On
Sunday morning, the Ontario Land Trust Alliance Inaugural
meeting was held, bringing together 31 Ontario Land Trusts
and Naturalists groups. By-laws and constitution were ratified
and the new Board of Governors was elected. Numerous new contacts
were established by our attendees and old and new friendships
welcomed. The sharing of ideas and experiences was educational;
the food was fabulous.
The
purpose of this Alliance is to provide education and resources
to foster protection, stewardship and rehabilitation of natural
and cultural heritage areas in Ontario. The LGRLT is pleased
and proud to be a member of this Alliance.
Annual
General Meeting
Last but not least, our Annual General Meeting was held on
October 4th with a larger than expected attendance. Three
new Directors were elected by the general membership; Gail
Collins, Jim Smith and Ron Gowland. We welcome these new directors
and know they will be of definite benefit to our Board. Our
guest speaker, Ron Williamson, respected archeologist, was
the highlight of the evening.
New Vice President
At the November Board meeting Rick Ludkin was chosen as our
new Vice President. Frank Sommer continues on in his sixth
year as secretary and Garry Stroud resumes the position of
treasurer. It was my honour to be once again elected as President
and we look forward to another exciting year.
to
top
IRISH
CEMETERY PROJECT
By John Shoveller
The
work on the Irish cemetery Phase One has been completed. The
work included locating as many headstones as possible, photographing
as found condition, clearing the debris (soil, small trees
etc.) from the stone surface, and then documenting the stones
photographically again.
The
stones will be covered for the winter and in the spring after
consulting with various professionals, Phase Two will commence.
That will include preserving the stones so future interpretation
will be possible and assessing whether there are any hidden
stones yet unfound. There have been 31 stones found to date.
In 1972 a document compiled by Mrs Wilfred was found documenting
34 stones. Only one new stone was found (which was not listed
on Mrs Wildred's list) buried 8" deep. The stone was
dedicated to Rev. Stephen Fargus D. 1850.
The
work to date can be viewed by taking a walk to the Irish cemetery
or viewing the photo portfolio at the Gatehouse.
to
top
MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE REPORT
By Frank Sommer, Membership Chair
As
this season's activities come to a close, we take this opportunity
to pay tribute to the many volunteers who spend untold hours
on the many aspects of presenting the Ruthven Site to the
public on behalf of the Land Trust.
Several years of effort and thousands of dollars have now
been spent on essentially preserving what was already there.
Yet we sometimes forget that the purpose of it all is to present
the historical and natural values of the site to our friends
and neighbours. Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers who
donated their unique talents and valuable time to showcase
the many special treasures to the community.
We are gratified that membership continues to grow. We have
an open membership structure that allows anyone interested
to become a member. Benefits include admission to the grounds,
and the cost is very reasonable. Please renew
your 2002 membership.
A sincere thank you goes to the members of the membership
committee for their invaluable help and support during the
past year: Mae Foster, Ruth Infurnari, Marina Martin and Karen
Richardson.
to
top
RESTORATION
COMMITTEE
By Leah Wallace, Restoration Chair
The
Restoration Committee has had another busy year. The 3rd year
of the Cost Share program with Parks Canada included work
on the mansion portico and the east wall. Several other small
but significant and satisfying projects were also completed.
First and foremost, the Restoration Committee wants to thank
the new CAO Mairlynn Havelka, for her assistance with this
year's projects. Marilynn made the work of our committee very
easy. She is a constant source of information and advice and
acts as our liaison with both the contractors and the consultants.
She fulfils any request with grace and patience and we sometimes
wonder why she puts up with us.
Our major project-the restoration of the mansion portico and
the vault ceiling-has been completed and the installation
of a heated cable system and lightning protection will ensure
that the building remains safe and secure for years to come.
In addition, the east facade has been repointed to prevent
water penetration. The Committee and the CAO are pleased with
the work that North Point Construction Ltd., had done. The
company was knowledgeable and dedicated and left the work
site neat and clean.
The Piggery has been renovated and is now being used by Rick
Ludkin for bird banding. This example of adaptive re-use at
Ruthven has proved to be extremely successful and we have
been informed that Rick is very pleased.
Carl Sternamen has repaired the front entrance wall. The work
was difficult because the wall was in extremely poor condition
Mr Sternamen did an excellent job under very tough conditions
and actually completed more work than he was contracted to
do. Now the first impression visitors have of Ruthven will
be a much more appealing one.
The Cultural Landscape and Restoration Committee undertook
a joint initiative to clean up the Irish Cemetery and relocate
and repair the existing gravestones. These will be protected
for the winter. The assistance of John Shoveller in this endeavor
is much appreciated.
Repairs and renovations were compiled on the interior of the
Gatehouse. This work gave Marilynn and Karen a much improved
working environment.
Finally, John Wickett, is constructing protective winter doors
that will be installed on the entrances to the mansion. This
should solve some of the draft and weather problems that have
plagued the building over the past few years.
The Restoration Committee is also looking at future projects.
The Canadian Conservation Institute has been asked to undertake
an evaluation of the interior of the mansion and will prepare
a report regarding the condition of the interior and the restorations
work that may be needed.
A
consultant is currently preparing a report on alternatives
to the installation of a sprinkler system in the mansion.
This report will be presented to the Chief Building Official
and The Fire Chief for the Town. We hope that the expense
and inconvenience of a sprinkler system can be avoided on
the basis of this report.
The
CAO is also preparing a plan for work to be completed under
the final two years Cost Share program. However, the Restoration
Committee is aware that declining investments income may require
adjustments to the work scheduled under this program.
Finally, the Restoration Committee would like to give a vote
of thanks to Edwin Rowse and Martine Haferstroh of ERA Architects.
Their dedication and professionalism continues to be appreciated.
Like everyone connected with Ruthven Park, Edwin and Martine
go above and beyond the scope of their work at the site and
offer us a wealth of excellent information and advice.
to
top
WATERSHED
STEWARDSHIP PROJECT
By Sami Rehman
On
the Right Path
The
moment I walked into this empty office with only a desk and
phone on July 9, I knew the Watershed Stewardship Project
(WSP) would be an interesting endeavour. Five months later,
I can look back and agree with my prediction. This project
has been challenging one and quite enjoyable at the same time.
I'm please to report the project has come a long way. Not
only do we have chairs and a phone line to complement our
desk and phone, we have a fully functional office established
at the Oakhill Cemetery in Brantford. The office space has
been donated for this two-year project by the generosity of
the City of Brantford.
I'm also pleased to present a very talented team with the
Watershed Stewardship Project. We have Melissa Larion joining
us as the Ruthven Park Ecological Demonstration Steward. One
of the most interesting results of Melissa's research is the
process of planting trees from seed.
Most of Ontario's native woody plants have evolved, through
natural selection, to be uniquely adapted to local geographical
areas and climates. In other words, local seeds are the best
sources for planting projects.
The WSP has taken a proactive approach to this idea. Earlier
this fall, WSP staff with the help of some eager volunteers
collected seeds and nuts from various seed sources around
the Ruthven Park area. Seeds collected include: White Oak,
Red Oak, Black Walnut, Staghorn Sumac, hackberry and many
more. Some seeds (White Oak) need to be sown in the fall whereas
seeds that need to be sown in the spring (Red Oak) will be
stored for the winter. We look forward to planting seeds in
the spring as part of the ecological rehabilitation of Ruthven
Park. If you know of any great native tree seed sources in
your area, please contact us!
Currently, Melissa is working on the Ruthven Park Agro-Ecological
Farm Plan for the Ruthven Park Ecological Demonstration Project.
This plan aims to introduce farmers to a number of alternative
environmental activities. The Ruthven Park Agro-Ecological
Farm Plan will assist with long-term management decisions
and provide a basis for being a good steward of the land while
continuing to have productive farm operation. It will hopefully
provide a living model of the "best management practices"
to the community & local residents.
Also joining our team is Heather Cuthbert (from Brantford)
as the Landowner Contact Steward. Heather's enthusiasm and
natural resources education is quite valuable to the WSP.
She has helped establish this office and is preparing the
landowner contact component of the WSP.
Based on the two-day landowner contact training session offered
by the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, which WSP staff
attended, Heather has been preparing the letters and information
material for the landowners in our target areas within the
Grand River watershed.
Heather has also been instrumental in the process of producing
the WSP brochure. Heather selected a local designer/printer
and has worked closely with them to create an informative
and appealing brochure for the project. Currently, the brochure
is undergoing the final touches and it will be available in
the very near future.
The WSP also held a meeting with other landowner contact groups
in the area, such as Tallgrass Ontario, Barn Owl Recovery
Project, Wetland Habitat Fund and the Exceptional Waters Program,
etc. The staff of these various groups were introduced to
one another and exchanged information. The meeting also allowed
the groups to establish a schedule to develop a landowner
contact methodology in a well-balanced manner to avoid duplication
of objectives and begin partnerships.
Within
the next few months, the WSP will begin to contact landowners
in the North Cayuga Slough Forest Area and the Oriskany Sandstone
Area. We will be interested in the landowner's desires and
goals for the land. WSP staff will also be sharing information
on the natural features of their properties and conservation
options available to the landowners.
The same approach will be directed to the Oakland Swamp Area
in Brant County. We are looking forward to seeing you in the
near future.
The Watershed Stewardship Project has also left a great footprint
within the conservation community. The WSP staff (and Directors
of the LGRLT) attended the 2001 Ontario Nature Trust Alliance
Gathering at Chaffey's Lock in October. It was a great forum
to learn from other land trust groups and share stories. In
addition, the WSP was one of the only non-profit groups asked
to make a presentation at the 8th Annual A.D. Latornell Conservation
Symposium. Conservation Ontario and the Centre for Land and
Water Stewardship at the University of Guelph (along with
many partners) held the Latornell Symposium to focus on topical
issues relating to conservation. The WSP's presentation focused
on "Involving the Community in Conservation."
The WSP would like to extend its gratitude to the TD Friends
of the Environment Foundation for their recent financial contribution
and support of this project. We would also like to thank Environment
Canada's Eco-Action 2000, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, Youth Employment Centre, Ontario
Land Trust Alliance, the Sustainablity Network, Volnet and
all the partners who supported this project from the beginning.
The WSP project is please to announce that the Lower Grand
River Land Trust's website is up and running. Please visit
our website at www.lowergrandriverlandtrust.ca and let us
know what you think. We'd love to hear form you!
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please
feel free to contact our office at (519) 759-8015 or at 1-866-495-9156
(Toll free). You can also email us at: lowergrand@bfree.on.ca.
to
top
GREETINGS
FROM RUTHVEN
By Karen Richardson, Event and
Historical Co-ordinator
Ruthven has had a very busy season with over 3000 visitors
to date. The Spirit Walk, on October 27,th was one of the
best we have ever had 250 people attended. It was a fun filled
evening with all of our volunteers doing an excellent job
of acting. A lot of favourable comments were received from
the public. At the end of the evening all the cast and crew
enjoyed a wonderful turkey dinner. Thanks to all the volunteers
who made this event such a success. We are currently working
on next years theme so stay tuned for updates.
For the first time Ruthven held a Christmas Craft Workshop
on December 1st. 22 participants enjoyed the morning with
Katherine Killins learning about use of natural materials
and putting their new knowledge to use by making a wreath.
The success of this workshop has encouraged us to plan other
craft workshops next year.
As the Christmas season is upon us the Christmas Tea, Talk
and Tours will be starting. Guest speakers have been added
to the programme this year to cover a diffferent theme that
would be appropriate for our interpretative time period at
Ruthven. Brenda Brownlee, former curator of the Hamilton Military
Museum will be speaking on "Christmas in the Trenches
WWI," December 9th; Bill Nesbitt, Curator of Dundurn
Castle, "The Birth of a Tradition: Christmas Celebrations
in Early Victorian Ontario",December 11th; Ken Heaman,
Curator Whitehern House National Historic Site, "O Christmas
Tree-a History of the Victorian and Edwardian Christmas Tree"
December 12th and Marilynn Havelka, Chief Administrative Officer
of Ruthven, "Christmas at Ruthven", December 13th.
Two sittings available per date 1 p.m and 2 p.m.
The mansion has been decorated with two themes this year.
The parlour is decorated as a Victorian ladies parlour with
a table top Christmas tree. The Double Drawing room boasts
a turn of the century Christmas theme. The tree is loaded
with a variety of ornaments that include candles, flags, Santas,
Japanese lanterns, cookies and much much more.
We hope you all will plan to attend one of our Christmas events!!!.
Over the winter months we will be open for group and school
tours by appointment. If you have a group (15 or more) who
would like to come call the Gatehouse at 905-772-0560.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers for the efforts
they have put forward on our behalf this year. Volunteers
have logged over 4000 hours to date not including the hours
for bird banding. Our programmes and upkeep of the site would
not be possible without the involovement of our many volunteers.
We appreciate the support.
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year!
to
top
BIRD
BANDING REPORT
FALL 2001
By Rick Ludkin
This was Ruthven Park's 7th Fall banding season. We banded
on 68 days and had 4774 net hours. In total we banded 3,211
birds of 91 forms ( species and subspecies). This number is
a record for the site exceeding the previous high set in 1999
by 666 birds. We also set new high for 30 species and banded
3 "new" species for the Fall: Orchard Oriole, Carolina
Wren and House sparrow. This season also marked the refitting
of one of the Park's outbuildings for specific use by the
banding group-complete with electricity, heat and insulation.
Banding
and migration monitoring began on July 5th and ran through
68 days ending on November 10th. Daily coverage, especially
in July and August, was impossible due to work and personal
demands. Coverage was more complete in September and October(23
& 21 days respectively).
We started banding in July to try to tag locally-fledged migrants
before they disperse-our target species in the regard is the
Yellow Warbler. We banded 51 of them which is our second highest
total since 95. We banded on 11 days in July and although
we had the highest July total since inception (351), the rate
of capture (39.8 birds/100 net hours) was down noticeably
from previous years.
We banded on only 7 days in August, processing 158 birds a
at a rate of 36.2 per 100 net hours.
September for us is the month of "anticipation"
and this year it was certainly no different-it seemed as though
we were always waiting for large numbers of migrants to move
through...and they didn't. It wasn't until the last week of
the month that the build-up began and the expected Yellow-rumped
Warblers arrived in appreciable numbers. Our best day in September
was the 30th at which time we banded 69 birds, 28 of which
were Yellow-rumps. In total for the month we banded 769 birds.
Interesting sightings for September included an adult and
immature Bald Eagle seen together on the 8th & 11th and
individual Peregrine Falcons seen on the 24th and 27th.
In October the birds started to pour through. October 2001
was a record month for Ruthven Park: most birds banded in
one month - 1,795 highest single day total 254, and highest
three day total 450 on 20th, 21st and 22nd. There seemed to
be 3 "waves" of different species that moved through
at different times. Yellow-rumped Warblers presented in large
numbers during the first 3 weeks. The number of sparrows (various
species) and juncos built steadily at the beginning of the
month. Finches (Purple Finches, House Finches, Pine Siskins,
and American Goldfinches were represented in small numbers
throughout the month but then "exploded" as Goldfinches
began.
One very interesting sighting was an adult Golden Eagle soaring
low over the river in front of the Mansion on October 21st.
Another immature Bald Eagle was seen on October 3rd and Peregrine
Falcon on the 7th. We also had our best November in terms
of numbers banded (138).
The ability of this station to do the fine job it does is
directly dependent on the enthusiastic work of its crew of
volunteers, Darryl Edwards, Marylene Boulet, Pascal Petitclerc,
Gene Paterson, Brandon Holden, Elaine Serena, Marg Ludkin,
Eric Holden, Loretta Mousseau, Cheryl Edwards, Sue Holden,
Gail Collins and John Shoveller.
I would like to thank the Lower Grand River Land Trust for
their continuing and enthusiastic support of this project.
Marilynn Havelka and her staff has been very helpful in co-ordinating
practical Land Trust matters affecting this operation (building
the lab, keeping net lanes cleared, providing timely coffee
and muffins, etc.)
This project was supported financially by the James L. Baillie
Memorial Fund of Bird Studies Canada with funds raised through
the annual Baillie Birdathon. I would also like to thank the
Haldimand Bird Observatory's friends and members whose individual
donations and support have been greatly appreciated.
to
top
CHRISTMAS
AT RUTHVEN PARK
By Marilynn Havelka, CAO
Five
generations of the Thompson family owned the Ruthven Park
estate from 1845 until 1992. To date little research has been
found to inform us how the family might have celebrated Christmas
with the exception of two decorations found in the collection
( a feather tree complete with decorations and a beaded glass
ornament) and a few references in letters, a diary and an
account journal from the archives.
However,
based on this information, early Canadian Christmas traditions
and some assumptions, staff have taken the liberty of demonstrating
how the festive holiday might have been celebrated over time
at Ruthven.
We
know from books, dairies and references that Christmas was
observed in Canada in 1845, the year that Ruthven mansion
was built, and that the upper class had access to imported
goods and expensive ingredients for food preparation.
David
Thompson I , an entrepreneur owned and operated the Grand
River Navigation Company and undoubtedly had the means and
status to celebrate Christmas in a fashionable way. He also
lived in a rural setting and was widower with three children
in 1850 and of Scottish descent. As a result of this information
we have assumed that Christmas was celebrated here in 1850.
Christmas
trees were introduced to North America by early English and
German immigrants. Although trees appeared prior to 1850,
the idea of a tree was popularized by Prince Albert, the German
consort of Queen Victoria.
The
Royal Couple set up a table top tree for their children at
Windsor Castle in the 1840's and the tradition spread quickly.
Descriptions of these early trees were provided in magazines
of the time. In America, Lady Godey's magazine captured the
famous picture of Queen Victoria and her family around the
tree. From these pictures and descriptions in Charles Dickens
1843 Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, we know that the
trees were decorated with furniture, grapes and other imitation
fruits, tiny dolls with porcelain faces, drums, baskets, elegant
tiny baskets, bouquet-holders, cornucopias and "everywhere
sparkled and glittered with bright objects."
Presents were not a major part of Christmas celebrations in
the 1850's but they were exchanged between relatives and close
friends. They may have included plants, books, vases, cologne
bottles, card cases, sewing work boxes, skates, wax dolls
or crying babies, rocking horse, toy tea sets, wooden sleighs
and miniature instruments. These gifts were not necessarily
wrapped but appeared on tree branches or under the tree. A
Victorian tree, similar to Queen Victoria's tree, can be viewed
in the small parlour at Ruthven.
The
use of evergreens was popular as it represented everlasting
life and hope for the return of spring. Boughs could be used
on mantles or other fixtures throughout the house. Boughs
or sprigs of ivy were hung over favourite and important family
portraits.
With David Thompson's Scottish background he might have focused
more attention on New Year or Hogmanay which at the time was
considered more important than Christmas. It was customary
to clean the house and to pay off old debts before the year
ended. At the stroke of midnight, a tall, dark and handsome
"first-footer" would appear at the front door. He
would come bearing gifts of a piece of coal, oatcakes, shortbread
or black bread and a bottle of scotch whiskey. These gifts
symbolized prosperity and warmth for the household for the
coming year. Perhaps they ended the evening singing the famous
English song "Auld Lang Syne".
At the turn of the century, the third generation of Thompson's
were living at Ruthven including Colonel Andrew Thorburn Thompson
and his wife Violet. Their three children were Andrew, Walter
and Margaret who were, in 1900, 6, 4 and 1 year of age respectively.
In
the Ruthven collection is an account book kept by Andrew from
1896 until approximately 1909. He diligently described all
his expenses month by month. While receiving the months of
November and December, it is evident that the Thompson's did
indeed celebrate Christmas. Listed are many purchases including
"Xmas presents" for family members and friends.
Additional
funds were used to pay postage for Christmas cards and parcels,
telegrams, money for the church or charity, tips for staff,
cigars and funds for "Christmas cheer". The family
purchased special foods including Rockford cheese, figs, oranges,
raisins, Christmas goose, turkey and oysters. Gifts purchased
include hockey sticks and a puck, a sweater for Drew, muff,
coon coat, dolls, hyacinths, books,candy. Each year he purchased
a new dress for his wife, Violet and often gave her perfume
and money.
There
are also several listings of extra services or purchases for
the house made during the Christmas season including tuning
the piano, new cloth for the table and wine glasses, cutting
ice and extra funds for housekeeping.
A
letter dated December 5th, 1894 from Violet states "My
darling husband....This is Christmas day and I hope we will
after this always spend it together...we sent Muz some mince
pies and plum pudding, I made the plum pudding which they
all thought was perfectly delicious, I am quite proud of myself."
Andrew
was a talented writer and sensitive man. An undated letter
which could have been written during or just after Boer War
(1899-1902) is entitled "Christmas" and states "It
is, par excellence, the childrens' day and their elders thrill
with them as the little ones unpack the Christmas stocking,
and march delighted around the Christmas tree. Later he gives
a message to readers
"Remember there are thousands of our war wrecked men
still in hospital - VISIT THEM. Do not let them think they
are forgotten, nor remember them only on Christmas Day."
Due
to these circa 1900 references, and the fact that the Thompson
owned the property for 147 years, we have represented this
time period as well for Christmas. The floor standing tree
(popular in America after 1860) appears in the double drawing
room and is festooned with reproduction decorations which
represent the store bought and hand made ones typical of the
time - candies, cookies, assorted coloured candles, fancy
glass balls, beads, cornucopia, paper scraps, in and cotton
wool ornaments, Japanese paper lanterns, fans and parasols,
birds with tails of spun glass and even glass pickles!
This
will be our presentation for Christmas 2001 — with further
research the interpretation of Christmas will evolve at Ruthven
in future years.
to
top
