Inductees

Widely regarded as Peterborough’s pioneer Rock & Roll band, the The Sonics were the first to bridge the gap between the Big Band, and Rock & Roll eras by being the first Rock & Roll band to perform at Ontario dance pavilions.

The group was also the first Peterborough band of the Rock era to appear on American television.  Individual members went on to work with numerous other groups, setting the standard for the rich Peterborough music scene that followed.

Excerpted from Ed Arnold’s book, Peterborough’s First Rock and Rollers, Back When We Were Young

“Mike McCutcheon formed the first rock and roll band in Peterborough’s history when he was a Kenner student. He sang and played some guitar. A record company had suggested putting together a band if he hoped one day to have a recording contract.

“Mike, the son of a local doctor, was just a teenager and approached fellow Kenner student Verne Hope who played drums in the school’s band. He had no idea that the teenage Verne had a classical piano background and had been playing keyboards for years.

“Someone knew two guitarists at St. Peter’s, Tom Kingdom and Gerry Guyatt. Tom, a city teen and Gerry a farmer’s son knew another farmer’s son, Joe Delaney, from Douro who played a mean keyboard but couldn’t read a single note.

“It was quite a mixed bag of teen musicians gathering at Mike’s family west end home to rehearse for their first public appearance at Del Crary’s talent tent at the Peterborough Exhibition in the summer of 1960. Mike had been taking some science classes at Kenner and was studying sonic booms so he named the band The Sonics.

“Mike was hooked on the sounds of Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, and Elvis. That first gig at the Ex was so successful they got a few more invites to perform at dances and became the first rock and roll band at the Hastings Pavilion becoming its weekend house band. Their big competition was Fred Munro’s and Gary Hansler’s Count Victors.”

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.

For many, of a certain age, we remember when heart disease translated to a death sentence. Medical science has made great strides in treating cardiovascular illnesses over the past 50 years, thanks in no small part to the work and dedication of pioneers like Dr. John Parker.

Having spent his formative years in Peterborough, John graduated as medical doctor in 1954. He went to Columbia University, New York, devoting himself to the relatively new field of cardiovascular medicine.

Returning to Canada in the 1960’s, John established one of the country’s first cardiac catheterization, and angiographic laboratories in Kingston. There, he helped streamline the use of heart-lung machines in cardiac surgery. He was instrumental in establishing a Division of Cardiology at Queens University and a research program in cardiovascular physiology and biochemistry. New inroads were made, under his guidance, in the use of nitroglycerin and other related drugs in treating cardiovascular disease.

He was adamant in his lobby effort with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to initiate a sub-specialty in Cardiovascular Medicine. In that way, an ever-increasing number of surgeons and specialists have been trained in this new discipline.

Throughout his life, John Parker maintained an abiding love of family, the outdoors and, of course, hockey. His life represents ongoing contributions to medicine, science and family. John never lost sight of the fact that a scientist is also a human being. Because of the balance and dedication, the future of cardiac patients continues to look a lot brighter.

For true lovers of music and performance, it’s difficult to recall the first time they held an instrument in their hands.

Norm Post has been making music and captivating audiences since the age of 12 and is considered one of the most ‘instrumental’ individuals in Central Ontario Country Music.  In many ways, Norm’s life and career typify the road traveled by so many Country artists.

As fledgling performer, the dictates of raising a young family put a strain on his musical ambitions.  That worked itself out nicely, in 1967, with the formation of The Singing Post Family.  The next decade, the Post Family made inroads into the Canadian music scene, recording eight albums and making three cross-country tours.

In the 1970’s, as the kids went their separate ways, Norm reinvented his performing passion.  He became an active participant with the Kawartha Shrine Club, devoting much time and energy fundraising for crippled children.  To further his fundraising technique, Norm took the opportunity to become a registered clown and perform as ‘Cinders.’  He continued as solo Country artist, playing alongside such luminaries as Roy Clark, Hank Snow and Gordie Tapp.

He founded the Cross Country Jamboree, which introduced us to talents such as Carroll Baker and Wayne Rostad.  Organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Rockhound Gemboree, and Canadian Spinal Cord Research benefited from Norm’s organizational, and performing talents.

Music, and people; that’s the combination that comes together, with Norm Post.

Mention the former Towns General Store, and ‘Douro’ will probably be mentioned in the same breath – and the reverse will happen when one mentions Douro – Towns General Store will be mentioned too. Ask the whereabouts of Michael Towns and you will be corrected to say ‘Mike’ Towns. For it is as ‘Mike’ that Towns is held by the entire region as the successful, dedicated and newly retired businessman, accomplished musician and now it’s more recent Author-In-Residence!

Just as his father and grandfather before him, Mike welcomed customers to the famous store established in 1892, and operated continuously until it succumbed to a massive fire on February 2nd, 2018. When minding the store for most of his life, he always showed a genuine interest and deep compassion for those who frequented his establishment.

It can truly be stated Mike’s journey has been walked with integrity, humility and grace. He is certainly regarded as a cherished gem within the community of Douro. Now it is Mike Town’s penning as an author too which has allowed the many descendants of Douro residents, those residing within it, and those who have moved away to rekindle their roots.

Mike’s two books, ‘While Minding The Store,’ and ‘I Mind The Time,’ chronicle the life and history of the early settlers and previous generations of Douro residents.  Readers are gently guided back to a time of faith, family and community.

Mike’s friendly demeanor, ready smile and handshake are testimonial that even in this hurried day and age, one can be assured of personal attention and interest – a genuine quality only transferred from generation to generation.
The Pathway of Fame was formed to enshrine important people such as Mike Towns who represent and maintain those special ideals that have made this area the extra special place that it is.

Many perform music but few live the experience 24-7.

As a lifelong entertainer, Earl Wilfong’s love of performing, anywhere and everywhere, is unparalleled. Where there’s an audience, there’s a will to do what he does and do it very well.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Wilfong’s passion for music was kindled at age 8 in church choir settings. A year later, he added the drums and guitar to his musical arsenal, forming his first band at age 11 before honing his talents through high school when, at age 17, he came away a winner from the Canadian Jazz Stage Band Festival, earning all-star drummer status in the process.

Wilfong subsequently took his talent across Canada and the United States, as well as overseas to Germany and The Netherlands. Comfortable with most any music genre, he has performed with Jack Bailey, Joe Henderson, Lisle, Highway and Blindstone Bridge, to name but a few. If that’s not impressive enough, he has shared stages with The Kentucky Headhunters, Rosanne Cash, The Good Brothers, Valdy, Burton Cummings and the late Jeff Healey.

Despite a busy performance schedule, one undeniable truth has remained a constant – Wilfong has never forgotten where he comes from. That has not only brought him numerous collaborations with local musicians such as Danny Bronson, Barry Haggarty and Cyril Rawson, but also benefitted numerous local organizations and charities. Simply put, Wilfong has rarely, if ever, said ‘No’ to gifting his talents to the benefit of this cause or that.

The list of benefactors of Wilfong’s charitable ways is long and varied: the United Way, the Children’s Aid Society, Activity Haven, the Canadian Cancer Society, The Festival of Trees, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and the Peterborough arts community…the list goes on and on. The homeless, the hungry and the disenfranchised among us have had their plight eased as a result of Wilfong’s unwavering commitment to their wellbeing.

Just as he soaked up music at a young age, many a young aspiring musician has benefitted from Wilfong’s willingness to mentor them. For a number of years, he has taught music lessons, no doubt passing on the most important lesson of all in the process – love the music and the rest will fall into place.

His commitment to community causes spanned more than six decades, making Gord Holnbeck one of Peterborough’s truly outstanding humanitarians. He served on City Council for several years while still finding time to volunteer time, and care to the betterment of others.

In 1980, Gord Holnbeck spearheaded the founding of the Peterborough County-City Disaster Trust Fund, providing essential lodging, logistical and financial support to thousands of Peterborough and area residents at a time of dire need.

Mr. Holnbeck passed away in 2012 at the age of 97.

Katherine Wallis was one of the earliest, and most influential visual artists to hail from the Peterborough area.

Her childhood love of painting and drawing turned into a passion for sculpture after visiting the renowned galleries of Europe. Katherine returned to Europe to study in London and on the Continent. Soon after, her works were winning prizes and exhibited in galleries around North America, as well as Europe.

Although residing in California for much of her adult life, Katherine Wallis retained a deep affection for Peterborough and area, donating a significant number of her works to the City. She was also an influential supporter of Peterborough’s Women’s Art Association, and the establishment of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Marilyn Robinson first got involved with community theatre quite by chance, that happenstance marking the beginning of what has been a far-reaching 36 year dedication to her passion.

From the moment she was recruited from the audience to handle props during a Whispers Dinner Theatre production in 1984, Marilyn was hooked. At age 20, she became involved with the Peterborough Theatre Guild and has a hand in more than 60 productions since in a number of capacities including director, stage manager and production manager – serving as President of the Guild on three different occasions. In addition, she has gifted her skills to the benefit of 10 St. James’ Players shows.

Marilyn’s love for all things community theatre has extended beyond the stage, leading to her serving in various roles with the Eastern Ontario Drama League, and taking on various responsibilities for the staging of the League’s annual play festivals. At present, Marilyn is in her third year as the League’s Awards Chair.

When the Peterborough Theatre Guild developed a partnership with the Thomas A. Stewart Integrated Arts Program, Marilyn played a key role. And when it came time to secure grants for theatre capital projects, Marilyn was front-and-centre in that process.

Marilyn’s other passion for working with children with disabilities took root when she was in high school, providing the springboard for a lengthy career working with autistic children on their learning and life skills development.

Just like that time many years ago at Whispers Dinner Theatre, Marilyn has continued to step forward to the benefit of events such as Cycle For Autism and Special Olympics, and organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society for which she has volunteered for more than 40 years. Over the past five years, she has served as chair of the Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope.

The recipient of a Lifetime Membership from the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Marilyn was inducted into Kenner Collegiate’s Hall of Honour in 2018, adding to a long list of awards that includes an Ontario Volunteer Service Award and two City of Peterborough Civic Awards.

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…

One of Canadian Music’s most poignant and admired singer/songwriters, ‘Willie P’ penned songs that would become award-winning classics for artists such as Prairie Oyster, David Wiffen, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Vince Gill and Pure Prairie League.  He was a fixture at folk clubs and festivals across Canada for more than 40 years and a valued member of Peterborough’s music scene.

Willie P. died on February 15th, 2008 at his home in Peterborough suddenly, of a heart attack. He was 56.

• Photo By Donna Hopper

For close to 30 years, Fred Anderson worked tirelessly to make Peterborough and the Kawarthas one of Canada’s most vibrant music and tourism centres.

In the early 1970’s, recognizing the immense drawing power of Little Lake, Fred was instrumental, along with Del Crary in establishing The Arts & Water Festival. By 1987, Fred began devoting time and energy to the creation of The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights, which has since evolved into MusicFest. Under his guidance, The Festival of Lights became a unique event in Canada, featuring some of the top names in Canadian Music, and North America’s first synchronized illuminated boat show.

The Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, from around the world to Del Crary Park, making the festival the number one tourist draw in the Kawarthas. For his efforts, Fred Anderson was previously honoured with awards such as Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year, and Tourism Ambassador of Ontario.

Fred Anderson died February 20th, 2006.

Canada is a country of immigrants. In a true sense, we’re all visitors. We, our parents or ancestors, have come from far away, from homelands that lost hope for the future. The Kulla Brothers are a shining example of those who adopted Canada as their home, Peterborough as their city, and made both a better place in which to live.

Jim, Mike and Eddie Kulla fled Communist Albania at the height of the Cold War. They faced grave physical danger, both to themselves and family members left behind, to seek freedom in a new land. The brothers settled in Peterborough, determined to explore the fullness of their potential. They worked hard to establish themselves as good corporate citizens and enthusiastic and caring members of the community. Many longtime Peterborough residents and visitors have fond memories of the Miss Diana Restaurant in Market Plaza, the Miss Diana Motor Hotel on Lansdowne and, more recently, Lakeside Dining in Lakefield.

By nature, the Kulla Brothers are warm and outgoing and – by being true to their nature – became unofficial ambassadors on behalf of Peterborough and Kawarthas. Through their generosity and charm, they put a human face to our City, and area, for thousands of residents and visitors.
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As a means of communicating a message to a specific group, music has long been effective.

In the 1960s, Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, to name a few, spoke to anti-war protesters and civil rights activists in a voice they understood and rallied around. Fast forward to the new millennium and Peterborough singer-songwriter Glen Caradus who, for some 20 years now has, through his music, spoken to countless children and young people about the environment and nature, and their developing role in the preservation of both.

As an educator with Camp Kawartha, Ecology Park and the Canadian Canoe Museum, Caradus’ exuberant and creative teaching style has seen him add his skills as an exceptional storyteller and puppeteer to the mix. Since 1999, The Paddling Puppeteers, a musical puppet show he created, has enlightened kids across the country on topics such as shoreline naturalization, a critically endangered prairie ecosystem and the geological history of the Peterborough region.

Able to play multiple instruments, Caradus is also an accomplished musician, having recorded three children’s CDs, each with an environment or nature theme.

Caradus practices what he sings of. He bikes more than he drives, and when he does drive, his electric hybrid provides his ride. His garden is home to native trees, shrubs and wildflowers that he gives away for free, and under the cover of darkness, he sometimes undertakes ‘guerilla re-wilding’ – the planting of native trees in parks and green spaces in a bid to improve biodiversity.

More recently, Caradus created The Ride for Climate. In 2021, he cycled 350 kilometres over 14 hours, raising money for Peterborough Green-Up. The following year, joined by his friend Nick Ormond, Caradus covered 421 kilometres in 20 hours, bringing in more than $10,000 for Camp Kawartha and Rowan Tree Children’s School’s nature-based programming. And in 2023, Caradus logged 280 kilometres, raising more than $5,000 to the benefit of For Our Grandchildren’s climate change education efforts.

First Nations and reconciliation awareness is also near and dear to Caradus’ heart and, on that front, he has been very active. In 2014, he partnered with the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha to create Adventure In Understanding, a since annual six-day/five-night culture-based canoe experience for First Nation and non-native youths aged 16 to 18 years old. The 100-kilometre trek through the Kawartha Lakes culminates at Curve Lake First Nation. Participants engage in reconciliation by learning about First Nations in the region, connecting with Elders and the land, and by being together.

Meanwhile, the developmentally disabled have benefitted from Caradus’ voluntarism. Over the past three years, he has volunteered for the Dream Players, which performs musical theatre. Other benefactors of Caradus’ time and talents include the Five Counties Children’s Centre and, for 25 years now, Ecology Park where he helps with its gardens and tree nursery.

Ken DesChamp blended his passions for music and teaching to great effect.

He began playing the guitar at age 9, and as a teen performed at the Arts and Water Festival (the forerunner to Musicfest) and taught songs at a children’s day camp. He played bass for three years in ‘Jawbone,’ Jersey Joe Henderson’s band, and then with Barry Haggerty and Terry Finn formed the band, ‘Parnell,’ which played across Ontario and the Maritimes. They released three singles which garnered air time on Canadian radio.

Ken remained active in bands during his university years which led to a BA from Guelph and a B. Mus. (Hons.) from Queen’s. While a music teacher in Elliott Lake he participated in a long distance collaboration with St. Peter’s Secondary School in Peterborough; the students created a dance drama which played at the school and in the Sears Drama Festival, when DesChamp won an award for music composition.

He taught at Crestwood Secondary School from 1990 through 2014, and was Head of the Music Department for twenty years. During his years at Crestwood, he directed wood ensembles, concert bands, stage bands and choirs – and working with Rob Steinman produced several musical productions.

Since 1990, he continued to be highly regarded and active on Peterborough’s music scene. One observer noted that he had ‘the singing voice of an angel.’ In the 2013 Peterborough Wire Awards, for example, he was named Bassist of the Year and his band, ‘The Cadillacs,’ for which he was the vocalist and bassist, was considered the best cover band.

The Cadillacs still perform to this day.

There’s an old Celtic saying; the greatest sin is the unlived life. This individual’s life is a true mosaic of experiences, events, relationships and dedications to his belief. It could never be said Father Bernard Heffernan is guilty of an unlived life.

An ordained priest since the early ‘60’s, this son-of-Douro worked as labourer, plumber, truck driver and RCAF flight lieutenant. His parishes existed in quintessential small-town Ontario, but often his congregation was the world.

Father Heffernan was an innovator in the use of mass media to spread his message of faith. He penned, and produced the widely-distributed TV series ‘The Church’ as well as numerous radio programs and series.  Among the shows he hosted and produced was ‘Gospel Gold,’ airing Sunday evenings at 6pm on CKQM ‘Country 105’ radio in 1987. A similar program aired on 910 CKLY Radio in Lindsay. He crafted an influential, and well-received book called ‘The Future Vision of the Christian Mass Media Mission.’

Whether interviewing celebrities such as Garth Brooks, spending time listening to prisoners in local jails, or seniors in nursing homes, he always held fast to the belief that each person is valued in God’s eyes. Regardless of his many accomplishments in mass media, for Father Bernard Heffernan, faith is passed on one soul at a time. As well, it can be said, one note at a time. Ahead of most of the major Peterborough Petes or Lakers Lacrosse games, ‘Father Hef’ would often be seen outside the entrance of The Peterborough Memorial Center, playing his fiddle and spreading the Good Word.

And especially, on St. Patrick’s Day.

Father Heffernan went to be with the Lord in 2016, at age 81.

David Edgerton will always be associated with the long, and successful effort to build a Wall of Honour in Peterborough to commemorate those who served in the military during the two world wars, and Korea. This incredible project grew out of his association since 1970 with the Canadian Legion, of which he has been an outstanding leader since. The Wall of Honour project was led by David with assistance from the Canadian Legion,Trent Valley Archives, Susan Kyle, and various community leaders and departments of government.

The Wall of Honour was unveiled in Confederation Park in late 2010, and remains a tribute to all those with local roots who served in three wars.

There are those who just give of themselves to the community without seeking public acclaim for their efforts. Jim Coghlan is certainly one who fit that description. His volunteer work has taken him to many corners of this area over the years.

Well past retirement age, one might expect Jim to have slowed down a little, but fortunate for us such was not the case. His volunteer work included service as President of the St. Joseph’s at Fleming Foundation Board, Past Chair of the St. Anne’s Church Parish Council, a member of the church’s Volunteer Screening Council and is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a Director of the Kawartha Men’s Social Club.

Jim Coghlan has held several prominent positions in both the public and private sectors of his working life in which health care and amateur sports have been his focus. Jim was a founding member of the Peterborough Region CAT Scan Fund, as well as the Peterborough Hospitals Lottery and the Festival of Trees.

Sports have always been of keen interest to him, both as an active player, coach and leader. In 1986 he served as Chair of Logistics for the Ontario Summer Games when the City hosted them, and again in 1992 Jim was the Ceremonies Chair.

The event dearest to his heart just may have been the highly successful Arborough Games of which he was Founding Chair. The games were an International sports and cultural exchange between Peterborough and Ann Arbour, Michigan. Each City hosted over 1000 young 10 to 16-year-old athletes in 10 different sports. What a tremendous accomplishment that was, and no wonder one would never forget it!

All of these activities and more brought Jim Coghlan the 1985 Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, and he can boast 2 Peterborough Civic Awards as well.

• Photo courtesy PRHC Foundation

You hear the expression: ‘You can dress him up but you can’t take him anywhere.’ Well, Howard Berry dressed others for decades, with skill and talent that took him everywhere.

With a knack for, and love of fashion from a young age – his father gifted him a manual sewing machine at age five – Howard could never remember a time when he wasn’t creating with fabric and experimenting with varied colour combinations.

Shortly after graduating in 1959 from a private design school in Toronto, Howard opened his own design shop in the big city. A number of different jobs in a variety of fields followed – but Howard’s love of fashion design never waned. Arriving in the Peterborough area in 1977, Howard landed a men’s wear retail job with Eaton’s, which took him back to Toronto. When he returned to Peterborough, he opened Howard Berry Designs in Charlotte Mews.

It was in 1980 that Howard’s long and fruitful association with the Peterborough Theatre Guild began with his design and creation of costumes for ‘A Doll’s House.’ Since that time, he was a constant fixture at the Rogers Street theatre. ‘The Mikado,’ ‘Le Cage Aux Follies’ and ‘Cats’ are just a few of the Peterborough Theatre Guild productions that soared thanks to his abundant talent for design.

However, Mr. Berry was no one-trick pony. In addition to costume design, he donated his time and abilities as a theatre set designer, director, production designer and painter for dozens of plays, musicals and special performances – greatly contributing to not only Peterborough Theatre Guild productions, but also to presentations at Showplace Peterborough.

Recognition has duly come Howard’s way. In 1990, the Eastern Ontario Drama League awarded him for set design followed, in 2008, with an award for Best Visual Presentation and, in 2009 an award for costume design. That same year, Theatre Ontario also recognized Howard’s work with an award for costume design. Finally, in 2015 and along with the cast and crew of ‘Twelfth Night,’ Howard accepted a Cultural Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough.

In 2017, at The Mount Community Centre, ‘Passion For Colour: A Design Retrospective’ saw Howard’s work put on public display – a show that featured many of his most spectacular theatre costumes, as well as his original paintings.

Mr. Berry passed away March 3rd, 2022 at the age of 84.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Both John and Rosemary give selflessly to local, national and international volunteer activities. While high school teachers, they and their three sons joined CIDA projects in Jamaica and Tanzania and shared their experiences in local newspapers.

With strong local support, they founded Jamaica Self Help, an NGO, in 1981. Over 1,000 local adults and teens have enjoyed meaningful experiences as volunteers sharing an overseas vision and working for a better world. They’ve assisted in practical ways toward delivering relief to needy Jamaican communities. Similarly, they’ve educated Canadians about Jamaica and its needs.

Their efforts have been duly honoured. John received WUSC’s Lewis Perinbaum Prize in 1992, and the YMCA Peace Price in 2004. Rosemary receieved the YWCA’s Woman of the Year in 1985, and attended the UN Conference on Women in 1995.

The Ganley’s have been invigorated by grassroots support of young people and others. We are all beneficiaries of their work.

John Ganley passed away in 2013. Rosemary continues their work.

• Photo courtesy of Red Pashmina Inc.

Barbara Beck, octogenarian, was a well-respected leader in the community for over fifty years. She was a strong advocate of consumer and social justice causes, and contributed to the arts community in countless ways.

Mrs. Beck also sat on committees and councils at the local, provincial and national levels. She believed, “… what matters is what you do for your fellow man.”

She served with the Consumers Association of Canada as local president, provincial president and national vice-president. Barbara, together with her late husband Dick, were stalwarts of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, locally and provincially. She also served on several boards such as Peterborough’s Social Service Council; the Peterborough Memorial Centre; the Social Planning Council; Community Care Peterborough, and the Ontario Community Support Association.

She received many honours over her lifetime, including the City’s Community Betterment Award, and she was made a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club.

Barbara Beck was a tireless volunteer for the betterment of Peterborough, and its people.

Barbara Beck passed in March, 2018 in her 90th year.

Tanglefoot, a revered folk music group, was one of the great sensations of the mid-1970’s in Peterborough. The group consisted of three elementary school teachers: Tim Rowat, a bilingual Joe Grant and Bob Wagar, who played guitar, fiddle and mandolin and sang tight three-part harmony in period dress. They penned, and presented songs about aspects of Canadian history in a style as if they had found folk songs. The songs dealt with General Brock, the Plains of Abraham, and pioneer life.

They performed in school auditoria across the Province, and their story-telling was punctuated with their music and song. They had a general following because of their appearances at summer events and historic sites – and because they recorded some of their performances for sale.

At one Ottawa festival, the legendary Canadian folksinger, Stan Rogers, opened for Tanglefoot.

The group, with new membership and the continuity of Joe Grant, has toured Canada and lreland. But the music of the 1970’s remains the yardstick for this venturesome group, who most cleverly made history come alive in so many ways.

Without question, he’s one of the most talented and multi-faceted musicians ever to make his home in Peterborough.

Bud Sullivan took to the saxophone early in life and never looked back. Under the tutelage of renowned Belgian musician, Ben Vereecken, Bud began playing with the famed Huntsville Band, and at Bigwin Inn. His talents quickly impressed vacationing musicians, leading to an opportunity of a lifetime.

In 1926, Bud began an eight year tour with the immortal John Philip Sousa Marching Band. After Sousa’s death, Bud went to work with the CBC and the Toronto Symphony. Also at this time he began a new, and fulfilling stage in his life; teaching music.

Opening his music store on Charlotte Street, with wife Dorothy, Bud shared his gift of musical genius with more than a generation of young Peterborough musicians, including Bobby Kinsman and Daniel Rubinoff. Testament to Bud’s teaching talent is the fact that several of his students went on to graduate from the illustrious Juilliard School of Music.

Bud Sullivan: a musician of considerable talent and creativity who maintained a love for music, and for people who made music.

If Peterborough hasn’t already formally thanked CHNS-FM, it’s well past the time some form of appreciation is shown the Halifax radio station for giving a young Graham Hart a summer job.

In pursuit of an engineering degree at the time but bitten hard by the broadcasting bug, Graham left Dalhousie University after his third year and pursued radio full-time. A series of on-air positions in Nova Scotia followed before Graham moved to Ontario and worked at radio stations in Chatham, Hamilton and Niagara Falls before his acceptance, in 1973 of a job offer from CHEX Television in Peterborough. Hired as news anchor, Graham quickly became the face of CHEX. Before retiring in 2018, he had served as News Director, Assistant Television Program Director and executive vice-president of affiliated CHEX Radio.

As big an impact as Graham had on viewers’ daily lives via his news reports, and his hosting of specials, documentaries the long-running Campus Quiz  and Flashback programs, his work outside of the studio cemented his position as a community leader. Beyond volunteering his silky smooth delivery to the benefit of countless events and fundraisers as an emcee and guest speaker, Graham has worked tirelessly for a number of non-profit organizations. The Canadian Mental Health Association, the Peterborough Family Resource Centre, the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, the Peterborough Festival of the Arts, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, the Peterborough Pathway of Fame, and the Ontario March of Dimes are but just a few of his many volunteer affiliations. And then there’s his work for Easter Seals that has seen him appear as a regular on the annual telethon broadcast for no fewer than 47 years.

As one would expect, Graham has been duly honoured by a variety of organizations. Named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International and a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International Foundation, Graham was the first recipient of the Gordon Holnbeck Community Service Award and, in 2014, the City of Peterborough presented him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Corporal George Hendren was the only Canadian selected to serve as bodyguard to British Commander Lord Roberts in the Boer War.  He also became a ‘charter’ member of The Royal Northwest Mounted Police when it was established in 1904.

Chuck Vollmar’s contribution to local theatre in general, and the Peterborough dramatic arts scene in particular is immeasurable.

Over the years he has won Best Actor awards, and has had leading roles in productions that have traveled to festivals as distant as Asia, Aruba, Venezeula and Newfoundland. “Hedges” in which Chuck played one of the lead roles toured to Japan representing Canada in an International Theatre festival.

Chuck Vollmar is also a talented cartoonist and graphic designer, who designed and created the artwork for hundreds of promotional posters and program covers for the Peterborough Theatre Guild. It seems he has always been involved in some way in all aspects of the Peterborough theatre scene. Working with young people in developing their acting abilities is another area of theatre in which Chuck revels. In the 1990’s he founded Peterborough Improv Group (PIG for short), a troupe of improv actors who appeared at local venues and performed murder mysteries at private functions.

Chuck is known to possess a lightning wit which makes him in demand as emcee at local events – and he has also rescued the odd theatre production when lines where missed or flubbed. His play “Kawartha Love Letters” was well- received at the Theatre Guild. Later, he wrote “Fishing Buddies” which sold out during its run at Showplace and subsequently, when staged again a few years later at the Guild.

To say that Chuck Vollmar is totally immersed in all areas of the local theatre scene would be (as the old saying goes) putting it mildly.

Chuck has won the Peterborough Civic Award twice for his dedication to the Arts, and in 2016 was recipient of an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for over 30 years with the Peterborough Theatre Guild. There should be no doubt that Chuck Vollmar is without question one of the most selfless, proficient theatrical talents in Peterborough, and area.

When big bands and their music ruled, none seemed bigger or more lasting than Hal MacFarlane’s Orchestra, usually boasting 14 musicians.

In Peterborough and surrounding area there was one band commanding large followings and enjoyed by hundreds of fox-trotting, ballroom dancing fans; the Hal MacFarlane Orchestra.

As a youngster, Hal aspired to be a theatre pianist. He added saxophone and developed a great reputation as a music teacher. Hal MacFarlane inspired more than a generation of musical aficionados. His Orchestra was one of the largest in the area in 1940’s through to the 1960’s.

The Hal MacFarlane Orchestra was, for years the resident band at the Brock Ballroom on Saturday nights, where they developed novel ways to protect their instruments from the hockey-rink ice. During war years, the band played for army recruitment shows, and at the Peterborough Exhibition. The band was in demand for proms and high school formals until the 1960’s, when many young dance bands emerged.

Hal MacFarlane, a two-time president of the local musicians’ union, was also organist for the Peterborough Petes hockey team. His music, and our memories will never end. Nor will we forget the good times.

Randy Read’s involvement in theatre began in 1975, while a student at Trent University.  He worked with Peterborough Theatre Guild, Kawartha Summer Theatre, Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and the Canadian Stage Company.

While continuing his work in Toronto, Mr. Read has maintained his to the Peterborough area.  With a world of experience, in 1997 and assisted by backers and new developments such as Showplace, Randy Read founded Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company, a local professional company “bringing compelling stories to life on stage.”  New Stages presented works and readings at Showplace and Market Hall Theatre.  In 2010, he played the role of Champlain for Little Lake Cemetery Pageant.

As Artistic Director of New Stages he works to give area residents a rare opportunity to see many of Canada’s top actors and singers perform on stage at Showplace and Market Hall.  Whenever possible, Mr. Read mixes local actors in productions with seasoned professionals.  He’s been a director with the Theatre Guild, and has served as a judge for several events.

Randy Read continues to contribute time and energy to help amateur groups and young thespians.  Peterborough is lucky to have a theatre professional promoting the arts in our city.

Novelist James Michener once said, “If it isn’t written down, it doesn’t exist.” Nowhere is it truer than in pursuit of local history. So much local history depends on the oral tradition of memory and storytelling. As older generations fade away, so too does history. The fascinating history of Smith Township will take much longer to fade, because of the dedication of Bernice Harris.

For over 25 years, Bernice worked to preserve what hadn’t necessarily been written down. Bernice was a founder of the Smith Ennismore Historical Society, and the Smith Ennismore Heritage Centre. Her research skills and meticulous eye to historical detail provided literary fodder for such illuminating and immensely readable publications as ‘At The Edge of the Shield: The History of Smith Township,’ ‘The Collected Poems of William Telford,’ ‘Bridgenorth, The Centre of the Universe’ and ‘Adam Scott, Master Millwright.’

Local history is part of who we are and will live on because it’s been written down. For that, we owe a continuing debt of gratitude to Bernice Harris.

To hear Rob Phillips play the piano is to immediately sense that both, are part of the other!

He began classical studies at the age of 7. However it is safe to say, now decades later, that Rob was born to play, sing and write music. Introduction to boogie-woogie mates Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson and Albert Simmons set a tone for his musical pedigree, and articulates his jazz interpretation even now.

Peterborough and district is fortunate that Rob has so completely involved himself in playing with, and contributing to the sound of bands and individuals here at home. His dedication to playing piano and organ, singing, writing and arranging jazz, blues, rock and pop music – as well as being an accomplished classical pianist – has highlighted the local music scene for decades.

Rob Phillips is engrossed in the musical life of the community – from taking part in Musicfest, to serving as a director of Trent Radio, as well as fashioning and organizing countless benefit concerts.

Although he teaches classical piano and preps jazz students for post-secondary jazz studies at McGill and Humber Colleges, it is his commitment to the hometown music scene that makes Rob such an asset to this community. It’s his professionalism and musical excellence that shines as a respected ambassador for Peterborough wherever he travels, with his work.