burks-falls-historical-society

Heritage Festival 2026

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:14:16 GMT

We understand the community has questions about what’s ahead for the Heritage Festival.

As planning continues for a refreshed event in 2026, we want to share that the festival will not include the firefighter challenge, car show, or vendor market, and will not be hosted at the Burk’s Falls Fairgrounds.

The Township of Armour's Recreation Department and Heritage Festival Planning Committee are working to explore new opportunities that highlight our community’s unique culture, heritage, and artistic spirit in different ways.

More information will be shared as plans develop—stay tuned for updates as we look ahead to 2026.

Monthly Meeting Location Change

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:24:17 GMT

Starting March 16, 2026 , our monthly meetings will be held at the

Armour Township Council Chambers , 56 Ontario Street, Burk’s Falls.

�� Third Monday of every month
�� 7:00 p.m.
�� Everyone welcome!

Come explore local history, share stories, and celebrate our community’s heritage with us.

The Burk Family: A Two-Village Legacy

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:28:16 GMT

The Burk Family:

A Two-Village Legacy

Parry Sound Life Magazine: By Andrew Hind - Tuesday, December 30, 2025

It’s rare for a family to be able to proclaim their forebearers founded a community. Even rarer is the family that can claim to have founded two. The Burks accomplished this in the District of Parry Sound — Burk’s Falls, which they’re best known for, and also the town of Seguin Falls.

Pioneering was in the Burks’ blood. John Burk, born in 1754 to Irish immigrants, moved to the young and largely unsettled Upper Canada in 1794, accepting the invitation of free land to those who’d remained loyal during the American Revolution. He was among the early wave of settlers in Darlington Mills, now part of Bowmanville. The story of the Parry Sound Burks begins with John’s grandson, David Francis Jr., often called David the Younger.

Born Aug. 4, 1823, David the Younger likely grew up hearing about his grandfather’s Darlington hotel and how profitable roadside inns could be. It would play a role in his future.

David had three children with his first wife, Pernilla, who died in 1860 — sons David Francis III (Frank) and Frederick William, and daughter Jane. His second wife, Henrietta Taaffe, nine years his junior, would be a constant companion for the rest of his life and an equal partner in pioneering Parry Sound.

Around 1869, David decided to uproot his family from the comforts of southern Ontario and take them to the wilderness of Parry Sound District. Starting anew wasn’t completely a blind leap of faith. David had a plan. As a result of his upbringing, he knew the importance of roadside inns and had that in mind when selecting lots 28 and 29, Concession B, Monteith Township, for his land. It just so happened that this property straddled the still-under-construction Nipissing Colonization Road. Eventually stretching 67 miles (108 kilometres) from Lake Rosseau in the south to Lake Nipissing in the north, this road would become a highway of sorts for this vast region. David planned to profit from the steady flow of traffic by building a hotel.

This Seguin Falls hotel was a fine establishment that stood three storeys high and boasted a well-appointed dining room, a parlour and probably a dozen guest rooms. As a devout Methodist and teetotaller, David designated his establishment a “temperance hotel” — one that didn’t permit the consumption of alcohol. It gained a wide reputation for its conviviality.

“The traveller will find an excellent temperance hotel at Seguin Falls, the proprietor of which, Mr. D.F. Burk, is a most genial and hospitable host,” wrote the “Guide and Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts for 1879.” “Nor should we forget to praise the excellent cuisine of his good lady.”

The hotel thrived and literally put the spot on the map. In its shadow, the village of Seguin Falls took root. The community grew to include a church, Adam Fitzer’s store and blacksmith shop, a sawmill run by the Guelph Lumber Co., and a school. David wrangled an appointment as postmaster and operated it out of the hotel.

David didn’t live long enough to see the village grow. He died on Dec. 11, 1879. Less than a year later, Henrietta married William Edwards of Toronto, hired Henry Pletzer to run the hotel, and then moved to Toronto with her new husband.

The hotel continued for a time under Pletzer. It’s uncertain when the business closed, but in 1897, Seguin Falls relocated several miles south, astride the newly laid railway tracks, and new hotels sprang up there. To compound the original hotel’s pain, Nipissing Road traffic was dwindling. In 1901, Henrietta sold the property — no mention of a hotel by then — to James Vigrass. It seems likely that the business closed sometime in the late 1890s.

But the demise of the hotel in Seguin Falls didn’t mark the end of the Burk saga in Parry Sound District. David Francis III (Frank) would carry on the family tradition of pioneering and operating hotels.

In 1875, when Frank was 24 years old and ambitious, he ventured north to the Magnetawan River and paddled upstream in search of land to call his own. Tradition says during the October voyage he became the first settler to see the cascading waters at what would later become Burk’s Falls. True or not, Frank was impressed. He knew that waterfalls were valuable for powering sawmills and gristmills, foundations upon which 19th-century civilization depended, so he staked claim to the land bordering the falls. Other land-hungry settlers soon joined him, and farms sprouted amid the dense forests.

Controversy emerged when it came time to name the waterfall. Frank felt the falls should be named in his honour, but Henry Knight, who had arrived shortly after Frank, wanted the honour for himself. Both men were proud, but recognized that in a region where merely surviving was the priority, the matter of a name was almost trivial. Like true gentlemen, they settled the debate with a flip of a coin. The falls, and later the settlement, became known as Burk’s Falls.

Emulating his father, Frank built a hotel. Also like his father, he secured the lucrative position of postmaster. In addition to providing hospitality and mail, Burk’s Hotel also served as a general store and even a place of worship before dedicated churches were built.

It wasn’t long before much of the clientele shifted from travellers to tourists, particularly sportsmen looking to fish and hunt. Pains were taken to keep the hotel up to date with the latest comforts. An ad from the 1890s noted that this “commodious tourist’s hotel” was outfitted with electric bells throughout, telephone connection and first-class accommodation. While all this was happening, Frank and his wife Alice added three children — Mabel, Ida and Walter — to their family.

The turn of the century saw Frank and his hotel in their prime, but neither was fated to last the decade. Frank died on June 13, 1901, aged 49. Alice was still in mourning when 24-year-old Walter died on Aug. 24, 1902, in some unspecified accident. She leased the business, moved to Toronto, then sold it outright in 1906.

Two years later, the hotel was gone. On June 20, 1908, a fire started in the drying kiln of the Knight Bros. sash and door factory. Fanned by strong winds, the flames erupted into an inferno that spread throughout the village. At the end of the day, when the flames had finally subsided and the smoke cleared enough for residents to take stock of their losses, a grim picture emerged. More than two dozen buildings had been reduced to ash. Burk’s Hotel was among them. It was never rebuilt.

David Francis Burk Jr. and son Frank were ambitious, visionary men and both saw hotels as vehicles that would deliver them prosperity. Wealth eluded them, as it did many others who tied their dreams to Parry Sound, yet they cemented the family legacy with the unique honour of founding not one, but two communities.

Source: https://www.parrysound.com/news/pslife-burk-famiy/article_581a7059-9860-57dd-83f2-968fbede9030.html

🎃 Halloween 2025 – A Spooktacular Night in Burk’s Falls! 👻

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:03:37 GMT

What a fangtastic evening at the arena for our annual Halloween Celebration , hosted by the Burk’s Falls Lions Club and the Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society in partnership to continue this wonderful community tradition!

For generations, this event has brought together families, friends, and plenty of creative costumes—and this year was no exception! Kids (and parents!) enjoyed games, treats, fresh popcorn, a cupcake-making station , and an incredible balloon display that wowed everyone who came through the doors. ��

As the night wrapped up, the excitement carried on as everyone hurried home with bags full of goodies—ready to cheer on the Blue Jays in the World Series! ⚾��

A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers who make this event possible every year. Special thanks to Collins’ Independent for donating refreshments, to the Township of Ryerson and Township of Armour for their generous contributions to the candy budget, and to the Village of Burk’s Falls for providing the perfect venue. ��

Here’s to another fantastic Halloween filled with community spirit, laughter, and sweet memories! ��️

Join us for a Halloween Party!

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:05:07 GMT

�� Get Ready for a Spooktacular Night! �� Join us for the Annual Children's Halloween Party at the Arena, Karl Crozier Room , in Burk's Falls!

��️ When: October 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
�� Where: 220 Centre Street, Burk's Falls

�� What’s in store:

· �� Free Admission

· �� Tons of Candy !

· �� Fun Games for all ages!

· �� Tasty Refreshments to keep your energy up!

This fun-filled event is proudly hosted by the Burk's Falls Lions Club in partnership with the Burk's Falls Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 405 and the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society .

A big THANK YOU to Collins' Valu-Mart , the Village of Burk's Falls , the Township of Armour , and the Township of Ryerson for their amazing support! ��

Come in costume and enjoy a night of fun, friends, and playful frights!

See you there! ��️��

If you would like to donate prepackaged candy to the party or volunteer on Halloween night, please contact Charlene Watt at clerk@armourtownship.ca

Heritage Festival 2025

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:00:18 GMT

Celebrating Heritage Festival 2025 in High Gear! Heritage Festival & Firefighter Challenge 2025 – What a Success! What an amazing day! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to celebrate with us — the weather held out, (despite the intense heat and the tornado warning), the energy was high, and it was such a joy to see all the smiling faces enjoying the festivities! ☀️��

�� Historic Wheels, Historic Wins

�� Heritage Festival Car Show Award Winner:
Brian Penrose and his legendary 1965 Shelby Cobra — a symbol of 1960s performance and racing heritage. Brian’s name will be immortalized on the Asylum Hotrods Heritage Festival Trophy , proudly displayed at the Watt Farm House Heritage Centre . ��️��

❤️ Crowd Favourite:
Gord McKenney with his powerful 1972 Plymouth Road Runner — a muscle car that left a lasting impression and a roar in everyone’s hearts! ��

�� Firefighter Challenge – Community Heroes in Action

�� A huge congratulations to the Magnetawan Fire Department for taking home the win in the 2025 Firefighter Challenge ! Your strength, skill, and teamwork were truly inspiring. ��

We also want to give a massive round of applause to all the incredible departments who brought their A-game to the challenge:

�� Burk's Falls Fire Department
�� Perry Fire Department
�� Kearney Fire Department
�� McMurrich/Monteith Fire Department

Thank you for showcasing the dedication and bravery that keep our communities safe. You're all champions in our eyes! ��❤️

�� Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors

We couldn't have done it without the support of these incredible businesses and partners:

�� Rickward’s Polaris – for your side-by-sides and the Polaris generator prize!
�� Mac Lang’s Sundridge
�� Bray Motors
�� Hansons Auto Detailing
�� Pine Hill Iron and Metal
�� MBRP
�� Circling Hawks
�� Gilroy Tire
��️ Township of Armour
�� Burton Lighting Network LTD
⛽ Perry Mart
⚡ Marshall Electric
�� Green Apple
�� Claymar Electric

And of course — to our incredible volunteers ��
Your time, energy, and dedication were the heartbeat of this event. We truly couldn’t have done it without you! We’d love to continue celebrating and preserving events like this as a proud part of the Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society . From roaring engines to rich community roots, we’re here to keep history rolling. �� Let’s keep the stories alive, one spark plug and memory at a time.

SOUTHEAST ALMAGUIN FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE 2025

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:11:20 GMT

Huge congratulations to the Magnetawan Fire Station for defending their title and winning the 2025 Southeast Almaguin Firefighters Challenge at this year’s Heritage Festival! �� That’s two years in a row of back-to-back wins!

Under the fearless leadership of Fire Chief Derek Young, the Magnetawan crew once again blazed past the competition — and didn’t even break a sweat (okay, maybe a little).

�� Props to the competition! You all brought the heat:
�� Burk’s Falls – Team Gold
�� Kearney – Team Blue
�� Perry – Team Orange
�� McMurrich/Monteith – Team Green

It was a showdown of strength, strategy, and slightly scorched egos — but all in good fun!

�� A HUGE thank you to:

Circling Hawks for gifting a vintage metal firetruck décor piece to Fire Chief Derek Young — now proudly displayed somewhere between his desk and his well-deserved pride.��
Rickward’s Polaris for donating a generator to keep the champions powered up and ready for 2026 ��⚡

To all the teams: You were smokin’ — but in the best way possible.

Every firefighter from all 5 participating departments received a custom-designed firefighter coin to commemorate this year’s challenge — a coin designed by Magnetawan Fire Station as part of their 2024 victory! A one-of-a-kind keepsake, just like the teams who earned it. ��

Tina Turley and New Boots are coming back for Heritage Festival!

Mon, 12 May 2025 19:25:48 GMT

Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Heritage Festival 2025 on July 12, 2025 , from

 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ! Join us for a high-energy celebration featuring Tina Turley and New Boots , blending the best of country and rock music in an exciting, versatile performance. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in fresh tunes and good vibes.

Plus, don't miss Tina Turley’s 17th Annual Family Traditions HOOT in June, a special event celebrating family and culture. For more details and to support this amazing tradition, visit Tina Turley’s website . Save the date, and get ready for a day full of music, memories, and fun!

Heritage Festival 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:46:28 GMT

Save the Date! - July 12, 2025

Join us for a day of fun, family-friendly excitement at the Heritage Festival and the Southeast Almaguin Firefighter Challenge on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds, located at 220 Centre Street, Burk's Falls. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and promises something for everyone!

Explore our Vendors Market with over 85 unique vendors, and check out the Car Show, featuring amazing vehicles competing for four special trophies: Crowd Favourite, Mayor’s Choice, Fire Chief’s Choice, and the Heritage Festival Trophy. Be sure to pre-register your car by July 7 at 9:00 a.m. by contacting Danika McCann at recreation@armourtownship.ca .

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the Burk's Falls Legion from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a packed schedule of attractions including live music by Tina Turley and New Boots, the dunk-a-politician, free face painting, inflatables, a mechanical bull, a petting zoo, and free horse-drawn wagon rides. Plus, enjoy free popcorn and bottled water throughout the day.

There's a complimentary in town bus shuttle services by Wilson Transportation to and from the event as well.

Best of all—admission is free!

This amazing event is proudly hosted by the Township of Armour in partnership with the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society. Bring your family and friends, and be part of this incredible day in Burk's Falls! Don' forget your lawn chair!

Mark your calendar—don't miss it!

Annual General Meeting & Election of Directors Notice

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 21:02:55 GMT

The Burk's Falls & District Historical Society will be holding the Annual General Meeting & Election of Directors on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Fell Homes, Common Room, 5 Mary Street, Burk's Falls at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Cancellation of December Monthly Meeting

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:46:01 GMT

A motion was passed at the November 25, 2024 meeting to cancel the scheduled December 16, 2024 meeting and to return to the regularly scheduled meeting of January 20, 2025. If you're seeking a volunteer opportunity in the new year, please plan to attend our next meeting! We welcome everyone with an interest in local history!

New Constitution - Compliance with Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:23:58 GMT

The long-awaited Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (ONCA) was proclaimed into force on October 19, 2021. ONCA now governs not-for-profit corporations (NFPs) incorporated in Ontario (including charitable organizations) and replaces Part III of the Corporations Act.

ONCA made significant updates to the legislation previously in place and modernized the process for incorporating new NFPs, clarified the rules surrounding corporate governance, accountability and commercial activities, and introduced a simplified process for financial record review, among many other things.

NFPs already in existence were given a 3-year transition period beginning on October 19, 2021 to make the necessary updates to their governing documents and corporate records to bring them into compliance with ONCA.

The Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”) is a new version of Ontario’s corporations’ law, specifically designed for not-for-profit organizations. The ONCA requires articles of incorporation to be updated on key issues by November 2024.

Features of the new Act:

Makes the incorporation process for new not-for-profit corporations more efficient
Makes a new distinction between public benefit corporations and other not-for-profit corporations
Allows a not-for-profit corporation to provide in its by-laws other means of voting (by mail, telephone or electronic means) in addition to, or in place of, voting by proxies
Allows a member of a corporation to appoint a proxy holder, but only if the articles or the by-laws of the corporation permit it
Clarifies that not-for-profit corporations can engage in commercial activities if the activities support the corporation’s not-for-profit purposes
a not-for-profit corporation may be subject to restrictions on its activities imposed by other legislation such as the Income Tax Act
Allows for a simpler process for reviewing the corporation’s financial records
called a “review engagement,” the process can take the place of an audit in some circumstances and, in some situations, neither an audit nor review engagement will be required
Requires a corporation that has two or more classes or groups of members to set this out in the articles (instead of in the by-laws)
the by-law must set out the conditions of membership
Provides clearer rules for governing the corporation and increasing accountability
ONCA provides a statutory duty of care for directors, which requires them to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation, and to exercise reasonable care, diligence and skill
Sets out a due diligence and good faith reliance defence for directors
a director will not be legally liable in certain circumstances if they acted with the care, diligence and skill a reasonably careful person would have acted in similar circumstances
Lists specific requirements for directors and officers to report a conflict of interest in certain circumstances
States that corporations do not always have to include a member’s proposal in meeting notices in certain circumstances
Provides members with actions they can take if they believe directors are not acting in the best interests of the corporation
Provides members with greater access to financial records
Streamlines incorporation as a charitable corporation, which no longer requires Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee ( OPGT ) approval
all applications for articles of incorporation will be submitted directly to ServiceOntario
Joins other jurisdictions in Canada that have modernized their not-for-profit corporations’ laws
the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, for instance, came into effect on October 17, 2011 at the federal level

The Burk's Falls and District Historical Society has repealed the July, 2023 by-law of the Corporation and has enacted By-law #1 of the by-laws of the Corporation effective September 16, 2024:

Constitution By-law #1 (A by-law relating generally to the conduct of the affairs of The Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society)

Remembrance Day 2024

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:12:43 GMT

Burk's Falls Legion's Remembrance Day Service Information

The Remembrance Day Service will be held on November 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 9 Mary Street beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at the Cenotaph at 10:45 a.m. The Cenotaph is located in front of the post office at 188 Ontario Street. A light lunch will be served back at the Legion following the service.

In addition to the act of Remembrance, contributions to the Poppy Fund are tangible expressions of your thanks to those who sacrificed so much, while serving our country. A donation made payable to the Poppy Trust Fund and mailed to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 405, P.O. Box 220, Burk's Falls, Ontario, P0A 1C0 would be appreciated. Receipts will be provided upon written request, please provide your return mailing address with the donation.

To purchase a wreath to be laid at the Cenotaph in Remembrance, please call the Poppy Chairman at 705-382-3137. If you have your own wreath, please call to get your name on the list.

Halloween 2024

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:05:43 GMT

Halloween 2024 was a smashing success!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Burk’s Falls Lions Club and Historical Society’s spooktacular Halloween Party 2024! We hope all you ghouls and ghosts had as much fun as we did! There were so many amazing costumes! A special thank you to all of our faboolous volunteers, the Township of Armour, The Township of Ryerson, the Village of Burk’s Falls, the cupcake makers, all the candy donators, the Burk’s Falls Legion and to everyone that visited us for supporting the annual celebration. We look forward to next year’s Halloween Party and hope you all are too!

You're Invited to a Halloween Party!

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:32:32 GMT

Witches, monsters, and superheroes unite! Join us for a spooktacular costume party!

It’s our second year of partnering with the Burk’s Falls Lions Club and Burk’s Falls Royal Canadian Legion to host the annual Halloween Party on October 31st. We are very excited to be a part of this fang-tastic annual community tradition.

Come join us for some Halloween themed fun! We have fun activities planned and plenty of candy and treats to take home.

The party will be held upstairs in the Karl Crozier Room at the Burk’s Falls Arena from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Free Admission.

Treat yourself to a sweet Halloween bash!

If you would like to donate prepackaged candy to the party or volunteer on Halloween night, please contact Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

Promotional Videos of our Heritage Centres

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:32:43 GMT

Our summer student, Morgan McLaren created promotional videos of our two Heritage Centres. Step back in time and see what we have to showcase. Plan a visit to see these amazing artifacts in person!

Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre - 827 Chetwynd Road

Wiseman's Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre - 112 Midlothian Road

Old Church Gets a New Life In Burk's Falls

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 18:58:35 GMT

The former Baptist church in Burk's Falls has been renovated into a new home - but it retains some of the history. View the video by 705Blackfly of how the old was mixed with the new!

Meet us at the Fall Fair! We are bringing back the 1980s!

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:00:21 GMT

Friendship pins were the ultimate and totally awesome childhood accessory in the 1980s! Forget bracelets and matching necklaces, the original friend symbol was a safety pin.

Having a safety pin full of beautiful beads was a badge of honour and totally tubular.

It was a sign of friendship to gift another person a pin loaded up with your specially placed beads and you could never have too many.

You gotta bounce on over to our table at the Burk’s Falls Fair on Monday, September 2, 2024 to learn how to make a totally rad, 80's inspired friendship pins to share with friends. Guaranteed, your pins will be epic!

Let's bring back this retro trend!

Like, totally brush up on your 1980s slang here!

Heritage Festival 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:10:55 GMT

Heritage Festival 2024 was the biggest celebration yet! We had over 100 vendors, over 150 cars in the car show and tons of free attractions. Our Southeast Almaguin Firefighter Challenge always brings in a crowd and the firefighters showcased their skills and stamina in the sweltering heat. Armour Township handed out over 44 cases of water in the 5 hour event! This year, we had Tina Turley and New Boots entertain us along with Christina Hutt. The live music was spectacular! MP Scott Aitchison joined in on the fun with the dunk-a-politician fundraiser along with municipal representatives from Armour, Ryerson, Magnetawan, Perry & Burk’s Falls.

We thank our co-host, The Township of Amour for their extensive support of the event! We appreciate our volunteers, our sponsors, our local non-profit organizations, our local business donations and all the municipal staff and council that participate in Heritage Festival. Volunteers are the glue that hold a community together, there is no doubt that!

Heritage Festival is a community event like no other and the popularity is spreading outside of our municipal borders. This is wonderful news! Heritage Festival is very unique and we are very proud to partner with the Township of Armour to host an old-fashioned type of gathering that brings everyone out to create unforgettable memories – FREE ADMISSION – FREE PARTICIPATION too!

Visit our Heritage Festival page for details on the car show winners and additional details on the event.

Psychic Days at the Farm House

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:20:06 GMT

We're hosting a Psychic Reading Day this summer at the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre!

This event always book up fast, please contact us at info@burksfallsdistricthistoricalsociety.com or text 705-571-3308 to purchase tickets. Limited seatings.

Heritage Festival - Scammer Alert

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:44:52 GMT

ATTENTION!!!! Heritage Festival DOES NOT charge for vendor sites or car show registrations!

It has come to our attention that there is scammer posting to Heritage Festival and our Facebook posts that there are openings for Vendor sites and asking for money. This is inaccurate - our vendors market is full for 2024. As mentioned in our posts, the contact email for this event is deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

If you see a comment stating otherwise, please report the comment and if you have any questions, please call Charlene Watt at 705-382-3332.

Stories with Krista at the Wiseman's Corner Schoolhouse

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:43:06 GMT

Join us at the Wiseman's Corner Schoolhouse, 112 Midlothian Road, Township of Ryerson , for "Stories with Krista" and step back in time.

Museums are often thought of as places that collect, care for, display and interpret objects, Krista is adding a new element to our heritage centre. Look inside our schoolhouse and you’ll find stories about the foundation of the institution, the history of the building, the collection, individual objects and the people who made, used, sold or owned them.

Let Krista open a window and provide a peek of times gone by.

Heritage Festival Bus Shuttle Service Map

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:23:46 GMT

We are offering a Free in-town shuttle service by Wilson Transportation during Heritage Festival this year!. Check out the route details here. The service runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on July 13, 2024.

What to Expect at Heritage Festival 2024

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:29:19 GMT

705Blackfly has interviewed us and here's what you can expect to see and do on Heritage Festival 2024. We are thrilled to partner with the Township of Armour to host the event on an annual basis. The municipal support, volunteers and event sponsors are why this day is so awesome!!

Spread the word! Let’s pack the fairgrounds!

Heritage Festival 2024

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 17:48:14 GMT

Our flyer for this year's event has been released! We're excited to share information about our upcoming event, please help to spread the word!

Hop, Slither and Slide to Heritage Festival!

Thu, 02 May 2024 20:02:41 GMT

Heritage Festival brings excitement for all ages and interests and Reptile Adventure Camp is a favourite! The reptile handlers will bring a selection of exotic reptiles and provide fun, educational experiences on topics such as invasive species, reptile biology, habitats, animal adaptations, and survival techniques. Sometimes, they offer a hands-on experience to the booth’s visitors. Participants will get to touch and hold the scaly friends while they learn fun facts about them, such as where they are from and what they eat. This gives everyone the unique opportunity to inspire conservation action and change negative perceptions towards an often-maligned group of animals.

Hop, slither and slide over to Reptile Adventure Camp’s display on July 13 ^th !

HERITAGE CO-ORDINATOR SUMMER STUDENT POSITION

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:46:52 GMT

The Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society is accepting applications for a

HERITAGE CO-ORDINATOR, SUMMER STUDENT POSITION from June 10 to August 30, 2024. Please submit your resume and cover letter in person or electronically by Friday, May 17, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

to:

Township of Armour

Att: John Theriault

Clerk-Treasurer/Administrator

P.O. Box 533, 56 Ontario Street

Burk’s Falls, ON P0A 1C0

Email: clerk@armourtownship.ca

Please identify “Heritage Coordinator” on the envelope or in the email subject line

The Vendors Market for Heritage Festival 2024 is FULL!

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:02:07 GMT

March 19, 2024 - VENDORS MARKET REGISTRATION FOR HERITAGE FESTIVAL IS CLOSED - WE ARE FULL. This year's vendors market has doubled in size with over 100 booked vendors!! What a response!! Thank you for all of the overwhelming support!

The Vendors Market is a vibrant and lively attraction that brings together an eclectic mix of talented vendors, offering a wide range of goods and services for visitors to enjoy. From handmade crafts and unique fashion items, to fresh gourmet coffee and delectable baked goods, there is something for everyone at this market.

Save the Date, we will meet you on the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds on July 13, 2024!

Note that the fairgrounds will also host a Car Show, Southeast Almaguin Firefighter Challenge, live bands, Tractor Display and loads more of attractions! FREE ADMISSION!

Heritage Festival - Car Show Registration Call

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:31:29 GMT

We are starting to plan Heritage Festival & the Firefighter Challenge for 2024 and will be hosting our second Car Show and third Vendors Market. Jim Percy will be our Car Show Co-ordinator on event day and we are thrilled to have him take the lead on this attraction.

The annual event is growing with each passing year. We will continue extending the free car show registration. The event will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm. We have extended the event to run an extra hour in response to last year’s feedback.

Trophies and awards will be handed out at the event. The four trophies will include: Crowd Favourite Trophy (vote by ballot), Heritage Festival Trophy (your name and vehicle will be detailed on a plaque on the master trophy with the Historical Society), Fire Chiefs Choice Trophy and the Mayors Choice Trophy. Awards will be numerous and include all types of vehicles and all ages of vehicles. If you have a set of wheels that you want to put on display at the event, email Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca to register.

Heritage Festival will be held in the Village of Burk's Falls at the Armour, Ryerson, Burk's Falls Agricultural Society's Fairgrounds, 220 Centre Street. This is the same location at the Burk's Falls Arena. Please plan for the weather, the event will be held, rain or shine. You will need to bring your own chair(s). We anticipate a much larger crowd this year and hope to have an in-town shuttle service available to the public!

We look forward to hosting the annual event on the Fairgrounds and are thankful to have received permission from the Agricultural Society and the Village of Burk’s Falls to use their land.

Please let us know if you are interested in registering and we will add you to the list. Please provide the year, make and model of the vehicle(s).

The first 200 pre-registered vehicle owners will receive a car show dash plaque! (one per person)

Face Painting Makes Events Extra Special!

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:43:12 GMT

We have a new addition to Heritage Festival 2024. Welcome Olivia! https://www.facebook.com/facepaintingmanitoulinisland

The heARTist will be providing FREE face painting at the event!

Olivia has an amazing talent and is a great addition to Heritage Festival!

Olivia will be sharing the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds with the Southeast Almaguin Fire Department Firefighter Challenge, a vendors market, a car show, and so, so much more. FREE ADMISSION!

Firefighter Challenge 2024

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:03:20 GMT

The fifth annual Southeast Almaguin Firefighter Challenge will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Burk’s Falls Fairgrounds (220 Centre Street) and in conjunction with the Heritage Festival on the same grounds. The competition will be held a high noon.

Firefighters always draw and crowd and we eagerly welcome back our five competing fire stations: Burk's Falls, Kearney, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith and Perry. This challenge is a competition based on fire fighting tasks that are commonly performed in emergency situations.

We’ve colour coded the firefighters with bandanas:

Burk’s Falls – Yellow

Kearney – Blue

Magnetawan – Red

McMurrich/Monteith – Green

Perry - Orange

There will be a Fire Truck Sprinkler Run on the fairgrounds. Join the firefighters and cool off from the summer heat under the biggest water sprinkler in town! Splish, splash, you’ll have a blast!

We will be showcasing, a custom master trophy for the Firefighter Challenge that was created by Asylum Hotrods. The winning department's name will be engraved on the master trophy and kept on display at the Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre.

Kearney Fire Station won the challenge in 2023…who will claim bragging rights in 2024?!!

This year’s firefighter coin is very special and will recognize our retiring Fire Chief from the Burk’s Falls Station, Dave McNay. Chief McNay has 34 years of dedicated service and the participating firefighters will receive a coin that was designed by his grandchildren, Lola and Sofia. Their artistic creativity is sure to warm your heart.

A firefighter recruitment booth will be on-site. If you’re interested in joining our local volunteer fire department, this is the place you want to be.

Heritage Festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and includes a vendors’ market, car show, tractor display & many more attractions.

The event is free for the public to attend. Free face painting, reptile camp, inflatables, and balloon art.

Be sure to mark your calendar and save the date!

Stay updated on the event by following us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

What's New for Heritage Festival 2024?

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 19:33:13 GMT

We have NEW additions for you at Heritage Festival this year and we are excited to share the updates with you as we continue to plan the event. Save the date, the Burk’s Falls Fairgrounds is the place to be on July 13, 2024:

- Armstrong’s Thunder Ridge Farm with their horse drawn wagon rides!

- Heartist Face Painting!

- More live entertainment! Let’s welcome Tina Turley and New Boots!

- More food trucks!

- More inflatables!

- More vendors than ever before!

- Tractor Display! Register your tractor!

- Wilson Transportation – Free in-town shuttle service!

This year’s Firefighter Challenge will host new additions as well. We’re adding bleachers and shade tents too! The Car Show is gearing up to be another successful day. If you’re interested in donating a prize or registering your vehicle for the Car Show, please contact Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

We welcome back:

- Allways Antique Photo

- Asylum Hotrods Display

- The Christina Hutt Band

- Dunk A Politician

- Ken the Balloon Dude

- Reptile Adventure Camp

- Southeast Almaguin Firefighters

- Sprinkler Run

- And all of our registered returning car show and vendor registrations too.

We truly appreciate the continued participation!

Stay up to date by checking the Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society’s website and Facebook page!

You think your tractor's sexy? Bring it to Heritage Festival 2024!

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:01:27 GMT

We are adding a new attraction to this year's Heritage Festival! We all know how hard farmers and contractors work so here is a chance to have a little bit of fun with them! Register your tractor by contacting Jim Percy (705-879-5642) or Phil Cumming (705-783-4420) to showcase your tractor at Heritage Festival on a field display for the crowd to enjoy.

If you're interested in exhibiting your tractor (old or new), we welcome you to show off your pride and joy.

Tractors must pre-register before July 13, 2024.

Save the Date - July 13, 2024 and join us for Heritage Festival

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:23:10 GMT

Heritage Festival 2024 planning is underway and we have extended the event to run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. this year! So what's new this year so far? We will be offering a free in-town shuttle service within Burk's Falls (from specific locations) for pick ups and drop offs to and from the fairgrounds. Many new attractions are also being planned. We are investigating a tractor display so if you have an old tractor that you would like to bring out to the event, please contact Jim Percy at 705-879-5642.

We will host a vendors market again, which is quickly booking up the fairgrounds. As of the end of January, we have over 60 vendors registered. We have more food vendors also confirming their attendance!

The Southeast Almaguin Firefighters Challenge planning is underway by our Fire Chiefs and the Regional Training Officer. We can't wait to see our brave firefighters converge on the field to showcase their skills and stamina! This year's firefighter coin will recognize the Burk's Falls & District Fire Department's Fire Chief, Dave McNay, for his retirement and years of service. Kearney Fire won the challenge last year...who is going to win the 2024 challenge??

Our second Car Show is open for registrations. Jim Percy will be co-ordinating the Car Show again this year and we are very grateful to receive his dedication. Jim has an amazing energy towards all sorts of vehicles and we welcome everyone to participate. The four big trophies are up for grabs this year again: Crowd Favourite (ballot voting on event day), Heritage Festival (chosen by the Historical Society's members), Mayors Choice (chosen by the Mayors of Armour, Burk's Falls & Ryerson) and Fire Chiefs Choice (chosen by our five Fire Chiefs from Burk's Falls, Kearney, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith & Perry). We will also have numerous awards with prizes to be chosen from local business donations.

Please contact Charlene Watt to register for the vendors market or car show via email at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

Keep up to date on event status and planning by giving The Burk's Falls & District Historical Society a "like" on Facebook .

Calling All Vendors to Heritage Day 2024

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:55:17 GMT

Calling all Vendors, Crafters, Non-profit Organizations and Food Vendors!!!! We are starting to plan Heritage Festival 2024!

The annual event is growing with each passing year. We will continue extending the free vendor registration. The event will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm. We have extended the event to run an extra hour in response to last year’s feedback.

Heritage Festival will be held in the Village of Burk's Falls at the Armour, Ryerson, Burk's Falls Agricultural Society's Fairgrounds, 220 Centre Street. Please plan for the weather, the event will be held, rain or shine. You will need to bring your own canopy tent, table(s) and chair(s). Vendors will be permitted to keep their vehicle at their site.

We look forward to hosting the annual event on the Fairgrounds and are thankful to have received permission from the Agricultural Society and the Village of Burk’s Falls to use their land.

Please email deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca to register as a vendor for 2024.

Please spread the word of our vendors market, the more, the merrier!

Off Season Visits By Appointment Only

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:17:01 GMT

Over the off season, we would be thrilled to have visitors to our Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre. Please contact Diane at 705-382-6502 to book your visit. We will open the Centre by appointment only.

Merry Christmas 2023

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:31:56 GMT

Rediscover the lost art of sending Christmas cards this year. While many focus on the gift giving side of the festive season, the art of thoughtful and considerate Christmas cards is often forgotten.

It’s so easy to throw a cheery ‘Merry Christmas’ to friends and co-workers, fire off a quick text message, or email a one-liner to those you’re not seeing over the holidays and feel as if your work is done. The process of actually sitting down to pen a personalized greetings card to your nearest and dearest at this time of year seems to have gotten lost.

But the real sentiment of the season is spreading love and kindness, and what better way to spread true holiday cheer than by taking the time to acknowledge the people around you and the role they’ve played in your life, helping to make their Christmas a little brighter with your words of encouragement, acknowledgement and heartfelt emotion?

The key is the choose the right people to send a card to; perhaps those you’ve been out of touch with lately and would like to reconnect with in the new year; those who’ve suffered a loss or personal set-back during the year; and those who’ve made the biggest impact in your life – not just this year, but all the years before as well. Christmas cards, when done right, have the power to mend fences, rekindle relationships and help build new long-lasting ones for the future.

Christmas cards are a holiday tradition that shouldn’t be forgotten

The members of the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society wish to send the warmest of greetings to all our Facebook followers, visitors and supporters and may the New Year bring peace, prosperity, good health and smiles to everyone and their families.

Merry Christmas!

Midlothian Road Swing Bridge

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:21:52 GMT

It seems that many people in our area don't know why there is a section of a bridge sitting at the Wiseman Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre at 112 Midlothian Road.

Ryerson Township initiated a project to replace the one-lane Swing Bridge that crossed the Magnetawan River on Midlothian Road, with a two-lane structure. The 'Official Opening' of the new bridge was November 20, 2004.

This bridge replacement was made possible with generous funding support from the Province. As an important part of the funded project, the Province required the Township to conduct an Archaeological Study of the underwater area and the bridge.

Below is a link to the Heritage Documentation on the Midlothian Road Bridge. As part of that study, the Township was required to have the middle section of the bridge moved to another location for preservation. (section 5.4 of the report) It was quite the process having that large section of bridge being moved along Midlothian Road.

The Swing Bridge is not only an important part of Ryerson Township's heritage, but also of our wider area as it was an integral part of the historic Magnetawan River system.

On page 4 of the report, last paragraph, it refers to a 'winding key '. This key drops into a hole on the deck to enable it to turn. When the bridge was first located to the Wiseman Corner School property, members of council and volunteers were able to insert the key and were able to turn the bridge mechanism. The winding key is still in the possession of the Historical Society.

In addition to Historical Society events at the School over the years, the bridge was used as a stage and for demonstrations at the Ryerson's 125th Anniversary since incorporation celebration held in 2005.

Heritage Report - Midlothian Road Swing Bridge

History of the Midlothian Road Swing Bridge with Images

“Wait for Me, Daddy” the Burk's Falls Connection

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:20:48 GMT

Did you know the little boy in the famous photo depicted on the 2014 two-dollar coin has a Burk’s Falls connection? It shows five-year-old Warren Douglas Bernard reaching out to his father, who is part of a troop of men marching off to war. The little boy in the scene is the great grandson of a late resident of Chetwynd in Armour Township, Robert Leggett.

“Wait for Me, Daddy” is an iconic photo taken by Claude P. Dettloff on October 1, 1940, of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles) marching down Eighth Street at the Columbia Street intersection, New Westminster, Canada.

Pictured are five-year-old Warren “Whitey” Bernard and his parents Bernice and Jack Bernard, as the family was about to be separated by the war. The picture received extensive exposure and was used in war-bond drives.

Five-year-old Warren “Whitey” Bernard was in Grade 1 at nearby General Wolfe Elementary. Whitey’s Dad was enlisted in the British Columbia Regiment and was stationed in the city on various sentry points throughout the city.

Since the declaration of war in 1939, the men of the BC regiment had been doing various guard duty assignments which were boring and monotonous. Finally after months of waiting the regiment received word that it was to be moving to a secret destination “Overseas”.

As the troops marched to a waiting train to take them to their next destination, photographer Claude P. Dettloff of The Province newspaper positioned himself to photograph the whole column marching down the hill. As he was getting ready to take the picture, he saw a young boy run out onto the road.

The mother’s outstretched hand and the swirl of her coat, the boy’s shock of white hair and his own reaching hand, the father’s turning smile and the downward thrust of his own outreaching hand — he has shifted his rifle to his other hand to hold his son’s for a moment — the long line of marching men in the background, all this makes an unforgettable image, a masterpiece of unplanned composition, a heart-grabbing moment frozen for all time.

The picture Dettloff captured was picked up all over the world, getting exposure in Life; it hung in every school in British Columbia during the war.

The secret destination the regiment was heading to turned out to be Nanaimo, only three hours away. The regiment spent time on the coast defending against German and then Japanese attack.

It wasn’t until August 1942 that the bulk of the Regiment sailed for England. They didn’t see action until July 23 1944 when they landed at the established D-Day beachhead and participated in Operation Totalize, one of the first attempts to close the Falaise Gap.

After the Allies had crushed the German Army groups based in France they with the rest of the Allies harassed the retreating Germans all the way to Holland. There the regiment took part in a number of operations in Holland and in Northern Germany.

The last battle they took part in was on April 17, 1945, when they crossed the Kusten Canal. A month later Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) was declared on May 5, 1945. Throughout the war the Regiment had 122 Officers and men killed and 213 wounded.

Whitey’s dad survived the European theatre and came home in October 1945. One casualty of the war was Whitey’s parents’ marriage; as Jack and Bernice Bernard eventually divorced.

Whitey grew up and moved to Tofino and met and married his wife Ruby in 1964. His wife Ruby, fondly recalls that she had actually known her husband for years.

Whitey’s photo “was hung in every school in British Columbia. during the war”, she said. “I saw him years and years before we actually met”. He ran a small marina that sold hardware and gas before getting involved in local politics.

He was elected an alderman then was major for several years before becoming a Councillor. He’s now retired but his son, Steven Bernard, still runs the family marina.

The City of New Westminster commissioned a bronze statue honouring the photo to be placed at the bottom of 8th Street, in Hyack Square.

The city unveiled the statue on October 4, 2014. At the same event, the Royal Canadian Mint announced the issue of a series of three coins featuring a scene adapted from the image: it was released in denominations of $2 (alloy), $3 (1/4 ounce silver), and 10 (1/2 ounce silver). Canada Post also issued a stamp featuring the iconic image.

Additional Article: ‘Wait for Me, Daddy’ photo has dual meaning: Bernard (By Keven Drews Canadian Press)

Lest We Forget - Remembrance Day Exhibit

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:47:21 GMT

The Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre will host a special military exhibit that offers a glimpse into our local effects during the wars from October 28 - November 5, 2023.

Please remember the Veterans and join us for a Remembrance Day Service on November 11, 2023 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 9 Mary Street, Burk's Falls beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at the Cenotaph at 10:45 a.m. outside the Burk's Falls Post Office. A light lunch will be served by the Legion Members at the Legion following the service.

The Royal Canadian Legion is appealing for donations to their Poppy Trust Fund. Please send your donation to the Poppy Trust Fund via mail to Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 405, PO Box 220, Burk's Falls, Ontario P0A 1C0.

Halloween Party 2023

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:35:16 GMT

We frightened a few people, we made some people laugh, and we hope everyone who attended had a wonderful Halloween and that the children were thrilled with their treats! We can’t thank our volunteers enough for helping to make the Halloween Party possible and for dedicating their time, talents, and energy to the event!

A big thanks to our three municipalities for their support and to our neighborhood business, Collins’ ValuMart who donated bottled water to the children.

We are hopeful to join the Burk’s Falls Lions Club and the Burk’s Falls Royal Canadian Legion Br 405 in 2024 to help host the traditional community Halloween Party again!

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this event, and to everyone who helped to make it possible!

Restoration Festival: October 13 - 15, 2023

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:43:31 GMT

Restoration Festival 2023

Join TIM WATKINSON for an Indigenous Knowledge Sharing Ceremony and Medicine Walk on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the Wiseman's Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre, 112 Midlothian Road. The time of the event will be from 12:00 PM to approximately 2:00 PM.

Please consider checking out other Restoration Festival activities including an evening concert on October 14th featuring DALA. Ticket links can be found at magrivernaturehub.ca .

For more information or any questions, please contact info@magrivernaturehub.ca

Halloween 2023

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:29:07 GMT

This year, we have partnered with the Burk’s Falls Lions Club and Burk’s Falls Royal Canadian Legion to host the annual Halloween Party on October 31st. We are very excited to be a part of this annual community tradition.

Come join us for some Halloween themed fun! We have fun activities planned and plenty of candy and treats to take home. Meet Lord and Lady Burton and be officially knighted! Celebrate your knighthood with a cupcake!

The event will be held upstairs in the Karl Crozier Room at the Burk’s Falls Arena from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Free Admission.

Come join the fun and don’t forget to wear a costume!

If you would like to donate prepackaged candy to the party or volunteer on Halloween night, please contact Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

Meet us at the Fall Fair!

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:44:12 GMT

It's a day filled with great entertainment, fantastic food, exciting thrills and attractions, and good people. This year, the Ontario Extreme Cowboys will be in attendance.

Join us for Metal Detector Demonstrations

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:50:34 GMT

Metal detecting is an age old hobby that can uncover some amazing treasures! Drop-in to the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre on Sunday, August 27, 2023 for metal detecting demonstrations. Who knows what can be found on the historical site! Bring your own metal detector if you have one!

Dedication of Knight Brothers Municipal Park

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:20:39 GMT

During the opening ceremony of Heritage Festival 2023, the Burk's Falls & District Historical Society provided a dedication to the Knight Brother Municipal Park in Burk's Falls. The Park is located at 140 Dimsdale Street.

When we think of the Knight Bros, we should perhaps consider two different aspects of their legacy. The first is the people – who were the Knight Brothers? The second is the business bearing their name that began in the earliest days of Burks’s Falls, 140 years ago.

The Knight Brothers were Henry, the eldest, born in 1855 and his younger brother Walter, born in 1860. They were the only children of Henry Knight and Sarah Cameron and they lived in Clerkenwell, London, England. The family emigrated to Canada in the 1860’s.

They settled first in Watt Township, Muskoka, near Skeleton Lake, but by 1875, Henry had moved to Armour Township, near the falls of the Magnetawan River, becoming one of the earliest settlers in what would become Burk’s Falls. He was followed shortly after by his father and his brother Walter. His father became known as Cameron Knight. He had been trained as a mechanic in England and Cameron Knight became the first teacher in the new village of Burk’s Falls.

The two brothers started a sawmill business beside the north bank of the river in the early 1880’s and in 1885 took over the Armstrong Bros. sawmill on the south bank of the river, just below the falls.

Henry and Walter each married two sisters from the Winans family of Simcoe Co. in the 1880’s and they settled in Burk’s Falls. Henry had a house on Yonge St. and Walter lived beside the river overlooking the mill.

Walter died in an accident in 1912 at the age of 52 and Henry retired in 1920 at the age of 65 and went to live in St. Catharines, where he died in 1932.

Henry donated his Yonge St. house to The East Parry Sound Children’s Aid Society, to be named the Gertrude Knight Memorial Childrens Home, in honour of his late wife.

In the earliest years of Burk’s Falls, the Knight Bros Co. grew from a simple sawmill to become the most prominent business for miles around. They had a sawmill, a finishing mill, drying kilns, and a factory which made flooring, doors and window frames, paneling, office furniture and many other wood products. They also produced electricity for the village. At its peak, Knight Bros. was shipping their products all over Canada and into the United States, employing dozens of workers.

In 1928, the business was sold, first becoming Clark, Howe, Watters and Knight Bros. and later the Algonquin Corporation. but the depression soon hit and business declined rapidly. By 1933 the factory lay dormant. Only two years later, in 1935, the business was resurrected as Thomson-Heyland Lumber, which continued for another forty years.

A testament to the foresight of the two pioneer brothers.

If you would like to learn more about the Knight Brothers, please visit the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre at 827 Chetwynd Road, where we have displays and artifacts from the Knight Bros.

To learn more about the Knight Brothers Lumber Mill, please click here.

Prepared and delivered by Mike Quinton for the Burk’s Falls District Historical Society.

Burk’s Falls Heritage Festival Highlights

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:07:05 GMT

https://705blackfly.com/burks-falls-heritage-festival-highlights/

What a day! The Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society’s Heritage Festival really delivered with a fantastic lineup of vendors, performers, and fun activities for the kids.

The big event of the day was the Firefighters Challenge featuring all five Almaguin fire departments. The Kearney fire department unseated McMurrich/Monteith as the champions and received a new trophy custom designed by Huntsville’s Asylum Hotrods.

A new event this year was the car show which featured over 80 classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, and motorcycles. Organizer Jim Percy has worked tirelessly to bring in participants from right across the region. Asylum Hotrods and 705BLACKFLY.COM were the proud sponsors of the car show and were honoured to present Jim with a special gift for his efforts.

We’d like to congratulate The Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society, Armour township deputy clerk Charlene Watt, and the team of volunteers who made this amazing event happen. Great work and let’s do it again next year!

Be sure to watch the video for highlights from the car show and the Firefighters Challenge!

Heritage Festival 2023

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:57:31 GMT

Heritage Festival certainly lived up to its name! What a day! The four-hour event showcased a firefighter challenge, vendors market, numerous attractions and new for 2023, a car show. The weather was beautiful and the fairgrounds were full.

On behalf of the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for participating, sponsoring and contributing to our Heritage Festival Celebration on July 8th. The event was an incredible success.

Guests of all ages enjoyed every display, the food selection, the vendors market and entertainment and the firefighter challenge too. We received a lot of compliments on the day. It was a fun-filled day for all and word is getting out about Heritage Festival, every year it keeps getting bigger and better.

Cheers, to another wonderful community celebration. We hope to see you all next year.

Heritage Festival Car Show 2023

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:20:24 GMT

Heritage Festival came with quite a few new changes in 2023. Firstly, we moved the event onto the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds; secondly, we hosted our first car show; and thirdly, we received some help through sponsorships to host the event. Asylum Hotrods and 705.Blackfly.com were sponsors of the event since the planning stages of the car show. Sabina at 705.Blackfily.com was dedicated to promoting the event through videos and interviews. We thank Sabina for her support.

Reg Garnett from Asylum Hotrods created the Heritage Festival Car Show Award and it will be on display at the Watt Farm House Heritage Centre and brought out annually to the event. The winner of this award is chosen by the Historical Society members. As you can see in the below image, the trophy is an amazing piece of artwork. This year's winner was Doug Groomes with his 1978 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am. Congratulations, Doug!

Jim Percy, our local car enthusiast took the lead in organizing and promoting the car show and he did not disappoint. He collected car show prizes, promoted the event daily, signed up volunteers and car show judges, attended many meetings and worked tirelessly on event day. The car show happened because of Jim's expertise. Please take the time to thank Jim when you see him out in the town. We are hopeful that he will help us again next year.

We pre-registered 80 vehicles for the car show and had over 120 on event day!

Car Show Award winners included:

Crowd Favourite Trophy: D. Still - 1964 Chev Truck

Heritage Festival Trophy: D. Groomes - 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

Mayors Choice Trophy: A. Collinassi - 1931 Ford Model A Pick Up

Fire Chiefs Choice Trophy 8 UNCLAIMED

705. Blackfly Award: J. Percy - Rat Rod

Asylum Hotrods Trophy: P. Leclair - 1937 Dodge Coupe

Best Car 1920 – 1994 D. Reynolds 1930 Chev Sedan

Best Car 1995 – Current D. Groomes 2021 Chev Camaro

Best Truck 1920 – 1994 #40 UNCLAIMED

Best Truck 1995 – Current F. Cecconi 2002 Ford F150 Harley Davidson

Bad to the Chrome B. Gardiner 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe

Belongs in a Museum W. Middlebrook 1954 Monarch

Best Engine A. Collinassi 1931 Ford Model A Pick Up

Best Interior S. Dewson 1967 C10

Best Motorcycle B. Baxter 2008 Dyna Super Custom

Best Muscle Car D. Groomes 1968 Pontiac Firebird

Best Paint R. Clarke 1984 GMC Sierra

Best Restoration A. Chilton 1958 Ford Ranchero

Bed Rod A. Dercatch 1930 Ford Model A

Best Sports Car D. Groomes 1971 Chev Chevelle

Best Vintage (Pre 1920) D. Reynolds 1930 Chev Sedan

Best Wheels P. LeClair 1938 Dodge Sedan

Most Original Car D. Payne 1965 Studebaker Cruiser

Most Original Truck G. McLaren 1946 Reo

Most Unique S. Cetinski 1954 Daimler Ferret

Wild Ride D. Dingman 2019 Can Am Defender HD8

Judges Choice C. Madore 1964 Chev Impala SS

Judges Choice L. Porter 1957 Chev ?

Judges Choice G. McLaren 1946 Reo

Judges Choice W. Branch 1981 Ford F150

Congratulations to all of our participants and winners at our first car show. We hope that you all enjoyed the day!

2023 Heritage Festival Award Winner

2023 Crowd Favourite Award Winner

Firefighter Challenge 2023 Winner

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 19:30:39 GMT

Congratulations to Kearney Fire Station for bringing home the Firefighter Challenge trophy for 2023! This year, Asylum Hotrods also created a custom trophy which will be kept at the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre and brought out annually to showcase the winner of the challenge.

We colour coded the fire department teams this year:

Burk's Falls - Gold

Kearney - Blue

Magnetawan - Red

McMurrich/Monteith - Green

Perry - Orange

Firefighters also received a custom firefighter coin to recognize their dedication to the service. This year's design includes the theme of brotherhood. Brotherhood is not just a word, it's a commitment to always have each other's back.

Enjoy our display of images that captured the annual event!

What's Heritage Festival All About? Know before you go.

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 17:53:25 GMT

This is THE event that you don’t want to miss – the Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society’s Heritage Festival on Saturday July 8th from 11AM to 3PM! Organizers have pulled out all the stops and there is an amazing lineup of vendors, performers, and fun activities.

Click on the below link and listen to the interview with Charlene Watt, Deputy Clerk of Armour Township. Charlene is also the Secretary and Deputy Treasurer for the Burk's Falls & District Historical Society.

https://705blackfly.com/burks-falls-heritage-festival/?fbclid=IwAR2dLDhphh7xKfDj06Vs4a7zwSugZcNWWv9a5FTQyN0dKCl56aETuMUn72g

Heritage Festival Event Flyer 2023

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:39:11 GMT

Heritage Festival is all about bringing people together to celebrate the making of memories. The Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society and Township of Armour have partnered since 2017 to host Heritage Day. This year, we are moving the event to the Burk’s Falls Fairgrounds. Thanks to the Agricultural Society.

Not only has the event changed venue it has changed in title from Heritage Day to Heritage Festival.

It will take place on Saturday, July 8 and run from 11 am to 3 pm.

This year we will be bringing a car show to the list of attractions. The support from local businesses and organizations has been beyond impressive. There are 24 different awards up for grabs at this point. Pre-registration of vehicles for the car show is required so that we can plan for proper spacing on the fairgrounds. Jim Percy, a local car show enthusiast has agreed to help co-ordinate the car show and has been able to get us some sponsorship from Asylum Hotrods and 705.Blackfly. It’s been a real pleasure working with everyone on this additional attraction. Jim is the one that has made the car show such a success and we look forward to working with him for years to come. Asylum Hot Rods will be creating a master trophy for the firefighter challenge and the Heritage Festival’s car show award. I’m excited to see his creations. The master trophies will be kept at the Watt Heritage Centre and brought out annually for the event.

At high noon, five fire departments from the Southeast Almaguin Firefighters Departments, Burk’s Falls, Kearney, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith and Perry will converge on the fairgrounds and compete in their annual challenge. The firefighters always bring in a big crowd. After their challenge, the firefighters will have a Mini-Challenge for kids called the Drag, Crawl & Squirt Challenge and consists of an 80 foot inflatable course. At 2:30, the firetrucks will be creating the biggest water sprinkler in town and cool everyone down that wants to take on the Sprinkler Run.

For the second year, a vendor’s market will be there too. We have over 60 vendors, selling all kinds of crafts, services and merchandise. No doubt, there will be something for everyone there. Karen Fraser has agreed once again to help co-ordinate the vendors market. It certainly takes a team of dedicated volunteers to make an event great.

UFC Fighter, Kyle the Monster Nelson will be demoing his pad work skills, he’s our local celebrity that not only charms the crowd, he’s an impressive supporter of community events.

We’ve got Allways Antique Photos coming up from Niagara Falls and taking free digital portraits of those that want to dress up and step back in time. We’ve got the Christina Hutt Band playing live music, Reptile Adventure Camp, Dunk a Politician Dunk Tank, Ken the Balloon Dude, Inflatables, several food trucks and 3 military groups coming from the Canadian Forces to showcase military equipment.

We’ve recently received word from the Burk’s Falls Legion that they will host a pancake breakfast that morning. With the legion being next door to the fairgrounds, it’s a good way to kick off the day. They will remain open to serve alcohol in the afternoon.

Heritage Festival is setting up to be a fun-filled day for every age. Admission is free, free bottled water and free popcorn will also be available. The intent is to create a venue where we bring people together and not to be an event that costs to have an afternoon out.

Heritage Festival Schedule of Events

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:19:36 GMT

Take note, we have a busy afternoon planned on the fairgrounds for July 8th's Heritage Festival.

Firefighter Challenge - 2023

Wed, 24 May 2023 16:39:40 GMT

Let's get spreading the word! Our annual Southeast Almaguin Firefighter Challenge will be held on the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds, 220 Centre Street (new venue) on July 8, 2023.

Save the date and come out to cheer on our local firefighters as they compete for the trophy and bragging rights!

The courage of our volunteer firefighters is the foundation of our community.

Free Admission!

Meet Ken the Balloon Dude at Heritage Festival

Wed, 10 May 2023 17:19:26 GMT

Ken the Balloon Dude has stunned audiences with his beautiful balloon creations and his ability to design on the fly! From simple balloon toys and dolls to intricate sculptures, Ken the Balloon Dude has the skill and professionalism to impress both kids and adults.

Join us at Heritage Festival, visit Ken the Balloon Dude and receive free balloon creations!

https://www.facebook.com/kentheballoondude

We Are Calling In the Troops for Heritage Festival!

Tue, 02 May 2023 18:14:50 GMT

We are calling in the Forces for Heritage Festival! Meet personnel from the Canadian Forces Sudbury Recruitment Centre, 33 Service Battalion and the Algonquin Regiment. It’s an opportunity to discuss enrolment, acknowledge our soldiers’ service and check out personal and field equipment.

33 Service Battalion is a reserve Canadian Army Combat Service Support (CSS) unit that provides logistics and maintenance support services, primarily to the units of 33 Canadian Brigade Group, as well as other elements of the Canadian Armed Forces. 33 Service Battalion has elements in Sault Ste Marie, North Bay and Ottawa.

The Algonquin Regiment Army Reserve is a part of 33 Canadian Brigade Group, a Reserve Brigade within the Canadian Armed Forces. The Regiment’s task is to augment Canada’s military by providing trained infantry soldiers. The Regiment is comprised of two companies. A Company is located in North Bay, Ontario, and B Company is located in Timmins, Ontario.

We salute our brave soldiers! Welcome to Heritage Festival 2023!

Allways Antique Photos is coming to Heritage Festival

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 19:17:36 GMT

Smile! Look who is coming to Heritage Festival 2023!! Free Portraits for Everyone! Allways Antique Photo will be visiting us from Niagara Falls and will take you back in time with their classic antique portraits and multi era of original costumes in all sizes. Play dress up in the old-time costumes. It's guaranteed fun for a family portrait, a child portrait or a group of friends portrait that will give you the most special memory and it'll last forever.

Visit their display on July 8 at the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds, no appointment.

For more information on Allways Antique Photo, visit their website at: https://www.oldtimephoto.ca/

Meet Kyle "The Monster" Nelson, UFC Champion at Heritage Festival

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:36:03 GMT

It’s UFC! It’s Time!!! Kyle “The Monster” Nelson is coming to Heritage Festival! Meet our local champion and celebrity and learn some sparring moves from a professional. Nelson made his professional UFC debut in 2012 and made a winning start to his career, defeating Michael Dufort. Kyle Nelson (born April 20, 1991) is a Canadian mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC Featherweight division. He previously competed for the Real Xtreme Fighting promotion, as well as Elite 1 MMA. Nelson is a former featherweight champion in Elite 1 MMA.

Kyle knows how to draw in a crowd and we can assure you that you'll be in awe once you see him show his sparring skills on the field. The crowd will gather around and Kyle will teach a few self defense moves to anyone that wants to learn from a champ.

Request for Tender: To Construct a Prefab Storage Building at the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:52:06 GMT

THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

TENDER TO CONSTRUCT A PREFAB STORAGE BUILDING

Sealed tenders clearly marked “Watt House Storage building”

which will be located at 827 Chetwynd Road, Burk’s Falls, ON P0A 1C0

will be received by the undersigned

No.: 2023-04

Closing at: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 18 ^th , 2023

Tender opening at: 2:15 p.m., Thursday, May 18 ^th , 2023

in the Armour Municipal Council Chambers

Awarding of tenders will be made by Council

at the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 23 ^rd , 2023

All tenders to be presented on forms contained in this document to:

Township of Armour

c/o John Theriault, Clerk-Treasurer/Administrator

56 Ontario Street, P.O. Box 533

Burk’s Falls, ON P0A 1C0

Tel: 705-382-3332

Email: clerk@armourtownship.ca

Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted

Please note that faxed or emailed tenders are not acceptable

Request for Tender Form

Heritage Festival Vendors Market Registrations

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:11:54 GMT

March 21, 2023 -

Heritage Festival’s Vendors Market has been a huge success with 46 registrants to date. We have a wide range of vendors offering a lot of unique products! Due to limited space on the fairgrounds, at this time, we will only be accepting registrations for FOOD VENDORS and COMMUNITY GROUPS that are fundraising or providing information on their services.

Vendors/Crafters may continue to email Charlene at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca to request to be placed on a list. As we get closer to the event day, we will reassess the availability of spacing.

Please note that the event is held entirely outdoors, rain or shine. There is no access to hydro. Vendors are allocated a 12 x 12 area and encouraged to bring a 10 x 10 canopy tent. Accommodation for increased spacing will be provided for food services, if required.

We are cautious of not overbooking the field at this new venue. Feel free to email Charlene if you have any questions. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

The Christina Hutt Band @ Heritage Festival 2023

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 18:42:38 GMT

Heritage Festival 2023 will host The Christina Hutt Band, featuring Tricia Foster (bass), Brian Hawley (electric guitar), and Jeffery Goldstein (drums).

Once described as a full-bodied glass of red wine, Christina is reminiscent of the succulent vocals you would have heard flowing from a transistor radio in the late 50’s. Prepare to be moved by the honest delivery and out-of-this-era voice of Christina Hutt. She's been recently promoted by Country 102 as the Fresh Pick.

This Heritage Festival is going down in history! You won't want to miss out on this performance!

Give Christina a like and follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaHuttMusic

Mini Firefighter Challenge: Crawl, Drag & Squirt

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:58:46 GMT

The Southeast Almaguin Firefighters will be hosting a mini challenge, titled “Crawl, Drag, Squirt” at the Heritage Festival!

The course, which includes an 80-foot inflatable obstacle course will provide a family-friendly challenge that will capture the enthusiasm of children and channeling it in a positive direction.

As a bonus, children will be recognized and awarded for their participation.

There's something to do for everyone at Heritage Festival!

Firefighter Challenge 2023

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:45:44 GMT

The fourth annual Southeast Almaguin Firefighter Challenge will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Burk’s Falls Fairgrounds (220 Centre Street) and in conjunction with the Heritage Festival on the same grounds. The competition will be held a high noon.

Firefighters always draw and crowd and we eagerly welcome back our five competing fire departments: Burk's Falls, Kearney, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith and Perry. This challenge is a competition based on fire fighting tasks that are commonly performed in emergency situations.

We’ve colour coded the firefighters for 2023 with bandanas:

Burk’s Falls – Yellow

Kearney – Blue

Magnetawan – Red

McMurrich/Monteith – Green

Perry - Orange

Once again, the fire departments will be hosting a mini challenge, titled “Crawl, Drag, Squirt”. The course, which includes an 80-foot inflatable obstacle course will provide a family-friendly challenge that will capture the enthusiasm of children and channeling it in a positive direction. As a bonus, they will be recognized and awarded for their participation.

New for 2023, will be a Fire Truck Sprinkler Run at 2:30 p.m. on the fairgrounds. Join the firefighters and cool off from the summer heat under the biggest water sprinkler in town! Splish, splash, you’ll have a blast!

This year, a custom master trophy is being created for the Firefighter Challenge by Asylum Hotrods . The winning department's name will be engraved on the master trophy and kept on display at the Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre.

A firefighter recruitment booth will be on-site. If you’re interested in joining our local volunteer fire departments, this is the place you want to be.

Heritage Festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes a vendors’ market, car show & many more attractions.

The event is free for the public to attend. Free face painting, reptile camp, inflatables, and balloon art from Ken the Balloon Dude.

Be sure to mark your calendar and save the date!

Stay updated on the event by following us on Facebook .

For more information, please contact Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

We're hosting a Car Show at Heritage Day!

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:45:49 GMT

We are going to host our first car show at Heritage Day this year! This event is all about fun! Fun for car enthusiasts who bring their "pride and joy" to be viewed by the hundreds of visitors. Fun for the families who wander the fairgrounds admiring the amazing vehicles. Fun for Seniors who are reminded of days gone by as the reminisce of their own vehicles from each era and fun for all with the amazing vendors, the exciting firefighter challenge, attractions and food that will delight any and all.

Vehicles must pre-register for the event by contacting Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

Calling for Vendors at Heritage Day!

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:46:58 GMT

We are seeking vendors/crafters for Heritage Day 2023. The event will be held at a new venue on

July 8, 2023 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Burk's Falls Fairgrounds, 220 Centre Street. Vendors will be allocated a 12 x 12 outdoor space to set up a display, please bring a canopy tent as you will be outdoors. Please register with Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

Change of Venue: Heritage Day 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:22:32 GMT

Heritage Day & the Firefighter Challenge for 2023 will be held in the Village of Burk's Falls at the Armour, Ryerson, Burk's Falls Agricultural Society's Fairgrounds, 220 Centre Street. This is the same location at the Burk's Falls Arena.

We are unable to use the Watt Farm Field across from the Watt Farm House Heritage Centre on Chetwynd Road so in order to accommodate the event attractions and parking, we must change the venue to a suitable location.

We look forward to hosting the annual event on the Fairgrounds and sincerely thank the Agricultural Society and the Village of Burk's Falls for granting us permission to use the land.

Keep checking back on our website and Facebook page for additional updates. If you are interested in joining in on the celebration with a vendors booth, a display or an attraction, please contact Charlene Watt at deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca

Merry Christmas 2022

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:44:36 GMT

The members of the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society wish to send the warmest of greetings to all our supporters during this Holiday Season of 2022. The celebration of Christmas and New Years are truly embedded in many of our most important traditions in Almaguin. It is our goal to pass on a continued pathway of information of our historical heritage. This is an endless journey and the tasks are many. Your support is so very much appreciated and welcomed. Let our Historical Society and our treasured heritage sites act as a proof to the values and story of our way of life.

2022 has allowed for us to gather once again after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. Gone are the days of mask mandates, focused eating outside, quality ventilation, and employer-mandated quarantine or isolation.

Now is the time to enjoy the holidays, but it is not time to forget to protect against RSV, COVID-19, and influenza. Please practice infection prevention efforts into this holiday season.

All the very best to all our Facebook followers, visitors and supporters and may the New Year bring peace, prosperity, good health and smiles to everyone and their families.

Winter Recreation Events

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:23:02 GMT

Be sure to put these event dates into your calendar. There are exciting events being hosted by the Village of Burk's Falls for the month of December that are sure to create some everlasting memories. Happy Holidays!

Firefighter Food Drive

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:39:48 GMT

South Almaguin Firefighter's Food Drive

Being a volunteer firefighter in South Almaguin involves more than occasionally climbing up the ladder of a fire truck. They go above and beyond the call of duty for their community.

It’s why the members of the Fire Departments have teamed up to host a fundraiser for the Burk's Falls & District Food Bank on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

Veterans' Week

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 18:35:59 GMT

Canadians have a long and proud tradition of military service. Today’s Canadian Armed Forces members serving on land, at sea and in the air carry on the impressive legacy of those who came before them. From the major wars of the first half of the 20th century to fighting in Afghanistan, from overseas peacekeeping operations to helping during floods and forest fires in Canada – the contributions have been many.

Canada’s military is a reflection of our country. People from a broad cross section of our diverse society have served in uniform over the years. Standing up for the rights of everyone – both around the world and here at home – is a reflection of the values we hold dear.

This special commemorative poster features a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot settling into the cockpit of a CF-18 jet fighter at an airbase in Eastern Europe in September 2018. The Canadian Armed Forces have deployed to the region for years as part of Operation REASSURANCE to support our North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies.

This Veterans’ Week, how will you remember the generations of brave Canadians who have put their lives on the line in the cause of peace and freedom?

Upcoming Events - Veterans’ Week

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/veterans-week/events

Ghost Hunt at the Farmhouse

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:23:27 GMT

Join us for a family friendly event on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm to explore the historic house, hunt for ghosts and take home treats.

Free refreshments.

Admission: $5 per family

Truth & Reconciliation Day - September 30

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 19:34:29 GMT

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The statuary holiday is also known as Orange Shirt Day—inspired by the story of First Nations author Phyllis Webstad , who at the age of six, had her clothes, including her new orange shirt, stripped from her on her first day attending residential school.

This is a day to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, which more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend beginning in 1920 under the Indian Act. The first residential school was established in 1831, and the last residential school closed in 1996.

To learn more about the history of residential schools or to read the Memorial Register of children who went to residential schools and never returned home, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's website here .

Updated Hours for August & September 2022

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:39:33 GMT

The Watt Century Farm House will be closed on Thursday, August 11 and Thursday, August 18.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

AUGUST

We will be open:

Friday to Monday, August 12 to 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday to Monday, August 19 to 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open Regular hours:

Thursday to Monday, August 25 to August 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

We will be open:

Thursday to Sunday, September 1 to 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Labour Day, Monday, September 5 - Come see us at the Burk's Falls Fall Fair.

Watt Farm House Closed on July 28, 2022

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:16:21 GMT

The Watt Farm House Heritage Centre will be closed on Thursday, July 28, 2022. We will reopen on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Memory Corner - Elwood Addison

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:12:58 GMT

This summer our Memory Corner is dedicated to a man who has impacted hundreds of children going through the Scouting program in Burk’s Falls. He became a Cub Scout in the 1940s, became a Scout leader in the early 1950s. He married his high school sweetheart in 1954, and she was by his side volunteering her time anyway she could. Elwood began his professional life as an auto body technician later becoming a teacher in 1978 at the Harwood Secondary School in Ajax. After he retired in 1989 and moved back to Burk’s Falls, he was asked to rejoin Scouting in 1994. He was with them even past his 90 ^th birthday in 2019. He was one of the longest serving Scout Leaders with over 60 years under his belt. Canoeing was one of his greatest pleasures. He learned to paddle when he was in Scouts. They had raised enough money to purchase their first canoe in 1959 of which they now have several canoes. In 2002, the troop presented their beloved Scout Leader with his own canoe named ADDIE.

Addie was awarded many awards throughout his scouting years, he had countless happy memories. He had a lifelong passion for Scouting and was presented the Silver Acorn; the highest award Scouting has to offer volunteers. He strived to set a living example of Robert Baden-Powell’s teachings to our future leaders.

“You never know who you’re going to reach or who you’re going to touch without even realizing it.” ~ Elwood Addison

Elwood Addison's Obituary and Tribute Video

https://www.opatovskyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Elwood-Addison

Written by Kendra Kellas, Charlene Watt and from the Almaguin Chronicles written by Astrid Taim

July 2022 Exhibit on Display

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:09:24 GMT

For the month of July 2022, the Historical Society has two exhibits on display at the Watt Farm House that recognizes the importance of movie theatres in Ontario.

The Archives of Ontario has pulled their exhibit out of retirement for us and the Historical Society added to the exhibit a display on the Bluebird Theatre together with a display on the Towne Theatre by the Village of Burk's Falls.

Please plan a visit to the farm house this month, be sure to sign our guest book!

Happy Birthday, Betty!

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:59:13 GMT

Heritage Day 2022 also celebrated one of our founding member's 90th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Betty Caldwell!

Without your dedication, the historical society would not be what it is today. We dedicated an upstairs bedroom to Betty and decorated it with furniture from the Caldwell family farm house.

The bed belonged to the Caldwell family. To complete the set, Betty acquired the side table and dresser through antique dealers in the 1950s. This furniture came from Quebec and is circa 1800s.

The Cradle, which is at the foot of the bed, also belonged to the Caldwell family and goes back

4 generations.

Heritage Day 2022

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 17:39:31 GMT

Heritage Day 2022 certainly made up for 2 years of COVID restrictions! Our vendors market was a huge addition to the festivities and Allway Antique Photo from Niagara Falls gave everyone an opportunity to take home a treasured memory. This year, the firefighters were awarded firefighter coins after their challenge. What is a firefighter coin? Firefighter coins are a unique and special way to commemorate and celebrate the heroism of firefighters everywhere. These coins are specially created and engraved with images and symbols that represent the firefighter's courage, bravery, and dedication to service. Congratulations to McMurrich/Monteith Fire Department in the 2022 win of the firefighter challenge and in bringing the trophy home.

We would like to thank each and every contributor and visitor that participated in this year's celebration. Heritage Day would not be as successful as it is without you. The event is certainly growing year after year!

A special thank you to the Township of Armour for partnering with us to promote Heritage Day. Heritage Day has become not only a day to recognize the importance of our community's history, its expanded to include local organizations and allow them to promote the importance of their continued existence. We also would like to thank and acknowledge Richard Watt for allowing us to use his farm field for the event.

Heritage Day 2022

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:49:16 GMT

This year’s celebration will be much bigger with a vendors market and a staged area with live music. The Algonquin Regiment will be in attendance along with other exciting attractions!

This year, Allways Antique Photo will be joining us from Niagara Falls! You will be transformed in minutes into an Old Western Cowboy/Cowgirl, Gunfighter, Victorian Lady & Gentleman, Steampunk or a 1920s' Gangster! No appointment necessary and no fee! Just walk in and your old-time photo will be sent to your email. It is so easy to have a fun and unforgettable experience!

At high noon, teams of firefighters will converge on the farm field to test their skill, strength, agility and stamina. This event offers an opportunity for the public to interact with fire crews and witness the demands of being a firefighter. Throughout the day, children are encouraged to participate in the mini-firefighter challenge course, titled the “Crawl, Drag & Squirt.”

UPDATE: UFC Champion, Kyle “The Monster” Nelson will not be in attendance. He has recently signed a UFC contract and will be out of country for the event. We wish him success in his ventures and hope that he will be able to join us next year.

Archives of Ontario Display 2022

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Fri, 06 May 2022 17:29:11 GMT

How enjoyable is it to go to the movies on a cold or rainy weekend? Synonymous with awkward first dates and overpriced popcorn, going to your local theatre to catch the latest film has been a popular past time in Canada for decades. While large movie theatre complexes have dominated the market in recent years, the old theatre remains a popular destination. There's something charming about being in an institution that has entertained generations for years. Perhaps it's the old squeaky, yet oddly comfortable seats that adorn the room. Or the feeling you get as you wonder which famous Hollywood stars graced your silver screen in days of old. Regardless, historic theatres have played an important role in preserving a culture unique to municipalities.

This summer, the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society will be displaying a travelling exhibit on Ontario Movie Theatres from the Archives of Ontario for the month of July.

Plan a visit to the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre this July to explore the exhibit and catch a film showing at the historical Burk’s Falls Theatre on the same day.

Firefighter Challenge 2022

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Wed, 04 May 2022 13:09:47 GMT

It’s official, with the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions being lifted, The Burk's Falls & District Historical Society and the Township of Armour are proud to host the third Firefighter Challenge on

Saturday, July 9, 2022. This event will be held in conjunction with our Heritage Day Celebration and take place at noon on the Watt Field.

We welcome back our five competing fire departments: Burk's Falls, Kearney, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith and Perry and is a competition based on fire fighting tasks that are commonly performed in emergency situations. The event is free for the public to attend.

New for 2022, the fire departments will be hosting a mini challenge, titled “Crawl, Drag, Squirt”. The course will provide a family-friendly challenge that will capture the enthusiasm of children and channeling it in a positive direction. As a bonus, they will be recognized and awarded for their participation.

Be sure to mark your calendar and save the date!

Calling for Vendors at Heritage Day

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 19:47:04 GMT

Plans are underway for Heritage Day 2022 and the Firefighter Challenge!

Merry Christmas 2021

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 21:27:16 GMT

Greetings, a very warm welcome!

Winter has set in up here in Burk’s Falls, the snow might be a little thin on the ground but there's a definite nip in the air and the smell of chimney smoke. Though the historical society heritage centres are closed for the season and won't be open again until May 2022 there is always plenty of work going on behind the scenes.

The historical society will follow the lead of governments and healthcare professionals as it considers a measured return to normal operating procedures disrupted by COVID-19. We will move forward with ample caution, always strictly following the guidance of governments to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Your safety and well-being will always be our utmost concern.

As residents have been continually navigating the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is for certain—we are all in this together and need to be able to lean on each other for support. In the true spirit of the upcoming holidays, let’s remember to show extra patience and kindness.

We invite residents to join us in spreading the joy of the season and some Christmas magic in our beautiful communities.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy 2022.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:02:54 GMT

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.

Wear orange

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

On September 30, we encourage you to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.

Visiting the Watt Century Farm House

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:50:25 GMT

It's in our nature to provide everyone with a fun experience. We thank our visitors for contributing to a safe and respectful environment that promotes learning and memorable connections!

Your safety is our top priority. The Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society is committed to providing our employees, our volunteers and our guests with a safe and healthy environment at all times. As the museum reopens to the public, we are taking additional steps to minimize potential risks and to keep all our spaces safe for visitors to enjoy.

All visitors entering the museum agree to respect the following guidelines:

I AGREE TO…

· Stay home if I

· am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, as described by public-health authorities (self-

assessment tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/

· have travelled outside Canada within the past 14 days

· have come into close contact with, or provided care for, someone who may have COVID-19, within

the last 14 days

· have been in close personal contact with someone who has travelled outside Canada, within the

last 14 days, and who has become ill with COVID-19 symptoms.

· Respect physical distancing by keeping two metres away from others outside my group, in all

areas of the heritage site.

· Wear a face mask during my visit, and ensure that children age two and older wear face masks

too.

· Keep my family/group together when walking through the heritage site, and keep children within

reach at all times.

· You may bring a water bottle.

· Follow directions from a heritage site employee or volunteer member.

Thank you for helping to keep all of us safe! We, in turn, commit to providing a safe experience.

Please note that we are following rigorous health-and-safety guidelines to keep you safe, but there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present. By visiting the heritage site, you voluntarily assume the risks related to exposure.

The Farm House is Open Thursday to Saturday!

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 14:10:31 GMT

The Watt Century Farm House is open for the 2021 season starting on Friday, August 6, 2021!

Days and Hours of operation are: Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

COVID-19 protocols are in place, mask/facial covering is required.

The Schoolhouse remains closed at this time.

2021 Heritage Day / Firefighter Challenge Canceled

deputyclerk@armourtownship.ca (Charlene Watt) — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 18:47:14 GMT

The Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society and the Township of Armour have canceled the Heritage Day and the Firefighter Challenge for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic While there is some “optimism” with more and more people receiving COVID-19 vaccines, it ultimately became clear that even if public health measures start to loosen they won’t loosen to the point where we can once again have the large events without strict protocols in place.

It is after careful thought and consideration that the Historical society felt it was necessary to safely distance, limit social gatherings and to cancel Heritage Day 2021 for the benefit and safety of the community. This decision is for the benefit of our members and community that we adhere to social distancing guidelines by canceling our largest social gathering event.

The Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society maintains the safety of members and the community must be a priority if we are sincere in our obligation towards the much larger global community. We will be sure to keep you updated on the status of the heritage sites as a return to normal is no longer the goal, but instead this is the time for new business models and strategies.

COVID Time Capsule

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:01:26 GMT

Capture your family's slice of history and make a coronavirus time capsule! For many of us, all we can think about is COVID-19. It is affecting almost every part of our daily lives. Someday, though, this will all be a memory – something that happened in the past that we all got through, together. What if you made something to help your family remember the significance of this time? Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend any money or make any special trips. What will really make it special are the stories you’ll tell along with each of the items years from now. Gather everything, put the items in a box, and then stick it in the attic or back of a closet to be forgotten. Years from now, you’ll have an amazing discovery to share.

Holiday Message

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 17:01:26 GMT

Christmas will be different this year due to COVID-19, but the message of kindness, caring and community remains the same – especially in Almaguin, where an old-fashioned Christmas spirit is alive and well. As residents have been navigating the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is for certain—we are all in this together and need to be able to lean on each other for support. In the true spirit of the upcoming holidays, let’s remember to show extra patience and kindness to front-line service workers, customer service representatives, and all other employees that work directly with residents. As a community, we are stronger together so let’s spread kindness as we approach the holidays and joy will surely follow!

Christmas is about caring for each other and that’s needed more than ever this year. We invite residents to join us in spreading the joy of the season and some Christmas magic in our beautiful communities.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy 2021.

Heritage Sites to Remain Closed Until Further Notice

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:01:26 GMT

Over the past month, we received several resources about reopening historic places. The Members of the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society have decided to keep the heritage sites closed for the season and remain closed until they can be safely reopened. Working together has been key to managing the spread of COVID-19 and expanding on that idea, is a way to support the safety and wellbeing of the entire community. Our heritage sites operate with the support of volunteers, many of whom may be more vulnerable to the virus. When we reopen, a measured approach will be implemented for the historic farmhouse and schoolhouse, this could mean limiting access to a floor (which could have only one entry/exit point requiring people to pass by each other) or a space (such as a small room where social distancing cannot be maintained). At this time, no one really knows what is the ‘right’ path forward, and so flexibility and responsiveness will be important to developing, delivering and responding as the reopening protocols are rolled out. We will be sure to keep you updated as a return to normal is no longer the goal, but instead this is the time for new business models and strategies. This can be an opportunity to change what we do and to create something new out of the disruption. As Winston Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.”

Heritage Day 2020 Cancelled

Mon, 11 May 2020 21:42:08 GMT

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency measures that have been put in place by the Province, the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society and the Township of Armour have cancelled the annual July event. We look forward to hosting our celebration in 2021. Keep safe!

Merry Christmas 2019!

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 21:50:05 GMT

It was a cookie filled afternoon that will go down in history! This year we had 103 children come to our event to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and visit with Santa. A special thank you to the Village of Burks Falls for providing a venue, the Arena staff for the special festive setting, Mayor Cathy Still for singing carols, the Township of Armour for their donation, Nancy Kyle for her royal icing, Tim Horton’s for the hot chocolate, our volunteers and cookie makers of the day, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and all the parents, grandparents and guardians that brought their children out to our festive day. Merry Christmas!! The Burk's Falls & District Historical Society would like to take this time to wish you and yours the very best for 2020!

Happy Halloween 2019

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:53:25 GMT

A howling good time was had by all at the Watt Century Farmhouse's Halloween Party! The museum was transferred into a boo-seum with lots of treats and pumpkin carving. Happy Halloween, everyone

Halloween 2019

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 21:55:06 GMT

You’re invited to the Watt Farm House Heritage Centre for a howling good time and see the museum transformed into a boo-seum! Come visit the Farm House on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 1 – 3 pm for some good ol’ fashioned fall and Halloween fun! You can decorate your own pumpkin, tread through the Haunted House and Trick-or-Treat. Cost is $5 per family and costumes are encouraged for kids to practice their trick-or-treating. Our Halloween event the perfect way to ring in the season and have fun with the family.

Almaguin Manor Residence

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 21:56:30 GMT

The M.A. Wittick Junior Public School has been transformed into the Almaguin Manor Residence and a public invitation is being extended to attend an open house on September 19, 2019, 178 Yonge Street, at 10:00 a.m. The Council for the Village of Burk's Falls will celebrate the grand opening with an opening ceremony followed by a tour of the residence. Take part in a moment of history, it will be a memorable experience!

Vimy Ridge Combat Boots on Display!

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 21:58:35 GMT

Plan a visit to the Watt Farmhouse from August 6 - 9, 2019! We will have a pair of combat boots on display from Veterans Canada which were part of the 100th anniversary ceremony at Vimy Ridge! Combat boots provided a powerful symbol of remembrance during the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France on April 9, 2017. Thousands of modern day combat boots surrounded the Vimy monument on April 9, 2017, in memory of the almost 3,600 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the battle. Students from Canada and France took part in laying four rows of boots, representing the four divisions of the Canadian Corps that fought for the first time as one formation at Vimy a century ago.

Hours: Tuesday - 11 am to 3 pm, Wednesday to Friday - 10 am to 4 pm.

Heritage Day 2019

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 01:01:25 GMT

Heritage Day 2019 was all about survival. It was a huge success and included numerous representatives to promote emergency preparedness. The emergency services and agenc ies that participated in the event interacted with the community and provided people with the opportunity to learn more about the agencies that provide disaster relief and general support. Visitors learned how to build their own preparedness kit and participated in activities for chances to win prizes, including a gift from the Survivorman himself, Les Stroud. At high noon, five fire departments converged on a farm field for a firefighter’s challenge. (Burk’s Falls, Perry, Kearney, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith Fire Departments). This was the second annual challenge and resulted in a win for the Burk's Falls Fire Department for 2019! Congratulations! Attractions that entertained the crowd for the date included UFC Fighter, Kyle “The Monster” Nelson. Kyle is extremely supportive of promoting local events and always draws a crowd. We will also had free face painting, free inflatables, reptile adventure camp, and winning techniques sports camp. There was plenty of food and refreshments for sale by local sporting organizations and the Girl Guides.

We’ve called in the army and the Algonquin Regiment showcased military weapons and equipment. SHERP ATV was displayed and attracted not only the general public but all of our emergency services as well. This is an amazing rescue machine!

Another special guest, Sawyer the Therapy Dog from East and West Parry Sound Victim Services was in attendance. Sawyer made lots of friends on Survival Day.

The exhibit from the Archives of Ontario will continue to be on display in the farmhouse for the month of July. It’s an exhibit that recognizes the importance of medical records, professionals and our medical history of Ontario.

We also celebrated our 25th Anniversary and enclosed a time capsule that will be opened again in 2044. Be sure to visit our facebook page to view all of the photos and videos from the day.

Happy Heritage Day! Happy Survival Day! Be prepared - it's more than just a catchy slogan!

Firefighter Challenge 2019

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 01:03:12 GMT

The Burk's Falls & District Historical Society and the Township of Armour are proud to host the second annual Firefighter Challenge on Saturday, July 13, 2019. This even t will be held in conjunction with our Heritage Day Celebration.

The five competing fire departments include Burk's Falls, Kearney, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith and Perry and is a competition based on fire fighting tasks that are commonly performed in emergency situations. The event is free for the public to attend.

Be sure to mark your calendar and save the date!

It's Survival Day on Heritage Day 2019

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 01:05:11 GMT

It's Survival Day on July 13, 2019 and we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary!! The Township of Armour, the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society and the Archive s on Ontario will be partnering to celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre, 827 Chetwynd Road, Burk’s Falls, Ontario. The event will run from 11 am to 3 pm. This community event is free for all to attend and will include numerous representatives to promote emergency preparedness with the assistance of the Red Cross, emergency services, Ontario Fire Marshal, MNRF, Ontario 211 and many more.

Last year many municipalities were impacted by Parry Sound Forest Fire #33 with smoke and brought the reality of wildfires to our region. This spring many residents were impacted by flooding. This year’s Heritage Day Celebration will have a Survival Day theme, recognize the importance of healthcare and promote emergency preparedness.

At high noon, five fire departments will converge on a farm field for a firefighter’s challenge. (Burk’s Falls, Perry, Kearney, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith Fire Departments). This will be the second annual firefighter’s challenge for our local fire departments. This event alone brought in a large crowd to Heritage Day last year.

Attractions to date include Kyle “The Monster” Nelson - UFC Fighter, free face painting, free inflatables, reptile camp, free promotional material, etc. There will be plenty of food and refreshments to keep everyone hydrated.

The Army is coming too! The Algonquin Regiment will be in attendance to showcase military weapons and equipment. SHERP ATV has also committed to attending, this is an amazing machine for emergency services to see in action.

Keep your eyes to the sky, Ornge Helicopter plans to land a helicopter on the field and participate in Survival Day.

Save the date, it's sure to be a fun-filled event for all.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus 2018

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:15:43 GMT

Our old-fashioned cookie decorating afternoon with Mrs. Claus was filled with music, laughter, and th e excitement of Christmas. Santa Claus and his elf made a jolly appearance and visited with all the children, young and old.

The Historical Society would like to thank the Village of Burk's Falls, The Township of Armour, The Burk's Falls Arena, Tim Horton 's, Nancy Kyte, and all of our cookie makers: Danielle Hall, Jennifer Talbot, Bruce Campbell and Judy Ransome for sponsoring the event.  A special thank you to all of our volunteers for the afternoon. Most of all, thank you to our community for supporting this event. It is a wonderful time of year to get together with friends and family.

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Remembrance Day 2018 - 100th Anniversary WW1

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 17:12:10 GMT

BURK';S FALLS - Lorne Main, 92, says while Remembrance Day has always held a special place in his heart over the years, he will be feeling it a little more de eply in 2018 - the 100th anniversary of the end of First World War – because of his father.

" See this here? It's my father 's paybook," he told the News as he carefully thumbed the pages of the century-old document. "You can see there, that's where he was made a sergeant."

The book gives him a small glimpse into the days his father, Thomas Bennett Main, spent overseas - something Main says he never heard about from the man himself.

Handwritten scribble on the back page shows he was wounded at some point during his time with the Second Canadian Pioneer Battallion, and his pay per day was $1.70.

Just behind Main in his Burk's Falls apartment hangs a photo of his father in uniform with three medals framed below, one being a military medal for bravery in the field.

But despite Main's long-time passion and expertise in genealogy and history – he has never been able to determine what his father did to get the medal.

" It's the one thing I haven 't found out yet," he said. "All I know is that the king of England granted it to him but I have never been able to track down the citation that explains what he did."

And his father, he added, never spoke of the war.

"H e worked in the trenches," Main continued. "And the only time I ever heard him mention anything of it was the day that he died. I guess he was reliving it, all he saw was men coming down the trenches and chasing rats. It was sad to see. "

Main and all three of his siblings, following in their father's footsteps, enlisted for duty years later during the Second World War.

" My brother Bob was the oldest, he joined in 1939," he said. "My brother Bill followed close behind joining in 1941 and my sister Isobel went in 1942."

Lorn e, the youngest of the four, joined at the age of 15 and went on active duty in 1944 at the age of 19 – but he was never sent overseas.

" I finished my training as a machine-gunner at Camp Borden and then when I was posted for overseas and the colonel came down to check everyone, he looked at me and said I wasn't going, " Main explained. "I could never figure it out."

It wasn't until after the war that he learned there was an unspoken policy that they would never send an entire family overseas - so Lorne spent his time in service in various stations around Ontario.

" We all wanted to make my dad proud," he continued. "And he was. He was proud to see us all follow in his footsteps. "

The family, he says, considered themselves lucky to have everyone come home in one piece.

" Living through the war, it was a worrisome time," he concluded. "I had a school friend who was killed, he had a wife and a baby and they never saw him again. I definitely like to remember those that never came home. He was just one of them. There were others, so many others."

Source: Danielle Marr, Almaguin News

Happy Halloween 2018

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 16:04:11 GMT

Our third annual Halloween Party was a pumpkin smashing success with almost 90 children in attendance! Visitors tested their bravery, had some fun and got a little spooked in our haunted farm house. Children of all ages trick or treated as they travelled through the house and carved pumpkins beside an antique horse drawn hearse. A special thank you to our Haunted House Specialists, Jason and Diana Warriner and Alyssa and Sara Johnson for decorating the house and setting the scenes.

Thank you to our sponsor, Collins' Valu-Mart for donating the pumpkins for the celebration and to all of our volunteers for the afternoon.

A visit from the Cub Scouts!

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:01:14 GMT

The 1st Burk's Falls Cub Scouts visited the Watt Century Farm House and learned a lot about local history. A special thank you to our President, Diane Brandt for p lanning a special program for the group. The Cubs participated in a scavenger hunt, identified mystery artifacts and played a game of Spy in the heritage site.

The children left with an understanding of how our community has grown and changed and was introduced to the importance of preserving history.

The study of heritage in local context puts value in History as a learning living source, helps the understanding of historical concepts and helps to understand the world in which we live, contributing to the multiple understanding of history and to the building of the three pillars of history education: History - Memory - Identity.

Historical Automobile Association of Canada Donation

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:55:56 GMT

Thank you Floyd Allen and the Historical Automobile Society of Canada - Muskoka Region (HASC Muskoka) for your generous donation of $400 to the Historical Society.

Throu gh your support of the Historical Society we are able to continue and support of our mission to collect, preserve, and share the history of our community.

In August 2018, the Historical Automobile Society of Canada held their annual Normoska in Huntsville, Ontario. This event has attracted H.A.S.C. members since it went 'North to Muskoka' in 1958 (whence comes its name). Normoska is actually held in a different area of the Province each year and is a week-long August holiday for the whole family. It provides an interesting itinerary of tours to places of interest and included the heritage sites of Watt Century Farm House and the Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse this year.

Meet you at the Fall Fair!

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:54:09 GMT

Our community strives each year to offer an insight into the agricultural diversity and excellence of the Burk's Falls area, as well as to showcase the many talent s of our community members. The fall fair also provides family entertainment, games, music and good food.

It is an opportunity for neighbours to connect and for friends to meet friends. The Agricultural Society organizes English and Western horse shows, dog show, home craft competitions in knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, baking, preserves, crafts, photography as well as children's work and school work. The fairgrounds come alive on Labour Day with the sights, sounds, and smells of the fall fair. Come and join us for a diversity of fall fair fun.

The Historical Society will be in attendance on Monday, September 3 from 10 am to 4 pm. Meet you at the Fair!

Heritage Day 2018

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 16:52:25 GMT

Wow! What a Heritage Day Celebration! This year's theme was all about the history of sports and promoted our local sporting organizations, athletes and sports enthusiast s.

T hank you to all of our participants, organizers, volunteers, firefighters, visitors and our municipal sponsor, The Armour Township to making this event a huge success. Kyle "The Monster" Nelson, the Royal Canadiana Race Team the Dingman Snowmobile Race Team, Dress Me Up Face Painting, Burk's Falls Skating Club, Almaguin Ice Devils, Gazelles Hockey, Winning Techniques Camp, Arnold Hall Trapping, Red Cross, Hunters Bay Radio, Air Bounce Inflatables, Tim Horton's, Girl Guides Trefoil Guild and the 5 Almaguin Fire Departments worked hard on this hot humid afternoon. We appreciate everyone's time in making this celebration one to go down in history.

Happy Heritage Day 2018!

Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:48:04 GMT

On December 10, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, children are invited to the Watt Century Farm House! Gather around for warm and cozy fun with the jolliest hostess of all - Mrs. Claus!Delight in decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, making Christmas crafts and a visit from Santa!!

C hildren of all ages are welcome! Admission is $10 per family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

On December 10, 2017 we celebrated the afternoon with Mrs. Claus making cookies and snacking on treats. Many thanks to the volunteers and visitors of the day. It was a pleasure having you celebrate the season with us in a Winter Wonderland. On behalf of the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society we hope you have a warm and happy holiday!

Remembrance Day 2017

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:38:11 GMT

November 11 is officially called Remembrance Day.

The Burk's Falls Legion (Branch 405) Remembrance Day Ceremony will start with a service at the Legion, 9 Mary Street, Burk's Falls at 10:00 a.m., followed by a parade to the Cenotaph for an 11:00 a.m. service.

Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the official end of the World War I hostilities on November 11, 1918. World War I was a massive conflict was played out over the whole globe, but particularly in Europe, where troops from Canada supported the Allied forces.

World War I resulted in the loss of huge numbers of lives amongst both civilians and military personnel. Many more people were badly injured. The war left great emotional scars in the servicemen, who had experienced it, and in the communities, whose sons, brothers, fathers, uncles and even grandfathers had died. Remembrance Day commemorates those who died in armed conflicts, particularly in and since World War I.

Happy Halloween 2017

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:35:13 GMT

Fly Over on a Broom or Float like a Ghost... Just don't be tardy to Our Halloween Party!! Come out on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm to the Watt Century Farm House, 827 Chetwynd Road. We will have treats, pumpkin carving, crafts and games!!

What kid doesn't love to carve a pumpkin? It's messy and squishy, and it's a tradition that's been celebrated for centuries.

Our second annual Halloween Party was a fun-filled afternoon for all! Children of all ages trick or treated, made crafts and carved pumpkins. A special thank you to our professional pumpkin carvers, Brad Crozier and Grant Ralston for their pumpkin carving presentations. They created stunning and unique carvings. Thank you to our sponsor, Collins' Valu-Mart for donating the pumpkins for the celebration and to our volunteers for the afternoon. We celebrated Halloween in spooktacular fashion and it was a treat having fun with all of the little ghosts and goblins.

Happy Halloween!!

Heritage Day and Canada 150 Celebration at the Watt Century Farm House

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 14:18:23 GMT

Canada Day activities in Armour Township were celebrated on July 8, 2017 with the Historical Society. The Historical Society hosted our Heritage Day at the Watt Century Farmhouse featuring a special museum exhibit from Archives of Ontario about Ontario's agricultural past. We brought farming history to life and families were engaged with horse-drawn wagon rides, a bouncy barn, farmer's market, a trackless train, a reptile adventure camp, a touch a truck display, a free BBQ and heritage games.

Traditional industries were profiled. Farm life depicted for the day included a maple syrup, a trapper, and a quilting club display. We acknowledged the history of the Homestead Act by distributing pine saplings to attendees. The event brought in a lot of visitors for the day.

Happy 150 Canada!

The 228th centenary: An Army hockey story

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:58:22 GMT

North Bay - Ontario: The Canadian Army (CA) has been part of many well-known historical milestones, but you are likely not aware of its role as a catalyst in the c reation of the National Hockey League (NHL). A CA Reservist and a Royal Canadian Air Force officer have teamed up to spread this remarkable story and mark the 100th anniversary of the Army-generated hockey team that had a brief but memorable (for reasons good and not) run in the National Hockey Association (NHA), a precursor to today's NHL.

The story begins in 1916. Conscription had yet to be instituted and Canadian military officials had begun an intensive recruitment effort to mitigate the already high human cost of the First World War, as demonstrated at Ypres, Belgium in the spring of 1915. This was our young nation's first major engagement of the war and fully one-third of the Canadians who fought there were either killed, wounded or missing in the aftermath. The town of North Bay, Ontario had already contributed the 97th Regiment (today's Algonquin Regiment) to the war effort. Three additional units the 159th, 228th, and 256th Battalions – were subsequently raised from the Northeast Ontario region, and the 228th would be given a unique mission: put together a hockey team to play in the NHA and serve as a marketing tool to drive recruitment. Army officials began to recruit a slate of players both amateur and professional, including George McNamara, a Hockey Hall of Fame member who had played in the 1914 Stanley Cup final with the NHA Toronto Blueshirts. These ringers had technically enlisted but were assured they would not be expected to join the fight in Europe.

Also part of the NHA were the Montreal Canadiens, the Montreal Wanderers, the Ottawa Senators, and the Quebec Bulldogs.

The 228th (Northern Fusiliers), clad in their khaki jerseys, took to the ice at the start of the NHA 's 1916-17 season and made a strong impression immediately, scoring 40 goals and allowing just 20 goals against them in their first 10 games. By the time the country rang in 1917, the 228th was in first place.

Chief Warrant Officer Kent Griffiths first heard the story three years ago when he became Regimental Sergeant Major of the Algonquin Regiment.

The commanding officer was telling me stories about the regiment and one of them was that we had an NHL hockey team at one point, he recalled. And I thought, I doubt that, because I would've heard of it. And he said, Maybe it wasn't the NHL. Maybe it was the predecessor to the NHL. So I did a little research and sure enough he was absolutely right. And that was the story of the 228th Battalion.

CWO Griffiths did not undertake any further research until earlier this year, when he was contacted by Captain Doug Newman, Heritage Officer for the Royal Canadian Air Force's 22 Wing, also based in North Bay. Capt Newman proposed they delve further into the story and mark the team's centenary by sharing the story more widely.

Capt Newman discovered the 228th story in the process of researching soldiers from the North Bay area who had been killed in the World Wars.

I looked here, there, and everywhere for information about the team but even the Algonquin Regiment had next to nothing, he said. So I basically made it my little mission to go out and find information about this.

CWO Griffiths said records from the time suggest that, while fans were excited by the prospect of this new team, it does not seem to have been particularly successful in attracting new recruits.

I think fans were really excited, he said. A lot of it had to do with the characters they had recruited. They had people like Dennis McNamara of the Toronto Blueshirts, who was already famous for getting into a fist fight with a referee. I have no actual statistics, but when you compare it to the other overseas battalions it wasn't really that powerful a recruiting tool.

Not long after taking the ice, the 228th's remarkable performance would be overshadowed by both the war and controversy at home.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Sun, 11 Dec 2016 14:38:33 GMT

Christmas cookies are a necessity for the holidays! Children of all ages were welcomed to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus at the Watt Century Farm House on Sunday, December 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children made Christmas crafts and visited with Santa, the jolly old elf! A special thank you to all of our volunteers for the day.

Merry Christmas!

Remembrance Day 2016

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 13:41:21 GMT

The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance for decades. Every year on November 11, millions gather to collectively stand in honour of all who ha ve fallen in the service of their country.

The Act of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning .

W e will remember them.

We will remember them.

Remembrance Day is an important day in the Canadian calendar and is an opportunity to give meaning to past sacrifice and acknowledge the courage of those presently serving. Each year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to observe a moment of silence and mark the sacrifice of so many.

Take part in Remembrance ceremonies.

Legion members in Branches from coast to coast to coast are proud to organize Remembrance Day Ceremonies in over 1400 communities across Canada. Through our Branches, the Legion perpetuates the traditions of Remembrance and ensures Canada ‘never forgets. We encourage all Canadians to participate in your local Remembrance Day Ceremonies. These solemn and poignant observances remind us of the service and sacrifice of the men and women who protect our freedoms, and provide an opportunity to give thanks and honour the fallen.

Happy Halloween Party

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:35:22 GMT

You're invited to a Halloween Party at the Watt Century Farm House Heritage Centre on Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Wear your Halloween costume and be ready to have some fun! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Make some scary boo crafts and play some games to get treats. Watch a pumpkin carving presentation with some local artists.

Admission is $5.00 per family. Cash accepted only.

What a successful Halloween Party we had on October 15th! Over 50 children attended the event! Thank you to our Members, our professional pumpkin carvers, business contributors, volunteers and community for supporting the Historical Society. We all had a wonderful time. Happy Halloween!

Watt Farmhouse Donkey inspires Children's Story Book

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 20:48:08 GMT

Every summer Lynn and Ray Varey would drive down Chetwynd Road and pass a farm, which sat at the top of a hill, and see a donkey sitting amongst a field of cows. This do nkey, affectionately known as Pancake, was an icon the Varey's would look for each summer on their way up to the cottage.

Every year we would drive in and be looking for the donkey, and sure enough, he was there,” said Lynn Whitlaw Varey.

One summer day, after passing Pancake on her way to the cottage, Whitlaw Varey was inspired to write a short story featuring the donkey. She quickly wrote a tale about a homeless donkey that finds a new home with a couple in northern Ontario. " I wrote the story not thinking it was going anywhere. It was a story I would tell my grandkids," said Whitlaw Varey.

One thing led to another and before she knew it, Bocconcinio di parma saves the day, was illustrated and printed as a children 's book. "It is a legacy book. I wanted to see it through for my grand kids," said Whitlaw Varey.

The year after writing the book the Varey's were on their way back up to the cottage and were shocked as the donkey was nowhere in sight. The farm that once sat atop the hill had been replaced with a solar farm and their little friend was gone. "I was so sad. But I realized that I was meant to keep Bocconcinio di parma alive."

Whitlaw Varey has been pleasantly surprised with the success her first children’s book has seen. She is working on writing a sequel to the book and plans on including a short blurb touching on Pancake and the real life inspiration for Bocconcinio di parma.

A copy of the book has been donated and will be kept at the Watt Farm House Museum. The Burk’s Falls library also plans on ordering a few copies of the book for residents to enjoy.

" Pancake is a little hero here in Burk's Falls, " said Whitlaw Varey. "The legacy of Pancake will go on. "

This article was written by Andrew Mendler, News Staff of Almaguin News and can be viewed in the Almaguin News Publication Dated August 25, 2016

British Home Child Day

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:41:07 GMT

Please join us on September 29, 2016 at the Watt Century Farmhouse from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm to recognize British Home Child Day. From the late 1860s right up to 1948, ove r 100,000 children of all ages were emigrated right across Canada to be used as indentured farm workers and domestics. Believed by Canadians to be orphans, only two percent truly were. These children were sent to Canada by over 50 organizations including the well-known and still working charities: Barnardo' s, The Salvation Army and Quarrier's, to name a few.

For the most part, these children were not picked up from the streets but came from intact families, who, through sickness or even death of one of their parents, had fallen on hard times. Because there was no social system in place to help them get through these difficult circumstances, the family had no other way than to surrender their offspring to the organizations.

Sometimes this was meant to be a temporary solution until the family got back on their feet and there are cases on record where some parents went back to pick their children up, only to find that they had already been sent away. Sometimes the parents received an after sailing notification, informing that their children had been emigrated a week before.

Once in Canada, the children were sent to receiving homes right across the country until farmers picked them up or they were sent on to their destinations with a cardboard sign around their necks. There were at least seven applicants for every child shipped to this country.

These children are not to be confused with ‘Guest Children who were temporarily sent from evacuation zones in the U.K. to Canada during the Second World War to be kept safe from areas under attack. The British Home Children were sent away to work, some never to see their families again.

The child migration scheme was born during the Industrial Revolution. Traditional extended families were broken up and many moved to urban areas to find work and a better life. And so, if anything happened to one of the parents, there was no immediate family nearby to take them in. Abandoned British children lived and died in the streets and workhouses were overcrowded.

Emigration was seen as a brilliant solution. The children would be sent to Canadian farms under contract. The terms would require that children be housed, fed, clothed, and sent to school. A small fee would be paid for fostering younger children, older children would help with chores, and more extended labour would be required from adolescents. At 18, the terms of indenture were to be discharged. The clean, fresh air of a Canadian farm was seen as a definite better alternative to living in the slums of a large city.

Canada was marketed to the parents and the children as a haven within the storms of their lives where money grew on trees and the adventure of travelling to a land where cowboys and lumberjacks were, sounded appealing. The parents were relieved that a way had been found where their children would be safe and healthy.

However, the harsh truth was that the monitoring of children’s placements was often neglected, and many children found themselves essentially abandoned to new lives which were worse than the old. Siblings were separated. Girls assisted farm wives not only with housework and children but on the fields, as well. Boys became farm workers who were grossly overworked.

While some of the children were indeed accepted into the families they worked for and were practically adopted, many of these children suffered. Children could be returned and reassigned. Many were moved from one farm to another. Some ran away or simply disappeared; some died from ill-health or injuries resulting from neglect and abuse, and some committed suicide.

In the very least, the belief in eugenics that was running rampant throughout the U.K. and North America caused children to be considered inferior stock to their Canadian counterparts. They were stigmatized as such, merely because they were poor and needed help. In communities where these children were meant to be fostered and nurtured, they were often taunted and made to feel shame for being a Home Boy or Home Girl. This shame caused many Home Children to remain silent about their backgrounds their entire lives.

Some influential political voices were raised against bringing the children to Canada in this way, but it was more about the dangerous and filthy Street Arabs infecting’ Canadian society than it was about the welfare of the children.

During the First World War, many Home Boys enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, just to get back to see any family that they might still have in the country. Some ran away from their placements and lied about their age to achieve this or to get away from a bad or abusive placement. During the war no children were sent here.

The scheme began again in earnest in the early twenties. Many households were in dire straits after the loss of so many young men in the war and then the deaths of both men and women during the Spanish Flu epidemic.

It wasn' t until 1924 that children under the age of 14 were discouraged from being sent. Even so, some young ones slipped through the cracks. In any case, the majority of children continued to be sent right up until the advent of the Second World War, after which heightened social consciousness condemned the sending of any more children to Canada in this way.

Over ten percent of the current Canadian population are descendants of the Home Children, although many are still unaware of their heritage.

From Today's Generation to Those of a Century Ago

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:53:28 GMT

The below was printed in the Almaguin News on July 28, 2016: Almaguin News

Editor's Note: The following address was delivered by Jordan Watt, direct descendant of the settlers of the Watt Century Farm that now serves as a museum site for the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society.

"Welcome to today' s ceremony and thank you for attending. I'm honored to be speaking with you today on our Heritage Day. We're here today to honor our service members and to remember the sacrifices they have made and the courage it takes to defend honor, duty and country.

We' re here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifices. Thinking of the heroes who join us in this group today and those who are here only in spirit, a person can' t help but feel very proud. We stand in the middle of veterans and the family and friends of those who have served.

Thank you for answering the call to duty.

The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they shared several important qualities. They had courage, pride, determination, and dedication to duty.

Thousands of Canadians have fought and died on battlefields here and overseas to defend our freedoms and way of life. Today our troops continue to make sacrifices, and even as we lose troops, more Canadians step forward to say, ready to serve. They follow in the footsteps of generations of fine Canadians.

We have awarded medals to many soldiers, added their names to monuments and named buildings for them, to honor them for their bravery. But nothing can ever replace the hole left behind by a fallen service member, and no number of medals and ribbons can comfort the ones left behind.

Today, we gather together to remember, to honor, and to pay gratitude to those who have served our country. Our gathering is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across Canada today and every day. It’s not a lot, but it is one small way we can honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom.

Thank you for attending today. God bless you and your families, God bless our troops and God bless Canada. "

Source: http://www.northbaynipissing.com/news-story/6787322-from-today-s-generation-to-those-of-a-century-ago

Heritage Day 2016

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 19:49:25 GMT

This year our theme is honouring the men, boys and all family members of those who served in the First World War with the 162nd Battalion.

A year into the F irst World War the Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Borden, decided the Canadian Forces were to be doubled in size to half a million soldiers. This number was going to be difficult to garner since the total population of Canada at the time was approximately 8 million. The plan devised by the Minister of Militia, Sam Hughes, was to turn each electoral district into a battalion area. The thought process was that more people would be willing to enlist if they knew they would be going overseas with their friends and neighbours. The plan worked and on December 2, 1915 the 23rd Regiment in Parry Sound was authorized to raise the 162nd Battalion. The 162nd Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding & Lieutenant Colonel J.M. Arthurs, of Commanda, Ontario.

Numbers and insignia were randomly drawn for each battalion and Parry Sound drew 162 and the neighbouring Muskoka area drew 122. The badge for the 162nd is a pair of axes parked in a pine stump as they referred to themselves as the Timber Wolves from Parry Sound due to their lineage tracing back to the 23 Northern Pioneers. The 162nd Battalion had a black bear as a mascot.

Over 700 men from Callander to Novar and west to Parry Sound enlisted at a time when most municipalities had a population of less than 700 and most with only 300. Training took place on the Paget Farm field located opposite Kent's Trusses in Strong Township and marching exercises had the troops marching from Sundridge to Burk's Falls and Magnetawan. On August 11, 1916 the Battalion boarded the train in Sundridge and made its way to Niagara-on-the-Lake for advanced training. On October 31, 1916 the ranks in training sailed from Halifax on the Caronia. Once they arrived in Europe they were used as reinforcement for the Canadian Corps out in the field and transferred to other Battalions. We as Canadians today should be very proud of the contributions these men made to our freedom that is enjoyed today.

We all know that war involves more than the soldiers who fight the battles. Families are left behind to carry on while their loved one is off at war. We should also thank those who served at home, working to make bandages, socks, mittens to send to soldiers overseas. Thank you to the community members who helped those whose family members were serving overseas.

Many families were left without a father. These families still had to provide for their children with food, clothing and warmth. Many of these men did not return to their families and gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country.

We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to everyone who participated to make this day a success.

Village of Burk's Falls is 125 years old

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 20:07:46 GMT

One hundred and twenty five years ago, the Village of Burk’s Falls was in a state of flux. Lumped together with Armour and Ryerson, the Village didn't have i ts own identity. No one knew what the future would bring — they couldn’t anticipate the advent of car travel, let alone the building of a hospital, the strange draw of a man keeping a bear as a pet, nor the great fire of 1908.

Today, 125 years later, the village once again faces an uncertain future. Many question whether the downtown core will return to its vitality, whether industry will flourish, whether the hospital will be less than an hour away, and whether the three area municipalities will amalgamate.

And yet, there ' s cause for celebration.

"It' s one more milestone in the village, " says Reeve Cathy Still. "It 's a very historic village, because the train stopped here and the river came through Burk's Falls, so everyone got in their boats and went in the river towards Magnetawan. None of that would have been possible without the train coming here to town."

In 1890, the Village of Burk's Falls incorporated in the centre of Armour and Ryerson townships. With the least amount of land and room to grow, Burk's Falls had a challenge ahead of it: find a way to survive against the odds. And survive, it has. '

Many who live in the village today fondly recall its heyda y, particularly that of the main street.

" It was a busy, busy main street," Betty Caldwell, founder of the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society, says. "

Folks who' v e lived in Burk's Falls long love to count the many stores of its past. By some estimation, there were at one point five grocery stores on the main street and seven gas stations in the 1930s and 40s. The hotel had a big dining room and a night man at the desk. Buses would come in and bring people to spend a few days and experience the village.

" The stores opened Friday and Saturday night and all the farmers would come to town to do their shopping and get their hair cut and buy things," Caldwell says. "It seemed to be a very busy, thriving village."

Today busy and thriving aren' t the words most would use to describe Burk' s Falls; and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"It' s easier life here, things aren't quite as expensive," Still says.

" We try to keep taxes down and do our best so it is more attractable for people to come here. Then there's the beauty of the area and the nice slow pace. It's not hectic. It's just a totally different attitude for the whole area. And it 's such a beautiful place to live, why not? "

For Still, the Burk' s Falls history is entrenched with that of the Magnetawan River.

" The whole interior between here and Parry Sound would never have been explored without that because there was no way to get there," she says.

It was a lifeline. That's what Burk's Falls should be known for. If it wasn't for the village and the incorporation and the exploring with the steamships, none of that would have ever come to fruition.

Caldwell was born in Fergus, but moved to Burk' s Falls after the Second World War with her parents. Her father was born in the village and after moving back started Thompson's Machine Shop. Caldwell moved to a farm outside of Sundridge for several years after marrying, but returned to the village in 1965 to raise her children.

" I just liked the small village," Caldwell says. " My kids grew up here and knew people. I just liked that."

In 1994, Caldwell and several others decided to form the Burk' s Falls and District Historical Society.

" The older citizens, like my parents and grandparents, were dying off," she says.

" We needed to preserve the history, the heritage of our area because very little had been done up to that point and if we wanted any history at all it was time to start collecting it and getting the stories from the people who were left."

Stories included the way Burk' s Falls was discovered, the events that shaped the town, and the people instrumental to its development.

" David Burk's wife, for one thing, most history books called her Olive, " Caldwell says. "Her name wasn't Olive at all. It was Alice. I don't know how they got Olive out of Alice. So unless you get the history down correctly, it's gone forever."

The history is particularly important this 125th anniversary, with the future of the village so up in the air. M.A. Wittick Public School is scheduled for closure. In 20 years time, a new single hospital will replace the Huntsville and Bracebridge hospitals at a yet-to-be-determined location. And talks are in the works for investigating amalgamation with Armour Township.

Still is hopeful, no matter what the next 125 years bring, they will be positive for Burk' s Falls.

" I don't want the village to turn into a chaotic place," she says. "I just want it to be that people can actually buy things and don't have to go too far to get things and still have a peaceful life here. That's the way it will end up. I have every faith going."

The past may be passed. The future may be uncertain. But what the 125th anniversary of Burk' s Falls represents is a pause: stopping in the moment to appreciate where we are, how far we've come, and remembering all those who came before us.

Village Hotel used to be heart of Burk's Falls

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 21:31:52 GMT

BURK’S FALLS – Back in its heyday, the Burk’s Falls Village Hotel was the place to see and be seen.

In the 1950s, the hotel was a community hub for travellers and residents alike, whether they frequented the bar downstairs, the dining room on the main floor, or rented a room overnight.

Today, however, that history is at risk of being lost. On Saturday, Dec. 12, the roof of the Village Hotel building (the hotel portion long since shut down) collapsed, sending a flood of rainwater down in the building below. It all congregated in the basement, where the Fox and Kyte Pub operated, leaving the bar closed to the public until damage can be assessed. Early reports say the building is condemned and an engineer’s study will be necessary to determine whether the building can be brought back up to standard.

If there’s a building to save, the Village Hotel might be it. The building dates back to 1909, after the great fire burnt most of Burk’s Falls’ downtown.

“It was built after the fire in 1908 that burned down Clifton House,” says Betty Caldwell, founder of the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society.

Clifton House, a previous hotel, had been in the Village since 1887, in the same location as the Village Hotel. After the fire, Fred Brasher, who had owned the Clifton House since 1889 when James Sharpe sold it to him, rebuilt. The new Village Hotel sat further back in the street — as seen today, only without the tower (that was added in the 1980s by a later owner).

Brasher had a daughter who married Vic Fell. After Brasher died, the Village Hotel went to the Fells who carried it on into the community hub it would become.

“It was very, very highly spoken of,” Caldwell says. “It was quite a busy spot at one time.”

Buses and stagecoaches from down south and up north would come to Burk’s Falls and stay at the hotel for fishing and entertainment.

“When the boats were coming down the Magnetawan River, they would stop and passengers would stay at the hotel and then continue down the river for an excursion or to get to their cottages,” Caldwell says.

The Fox and Kyte’s current location was always a bar. The main floor of the hotel was a formal dining room, where diners would dress to the nines before coming in for supper.

“White tablecloths, the works,” Caldwell says.

“You always wore your fanciest clothes when you went into the dining room.”

At one time, the Burk’s Falls Lions Club met at the Hotel for their meetings in the big dining room.

“It was very popular,” Caldwell says.

Sometimes, the hotel was popular for other reasons.

Betty Douglas, who grew up in Burk’s Falls, remembers going to see an eye doctor from North Bay who rented a hotel room once a month in the late 1940s and would do eye testing out of it.

She also recalls the long-time owner, John Fell.

“John Fell and my dad were good friends,” she says. “When my dad died, John put all the funeral guests up in the hotel for free.”

The Hotel remained busy throughout the 50s, but the faster the cars became, the more business began to go downhill.

By the 1980s, under new ownership, the Hotel portion shut down and a grocery store was put in on the main floor. The bar in the basement remained open.

It stopped being a grocery in the mid-2000s and for roughly the past decade the main and upper floors of the Village Hotel have been closed to the public. The basement has stayed open, first as the Village Pub, and then as the Fox and Kyte Pub.

“It’s a real landmark,” Caldwell says. “It’s been there for more than 100 years.”

Source: https://www.northbaynipissing.com/community-story/6241451-village-hotel-used-to-be-heart-of-burk-s-falls/

Watt family farm perfect place for finding history

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 14:52:24 GMT

A century-old farm house comes with quite a legacy.

The Watt family farmhouse in Armour Township was built in 1902 by John R. Watt and his wife Mary Marshal.

John was born to Scottish parents on March 14, 1856 in Lanark Country. In 1874 he came to Armour Township and settled on lots 10 and 11, concession 7 near the Magnetawan River at what is now known as Watt’s dam. The property was obtained through the free land grants, which promised free property to settlers willing to move fro m England to Ontario. John married Mary Marshal on Feb. 23, 1881. Three children were born to the family, James, Dick, and Annie. While living in Armour, the family also boarded men working on the railway who went through the area in 1885.

In 1889, the family moved to lot 13 on the sixth and seventh concessions — the current location of the Watt century farmhouse. There three more children were born. The barn located on that property was built in 1892 and the house in 1902.

In 1931 his wife Mary died and he followed in 1946. John's son Jack and wife Pe arl Jordan carried on the farm. Jack, like his father, was also the secretary of School Section Number Three and served as an Armour Township councillor for many years. Three children were born to the marriage: Dick, Bill, and Karen. Dick settled across the road from the Watt farmhouse with his wife Diane and his family, where he continues to look after the Watt farm.

The Watt farmhouse is the new location for the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society. The property was purchased two years ago by Northland Power as the site for the company 's Solar East farm. When they saw the house though, Northland knew it was too valuable to demolish and eventually worked out the deal with the Historical Society, announced Friday.

Members of the Historical Society paid a site visit to the house on Jan. 15. On Saturday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 7 they returned to begin cleaning the premises, tearing up carpets and scraping off wallpaper.

Renovations and repairs will begin soon with the intent of opening the building to museum visitors this summer.

Source: Almaguin News Article: February 20, 2015

http://www.northbaynipissing.com/community-story/5346325-watt-family-farm-perfect-place-for-finding-history

Heritage Day 2015

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 20:36:38 GMT

Watt a day! Let a blast from the past put a smile on your face. The Burk's Falls and District Historical Society is holding its annual Herit age Day this Saturday, July 25, and this year they're making history. For the first time, the event is being held at the Society's new location: the Watt century farmhouse on Chetwynd Road.

The 2015 Heritage Day is celebrating not only the history of the Armour, Burk's Falls, and Ryerson communities, but also the grand opening of the Watt location which is running in unison with the Midlothian Road Schoolhouse and commemorating the 125th anniversary of Burk's Falls.

" This is a new and exciting opportunity to promote the area, preserve the heritage of the area, and acknowledge the hard work of our forefathers in developing the area," Society president Linda Maurer says.

The Heritage Day begins at 11 a.m. with games, food, music, and more. Activities planned include sack races, a beanbag toss, and colouring. Antique rope making is also on the itinerary, provided by Elwood Addison. Wagon rides will circulate the farm to the tunes of music by Kenny Logan. The Almaguin Trefoil Guild is providing a barbecue and popcorn, cotton candy, tea, and coffee will also be served throughout the day. At noon, an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Watt farmhouse will take place with speeches and a big cake. The fun runs until 3 p.m. Admission is free.

" We are a very lucky community to now have two wonderful heritage centres to share with the public," Maurer says. " We hope everyone enjoys the day and appreciates what we have been able to preserve for future generations."

T his is the first year the Historical Society has operated the Watt Farmhouse. Attendees will be able to tour the exhibits inside and out. In spring 2014, the Historical Society and Northland Power began talking about a possible partnership. Northland, a solar developer with two farms in the area, had recently completed its Solar East project at the former Watt property in Chetwynd. But the farmhouse, built in 1902, still stood and the company didn't want to needlessly tear it down.

That's where the Historical Society came in. In a partnership with Northland Power, where the solar developer donated $30,000 to the Society and associated maintenance costs for the farmhouse, and with help from a business plan prepared by Karen Jones Consulting of North Bay. The announcement of the second location for the Historical Society was made official in February 2015.

Currently, plans are underway to continue expanding the Historical Society. The group is advertising for a project manager to co-ordinate promotion and advertising initiatives. For more information on this position, visit www.armourtownship.ca

The Watt century farmhouse is located at 827 Chetwynd Road , look for the solar farm. Regular hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Watt Farm location. The Midlothian Schoolhouse is open Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Saturday, Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Century Farmhouse second home for Historical Society

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:47:57 GMT

Burk's Falls and District Historical Society president Linda Maurer makes the official announcement of the group moving into the Watt Century Farmhouse, along with North land Power manager Calvin MacCormack. Northland is leasing the house to the society at a generous rate and also donating $30,000 to the group.

The Burk's Falls and District Historical Society is expanding to a second location at the Watt Century Farmhouse in Armour Township. The official announcement was made on Friday, Feb. 13 at the Chetwynd Road location .

" For 20 years the Historical Society had an agreement with Ryerson Township to have our museum out at the Midlothian schoolhouse, which was wonderful, " society president Linda Maurer said.

When it started there wasn’t a whole lot in there, but 20 years later we're overflowing.

" This is a wonderful facility. It will tie in nicely with the Midlothian Schoolhouse, which will still remain open as well. They' l l both have different features, but hopefully we have enough volunteers and members that can make it work."

The expansion is possible thanks to Northland Power. Two years ago Northland bought the Watt farmland to build Burk's Falls Solar East, the first of two solar farms in the area. When Northland bought the land, they also bought the century-old house and decided it was too important to d emolish.

The Historical Society signed a lease for 21 years, less a day, with Northland paying about $10 every five years. During that time, the solar company will fund the heat, hydro, snow removal, and maintenance of the farmhouse. And beyond that they've given the society a $30,000 cheque to help repair the building.

" This is exactly the kind of community group that Northland loves to support," Calvin MacCormack, manager of the solar farm, said during the announcement.

" [The Historical Society is] doing a tremendous job of not only hounding us to get this moving along but really making a difference in your community in what is really a worthy endeav or."

" What we've done is brought a little of the capital to the table, but the group of people you have and your time and effort is worth much more than that and we do appreciate it."

T here's another partner Maurer says was instrumental in helping this all come together.

When the Historical Society knew the deal with Northland Power was a possibility, they applied for and received a Nipissing East Community Opportunities grant to create a business plan. With the fund and support from the three municipalities, they hired consultant Karen Jones from North Bay to look at the viability of having two locations.

" This has been one of the most exciting projects that I' v e had the opportunity of working on for a while and I think the reason for that is that Rick [Evans, a project partner] and I saw great potential from the beginning and got a sense of what the vision and the big picture was. But it's the community passion that really struck us, " Jones said at the announcement.

" Both Rick and I were very taken back by the community support throughout the region and the number of people who just wanted to get involved. And of course under the leadership of Linda and with Northland Power being so optimistic about that big picture and that vision, it's just been a really great project and I'm really looking forward to seeing how things develop and progress and thank you for the opportunity."

Maurer also thanked the three municipalities Armour, Burk’s Falls, and Ryerson for their ongoing support.

" On behalf of the village we're proud to congratulate the historical society on their huge success to the expansion here of Watt Farm, " Burk's Falls deputy reeve Rex Smith told the audience. "To the society, job well done and we look forward to discovering more of our past."

The stars aligned and everything fell into place, and this is going to be an excellent opportunity for the area, Armour reeve Bob MacPhail said.

T he Burk's Falls and District Historical Society meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Fell Homes apartments, though the next meeting is on Monday, March 2.

" It ' s only been able to come together because we have increased our membership because of this project," Maurer said.

There is a definite interest in expanding what we have.

Thinking of those who didn't come back

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:59:32 GMT

The Huntsville Forester wrote an article on Lorne Main, WWII Veteran attached to the Toronto Scottish Regiment. Lorne is also an active member of the Burk's Fal ls & District Historical

He was 15 when he joined the militia and 18 when he went on active duty in 1944.

Like his peers, he was hoping to go overseas and see action, but he was never sent.

Throughout the Second World War Main was stationed all around Ontario.

They kicked me around all over the place, he said. I was even on the tank range at Meaford for awhile. It wasn't until after the war that he learned of an unspoken army policy that aimed to keep at least one family member safe on Canadian soil.

Main's two brothers and his sister were all in Europe, serving with the army and the air force by the time his turn came around.

They followed in the footsteps of his father Thomas Bennett Main, who fought with the Second Canadian Pioneer Battalion in the First World War and won the Military Medal for bravery. He fought in the infamous battle of Passchendaele in Belgium, a major engagement, lasting five months in 1917. While the staggering number of casualties remains the subject of debate, from July until Nov. 6, when Canadian troops took the ridge, the battle cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides. This, to take eight kilometres of mud and swampland.

Fortunately, at the end of the Second World War all the Main children made it home in one piece. We consider ourselves lucky for that, he said.

Main finally made it to Europe just this year when he joined fellow members of the Toronto Scottish Regiment to take part of the unveiling of a monument in the village of Meppel, Holland. The regiment was the first to liberate the village at the end of the Second World War.

The monument is black stone with the regimental crest emblazoned on it and is dedicated to the people of Meppel.

Main felt a real connection with the Dutch people on his visit.

The people wanted us there and they wanted our monument in their park, he said.

He is touched by the way schoolchildren in Holland are taught about the Canadian troops, their bravery and their sacrifice.

Its a fabulous thing, he said. There must have been a couple hundred of them and they all had red roses they laid at the foot of the monument.

When Main returned home to Burk's Falls he received a medal from the people of Holland that bears the words, Thank you Canada.

I'l l be at the Huntsville Legion on Remembrance Day and I’ll be wearing it there, he said of the medal.

Main was born in East York but built a cottage with his father in Burk's Falls in the 1950s. He met his wife Marjorie at the end of the war and the couple moved to the area permanently in 1981. His daughter and three grandchildren still make use of the original cottage.

I'v e been a member of the legion for 65 years, said Main. Remembrance Day reminds you of all the people who didn't come back along with the ones who did. I had school chums who went over and never came back a nd that 's one of the sad things of it.

Source: http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/3647111-thinking-of-those-who-didn-t-come-back