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
Canadian in Hong Kong Battle in 1941
In 1941, the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers arrive in Hong Kong to back up the British garrison. The 1,975 Canadian troops were sent even though they were not considered fit for action. Of the Canadians units sent to Hong Kong, 557 were killed in action or died in prison camps.
In 2009, the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall was unveiled in Ottawa. It lists the names of the 1,975 men and women that helped defend Hong Kong. The 17-day battle was Canada’s first military engagement of the Second World War.
To read more, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_Force
Social History
(Vidoe) UP NORTH ; The untold history of Northern Ontario's soldiers
Despite northerners contributions — and sacrifices — during both World Wars, two Laurentian University professors have found that very little has been recorded about the men and women from Northern Ontario who served.
(Photos) On the waterfront -- Toronto's “landmark”
Trying to preserve at large piece of a Toronto “landmark”
Over the past few months whenever my wife and I have had an occasion to drive along the busy Queen’s Quay, I take a moment to pull over to the curb at the foot of Yonge St.
Summary of Newspaper Articles
Summary of Newspaper Articles
Prince Edward Island
Trail at Green Gables closed for upgrade next week
The Haunted Wood Trail at Green Gables in Cavendish, P.E.I., will be temporarily closed as the bridge on the trail is replaced starting Monday.
New Brunswick
Historic Saint John church building up for sale again
The oldest church building in Saint John is back on the market, 18 months after it was last sold.
St. George's Anglican Church on the west side was first put up for sale in 2014 after the parish cited financial problems and a decline in its congregation.
Ontario
REMEMBERING OUR YESTERDAYS: Canadian Naturalization Index one of greatest tools for those looking for ancestors from outside British Commonwealth
Were your immigrant ancestors citizens of the British Commonwealth before coming to Canada between roughly 1915 and 1951?
Lest we forget: Why Remembrance Day must become a legal statutory holiday
On November 11, Canadians collectively paused to pay tribute to citizens who have defended this country. However, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday for only some parts of Canada, as not all provinces recognize the day as a ‘day off.’ Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia all have policies surrounding the observance of Remembrance Day, but they have not recognized it as a full statutory holiday.
Oh Canada? Gallery 6500 exhibit marks country's 150th birthday
From Nov. 20 to Jan. 6, Gallery 6500 presents its second juried exhibit, “Oh Canada?”, at the Steelworkers Hall.
Almonte lecture to probe history close to home — Nov. 25
History is what happens day to day, the little facts, people and places that make up the fabric of our lives. On Friday, November 25, Randy Boswell, former journalist at the Ottawa Citizen and professor of Journalism & Communication at Carleton University, will delve into the fascinating stories found in newspapers, the old Almonte Gazette in particular.
Historic quilt stitches together Confederation story
Dressmaker Fannie Parlee couldn't have known, as she stitched a richly-textured quilt, that she was piecing together fragments of Canada's history.
Historical drama Frontier tells story of 'invasion' of Northern Ontario
The James Bay Lowlands are the setting for a new TV drama that aims to tell Canada's history from a First Nations perspective.
Manitoba
Lights, sounds, action: Upper Fort Garry interactive display ready
The birthplace of Manitoba is coming alive Wednesday night with a unique, high-tech and totally immersive sensory experience.
Brandon University to save MPE archives
A huge collection documenting the entire history of Manitoba Pool Elevators is being put in order through a project at Brandon University’s (BU) S.J. McKee Archives.
Alberta
A Danish delight: Central Alberta museum highlights Danes’ arrival in Alberta
A venue that features a Viking ship, a children’s “Garden of Imagination” based on the beloved stories of Hans Christian Andersen, and artifacts marking the arrival of the Danes to central Alberta over a century ago is a “treasure in the middle of nowhere”.
Saskatchewan
Métis history in Saskatchewan recognized in naming of new Stonebridge public library branch
http://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/metis-history-in-saskatchewan-recognized-in-naming-of-new-stonebridge-public-library-branch
http://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/metis-history-in-saskatchewan-recognized-in-naming-of-new-stonebridge-public-library-branch
The Saskatoon Public Library drew inspiration from the Métis people of Saskatchewan when naming its newest branch.
Saskatoon's old parking meters get vibrant new lives
A few of Saskatoon’s old parking meters have had colourful lives after their decommissioning and sale last year.
Canada’s grand western loop around British Columbia is prime for a road trip
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/canadas-grand-western-loop-around-british-columbia-is-prime-for-a-road-trip/2016/11/17/3f661668-9ba8-11e6-9980-50913d68eacb_story.html
Everyone loves a grand circle, and this was mine: A 2,200-mile loop through British Columbia that showcased water, mountains, remnants of volcanoes and the storied sites of Canada’s gold-rush and fur-trade eras.
Everyone loves a grand circle, and this was mine: A 2,200-mile loop through British Columbia that showcased water, mountains, remnants of volcanoes and the storied sites of Canada’s gold-rush and fur-trade eras.
Canadian Stories this Week
North Cumberland Historical Society
Although these was difficulty in accessing their new website last week, I was successful in contacting it this weekend, and it's the new website of the North Cumberland Historical Society in Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
This is a very good website which echoes the town of Pugwash's interest in genealogy and history. They have collections of extensive Family Files, cemeteries, original grantees of North Cumberland County, and obituaries.
Plus, the site gives the history of Alleton, Middleton, Conn's Mills, Victoria, Gulf Shore, and Wentworth.
The new website is at http://ncumbhistorical.wixsite.com/genealogyhistory and their
Facebook page is at is on https://www.facebook.com/ncumbhistorical/
This is a very good website which echoes the town of Pugwash's interest in genealogy and history. They have collections of extensive Family Files, cemeteries, original grantees of North Cumberland County, and obituaries.
Plus, the site gives the history of Alleton, Middleton, Conn's Mills, Victoria, Gulf Shore, and Wentworth.
The new website is at http://ncumbhistorical.wixsite.com/genealogyhistory and their
Facebook page is at is on https://www.facebook.com/ncumbhistorical/
Soldiers of the First World War
As of last week, 361,236 of 640,000 files are now available online at the Library and Archives Canada.
Library and Archives Canada is digitizing the service files systematically, from box 1 to box 10,686, which roughly corresponds to alphabetical order. So far, we have digitized the following files: Latest box digitized: Box 6052 and the surname of Mattineau.
Please check the database regularly for new additions and if you still have questions after checking the database, you may contact the LAC directly at 1-866-578-7777 for more assistance, or you may contact myself at genealogyresearch@aol.com to photocopy the complete service record, or explain certain records for you.
The website is http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/personnel-records/Pages/personnel-records.aspx
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Do you know that Sir Wilfrid Laurier had the largest unbroken term of office as Canada’s seventh prime minister? He was one of the most colourful prime ministers of his time, and his passion for the office and for Canada can be seen in the numerous letters that he wrote to his wife, Zoe.
This year is the 175th anniversary of his birth and as such, the Library and Archives Canada, which houses his papers and memorabilia, now has over 60,870 records and more are continually being added. They can be accessed in person at the Library and Archives Canada.
In addition to podcasts at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/news/podcasts/Pages/wilfrid-laurier.aspx, they have also put photos on Flikr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157675154507805
And that was the week in Canadian news!
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