Local Journalist Releases Book 'Peterborough People to Remember' to Highlighting Peterborough Figures Not to Be Forgotten

Local Journalist Ed Arnold has written about 12 people he believes their history and influence should not be forgotten in his book, ‘Peterborough People to Remember,’ showcased in front of Sullivan’s Pharmacy on Wednesday afternoon.

Arnold Displays an Excerpt From an article published in the Peterborough Examiner where he was a former managing editor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

His 303-page book explores the 12 figures and Peterborough's growth from the 1800s until the early 1970s. The stories range from two capitalists who shaped Canada’s economy to five soldiers to Peterborough’s first-born and raised NHL hockey player and more.

“It's about 12 people from Peterborough who I thought should be remembered and I don't think all of them have been appropriately,” explained Arnold. “All the research I've done over the years, I kept coming across these names and jotting them things about them. I had a lot of research already before I started and I found their stories fascinating. I didn't know anything about most of them.”

'Peterborough People to Remember' took Arnold a year and a half to write. He has written roughly 25 books to date. His last book, ‘The First Ones,’ was released last October.

The following are the people featured in his book:

  • Katherine Wallis, The Artist

  • George Cox, The Capitalist

  • Joseph Flavelle, The Capitalist

  • Frank ‘Moose’ Heffeman, The Hockey Player

  • Frank O'Connor, The Candy Man

  • George Bennett, First Officer Casualty

  • Anthony Schiarizza, Youngest to Die

  • Marlon Overend, Only Woman

  • Heber Rogers, Family

  • Reginald Yellend, Youngest Major

  • Tony Schiarizza, The Specialist

  • Bobby Allan, Legendary

The book is available at Sullivan’s Pharmacy in East City, Peterborough Petes Souvenir Store at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Happenstance Books & Yarns in Lakefield.

While Arnold tells the story of 12, he says his book could have highlighted many viable candidates.

“There are literally thousands of people in Peterborough that deserve recognition and deserve to be remembered,” he said. “I'm just recognizing 12 in the hopes that others will be remembered.”

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Lang Pioneer Village to Hold Corn Roast On Aug. 18

Join the harvest season as the Corn Roast at Lang Pioneer Village Museum is happening on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Lang Pioneer Village.

The family-friendly day has historic demonstrations, live music, and plenty of fire-cooked corn. Tour with a free horse-drawn wagon ride and tour the historic village.

The village will teach visitors how corn was used back then such as cornbread, popcorn, dried corn, corn soups and corn relish in the Fitzpatrick House. They will also sample some Johnny cake with maple syrup in the Milburn House.

The village will have demonstrations including threshing, bagging, fanning mill and corn grinding.

A corn-on-the-cob eating contest will take place on the Village Green at 2 p.m. Corn crafts and corn hole by the Ayotte Cabin are some activities that will be run.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under five. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes two adults and up to four youths (ages 5-14). Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop but advance purchase is not required.

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Trent Valley Archives Hosting ‘Peterborough Perpetrators,' True Crime Walks In Downtown Core

Due to popular demand, Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is offering its ‘Peterborough Perpetrators’ true crime walk in the downtown core.

Photo courtesy of TVA.

Walking dates are July 12, 19, Aug.16 and 23 at 7 p.m.

They are led by Madison More, a researcher and tour guide. The tour will feature stories such as the 1970s shooting of Grand Hotel owner Murray Green, the mysterious disappearance of an early lumber jack fueled by the discovery of human remains and an escape from the Peterborough jail and the ensuing police chase.

The cost is $20 per person and registration and payment in advance are required. Tours run rain or shine. Tickets are available by going online, calling or emailing TVA at 705-745-4404 or admin@trentvalleyarchives.com.

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Lang Pioneer Village Hosting 27th Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show July 14

Lang Pioneer Village is showcasing antique and classic cars and vintage motorcycles from across the province during the 27th Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on July 14 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer VIllage.

Guests can tour the village by horse-drawn wagon ride or stroll as they view cars, trucks and motorcycles of every make and model.

Demonstrations include broom making, shingle making at the Shingle Mill and grinding at the Lang Grist Mill are available for viewing. Enjoy performances by the Peterborough Scottish Country Dance Society.

There will be displays by the Peterborough County City Paramedics, Peterborough Speedway and the Canadian Armed Forces.

A pancake breakfast is served while supplies last in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (additional fee applies). Refreshments and sweet treats will be available for purchase throughout the day at the Keene Hotel or you can enjoy a traditional European-brewed craft beer in the Haven Brewing Company beer garden. Ben’s Kettle Corn will be popping up fresh kettle corn, fresh Empire Cheese curd and bread available for purchase in the Cheese Factory and the Keene Lions Club food truck will be onsite selling BBQ goods (cash only).

Anyone bringing a vehicle to display, participant registration runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The $10 registration fee includes admission into the village. The first 200 vehicles to enter will receive a complimentary dash plaque as a souvenir of their participation. Over 25 trophies will be awarded, including the coveted People’s Choice and Lang’s Choice.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under five. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes two adults and up to four youths (ages 5-14).

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Take Father's Day Back Into History With Lang Pioneer Village's 27th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show

Lang Pioneer Village is treating dads to a day filled with tractors and powerful equipment with its 27th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The event features local collectors bringing to life some of the oldest antique tractors and steam engines around and competing for over 20 awards.

At noon, competitors participate in various tractor games, including balance challenges and lawn tractor races. Throughout the village, smoke and steam collectibles, hit-and-miss engines, antique tool collections, model train displays, and more will be displayed.

Historic demonstrations including broad axe hand hewing, natural dyeing, weaving, broom making, wood turning, grinding at the Grist Mill and more are available for viewing. Tractor and wagon rides while touring the Village and live music by Lotus Wight are available entertainment.

A pancake breakfast is being served (while supplies last) in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building. Refreshments and sweet treats will be available throughout the day at the Keene Hotel or Ben’s Kettle Corn will be available.

The Keene Lions Club food truck will be onsite selling BBQ goods and fresh Empire Cheese curd available for purchase in the Cheese Factory. A traditional European-brewed craft beer will be available for purchase courtesy of Haven Brewing Company. Visitors can participate in the pie-eating contest on the Village Green at 2 p.m. with limited space available.

The day will conclude with a tractor parade through the historic village beginning at 3 pm.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under five. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14). Tickets are available at the door and in advance online.

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Explore History Come to Life Again as Lang Pioneer Museum Opens For the Season On Tuesday

Relive history in the Kawarthas as Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s 2024 season kicks off for the spring starting this Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth King and Lang Pioneer Village.

The Museum will be open for spring hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday until June 15. The annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show on June 16 is kicking off the Museum's summer hours and special event season.

This season will see the return of several special events including the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show, the Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show, a Corn Roast, Applefest, Spooky All Hallows’ Eve and Christmas by Candlelight. The Christmas Bazaar which brings together a variety of local artisans at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building for a day of holiday shopping, is also returning.

“As we move into the spring and summer season at the Museum, staff and volunteers are excited to welcome you back to the site for tours, events and programs,” said Elizabeth King, museum operations manager. We are pleased to be able to share our regular roster of annual events, as well as some new workshops, demonstrations and projects that we hope you will enjoy. We hope you can join us on our beautiful site this year - where history is brought to life and becomes a fun and informative experience for all.”

Season passes are available for purchase for those wanting to take advantage of all the Museum has to offer this season.

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Lang Pioneer Village Gets Spooky With All Hallows' Eve On Oct. 27 and 28

Lang Pioneer Village is getting in on the spooky fun, teaching the origins and traditions of Halloween on All Hallows’ Eve set for Oct. 27 and 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Lang Pioneer Village.

This year’s event is a hybrid of both the Museum’s Historic All Hallows’ Eve and Spooky Halloween events that feature both historic and contemporary Halloween elements.

Tractor and wagon rides, party games, storytelling, maze walk, fortune telling, face painting, a monster bash and more are some of the activities being hosted at the historic village.

Hot chocolate, treats and hot dogs (for a fee) are available at the weekend. All children will receive a treat bag at the end of each evening.

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Lang Pioneer Village Celebrates Applefest Held On Oct. 1

Celebrate apples and the harvest season as Lang Pioneer Village is hosting Applefest running on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Larry Keeley and Lang Pioneer VIllage.

A scavenger hunt and horse-drawn wagon rides will be available as visitors can learn about how settlers preserved the fall harvest and prepared for the long cold winter.

Several historic demonstrations are throughout the village including natural dyeing, chair caning, flour grinding at the Lang Grist Mill, cider pressing at the Cider Mill, broom making, log hand-hewing, sheep shearing, woodturning by the Peterborough Artisan Centre Wood Turners and more.

An antique clock and timepiece are being put on display brought by the Quinte Timekeepers. The Ayotte Cabin has historic reenactors, the 41st Battalion of Brockville Rifles, 1st Company, performing drills and demonstrating military marching. The Horse Barn is also hosting a threshing demonstration in the morning only.

The Marie Dressler Foundation display will teach everyone more about their upcoming Vintage Film Festival.

The Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building is selling chili and buns in the outdoor courtyard with Harvest dances performed by the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers. An apple pie eating contest will test the stomachs and speed of patrons at 2 p.m. on the Village Green.

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Canadian Canoe Museum Set to Open In of Winter Next Year

The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) is planning to open in the winter of next year, followed by a grand opening celebration in May announced on Wednesday morning.

Carolyn Hyslop, Canoe Museum Executive Director at the Exhibition Hall. Photo courtesy of he Canadian Canoe Museum.

The new museum's unveiling — which was to take place this fall — has been delayed due to nationwide construction industry issues according to a press release.

Once the facility opens, the museum will officially celebrate after the ice melts by launching canoes into the water.

“I am thrilled to announce that we will welcome our supporters to the new museum and campus the weekend of May 11th for our grand opening celebrations,” said Carolyn Hyslop, CCM executive director. “While the pandemic and its impacts on the construction industry have affected our timeline, it has not affected the spirit and enthusiasm for this project. It will be worth the wait when visitors can explore this beautiful facility and our many new offerings and then continue to the lakefront for a memorable paddling experience.”

The weekend of May 11th will have donors, partners, members, volunteers and dignitaries gather to celebrate the grand opening of the new museum and Lang Lakefront Campus which coincides with the start of the paddling season. The day also marks the launch of the CCM’s full visitor experience with on-water activities to honour Canada’s enduring paddling legacy as stated by CCM. A schedule of events will be released closer to the date.

The new museum will have 20,000 square feet of new exhibits featuring stories from around the world at their own pace or on a guided tour, Collection Hall, artisan workshops and food and drink from the Silver Bean Café.

A multipurpose room is available to rent for community and corporate meetings, conferences, events and weddings.

During the spring, the Lang Lakefront Campus will have space for on-water programming. There will be daily 90-minute Voyageur canoe tours that will offer a group paddling experience, while canoe and kayak rentals will be available for self-guided adventures. Children’s day camps, adult paddling courses and backcountry canoe trips will also run throughout the summer months.

There are 100 canoes and kayaks being moved into the new Exhibition Hall.

“Moving this first portion of the collection into its new home was an incredible moment in this organization’s history,” said Jeremy Ward, CCM Curator. “This collection is unlike any other worldwide and has been recognized for its national significance to this country. Now, it finally has a home befitting it. It was certainly an emotional moment for myself and our team.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, granted patronage to the CCM last year. In 2013, the Senate declared the CCM and its collection a cultural asset of national significance.

The remaining 500 watercraft are being moved to the new museum over the next two to three months.

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Trent Valley Archives Hosting Inaugural Tour of Little Lake Cemetery On Aug. 31

Trent Valley Archives is providing a special tour of Little Lake Cemetery for the first time scheduled for Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. announced on Tuesday.

Historian Dennis Carter-Edwards (left) and Karen Carter-Edwards (right) are noted historians within the Peterborough Area. Photo courtesy of Trent Valleyt Archives.

George Morrow and Fanny McLeod, portrayed in the first person by historians Dennis and Karen Carter-Edwards will share stories of their fellow residents in this historic ‘City of the Dead.’

Stories of wealthy merchants, politicians, clergy and athletes or Civil War vets, leading ladies and ordinary folk who have been laid to rest at Little Lake Cemetary will be told during the tour.

This tastefully designed landscape which is home to many fascinating personalities is the final resting place to many of Peterborough’s former citizens and provides a beautiful backdrop to many interesting tales of the local area and beyond according to a press release.

This tour runs rain or shine. Tickets are available online, by calling the office at 705-745-4404 or by emailing admin@trentvalleyarchives.com. The cost is $20 per person and registration and payment in advance is required.

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