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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-07-17, Page 15Lynda Hillman -Replay Three generations of Jennie Smillie family on hand for dedication The former Michael P. O'Connor Funeral Home at 120 King Street in Hensall was demolished in June to make way for the new Dr. Jennie Smillie Parkette. The century -old building has been condemned for many years and residents and downtown businesses are glad to see it come down. A new community park will be built on the site whichincludes the adjacent vacant lot. The park will be named after Canada's first woman surgeon Jennie Smillie who was born on a farm near Mensal,. Many residents and community groups including the Hensall Horticultural Society, the Hensel) Agricultural Society and Bluewater Communities in Bloom contributed to the design concept for the parkette. A copy of the concept design can be viewed at the Hensall Library or on the municipal website www.town. bluewater.on.ca. Jennie Robertson (February 10, 1878 - February 26, 1981) was a Canadian physician and the first female surgeon In Canada. Records show that she was born as Jane Smillie in Hensall, Ontario, she was the fourth child of Benjamin Smillie (1839-1886) and his wife, Jane Smillie (nee Buchanan) (1849-1906). The family farm was in the Huron Tract on lot 10, concession 1, in the township of Tuckersmith, one mile north of what is now Hensall, Ontario. She initially became a teacher. She started saving so that she could attend Kingston's Ontario Medical College for Women (which was absorbed into the University of Toronto's medical school in 1906). She graduated in 1909 but no hospital in Toronto would take her for her residency so she had to attend Philadelphia's Women's Medical College. in 1911, she returned to Canada and was the first woman in Canada to perform surgery. She was also the first woman to do major gynecological surgery in Canada. She married Alex Robertson when she was 70. She died In a nursing home in 1981 at the age of 103 and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto Shown here last week three generations of Dr. Jennie Smillie's family were on hand at the dedication ceremony. Front row (left to right): Mary Scafe, Dorothy Elder, Lily Middleton, and Sheron Elder. Middle row: Jane McNaughton, Diane Waun, Sharon Robinson, and Donna Draper. Back: Margaret Smillie, Carolyn Smillie, Ken Elder, Carol Elder, and Susan Middleton. Sarnia Artists' Workshop running for 50 years The Sarnia Artists' Workshop has a little something for everyone. So says group member Karen Schaw, who recently joined the longstanding club to get more exposure to local artists and their respective mediums. "I'rn meeting a lot. of different artists with a lot of different ideas," said Schaw, who was originally interested in acrylics and oil painting, but has since learned more about other forms like pastels and pencil artists. "You're definitely exposed to a lot more." The group, which boasts about 120 members, has been around for 50 years. It is geared towards people in Sarnia- Lambton who want to exchange ideas and share their works of art. "It's not just painting," said Schaw. "We have potters, jewel- ers, photographers - you name it:' Workshops are offered throughout the year, and members often give classes on their respective mediums. Recently, the Sarnia Artists' Workshop held its annual Submitted Ode/ Victor Alderson, a member of Sarnia Artists' Workshop, was recently honoured at the local club's annual Awards Night. Alderson won the David Dunk 3D award for his sailboat. awards night, and this sumnier will help with the City of Sarnia's children's waterfront program. in the fall, the club hosts a large show and sale, "Art at the Lake." This year's show will take place Nov. I to 3 at the I.ambton Inn. "It's just a way for people to get together and share an interest," Schaw said. For more information, visit sarniaar- tistsworkshop.com. tarn jefrey@srtnnredia.ca rIII.' -.1, S1.':.:. '.k: t t4 III 1P• 'J 1 `Your Full Service Home & Garden Centre' • Garden & Landscaping Supplies Asphalt Paving • Retaining Walls Concrete • Fencing • Trees • Irrigation FREE QUOTES 5104241s2.145 166 Bennett St. E., Goderlch www. artslandsc iping. ca SIMON I)FSJARUINF CEP, CLU, RHU, EPC ('r►fi/ird Financial Planner, Chartered 1 U Underwriter 519-238-6399 • investment Funds • RRSP's • Insurance • Mortgages "In Raciness Since Yrar 1000,Owpaisian is our success." Wednesday, July 17, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 15 DON'T MISS OUT! Advertisers...Don't miss out on a great advertising opportunity! Showcase your business in the tr-f, 48th Annu Zurich Bean Festival Program 13,400 Circulation Program will be distributed in The Lakeshore Advance, Goderich Signal - Star, Clinton News Record, Seaforth Huron Expositor & the Supersaver (Mensal!, Zurich, Bayfield & Exeter) Deadline: Wed. 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