Tweed and Area Heritage Centre

08/24/2024

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Tweed & Area Heritage Centre will be closed until September 3rd.
Sorry for any inconvenience.

08/19/2024

Our very first Butterfly Release in the Evan Morton Memorial Gardens was a huge success! The rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of those who attended. Thanks to Elizabeth Churcher for your heartfelt words and, as always, for your support of The Heritage Centre. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared in this very special moment with us. GOD BLESS!

08/16/2024

Them Were The Days

Compiled by:
Patricia LeSage
Margaret Rashotte
Baden Vance

For Sale at The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre

$150.00

We have only a few copies left !!

Call 613-478-3989 or email [email protected]

08/03/2024

The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre will be closed Monday, August 5th and reopen Tuesday, August 6th at 9:00 a.m. Enjoy your long weekend!

08/03/2024

Happy Heavenly Birthday Evan
August 3. 1941 - August 3. 2023

08/02/2024

The Tweed & Area Historical Society will be at Art in the Park tomorrow to sell our 2025 Tweed and Area Heritage Centre Lottery Calendar. Come say hi to Betty, Jim and Jack.

07/30/2024

Remembering Evan Morton
As we come up upon the one year Anniversary of the passing of our beloved Evan Morton, founder and Curator of The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre, we thought it was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the year we have had.
Everyone who knew Evan admired him and his passion for heritage but also is love of community. He was such a wonderful person and dear friend.
Evan’s sickness seemed to progress so quickly, we had all these plans, so many things we were going to do as a Historical Society. The Heritage Centre needed some repairs, we were planning events. We needed our faithful leader at the helm. But as we all know life has a hard way sometimes of showing us just how quickly things can change.
And so it began… Evan shared his diagnosis with us and sadly what the outcome was going to be. There wasn’t a dry eye, except for the man himself. His faith and love of God gave him the strength to accept what was about to come. He assured us he was “ready”.
No time to waste. Evan and the Historical Society had many discussions about what was to become of the Heritage Centre we all loved so much. It was of the utmost importance his life’s work was to remain to be enjoyed for generations to come. A promise easily made by the Historical Society. Taking over the vast responsibility of operating the Heritage Centre seemed a monumental task in the beginning which is why at first it seemed a partnership with the Municipality of Tweed was required where they would be gifted half ownership of the Heritage Centre. We were so fortunate to have the guidance of Councillor Jim Flieler who was able to help us navigate through so many unknowns. Then the volunteers of the Tweed and Area Historical Society stepped up in an extraordinary way which Evan was thrilled to see and soon the burden of not knowing what would become of the Heritage Centre was gone. His final days could be peaceful and visiting his many friends and family were his top priority. As it should have been. We discussed the day to day operations and Evan taught us his routine and left notes everywhere that a note could be written. And no, the notes weren’t on beautiful writing paper, the notes were on little pieces of scrap paper. Every topic was discussed. Did we doubt ourselves? We sure did have doubts! Evan didn’t, not for a minute. You can do this he kept saying.
Our last visit at Hospice in Madoc, Evan shared where to find the Christmas gifts he had gotten for everyone. I told him I loved him and promised I’d do my best. He smiled.
And so it began….walking into the Heritage Centre that first time was so strange. We looked at one another and said let’s get to work….and that we did. We knew Evan’s routine and tried to stick to it. We all share a love of history and a love of the Heritage Centre. We’ve become “family” to each other.
The Heritage Centre couldn’t operate without the dedication of the volunteers and the tremendous support from the community. You all have been such a major part of the success we have had, and helped us navigate through the many learning curves which were tossed our way.
We tried to keep to our agenda. Paint the porch. Repair the balcony. We needed a new roof which seemed a tall order, but we did it! We continue to host well attended events every month and every time we see your smiling faces it warms our hearts and boosts our confidence. We have hosted more visitors and researchers than we expected and while we will never have the effortless knowledge which Evan seemed to possess we give it our all.
We miss Evan everyday. Yet we all feel as though he really isn’t that far away from us. His wonderful treasure, the Tweed and Area Heritage Centre shall remain, it shall flourish. The great people of the Municipality of Tweed and its visitors and supporters will see to it!! For one of the many things we’ve come to know, this beautiful building with its contents filled with the history of our area and area families is very very important to so many. Many of you have told us that along with your continued support and praise. Thank You, God Bless you.

07/27/2024

The 2025 Tweed and Area Heritage Centre lottery calendars are now available at The Tweed News and at The Heritage Centre. The cost is $20.00. The lottery consists of 3 monthly draws of $100 each and 1 bonus draw in December of $500.

07/26/2024

07/26/2024

Tomorrow is shaping up to be our best market yet! We have a huge line up of vendors all with something special to offer. We have soap, jewelry, plants, produce, honey, syrup, stained glass and that's not it! There's fair style lemonade, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy! You'll be able to purchase some pre-made meals and even have your dogs nails trimmed! The Weaver Family will be entertaining us with music in the morning and Beyond The Call will be performing 2pm-4pm!
It's gonna be a beautiful day to support local. Please don't forget that admission is by donation to the Tweed and Area Heritage Centre look for Jack White UE and Jim to support.
Hope to see you!

07/25/2024

They are here!!

07/25/2024

a friendly reminder ....Heart of Hastings Hospice will be on the Porch at The Heritage Centre today 12-2 selling Butterflies for the Live Butterfly Release in The Evan Morton Memorial Garden Aug 17th. Come and get your Butterfly... $25.00 each

07/23/2024

During a recent conversation concerning our health care system and the need for Doctors, I was reminded how fortunate I was to have one of the best Doctors in the area for such a long period of time. The Doctor I had as a child and as an adult also was my daughters’ Doctor until his retirement. This same Doctor delivered my Mother and was my Grandmother’s Doctor. Yes, My Doctor cared for four generations of my family. His name, Dr Dominic Hunt.
I remember many trips to his beautiful home in Marlbank where one of the rooms served as his office. No appointment needed, it was first come first served. Six days a week. But if I remember correctly he did close at noon on Saturdays.
At one time Dr Dominic Hunt had the largest medical practice in both Hastings County and Lennox and Addington County
If you needed medicine, most times he had it right there in his well stocked closet. I know many times people that couldn’t afford the medication, he gave it to them anyway with a promise of doing a ‘chore’ or ‘ working it off ‘ doing an odd job here and there for the good Doctor. If need be Dr Hunt made house calls, any time day or night, call and he would come.
He was a big man in stature yet not intimidating and very easy to talk to. Always ready with a smile and a laugh that made one feel comfortable. One time he wanted me to see a specialist but he would have to phone their office and give me a referral. He asked me to call them, he said tell them you’re calling on my behalf and I want to refer you. Hahaha, that’s a true story!
My first trip to see him with my new baby girl, when I arrived at the office there was another new Mom there, she was a large lady and her baby had been born premature . He was very sweet but tiny. When Dr Hunt came out of his office to call her in, she said. Why is her baby bigger than mine, they were born two weeks apart, Dr Hunt’s reply….. Not every Heifer has a big calf….. no , she wasn’t offended. But I would love to have a picture of my reaction !!
Another time I was sitting in his office he was reading , he turned to me and said. “ Now they don t want us eating bacon. Can’t smoke ci******es, can’t eat bacon, may as well be dead.” What a man! My how times have changed.
My Dad told me that every winter Dr Hunt would make sure the Marlbank kids had ice to play hockey and every spring he made sure those kids had a place to play baseball.
Dr Dominic Alphonse Hunt was born in Cloyne December 12, 1921 and died peacefully at the home of his nephew Dr Gregory Hunt, in Belleville January 4 , 1995. Dr Hunt graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston with his degree in medicine . Internship was at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston and at the Ottawa Civic Hospital . Dr Hunt joined the Navy as a Naval Surgeon In British Columbia . He came to Marlbank on October 10, 1946 and began his medical practice with his brother Dr George hunt. His medical practice and his friends were very special to him. He loved sports and played football at Newburgh Academy, was on the football and wrestling teams at Queen’s University. He played professionally football for the Ottawa Trojans during his internship .. At home in Marlbank he played baseball and played and coached hockey. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing .
Do you remember Dr Dominic Hunt? We would love to hear your stories! Call the Heritage Centre 613-478-3989 or email your story to us [email protected].
We certainly are getting lots of visitors at The Heritage Centre. A couple from Florida were very impressed with the information we were able to provide in their search for Family History. The family of Patrick and Bridget Whalen. Other guests came from Hamilton, Welland, Ottawa and London . It always makes us so proud of The Heritage Centre when visitors remark at our vast collections . I personally had a very special guest! Margaret Monds . What a fantastic lady. I believe the day the Historical Society walked in to The Heritage Centre to begin a routine without Evan, Margaret was calling. Encouraging and complimenting every step of the way ! Thank you my friend, it is very much appreciated.
Congratulations to this month’s Lottery Calendar winners. Phil Chamberlain Denise Wright. And Krista Charlton. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to purchase your butterfly to release at The Evan Morton Memorial Garden.
Heart of Hastings Hospice Live Butterfly Release Saturday August 17, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Have a Great Week Everyone !

07/23/2024

The Tweed and Area Historical Society would like to welcome Trevor Howard from Campbell Monument to The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre for an insightful presentation exploring examples of historical and modern monuments, and discussing how symbology in design has shaped the way we memorialize our loved ones. We will look at popular and creative options for memorialization and consider the costs involved. We will touch on Cemetery By-Laws, Monument Restoration, Monument Cleaning, and have time for Questions & Answers at the end.
Key topics to be covered include:
• Monument Styles/Design: A historical perspective on popular monument styles and how they have evolved over the last 100 years. We will also explore the current trends and technological advancements that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in monument design.
• Costs: Get a general understanding of the costs associated with designing and creating monuments. Learn about the options for updating monuments posthumously and whether your name needs to be on the monument now.
• Cemetery By-Laws: Understand the importance of cemetery by-laws and how to navigate them.
• Repair & Cleaning: Learn the simple rules to follow for cleaning and maintaining monuments to ensure they last for generations.
• Q & A Session: Have your questions answered in our interactive Q&A session. This is your chance to get advice and learn more about the topics that interest you most.
Whether you're considering a monument for a loved one, interested in the artistry of monument design, or simply want to learn more about the process, this presentation is for you. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and get inspired by the possibilities of monument design.
Date: July 24, 2024
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Admission: Donation to the Heritage Centre.

07/23/2024

Heart of Hastings Hospice will be our guest on the Porch at The Heritage Centre , Thursday July 25th. 12-2. selling Butterflies for the Live Butterfly Release in The Evan Morton Memorial
Garden Aug 17th
Come and purchase yourButterfly $25.00 each

07/23/2024

The Tweed and Area Historical Society would like to welcome Trevor Howard from Campbell Monument to The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre for an insightful presentation exploring examples of historical and modern monuments, and discussing how symbology in design has shaped the way we memorialize our loved ones. We will look at popular and creative options for memorialization and consider the costs involved. We will touch on Cemetery By-Laws, Monument Restoration, Monument Cleaning, and have time for Questions & Answers at the end.

Key topics to be covered include:
• Monument Styles/Design: A historical perspective on popular monument styles and how they have evolved over the last 100 years. We will also explore the current trends and technological advancements that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in monument design.
• Costs: Get a general understanding of the costs associated with designing and creating monuments. Learn about the options for updating monuments posthumously and whether your name needs to be on the monument now.
• Cemetery By-Laws: Understand the importance of cemetery by-laws and how to navigate them.
• Repair & Cleaning: Learn the simple rules to follow for cleaning and maintaining monuments to ensure they last for generations.
• Q & A Session: Have your questions answered in our interactive Q&A session. This is your chance to get advice and learn more about the topics that interest you most.

Whether you're considering a monument for a loved one, interested in the artistry of monument design, or simply want to learn more about the process, this presentation is for you. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and get inspired by the possibilities of monument design.

Date: July 24, 2024
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

07/22/2024

Fantastic!! Thank you Kiwanis Club of Tweed..... greatly appreciated!!

06/29/2024

NOTICE: The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre will be closed Monday, July 1st. We will reopen Tuesday, July 2nd at 9:00 am. Happy Canada Day!!!

06/25/2024

St. James Anglican Church

By Tammy Meeks
Tweed & Area Heritage Centre

St. James Anglican Church and its parishioners have been a very important part of our history and our community. While it is always sad to see a Church close, we do hope it brings some comfort in knowing part of the history of St. James Church, the steeple and the beautiful stained glass window, will have a permanent home here at the Heritage Centre. Thank you Ted Cassidy for thinking of us and bringing the precious articles here. We wish you all the best with your future development of the former St. James Church site and we are excited to see your vision for the property come to fruition!
June 26, 2011 was the last service at St. James Anglican Church in Tweed.
Did you know Tweed had an Anglican Boys Hockey Team? They were called The Black Hawks. A trophy was offered by Ray Quinn’s Clothing Store to the team who won three seasons in a row - The Black Hawks did just that!
The many characters and personalities we meet while volunteering at the Heritage Centre is absolutely amazing! The stories and memories shared are humorous, sometimes scary (jumping off that bridge!) and always full of love and fondness of growing up in Tweed and neighbouring hamlets, a safe, friendly community, full of respect and families working hard together to grow strong children and future leaders.
When Pat Quinn comes to town for a visit, as soon as we see that smile we can hardly wait to hear the memory he is about to share. This time he had a surprise for us! Pat Quinn grew up in Tweed and went to Tweed High School. In his arms he had his Tweed High School Cadet Uniform from the 1950’s. Pat Quinn was ready to donate this very special uniform to the Tweed and Area Heritage Centre. The uniform is in immaculate condition. The badge has been polished so much the “vein” is wore off the leaf. At that time Cadet training was part of the Physical Education program at the High School. Cadet training included First Aid and learning Morse Code. After the June inspection from an officer from Kingston the Cadet Band lead a parade past S.H. Connor School, stopped across from the Old Dairy and gave a salute to a wounded veteran who would be waiting on the sidewalk for the parade to go by. Then the cadets headed down main street. Shooting practise was done behind the High School. Imagine that!
We had a great visit and we made Pat promise to come back soon!
Recently we took the most beautiful Hanging basket to Evan’s grave. We are sure he would have approved.
Have you driven by the Heritage Centre and noticed the two hanging baskets and the beautiful flowers in our many planters? All of this floral splendour is thanks to Stonepath Greenhouses who thoughtfully donated the flowers in honour of Evan. What a community!
We would like to put a call out to this wonderful community as we could use a mannequin if anyone has an extra or knows someone who does. It would greatly benefit one of our displays!

On Saturday June 22, 2024 the Tweed and Area Historical Society celebrated our 35th Anniversary. What a celebration it was! Family, friends and community members gathered at the Heritage Centre to witness the unveiling of the Evan Morton Memorial Gardens plaque. What a beautiful tribute to our beloved champion of everything “Tweed”. We invite you to stop in and see this plaque at the entrance to the gardens Evan was so proud of and enjoyed. At 5:00pm the Historical Society along with friends and supporters continued our celebration at The beautiful Kiwanis Pavilion with a delicious meal prepared by the TNT Food Box. Thank you Sylvan and staff for all your hard work and presenting us with the anniversary cake. The music was provided by Peter Snell. What talent!! Thanks to both Peter and Carol for donating your time and entertaining us, you were both tremendous! Roseann Trudeau volunteered to be our MC for the evening and her friendliness and warm heart was very welcoming. The president of the Historical Society, Jack White spoke to us about the history of the society and thanked all our volunteers and supporters for their continued efforts in ensuring the Heritage Centre will be enjoyed for generations to come. Our Municipality of Tweed Mayor, Don DeGenova, spoke to us with words that can only be described as straight from the heart! Evan had such confidence and admiration for Mayor DeGenova, and we certainly can see why! Thank you Mayor for your kind words!

A huge Thank you to our local businesses , who graciously donated items for our Silent Auction. …. Rashotte Home Hardware …Tom’s Valumart… Tyler McMurren… The Tweed News… Jack White…Kate England and Sandi Warren Marrow…. Our Auction was a success!!

Once again our volunteers made the evening run smoothly. Joanne and Doug Keller. Baden and Pennie Vance. Jim and Christine Flieler. Jack and Arlene White. Mike McGuire and Penni O’Connor , Debbie Boomhower…What can we not do as a team? If not us, then who?

Have a Great Week Everyone!

06/24/2024

The Tweed & Area Historical Society would like to thank everyone who attended our 35th Anniversary Celebration and helping to make it a success. A huge thank you to TNT Food Box for catering the event and Peter and Carol Snell for providing the entertainment. We would also like to thank Rashotte Home Hardware Building Centre, Tom's Valumart, Jack White, Kate England, Sandi Warren Marrow, The Tweed News and Tyler McMurren Law who donated items for our silent auction. Thank you to our MC, Roseann Trudeau. Also, thank you to our speakers, Tweed & Area Historical Society President, Jack White and Municipality of Tweed Mayor, Don DeGenova.

If you were unable to attend the unveiling of The Evan Morton Memorial Garden Plaque, please stop by, it is at the entrance to the gardens.

06/18/2024

NOTICE: The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre will be closed Thursday, June 20, 2024. See you Friday.

06/17/2024

The Tweed & Area Historical Society invite you to join us as we unveil the Evan Morton Memorial Garden plaque. Saturday June 22 , 2024 at 3:00 p.m. on the lawn at The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre. Following the Memorial Dedication please join us as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary with a Dinner at the Kiwanis Pavilion at 5:00 , dinner at 6:00. Tickets for the Dinner are $25.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. Available at The Heritage Center or The Tweed News ,

06/12/2024

Does anyone recognize anyone in this picture?

06/12/2024

Audrey Ross

The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre alone with The Tweed & Area Historical Society are saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Audrey Ross. Our sincere condolence to Audrey’s family and friends.

Audrey Ross was born August 1928 in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan . From an early age Audrey had a love of art. In 1975 after four years of study became a full time painter. She studied with several teachers of watercolour, drawing and oil painting art the Ottawa Institute of Fine Art and privately.

Audrey painted in a free , clean style with an eye for movement and colour harmony. Audrey Ross was a very loyal supporter of The Tweed and Area Heritage Centre. Audrey painted an “Outhouse” on the washroom door at the Heritage Centre. We’ve had many comments and compliments and chuckles about that. Audrey also painted a beautiful flower garden on the doors of Memorial Hall. Audrey Ross is a regularly featured artist at The Heritage Centre. Her artwork is always well received.

As we say our goodbye to Audrey Ross we take comfort in her artwork and in knowing her life was well lived.

We are always so appreciative of all donations to the Heritage Centre but it is especially citing when the new “find’ is the result of a spontaneous dig at the former dump! Well, Rachelle , this is what I found about the Blue Bottle you discovered .

These beautiful blue bottles held common medicine during the Depression. Medicines such as Castor Oil, Milk of Magnesia , Vicks and Promo Seltzer. The bottles date anywhere from 1850’s to 1950’s.

You are about to hear a true fishing story , and a very touching story. August 15, 1941, Ross Fetterley caught a 28lb Muskie on Stoco Lake. That fish is mounted on the wall at The Heritage Centre. One day last week we had a visit with a very kind gentleman, 87 year old Ron Fetterley, with his 36lb Muskie he had caught on Stoco Lake August 21, 1971. We now have mounted on our wall at The Heritage Centre Father and Son Muskies!

Mr Genore, it was wonderful visiting with you and we really appreciate the two beautiful chairs you donated to our collection. Please stop by again!

Our friends from The Cloyne Pioneer Museum stopped in for a chat. Ian Brummell and Margaret Axford. Margaret has written a book “In the Shadow of The Rock, Bon Echo Story” such a beautiful book . It is available to purchase at The Heritage Centre. $28.00.
We also have Tom H. Cini books including “ A Full Moon in August” written under the pen name Joseph H. Randolph. A great read!~ $13.00

Don’t forget to get your tickets for The Tweed & Area Historical Society ’s 35th Anniversary Dinner celebration ! Tickets are $25.00 each and are available at The Heritage Centre or The Tweed News . We do appreciate your support!

We give our sincere Thanks for all the kind emails, phone calls and in person visits encouraging us to “ keep up the good work”. If not us, then who? If not now , when?

Have a great week everyone !