Branching out (review of activities of various branches of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada).

Bay of Quinte Branch

ROBERT WENDELL CAMM 1919-1997

Robert Wendell Camm UE, President of the Bay of Quinte Branch from 1982-1984, died suddenly in London, Ontario on 21 May 1997 at the age of seventy-eight. An ardent genealogist, he began his life-long researching at the age of fourteen when he made notes as his paternal mother answered his questions about their family. Her statement that the oral tradition said that hers was a Loyalist family was the impetus that eventually led to his proving his Loyalist ancestry through Jacob Ferguson. In the meantime he did the proofs and applications for his wife, Phyllis Hough Camm, his children, Marion Evens, Frank Camm and Richard Camm and many family members. He also assisted dozens of people in the Quinte region with their research and applications and was delighted to substantially increase the membership of the organization for which he worked with such dedication at the local and Dominion Council levels. In the pursuit of these activities he made many friends.

Wendell's life-long passion for history, which he taught along with English for seven years in the public schools of Ontario, made him especially eager to make the Bicentennial celebrations of the Quinte Branch a fitting tribute to the Loyalists. He worked tirelessly for the two years of his presidency and was very pleased by the creation of the Bicentennial Endowment Fund to help educate school children in the Quinte Region about the Loyalist heritage of the area. A highlight of his term of office was the visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the unveiling of the gates to the Loyalist Parkway. The day of the celebration on 16 June 1984 at the Adolphustown Park was enjoyed by a large gathering of people, many of whom were costumed.

After Wendell moved to London in 1985, he was also active in the London Branch and enjoyed helping with school visits as he was always an inspiring teacher, even in retirement. During these years, he completed four family histories replete with scholarly documentation as well as oral and anecdotal history. The Camms of Usborne, The Barnett-Atkinson Family, The Magee-Lawson Family and his last work, which he completed shortly before he died, The Sawyer-Hazlewood Family History, are a lasting memorial to a man who cared deeply about keeping the past alive for present and future generations.

Submitted by Marion Evans, UE, London, Ontario

Chilliwack Branch

Chilliwack Branch celebrated the anniversary of the 1783 Loyalists landing in the Maritimes with a unique parade of "Ships on Sticks." Held aloft, the posters prepared by Patrick Stedman's art students at Sardis Secondary School, made an impressive sight as members in period costume marched the two blocks from the museum (a national historic site) to Salish Park and its picturesque small man-made lake.

The procession was led by teenage standard bearer Kenneth McIntyre, UE in his Butler's Rangers uniform and his sister Lisa McIntyre, UE also in costume. They are the grandchildren of Phyllis Sutton, UE. Members paraded back to the Museum to partake of "ship's rations" (brown bag lunches). The parade was a small scale but effective and enjoyable reenactment of this important date in Loyalist history and created enough interest en route that it may be repeated next year.

Chilliwack Branch has participated in a variety of other activities during the year including a Soup and Sandwich luncheon for our Annual General Meeting; an Open House for Heritage Week when representatives from community ethnic groups were invited to hear of our Loyalist multicultural heritage and to view the distinguished doll collection of Mary Van Home, UE. For this occasion, she featured dolls of the countries of origin of our Loyalist ancestors prior to settlement in America.

The Annual Strawberry Social at the home of Ken and Shirley Dargatz was a great success with an old fashioned sing song.

Representative members have enjoyed visits to Victoria and Edmonton Branches, and of course, the Winnipeg Convention attended by Lois Dickinson, Alisen Barkley and Don and Annis Archibald.

Another highlight was the honour awarded to President Shirley Dargatz, UE who was named Chilliwack's Woman of the Year 1997. Her contribution to U.E.L. was well recognised at the community banquet when we presented much appreciated messages of congratulations from a representative Branch in eight provinces of Canada and also from Honorary President Hon. John Ross Matheson and Mrs. Matheson -- and Association President Bernice Flett.

Receiving certificates during the year were George Baker, UE (Adam Baker); K.C. Jones, UE (Richard Morden) Charlotte Wood, UE (Richard Morden) Evelyn Mitchell, UE (John Thornton) Jeremiah Brown, UE (James Brown)

We are saddened to report the death of three stalwart supporters who will be much missed: Col. William Jackson Aird, UE, Stanley Dahl and Phyllis Sutton, UE (who created the needlepoint charts of the Armorial Bearings for the Bicentennial Year) Phyllis was the sister of Doreen Todhunter, UE Stan & Phyllis Dahl, UE (Robert Land) who survives him had celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in December 1996.

Submitted by Lois Dickinson

Edmonton Branch

Since our last article in the Spring 1996 Gazette, six certificates have been presented -- two to Avard Mann for his ancestors Henry Rutherford and Joshua de St. Croix, and four to the Grant McKinnon family -- Grant and his three sons, Brent, Neil and Scott. Their ancestor is David McCready.

Lois Dickinson, UE, who travelled from Chilliwack and brought much sparkle and enthusiasm to our 10th Anniversary Edmonton Branch Founder's dinner, spoke on "New Vistas in the UEL Association" contributing many ideas and insights for our group, as well as resources for further study.

Mrs. Margaret Best, UE, presented the book With Heart and Hands and Voices by Phyllis Hamilton, to the Edmonton Branch, at our May 5th dinner. It will be placed in the Reserve section of the Alberta Genealogical Society's Edmonton Branch library, along with two other books Mrs. Best previously presented to our group.

At our February 1997 meeting, one of our members, Terry Dafoe, UE, who is a first class researcher, talked to us about the Haldimand Papers. He has been very helpful and has spoken to our group several times.

Wilma McKinnon (secretary-treasurer) and Susan McKeen (branch genealogist) have put together a very good information pamphlet which helps us advertise the Edmonton UEL Branch.

The Branch had an information booth at the April 1997 Alberta Genealogical Society Conference, and through a sign-up sheet was able to garner more "possible members". We have increased our membership to 16 Regular members and 33 Associate members, for a total of 49. We had just 25 total in 1994.

Spurred on by Myrna Fox's Membership Guideline Handbook, we have re-organized our UEL information handbook which we keep in the reference section of the AGS Edmonton Branch library. It is proving useful for prospective members.

The Edmonton Branch Executive headed up by President Lois Cummings, UE, and Sean Smith, President Elect, is very proud of the generous and unflinching response given by Edmonton UEL Branch members to the financial crunch we experienced when extra dues were required this year. The same enthusiasm seems to be prevailing for the decision to host the National UEL Conference in Edmonton in 1999.

Interest was aroused with the results of historical research into the early beginnings of the Edmonton Branch, when it was discovered there had been a group in 1912, the first one West of Toronto at the time, and another incarnation in 1934. We are appreciative of the impetus given by Historian Elizabeth Richardson, UE, to search out this information which is continuing.

Six members who enjoyed the well-run Winnipeg Conference were: Lois Cummings, UE, Rosaline Hupfer, UE, Paul Robison, UE, Mary McSparron, UE, Bill McSparron, and Frances Losie. It was very enlightening to put faces to names one has read about in the Gazette. We appreciated the excellent information and handouts in the workshops.

We are sorry to report that two of our Associate members, John Avey (57) and Donald McBride (87), passed away from cancer this past year. Both had very nearly completed their research, which is being carried on by their families. John Avey served as branch genealogist for a year.

We are looking forward to the visit of our National President Bernice Flett, UE, September 22, 1997, when we can personally thank her for her fine leadership and all she has done for UELAC. The meeting will begin with a dessert party, and two more certificates will be presented.

EDMONTON 1999 WILL BE THE LAST U.E.L. CONFERENCE THIS CENTURY. DO PLAN TO COME!!

Submitted by Fran Losie, Past President, Edmonton Branch

Fredericton Branch

Two meetings of the Fredericton Branch of the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada were held in the first six months of 1997, both presided over by Dr. Brian Orser, President.

At the first meeting on March 12 Julia Walker, branch historian, was asked to prepare a history of the early days of the Fredericton Branch and Betty Sewell was named chairperson of the nominating committee to prepare a new slate of officers to be presented at the next meeting.

Guest speaker for the evening was Christopher Blair, a graduate student in history at the University of New Brunswick. He gave a most interesting talk about an archaeological dig on Bliss Island which is three miles southwest of Black's Harbour in the Charlotte County area of the Bay of Fundy. Loyalist Samuel Bliss lived there between 1783-1807 and many interesting artifacts have been found. Further archaeological studies of Bliss Island and of other islands nearby have been planned.

The Annual Meeting of the Branch was held on May 14. When the Union Flag was brought forward, one minute's silence was observed in memory of five members deceased since the last annual meeting. In response to roll call, each member present named the Loyalist ancestor from which his/her genealogy was traced. Genealogist Betty Sewell reported that the Branch had one of its most successful years of growth with fourteen new members completing their pedigrees. The new slate of officers was presented by Betty Sewell, chairperson of the nominating committee.

The guest speaker was Calvin Craig who presented a fascinating account of the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants) of which his great, great, great grandfather was a member.

Having been raised in North and South Carolina, the 84th was distinguished as being the only "provincial corps" (as the loyal regiments raised in the colonies were styled) which ever became part of the British army.

Appreciative laughter responded to a statement that one of the requirements for enlistment in the Regiment was that each man had to have at least two teeth which met.

It wasn't until 1776 that the 648 members in each battalion were issued proper uniforms, which included the famous kilts which proved to be highly impractical in the deep snows of North American winters. This was rectified, but not until 1780, when Lt. General Frederick Haldimand wrote to the seat of government in Quebec for breeches.

Five companies of the 84th Regiment of Foot, which were stationed in New York, served in the southern campaign of the Revolutionary War. The 84th Regiment was also stationed at Fort Howe, Fort Cumberland, Fort Edward, Fort Anne, and other points, including Newfoundland. It was disbanded at Halifax in 1783.

John Craig served in the 84th Regiment from 1781 to 1783. Two hundred years later, one of his descendants has been keeping the peace in Nova Scotia for twenty-two years, namely, recently retired RCMP officer, Calvin Craig, who has returned to the land of his ancestors at Bonny River where the Craigs have lived since 1785.

Each member of the 84th Regiment was promised 200 acres of land. Eleven of them received grants in St. George, others got grants primarily in Hants County, Nova Scotia.

The land granted to Lt. Samuel Bliss on an island in Letang Harbour, which is south of St. George, has recently been located.

Gen. Hugh MacKay of the Queens Rangers was also given a grant of land at Bonny River.

In conclusion Mr. Craig noted that along the roads of North Carolina today, plaques mark the route which the United Empire Loyalists took north to New York.

Fredericton Branch member Dr. Marc Smith attended the National Convention held in Winnipeg, June 5-8 in his position as Parliamentarian of the National Council.

H. May Bartlett, Publicity Chairperson 225 Massey Street, Fredericton, N. B. E3B 2Z5 [phone]

Governor Simcoe Branch

Governor Simcoe Branch has had a wonderful set of meetings over the last few years, and 1997 has been no exception. This is mostly due to the diligence of Barbara Hancock who has recruited our speakers, and the delightful homebaked cookies provided by Bertha Scott with assistance from Stan and Sheila McDermott.

And we are under way with a number of branch projects as well:

1. a new branch brochure.

2. Heritage Days at the Scarborough Town Centre -- thanks to those who staffed the booth.

3. the ritual April potluck dinner at Montgomery Inn, complete with raffle, draws and an auction.

4. the Victoria day parade from Ontario's Queen's Park around by way of Yonge St. The parade was led this year by Her Honour, Hillary Weston, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.

5. UELAC annual convention in Winnipeg in June -- with Simcoe Branch represented by June Pierson..

6. a first contribution to an oral history project with Sheila Harbron's taping of Marie Newell's commentary about her genealogy hobby.

7. Simcoe Day celebrations at Todmorden Mills.

8. a day-long bus trip on Saturday August 16 to Prince Edward County, with a series of stops from Ameliasburgh to Adolphustown. Gov. Simcoe Branch has run several bus trips over the last few years -- perhaps this could become an annual event?.

9. a quilt raffle -- thanks to June for donating her handiwork; the draw will be late fall. (This quilt represents June's tribute to Harry Ross, a long time member and leader of the branch.)

10. a yet-to-be-determined fall social event, probably in mid-November.

So, a busy year it will be. As ever the branch's success will be determined by the enthusiasm of the members.

Submitted by Doug Grant, UE

Heritage Branch

February 27 was the date for our first meeting in 1997. The tone of this meeting was sombre as it was the day after the death of Mr. Gerry Rogers, UE, one of our long-time members, Branch Program Director and Past President. Dr. Graeme Decarie, Professor of History at Concordia University, Montreal and editorialist at CJAD radio, was our guest speaker that night. The subject of his talk was "Drinking Habits of our Loyalist Ancestors". After the talk we had our annual Hidden Auction, which helps to raise funds for our Branch.

The next morning many of our members attended Gerry's Funeral. Mr. Okill Stuart, UE, delivered the eulogy and Mr. Douglas Page, UE, played the organ. Gerry was well known by many societies and groups in and around Montreal besides the UELA, including the Chateauguay Valley Historical Society, Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) and the Macdonald Stewart Foundation. Members from all of these groups attended his funeral. Our sympathies go out to his family.

The Annual General Meeting for Heritage Branch was held on May 1st. When the Business Section of this meeting was concluded, we had a talk and slide show presented by guest speaker Mr. Gary Schroder, President of the Quebec Family History Society (QFHS). The subject of his presentation was "ROOTS 97", an International Conference on Family History in Quebec, sponsored by the QFHS to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Dr. Hereward Senior, Professor of History at McGill University, Honourary Vice-President of the UELA, and member of Heritage Branch, gave a lecture on the UELA at this Conference, which was held at McGill University June 6-8, (the same weekend as the UELA convention in Winnipeg).

On June 22, several of our members, including Branch President Robert Wilkins, UE, and his wife Maura attended the official opening of the redecorated Loyalist Room at the Loyalist and Norwesters Museum in Williamstown, Ontario.

We held a Branch Picnic on June 29 at `Greenwood' in Como, Quebec, the historic home of the late Phoebe Hyde, UE, who was a founding member and past president of Heritage Branch. Mrs. Hyde bequeathed Greenwood to the Canadian Heritage of Quebec, a non-profit corporation dedicated to heritage preservation. It was her strong wish to maintain the historical character of Greenwood and to share it with the public for the generations to come. Mr. Bill Young, coordinator of the property, is respecting these wishes and is developing it into the "Greenwood Centre for Living History" with plans for many future community events of a historical nature. Greenwood is familiar to many Heritage Branch members. For many years before her death, Mrs. Hyde invited our members and their guests to share Greenwood with her, at her annual Strawberry Social in late June.

We are encouraging Mr. Young to remember the Loyalist heritage of the property. This year our President, Robert Wilkins, presented a copy of our book The Loyalists of Quebec 1774-1825, A Forgotten History for the Greenwood Library, as well as a silver souvenir spoon from the HMS Queen Mary, once commanded by Captain MacKellar, Phoebe Hyde's first husband.

The Montreal Highland Games were held August 3 on the grounds of the Douglas Hospital in Verdun, Quebec. Heritage Branch shared a booth at these games with the Laurentian Branch of the Heraldry Society of Canada, as we have done for many years. We feel that it is important to attend events such as these because they provide an excellent venue to "show the colours" and promote our Branch and the Association and what we stand for. These were an estimated 18,000 people at these games.

Submitted by Adrian Willison

Kingston and District Branch

LOYALIST DAY AT KINGSTON, 12 JUNE 1997

Photos courtesy of Carol Davy

June the twelfth has become an important date for the Kingston and District Branch since Mayor Gary Bennett's proclamation a year ago. The day began under the leadership of President Carol Davy with the 8:15 a.m. raising of the Loyalist flag in the park opposite the City Hall with the support of many members. Attendants were Tex Joyner and Jeff Paine dressed in the uniform of the second battalion of the K.R.R.N.Y. Terry Hicks, past president of the branch, explained how the Loyalist flag was similar to the British Jack that flew between 1707 and 1801.

Terry also noted that Loyalist Day marks two historic facts: first, that Governor Haldimand on this date received approval from George III to settle the Loyalists in the Cataraqui area, and second, as stated in Larry Turner's Voyage of a Different Kind, that, unlike the strategic bases at Niagara and Detroit, Kingston was the first permanent community in what would became Ontario. Major Joyner mentioned the importance of military details in the shaping of Kingston and Ontario. While the fighting ended in 1782, the second battalion K.R.R.N.Y. came from Oswego and Carleton Island to be on the right side of the border. Captain Joseph Brant and his Six Nations also came since their Mohawk Valley had been lost. Before being disbanded, the K.R.'s surveyed the Kingston town site, built facilities and generally prepared for the settlers who came in 1784.

We were indebted to Mr. Murray Hogben of the Whig-Standard for the publicity he gave our celebrations, and also Mr. Steve Lukits of the same staff for some interesting parallels he noted between the Loyalist days and our day; for instance, the U.E. conferred on Loyalists in 1789 recognized "the great principle of Unity of Empire", Steve notes in a parallel it is Ontario that is now the great power base and the rebels now are the regions of Canada outside Ontario showing their resentment of Ontario's domination. These attitudes, it appears, are part of the heritage that has "trickled down" to us.

The idea of democracy also seems to have varied even among Loyalists; for instance, in 1807 Cartwright, a Kingston businessman, told the militia "The American idea of Democracy is extravagant", but many of those extravagant freedoms we take for granted today are liberties that would have shocked the Loyalists.

On the one hand this attitude promoted elitism, but on the other the conservative values instilled a respect for civic institutions and favoured working within the system rather than rebelling against it; thus, peace, order, and good government generally prevailed.

"The Loyalist influx two centuries ago," Steve noted, "reinforced two facts about Canada -- the first, people left homes and property and started all over again, and secondly, the government lent a hand to the newcomers." Many of today's immigrants met similar conditions. In 1783 it was Major Ross at Cataraqui who prepared them with surveys of town and township sites and facilities, mills on the river, and a house for the leader of the Six Nations.

To quote from the Whig-Standard article again: "In many ways the Loyalist heritage we celebrate today continues to touch our lives as Canadians, as Ontarians, and as Kingstonions." Thanks to Steve Lukits and the Whig-Standard for refreshing our view of our heritage.

Next year's flag raising will be a bigger event. According to Branch President Carol Davy, June the Twelfth will come in the midst of the annual National Convention, which we shall be hosting here. Carol had just returned from this year's Convention held in Winnipeg.

Submitted anonymously

New Brunswick Branch

The year 1997 has been a busy and successful one for the New Brunswick Branch. At our March meeting we were privileged to have as guest speakers Linda Lodge and Janet McKinney, two teachers at Glen Falls School. Linda and Janet jointly received "Canada's National History Society, Governor General's Award for excellence in teaching Canadian History" (1995/96). In recent years they have created and implemented the "Early Saint John History Unit and Living Loyalist Museum". Over 60 of their students have learned about Natives, Explorers, Acadians and Loyalists, through roleplaying and experiencing everyday life in the late 1700s.

Our April meeting featured Dr. Ernest Clarke, president of the Halifax/Dartmouth Branch. His subject concerned his extensive research into the 1776 siege of Fort Cumberland.

Our "Landing of the Loyalists" celebration began one day early. On Saturday, May 17th, "Dinner at the Union Club," was to have had as guest speaker, Mary (Teed) Gillis of Middleton, N.S. Mary Gillis is Honourary Vice President of the Dominion Association and has had a long time interest in promoting the Loyalist story in schools. Due to travel difficulties, she was unable to be present; however, her cousin Edis Flewelling filled in with a most interesting talk.

May 18th observances began with 11:00 a.m. service at Trinity Church. At 12 Noon, a 21-Gun Salute was fired from Fort Howe. In front of City Hall, at 12:45 p.m., a reenactment of the swearing in of the first Mayor of the City, Gabriel Ludlow, was staged. The Town Crier then read the Proclamation and the flags were raised.

At 1:45 p.m., the Assembly proceeded to the "Red Room" for Mayor Shirley McAlary's Reception, and Presentation of Awards. The awards were for "Essays about the Loyalists" written by school children in the region. Six children received recognition and monetary awards. The presentations were made by our recently appointed Lieutenant Governor, Marilyn Trenholme. It was a colourful and auspicious occasion.

On June 12th we had our Annual Meeting, with Joan Pearce as guest speaker. Joan is a retired school teacher, an amateur historian and a genealogist. She helped write the scripts for the city's historic walks, and also conducts tours of the city centre for interested groups. Her subject was "Early Loyalists and Sites." She began with Major Gilfred Studholme, builder and first commander of Fort Howe. The site of the fort remains, high above the city and identified by a restored Block House.

Paul Bedell, a land surveyor and drafts came with the Loyalists from New York in the Spring Fleet of 1783. He was employed by Major Studholme in the laying out of the city. His work was well done, and speaks for itself today -- it is his only monument; he lies in an unmarked grave in the Old Burial Ground. The streets named by Paul Bedell remain as a memorial to the Loyalists who came, and as a testimony of their loyalty to the Crown.

Joan had set up an easel with a large white pad of paper, and proceeded to ask for street names (other than those named for Royalty etc.) The response was quick; and she was there to give the story behind each "name." These were citizens, prominent in the Saint John of their day.

There are two existing buildings in the city centre, both built by Loyalist families. The Peters House on Coburg Street, is now occupied by the Knights of Columbus. The Merritt House (known as "Loyalist House" since 1958) was built in 1810 by David Merritt. Loyalist House stands on the corner of Union and Germain Streets; a fine example of Georgian Architecture. The house was lived in by five generations of the Merritt family, before coming into the possession of the New Brunswick Historical Society in 1958.

Joan Pearce had begun her talk with an excerpt from a poem written by Anna Minerva Henderson, titled: "Market Slip, 18 May, 1783". The lines read: --

"Voyaging, they came at last to land.

"Here in this sheltered inlet of the bay,

"Curved like the hollow of a mighty hand,

"The hills around greening and sweet with May.

"This land was Spring, present of dreams fulfilled.

"This land was life to the adventuring soul,

"His to subdue and shape it as he willed,

"The cherished dream of freedom as his goal."

Anna M. Henderson was one of three daughters born to a black family living in the south end of Saint John. She became a teacher, but was not allowed to teach in New Brunswick. Around 1915. she tried out for the Civil Service and placed third, thus becoming the first Black hired in the Civil Service. After living in Ottawa for many years, she retired to Saint John. In 1967, she wrote a book of poetry entitled "Citadel," from which these excerpts are taken. Anna M. Henderson died in her one hundredth year, in the 1980's.

Closing excerpt from "Citadel" --

"Steep streets, tall spires etched against the sky,

"Grey wharves that know the wind and tide.

"Dim drifting fog, the sea-gulls' plaintive cry.

"A city old, assured wearing the pride

"Of epic memories and heritage,"

Submitted by Gail B. Pipes, UE

St. Lawrence Branch

1998 FALL LOYALIST MOHAWK VALLEY TRIP

Sir Guy Carleton Branch of Ottawa and St. Lawrence Branch are undertaking to lead a four day 1998 Loyalist Fall Trip to the Mohawk Valley on October 2, 3, 4, 5, 1998. It will be dedicated to the memory of Gerry Rogers. Edward Kipp and George Anderson are organizing this tour.

The aim of this trip is to acquaint Loyalist descendants with some of the Loyalist genealogical sources and historical sites in the Mohawk Valley.

The Mohawk Valley Loyalists were mostly Scottish Highlanders and Palatines. During the Revolution many went to Canada. Other Loyalists joined the King's Royal Regiment of New York and Butler's Rangers. The tour will visit Guy Park, Fort Johnson, the Johnstown historic sites, the Walter Butler House, Schoharie Creek Crossing, Fort Hunter, Queen Anne's Parsonage; the Old Stone Fort Museum, the 1743 restored Lutheran Parsonage, and the Schoharie Reform Church in Schoharie; Stone Arabia churches, the Old Palatine Church, the Old Herkimer Cemetery, Herkimer Home, Oriskany Battlefield and Fort Stanwix.

It will begin in Ottawa and travel south via Morrisburg to Cornwall to pick up participants. From Cornwall the tour will head south through the scenic Adirondacks via Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs to Johnstown. The return trip will be from Rome to Watertown, to Morrisburg, Cornwall and on to Ottawa.

The trip will be open to Loyalists and their friends. The number of people will be limited to 47 people. This four day trip will probably cost $300.00 in Canadian Funds per person. This fee will include transportation, accommodation and admission to each site. Meals and health insurance are not included. Participants should have their own health insurance.

If you are interested, please contact Edward Kipp [phone] or George Anderson [phone]. You can register now (immediate payment not required) by writing, telephoning or e-mailing:

George Anderson, 64 Saginaw Cres., Nepean, ON K2E 5N7 e-mail: [e-mail] A deposit of $150.00 is due by April 30, 1998.

The balance is payable by July 31, 1998. If there is insufficient interest, all monies will be refunded.

Submitted by George Anderson Editor, St. Lawrence Branch News

Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch

Fifty-three members and guests celebrated our Branch's 30th Anniversary on 17 May 1997. At the annual meeting, special tribute was paid to Murray Mason, our first President, who passed away recently.

Robert Wilkins, President of Heritage Branch, introduced Mr. Gary Schroder who gave a lively talk on record-keeping and finding information.

The late Gerry Rogers, Heritage Branch, gave a book The Last Invasion of Canada -- Fenian Raids, 1866-1877 to Robert Wilkins to be presented to the Massey-Vanier High School Library.

We were joined on our 7 August 1997 picnic by Marion Phelps who has devoted her life to the history of this district and her time to the Brome County Museum, site of the picnic. The museum generously gave us room to keep our records and books, available to members and friends.

Submitted by Evelyn Lewis, Branch Publicity, Tel.: [phone]

OUR BRANCH SCHOOL PROJECT

This is the second year that Sir John Johnson Centennial Branch has sponsored a school trip for the Grade 4 students of Heroes' Memorial School in Cowansville. This year the trip took place in May.

After studying material dealing with the Loyalist history, the class visited Philipsburg. This was the first settlement in the Eastern Townships and was established against the wishes of the Haldimand Government in Quebec. The settlers were Loyalists who wished to stay in Quebec. There are still descendants living in the Eastern Townships of these hardy individuals who forced the government to survey the Crown Lands into townships. They were Christian Wehr, Conrad Best, Christian Hauver, Adam Deal, Hermanus Best, John Ruiter and several others.

John Ruiter became Agent for Thomas Dunn, who finally sold them the land where they wished to settle, on the shores of Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain. When John Ruiter died, the duties were taken over by John's son, Philip. Philip Ruiter became Justice of the Peace, District Commissioner for the Trial of Small Causes, school master, Inn Keeper, Church Warden and Post Master. It was Philip Ruiter who gave the town the name of Philipsburg. He died at age fifty-four in 1820.

The children also spent some time at the Missisquoi Museum in Stanbridge East where they learned more about Loyalists, visited the store and the exhibition of the 100th Anniversary of the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which was celebrated in Hamilton, Ontario in June.

In Mr. Elder's letter of thanks to the Branch, he remarked that the children had greatly benefitted by both the studying and information which had been gained from the trip.

Our thanks go to Murray Gunson, Principal, Mr. Elder, teacher, who accompanied the children and to Evelyn Lewis who coordinated the event.

Submitted by Jean Mc Caw, UE, Branch President

Victoria Branch

Victoria Branch held their Annual Luncheon on May 14th 1997 at the Bay Street Armouries Officers Mess. Caterers served an excellent lunch and the affair was well attended. We had an extremely interesting speaker in Dr. Reg Roy who spoke on his latest book The Biography of Dr. David Lam, former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Dr. Roy has retired after a distinguished career as historian, professor and author of numerous books and his talk was much enjoyed by our members.

A presentation was made to veteran member Mr. John Orr in appreciation of his long and dedicated efforts for the United Empire Loyalists. Special notice was made of his faithful attendance at Dominion Council meetings with no cost to the Association and often at considerable inconvenience to himself.

On June 29th, the closest Sunday to Canada Day, members of Victoria Branch, at the invitation of Rev. John Allan, attended services at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in celebration of our annual Loyalist Sunday. Since its inauguration in 1992, our Loyalist Sunday has been held at three denominational churches. We would like to include both other denominations and locations in future years.

Submitted by Eleanor Sanderson, Branch Newsletter Editor

Heritage Month

To mark Heritage Month in February, Victoria Branch lined up appointments with three Grade 9 Social Studies (history) teachers in local schools, and one Grade 5 -- Immigration class -- visiting each in full period costume for about an hour.

With the help of a large map made by our Past President, Mrs. Gene Aitkens, Mrs. Eleanor Sanderson, another Past President, Mrs. Wilma Saville, our Genealogist, and Mr. John Orr, Dominion Councillor -- wonderfully supported by Chilliwack members, Ms. Lois Dickinson, Education Chair, Dominion Council, and Mrs. Shirley Dergatz, Branch President, who came to Victoria expressly for this purpose -- our colourful ambassadors visited the classrooms in twos and threes... thus speaking to an estimated 135 students.

On the map, participants indicated the route their proven ancestors had taken to their new destinations in Canada, where they had settled, and how they had fared throughout their experience. Mrs. Saville made a particular hit with two dressmaker dolls which, she explained, were not meant to play with but for dressmakers to show prospective clients the new fashions so settlers could choose the style of garment they wished to have made. Wilma also exhibited some of her own hand-dipped candles.

In addition, Ms. Dickinson presented background about the organization in Canada, while each delegation left, with the teacher, a kit which contained a reading list about UEL history, brochures about the local, provincial, and Dominion organizations, and instructions about how to make candles. "The pupils were genuinely interested, asked numerous questions, and took lots of photographs." says Mrs. Sanderson, who clearly enjoyed the experience herself.

Ms. Dickinson expressed special interest in this experiment, adding that she had made valuable contact with one of the teachers. Both, she said, will assist her in developing an educational program for the Dominion Council.

Victoria Branch heartily congratulates and thanks all participants, including Vona Smith of Vancouver Branch, who assembled the costumes which Lois and Shirley brought to Victoria with them.

Other recent events at Victoria Branch include a Show and Tell Show of special UEL treasures belonging to local members at the Valentine and Heritage Week Social; the showing of two NFB films, Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759), and Battle of the Chateauguay River (1813) -- both provided by Mr. Arnold Smith; and the cheerful Christmas Tea held in our usual meeting place, the handsome Officers' Mess of the Canadian Scottish Regiment in the Pay Street Armoury. Welcomed to the Tea were Dr. and Mrs. Peter Moogk from Vancouver. Dr. Moogk is our new Vice President of the Western Region.

Submitted by Catherine Draper, Public Relations Officer, Victoria Branch

We are sorry to report the death of a long-time member Mr. Charles B. Fisher (Bart or Bud to his friends). He died October 22nd, 1996 in Victoria. He was active in the Victoria Branch for many years and was the second president, following Col. Symons when the Branch became active again under the new Charter. He also wrote the history of the original Group and charter ending with Mrs. Gene Aitken taking the chair in 1972. He had not been active for several years due to health and home commitments. He was well liked and respected for sound common sense by all who knew him.

In my April 1995 Newsletter the first page of Mr. Fisher's history was included. This seems an appropriate time to include the ending. Those who would like a full copy of this history please let me know and I will copy it for you. Just four pages.

Submitted by Eleanor Sanderson, UE, Tel: [phone]