Monday, August 1, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 01 August 2016



I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History 

War of 1812

In 1814, the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812 was fought at Lundy's Lane. The British suffered 878 casualties, with 84 killed. Although neither side (American/Canadian) could claim victory, the battle checked the advance of invading U.S. forces, and they withdrew to Fort Erie.




If you want to read more, go to http://www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/56

Chief Dan George 


In 1899, Oscar-nominated actor Chief Dan George was born on the Burrard Indian Reserve in B.C. He died in 1981.

If you would like to read more, go to http://www.canadaka.net/modules.php?name=Famous_Canadians&action=viewperson&person=401





Social Media 

(Audio) A century later, Great Matheson Fire of 1916 still deadliest in Canadian history 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/100-years-great-matheson-fire-1916-1.3689061

Nobody knows for sure how it started.

But the bush around Matheson, Ontario caught fire on July 29, 1916 and burned for days.

By the time the flames were extinguished, some 200 people had suffocated or burned to death, with coffins piled up on the railway tracks.

Whole communities were completely destroyed, including Matheson and Iroquois Falls.

(Video) Adoption in Alberta: No family history? No problem for these adoptive parents 

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/insight/adoption-in-alberta-no-family-history-no-problem-for-these-adoptive-parents

Three years ago, Brett Kerley and Shannon Qualie stood in an Ethiopian orphanage holding a tiny baby girl.

Their daughter. Nora.

(Video) Aviation History on Display in Brandon Manitoba 

http://www.netnewsledger.com/2016/07/25/aviation-history-display-brandon-manitoba/ 

19,000 airmen and women died during World War Two. Many of those individuals trained in Brandon, Manitoba as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Program. Bases like the Brandon training facility provided training for many of those pilots who fought during World War Two.

(Photos) Woodstock waiting for report on historic building's condition after fire 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/woodstock-fire-mayor-rose-building-heritage-1.3696918

The mayor of Woodstock hopes to salvage the facade of an historic building destroyed by fire and rebuild the downtown heritage area left gutted by the blaze.

(Photos) Birds eye view of the St-Isidore church fire 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/birds-eye-view-of-the-st-isidore-church-fire-1.3695610

Several hundred residents in the eastern Ontario town of St-Isidore were forced to flee their neighbourhood as a massive fire destroyed the community's Catholic church.

(Video/Photos) Open the 'doors' to Wawa's back roads

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/backroads-bill-wawa-doors-1.3697620

Doors are 'ways in' or 'ways out' of (or to) something.

We usually don't think about the door when we get to it — unless it is a particularly eye-catching one; and there are some artistic ones on the back roads in Northern Ontario.

Newspaper Articles  

Newfoundland 

Digging up the 17th century with MUN's archaeology summer field school 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/memorial-university-archeological-field-school-tors-cove-1.3691139

A group of Memorial University archaeology students has stepped outside the classroom for the summer, to dig up part of the province's history in Tors Cove, on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula.

Nova Scotia  

Halifax firm wins Visit Flanders contract 

http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1383421-halifax-firm-wins-visit-flanders-contract

With renewed interest brought on by the First World War centenary, a Halifax company has won the contract to represent Visit Flanders, a Belgian tourist company.

Group ATN will partner with SGP Conferences and Events Ltd. in Toronto and the North American office of Visit Flanders, headquartered in New York.

Belgian tourism company opens in Halifax to attract Canadians to WW I sites 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/belgium-visit-flanders-halifax-office-1.3693033

An office for a Belgian tourism company has opened its doors in Halifax, to entice more Canadians to visit the battlefields of the First World War — and the site of the iconic In Flanders Fields poem.

Historic crazy quilts, embroidery tell a personal story from the past 

http://www.novanewsnow.com/Living/2016-07-24/article-4597079/Historic-crazy-quilts,-embroidery-tell-a-personal-story-from-the-past/1

Crazy quilts handed down through the generations often carry deep personal meaning and represent much more than scraps of old fabric sewn together.

Nova Scotia trips offer glimpses into 10,000-year history 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/5-stops-for-your-nova-scotia-magical-history-tour-1.3683997

With more than 10,000 years of human history, the land of Nova Scotia and the Mi'kmaq packs enough history to fill up your entire summer.

Prince Edward Island 

Summerside a step closer to ambitious library project 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/summerside-inspire-learning-1.3696661

The Summerside Rotary Club is moving to take the next step in building the Inspire Learning Centre, an ambitious library project based on similar ideas to the new library in Halifax.

Panmure Island Lighthouse gets make-over as community takes over 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-panmure-lighthouse-1.3697667

The red and white paint on the Panmure Island Lighthouse glistens in the summer sunshine as visitors and locals stop by to check out the lighthouse's fresh new look.

New Brunswick 

Highland Games celebrate Scottish culture in New Brunswick

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-highland-games-1.3692509

The sounds of bagpipes and drums are cutting through the hot, humid air in downtown Fredericton this weekend as New Brunswickers gather to celebrate Scottish culture.

McAdam seeks funds to repair historic railway station's damaged roof 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/mcadam-railway-station-roof-repair-1.3693487

McAdam is asking the federal and provincial governments to pitch in to fix the roof of the McAdam Railway Station that was damaged during a storm in March.

Frank Carroll, a former mayor of the southwestern village, said the roof on the heritage building was damaged during a powerful winter storm.

Quebec

Name of an unremarkable Rivière-des-Prairies street has a remarkable history 

http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/second-draft-name-of-an-unremarkable-riviere-des-prairies-street-has-a-remarkable-history

Rue Panis-Charles, in Rivière des Prairies, is a short street of newish, two-storey dwellings in brick and stone. Pleasant though it is, little in its appearance distinguishes it from other streets nearby. Yet what a story lies behind its name.

Montreal Aviation Museum flying high as an attraction 

What was once the best kept secret on the West Island is getting a lot more attention these days.

The Montreal Aviation Museum, located in an old cow barn on McGill University’s McDonald campus, is a rebranding of the Canadian Aviation Heritage Centre.

Ontario 

Ottawa River finally gets heritage river designation — but just the Ontario part 

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-river-finally-gets-heritage-river-designation-but-just-the-ontario-part

Parks Canada is ending a decade-long campaign to win recognition for Canada’s “original trans-Canada highway” with the announcement Thursday morning that the federal and Ontario governments have designated the Ontario portion of the Ottawa River as a Canadian Heritage River.

Ontario government selling 3 heritage homes between Guelph and Kitchener 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/mto-guelph-heritage-homes-for-sale-1.3697707

A heritage home at a relatively cheap price might sound like a dream in the current real estate market, but it could be a reality for motivated buyers.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has three stone farmhouses for sale on properties between Kitchener and Guelph, but there is a catch — you have to move them.

Tragedy of MS St. Louis remains a blot on Canada’s history 

https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2016/07/25/tragedy-of-ms-st-louis-remains-a-blot-on-canadas-history.html

In her book, “The Saddest Ship Afloat,” Allison Lawlor tells how Canada and other countries closed their doors to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939.

Westmount recognized for historic national significance by Canadian government 

http://globalnews.ca/news/2846710/westmount-recognized-for-historic-national-significance-by-canadian-government/

For Westmount Mayor Peter Trent, it was a moment 16 years in the making: the federal government recognized Westmount Monday with a plaque to commemorate the city’s historic national significance.

Toronto Public Library creating Chinese Canadian Archive 

http://www.metronews.ca/news/toronto/2016/07/27/toronto-public-library-creating-chinese-canadian-archive.html

Toronto Public Library is looking for treasures from your grandma’s attic to build the city’s first Chinese Canadian Archive. It is expected to open this fall.

Manitoba 

Mural honours Manitoba suffragettes 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mural-honours-manitoba-suffragettes-388180442.html

The Manitoba women who fought for their right to vote are being recognized on the latest addition to Winnipeg's outdoor mural collection.

A Woman's Parliament, painted by local artist Mandy Van Leeuwen at 560 Sargent Ave., is being unveiled Tuesday morning by the West End BIZ.

Port of Churchill once looked forward to 'great fleets of the future'

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/history-of-port-of-churchill-1.3697864

In the fall of 1931, crowds gathered along the shores in northern Manitoba to watch two steamships pull into the Port of Churchill.

It was a historic moment for Canada's first deepwater arctic port.

Alberta 

Exploring women’s history in the Rockies 

http://www.fitzhugh.ca/exploring-womens-history-in-the-rockies/

University of Alberta professor Colleen Skidmore has spent most of her career researching the history of Canadian photography from the 19th and 20th century, with a particular interest in women’s photographic practices in front of and behind the camera’s lens.

British Columbia 

Lawsuits leave lodge in Glacier National Park derelict 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/glacier-park-lodge-derelict-1.3677278

When Alicia Fox drove through B.C.'s historic Rogers Pass this summer, she was amazed by the stunning mountains that frame the Trans-Canada Highway.

History of famous Vancouver Chinatown restaurant revealed through collected menus 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/history-of-famous-vancouver-chinatown-restaurant-revealed-through-collected-menus-1.3692214

The WK Gardens was once a popular Chinese restaurant in Vancouver's Chinatown that hosted special dinners for notable figures like former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and was visited by stars like actor Gary Cooper and Frank Sinatra.

Canadian Stories this Week  

Heritage Day 


Today is a holiday in many provinces, including Ontario, and in Ottawa, it's Lt-Colonel By Day – the founder of the city – known as Bytown Days. He was the supervisor of the building of the Rideau Canal.

Celebrations will be held at the museum, where there will be “a heritage-themed events and entertainment, including blacksmithing, lace making, and musketry demonstrations, interactive tabletop exhibits, costumed characters, free admission to the Bytown Museum”

It's going to be a nice sunny day today, so get out and enjoy yourself at the museum.

If you can't go, visit the museum at http://www.bytowndays.ca/

Korean War


Prime Minster Justin Trudeau paid homage to the Korean War Veterans by saying that “On June 25, 1950, Communist armies from the North charged across the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea. Over the next several years, more than 26,000 Canadians – many veterans of the Second World War, and some still teenagers – left behind their loved ones to defend a country half a world away”.

He pointed out that 516 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice, and approximately 7,000 Canadians continued to serve in the tense theatre of operations between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955.

To read more about the Korean War, go to Korean War (1950 – 1953) at Veterans Affairs website,
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/korean-war and the

KOREA VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA INC at http://www.kvacanada.com/canadians_in_the_korean_war.htm

Library and Archives Canada


Some more news has come from the Library and Archives Canada concerning the 100th anniversary of the First World War. They have two initiatives, and they are -

100 Stories: Canadians who served in the First World War

This was a series of stories that was started last year with the debut of 11 stories on Remembrance Day, 2015.

The website is http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/100-stories/Pages/introduction.aspx

Citizen Archivists at LAC

The Friends of the Library and Archives Canada has started to work with the database of the First World War by adding their advanced search with the options such as the place of birth, place and date of enlistment.

The article says that 700 records have been enhanced already.

Their website is http://friendsoflibraryandarchivescanada.ca/en/home.php

Have you written your family history yet?


If you haven't yet, maybe you should read the information by fellow Canadian Lynn Palermo, The Armchair Genealogist, at www.thearmchairgenealogist.com

And don't forget, Lynn was interviewed by Marian Pierre-Louis of The Genealogy Professional Podcast earlier this summer. You can hear the podcast at http://www.thegenealogyprofessional.com/lynn-palermo/

As she says “Not only will a family history book preserve your family legacy but it will be your legacy”.

And that was the week in Canadian news!

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012!

Be sure to tell your friends about us.

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz

(c) 2016 All rights reserved.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 25 July 2016



I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History 

Veterans Land Act (VLA)

1942 – Parliament passes Veterans Land Act (VLA), to award land grants or home mortgages to returning veterans. I didn't realize that this lasted until 1975. My paternal uncles took advantage of this program after the Second World War. 



1945 – Royal Canadian Navy ammunition barge catches fire in Bedord Basin, Nova Scotia; the magazine explodes for 24 hours, causing evacuation of half the city’s population. 






1976 – Montréal Olympics events begin 1976 – Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, age 14, performing on the uneven parallel bars, scores the First perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history 




Social Media 

(Photo) Memorial University of Newfoundland continues daunting digital archives initiative 


The Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative (DAI) is a project of the university aimed at the preservation of materials with historical and cultural value, while broadening access for the public. 

It brings items kept throughout the university’s collections straight into the hands of private users. The online archives include paper records such as manuscripts, diaries, photographs, pamphlets and posters, and also audio and video recordings. 

To read what has already been digitized, go to http://collections.mun.ca/ 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland-Labrador 

Lost in history: Memory of WW I flying ace returns home after century away 


He was a hometown kid — a hero of the First World War, a personal friend of Lester B. Pearson, and a descendant of Swedish nobility. 

And then, as quickly as he came, Baron Carl Falkenberg was forgotten for a century. 

Newfoundland's Mistaken Point named UNESCO World Heritage site 


A Newfoundland ecological reserve that holds ancient evidence of some of Earth's oldest creatures is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Volunteer group giving up heritage church in Port au Port West 


The Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church in Port au Port West, which at the time of its completion was the largest wooden church in the province, is now in need of new caretakers after the volunteer group that looks after it announced it's giving up that job. 

Nova Scotia 

Fortress of Louisbourg celebrates 18th-century life during CultureFête 2016 


Visitors to the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton this weekend will see hands-on demonstrations of 18th century medicine, among other events celebrating everyday life during the fortress's heyday. 

"Party is on!' Nova Scotia man pens his own larger-than-life obituary 


Paul Culligan knew how to make people laugh, even in his obituary. 

History: A look at the Cornwallis River 


Recently, for example, Kentville reader John Cochrane asked me if we knew much about the history of the Cornwallis River and if it had Acadian, Planter or Mi’kmaq links. 

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre celebrates one year 


The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown is turning one year old this weekend, and members of the African Nova Scotian community are ready to celebrate. 

Prince Edward Island 

People can dig through time at Orwell Corner archaeology project 


Islanders and tourists have a unique opportunity to dig through time at a public archaeology project at the Orwell Corner historic village. 

Over the next two weeks, anyone is welcome to drop by the excavation of a mid- to late-nineteenth century home that was part of the Scottish settlement at this historic site. 

Quebec 

Montebello, Que., attracts crowds, political elite with history and scenery 


Montebello — a small municipality in western Quebec about an hour's drive from the nation's capital — has a long history of attracting crowds that range from families to Canada's political elite. 

Ontario 

Gaps in census mean Canadians are being left out of history 


If more people don’t consent to making census information available after 92 years, two of every five Canadians will effectively fade from memory. 

Streetcar No. 696 gets facelift and new lease on life leading up to her 100th birthday 


Ottawa streetcar No. 696 will celebrate her 100th birthday next year and, truth be told, she’s broken down and showing her age. She was, after all, born in the reign of Robert Borden, during the First World War, and was, quite literally, ridden hard and put away wet. 

Military museum annual open house is July 31 


The Canadian Military Heritage Museum will host its annual open house on Sunday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit the museum at 347 Greenwich St. to discover Canada's military history from the War of 1812 to current events. 

Newly discovered version of O Canada offers peek into our history 


You might think Canada has always been the “true north, strong and free.” 

But, turns out, the song that would become our national anthem has gone through more than a few changes over the years. 

Manitoba 

Highway renamed in honour of John Bracken 


Premier Brian Pallister announced Monday that John Bracken Highway will be the official name of a 195-kilometre section of PTH 10 from the International Peace Garden north to Riding Mountain National Park to honour the longest-serving premier in Manitoba history 

Storm the trenches: Camp Hughes comes alive this weekend in Manitoba 


More than 80 years after the soldiers moved out, Manitoba's Camp Hughes — home to the only intact First World War trench system in North America — is coming back to life. 

Saskatchewan 

New Saskatoon bridge getting Indigenous 


Once completed, Saskatoon's new bridge in the north will have a name reflecting Aboriginal people's history and contributions.

Alberta 

New museum exhibits celebrate city’s rich history 

The Flatiron Museum and Interpretive Centre opened its doors last Thursday evening for the grand opening of two new exhibits. 

Both “The Origins of Lacombe’s Dutch Community” and “Catalysts for Change: Local Women and the Suffrage Movement” exhibits will be on display for the next year, giving local residents and visitors to the community plenty of opportunity to learn about Lacombe’s ties to what have been proud moments in Canada’s national history. 

British Columbia 


This is the second installment of a series of columns produced by the Coquitlam Heritage Society to coincide with the city of Coquitlam’s 125th birthday this year. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Conference 2017 

Did you realize that Conference 2017, the conference to be held at Ottawa, Ontario, has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioGenealogicalSocietyConference/posts/1001401453230794?notif_t=notify_me_page&notif_id=1468770302466413 ? 

Following the Facebook page is a good way to keep up on the happenings at the OGS conference, and of course, always check out their website at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/conference-2017/. More will be added as tine goes on. 

Celebrating 125 years of Ukrainian history in Canada (1891-2016) 

The premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, declared 2016 as the anniversary of the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada 

According to the provincial government, more than 13 per cent of Saskatchewan residents can trace part or all of their ancestry to Ukraine. 

They have been celebrating in various ways, including the release of a coin the first ever egg-shaped coin - egg-shaped, and brightly coloured, because it's of a Pysanka. 

One place to visit is the Ukrainian Museum of Canada which has displays of archives and a library where you can look for information about the immigration. The website is http://www.umc.sk.ca/page/library 


By the way, work has started on the Holocaust Memorial near the Canadian War Museum, and it is expected to be finished by 2017. 


One more thing to note, is the Holocaust Memorial is built in Ottawa near the Museum of War, is making good progress. 

To find out more about the National Holocaust Monument, go to http://holocaustmonument.ca/ 


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c) 2016 All rights reserved.

Canadian Week in Review 25 July 2016


I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History 

Veterans Land Act (VLA)

1942 – Parliament passes Veterans Land Act (VLA), to award land grants or home mortgages to returning veterans. I didn't realize that this lasted until 1975. My paternal uncles took advantage of this program after the Second World War. 



1945 – Royal Canadian Navy ammunition barge catches fire in Bedord Basin, Nova Scotia; the magazine explodes for 24 hours, causing evacuation of half the city’s population. 






1976 – Montréal Olympics events begin 1976 – Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, age 14, performing on the uneven parallel bars, scores the First perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history 




Social Media 

(Photo) Memorial University of Newfoundland continues daunting digital archives initiative 


The Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative (DAI) is a project of the university aimed at the preservation of materials with historical and cultural value, while broadening access for the public. 

It brings items kept throughout the university’s collections straight into the hands of private users. The online archives include paper records such as manuscripts, diaries, photographs, pamphlets and posters, and also audio and video recordings. 

To read what has already been digitized, go to http://collections.mun.ca/ 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland-Labrador 

Lost in history: Memory of WW I flying ace returns home after century away 


He was a hometown kid — a hero of the First World War, a personal friend of Lester B. Pearson, and a descendant of Swedish nobility. 

And then, as quickly as he came, Baron Carl Falkenberg was forgotten for a century. 

Newfoundland's Mistaken Point named UNESCO World Heritage site 


A Newfoundland ecological reserve that holds ancient evidence of some of Earth's oldest creatures is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Volunteer group giving up heritage church in Port au Port West 


The Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church in Port au Port West, which at the time of its completion was the largest wooden church in the province, is now in need of new caretakers after the volunteer group that looks after it announced it's giving up that job. 

Nova Scotia 

Fortress of Louisbourg celebrates 18th-century life during CultureFête 2016 


Visitors to the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton this weekend will see hands-on demonstrations of 18th century medicine, among other events celebrating everyday life during the fortress's heyday. 

"Party is on!' Nova Scotia man pens his own larger-than-life obituary 


Paul Culligan knew how to make people laugh, even in his obituary. 

History: A look at the Cornwallis River 


Recently, for example, Kentville reader John Cochrane asked me if we knew much about the history of the Cornwallis River and if it had Acadian, Planter or Mi’kmaq links. 

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre celebrates one year 


The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown is turning one year old this weekend, and members of the African Nova Scotian community are ready to celebrate. 

Prince Edward Island 

People can dig through time at Orwell Corner archaeology project 


Islanders and tourists have a unique opportunity to dig through time at a public archaeology project at the Orwell Corner historic village. 

Over the next two weeks, anyone is welcome to drop by the excavation of a mid- to late-nineteenth century home that was part of the Scottish settlement at this historic site. 

Quebec 

Montebello, Que., attracts crowds, political elite with history and scenery 


Montebello — a small municipality in western Quebec about an hour's drive from the nation's capital — has a long history of attracting crowds that range from families to Canada's political elite. 

Ontario 

Gaps in census mean Canadians are being left out of history 


If more people don’t consent to making census information available after 92 years, two of every five Canadians will effectively fade from memory. 

Streetcar No. 696 gets facelift and new lease on life leading up to her 100th birthday 


Ottawa streetcar No. 696 will celebrate her 100th birthday next year and, truth be told, she’s broken down and showing her age. She was, after all, born in the reign of Robert Borden, during the First World War, and was, quite literally, ridden hard and put away wet. 

Military museum annual open house is July 31 


The Canadian Military Heritage Museum will host its annual open house on Sunday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit the museum at 347 Greenwich St. to discover Canada's military history from the War of 1812 to current events. 

Newly discovered version of O Canada offers peek into our history 


You might think Canada has always been the “true north, strong and free.” 

But, turns out, the song that would become our national anthem has gone through more than a few changes over the years. 

Manitoba 

Highway renamed in honour of John Bracken 


Premier Brian Pallister announced Monday that John Bracken Highway will be the official name of a 195-kilometre section of PTH 10 from the International Peace Garden north to Riding Mountain National Park to honour the longest-serving premier in Manitoba history 

Storm the trenches: Camp Hughes comes alive this weekend in Manitoba 


More than 80 years after the soldiers moved out, Manitoba's Camp Hughes — home to the only intact First World War trench system in North America — is coming back to life. 

Saskatchewan 

New Saskatoon bridge getting Indigenous 


Once completed, Saskatoon's new bridge in the north will have a name reflecting Aboriginal people's history and contributions.

Alberta 

New museum exhibits celebrate city’s rich history 

The Flatiron Museum and Interpretive Centre opened its doors last Thursday evening for the grand opening of two new exhibits. 

Both “The Origins of Lacombe’s Dutch Community” and “Catalysts for Change: Local Women and the Suffrage Movement” exhibits will be on display for the next year, giving local residents and visitors to the community plenty of opportunity to learn about Lacombe’s ties to what have been proud moments in Canada’s national history. 

British Columbia 


This is the second installment of a series of columns produced by the Coquitlam Heritage Society to coincide with the city of Coquitlam’s 125th birthday this year. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Conference 2017 

Did you realize that Conference 2017, the conference to be held at Ottawa, Ontario, has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioGenealogicalSocietyConference/posts/1001401453230794?notif_t=notify_me_page&notif_id=1468770302466413 ? 

Following the Facebook page is a good way to keep up on the happenings at the OGS conference, and of course, always check out their website at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/conference-2017/. More will be added as tine goes on. 

Celebrating 125 years of Ukrainian history in Canada (1891-2016) 

The premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, declared 2016 as the anniversary of the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada 

According to the provincial government, more than 13 per cent of Saskatchewan residents can trace part or all of their ancestry to Ukraine. 

They have been celebrating in various ways, including the release of a coin the first ever egg-shaped coin - egg-shaped, and brightly coloured, because it's of a Pysanka. 

One place to visit is the Ukrainian Museum of Canada which has displays of archives and a library where you can look for information about the immigration. The website is http://www.umc.sk.ca/page/library 


By the way, work has started on the Holocaust Memorial near the Canadian War Museum, and it is expected to be finished by 2017. 


One more thing to note, is the Holocaust Memorial is built in Ottawa near the Museum of War, is making good progress. 

To find out more about the National Holocaust Monument, go to http://holocaustmonument.ca/ 


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c) 2016 All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 18 July 2016



I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too. 

This Week in Canadian History

Wilfrid Laurier

1896 – Wilfrid Laurier was sworn in as Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, succeeding Charles Tupper.  He died in 1919 in Ottawa.  He entered the House of Commons on 26 March 1874, and became the had of the Liberal party in 1887. 



Lord’s Day Act 

1906 – Senate passes the Lord’s Day Act, restricting trade, labour and recreation on Sundays; struck down by Supreme Court of Canada in 1985, Coincidentally, it was Wilfrid Laurier who introduced the Lord’s Day Act in 1906 to the House of Commons.   




Social Media 

(Photos) Still hope for mill 


Stanley MacDonald, who purchased the mill from its last miller, Warren Leard, and donated it to the museum, said it is still his wish to save the building. He admitted, though, the board has been unsuccessful convincing funding partners to jump onboard. 

(Photos) Bringing history to life at Upper Canada Village 


If you had a chance to stop by Upper Canada Village over the weekend, you may have thought you stepped into another world. 

Villagers dressed in traditional 1800s garb and soldiers in British and American uniforms had set up camp in tiny white tents, along with a stable of horses and a military surgeon, for the re-enactment of a battle that some say saved Canada during the War of 1812 -- the Battle of Crysler's Farm. 

(Photos) This Week in Hants History 


Here's a look at what was making the news 35 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal

(Photos) McNabs Island's crumbling historic houses deserve to be saved, guide says 


A private shuttle operator in Eastern Passage, N.S., is calling on the province to repair three historic houses which sit within the boundaries of McNabs Island Provincial Park before they are completely ruined and devoid of historic value. 

‘Postcards From the Train’ debuts at Corner Brook's historic train site Tuesday 


Set at the Railway Society of Newfoundland Historic Train Site on Riverside Drive, the play, which opens Tuesday, will weave through the site as the audience hops on and off the two trains at the site. 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland 

Behind barbed wire

Some cut 12 tons of stone a day at quarries, while others toiled from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m. on farms. 

One soldier describes being locked in a dark room with a window covered in bricks and a barrel by the door to use as a latrine. 

Prince Edward Island 

P.E.I. National Park getting $23M in upgrades 


The federal government announced $23-million in upgrades for P.E.I. National Park Thursday. The improvement include seven different projects 

Beaches rehabilitation: $4.3 million. 

Rehabilitation of park entrances: $5.3 million. 

Trails rehabilitation: $2 million. 

Water and wastewater system improvements: $1.6 million. 

Green Gables rehabilitation: $9.5 million.  

Operational and directional signage: $427,000. 

Ardgowan landscape conservation maintenance: $304,000. 

Charlottetown aims to have Victoria Park bandstand ready for 2017 


Charlottetown wants to start construction on a new bandstand in Victoria Park this fall, so it will be ready for celebrations of Canada's 150th birthday next year. 

Nova Scotia 

Sydney neighbourhood boundaries, history captured in new map

A Cape Breton-centric website has posted a map that attempts to get a handle on the various historic, if unofficial, neighbourhoods in Sydney, N.S. 

Canada’s one and only ‘Black Battalion’ celebrated in parade 


The premier of Nova Scotia and high-ranking military officials gathered in Pictou, N.S. to mark the 100th anniversary of the first and only segregated black military unit in the Canadian history. 

Reminiscing on the Past and Preserving History 


A new project by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador will help preserve provincial history by recording stories from seniors across the island. 

Ontario 

Historicist: Wicket Little Town 


Due to the limited source material available, it is unclear when the game (cricket) was first played in York. 

Historic PoW site in Ontario to get new lease on life 


The derelict buildings of historic Camp 30, believed to be Canada’s only remaining prisoner of war camp from the Second World War, which were once feared unsalvageable, have emerged victorious against the test of time. 

Manitoba 

Capturing the spirit of early Winnipeg 


The Spirit of Red River exhibit holds photographs, documents, postcards, letters and maps that tell the story of the people and places who contributed to the fabric of the community in the early 1880s. 

Alberta 

Documenting Alberta's quilts 


Become a part of Alberta's quilt history by bringing in your pre-1970s quilts for documentation at the Grande Prairie Museum this weekend. 

The Western Canadian History Program at the Royal Alberta Museum has been working on a research initiative to document the material culture of craft production within Alberta. 

Special day celebrates unique history 


Trick shooting and storytelling are among the day’s events as a Foothills national historic site celebrates its existence this weekend. 

The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is joining the Canada-wide Parks Day on July 16 to showcase what makes the park unique. 

The ranch, established in 1882, was among a small group of large corporate ranches that operated during the early pioneer days in western Canada. 

British Columbia 

Plaque pays honour to internees

http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/community/386473051.html?mobile=true

Motorists travelling along a section of Highway 6 will be reminded of a dark chapter in Canadian history.

The Father Pandosy Mission Society received funding under the 2013-18 Canada-British Columbia Official Language Agreement on French Language Services. This money will be used to translate promotional material for the Father Pandosy mission heritage site. 

The North 

Postcards from the Canadian North

https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic 

In June, a group of ambassadors and high commissioners packed their bags and flew north for a nine-day tour of northern Canada. They came from all over the globe – the U.S., the E.U., Africa and Asia – to learn more about the Canadian Arctic, its environment, peoples and cultures. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Arcadian Tour 2016 

Have you seen the picture that Lucie LeBlanc Consentino from Massachusetts has been putting on her Facebook page about the Arcadian Tour 2016? They are terrific! 

The picture are of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and for the past week, she has been leading a bus tour of the different Acadia communities. 

Her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/luciemc?pnref=lhc.unseen, and her wensitem the Acadian & French-Canadian Ancestral Home is at http://www.acadian-home.org/frames.html 

Quinte Branch (Ontario Genealogical Society) 

Did you know that the Quinte Branch has a new and unproved Names Index Database and the new Quinte Branch Surname Interest List (SIL), both of them downlaodable lists? 

The older Names Index Database now has 1.35 Million Names, I have had the occasion to use the first database, and have found it very useful for clues in my research. Do not use them as records, but only as clues. 

The website for this database is https://snap360.ca/quinteogs/ 

They sat that “The SIL is comprised of family surnames of interest to our members, past members and library contacts (AKA the providers), based on their research focus in Hastings, Prince Edward, and neighboring Counties.” 

You can look forward it to be updated twice a year - June and December. 



Digitizing of First World War files

The Library and Archives Canada keeps “rolling on” , as it were, with the digitizing project, Soldiers of the first World War: 1914 - 1918 because of July the 15th they have 307,588 of 640,000 files are now available online. 

The latest box which has been digitized is Box 5218 and Knaggs. 

I used a file just this past week, and found the digitizing progress very good. The file is right there, it is free (because it is housed at the Library and Archives Canada), and easy to use. 


And that was the week in Canadian news!

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