Gambling On Gravenhurst - It Worked For Orillia

OPERA HOUSE ROOF WORK - A GOOD DAY WAS HAD BY ALL

     I DON'T THINK MANY GRAVENHURST COUNCILLORS SHOWED UP TODAY, TO CHECK OUT THE ROOF REPAIRS ON THE OPERA HOUSE. MAYBE I JUST MISSED THEM. BUT THEN AGAIN, MAYBE THEY'RE SO CONFIDENT WITH THEMSELVES, THEY DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT INCIDENTALS, LIKE A HALF-COMPLETED OPERA HOUSE ROOF. WELL, JUST BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT THE HISTORIC LANDMARK, AND HAD SOME TIME BETWEEN SHOP CUSTOMERS, I CONTENTED MYSELF WATCHING THE PROJECT ADVANCE UNDER GREY AND THREATENING SKIES. NO RAIN. NO SNOW. THAT WAS GOOD. I CAN LOOK OUT OF THE SHOP DOORS, AND SEE WORK IN PROGRESS. OR NOT. AS A CONSTITUENT, I HAVE A STAKE IN THE WELL BEING OF THE BUILDING, SO I'M EXERCISING MY PRIVILEGE. LET'S JUST SAY, THERE ARE A LOT OF CONFIDENT PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN. VERY FEW GATHER FOR A GANDER UP TOP. SO I MUST JUST BE A NERVOUS NELLY. BUT YOU KNOW, IT'S WHAT OLD REPORTERS DO WHEN THEY'RE RETIRED FROM THE FRONT PAGE, BACK TO THE FUNNY PAGES. SO IF YOU CAN'T GET UPDATES FROM THE PRESS……THEN I'LL STICK A "PRESS" CARD INTO THE HAT BAND OF MY OLD FEDORA, AND NOSE AROUND SOME MORE. TUNE IN FOR A FEW SPOT-NEWS OBSERVATIONAL UPDATES, BECAUSE YOU WON'T GET IT ANYWHERE ELSE. AND THAT IS A DARN SHAME.

GAMBLING ON GRAVENHURST - SO LET THE PUBLIC INTO THE DEBATE

     CRIPES, THEY DON'T CALL ME "SCOOP" FOR NOTHING. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, IF YOU REMEMBER, I WROTE A BLOG ABOUT THE VERY REAL POSSIBILITY, NEW PROVINCIAL UNCLENCHING OF RESTRICTIONS, MIGHT OPEN THE AREA TO MORE GAMING LICENSES, AND CASINO CONSTRUCTION. I PONDERED THEN IF THE FORMER MUSKOKA CENTRE PROPERTY, OWNED BY THE PROVINCE, WOULD MAKE A DECENT LOCATION FOR A GRAVENHURST CASINO. AS I DIDN'T GET ANY THREATENING EMAILS, OR NOTES ATTACHED TO MY DOOR WITH A KNIFE BLADE, I'M ASSUMING YOU FOLKS HAVE ALREADY THOUGHT ABOUT THE "WHAT-IFS" OF GAMBLING CLOSER TO HOME. I COULDN'T HELP CHUCKLING THIS MORNING, WHEN I READ ABOUT OUR TOWN COUNCIL'S INTEREST IN PURSUING THE MATTER, AND A LOCAL DEVELOPER'S DESIRE TO MAKE THE PROPERTY AND BUILDING AVAILABLE, SHOULD A FULL CASINO APPLICATION COME TO FRUITION. THIS PARTICULAR PROPOSAL IS FOR LAND CLOSER TO MUSKOKA BAY, AND NOT THE MUSKOKA CENTRE, AS I HAD SUGGESTED AS A POSSIBLE SITE. THEY DIDN'T STEAL MY IDEA, JUST SOME OF MY THUNDER. AND KEEP IN MIND, THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF LOCALS WHO LOVE CASINOS, AND WHO GAMBLE SENSIBLY, AND WHO ARE THRILLED WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS OFFERED BY CASINO RAMA. EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT A GAMBLER, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME HUGE ACTS ON-STAGE THERE, AND OUR BOYS HAVE BEEN AT MORE THAN JUST A FEW…..INCLUDING GORDON LIGHTFOOT AND KISS. 

COUNCIL NEEDS TO LET THE PUBLIC IN, ON THIS DEBATE

    While it is understood the present license proposal, advanced by the province, doesn't include us, at present, as a target region. But it's quite possible that within a few years, Muskoka and Gravenhurst will become candidates for a large scale casino, and it might even come sooner, should some of the chosen communities decide, by referendum, against hosting OLG gaming. Of course, a change of government, potentially as soon as this spring, could stall the project. But as I wrote about several weeks ago, I think Gravenhurst would make a good casino host……and as we are a first class tourist location anyway, it would certainly boost the dynamic of our local economics at a good time. The next decade could be very interesting to investors, looking more seriously at the tourist potential, and a casino would make a lot of developers take notice of the outstanding opportunities that exist here……still largely untapped. Now hold on……what is an environmental pain in the ass, who hates gambling, doing with this oddly placed confessional? Let me explain.

     Even though I don't approve of gambling, I am but one of thousands of stake holders in this community. I made a point earlier, of explaining, that a casino, if even a distant possibility, would add to the local economy which has, obviously to most of us, been precariously stressed over the past five years…..and a little bit more for some in the business community. There is an economic surge that comes with casino building, that spreads into other areas of the local economy, that would most definitely create jobs and opportunities…….the kind that offers a certain amount of prosperity; a boost for a town that still has great need for a food bank, and heavy reliance on social assistance, to help a large and growing number of citizens within its population. Just because I have a personal dislike of casinos, is my opinion, and the promise I've made, for all to see who travel cyberspace, is that I will not object to any application the town may submit, for a gaming facility. I won't vote for it, so thus, I will abstain. This is as far as it goes. Admitting publicly, that it is something for the constituents in this town to consider…..seriously, as an economic boost for Gravenhurst. As far as the development it might create, I reserve the right to comment, or protest outright, if it threatens our environment at the same time, as it is intended to be an economic boost. We need the environment to be safe, conserved, managed and thriving first of all; as surrendering our natural resources here, is always dangerous when left to politicians and developers to agree on the right way to proceed. It must be done sensibly, by intelligent stewards, following all the environmental protocols set to protect us……all of us…..even gamers.

     Here's my condition for supporting a casino application thus far. Public consultation. The public right to cast their opinions on the matter, and that this never, never be shoved down constituent throats, by Council's desire to advance the project….if and when!  Advocating this initiative without the greatest care to facilitate democratic privilege will backfire. Trust me on this! Maybe a referendum should be conducted, to get it right.  Maybe this would be included as a question during the next municipal election in two years. I'd be misleading you, if I didn't footnote this, by admitting my great fear that Council might try to get away with having only a few public meetings, when the proposal becomes more concrete……which I believe it will. The present council, whether councillors find this insulting or not….(it doesn't matter if they are), become strategically shy when it comes to public consultation, and have a track record of being about as transparent as a painted wall. So there is a great danger, on a matter of such importance to our constituents, that our elected officials will poo-poo the idea of a full referendum on gaming in our town. If they want to do this right, the first time, they shouldn't fear the public, but encourage their full and unfettered participation to create a future partnership of co-operation. As Council likes to use public meetings to gauge reaction, it must be recognized, that hundreds of citizens in our town, can not, or will not attend…..but would submit a letter of support or rejection, on a mail-in vote, or online referendum…..or similar.

     For those councillors who can not fathom what I'm writing about, in terms of their habit of minimizing public scrutiny, the Haight bequeath debacle was pretty much the peak of truth, when it came to what the committee, studying the investment strategy, wanted to do with the million bucks. They found out that the public does have a right to involve themselves in the process, no matter how irritating and frustrating that reality is to town administration. So if the same kind of misguided protocol was followed, and the public was denied all the openness they deserve, as stakeholders here, then those folks sitting around the council table, should not be the least surprised, when a public challenge and protest will be engaged to ensure adequate public debate…..and in a perfect world, a referendum. At this stage, most of us appreciate the relevance of being on the list, as a community interested in OLG plans and future licensing. It's when we "move forward," as I hear so much these days, that our elected officials must take into account, that democracy prevails upon them to be open……transparent, and fair to all of us. So we need to be informed about progress in this matter. Unlike progress reports on the Opera House roof, which have been poor to nonexistent, a casino application demands a super amount of communication with constituents. It is not discretionary.

     I will not write another column about a casino application. I have had my say. I believe the town is correct for pursuing this course of action, and I feel that a successful bid for a casino, will bring some economic improvement to the municipality…..as well as encourage partner developments, which will create jobs, and improve the tax base for the town. If there was a referendum, I would abstain from voting……..as to support it, with a vote, means I'd have to fight my conscience, and the knowledge I have today, of the many people who have killed themselves, as a direct result of gambling losses at casinos. If I was to vote "no" then I would be a hypocrite supreme. What's best for the community, is what the community will vote on, and either way, I hope we will one day be able to self-determine in this fashion.

     I haven't taken leave of my senses. But here's something you need to consider. It's historical fact, there was a considerable time when the City of Orillia didn't see much, in the way of gain, from their proximity to Casino Rama. Of course, at the time it was constructed, Orillia had been hit with a considerable number of economic downturns, and the traditional main street corridor was going through what so many historic business sections have to deal with, when faced with malls and box stores being built in what used to be the hinterland. If you were to do a little visual research today, you would find that Orillia is on the verge of a big, big boom, and I don't think the proximity to Casino Rama is hurting one bit.

     Which brings me to this concluding statement. I had a good friend who became mayor of Orillia, quite a few years back. He was known as "Big John," in the classroom of the high school where he taught history, out on the news hustings, where he was a reporter for CKVR television, and as Mayor Palmer, when he finally won the election he had been planning for decades. He admitted to me, shortly after becoming mayor, that it was a dream come true. To be mayor of his hometown. CKCO reporter Gar Lewis and I, had many working encounters with John over the years, while stringing for the local media; and we both felt the giant of a man…..he must have been over seven feet tall even without shoes, would make a great and caring mayor. Well, John lived long enough to enjoy the mayor's chair, for awhile, and had some of his aspirations realized before he died. If John had lived to see the progress Orillia has made ever since, I think he'd be pretty impressed……and may have even foreseen this growth spurt coming in that halcyon but short term of office.

     Point is, Orillia is the biggest single economic threat to Gravenhurst and Bracebridge……and all you need to do, is travel there on a typical weekend, and see who isn't shopping locally, or who from our region is sticking to Huronia, instead of traveling to Barrie…..which was a tradition for many travel-happy shoppers for decades. With the new major stores being planned for Orillia, we can't afford to wait too long, before either asking if we can join their municipality…..or otherwise figuring out how we out-muster the best of the best in retail opportunities, only about forty minutes south. I wouldn't kid you…..I have always liked Orillia, and we antique hunt there three or four times a month. We have to do this, in the antique and collectible trade. But all our other shopping, including for groceries, is done in our hometown. I definitely think Orillia's success over the long haul, has had something to do with Casino Rama's proximity……so I don't think we are barking up the wrong tree, considering a casino for our community.

     Let council know what you think. You count. You just may need to rap on their door, to make them appreciate this.

     Thanks for joining today's blog. I hope you find the time to visit again soon.

Investing In Main Street Business in Gravenhurst

OPERA HOUSE ROOF UPDATE - WISH WE HAD ONE - BUT WE'LL JUST GUESS?

     IS IT POSSIBLE THE WEEKLY PRESS WILL HAVE AN UPDATE, ON THE PRESENT SITUATION OF THE PARTLY FINISHED OPERA HOUSE ROOF, SOMEWHERE IN WEDNESDAY'S NEWSPAPER? OR SHALL WE JUST CONTINUE TO SPECULATE, AS CURIOUS CITIZENS, ON WHAT IS WRONG WITH TOWN HALL, AND ITS WISDOM, (OR LACK OF) LEAVING OUR HISTORIC PROPERTY TO FEND FOR ITSELF AGAINST INCLEMENT WEATHER? IT IS JUST OVER A WEEK, UNTIL THE CBC PULLS INTO TOWN, TO SET UP FOR STUART MCLEAN'S "VINYL CAFE," AT THE OPERA HOUSE, NEXT FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. TWO SOLD OUT SHOWS. THAT'S A FAIR NUMBER OF PATRONS, SOMETHING WE DON'T OFTEN SEE THESE DAYS, AND IT'S THANKS TO THE POPULARITY OF ONE OF CANADA'S WELL KNOWN STORY TELLERS. SO, MY QUESTION IS THIS? WILL THE ROOF BE DONE BY NEXT WEEK. AND IF NOT, IS THERE ANY DANGER PATRONS COULD BE RAINED-ON INSIDE THE VENUE?

     ARE OUR COUNCILLORS…..THE ONES WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STEWARDSHIP OF THIS IMPORTANT BUILDING, CONCERNED WHATSOEVER, ABOUT HAVING A ROOF, THAT IS AT BEST, AND BY OBSERVATION, STILL VERY MUCH A WORK IN PROGRESS? WHAT ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF A SIGNIFICANT SNOW-LOAD, OR HEAVY RAINFALL AT AROUND THE TIME OF THE SHOW. I'M SURE THEY REALIZE WHAT THAT CONSEQUENCE WOULD MEAN……IF WHAT'S ON TOP, DOESN'T PROTECT WHAT'S BELOW. OR HAVE THEY JUST LOST TOUCH WITH REALITY? MAYBE THEY DON'T DRIVE ALONG MUSKOKA ROAD DAILY OR WEEKLY, TO CHECK UP ON THE ROOFING JOB THAT IS CERTAINLY NOT PROGRESSING WITH THE SPEED THE CLOSING FALL SEASON WARRANTS. WE ARE NOW IN THE SNOW ZONE. REMEMBER THE MAJOR SNOW WE HAD A FEW YEARS AGO, THAT BASICALLY SHUT-DOWN SOUTH MUSKOKA? JUST THE POTENTIAL OF THIS KIND OF WEATHER EVENT, SHOULD HAVE COUNCILLORS FEELING A LITTLE NERVOUS. A LOT NERVOUS IN FACT. ULTIMATELY, THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WELFARE OF THIS BUILDING, AS OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. IT'S NOT JUST UP TO STAFF. SO WITHOUT TOO MUCH TIME LEFT, BEFORE THE BIG TWO-NIGHT GIG WITH THE VINYL CAFE, IT WOULD BE GREAT, TO AT LEAST KNOW OUR COUNCILLORS ARE NOT TAKING STAFF'S WORD FOR IT……BUT ACTUALLY VISITING THE CONSTRUCTION SITE, FOR A GOOD LONG LOOK AT THE SITUATION. I THINK IT REALLY DOES WARRANT AN UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL INSPECTION. OR, AS IT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST, THEY MAY JUST DECIDE TO SETTLE ON STATUS QUO, AND LET FATE DECIDE THEIRS'! THERE IS A DOWN SIDE.

JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW - INVESTING IN GRAVENHURST'S UPTOWN PAY DIVIDENDS

     Before we begin, I might seem like a political animal; someone who has to dive into local politics to feel good about himself! There was a time, I was guilty of being obsessive about all levels of politics. Then I matured, and thought about making money in business instead. I'm different now. I can walk away from a spat with the local business community, and settle in the shop without feeling even the slightest animosity, or entertaining any thoughts of retribution. There were many days, let me tell you, when we truly wondered, as a business group and family, if we could stand all the prevailing business animosity. Then we learned how to ignore the nattering, and stick to running our business, before trying to understand the knotting of emotions up and down the street.

    We are big believers in networking, and we partner with those who have similar views as we do, about the pursuit of better business, with a lot less in the way of politics jumbling-up the mix. So here's the story about our reasons for investing in main street retail.

     It's true what you've heard. Yo don't have to read between the lines to get this message. It's a simple outcome based entirely on reality. Our family has invested heavily, with time, effort and money, to be part of the Gravenhurst uptown business community. Now as a frugal chap, with a very frugal family, who are not gamblers with our limited resources, the fact we risked anything at all, on a retail experiment, means we did our due diligence…..as every investor should. And when I write this, I'm not bragging about our successes and profitability. I am bragging about the way we had to navigate through a meteor shower of negativity to reach the six year mark of Andrew Currie's Music and Collectibles. There were times when we had doubts, and some serious issues with the BIA, that made us consider moving out of their zone of jurisdiction. But after awhile, we found others who felt the same, and you know what they say about support in numbers. We pulled out of all and any involvement with town business groups, and focused on one, and only one mission, and that was to survive at what we knew best…..without any drag of controversy or out-of-place politics. What happened along the journey, was that we found kindred spirits, and a solid network of small businesses that thought we were worth partnering with, and it has inspired many small expansions in our available retail space. The most recent expansion, working with son Robert, has meant adding two large rooms of antiques and collectibles, which according to the accountant, has been a substantial success after only four and a half months.

     Suzanne and I have been overwhelmed by the support of patrons, many who remember us from our former Bracebridge shop, back in the mid 1990s. Now they're coming to Gravenhurst to see us, and we know for fact, they are visiting other local businesses while in our fine town. Suzanne and I have been in the antique trade since about 1987, in one form or another, including online sales of old and rare books, including historical documents, which we still pursue for certain items, requiring a world audience in order to sell profitably. As my dear wife is nearing the end of her teaching career, she will one day soon, be the resident "quilts, blanket and vintage linen restorer", in the antique wing of Andrew Currie's Music, in the old Muskoka Theatre Building. After twenty-five years preparing for a retirement business, we've finally arrived at a good place, in a wonderful town, having a huge amount of potential in the still budding retail sector. And not just in the summer months. We had a great summer season, but the autumn, with the exception of about a dozen quiet days, has been remarkable for the boys and us, and I wouldn't lie about this…….just in case someone opened a business based on our record of success.

     I don't worry myself about long term planning for the main street. I concern myself about one month at a time. Our boys have followed the same protocol. The only business priority for us, is to make our customers happy with the service we provide, and the product we offer for sale. We don't want to discourage those who wish to long-term plan, or plan for new shrubberies, sidewalks, pretty banners and upgraded facades, but frankly, our time must be spent focused on survival marketing…..and making our combined enterprises, fun to visit, and a place you want to visit again. We're of course nervous of jinxing ourselves by declaring success, but for this time, and the past six years of progressive improvements, we'd feel it was wrong, not to bestow our confidence in what main street retail can do……when given every opportunity to move ahead unfettered by negativity. We do feel as if we have come through the eye of the storm, and at last count, we had all our relevant parts intact…..and good humor, to keep on tending shop, on a really nice, nostalgic and historic strip of diversified retail.

     As I have written about previously, I will be cranking-out (what we called copy-writing as reporters) a Christmas season blog, from a neat little desk, I've outfitted in the corner of my book room, tucked deep in the back section of the antique-wing of the lads' store. I plan to begin my Christmas Sketches of Gravenhurst, on November 30th, and continue until New Year's Day. These will all be non-political, non-confrontational stories, and hopefully, a clear demonstration to my critics, that I'm grateful to this community, for being a warm and wonderful hometown……perfect for raising a family…..which is exactly what we did dating back to 1989; the year we moved here, instead of one of several other towns we had been considering. I would one day truly, love to be considered a local, but I know the regimen. I'm still new to town, with a long way to go. And I appreciate that….of any town. I have one saving grace, and it's the fact that both our boys were born in Muskoka, and Suzanne's family were pioneers dating back to the 1860's. I was a city kid until the spring of 1966. Point is, we all have great pride in being Muskokan, and belonging to this community, and we hope, by our actions and investment here, that it shows through the fog of bluster from the columnist.

     If I fail, with my Christmas Sketches, to capture the essence of this community, then I wouldn't blame readers for abandoning my daily offering. I might wish to retreat generally, if the consensus is, my sketches were frivolous and frothing overviews, unworthy of regard, despite the trace, imagined scent of Christmas spices. I want to re-visit our town, and examine its subtleties…..those characteristics that we often bypass with a fleeting glance, in our harried, on-the-road again lives. It won't be a pre-occupation with history, and I don't feel it should be weighted down by only present realities. It will be a personal adventure. Maybe some self discovery along the way. At times it will remind you of the town you grew up in, or seem as if a community you knew somewhere else, in some other province or country. It is not intended to be maudlin about times past, or overly cheerful, in a dance with unrealistic circumstance. I won't offer any apology at all, if a reader feels it is biased, and a blatant promotion of Gravenhurst, above and beyond the acknowledged attributes of other communities in Muskoka. Forgive me, dear reader, for this……the author's prerogative. I hope you will join me for a non-political Christmas-time adventure, through the town we think we know……but maybe not as much as we thought.

     Thanks so much for joining me for today's blog. Suzanne is busy baking special "Vinyl Cafe," cookies, with icing to make them look like records, just in case Stuart McLean ambles across the road, into a real vinyl cafe. The aroma is driving me crazy, and this is just the trial run, to get it right for next week. She's never made "record" cookies before, so there's been a lot of audible grumbling out in the kitchen. I'm going to try and sneak a few of the project cookies, without her noticing. Last night I got caught when I forgot to wipe the icing from the corner of my mouth. I would never have made a successful thief. I'm too careless for my own good.

     See you soon!

Let's All Welcome Stuart McLean and The Vinyl Cafe to Town

GRAVENHURST BUSINESS COMMUNITY SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR - "WE WELCOME STUART MCLEAN" FOR CHRISTMAS

THIS IS A NICE GIFT FROM THE CBC AND ONE OF CANADA'S BEST KNOWN STORY TELLERS

     SUZANNE HAS BEEN WORKING ON A VARIETY OF CHRISTMAS 2012 "VINYL CAFE" COOKIES, FOR NEXT WEEK'S TWO NIGHT PERFORMANCE. NO, SHE'S NOT FEEDING THE AUDIENCE. THE COOKIES WILL BE FOR HEADLINER, STUART MCLEAN, AND HIS CREW, IF THEY HAPPEN TO WANDER INTO THE REAL VINYL CAFE, IN THE MULTI-SHOPS OF THE FORMER MUSKOKA THEATRE BUILDING. THE ONE ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE OPERA HOUSE, WITH CURRIE'S MUSIC PROMOTED IN BIG LETTERS ON THE BRAND NEW MARQUIS. IS THIS A SHAMELESS PLUG FOR OUR MAIN STREET BUSINESS, THAT SELLS VINTAGE VINYL….AND EVEN NEW VINYL STILL WARM OFF THE PRESSES? THAT WOULD BE CRASS. THIS IS ABOUT STUART MCLEAN AND THE COOKIES HE HAS INSPIRED. NOT ANTIQUE AND RECORD SALES IN THE SHOP NEXT DOOR! I'M HORRIBLE. I'M ASHAMED OF MYSELF. YET HOLY MACKINAW, THIS IS A BIG BUSINESS EVENT, TO OUR MAIN STREET…..TO START OFF THE FESTIVE SEASON….AND YES….CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. 

   THAT'S RIGHT. SUZANNE HAS BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF COOKIES AND ICING COMBINATIONS, TO MAKE EDIBLE RECORDS - IN KEEPING WITH THE "VINYL CAFE" THEME, AND STUART MCLEAN'S VISIT TO GRAVENHURST NEXT WEEK, FOR A TWO NIGHT STAND AT THE GRAVENHURST OPERA HOUSE. SOLD OUT IN "RECORD" TIME. GET IT? VINTAGE VINYL? ACTUALLY, IT MAY HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO A RECORD. I'D HAVE TO CHECK THAT ONE OUT TO MAKE SURE!

   WOULDN'T IT BE NICE IF THE ROOF WAS READY TO GO. THAT WOULD REALLY BE THE ICING ON THE EVENT. IT WAS ESTIMATED THE WORK WOULD BE DONE BY THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK IN NOVEMBER, AND I CHALLENGED RIGHT BACK…..THAT NO IT WOULDN'T. SO I WIN. THE BOOBY PRIZE UNDOUBTEDLY. BUT BY GOLLY, THERE'S NOT THAT MANY DAYS LEFT, BEFORE THE CBC CREW PULLS INTO TOWN, AND THE PRESENT PLYWOOD ON TARPAPER ISN'T ALL THAT FETCHING……ON ONE OF OUR MOST HISTORIC BUILDINGS. OF COURSE, THAT'S SOMETHING FOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS TO WORRY ABOUT. I'M NOT SURE THEY EVEN KNOW WHAT STAGE ITS AT……BECAUSE I NEVER SEE THEM ON SITE LOOKING UP. WONDER WHY?

     I THINK ALL BUSINESSES IN THIS TOWN SHOULD ROLL OUT THE WELCOME MAT, FOR MR. MCLEAN AND HIS ENTOURAGE FROM THE CBC, BECAUSE IT'S A BIG DEAL…..AND ONE THAT PUTS A ZING IN THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN OUR LITTLE ONTARIO BURG. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PERFORMER WITH A HUGELY POPULAR CHRISTMAS SHOW, ON TOUR THROUGH CANADA, AND IT IS A MAJOR ENTERTAINMENT COUP, TO HAVE HIM SHOW UP ON OUR DOORSTEP, TO PLAY FOR THE FANS OF SOUTH MUSKOKA…..TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE SEASONAL FESTIVITIES. JUST MINUS THE THREE FEET OF SNOW, AND THE HALF BURIED REINDEER OF SANTA'S VILLAGE.

     PERSONALLY, I'D LIKE TO SEE HIS NAME BACK UP ON THE OPERA HOUSE MARQUIS, IF ONLY JUST A MENTION, WITH THE BUDGET OF LETTERS THEY HAVE…….TO COVER ALL THE BASES. I KNOW THE OTHER ACTS NEED PROMOTION TOO, BUT THE VINYL CAFE IS A NATIONAL TREASURE…..AND JUST BECAUSE IT'S SOLD OUT, OVER TWO NIGHTS, DOESN'T MEAN IT SHOULDN'T BE HERALDED ON THAT BRIGHT LIGHT IN HERITAGE SQUARE. WE'RE ALL GLAD THAT HE AND HIS CREW DECIDED TO RETURN TO GRAVENHURST, WHERE HE HAS PERFORMED IN THE PAST. SO GLAD IN FACT, THAT WE'RE PLANNING ON SERVING VINYL CAFE COOKIES, IF STUART AND GANG DROP IN FOR A VISIT.

     ANDREW HAS WORKED WITH STUART ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, ONCE AT THE OPERA HOUSE, WHILE FRED SCHULZ WAS IN THE MANAGER'S OFFICE, AND AGAIN AT THE CAISSE THEATRE IN BRACEBRIDGE, ALSO FOR A TWO NIGHT GIG.

BUT WHY COOKIES…..WHY, OH WHY?

     When our boys, Andrew and Robert, began their vintage music business, more than six years ago, (now in their seventh) we had one of the tightest budgets in the free enterprise system. They didn't borrow money from the bank, and they never purchased what they couldn't afford. They couldn't even afford to set up a bank machine, or credit card system for their first two room shop, in the upstairs (formerly the projector room of the theatre) of the cavernous old theatre building….they shared with the Just 4 Kicks Dance Studio, which occupied most of the downstairs studios. In order for the lads to get an edge, somehow, to attract and keep customers, they tried out many customer-friendly plans, such as substantial discounts to regular customers, a place to jam on a cold winter's day, ongoing music talk constantly with all-comers welcome to join in (even the occasional professional musician on tour), and oh yes, Suzanne's cookies. They are prepared for the regulars every Saturday morning, and let me tell you……they would be devastated to show up at the shop, for their usual music debate, hot coffees in hand, if the still-warm cookies hadn't yet arrived. Gads, talk about developing a dependence. Debate stops long enough to down a couple of ginger snaps, or some oatmeal raisin cookies. Not talking. Just eating. Noisy eating. Almost musical with the occasional slurp and sputter of spilled coffee.

     Last week it was oatmeal / peanut butter-chocolate chip, following-up the iced brownies the week before; the peanut butter and chocolate chip crisps before that. Rice Krispy squares. My God, I could easily smother myself with them, if I wasn't on a strict protocol of only two squares, and then only on special Saturdays. Once a month. I'm on this diet, you see! I hate it!

    Every Friday night, she labors over the mixing bowls and stove, after a week's teaching at the high school, to make enough cookies to handle the ever-increasing attendance in the boys new recording studio……also used for lessons throughout the week. The cookie tin is usually empty by three in the afternoon, especially if it was "brownie" week. They are the most popular desert treat, for the Saturday music crew. There are even references to Suzanne's cookies online, from roving professional musicians communicating on Facebook, from those who had stopped in to visit Andrew and Robert, while vacationing in Muskoka…..and if it was a Saturday, getting mitt-fulls of homemade cookies to tide them over on the journey to lakeside. Suzanne, by the way, has been largely oblivious to the popularity of her baked goods, and most often, the only thing she gets in return, is the empty tin on Saturday night. Well, that's not quite true. Those musicians who like their stipend of cookies, will often shuffle back into the antique wing of our family store, to offer thanks for her ongoing benevolence to poor guitar players and drummers…..who may or may not be down on their luck. They seem to be pretty happy with fresh baking, that's for sure. By the way, our shop has expanded into ninety percent of the building over six years, and me thinks it has something to do with cookie-favors……on top of good pricing of course.

     So call it cheating or a smart marketing strategy, but Suzanne's cookie treats became a part of the boys' successful business history. But now she can't stop baking. She may have to retire from teaching school, to become a half-time baker, half time antique shop clerk. It was what we did, this cookie thing, when we didn't have a lot of money to invest, in advertising, but wanted to make the shop a popular, friendly, comfortable place to hang out…..and yes, occasionally buy a guitar, mandolin, banjo or vintage record from the lads' huge collection, which they started acquiring in their early teens.

     Wouldn't it be a great show of support, for a fine performer, and a Canadian legend of the stage, (and microphone), to put up some "welcome signs" for the visit of the CBC to our town, with our special guest, Stuart McLean. Do you know there are still people looking to buy tickets for the sold-out shows. You never know. There might be scalpers out there in heritage square getting double the price for the tickets. Did I mention I waited too long to get Suzanne's tickets to the show, and how stunned I feel, having to face the woman, with icing and gingerbread on her face, reminding her once again, how sorry I am to have forgotten to buy our tickets when they first came up for sale. I am the tortoise you see, and I have, unlike the moral story, never beat the rabbit once……in many attempts over a lifetime. Just because someone told me I could! I never believed that story anyway. So I sort of convinced her, that at the very least, we could show our support for the Vinyl Cafe Christmas Show, by making some special cookies that looked like spinning records. I thought I might have been scorned for suggesting it, but low and behold, she had been thinking about the same idea. Ah, that's what's special about soul mates. Just so you know……and I'm sure you do……Suzanne never reads my blogs. Since we became a couple, in the latter days of my newspaper career, she has only ever read my work several times, always when I needed a second opinion about something controversial…..which I'm a obsessively inclined.

     I hope our local BIA will find this a great opportunity unfolding, to bring together our little neighborhood, to publicly thank Mr. McLean for bringing us his famous Christmas Show, which over the years, has travelled from sea to sea, north to south, and all over again. It's no surprise the show sold out quickly…..because he's a rock-star of story telling. He's been telling stories to us Curries for decades, and it's rare for us to miss his CBC 2 show on Saturday mornings, while we're off on our weekly antique hunts. If we're open early at the shop, he's on air for the benefit of our customers, who often linger. That's good for a shop like ours, because lingering creates discovery, which leads to statements like, "I love your shop….and I'll take these things." But they get a cookie free.

     There's a lot of grumbling going on in the test kitchen tonight. Make that a lot of crumbling. She's got over a week to figure it all out, and if you know our family at all, the perfect cookie will emerge……even if it takes all night.

     The nice thing here? Many of the ticket holders are from out of town…….and we like guests to visit our community…..any day of the week.

     Thanks for visiting this blogsite today. Are you going to be in attendance at the big show? Can you sneak my wife in? There's a few cookies in it for you! Just kidding.

The Essence of A Home Town - Respect For Our Veterns

THE VICTORY OUR VETERANS GAVE US - AND THE COMMUNITY WE ARE TODAY

SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY BATHED IN BRIGHTNESS WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR PEACE

     SOMEWHERE A FEW NEIGHBORHOOD YARDS AWAY, AN AGITATED DOG BARKS AT A SQUIRREL, LEAPING ACROSS THE OVERHEAD BOUGHS, OF A VENERABLE, BUT LEANING PINE. IF YOU HAD LISTENED CAREFULLY, YOU MIGHT ALSO HAVE HEARD A COUPLE OF CHILDREN, AT PLAY, LAUGHING ABOUT NOTHING IN PARTICULAR. THERE IS A PLANE RUMBLING OVERHEAD, THE SOUND OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC NEARBY, AND THE CEASELESS, BUT JOYFUL CHIRPING OF BIRDS IN THE BARE BRANCHES OF AN OLD NEIGHBORHOOD TREE……STILL STANDING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS; LEFT UPRIGHT FOR NOW, BY ALL THE STORMS THAT HAVE PASSED OVER A CENTURY. A FLAG STIRS QUITE GENTLY IN THE LIGHT MORNING BREEZE, AND WE CAN DETECT THE FAINT AND DISTANT CADENCE OF FOOTSTEPS…..MANY OF THEM IN PARADE, ALONG THE ROAD, IN A SOLEMN, STALWART MARCH TOWARD A PLACE OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE. OCCASIONALLY THE SUN POURS LIGHT ON THIS COMMUNITY GATHERING, AND THERE IS A MIXTURE OF CITIZENS, SOME HOLDING COLORFUL WREATHS, WITH TRADITIONAL POPPIES PINNED OVER THEIR HEARTS…… THOSE WHO GATHER HERE, EACH YEAR, AT THE 11TH HOUR ON THE 11TH DAY, OF THE 11TH MONTH. REMEMBRANCE DAY. AND THE COMFORTABLE SETTING TODAY, IS OUR LIVELY LITTLE TOWN. GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO. AS IT HAS BEEN SINCE THE LATE 1850'S, WHEN IT WAS KNOWN, AS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST HAMLETS IN THIS PART OF THE FRONTIER.

     WHEN THE VETERANS AND LEGION SUPPORTERS PARADE BY, ON THE WAY TO THE NOVEMBER 11TH WREATH LAYING, IN OUR HOMETOWN, WE OF COURSE, LOOK UPON THE EVENT WITH SOLEMN REVERENCE AND RESPECT, FOR ALL THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES, IN THE DEFENSE OF HOME, COUNTRY; FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. WE WONDER WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR THOSE SURVIVING VETERANS, TO HAVE WITNESSED THE CARNAGE OF WAR, AND HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT IT TODAY IN RETROSPECTS, MARCHING PROUDLY ALONG THE STREETS OF THEIR HOME TOWN.

    THINKING BACK TO THE DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER THEIR ENLISTMENT, AND HAVING HAD TO, WITH HEAVY HEARTS, PARADE AWAY FROM THIS FAMILIAR SANCTUARY OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS? WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR THEM TODAY, TO RECEIVE ENCOURAGING WAVES OF THANKS, AND GOOD WISHES, FROM THOSE CITIZENS WHO WEREN'T EVEN BORN AT THE TIME, THE SECOND WORLD WAR ERUPTED IN EUROPE? HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUNGSTERS, MET ALONG THE WAY, SALUTE AND WAVE, AS IF THE VETERANS ARE THEIR MODERN DAY HEROES? MAYBE THEY DON'T KNOW HOW PROFOUNDLY THE CITIZENS OF THIS COMMUNITY FEEL. AND WHILE THESE GESTURES ARE WELCOME, AND ACKNOWLEDGED, THEY SEEM AT THE SAME TIME, SURPRISING AND UNEXPECTED. POSSIBLY THEY FELT THIS WAY WHEN THEY LEFT THEIR RESPECTIVE HOME TOWNS, TO JOIN THE WAR EFFORT, AND LOOKED UPON THOSE CITIZENS ON THE RAILWAY PLATFORM AS THE "CURIOUS," AND NOT SINCERE WELL WISHERS. MAYBE THEY DIDN'T APPRECIATE THEN, JUST HOW IMPORTANT THEIR EFFORTS WERE, TO THE WAY THESE HOME TOWNS WOULD EXIST IN THE FUTURE……WHEN THEY ARRIVED BACK HOME. NO ONE WANTED TO THINK THAT WE MIGHT LOSE THE WAR……BUT IT WAS AN UNPLEASANT POTENTIAL REGARDLESS.

    DAILY ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES DURING THOSE WAR YEARS, WERE FILLED WITH AN UNCERTAIN AMOUNT OF FEAR AND LOATHING, YET OVERFLOWING WITH PRIDE, THAT OUR COMMUNITIES WERE BEING WELL REPRESENTED IN A CONFLICT HALFWAY AROUND THE GLOBE. OUR HOMEGROWN CITIZENS WERE DEFENDING OUR HONOR, AND FREEDOM, PLACING THEIR LIVES IN DANGER…..FOR THE SAKE OF A PRESERVED DEMOCRACY.  SOME MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. MANY WERE SERIOUSLY WOUNDED, AND SUFFERED WITH INJURIES FOR THE BALANCE OF THEIR LIVES. MANY OTHERS SUFFERED IN SILENCE FROM THE RIGORS OF WHAT THEY PERFORMED, AND WHAT THEY EXPERIENCED. IT'S ALSO TRUE, MANY RETURNING SOLDIERS DIDN'T APPRECIATE HOW MUCH THE CITIZENS OF THEIR HOME TOWNS AND REGION, CARED FOR AND RESPECTED THEM, FOR WHAT THEY HAD ENGRAVED ON THE WORLD CONSCIENCE, DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR IMMENSE BRAVERY. WHILE GENERATIONS HAVE BEEN REVERENT OF THEIR VALIANT EFFORTS, IT WOULD PAIN US GREATLY, IF THEY THOUGHT OF THE CITIZENRY, THEN AND NOW, AS EITHER INDIFFERENT AND NEGLECTFUL. WE MAY BE FAULTED FOR OUR OFTEN MODEST DEMONSTRATION OF RESPECT. BUT IT IS WIDESPREAD AND SINCERE, JUST AS IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN.

     TODAY, IN NOVEMBER 2012, WITH A CLEAR AND SUNNY ATMOSPHERE, BEAMING OVER OUR CHARMING LITTLE BALLIWICK, TUCKED INTO THE HEARTLAND OF BEAUTIFUL MUSKOKA, ONTARIO, CANADA, THOSE WHO WATCHED THE GATHERING, AND PARTICIPATED IN THE CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE TODAY, BROUGHT FORTH THOSE OLD BUT STILL SHARP FEELINGS OF RESPECT, PASSED UP THROUGH THE GENERATIONS; GARNERED BY THE GREAT GRANDPARENTS, AND PARENTS, WHO MAY HAVE BEEN THERE, STANDING IN UNIFORM, ON THAT RAILWAY PLATFORM; OR MUSTERED ALONG THAT INTIAL PARADE ROUTE DURING AND AFTER THE WAR. OTHERS WHO WATCHED THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS, NEIGHBORS AND RELATIVES, HEAD OFF TO FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY; SHAKING HANDS AND THEN WAVING AS THE STEAMING LOCOMOTIVE, PULLED ITS TRAIN-LOAD OF HUMANITY, FAR DOWN THE TRACKS, INTO A TINY BLACK SILHOUETTE IN TIME……AND THOSE AGAIN, IN SAD RETROSPECTIVE, WHO KNEW WHEN THAT SAME TRAIN ARRIVED HOME AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH COFFINS ABOARD. LATER IN THE CONFLICT, IT BECAME A TRAGIC FAMILIARITY.  AND THOSE WHO SAW THE TEARFUL PARENTS OF THE DECEASED, PARADE WITH SORROW TO THE CEMETERIES TO BURY THEIR OWN……BUT WHO LATER, DESPITE THEIR LOSS, AND SUFFERING, WOULD FIND STRENGTH, JOINING THE THRONGS OF LOCALS, WHO SHOWED UP WITH GOOD CHEER, TO WELCOME RETURNING SOLDIERS……CELEBRATING THE VICTORY AT HAND.

     IT ALL COMES TOGETHER, THIS CURIOUS CONFLUENCE OF OLD AND NEW EMOTION, ON DAYS LIKE THIS, WHEN THE COMMUNITY GATHERS THOUGHTFULLY, TO PAY RESPECT, TO THE HERITAGE OF SERVICE AND FAITHFULNESS TO HOME AND COUNTRY. IT IS WITHOUT NEED FOR EXPLANATION, THE ESSENCE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG TO A HOMETOWN. IT IS VISIBLE ON THE FACES OF SENIOR CITIZENS, BABY BOOMERS, THIRTY-SOMETHINGS, YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUNGSTERS, POLITICIANS AND SPECIAL GUESTS, WATCHING THE CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH……IN THE PEACE AFFORDED US, THE RESULT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT BY VETERANS, OVER TWO WORLD WARS.

     IT MAY SEEM TO SOME OBSERVERS, THAT THE CEREMONIES AREN'T AS BIG, AS THEY ONCE WERE, OR THAT THERE ARE FEWER IN THE PARADES, AND EVEN FEWER ALONG THE COURSE OF THE REMEMBRANCE MARCH TO THE CENOTAPH; AND ARGUABLY THIS IS LIKELY A FACT OF MODERN DAY. THERE ARE FEWER SURVIVING VETERANS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR, AND OUR NEWER VETERANS, FROM RECENT WORLD CONFLICTS, ARE ALSO OF A LESSER NUMBER. BUT IF YOU WERE TO LOOK CLOSELY, AND SEE THE RESPECT ETCHED ONTO THE FACES OF THE SPECTATORS, AND SUPPORTERS ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE ROUTE, IT IS NOT THE CASE AT ALL, THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS FORGOTTEN ITS LEGACY OF CITIZENSHIP. I FIND QUITE THE OPPOSITE, AND FEEL THAT OUR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, AND ORGANIZATIONS, MAINTAIN A FIERCE LOYALTY TO THIS REMEMBRANCE…..NOT JUST ONE DAY EACH YEAR……BUT FOR ALL 365 DAYS. AS WE LOVE LIFE IN OUR HOMETOWN, IT IS IMBEDDED, THAT IT'S WELFARE, AND ITS HISTORY, ARE DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE SACRIFICES OF ITS CITIZENRY, IN INDUSTRY, RESOURCEFULNESS, AMBITION, RESOLVE, RESPECT, AT HOME AND MOST CERTAINLY, IN WORLD CONFLICT.

   THE ROLE OF OUR BRANCH OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, IN OUR HOME TOWN, HAS NEVER BEEN IN DOUBT OR MINIMIZED, AND THE GOOD WORK THEY DO THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, TO KEEP OUR CITIZENS ENGAGED IN THIS RESPECT AND LOYALTY FOR VETERANS, AND FAMILIES, ENSURES REMEMBRANCE IS A CONSTANT…..NOT JUST A FLEETING, ONE DAY, ONE EVENT RECOGNITION. GRAVENHURST LEGION MEMBERS ARE HUGELY DEDICATED TO KEEPING OUR REMEMBRANCE A DAILY REALITY OF SMALL TOWN LIFE AND TIMES. THEY ARE AN AMAZINGLY VIBRANT COMMUNITY GROUP, AND THEY HAVE MADE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. THEY HAVE, ABOVE ALL ELSE, BECOME A RELEVANT, ACTIVE, VIBRANT PART OF A MODERN COMMUNITY….WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE, BY INSISTING ON BEING RELEVANT…..BY BEING ACTIVE. IT'S A DIFFICULT TASK TO MAINTAIN THEIR POSITION OF RELEVANCE, SO LONG AFTER THE WAR YEARS, BUT THEIR ONGOING AND NEW WORK, TO ASSIST VETERANS TODAY, HAS MADE THEM AN EVER MORE IMPORTANT RESOURCE AND SERVICE IN OUR COUNTRY GENERALLY.

     PLEASE REMEMBER THE WORK OF OUR LEGION BRANCHES, AND SUPPORT THEM WHEN YOU CAN…….OR BY ATTENDING ONE OR MORE OF THEIR SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS. REMEMBRANCE ISN'T JUST A ONE-DAY-A-YEAR NECESSITY. IT MUST BE A HEARTFELT REALITY. WE WOULD LOSE OUR DYNAMIC AS A COMMUNITY, IF INDIFFERENCE BECAME THE NORM. IT IS A COG IN OUR WHEEL. IT IS OUR BALANCE.

     FOLLOWING THE SERVICE AT THE CENOTAPH, THE LAYING OF THE WREATHS, AND PRAYERS……THE HANDSHAKES AND HUGS OF GOOD WISHES, IT WAS ONCE AGAIN TIME TO MOVE ON, IN A TOWN FULL OF VIGOR AND POSSIBILITY. THAT DOG WAS STILL BARKING. THE KIDS WERE STILL YELLING AND LAUGHING IN PLAY. THE BIRDS CHATTERED AWAY, IN THE TREE TOPS, AND THE SOUND OF NEARBY TRAFFIC EVEN MUTED CONVERSATION BETWEEN FRIENDS. A PREVAILING GENTLENESS EASED ONE AND ALL, AND SOON, THE GATHERING HAD DISPERSED TO FINE LUNCHES AND CELEBRATORY TOASTS; THAT WE'VE MADE A PRETTY GOOD LIFE FOR OURSELVES HERE, AT HOME, THANKS TO KINDNESSES ALL ROUND…..AND TODAY, WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS, FOR THE CONTENTMENT OF THIS LASTING PEACE. 

     I HAVE INCLUDED ANOTHER SELECTION OF STEREO-CARD IMAGES OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, PROVIDED BY ONE OF OUR COLLECTOR FRIENDS. THEY HAVE BEEN TUCKED IN A CIGAR BOX FOR MANY YEARS, AND IT'S A PLEASURE TO SHOW THEM TO THE READERS OF MY BLOG. SOME ARE PHOTOGRAPHS AND OTHERS ARE ARTIST SKETCHES FROM THE FRONT……IN FRANCE. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ TODAY'S BLOG. IT'S ALWAYS NICE WHEN WE GET TOGETHER. PLEASE VISIT AGAIN SOON.

A Ghost Of The First World War

THE FIRST WORLD WAR SOLDIER IN MY SHOP - A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE OF REMEMBRANCE

ANTIQUE DEALERS COME TO EXPECT UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES WITH HERITAGE ITEMS

     IT WAS JUST WEEKS BEFORE REMEMBRANCE DAY. I WAS WORKING THEN, FROM A SMALL BASEMENT ANTIQUE SHOP, ON THE UPPER END OF BRACEBRIDGE'S MANITOBA STREET. SO THAT PUTS THE TIME FRAME AT AROUND 1993 OR SO. I'M A LITTLE FOGGY THESE DAYS, WITH SO MUCH HUDDLING OVER THIS INFERNAL KEYBOARD…..AND STARING AT THIS WHITER THAN WHITE MONITOR. I PREFERRED, OF COURSE, WATCHING OVER A SHEET OF PAPER IN THE ROLLER OF MY OLD UNDERWOOD, THAT IMPACTED REAL INK ON REAL PAPER….FROM STRIKING METAL KEYS. AYE, THOSE WERE THE DAYS. 

     ON THIS PARTICULAR OVERCAST FRIDAY AFTERNOON, RAINING AND WINDY, I WAS LISTENING TO SOME FIRST WORLD WAR VINTAGE MUSIC, I HAD RECORDED EARLIER, TO PLAY IN THE SHOP DURING THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO REMEMBRANCE DAY. WE STILL DO THIS WITH WITH OUR PRESENT SHOP HERE IN GRAVENHURST. OFFER MUSIC TO SUIT THE OCCASION. AS WE HAD SOME CANADIAN MILITARY PHOTOS AND A MINOR AMOUNT OF MILITARIA ON CONSIGNMENT FROM OTHER COLLECTORS, THE MUSIC PROVIDED AN INTERESTING MOOD TO THE LOWLY LIT SHOP, THAT BY ITSELF, SEEMED TO BE A PORTAL BACK IN TIME. JUST THE BUILDING ITSELF, PROMPTED PEOPLE TO ASK IF IT WAS HAUNTED. OF COURSE IT WAS. WE DIDN'T MIND IT AT ALL. SPIRITS MAKE GOOD COMPANY. WE CHAT IN THOUGHTS SO IT'S NOT INTRUSIVE CONVERSATION, THAT MIGHT BOTHER OTHER CUSTOMERS BROWSING THE AISLES.

     I SHOULD FOOTNOTE THIS POINT, THAT ALTHOUGH WE HAVE HAD MANY MILITARY PIECES FROM BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND WORLD WARS, WE AREN'T MILITARIA DEALERS BY DEFINITION. SOME TIMES WE JUST RUN INTO ESTATE SALES AND AUCTIONS, WHERE THESE MATERIALS ARE OFFERED, AND BECAUSE OF OUR RESPECT FOR ITS IMPORTANCE, WE ARE LIKELY TO BRING IT ALL HOME…..AT LEAST WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO MAKE THE PURCHASES. THESE ARTIFACTS CAN GET PRETTY EXPENSIVE. I ALSO DON'T WANT TO MISLEAD YOU. THERE IS A HUGE MARKET FOR MILITARIA, AND IF YOU'RE A GENERAL ANTIQUE DEALER, IT'S JUST DAY TO DAY BUSINESS TO OFFER THESE HEIRLOOM PIECES FOR SALE. SUZANNE AND I, FOR DECADES NOW, HAVE REMAINED ON THE PERIPHERY OF THIS COLLECTING FIELD, AS I HAVE NO DESERVE TO INVOLVE MYSELF SELLING MEDALS OR MORE PERSONAL WAR-TIME ITEMS. I HAVE SOLD SUBSTANTIAL AUCTION LOTS OF MILITARY LETTERS, FROM BOTH WARS, AS PART OF AN ESTATE WE WERE EMPLOYED TO DISPERSE. I WOULD HAVE LIKED, IF IT HAD BEEN FISCALLY POSSIBLE, TO PURCHASE ALL OF THEM FOR MY OWN ARCHIVES, BUT THE FACT WAS, THEY WERE JUST TOO VALUABLE FOR MY BUDGET. THEY SOLD ONLINE FOR A COMBINED PRICE, IF MEMORY SERVES, OF ABOUT A THOUSAND DOLLARS.

     THERE WAS AN OCCASION, WHEN I ACQUIRED AN ORIGINAL AND COMPLETE WORLD WAR I UNIFORM, ONCE BELONGING TO A FORMER CANADIAN SOLDIER, WHO AFTER THE WAR, CAME TO RESIDE IN THE BRACEBRIDGE AREA. IT WAS A WONDERFUL PIECE, AND WE USED IT FOR OUR REMEMBRANCE DISPLAYS, WHICH WE DID EVERY YEAR WITH WHAT ARTIFACTS WE HAD AVAILABLE AT THE TIME.

THE UNIFORM SUITED THE WEARER!

     The problem for me, was whether to hold onto the uniform, which would likely be the only one I'd ever own in my life, or sell it to a collector as the antique dealer I was supposed to be. There is a fine line between collector and dealer, and sometimes our homes are far more jammed-up with stuff, than our actual shops. So I had pretty much decided, that following this particular year's Remembrance Day, I would finally attach a price sticker. Reluctantly, but it had to be done. I couldn't collect everything after all. Suzanne still calls me a collector instead of a dealer.

     I looked up from my desk, that late October afternoon, and there was a chap I knew standing in front, with one hand fondling the uniform, which hung just above our counter showcase. It was a teacher I knew from one of our schools, and he seemed fascinated by the rough texture of the good condition uniform. "Ted," he said. "Is there any chance that you would be willing to loan me this uniform for a Remembrance Day play we're putting on next week?" As we were regular suppliers of theatre props, it wasn't an unusual request. The problem with this uniform, was its size. It was for a man of modest proportion. The young Canadian who had worn it, wasn't tall or heavy. I stopped myself from explaining this to my friend, because he was of the perfect size to don the uniform. I agreed that it would be great to have the uniform in use again, for a peace-time play…..especially as a Remembrance Day event. "I'd like to try it on first," he said, and I pointed him to a bathroom upstairs.

     He was gone quite awhile and I wondered if he had just decided to leave after trying it on. That would have been okay, as he thanked me in advance, before he even went upstairs. So I just settled down with my writing work again, which at that moment was a war-time story for The Muskoka Advance, a Friday paper at that time. The music was sentimental and tear-jerking, and my story was pretty heavy and a little depressing, so when all of a sudden, my friend startled me again, I nearly fell off my chair. When I looked up, he had every right to ask, "Looks like you saw a ghost Ted." "I did," I replied. "I did." I really can't explain, just how ghostly he appeared in that Canadian soldier's uniform. It was as if it had been tailored for him. It had an aura that he couldn't have seen, as if the uniform itself was haunted by the past……but somehow, some way accepting, of this new body with a strong heart, re-animating history. Right in front of me. It seemed as if he had just then walked right out of a military portrait, to stand in front of me, for inspection. He even saluted. I'm very seldom at a loss for words, as you can attest, but I was spellbound by the way the uniform fit this man, who had literally, just come in off the street. He didn't know I had the uniform before he walked into the shop. He was just looking for a military hat or regimental photograph, his theatrical group could use as props on stage. Then he found the uniform that no one…..not a soul, in two years, had been able to fit into…..and yes many had tried and failed. It was eerie how it all came together that afternoon. Sort of reminded me of Cinderella and the special slipper. They were made for each other.

     He was planning to wear it for the variety show at a local church, I believe, and I couldn't have been happier. But just seeing him in that uniform, made me appreciate the relevance of having kept it for those years…..gathering dust as Suzanne reminds me of my collections. This was just one of those poignant antique-dealer moments, that we all have in this trade, from year to year, that is a strange but adequate pay-off for our own brand of historical preservation. We don't get a lot of credit for this kind of conservation, because our critics only see the profit-taking as motivation. If that was the case, there would be a lot fewer dealers, because the "rush" we get from the trade, is largely "the discovery," from all the energy we expend embarking upon adventure after adventure. It is a grueling enterprise at times. Cut-throat. Indiana Jones type aggressiveness, to make the big finds. The profit aspect is necessary, of course. Show me a business that prospers without it. But to know dealers the way I do, is to appreciate that profit is never as important as experience and odyssey. This gentleman, wearing my World War I uniform, once owned by a brave Canadian soldier, brought the history I adore, back to life for that fleeting but memorable moment, down in a dimly lit shop, I used to call my adventurer's work space. It even gave me something more to write about, for my weekly newspaper column. My friend looked great on stage and he got lots of compliments from the audience. By all accounts, it was a hugely successful fundraiser, and a nice community-spirited show of Remembrance, for the sacrifices made by our citizens, in defense of home and country.

     Had I seen a ghost? I don't think so. But as to whether or not, I saw the glow of an old spirit, when that uniform was full of life again……I think so. I don't see auras, but I do feel them. This one was warm and contented. As an antique dealer, it was just one of those important moments, when you give a little sigh of thankfulness, that you've once again, had a rare opportunity, to experience history all over again……but without bombs going off and machine gun fire over the battlefront trench.

A LITTLE HISTORY SHARED FROM MY COLLECTOR FRIENDS, JUST FOR YOU

     This afternoon, friends of ours, who we deal with in the antique hunting enterprise, came in with a cigar box full of stereo cards from the vintage of the First World War. The "two parallel image" cards, which appeared as one view, when placed on the holding bracket of a stereo-scope, were mostly British, but there was one American, showing workers at an aircraft factory, and there may be a couple of Canadian troop photographs from the battlefield……although I haven't confirmed this. You could buy these general cards readily, but ones depicting world events, especially war, are very scarce these days……., and are coveted by collectors, especially of vintage photographs. I have included a sampling of these images, which I will carry-over several blogs, so you can have a chance to see what antique dealers get to handle on a fairly regular basis. Fact is, these happenstance discoveries keep us hanging onto the business, even when we become excessively old farts, who should know when to retire. We don't. We die on the job. So here are some of the images, including photographs taken of the trenches in France, and some timely news photos, which likely would have run in the international press, at the time. I don't know how long they have been in this old cigar box, but it's the perfect time to bring them out in recognition of Remembrance Day. Hope you enjoy them. Keep in mind, many were taken under adverse conditions, and while the men were under fire, making some of the images, taken with shattered nerves, less than crisp. Some are a little faded but we think you'll be able to appreciate the circumstance, and situation, of the photographer capturing the image. And just how nervous they were, half expecting their next photograph, may have also been their last. There are a few images that are artistic impressions of war scenes, done by front line commissioned painters.

     In 2014 it will be centennial of the commencement of the First World War.

     Thanks so much for joining me for this little story of personal Remembrance. Please come and visit again soon.

Don't Blame Youth For Being Insensitive About Remembrance

IT'S NOT THE FAULT OF OUR YOUTH THAT THEY KNOW LITTLE ABOUT THE WAR YEARS

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAILING IN THIS REGARD FOR DECADES - AND I'M SORRY TO SAY THIS, AS MY WIFE IS A TEACHER

     IT'S WHAT HAPPENS TO UNSUSPECTING HISTORIANS. WE GET ASKED TO FILL IN, WHEN THE PREFERRED SPEAKERS BACK-OUT OF PRESENTATIONS. I'M A THIRD STRINGER, SO WHEN I GET A PHONE CALL, ABOUT GIVING A SPEECH, WHETHER ON HOCKEY HERITAGE, OR ON PIONEER LIFE AND TIMES, I JUST ASSUME THEIR FIRST CHOICE GOT A TOOTHACHE, AND THE SECOND CHOICE GOT THE FLU. IT'S SURPRISING HOW MANY PUBLIC SPEAKERS BACK OUT AT THE LAST MOMENT. MOST OF MY HOCKEY CAREER WAS SPENT RIDING THE PINE, AS A BACK-UP NETMINDER, SO I'M USED TO LAST MINUTE PREPARATIONS. A REMEMBRANCE DAY PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT IS TODAY'S CASE IN POINT. I HAD TO MAKE A MAD-DASH TO RESEARCH A WAR AND PEACE PRESENTATION. I WOULD HAVE AN AUDIENCE OF ABOUT NINE HUNDRED IN A MATTER OF DAYS. GADS, WHAT WAS I GOING TO WRITE ABOUT?

     A FAMILY FRIEND, AND LONG TIME TEACHER ASKED ME TO MAKE A REMEMBRANCE DAY SPEECH, AT THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL ASSEMBLY AT BRACEBRIDGE AND MUSKOKA LAKES SECONDARY SCHOOL. IT WAS QUITE A FEW YEARS BACK, IN THE OLD SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, AND I DIDN'T EVEN ASK HER HOW MANY CALLS SHE MADE FOR GUEST SPEAKERS, BEFORE SHE ARRIVED AT MY NAME. I'D LIKE TO THINK I WAS IN THE TOP THREE, BUT IN THIS CASE, I'M PRETTY SURE I WAS THE BOTTOM OF THE PROVERBIAL BARREL. SO THINKING THAT THIS WAS A NEAT OPPORTUNITY, AND ONE THAT I'D NEVER DONE BEFORE, I WORKED LIKE A MADMAN, COMING UP WITH A UNIQUE STORY-LINE, AIMED AT THE STUDENTS…..NOT THE SPECIAL GUESTS IN PARTICULAR. AND THIS INCLUDED VETERANS AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE BRACEBRIDGE BRANCH OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION. IT WAS NICE TO SEE THEM THERE, BUT I TOOK MY TASK THAT DAY, AS EDUCATING THE STUDENTS ABOUT THE STRESSES OF WARTIME……..A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN THE TRADITIONAL PRESENTATION, ABOUT THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE OF WAR, AND HOW WE SHOULD BE FOREVER INDEBTED FOR THEIR SACRIFICE, IN THE MISSION TO PRESERVE FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY FOR HOME AND COUNTRY.

     AS IS MY TRADITION, I LIKE TO SURPRISE THOSE WHO EXPECT A CONSERVATIVE MESSAGE. SOMETIMES A CONSERVATIVE, LOW KEY, MAUDLIN PRESENTATION WORKS…..IF THE AUDIENCE EITHER COULDN'T WITHSTAND ANY EXCITEMENT, BECAUSE OF HEART CONDITIONS, OR WERE CONTENT TO JUST SLUMBER IN THEIR SEATS. I ONLY HAD A FEW DAYS TO PREPARE MY SPEECH, AND A PRETTY LIVELY AUDIENCE TO ENLIGHTEN. I THINK MY TEACHER FRIEND WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE MY NOTES, BEFORE I GOT ON THE STAGE, WITH OTHER DIGNITARIES ALSO MAKING PRESENTATIONS. SHE BIT THE BULLET, SO TO SPEAK, AND INHALED DEEPLY WHEN I WAS CALLED TO THE MICROPHONE BY THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. I LOOKED IN HER DIRECTION, AND GAVE HER A RE-ASSURING LOOK…..WHICH DIDN'T SEEM TO RE-ASSURE HER AT ALL. I KNOW THE LOOK OF FEAR WHEN I SEE IT. SUZANNE WEARS IT CONSTANTLY WHEN I'M BLOGGING, AND SHE'S TRYING TO KNIT…..BUT UNABLE TO IGNORE THE MUTTERING AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE KEYBOARD.

WE SHOULDN'T BLAME OUR YOUTH FOR MISUNDERSTANDING WAR

     I offered a few coughs and trademark stutters in my introduction. Then I recited a little preamble explanation, about what I really wanted to talk about…..which was going to be a little unconventional, even in the midst of what was traditionally sombre and seasonally routine. I began by offering an apology to the student body. We often hear and read criticism of our youth, stating rather bluntly that they aren't interested in knowing more about the war years, and our country's role with allies, in the defense of democracy. I offered the explanation, that time itself, was ever-distancing our younger generation from what involvement in World War meant. How could we criticize them, for being disinterested, when in large part, curriculum in the instruction of history, doesn't require a lot of time on either World War. It's been a decreasing situation in the classroom, since I was a student back in the 1960's. We were taught very little about our place in world war. Some teachers did more than others, not simply because of curriculum, but because they insisted, of their own accord, that we know more about this aspect of Canadian heritage. A lot of teachers just assigned us "war research" for class projects, and sent us off to the library to work independently. Not much in the way of classroom instruction. I got twice as much in university, but then I was paying for my education, to be in a specific area of history I was most interested.

     If you were to ask war related questions, of your youngsters, or grandchildren, right now, would you really be surprised, if they couldn't answer more than twenty to twenty-five percent of those asked? I think it would be damn fortunate if they could answer ten percent correctly. I was one of those kids. I had a father who was in the war. He didn't want to talk about it. Neither did most of my teachers. There were exceptions. If it was lightly taught in the 1960's, what can we really expect from the curriculum of 2012? I think most of us would be pretty pissed-off to find out just how modestly this important aspect of our history is taught, and for what length of time, totally, over the years of public schooling. Yet we think to ourselves, mistakenly,…… especially when we don't see youngsters at the cenotaphs on the morning of November 11th, that it's a matter of disrespect…..when in reality, it's a matter of unacceptable ignorance, due to diminished instruction. My boys are the same, although they've had a lot of in-house upgrading. Still, I would only expect from these recent graduates, that they could only answer with about the same percentage……and that's not acceptable. Not for the sons of an historian. And a mouthy one at that. But it's reality. It's our fault as parents as well, to have let the matter worsen. There's the root of the problem, and unless the Ministry of Education changes its protocols…..which isn't likely to happen…..our youth….our leadership of the future, will continue brushing by our war years, as whistle-stops but not much more.

     So getting back to my presentation, I offered students an apology. I told them they aren't to blame, for their lack of knowledge, about what it was like to land in a war zone, having never killed anyone. Winding up on a Destroyer on the North Atlantic, looking for signs of U-Boats that were trying to kill you and the crew, from the black depths of the ocean. I told them it would be hard to appreciate, what it felt like, as a tail gunner in a Lancaster Bomber, to see the Luftwaffe coming out of the clear blue sky, trying to shoot your plane into a ball of fire. I told them that they shouldn't feel bad, because they felt so seriously distant from the realities of war's brutality. You can't learn everything from a book, a film, or discussion in a classroom. They are often made to feel guilty, unfairly, for purposely disconnecting from history, and refusing to extend their studies past what the curriculum demands. There are a lot of judgements placed on our youth, and wrongly so…..as it has been all the generations since those world conflicts, that have failed to correct what the education system has only modestly delivered. I find it disrespectful to young people, that their elders would feel this way…..especially knowing that even in their own school days, the study of war was a diminishing necessity of getting a passing grade. Let's be honest, and accept responsibility. If you don't believe me, do some research on your own. Find out how much classroom instruction a student will receive generally from elementary school to high school. Even those who choose history as a course of study, when they have an option, spend only a minor amount of time studying the war years. Parents might be shocked to know just how little focus is directed this way. Yet we accuse them of being disrespectful, based on their lack of knowledge, and sense of Remembrance protocol….even wearing poppies, while at the same time, we allow the Ministry of Education to do whatever it wants…….without much in the way of public challenge.

     I took the young audience on a memorable trip that day. At least that's what a few told me after the presentation. I suggested that to infill some of their sensory perception, about what it was like in the service of their country, against the enemy, I took them on a flight they hadn't anticipated from my boring opening presentation. I had researched stories told by Lancaster Bomber pilots and crew, from my own archives, and tried to create the sensation for each student, of being aboard one of those huge and spectacular aircraft, and heading out on a mission to Germany. I cheated a little bit, because I borrowed some Hollywood theatrics from the movie "The Memphis Belle," which wasn't even a Lancaster. I took them minute by minute, exploring all the activities aboard the plane, from the body-shaking vibrations and sounds of the engines, to the visuals out the portals, watching the other aircraft in the squadron prepare for the sortie. The smells, the inside noises of communications, lights and explosions elsewhere, to the fear and trembling, knowing that some of the planes in the squadron weren't going to come back, once the bombing was complete. I beat this one for all it was worth, and it seemed to hold their attention.

     As a big fan of the Lancaster, I had a lot of information to share, about the sensations they would feel when the bombs were released, and then when cannons from the ground, exploded around the aircraft, violently shaking the crew, potentially killing the occupants of another plane in formation. I asked them to imagine the intensity of those precarious life and death moments. As you were inflicting death upon the enemy; and the enemy killing airmen by the dozens. I'd pause every now and again, to see if there was any audible snoring. There was none. It seemed they liked the opportunity to have some sensory stimulation.

     Some on that improvised mission didn't come home. Of those who came back, in often badly damaged aircraft, some died in hospital from injuries sustained. Many had burns to ninety percent of their bodies. Others had been pierced by shrapnel…..metal from the plane imbedded in their flesh. There were those who had to be carried from the just-landed aircraft by stretchers, while others embraced crew-mates, and those from other planes, now safely on the tarmac. Maybe now and again, a crew member felt the necessity to kiss the ground, or rub the cross hung around his neck. There were those who laughed nervously, at their success, while others cried from fear realized. From what they had witnessed. The scent of war. The intrusive, wrenching truths, of what war represents every second of every day.

     I didn't receive a pat on the back, after that presentation, from a single teacher on that staff. I wasn't thanked by the members of the Legion, or by special guests of the Remembrance Day assembly. I just kind of disappeared into the shadows that morning, and spent time that whole week, wondering if I had been wrong, to be so blunt……and aggressive, criticizing the education system while I was its guest for that special event. Before I left the building, a young lady called after me, as I retreated from the auditorium. She asked if she could shake my hand, as she had been moved by my presentation. There wasn't a tear in her eye, or a tremble in her hand shake, but she confessed to me the one thing I had been hoping for. "I want to study history at university, and especially the war years." I got a tear in my eye. Her subtle, modest message to me, was all I needed, to forgive myself for being the way I am…….outspoken and hard to corral.

     I was never again asked to give a Remembrance Day presentation. I'm okay with that. If I was asked again, it would be the same deal. I will be respectful but don't scorn me for being honest. We must not blame our youth…..for being disinterested in the sacrifices of war, when we are part of the reason for their shortfall of education. Yes, it's that simple.

     Please pause for Remembrance on Sunday morning, at 11:00 a.m. Lest We Forget.

     Thanks so much for spending this time with me. It's greatly appreciated.

The North And South Struggle For A Cenotaph

THE LITTLE KNOWN FIGHT OF HONOR FOR REMEMBRANCE, AND THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, IN UPTOWN BRACEBRIDGE

THE MEMORIAL PARK CENOTAPH RECLAIMED ON A MOONLIT NIGHT ASSAULT

     TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE ONLY OCCASION WHEN THE CONFLICT OVER BRACEBRIDGE'S MEMORIAL PARK CENOTAPH, AND THE CONFEDERATES OF THE CIVIL WAR, COMES UP, IS WHEN I DECIDE TO AUTHOR A LITTLE EDITORIAL PIECE, FEARING THE HISTORICAL CURIOSITY WILL ONE DAY BE FORGOTTEN. SOME WHO KNOW THE STORY SAY "BEST FORGOTTEN, YOU MEAN." WE CAN'T HAVE THAT, AND YOU'LL APPRECIATE WHY, BY THE END OF TODAY'S BLOG. IT'S ONE OF THOSE LITTLE GEMS OF LOCAL HISTORY THAT MIGHT NOT DESERVE A PLAQUE, OR GET A MENTION IN A FORMAL HISTORICAL TEXT, BUT IT CERTAINLY IS OF THE STATURE TO BE NECESSARILY RECORDED FOR FUTURE POSTERITY…..AND SEMI-HUMOROUS ANECDOTE. IT WAS A SERIOUS MATTER, DON'T GET ME WRONG. BUT WHEN THE STORY IS TOLD, WITH A FEW CHOICE EMBELLISHMENTS, AFTER A FEW DRINKS TODAY, BELIEVE ME, IT'S ALMOST ALWAYS ANECDOTAL, AND SOMETHING TO LAUGH AT….AT LEAST A WEE BIT!

     A FEW YEARS AGO, I WAS APPOINTED THE ACTING HISTORIAN FOR SOUTH MUSKOKA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. IT WAS A TEMPORARY POSITION, TO RESEARCH THE HOSPITAL FROM ITS CONSTRUCTION IN THE EARLY 1960'S, REPLACING THE FORMER BRACEBRIDGE MEMORIAL RED CROSS HOSPITAL, WHICH OPENED IN THE LATE 1920'S. THE ORIGINAL "MEMORIAL" DESIGNATION WAS THE RESULT OF A MEATY, NEAR-NASTY CITIZEN PROTEST, YOU SEE, THAT HAD ITS ROOT IN THE PARK OF WHICH I WRITE. THE FIRST PLAN FOR A WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL, TO THE LOCAL MEN WHO HAD LOST THEIR LIVES IN SERVICE TO THEIR COUNTRY, WAS FOR A MEMORIAL BANDSTAND. THIS WAS CONSIDERED A REASONABLE IDEA AT FIRST, BUT THE CITIZENS MOUNTED A PROTEST, THAT A BANDSHELL WAS AN INADEQUATE MEMORIAL. A HOSPITAL WOULD ME MUCH BETTER, AND SERVE A GREATER PURPOSE FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE BANDSTAND WAS ERECTED AND A CENOTAPH ESTABLISHED IN A "MEMORIAL PARK." SO IN BRACEBRIDGE, TODAY, THERE IS MEMORIAL PARK, SOUTH MUSKOKA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, AND BRACEBRIDGE MEMORIAL ARENA. ALL THE RESULT OF CITIZENS DEMANDING RECOGNITION FOR THE LOCAL SOULS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR HOME AND COUNTRY.

     SO I HAD A CHANCE, AS HOSPITAL HISTORIAN, TO DELVE WAY BACK IN THE "MEMORIAL" INITIATIVE, AND I KNOW HOW SENSITIVE IT HAS, AND CAN BECOME, ESPECIALLY WHEN, FOR WHATEVER REASON, THERE IS A SHORTFALL IN PROTOCOL; FROM SOMEONE OR AN ORGANIZATION FORGETTING JUST HOW IMBEDDED "MEMORIAL" IS, BOTH IN A PHYSICAL SENSE, AND IN A TITLE. FOR EXAMPLE, A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, A CITIZEN PUT FORTH A SUGGESTING FOR A NAME CHANGE, AT THE BRACEBRIDGE MEMORIAL ARENA, TO HONOR A LOCAL LEGEND OF SPORTS. SEEMED A REASONABLE REQUEST, EXCEPT FOR THE SACRIFICE THAT HAD TO BE MADE TO FIT IT ALL IN ON A SENSIBLE MAILING ADDRESS. IT WOULD HAVE MEANT DROPPING "MEMORIAL." THE MATTER WAS QUICKLY RESOLVED WITH A CLEAR "NO." WHEN THE NEW HOSPITAL AMALGAMATION OCCURRED, SOME YEARS BACK, THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE CONCERN, THAT THE NAME SOUTH MUSKOKA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WAS BEING LOST, UNDER THE NEW IDENTIFICATION AS MUSKOKA / ALGONQUIN HEALTHCARE, AND IN FACT, AS CLEAR EVIDENCE, THERE ARE MANY MORE DEATH NOTICES APPEARING IN NEWSPAPERS TODAY, WHICH HAVE ELIMINATED "SMMH" ALTOGETHER, WHICH MEANS A MUCH LESSER RECOGNITION OF THE WORD "MEMORIAL." EVEN MEMORIAL PARK, ON MANITOBA STREET, SUFFERED A STRANGE OCCURRENCE, THAT JUST WASN'T ANTICIPATED BY THE CITIZENS OF BRACEBRIDGE…..WHICH CREATED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF ANIMOSITY VERY QUICKLY. A MEMORIAL WAS DESECRATED IN THE OPINION OF SOME ACTIVISTS. IT WAS VIOLATED, ACCORDING TO THE ELDERS OF THE COMMUNITY. AND IT WAS A SILLY-ASS INTRUSION TO ALMOST MOST EVERYONE ELSE, WHO OFFERED A COMMENT ON THE TOPPING-OVER OF THE PARK CENOTAPH.

WHEN A MOVIE SET BECOMES DISRESPECTFUL

     I WAS SITE MANAGER OF WOODCHESTER VILLA AND MUSEUM, AT THE TIME, WHICH DATES THE OCCURRENCE TO ABOUT THE FALL OF 1989. SEPTEMBER IF MEMORY SERVES. I HAD OUR LADS, ANDREW AND ROBERT THERE, AND WHILE THEY PLAYED ON THE LAWN, I DID THE RAKING AND GENERAL YARD WORK, IN PREPARATION FOR THE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND….WHICH WAS OUR OFFICIAL CLOSING FOR THE SEASON. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS A PORTION OF A MOVIE, BEING SHOT IN TOWN, AND AT NORTHERN BUILDALL, SITUATED JUST ABOVE THE RAPIDS ON THE BRINK OF THE FALLS. WE COULD ACTUALLY WATCH THE CREWS WITH THEIR MASSIVE EQUIPMENT TRUCKS, AND GEAR, WORKING IN THE YARD, BECAUSE OUR ELEVATION AT WOODCHESTER AFFORDED US A GREAT VIEW OF THE LUMBER YARD. I CAN REMEMBER US SITTING ON THE EMBANKMENT HAVING OUR LUNCHES, HOPING TO SEE SOME OF THE ACTORS WANDERING THE LUMBER YARD.

     The movie was entitled "Coming Home," with Kris Kristofferson, I believe, and in essence, it was about a Vietnam veteran's return home, to the United States, with the stresses of war upon him……facing the difficult adjustments back to civilian life. I didn't see the movie, so I'm hardly able to give it any stars out of five, for quality. Maybe you saw it. Point is, Bracebridge, straddling the 45th parallel of latitude, in North America, halfway between the equator and the north pole, became a southern city in the United States…..to accommodate the movie script. Those areas of Manitoba Street, being used as a background, were given a dress-up, to provide the appearance of a southern community….which was kind of funny for the locals, watching their town transformed in this fashion…..on the verge of a Muskoka winter.,,,which can have degrees of the Arctic attached.

     I remember getting quite a laugh driving home from work, and seeing the interstate highway signs, above Manitoba Street, and particular road signage with names that were definitely of southern influence. I almost twisted my head off my shoulders, when we passed by Memorial Park, and there was a huge memorial to a Confederate Soldier….I'm not sure of rank, or who it might have been, in the centre of the maple-lined park. Now remember what I wrote earlier, about the protest by the citizens of Bracebridge, in the 1920's, about the need for more and larger recognition for World War I Remembrance? The memorial statue to the Confederate American wasn't free standing. This might have been marginally tolerated, if it had been situated somewhere else in the park, or just about anywhere else for that matter. In a pasture, or on a grassy knoll in another park, but not on top of an existing cenotaph honoring Canadian soldiers lost in battle. Unfortunately, it was in the most disrespectful place it could have been constructed…..surrounded by memorial gardens and a nice memorial iron fence.

     There it was, built over and on top of the town's memorial cenotaph. What crisis is this? Gads, we're going to be making international news, if the dailies got tipped off about this cross border news-maker. I could have made some money stringing this story to the Toronto Star, but I thought about the consequences of being attached to this one…..considering I was also an administrator with the local Historical Society…..supposedly on guard for heritage sites like Memorial Park. The cenotaph in particular, with the memorial fence and gardens around it! I was still with Muskoka Publications at that time, as well as the museum and Historical Society, and I sensed we had a pretty serious breach of protocol going on here, and something had to be done as soon as possible to reel in the movie folks; to explain more clearly what they could and could not do, remaking our town look American in appearance. I don't remember if town council, at the time, had given specific approval for the cenotaph re-make, although I don't believe so. They were forced into a rather awkward situation anyway, just having to give basic approval for some visual "Americanizing" changes, being imposed upon the Canadian townscape. There were a few who didn't like the idea at all. Almost everyone was excited about a movie being shot in town, because it did bring extra revenue in for local restaurants and accommodation….which in the off-season, is quite welcome here in Muskoka. But they weren't excited about what happened next.

     I made a number of phone calls, and so did many others, trying to find a speedy solution to a near-crisis. Having a movie company in town, that had just re-fashioned the memorial cenotaph with a Confederate theme. As Muskoka has for long and long, played host to many American tourists and cottagers, there was considerable desire, on the part of the town administration, to handle the affair with quiet dignity. The less said the better. No in-park protests or placards. But a few veterans had a plan to rectify the situation, without passing a motion or hitting down a gavel in a council chambers.

    In the quiet dark of early morning, or so the story goes, a number of veterans and supporters, attended Memorial Park, and began dismantling the Confederate monument, board by board, until it was no more. By time the movie crew arrived on the scene in the morning, it had been returned to its original glory…..honoring our citizens who were killed in wartime. There was some pile lumber nearby. The hush was a loud one, as if a deep, deep inhale, and although it made the press that week, it was a story that most citizens were a little embarrassed about…..because the town had been playing the perfect host up to that point, and the "locals" wished it had never happened. Many respected what the alleged veterans performed, as a sort of honorable rescue that evening, but there were others who felt it could have been handled diplomatically, by good neighbor negotiation, instead of force under the cover of dark. It was seen as a slap in the face for the veterans of our community, and it was most definitely considered a slap in the face for those working on the movie set. I can't remember the wording of the apology, by the film crew, but there was something offered as an explanation. There may have been Canadians working on the film's production crew, who should have known that any compromise to a cenotaph, in any country, would be a clear sign of disrespect; and even if they had received poorly considered municipal approval, capping a war memorial for the sake of a movie was questionable judgement at best. The concrete structure of the cenotaph just happened to be perfect for the monument they had planned to erect. The "memorial" consequence was forgotten, and that nearly started a small war between the north and the south. The veterans actions that night, actually saved the larger potential of fall-out, had a formal and lengthy debate on the issue been held. The Confederate was removed before anyone could say "not just yet," or "no!"

     I was giving an historic walking tour, of Bracebridge, back in the 1990's, and this was my big finale……"The Battle for Memorial Park"……where the veterans came out for just one more fight…..this time, against those pesky Confederates. See you in hell Johnny Reb!" You won't find much in the way of historical record of this post-midnight raid. It's local lore now. Talked about, relived, and regaled, but not too loudly. I think there were some hurt feelings on both sides, and well, the site was cleaned up respectfully, the Confederate given back his dignity somewhere else, and forgiveness asked and granted from all concerned. At least that's the way I remember it…..and as you know, I never let the truth screw up a really good story.

     Thanks for joining this little historical essay, regarding an obscure battle in our forested heartland…….that returned the honor and dignity to a war memorial, and all the names etched upon its four sides. Please take time, on Sunday, November 11th, to offer your own Remembrance to our Canadian men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice, during world conflict, for our cherished freedom and enduring democracy.

     Please come for a visit some time soon. I always enjoy your company.