conservation groups.

It’s often said that art reflects life. With Debi Fitzgerald, it can also be said, art reflects the artist.

Debi Fitzgerald passed away following a battle with cancer June 13th 2016 in her 63rd year.

To be unconventional in a culture that reveres tradition isn’t always an easy path. Sometimes however, an unconventional approach is what’s needed to support and nurture that tradition-based culture. It takes a rare person to do this, and Chief Elsie Knott is exactly that; a truly rare person.

It’s often said, for Elsie, all Curve Lake Band members are her children – and it’s with that sense of care, and devotion she did whatever necessary to make life better for those she loved. She started a grocery store, a post office and daycare centre. Believing in the importance of education, she obtained a school bus to transport students to school in Lakefield. She also taught Sunday School, organized scouts, guides and baseball for young people. As a band elder, she helped revive Curve Lake’s PowWow ceremonies, offering classes in Ojibwa language so the people she loved could hold their culture closer to their hearts.

In 1953, Elsie became the first woman in Canada ever to be elected Band Chief and, in 1975 she was named one of Ontario’s ‘Outstanding Women.’

However, it’s the construction of a new church at Curve Lake that she considers her greatest accomplishment. People often say of her; “She did so many things.” And, indeed, this world is a better place because Elsie Knott walked upon it.

As scientist, engineer and inventor, Peter Eastcott brought fulfillment to many of his dreams for making the world a better place.

After a distinguished military career, he joined General Electric Canada as an electrical engineer. Peter became the most prolific inventor in the history of Canadian General Electric, registering 54 patents in the areas of industrial handling and safety.

Peter Eastcott also applied his engineering and inventing genius to humanitarian causes. He made life-saving contributions to the treatment of pulmonary disease and the invention of the HELPME program which, via computer, provides emergency response teams with vital, pre-incident, medical information.

Every community has volunteers, but only Peterborough is lucky enough to have Ken Armstrong. As volunteer broadcaster with Cable 10, Ken moderates three open-line shows dealing with three levels of government. Were that not enough, in itself, Ken’s been a very lively community activist. He’s chaired numerous committees including the Evinrude Centre fundraising committee and presently chairs committees on Peterborough’s 150th Anniversary celebration and millennium celebrations.

In recognizing his outstanding efforts, Ken received the Community Service Award, Citizen of the Year Award and, in June 1998, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario awarded Ken Armstrong the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for his remarkable contribution to the wellbeing of the Peterborough community.

There are not enough improv phrases to conjure up the immense contribution Dan Fewings has made to this community. No doubt, he has helped bridge the gap between the Trent University, and Peterborough communites through his varied activities, and as a consequence made Peterborough a more welcoming place to live.

Dan Fewings’ vocation as music teacher at PCVS and Crestwood High Schools enabled him to note, encourage and help promising talent. He became mentor to such exceptional people as Jimmy Bowskill. Dan single-handedly expanded the Peterborough Folk Scene, hosting and performing 5 years of Tuesday nights (count ’em ,256 in all) at Red Dog Ray McGregor’s (Inducted 1999) Hunter Street West Tavern stage in the early 1990’s.

It can be said of Dan Fewings that his comedic talents boarder on genius, making him sought after by numerous groups as performer, emcee and comic.

His presence in ‘Bowskills and Fewings,’ ‘The Three Martinis,’ ‘Slim Pickets’ and ‘The Union Cards,’ also with son Josh in ‘Fewings and Son,’ and then on occasion with the Citiots Improv Group, has resulted in the stuff legendary stories in equal parts colourful,and simply great.

It would be safe to say that those with whom he has graced the stage: Linda Kash (Inducted 2015), Sean Cullen, Serena Ryder (Inducted 2016) and Rick Mercer to name but a few, will concede that the billing could be just as meaningful the other way around!

It is estimated Dan has volunteered over 1000 hours of music, clowning around or emcee to numerous functions. His wit, energy, promotion of others and love of people combine to bestow Dan Fewings, an Honouree of the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

The life of a pioneer in Peterborough County during 19th Century was one marked by hard work, long days and constant uncertainty. To temper the harshness of that life with a soft touch of poetry took a remarkable human being.

‘Remarkable’ is an apt word to describe William Telford Sr.

Born of humble origins in Scotland, Will Telford came to the Peterborough area in 1850 and toiled as a farmer, and stonemason. To this day, many homes still stand as testament to his stonemason craftsmanship. In the best Scottish tradition of Robbie Burns, Will found time to pursue his love of poetry, finding inspiration in his ancestry and the beauty of the world around him. His many poems led him to be dubbed ‘the Bard of the St. Andrew’s Society’ and the ‘the poet laureate of Peterborough with the gentle brogue and lilt.’ The volume of Will’s poems, found in print, attest to his stature as one of the most prolific and widely read poets ever to live in the Peterborough area.

William Telford Sr. was an artist in both stone and poetry, and it’s indeed poetic and fitting that both his stonework and his written words have endured.

The Order of Canada was established to pay tribute to Canadians who exemplify the highest qualities of citizenship and whose contributions enrich the lives of their contemporaries. It’s also a perfect description of the life of Dennis Sweeting.

A highly decorated war hero, Dennis pursued careers as actor, writer and theatre administrator before coming to Lindsay. It’s here he became the driving force and catalyst in the successful enterprises of Kawartha Summer Theatre, and revitalization of Academy Theatre.

Displaying those high qualities of citizenship, Dennis also served in several political and community capacities, most notably Reeve of Lindsay and Warden of Victoria County.

A man of considerable warmth and commitment, his contributions to cultural life in his community and that of Canada led to his being named to the Order of Canada. Few better personify the criteria of that Order than does Dennis Sweeting.

From the 1950’s to the 1990’s, if there was a theatre production or live performance in Peterborough, Mabel Smith would see it, and tell you about it. For 40 years, she served as theatre critic and performance reviewer for the  Peterborough Examiner, writing critiques that were enjoyed, and respected.

With a lifelong passion for live theatre, Mabel was a founding member of Peterborough Theatre Guild, toiling backstage for countless productions. Mabel Smith’s work as Guild archivist evolved into the acclaimed history, Peterborough Theatre Guild – The First Thirty Years.

The editorial cartoon is a truly unique art form requiring very special talent. Doug Landry demonstrated that special talent for over 50 years in the Peterborough area.

He sold his first cartoon to none other than Robertson Davies, then-editor of the Peterborough Examiner in 1950, and churned out a steady stream for area publications since that day. Doug estimated at one time he produced several thousand quick sketches at fairs and community events. In fact, special editions of his cartoons and caricatures are now becoming collector items.

Over the years, Doug branched out into commercial art and design, and landscape painting. However, it’s the quick sketches, caricatures and cartoons that remained his first love.