HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-07-20, Page 16t Albert is getting revved up for celebration
►re of the book chronl-
tory and settlers of Port
y indication, the cele}
e village's 175th anni-
out to make history.
ey don't do things in a
Port Albert, the village
Mile River in Ashfield
tee of local volunteers
ening the 175th anni-
he settlement with a
f activities, REV'N IN
11 appeal to the whole
elebrate the milestone
three-day event begins
29 with the opening of
e and beer tents and a
ring the Full Nelsons
and carries on right through to mid-
night Sunday, July 31 with live
music and activities.
'It's shaping up really well,"
organizer Gwen Doherty said.
"We've got such a positive crew
and their spirits are good. Volun-
teers have come forward an4 we
may have 100 helping out. It's
going well."
A myriad of activities are planned
for the village with the marquee
events taldng place Saturday; begin-
ning with the opening ceremonies
at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Parade
along London Road and Wellington
Street.
I twill be at the opening ceremo-
nies Saturdaymorning that the offi-
cial history book, all 500 full colour
pages of historical photographs and
stories chronicling the settlement
of the area right up to present day.
Book editor, Nancy Corkum,
didn't reinvent the publishing
wheel, but took the efforts of the
150th anniversary publication team
and expanded and enhanced it
with updates on area residents and
the use of new and previously
unpublished photos.
"We started three years ago and
we wanted to update the 150th
book that was published by Mary
Crawford," Corkum said. "The new
book is dedicated to Mary since she
gathered most of the history for the
first book. We expanded on the
work of the old book because it's
easier to do research now."
The full -colour, coffee-table
book will be unveiled at the open-
ing ceremonies and will be availa-
ble for sale at the festivities. The
latest edition will feature new pho-
tos of residents and older residents
were asked to contribute stories
and reminiscences of their days in
Port Albert.
"It's the story of Port Albert
through their stories and .photos,"
Corkum said. "It's quite compre-
hensive and cottagers participated
and I think they appreciate the area
more than we do."
Such an undertaking involves the
work of many hands and Corkum
relied on the capable research and
proof reading skills of Dianne Brad-
shaw, Isabel Doherty and Donna
Hayden. It was estimated that more
than 1,000 photographs were
scanned for possible use in the
history book:
For Bradshaw, who retired to the
area from Eden Mills, characterized
her volunteer work on the book as _
"fascinating and interesting."
"People really love it here and
like to bring their families here," she
said. "there have been generations
of cottagers coming here and they
quietly love and support the area of
Port Albert."
Only 400 books will be printed
and at least half have been pro -sold.
It will be available at the Welcome
Tent throughout the weekend and
will be available for sale at Finch-
ers'son The Square after Rev'N in
"11"
For information on the weekend
activities, to purcha3e tickets, reg-
ister for the parade or to volunteer,
contac. t the committee at info@
portalbert 175.ca or phone 519-
529-3139.
The planning committee for the Port albert Rev'N in '11 175th celebration has a great weekend of family
events lined up. Members included Diane Maize, Stu Sharp, ken Logtenberg, Nancy Corkum and Sarah
Bender, Keith Doherty and Mark Ryan in the front. Paul Doherty, Sue Orr, Lynn Somers, Kathy Westbrook and
Ed Chilton were also on the committee.