Southampton resident receives Municipal Heritage Conservation Award

As we leave the turbulent year of 2020 and enter a new year, 2021, we are taking a look back at a highlight of 2020 when Saugeen Shores, at its last Council meeting of 2020, recognized Southampton resident Jane Kramer with the Municipal Heritage Conservation Award.

Affectionately known by many as ‘the Grande Dame’ of Southampton, always a lady and always elegant, Jane has been immersed in the life of the community.

 

The award is presented in recognition of heritage minded individuals within Saugeen Shores.

The Heritage Committee seeks nominations from the public for individuals that are involved in conserving heritage either by protecting original buildings and surroundings or through educating others.

The Committee received nominations in late spring and used the following criteria in making its recommendation:

1. Those who voluntarily promote the importance of preserving significant heritage structures;
2. Those who show leadership in the restoration and preservation of heritage buildings, sites, etc.;
3. Acknowledgement of individuals for long-standing service in an organization dedicated to maintaining cultural heritage; or
4. Show appreciation for personal collections of local artifacts, heritage photographs, or memorabilia – which they share with the community to promote appreciation of heritage.

The Municipal Heritage Committee is extremely dedicated to preserving heritage throughout the Municipality. “There are many houses, barns, and other structures that tell wonderful stories that take us back to the early days of Southampton, Port Elgin, and Saugeen Township,” said Committee Chair Joyce Johnston. “There is also the cultural heritage of the people who lived in these homes and worked and gathered in these places. Maintaining these physical reminders of our history is absolutely necessary for future generations. Cultural Heritage is also important to recognize.”

Each year, Saugeen Shores presents an award that promotes and celebrates the valuable role that individuals and organizations play in ensuring that structures and stories from the past continue to be present in the community and Jane embodies that spirit.

She has been involved in many organizations, including the Chantry Centre+55 for seniors, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and the Women’s Probus Club, where she has held the position of President in each, and has also been a volunteer with Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.

For larger views, Click on Images

She has also received Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship recognition for her community work and has presented scholarships to younger women on behalf of the CFUW.

Jane Kramer’s nomination came from Vicki Tomori and the Marine Heritage Society in Southampton.

Vicki wrote, “It is her feeling that the entire community would be behind the nomination of Jane Kramer of Southampton, for the 2020 Saugeen Shores Heritage Conservation Award. Jane’s great grandfather started coming to Southampton in 1880 by horse and buggy. She has grandsons who are the sixth generation in the same cottage, which is now a permanent home. Jane was a swimming instructor at the Long Dock in Southampton for seven years from 1948-1954. This was her first experience with Chantry Island, as she would see the Lighthouse Keeper Cameron (Ronie) Spencer struggling to row back after spending the afternoon in the Walker House Tavern. Jane would then hop in his boat and row him back to Chantry Island and get him into the house, where he would offer her a shot of rum for her trouble. She would then throw some rocks into the water to “clear the snakes”, and swim back to the mainland.

Little did Jane know that years later, her knowledge of the Keeper’s Cottage would be called upon. In 1991, some discussion started in town about doing a restoration on Chantry Island to rebuild the keeper’s cottage. In 1996, the Marine Heritage Society was formed; Jane was invited to join the group and was put in charge of the décor and furnishings of the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Jane worked closely with the Bruce County Museum and local donors, selecting the furnishings in the style of the period of 1880-1900, outfitting the cottage for the Historical Tours.

    Historical upper bedroom at                    Keeper’s cottage

Jane has been involved for 24 years now and still not only looks after the historical inventory, but organizes the cleaning crew and volunteers as a Tour Guide. Imagine the visitor’s surprise when they realize that their Tour Guide is part of the story. Jane has a real interest and passion for keeping our Marine History alive.

 

Jane can also be seen driving down High Street in her classic 1930 Ford Roadster, joining Cruiser Cruise nights at the flag in her heritage automobile. She is also a current member of the Saugeen Shores Municipal Heritage Committee, joining in 2017. She participates in each meeting with enthusiasm, performs research at the Museum, and has even embraced the new electronic meeting format.

Jane is a true heritage and cultural minded individual, with a zest for life and with many experiences to share, who shows no signs of even considering slowing down.

“Thank you Jane for all you have accomplished, and for keeping heritage alive,” added Johnston. “Congratulations on receiving this award.”