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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-12-11, Page 22The new Huron Historical Notes has been published and this year’s effort has a lot to offer Blyth residents in particular. The annual project of the Huron County Historical Society, focuses this year on The Repository of Blyth History, compiled by local buffs Brock and Janis Vodden. The 48- page magazine is a small sample of the collection the couple has amassed over the past several years of research. “We hoped we were showing the different sources we have, the memoirs and newspapers,” said Janis. Members of both the Historical Society and the local branch of the Ontario Geneological Society, the Voddens were approached by the rest of the membership about sharing the information they have gathered for the 2008 Notes. “I think that they were intrigued by the idea that small groups or individuals can collect the history of a community and give it vibrancy,” said Janis. “Now we’re in a position, we think, to show what an amateur can do.” With dozens of requests for information and data coming their way weekly, Janis jokes that the collection she began modestly has become a 24-hour a day job. “But we love it. We absolutely love it. I’m often up at 3 a.m. because a call will have come in.” Brock does most of the computer cataloguing, while his wife collects and organizes. “I don’t think you will find as many people as intent as Janis is at keeping this information and organizing it,” said Brock. The Voddens’efforts began simply enough with a personal project of collecting local history. “We didn’t want people to be forgotten. Names should be spoken,” said Janis. “We were also curious about businesses,” said Brock, “their locations and who ran them.” That their hobby was going to burgeon became evident “about a week after we started,” laughs Janis. Having begun a compilation ofchurch lists, the Voddens soon foundthemselves with 200 names, whichthey then began applying to codes bydenomination. They now have approximately 9,000 index cards, dozens of binders and hundreds of photographs. When someone comes to them in search of information Brock said that to a large extent they’ve relied on memory as to whether they have anything relevant to the person in their collection. “But as we get more and more into the computer it will be easier to access the information,” said Brock. “When you get into the computer you can capture a name because of everything from a marriage certificate to an obituary, even if they’d been listed as a pallbearer.” They have scoured newspapers, photocopied and travelled. They have logged miles, purchased bookcases to hold their collection and spent a fortune on binders. “But I figure it’s cheaper than golfing,” said Janis. The Voddens have been pleased with the many new acquaintances they have made, people who have visited and stayed in Blyth while searching for their roots. “One woman came and stayed a week,” said Janis. Compiling the Notes was just one more step in their labour of love, what Janis describes as helping people cement the few things they have of their history into a mosaic. But this mosaic is for Blyth. “Blyth has had some really good little histories done over the years, but county-wide publications have tended to neglect it,” said Brock. “It tells me that in a little town if you want to preserve your history you have to do it yourself.” The Historical Notes are available at The Citizen or the Huron County Museum. The cost is $8. PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008.Notes feature Repository Keeping history The Repository of Blyth History is in the able hands of Janis and Brock Vodden. The couple has been dedicated to researching, locating, cataloguing and preserving all things Blyth for some time now and have as a result amassed an extensive collection stored on computer, in binders and on index cards. (Bonnie Gropp photo) A last minute gift idea! Buy a 1-year electronic subscription T h e C i t i z e n If you have access to the internet you can get the news the same day you do at home, at no extra cost ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD Excellent idea for those who live far from home. Go on-line to: www.northhuron.on.ca and click on to subscribe today! to The Citizen for only $3400 A gift that keeps on giving 50 times a year! No more waiting days for delivery: You can access the full edition of The Citizen on the day it’s published No exorbitant postal costs. The same local subscription price of $34.00 applies. For more information call:The Citizen 519-523-4792 The Holiday Season gives us the opportunity to turn our attention away from business matters and express our deepest thanks and warmest wishes to all. It also gives us the time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. May you have a wonderful holiday filled with the love of family and friends and may the New Year bring you and yours Peace and Prosperity. The Staff and Management of HOWATT BROS. TRANSPORT Phone: 357-3210 Fax: 357-2931 Website: www.lwha.ca WINGHAM & DISTRICT HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS CHRISTMAS MEMORYTREE During the month of December 2008 a Christmas Memory Tree will be set up in the Terrace Room, Wingham Hospital. The community is invit- ed to bring an ornament, or use one provided for you, and place it on the tree in memory of your loved one. A 'memory book' will be available to write a 'memory' of your loved one. Take some time to 'sit a while' with your memories of your loved one. Sponsored by Huron Hospice Volunteer Service, Wingham Site - Kathy Procter, 519-357-2720. When you are coming to the Emergency Department or are being admit- ted to the hospital, please bring all your medications with you, both pre- scription and over the counter remedies. This will help us to know exact- ly what medications you are taking and will improve our ability to provide the best possible safe care. Visitors - Influenza season is approaching again! Help protect our patients by: • Getting the influenza ("flu") vaccine • Washing your hands when you enter and leave the hospital • Not visiting if you are ill “Excellence in Rural Health Care” BRING YOUR MEDICATIONS INFECTION PREVENTION By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen Challenge: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D tomaintain strong bones and protect against osteoporosisSolution:Women 19-50 years of age should consume 1000 mg of calcium and 5ug (200 IU) of Vitamin D per day. Milk and milk products, such as cheese andyogurt provide the most readily available source of calcium and other bonebuilding nutrients. Other sources include calcium-fortified beverages (soy, rice andorange juice) tofu made with calcium sulfate, salmon and sardines with bones,sesame seeds and almonds. Bok choy, kale and broccoli also provide calcium butin smaller amounts. Vitamin D is found in fluid milk, eggs, fish and fish liver oils,margarine as well as in soy and rice beverages fortified with vitamin D. Sunlighton the skin can be a major source of vitamin D but is limited in Canada from October to March and by use of sunscreens. To prevent osteoporosis women are encouraged to get enough calcium, vitamin D and protein, limit caffeine, have sodium in moderation, and keep active particularly with weight-bearing activity.