Music on The Barge, I Am Ready to Go

ENJOYING THE MOMENT - WHAT GRAVENHURST FAILS TO RECOGNIZE - IS WHAT IS MOST FUNDAMENTAL TO HISTORIANS

TOWN DESERVES ITS OWN HISTORIC DESIGNATION

IT'S VERY RARE TO FIND AN EXCITED HISTORIAN. IT ISN'T TO SUGGEST THEY AREN'T EXCITABLE FOLKS. SOME ARE VERY EXCITABLE, AND LAUGH EVERY NOW AND AGAIN AS WELL. THE PROBLEM WITH HISTORIANS GENERALLY, IS THEY AREN'T OFTEN VIEWED AS VISIONARIES. IT'S WRONGLY ASSUMED THAT THEY'RE TOO CAUGHT-UP IN THE PURSUIT OF HISTORICAL SLEUTHING, AND UNCOVERING FACTS, SUCH THAT THEY WOULDN'T SEE BEYOND THE ARCHIVES SHELVING……ONTO THE LANDSCAPE OF THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD. AND EVEN THEN, IT IS PRESUMED BY SOME THAT THEIR OPINIONS WOULD HAVE THE MUSTINESS OF OLD PAPER, AND BE MUCH LESS THAN FUTURISTICALLY INCLINED.

POSSIBLY IT'S SOCIETY'S JUDGEMENT ON HISTORY TEACHERS FROM OUR SCHOOL YEARS, THAT HAS PREJUDICED ANYONE WHO REFERS TO THEMSELVES AS HISTORICALLY INCLINED. THE PROBLEM THEN, TENDS TO BE THAT HISTORIANS WHO HAVE A LOT TO CONTRIBUTE, ARE RELEGATED TO SMALL SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND TOUR GUIDING OF HISTORIC PLACES. WHEN IN FACT, MOST HISTORIANS I HAVE COME IN CONTACT WITH, HERE AND THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE, WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF FUTURE PLANNING. THEY'D LOVE TO BE ASKED FOR THEIR OPINION ABOUT PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITY, AND NOT JUST WHETHER A BUILDING SHOULD BE CONSERVED, OR THAT A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE, BE ERECTED ON A PARTICULAR BIT OF PARK SOD, TO REMIND PASSERSBY OF A PAST LIFE. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT DATES AND MILESTONES THAT HISTORIAN'S LABOR OVER A LIFETIME. YOU'D BE AMAZED AT WHAT THESE FOLKS POSSESS, OF KNOWLEDGE, THAT WOULD BENEFIT GOVERNMENT IMMENSELY. TO SAY THESE FOLKS ARE WISE…..WELL I WOULD, BECAUSE I KNOW THEM. YET THERE IS A RELUCTANCE TO CALL ON HISTORIANS TO ANSWER PERTINENT QUESTIONS, RIGHT IN THE RESPECTIVE BALLIWICKS, WHERE THEY HAVE MOST KNOWLEDGE.

I'll give you an example. If you have read or heard about hundreds of materials being rescued, from the halls and classrooms of the former Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School, now facing major re-construction work, it's just one of those whacky present-day realities that make historians laugh and weep. Many articles from its recent past, were simply abandoned in the retired building, which now of course, has a new owner. It was found however, that some of the art remnants in one classroom, had some archival relevance, as did a few other finds made by a group of "school friends" making a last run of the place, to rescue what should have been removed by school staff, at the time of the transfer to the new facility. It's hard to believe the school wouldn't have been stripped bare as a matter of due diligence. Point is, Bracebridge has enough historical types, to have jumped on this a long time ago. It didn't need to be like this, and there were items stolen as well, in the hiatus between the purchase several years ago, and the present. The owners have been kind enough to allow concerned people in, to help identify small pieces of school heritage, and work done by students unceremoniously abandoned in respective classrooms. For a town with such an apparent passion for its heritage, and a community that just received praise for its historic downtown architecture, by golly, it would seem such a natural question to ask…….."did we leave anything behind?" For example, on a corner of the building, there are bricks that were signed by its first students, and cemented into the building, at the time of the school's original construction. Might be nice to get those for posterity.

So here's what's nuts about it. At least to me. Back in 2000 I wrote the 75th anniversary history of the former Bracebridge High School; and the 1960's amalgamation with students from the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Thusly broadening the student base and lengthening its name to Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. I can't remember the precise date of the reunion, but it included a home coming event at the school, and a big party at the Bracebridge Agricultural Fair Grounds in the evening. I wrote the book, as a commission, beginning early in the year. We financed it ourselves, and Suzanne sold copies of the softcover history at both the school, in the afternoon, and at the Fair Grounds later in the afternoon. Over a couple of months we were able to break-even on the heritage project, and although the profits weren't staggering, they made the project worthwhile. For those six months, I lived and breathed that school history. I was buried in yearbooks and those school records I could access. It wasn't a perfect book, and there were mistakes. I offered a preamble apology, sensing that there would be some problems, and a few folks from past administrations, pissed-off that it wasn't the history they would have written. Well, they didn't offer to do the work, or write the material. They certainly didn't offer a dime of support, so I blew-off their critiques. Truth is, I would have continued to upgrade the book, correct the errors, and update information, up to and including the present, if they'd even uttered one word of thanks for doing it in the first place. So even if they didn't like the book, I would have been a likely chap to contact during the transition, who would have gladly done what folks are doing now……walking through the old school halls, rescuing memorabilia etc. But I would have done it before the school was sold. All they had to do was phone the guy who wrote the school history…..the same guy who ran the Bracebridge Sports Hall of Fame for 12 years, and managed Woodchester Villa and Museum. I have a little bit of background in this field.

As well, it would have been a matter of basic protocol, for the time capsule, that was in the cornerstone, removed from the old high school, and then re-installed in the new school building, to have been opened at a public event for citizens to witness…….not in a private look and see, which is what I believe occurred. At least I wasn't invited to participate. Were you? Like I said about historians! We don't get invited out much.

I have a lot of personal opinions about Bracebridge heritage, that bubble to the surface every six months or so, and whether it is the lackluster performance of local historians and town officials to conserve Woodchester Villa (you can read all about it on my Bracebridge site), now closed due to architectural issues, or the fact there is still a deeply rooted resistance to the association with legendary American author, Washington Irving, and his book "Bracebridge Hall." As I've mentioned about a trillion times, to no avail, it should be of incredible marketing value, to be named after a book written by the author of the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Rip Van Winkle," to name two out of hundreds of Irving's well known stories. Will you find a Washington Irving Street in Bracebridge? How about a "Squire Bracebridge Boulevard?" On one occasion, the town council was looking for appropriate names for new subdivision roads, and seemed open to suggestion. So I wrote a letter to the editor, of the Bracebridge Examiner, suggesting it could be neat to adopt some of the names penned by Mr. Irving. Never heard back. Didn't expect to either. But it doesn't matter, because it is historic record, that in 1864, William Dawson LeSueur, a postal authority with the federal government, turfed out the suggested name, "North Falls," (sent by the town reps, as their choice of name for the new post office), and decided instead to give the post office, and thusly the town, the title "Bracebridge," after the work of an author he approved. LeSueur went on to become one of Canada's well known men of letters, an historian and literary critic of international acclaim. When he awarded the name "Bracebridge," he was attaching a literary provenance that has never truly been recognized as a big deal. The only time it even raises an eyebrow, is when I harangue them about lost opportunities. In 2000, I wrote a book on this subject as well. Gave a copy to the mayor. Never heard back whether he liked it or not. I'm guessing not.

Historians, and those who claim to be, are under no protocol to agree with one another. That wouldn't serve any purpose other than a calm meeting of the minds. I can't think of another historian who would take my complaints and verbal flatulence without retaliation. I would expect as much. But you know, like relief pitchers, and designated hitters in baseball, just like back-up goaltenders in hockey, historians and the "historically inclined" can be counted on to make comment…..and shed light on what needs to be illuminated about the past…..in a pinch. We don't need a lot of time to get warmed up. We're good to go. Talk to us! It's not like we're going to hit people who don't agree with us, or even put up much of a fuss if someone hit us instead. But we're not adverse to laying it out there, truth and all, and explaining what needs to be clarified. I have volunteered to assist with Woodchester decisions, strictly as an advisor, and help work inside the museum to assist work to conserve what still remains under the Woodchester Villa roof. Just as I would have volunteered to help with the school's final clean-out, just to make sure important relics were not being left behind. Instead we have the bad press about heritage management and really lengthy loose ends, no one thought to tie-up. Sort of a rudimentary thing as a part of real estate closing protocols. Wouldn't you think?

In Gravenhurst we have some highly qualified historians, and some outstanding heritage resources. What you won't find, generally speaking, unless there is a specific project on the go, like the recent heritage designation for the train station, is a quote from an historian's point of view. Archives, artifacts, plaques, books and historical designations are nice, and very important as research resources, but its the living, breathing, articulate, sage opinions of historians….on topical issues, that is most noticeably missing. While I stick my oar in because I've been "budding-in my whole life"…..why stop now? In the most recent discussions at the council table, and in the community, about the fate of The Barge stage, on Gull Lake, I never once read a quote from a local historian….other than me, about the reasons we need to keep this venue alive….and hopefully on the same platform it was, when the Queen of England officially opened it in the 1950's. This isn't intended to be a criticism of historians, or those passionate about preserving local heritage, because that wouldn't be fair. Unfortunately though, a few of us close to the project were waiting for the clomp of hooves from the cavalry, coming from behind, to join in the effort to fight for this wonderful entertainment venue. There have been some shaky moments in the past several years, and there was genuine concern that it would be reduced to an historic plaque on the embankment, where we used to sit, to watch those Sunday concerts. They had opportunity to speak, but if they did, their words never hit the front page of the local newspaper. I made it to the letter to the editor page, and the blank space of this blog-site. I don't want this to appear as a challenge to other historians about their passiveness to this issue. I'm thinking it's more the case, that council didn't feel the need to consult them. As I commenced today's blog, I'm sure if they had been asked to comment, and participate where needed, they would have had some valuable insights to share. The historians I know here, have lots to say, and folks should listen….who truly want to learn about their hometown.

We were fortunate this time, to have councillors who do care about the future of Concerts on the Barge, and restoration of the tiny island stage, that has been in obvious decline for years. News that funds have been allocated to restore it, was wonderful news to not just the historically-obsessed, but to everyone who comes out to enjoy the Summer Sundays at Rotary Gull Lake Park. It is a tradition we don't want to let go of, because it has just as much relevance today, as it did when it was freshly cut lumber, secured with still shiny nail heads…..and Queen Elizabeth was standing on top.

Historians surprisingly enough, are not against change. They're pretty much up to speed on things like evolution. They know old things get harder to maintain. They understand the expense of restorations, and the heavy toll on the taxpayers, that these conservation matters can impact municipal budgets. Most I know are realists, and aren't shy about being blunt with their assessments. If they think I'm an are, they'll let it be known. Rest assured they won't spare my feelings. I have said this for years and years, and I'll write it one more time. Councillors would be well advised, to make use of these incredible information sources…..well, before it's too late. How many folks do you think in Muskoka, call themselves, or can legitimately be called, by others, "historians?" It's a thin number and getting thinner. The fact of life around here, is that we're not encouraging young folks to embrace this history thing…..which is largely unsaying, and a pretty hard profession to profit from, unless as a university professor, or writer of successful books. We're not replenishing the ranks of regional historians. Who will interpret and record local history when we're gone? While there's interest in designating heritage buildings, cruising aboard the Segwun, there's not much enthusiasm to inspire new historians from keeping the flag from hitting the ground.

Gravenhurst has some very influential and accomplished stewards of history. One need only stand for a few moments at Sagamo Park, to see this as fact. The respect for steamship restoration way back, was the mission of near-rabid enthusiasts….and as a fledgling reporter for the local press in the late 1970's, early 80's, I got up close and personal to the incredible efforts of the collective of never-say-die historians (hobbyists in the mix), who stuck with their beliefs…..that one day, a restored steamship would make this town proud. We weren't proud of just the boat, but of everyone who labored for so long to bring it to fruition. While no one would compare it to the behemoth effort to save the RMS Segwun, those who have worked behind the scenes to restore The Barge, and save the Concert on the Barge program, (including town administration and councillors) should feel pretty darn good this week, now that funding has been approved for platform restoration.

So when someone says to you out of the clear blue, "so what do think about those lovers of history, conservers of heritage," possibly you will answer, "I want to hug and kiss one right now." I'm willing, on this one, to take one for the Gipper. Make sure to come out to the Concert Series Fred Schulz has planned for you this summer season. It starts in late June and carries on into mid-August. It would be good to see you there. If you would like to make a donation, to help with equipment upgrades, and possibly a fold-up canopy, you can always approach Mr. Schulz with a wee donation. I know for a fact he'd appreciate it very much. Might even give you a hug. Because I'll tell you, at this moment, he's a pretty happy fellow, with this latest news.

Thanks for joining today's blog. Please join me again soon.

The Richard Karon biography is on schedule for release by the third week in March. We are getting in a lot of information at present, so we're busily trying to sort it all out. It is a very exciting project as biographies go, and I'm looking forward to presenting it via this blogsite. The project has a definite beginning, but not a formal conclusion, because we plan on updating it in perpetuity, as information comes to light. What we expect to happen over the course of the next year, is that owners of original Karons, looking for information on the artist, will click onto the blog to see samples of his work……and read about his art career. We hope then they will share pictures with us, of the paintings they own. The Karon family doesn't own many of his original paintings, and would like to see other work he did. Hopefully, some folks who knew him personally, will send in their memories of the artist. We'd like the project to be interactive, so we want to hear from you. I'll will keep you updated via this blog.