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Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-11-06, Page 20Wednesday, November 6, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 19 DISASTER Last chance to RI view 2013 exhibits u o NI Agency Lives lost a century ago in one of history's great storms 00 the Great Lakes will be memorialized Nov. 3 at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Courtright. It's one of several special events being held in communi- ties along the seaway in November to commemorate the cen- tennial of the Great lakes Storm of 1913 that claimed several ships and more than 250 lives. "If you were to go buck 100 years, Courtright was a very busy port on the river," said Rev. Paul Woolley, of St. Stephen's, located on Milton Street. Because of that, the contnuntty and the church have a connection to history of shipping on the river and the lakes. "Sailors would have come to St. Stephen's when they were in town on Sundays," Woolley said. What became one of the most damaging storms In Great Lakes history began as two separate weather systems that came together over the lakes beginning on Nov. 6, 1913 Winds of 120 km/h and waves 11 metres high sent ships down, and scattered bodies along the Lake 1 luron shoreline in the days that followed. Known as the "White Hurricane," this tempest carried 260 sailors to a watery grave. It is the worst Great lakes nautical disaster of all time, said Maritime Heritage Community member David.MacAdum. His committee is working to build a permanent memorial in Goderich to those who lost their lives, on the 100th anni- versary of the storm. The committee is working in partnership with museums and historical groups on both sides of the border, from Port Huron to Tbbennory. On Nov 9, a cemetery in Errol Village will hold a memorial to one of the sailors whose body was washed ashore a cen- tury ago. The unknown sailor was buried in the local cemetery, the plot unmarked, but village folklore said he was hurled Just inside the now -removed fence, front and centre. Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper, who is also chairman of the town's inactive cemeteries board, said the commemorative stone will be erected at the site. Somewhere between 20 and 30 ships were Impacted by the storm. Some sank and were recovered; others sank and have never been seen since, said Woolley, a maritime enthusiast. He said the storm and Its destruction led to changes in weather reporting and communications on the lakes. "If there had been better reporting and communication, some of the vessels would have ended up in port," Woolley said. `� An 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 3, will be baud on wor- ship forms used a century ago, plus Woolley is encouraging those who can to dress in maritime uniforms or period clothing. An old poem about the storm has been adapted as lyrics for a new song, to he introduced during the service, he said. There will be refreshments in the parish hall on Milton Street following the service. Woolley said the service may develop into an annual com- memoration for those who have lost their lives on the water. 'the latmbton Heritage Museum, located on Highway 21 across from Pinery Park, has scheduled a special fall week- end opening, Nov. 9 and 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.tn., to commemo- rate the centennial. It will be the final weekend visitors can view a small storm exhibit that has been on display at the museum since the start of the summer. Artifacts include ship deck chairs that washed up on shore following the storm, as well as historical photographs of the storm's aftermath. Information on other centennial events In the region is available online at www.1913storm.ca. pant morden@sunmedla.ea Lakeshore Advance Saturday and Sunday November 9 & 10, 2013 the Lambton i lerituge Museum will he open specifically to allow visitors one last opportunity to view the 2013 exhibits Shine: Spot- light on Women of [amino!' and The Great Storm of 1913. Both will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The Great Storm of 1913 was the deadliest and most destructive storm to ever hit the Great lakes.'lhe storm raged between November 7 and November 10. Dozens of cargo ships eager to deliver their goods before winter arrived were either destroyed or grounded by the force of the storm. The storm resulted in over 250 fatalities, the destruction of over a dozen ships and caused many more ships to be grounded. I.anbton County's picturesque lake Huron shore was cast into chaos. The storm caused damage on sea and on land, downing power lines, halting transportation and damaging homes. There was destruction strewn across the beaches, including goods washed ashore from the ships and the bod- ies of sailors who did not survive the storm. The Great Storm of 1913 goes down in infamy as a disaster that will be remem- bered along Lake I luron. In 2013, as part of "A Remembrance - The Great lakes Storm of 1913" the l.tmhton 1 leritage Museum acknowledges the 100th anniversary of this tragic event with a special exhibit; just one part of activities being held throughout Sep- tember to November of 2013, when the shoreline communi- ties of lake I luron will be hosting plays, lecture series, art exhibitions, and special museum displays to commemorate the centenary of the Great Storm. For more information and a full events calendar, please visit www.1913storm.ca. Shine: Spotlight on Women of Lampton opened in May and has been well received by the Lambton County commu- nity. During the summer, over 2,500 visitors have enjoyed the exhibit which embraces the lives and times of the everyday women who have contributed to the social fabric of launbton County communities. 'Ihe exhibit explores how the roles of women have changed over time and includes details about the changing role of women in the military, women's rights, women's crafts and fashion. The significant impacts of wom- en's groups on their communities, women in business and education and women involved in caring for their families and as keepers of family knowledge are all highlighted. Of special Interest have been the Guiding Beacons, women chosen from each municipality who have demonstrated strong local leadership, overcome adversity in their lives, been excellent role models or well respected in their commu- nities, or consistently gave of their own time and resources to serve others or a cause. CIII TURAL SERVICES DIVISION Lampton heritage Museum 10035 Museum Road Grand Bend ON NOM 1'1'0 Telephone: 519 243-2600 htx: 519 243- 2646 www.lclmg.org 'Ihe exhibit provides an opportunity for Lambton County women who have impacted their communities to shine. Be sure to see it while you still can! Visitors are encouraged to spend a few hours as there are VISI) (I Al Arbortech/Taylor Professional Tree C'tttC Inc. www.arbortechtree.ca 10 SCC What WV Can do for you! 11 (� 519-238"5451 VISA 110....bun. also other wonderful exhibits to enjoy. Explore the heritage village that includes the 1867 Cameron Church, a blacksmith shop, the 1890 Rokeby school house, a slaughterhouse and buildings housing a fascinating assortment of agricultural and pioneer implements. 'Ihe museum includes activities for children, a gift shop with intriguing books 00 the local area, and a tourist information centre. Mature oaks shade the grounds and a picnic shelter provides a lovely setting for a rest stop. 'Ihe Lambton heritage Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March through October. From November through February the museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and closed week- ends and holidays. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors / stu- dents, $3 children, and $15 family. The museum is 8 km south of Grand Bend, on I lighway 21. 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