Desjardins Railway Disaster

If you have walked along the Hamilton West Harbour cycling path you may have noticed a plaque commemorating the Desjardins Railway Disaster of 1857. The historic marker is on the path just underneath the High Level Bridge. I have always been extremely interested in this important if gruesome event in Hamilton's history, and now, thanks to a digitized project undertaken by the Hamilton Public Library, I can satisfy my curiosity. The library has done a beautiful job of digitizing the original booklet that reads like a forensic study of the disaster. You can flip through an online copy of the "Full Details of the Railway Disaster of the 12th of March, 1857 at the Desjardins Canal on the line of the Great Western Railway". Here you will read about how the train fell through the swing-bridge into the icy canal below killing 57 passengers in an instant. You will read about the community's response to the event and learn something about the victims - among them a Church minister, plough maker, bookseller, gas inspector, quartermaster, flour merchant and stock breeder, as well as several infants. Click here to read this wonderfully copied orginial document.

Government promises funding to help celebrate 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812

On March 4th the Federal budget promised an influx of $75 million to upgrade historic sites connected with the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. This is good news for our area as the Battle of Stoney Creek, a pivotal conflict during the War took place June 6, 1813. The Ontario Ministry of Tourism has said the bicentennial will be a major event for Ontario, with close to 13 million Americans and Canadians saying they will attend an event. Both Hamilton and Burlington have committees currently planning events. More about these as I get the details. To learn more about the War of 1812 and the upcoming Bicentennial click here.

Volunteers needed for Burlington's First Doors Open

Burlington is hosting it's very first Doors Open event this June (Sat. June 12 and Sun. June 13). For those of you who haven't had the pleasure to attend a past Doors Open event in a participating community, here's how it works. A community will pick a number of heritage related sites and those sites kindly open their doors for free to the general public. It usually runs over a weekend, and each site is run by volunteers who welcome, interpret and answer questions about the historic importance of each location. Sites are usually located within walking distance to each other, while others require a drive in the country. Nearby communites such as Hamilton, Guelph and Oakville have had great turnouts in past years. To read more about Doors Open events in Ontario in general click here. To reach Doors Open Burlington website click here. Volunteer application forms and information are on the site. The event is entirely volunteer driven and we will need well over 100 volunteers to make it work. I encourage anyone interested in Burlington's heritage to consider giving a few hours of your time and sign up for this great event.

Celebrate Heritage in Burlington all month long

This year the Burlington Heritage Week Committee has stretched the community celebration to last the entire month of February. The events are spread throughout the city. For example - Paletta Mansion is having an open house as is the Halton Region Museum, Joseph Brant Museum in holding an Antique Clinic, and Central Library is hosting a number of talks such as The Design of an Historic Garden at Dundurn Castle and also The History of the Freeman Railway Station. Details about these events and many more can be found by clicking here, (be sure to scroll down to where it says "For a detailed list of upcoming Heritage Month Events" for the information).

PS - you have to love technology - I am posting this blog entry from Glasgow, Scotland having just visited the fabulous Stirling Castle!

Sir John A Macdonald and his birthday party

The Sir John A. Macdonald Society in Hamilton hosted another successful birthday party for our nation's first charismatic Prime Minister who was born January 11, 1915. A Scottish piper led the parade of 100 or so people in the biting cold to the monument of Sir John A. in Gore Park where wreaths were laid by a number of dignitaries. Back in the auditorium of the Crowne Plaza Hotel (nice and warm I might add), MC Steve Paikin introduced author Roy MacSkimming who talked about the writing of his novel, entitled Macdonald. Other speakers included Hamilton Councillor, Bob Bratina who spoke about Macdonald and the building of the railroad and past mayor of Hamilton, Bob Morrow who led the audience through a rededication of Canadian Citizenship. What with the Highland dancing and the Union Jack birthday cake, a good time was had by all. To read the novel Macdonald go to the Burlington Public Library catalogue, the library owns 5 copies - http://www.bpl.on.ca/ . To learn more about Sir John A. click here.

'Tis the Season

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Back again in 2010.

New Plaque at Burlington's Union Burying Ground

Next time you are driving by Ikea, slow down and take a moment to realize that you have just passed a unique heritage cemetery. Better yet, park your car in the lot near Sears Home and wander around to the front of the cemetery where you will find a new plaque. The Hamilton Chapter of the United Empire Loyalists had the unveiling of this plaque, Sunday, November 15th.

The new plaque will let people know of the hardworking United Empire Loyalists, who are buried here. Established in 1848, the Union Burying Grounds was founded by ten pioneer families who were members of the Methodist Union. The families holding plots here were major contributors to the early growth, prosperity, and well-being of Nelson and the Village of Wellington Square: Baxter, Crosby, Cummins, Davis, Fisher, Gage, Galloway, Ghent, Kerns and Pearl. I find it impressive that almost 150 years later, the descendants of its founders continue to manage and maintain this historic burial place. The fine brick wall was built by Jabez Bent in 1888 - sadly it is in much need of restoration. The wrought iron gates and original name plaque also date from 1888. The grave markers are invaluable historic records and also merit preservation. This cemetery feels especially unique given it's setting of urban development.

*photo courtesy of The Burlington Historical Society