On a busy Wednesday morning, June 28th, at Coulter Parkette in Port Elgin, another in the series of interpretive plaques, that can be found throughout the municipality, was unveiled.
Committee member and former Town Councillor, Neil Menage introduced the members of the Municipal Heritage Committee who were on hand to reveal the most recent plaque that tells of the early history of the downtown core of Port Elgin. “We have members Bill Streeter, Joyce Johnston, Katie Rice, Deputy Mayor Diane Huber and myself, along with Dawn Mittelholtz the Town Manager and Legislative Services/Clerk.”
Menage said several years ago that, “Heritage is about finding out through research what happened in the past and then telling stories about it. We are trying to honour that with these plaques.”
The Municipal Heritage Committee has established several interpretive signs/plaques and continues to work on initiating more to create awareness of the history of the community and area. There are now almost 30 plaques found throughout the municipality from Denny’s Dam to the Mosquito bomber (park adjacent to Circle K) in Southampton to the history of the Agricultural Community(Concession 6) and the Rail Trail (River St. Port Elgin), with more being added.
Committee member and former Chair, Joyce Johnston, also pointed out that it is through the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre Archives that much of the research can be done.
Johnston, said that history had always been very important to her. “Things move around and it makes life very interesting. When I first arrived here, where we now stand in Coulter Parkette was the CIBC bank, which is now across the street from the Parkette. Although the buildings in the downtown are still here, the owners have changed over the years, as our community is forever evolving.”
Bill Streeter, who researched the information that is now on the plaque, explained how the town of Port Elgin got its early start in the 1800s in order to provide the agricultural community with services.
The Plaque is Unveiled
For larger view, Click on Image
Deputy Mayor Diane Huber said it is a pleasure to be back on Council and working with the Heritage Committee to share historical stories and photographs with the community. “The heritage plaques throughout Saugeen Shores tell the tales of the people and events that have shaped our communities. I encourage people to visit the Town’s website to find the list and locations of plaques and then go and take a look.”
Stay tuned as other plaques are created and will be revealed.
