The building chosen for the site of a new mural by Saugeen First Nation artists, Emily Kewageshig and Taylor Cameroan, could not have been more fortuitous, as local historian Bill Streeter points out.
“The land that the Bell building sits on was, for more than 80 years, starting in the 1850s, one of the most important ties between Southampton and Saugeen First Nation.
Dr. William Sumner Scott arrived here in 1856, and became the most significant person in the development of our community for the next 45 years. He died in 1901. He built his home and his doctor’s office right there, on the northeast corner of Lansdowne and Albert streets and it became his office, clinic, and operating room. First for him, and, he was followed by his son Patrick until 1937.
For 81 years he was the doctor for the people of Saugeen First Nation and the people of Southampton. He came with a contract with the Upper Canada government to serve SFN.
The story of Dr. Scott is important. His burial, I suggest, was the biggest event in the history of our town. Yes, a special train came from Palmerston, to bring those in the county who held Dr. Scott in high regard.
The mural could not be placed in a more important place. For more than 80 years “right there”; the people of both communities were cared for, TOGETHER by Dr. William Scott or his son Patrick.”
