GHS - Newsletter
December 2008 Issue #56
Content of a newletter is always a challenge. Do we put in what's happened, what is happening or
what might happen? The result is usually a combination of all three, so first, here's what happened.
Let's say that September was interesting. The Binbrook Fair mud bowl was not a spectacular success.
Those volunteers that braved the weather with raincoats and gumboots are to be commended for their
dedication to the Society. It was the first year that we did not cover the financial costs but still
we had exposure to the community.
A week later, things were much better at the ceremony celebrating the recognition of the Binbrook
Memorial Hall as a historic building designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Local MPP Tim
Hudak, Councillor David Mitchell, city heritage staff, members of Hamilton Municipal Heritage
Committee and local residents all attended the festivities held in the basement of the hall. For
those not familiar with the building, it was built in 1920 as a memorial to Binbrook's armed forces
volunteers in WW 1. It is one of only six memorial halls in the entire country.
In October, members were treated to a talk on "Around the World by Private Jet" , given by
Binbrook resident Barb Laughland. It was a trip for about 90 people in a Boeing 767 that could hold
over 200 people, so lots of room for all during the different flight legs.
November's social meeting featured a presentation of "The Underground Railroad" by Olivia
Newport, a Grade 6 student at Corpus Christi school, Ryckman's Corners. The topic was a school
history project, now enjoyed by society Members.
The Society had a display at the Waterdown Book Fair in late November, mixing with other local
heritage groups, book dealers and the general public. A profit of over $70 was made on the five
hour event, plus the added benefit of publicity for the Society in the heritage neighbourhood.
Thanks to Al and Shirley Rumbles, Art French and Laura Martin for assisting with the display.
The photo for the masthead was taken sixty years ago in the winter of 1948, when Glanford took
delivey of the township's first fire truck. The picture was taken at the airport and a number
of the people taking part have been identified.
It's interesting looking at the items that people throw out. Above is a photo of a foamcore-backed
1942 map of Hamilton. It came to us from Julie French in Toronto, who saw it on a neighbour's porch, ready for disposal to wherever. Fortuantely, the wherever showed up and brought it back here,
creating another minor problem. It's about 3 1/2 feet x 5 1/2 feet and it's not going in our
living room. It needs a home and not likely the Society. We're investigating some city sources
where there's a good possibility of a final resting place.
September's newletter mentioned the update of the township's historical buildings inventory. We can
now report that it is 90% done and by late winter, should be finished. The original photo mounting
pages have been replaced with archival grade print preservers, addresses have been verified,
corrected wherever necessary and the binders have been replaced. Arrangement of the properties has
been changed from lot and concession to an alphabetical listing of road names with municipal
numerical addresses. This has been done in cooperation with Hamilton's heritage staff, using Access
database information to verify, correct and update both Glanbrook's and Hamilton's inventory. It's a win-win for all.
While we're on the subject of historical buildings, finally there's been fourteen sites put on the
city's register of cultural heritage properties. This is a recent (2006) amendement to the Ontario
Heritage Act that provides a registered site with a sixty day delay in an any demolition or
removal applicaton. Two pertain to Glanbrook - Glanford Community Hall in Mount Hope and Woodburn
Centennial Hall. Applications have been made to have both sites designated with a target date of 2011.
A request for registry inclusion has been made for a private residence and outbuilding, pending
finalizaiton of the proper paperwork.
Upcoming Society Events:
Monday December 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm. In the September newsletter, the date was December 15
but it is now December 8. Christmas social at Orchard Court Apartments, 2800 Library Lane,
Binbrook, behind the library. Bring a few goodies to share and donations to the food back
are welcome.
Monday February 16,2009 7:30 pm. Orchard Court, Binbrook. Show and tell night. Bring a family
historic item and share its story with us.
Monday March 16,2009 6:00 pm. Annual potluck supper and business meeting at St. Paul's Anglican
Church, 2869 Highway #6, Mount Hope.
Monday April 30, 2009 7:30 pm. Monthly meeting at Orchard Court, Binbrook. Subject to be
announced.
For member's information, Stoney Creek Historical Society has a meeting on Wednesday January
7, 2009 at the Stoney Creek Municipal Service Centre, 777 Highway #8, Stoney Creek, at 7:00 pm.
Topic: Binbrook - The Way We Were by Art French.
We are saving the good news for last. It's time for annual membership renewals of $15 per family.
For those new members who have jointed since November 1, disregard. Your membership is good until the
end of 2009. If you have an email address that we may use for the newsletter, let us know.
It's quicker and you get pictures in colour.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year