Inductees

The Peterborough region is blessed with many who light up a room by simply walking into it, but few can lay claim to a more memorable entrance than Megan Murphy.

Gifted with a spark and quick wit that endears her instantly to everyone, Megan has brought her boundless enthusiasm and energy to several projects and organizations, and also to the theatrical stage as an actress with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, St. James’ Players, New Stages and 4th Line Theatre.

A college-educated documentary filmmaker, Megan’s piece de resistance remains the multi-awarded ‘Murphy’s Law,’ a self-exploratory cycling journey across Ireland that retraced the same journey her late father had made years earlier…on the same bicycle. And many remain grateful for her film documentation of the history of Town’s General Store in Douro which, shortly afterwards, was lost to fire.

A number of campaign and event organizers have been wise to tap into Megan’s talents and natural exuberance to energize their respective causes. In 2018-19, Megan served as Chair of the United Way of Peterborough and District campaign, and the Showplace Performance Centre recently named her an ambassador, alongside Linda Kash, of its ‘Showplace Project: Act II’ fundraising campaign. As an event host, Megan has called on her many years of radio broadcast experience to become the emcee voice of numerous events, including the Easter Seals Telethon.

When the shadow of COVID-19 darkened the landscape, Megan partnered with her good friend Kate Suhr to bring light to the life of many via The Verandah Society that saw the duo present a number of “On the Verandah” musical performances. Also during the pandemic, Megan stepped up on behalf of Kawartha Food Share, spearheading a number of campaigns that helped the agency feed countless families during an unprecedented demand. That same compassion for strangers was clearly evident years earlier when Megan travelled to southeast Asia to help with the rebuilding effort in the wake of the tsunami in late 2004.

Captain William H. Peryer was, without doubt, Peterborough’s most famous bandmaster.

Born in England, William Peryer came to Peterborough from Cleveland to assume the leadership of the Salvation Army Temple Band.  It was under his 40 year direction the Salvation Army Band toured Britain in 1914.  During the war, Peryer led the 59th Battalion Band overseas, gaining rank of Captain-Director of Music, and personal admiration from King George V.

Until his retirement in 1950, William Peryer served as musical director for several Peterborough brass bands, and played trumpet in the Grand Opera orchestra.  If you’re old enough to have enjoyed Sunday concerts in the park, featuring a wonderful mix of show tunes, hymns and military music, chances are those brass bands were under the direction of William Peryer.

David and Patricia Morton have been dynamic philanthropists, whose generosity has had an incredible impact on all of Peterborough County.

David Morton was President and CEO for Quaker Oats Company, while Dr. Patricia Morton taught history at Trent University, and is now Professor Emeritus. Both have served on significant committees affecting the welfare of our citizens.

David was Chair of the Board of Governors of Trent University, the Board of Frontier College, Chair of the Five Counties Children’s Centre, the Fleming College Board, the Greater Peterborough Economic Development Corporation, the Festival of Lights, and the original campaign for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. He was Peterborough’s Volunteer of the Year in 2002, and received an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

Patricia, a respected and published historian, has served on the Board of the Morton Community Health Centre in Lakefield. The Morton Family Trail, on the east bank of Trent University was named for them. Since 2012, David and Patricia Morton have been the leading donors for the Lakefield Literary Festival. They were major donors for the First People’s House of Learning at Trent University’s Gzowski College, and have funded several outstanding scholarships and bursaries for the University. They donated $100,000 to the building of the Sport and Wellness Centre at Trent University.

Most significantly, they donated $500,000 to the Lakefield Primary Health Centre, since renamed the Morton Community Health Centre. They also gave support to the Trent Valley Archives for its J. J. Duffus Project, and to the publishing of the history of the Quaker Oats fire of 1916.

No words can adequately capture the depth of David and Patricia Morton’s support for the communities of Peterborough, Lakefield, Trent University and the County of Peterborough – or their incalculable influence in making so many community projects feasible.

• photo courtesy KawarthaNOW

It’s one thing to be blessed with abundant musical and theatrical talent. It’s quite another, to unselfishly share that talent to the betterment of one’s community.

From an early age, it was very clear that Kate Suhr had a musical gift, prompting her subsequent study of musical theatre at PCVS, and opera at Western University – on her way to attaining a Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree from Humber College.

Locally, Kate has performed lead roles with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, the St. James’ Players and New Stages Theatre. For more than 10 years, our inductee starred in Beth McMaster’s Legendary Icon Series at Showplace, helping raise thousands of dollars for the downtown performance venue.

During the COVID-19 pandemic which began in late 2019, when so many were in need of a lift, Kate Suhr collaborated with her good friend and 2021 Pathway of Fame inductee Megan Murphy to create The Verandah Society, a song-and-storytelling performance that brought joy to people’s lives right where they live. Many of their performances were fundraisers for various causes. In 2021, The Verandah Society was staged professionally at 4th Line Theatre.

Beyond Peterborough, Kate’s artistic footprint has been equally substantial and impressive. She starred in The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins at Toronto’s Lower Ossington Theatre, as well as worked alongside a number of top Canadian artists in Podium Concert Productions’ The Secret Garden and Nine. Musically, Kate has performed at the Boots and Hearts Festival, and worked alongside Blue Rodeo, as well as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy. A talented songwriter, Kate Suhr has recorded her own music, including the single Better Off Together in late 2021. Her YouTube videos have garnered more than 50,000 views and counting.

While her work has seen her divide her time between Peterborough and Toronto, Kate has always been first in line to perform in support of local causes – a long list that includes Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness. A member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild Board of Directors, Kate recently put together a fundraising show to help the company get back onto its post-pandemic feet.

As busy as she is on stages both near and distant, Kate Suhr is a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peterborough – further evidence of her inspiring concern for the well-being of others, ahead of her own.

As a banjo player and the leader of the ‘Millbrook Barnyard Preservation Band’ from 1973 to 2012, Jim ‘Fearless’ Flood made it his mission to bring his highly entertaining brand of music to as many people as possible in the Peterborough region and beyond.

Typically at no cost, Jim brought his volunteer band to retirement homes, Legions, and Navy and Air Force clubs in an area stretching from Toronto to Trenton and north to the Kawarthas.

Always willing to lend a hand, Jim also built, and presented numerous floats for parades for Canada Day, Frontier Day and The Yuletide in both Peterborough and Millbrook. And, as The Great Zucchini, Jim entertained countless children with both his magic and his music.

An excellent banjo player gifted with perfect pitch, Jim’s legacy is a lifetime of selfless giving of himself, his good humour and his musical gifts to thousands, young and old and all ages in between.

Jim ‘Fearless’ Flood passed away in 2015 at age 80.

Doreen Landry, aged 90 upon her induction into the Pathway of Fame, was an active Peterboronian since her youth.

She volunteered at Peterborough’s hospital, now called the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, for 52 years. There, she was active in the hospital gift shop for 20 years, was president of the hospital auxiliary, and led the Baby Bootie Brigade, which provided booties for babies born in the hospital. Doreen was an active volunteer with St. John’s Anglican Church, the Progress Wives Club in the 1970’s and the Quota Club in the 1980’s and 1990’s. She balanced a working career, motherhood and outstanding work as a community volunteer, serving as a role model to her family, and others.

Doreen was pre-deceased by her husband Doug Landry, himself a Pathway of Fame inductee

It’s a telling comment in today’s news-gathering industry that reputation is built on seeking out the flashy, big-event stories while glossing over essential human elements inherent in every story. In his long, and varied journalism career, Don Grant never bypassed the true meaning of each story and how it affected his readers.

Starting out as cub reporter at the Peterborough Examiner, Don’s determination came to the attention of then-editor Robertson Davies who expanded his duties. During his Examiner years, he covered every possible kind of story and learned to excel at the new craft of photo journalism. His talents led him to a job with the Toronto Telegram and an enviable reputation as a tenacious, much respected reporter. After the Telegram folded, Don went to The Globe & Mail, where he rose to a weekend editor position and then assistant city editor. On the way, he always took time to help younger journalists learn their craft and responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Don Grant thrived at technical aspects of reporting, but, more importantly, he never minimized the humanity in each story. He developed a true, and abiding love for people about, and for whom he wrote. In today’s journalism, that’s indeed a rare and treasured quality.

Don Grant passed away in 2014. he was 85.

The Pathway of Fame experiences a “first of its kind” category this year.

In the year 2000, prolific songwriter Cyril Rawson was inducted. This year, his father Les Rawson is an Inductee – which marks the first father-son Inductions to the Pathway.

During World War Two, Les Rawson served in the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Norfolk, which was one of the ships to track the Bismarck and was present when the German battleship sank.

But it was after emigrating here with his wife and young son that he was to make his mark in the world.

Les Rawson made a huge impact on the musical history of our area. He not only accomplished that by giving young musicians the opportunity to get a start in their career by making the newest music products available, but – more importantly – through generosity, and trust. Les gave them a way to actually own their own instrument, which in most cases they could not afford.

Rawson’s Music Centre was a full-service music store, which also featured teaching studios. Les offered the local musician the tremendous opportunity to own their desired instrument over time, without the need for a credit check. He trusted musicians to make a weekly or monthly payment – keeping track on a personalized card in a box under the counter.

Les’ store became a place to meet and try out the newest instruments. Those meetings are credited with the birth of bands led by Bobby Kinsman and Del Crary, as well as other big bands. Les and his wife, Lillian, were also very involved in the Kiwanis Music Festival.

Les passed away in 1969 at the young age of 56, but left behind a legacy of grateful musicians who will never forget the trust, and confidence he placed in them.

Peterborough born and raised, Danny Bronson’s musical career spans more than 25 years. His natural talent allows him to move easily through the entire musical spectrum, from Country to Jazz, to Pop and Show tunes.

Danny has performed in such productions as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ with the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and in Kawartha Summer Theatre’s ‘Just a Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.’ He also shared the concert stage with the Kawartha Jazz Ensemble, Sylvia Tyson, Henry Cuesta (The Lawrence Welk Show) and his good friend, Colleen Peterson. Of special local note, Danny holds the record for most appearances at The Festival of Lights – the forerunner to MusicFEST.

With an abiding love for his hometown, Danny Bronson always gives generously of his time, and talent in support of local causes and charities.

• Photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawartha

Barbara Monahan: teacher, singer and musician, notably spearheading the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.

Any mention of Peggy Lockwood’s name in the Peterborough regional arts community is greeted with awe and reverence, which is due to such a composite, dynamic personality.  Peggy Lockwood is a major contributor to the vibrant dramatic life of our community.  In fact, it could be stated she’s creativity personified.

Author, director, actor, drama teacher; she’s involved in most every facet of Peterborough’s artistic life.  The Peterborough Theatre Guild is a beneficiary of her varied talents. A winner of the Best Supporting Actress award, Peggy is even known to join as a participant of numerous chorus parts in musicals.

Peggy is also a published writer of children’s books, as well as a writer of religious plays.  Her cherished focus is to utilize her many talents to teach a better, more moralistic way of life – especially to youth.  This community is better for having her in our midst, and contributing her many talents within, and without.

Bravo, Peggy!

George Novotny Sr’s short life is a prominent example that it is not how long you live, but what you accomplish while living it. Fleeing an oppressive regime in his native Czech Republic brought George Sr., his wife Sylvia and George Jr. to Peterborough in 1952. They brought with them nothing but the tremendous desire to succeed, and a tireless work ethic.

However, George Sr. did have some attributes that would help him, and his family to quickly settle in. He was fluent in seven languages, and was an accomplished pianist, accordionist, arranger and orchestrator. These abilities soon found favour with such area musical stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman, Del Crary, Buzz Buzzell, Paul “Streak” Konkle, Hugo Tapp and others.

George Novotny Sr. also had another ace up his sleeve. He had an innate ability to readily identify, and name any musical note immediately, which is commonly referred to as perfect pitch.

Bobby Kinsman was the first to utilize our inductee’s  wide-ranging musical talents. It was not long before George Sr. formed his own orchestra and began performing regularly at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel and, in the summer months at Viamede summer resort. CHEX Radio hosted his shows “Musician’s Corner” and “88 Keys,” and CHEX TV programmed a seasonal show “Music By George.”

The Novotny Orchestra played high school proms and he also presented music clinics on the history of music and piano stylings at Lakefield College School. He was also Church Organist, and Choir Director at St. John the Baptist Church.

Shock waves reverberated through the entire area when he passed at the age of 37 on November 3rd, 1961 after taking ill during a performance the night before at the Rock Haven. The relatively short period of time he contributed to the musical life of this area remains deeply imbedded in the hearts, and minds of all who were fortunate enough to have been entertained by him, or come in contact, in some way, with one of the greatest talents to ever grace this community.

In a city where post-secondary education is an exemplary pillar of the community both past and present, David Sutherland stands out as a true architect of that legacy.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1967 to assume the founding president role of what was then known as Sir Sandford Fleming College, David ensured the community college was exactly that with its offering of daytime and evening courses, the establishment of campuses in Lindsay, Haliburton and Cobourg, and the fostering of relationships with local employers via college advisory committees.

More uniquely, David’s relationship with Trent University founding president Tom Symons laid the groundwork for what was a mutually beneficial education-based partnership that remains intact to this day in a number of ways, including the joint nursing program. To show their commitment to that relationship, both David and Tom served on each other’s board of governors.

Retirement in 1981 did little if anything to slow David down. With local lawyer and parole board member Alex Edmison, he helped establish Edmison House, a halfway house for parolees, many of whom were given work at the city’s recycling plant. It didn’t hurt matters that David’s wife Sylvia was mayor at the time and had some influence on that decision.

Other volunteer pursuits saw David serve on the boards of Junior Achievement, the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Council and Trent Valley Literacy. Also benefitting from David’s clear commitment to community, was Meals On Wheels.

David Sutherland passed in 1991, robbing Peterborough of what was sure to be years of more meaningful contributions. As Sylvia notes, David’s initial plan was to stay at Fleming five years. That became 10 years and then almost 15, leading to the relatively easy decision that Peterborough, thankfully, would remain their home after his retirement.

There have been many words used to describe Washboard Hank Fisher’s performing talents. Words such as “unique,” “different,” “silly,” and “funny” come to mind. However, one word that’s never been used to describe Hank’s performance is “boring!”

With stylish blends of vintage Country Music, hillbilly, undeniably original songs, and heaping helpings of energy and humour, Hank Fisher charms and delights audiences across North America. His numerous appearances on radio, television, in clubs and at festivals prove his music and showmanship know no boundaries of age or social status. With his trusty Strad o’Various, he raised the lowly washboard to lofty heights of art form. With abiding reverence for the best tradition of music and humour, he’s truly become an original.

Margaret MacKelvie, teacher and community activist, was a woman with a deep, and abiding love for the magic of ‘living history.’

No one was more involved in the creation of Lang Pioneer Village.

Before Lang opened in 1967, Margaret supervised Village construction, including arranging for several buildings to be transported to the site. Over the years, she arranged ‘special days’ at Lang, as well as creating publications with a focus on Lang.

As evidence of her true devotion, Margaret served as volunteer curator from 1967 to 1995.

For her efforts, Margaret MacKelvie was awarded the Canada Commemorative Medal, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ontario Museum Association, and an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

Robert Rehder, professional engineer, enjoyed a stellar 47 year career with General Electric Canada, and retired to consulting work on high voltage switch gears and insulation systems. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has observed, “Mr. Rehder’s vision, leadership qualities, community pride, his skills and passion have provided opportunities for youth education in forest ecosystem management, for volunteer involvement in conservation, the restoration of the historic Hope Mill…” and more.

The Hope Mill was originally for carding and fulling but was converted to a sawmill in 1892. The task of restoring the mill was complex, as Rehder’s group fixed the foundations, repaired machinery and built a solar powered kiln for drying lumber, among countless other tasks. It took “time, energy and wisdom” to get this gem running again.

Rehder has won the Centennial Medal of the Institute of Electronic Engineers, the Engineering Excellence Award, and the Citizenship Award of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. The Hope Mill project itself won several heritage accolades in 2003 and 2004, including an award from the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Sam Strickland was one of the earliest settlers in what is now Peterborough, arriving at the same time as the Peter Robinson settlers. He built the first house in the area on what is now Nicolls Oval, where visitors can read a plague bearing the following history…

“Sam Strickland was an orphan immigrant to Canada in 1825 sponsored by a family friend, Colonel Black of Darlington, Ontario. He purchased this property, now Nichols Oval, in 1829 and built his first house here. He worked for John Galt and The Canada Company in the Huron Tract.

“In 1830, he sold this property and purchased farm land in North Douro. Sam Strickland became a land commissioner, Justice of the Peace, teacher, author and family man.

“Two sisters, Catharine Parr Trail and Susanna Moodie followed him to the Lakefield area. His 1853 book, Twenty-seven years in Canada West, was a helpful guide for immigrants, mostly young and working poor hoping to succeed in Canada.

“Within its pages he described the three great ‘wants’ in Canada. “We need pastors, teachers and population.”

“Sam Strickland emphasized the development of community and the education of the young. Col. Strickland was an early advocate of assisted child emigration to Canada; by 1935 more than 900,000 young people came to Canada as “Home Children.”

The plaque was erected by The City of Peterborough, in partnership with The Fenner Foundation.

Sam Strickland was a leading citizen of the area and is recognized as the founder of Lakefield. He supported the construction of Lakefield’s first mill, its first passable road, and its bridge over the Otonabee River. He was a member of Council for Douro Township and of Peterborough County.

Samuel Strickland was a true pioneer, and a giant among men in every sense of the word.

Eveline Foster is one of those rare and wonderful musicians who warmly combined her love of music with her love of family and community.

For near 60 years, Eveline charmed the Peterborough people as both performer and teacher. She taught piano and violin to such future luminaries as Del Crary, Ernie Victor and Stan McBride Sr.. As musician, she played at silent movies, numerous minstrel shows, the Peterborough Symphony, the YWCA and, on Saturday nights, the Sergeant’s Mess at the Armouries. A humble woman, she poured her heart into her music. Eveline once said she never did solo work because that would mean facing the audience. “They should be just enjoying the music,” she said, “not seeing me.”

In recognition of her dedication to music and community, a trophy in her name is awarded each year at the Kiwanis Music Festival. To those who knew her or felt her influence, Eveline Foster represents the best in our musical tradition: a love of people and the making of music for the pure joy of it.

Del Crary’s life can be divided in two halves: first half as Peterborough’s most famous musician; second half as Peterborough’s most famous broadcaster. A talented saxophonist and arranger Del, at age 12, joined his first band. During World War II, Del worked with Canadian Army bands, entertaining troops overseas. On returning to Peterborough, he led his own band or played with such Peterborough stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman and Jimmy Duffus.

In 1947, Del joined CHEX Radio (now 100.5 FRESH FM), becoming the region’s most famous ‘morning man.’ He subsequently worked with CKPT (now ENERGY 99.7 FM), then with CKQM (now Country 105) until his death in 1978.

A 30 year broadcasting career made Del Crary a legend.

Actively involved in community service, especially the Easter Seals Campaign, Del was named Citizen of the Year. He would go on to help establish the Arts & Water Festival, the forerunner of today’s ‘MusicFEST’ held each summer in the park which now bears his name.

Being in it for ‘the long haul’ has been a characteristic long sought by the Pathway of Fame. When talking about longevity in the music business, there’s no finer example than Jersey Joe Henderson – a fixture on the Peterborough entertainment scene for more than 40 years.

His career represented, in many ways, a history of musical entertainment in Peterborough. From his early days as part of such groups as The Sonics and The Emeralds, to his later work at venerable landmarks as the New Grand Hotel, The Ship and Shore, the Commercial and Montreal House, Joe charmed audiences with his talent and personality. He was one of the first artists signed to play Havelock Jamboree, sharing the stage with a remarkable list of notables, including Ronnie Hawkins, Merle Haggard and Colleen Peterson. Over the years, Joe gave freely of his time and talent in aid of worthy causes, too numerous to mention, but especially, worked with palliative care patients through Red Cross.

To be Peterborough’s longest standing full time musician means you must have done something right. In keeping an audience entertained, Jersey Joe Henderson wrote the book on doing it right.

One of the best-known, and most loved figures on Peterborough’s music scene: Bobby Kinsman was known as ‘Mr. Big Band’ for over 50 years. During the War years, Bobby did tours of duty with Canadian Army Shows overseas. Returning to Peterborough, he assembled a tight-knit big band that played to packed houses every night at Club Aragon (now The Trentwinds). Many of his Saturday night performances were broadcast ‘live’ across Canada on the old CBC Blue Network.

The popularity of the Big Band era began to wane as musical tastes changed. But Bobby Kinsman’s Big Band popularity, never waned. His group continued to perform at dances, concerts, and venues such as the Festival of Lights, as Bobby Kinsman kept the sound of the Big Band alive.

Lifelong resident of Peterborough, Barb Cantello’s community contributions cover the artistic, as well as the practical.

For more than 45 years, she’s been a dynamic and influential member of St. John Ambulance, Peterborough Branch. Active in community affairs, Barb played a pioneering role in developing a program to teach First Aid in area schools.

An added dimension to Barb Cantello’s contribution to the fabric of Peterborough, is her status as one of the founding members of Sweet Adelines Barbershop Singing Chorus, Peterborough Chapter.

Was it chance they taught at two local high schools? Coincidence they directed plays at each? No matter! Destiny played a part in their eventual union and thereby carried a mutual love of live theatre over their lifetime.

John and Nora Martyn have devoted their lives to various roles, comprising the production of musical and dramatic theatre. Their co-directed productions at Peterborough Theatre Guild have been met with much success.
John and Nora’s strength as directors reflects an ability to make the most out of the time, and resources available. Their direction, as good coaches in sport, is putting together the best team possible, and ensuring specific attention is paid by everyone to the meaning behind the words in the script.

Such investment of time, energy and encouragement combine to create the various nuances of a Martyn stage production.

• photo courtesy of The Peterborough Theatre Guild

There are few individual in Peterborough’s sphere of endeavour who proved, more emphatically, the power of language to enlighten, amuse, provoke and, when necessary, enrage than did Bruce Knapp. His frequent calls to local radio, and community television talk shows, his unending flow of letters to the editor, and his appearances before City Council spoke of a man willing to take a stand to defend points of view that often may not be in vogue.

As an ardent monarchist, Bruce spearheaded a campaign to force Canada Post to commemorate the Queen Mother’s hundredth birthday. His humanitarian efforts in disaster relief in Canada and around the world were legendary.

For his efforts, he was awarded the Caring Canadian medal by the Governor General of Canada.

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.

Ian Hully is genuinely worthy of the accolade “the consummate musician.” His talent is displayed equally through vocals, guitar, writing and sharing his expertise with all those he can assist to become better at their musical endeavours as well.

Ian has honed his distinctive style through years of travelling the continent and adjusting to bands that truly are too numerous to catalogue. His demeanor is low-key, but what he produces is dynamic. Ian Hully is constantly writing and producing. As he does, he finds his work evolving and changing in directions not even he, himself thought possible.

It can truly be recorded that from his first school guitar-playing experience through present-day, Ian has become an all-encompassing talent. The numerous bands in which he has played, the hundreds of songs he has composed, the countless musicians with whom he has shared the stage as well as his recording studio, are a testament to his continuing quest to be the very best at his craft.

Peterborough is the richer for the sharing of his talent whenever, and wherever he can. The Pathway of Fame is certainly richer in having for Ian Hully among its Honourees.

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.

It’s the contention of many that a community is a living, organic entity. An individual is born into, or adopts a community; takes from the community, and gives back to the community.

In the case of Gillian Wilson, the balance is definitely tipped towards the ‘giving back’. For over 35 years, she’s been a vital member of Peterborough Theatre Guild as an actress, for which she received the Best Actress Award from the Eastern Ontario Drama League as production manager and director. She’s also directed four fundraisers for Showplace Peterborough.

As well, Gillian is an active member of The Art School of Peterborough and has directed two productions of Beyond The Fringe, to raise funds for the school.

Her tireless efforts in theatre, and on the boards confirm a belief that a community without a vital performance component is a community lacking in spirit, and vitality. Thanks to the creative dedication of individuals like Gillian Wilson, the performance component in Peterborough is very much alive, vital and growing.

For a true actor, performance isn’t simply something you do at an appointed time, at an appointed place. For a free spirit performance, like a stage of life, knows no boundaries. It’s in the air, like breath itself. When boundlessness of performance comes to mind, so too does the memory of Alan Nunn.

Alan began his life pursuit, on stage, by attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London following World War II. An acting life took him all over Britain and North America. He trod the boards for such illustrious companies as The Old Vic, Birmingham Repertory Company and both Stratford and Shaw Festivals, to name a few. He served as house manager at O’Keefe Centre, and taught theatre at Seneca College. Settling in Peterborough, he utilized performance as a means of engaging community members. Alan founded the Lakefield Readers Theatre, taught Shakespeare, read to seniors, wrote the historical mystery ‘M’Kenzie’s Cloak’ for young people, and recorded books for the CNIB.

Alan Nunn’s love of theatre and performance is an inherent part of his spirit and life force. For Alan, the stage wasn’t a division that divided performer from audience. Rather, it was a river that joined all of us in the flow of life.