Janis Tomkinson, President of the Whitewater Historical Society
As 2022 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my
first year as President of the Whitewater Historical
Society and our accomplishments of this past year. We
started with the election of a brand new Executive who
were learning the ropes, and we slowly made progress. At
first, I didn’t think there were many accomplishments we
could brag about. But upon reflection it seems there are
some we can be really proud of.
After two years of the Ross Museum and its buildings
being closed, we did get up and running for the 2022
summer season. This couldn’t have happened without
the dedication of the Executive, the Board of Directors
and many members. The Exhibit Hall, the Log House and
St. Aidan’s Church needed a thorough cleaning top to
bottom. Thanks to the many members who volunteered
and came out to help prepare the buildings for visitors
and tours.
The summer seemed to fly by, with our Annual Plant Sale
and a Yard and Bake Sale. St. Aidan’s Church housed a
beautiful display of locally designed quilts. The summer
was topped off by “Ross Rhythm”, an evening of
entertainment by local, young musicians and organized
by our summer student. That event brought out 60-70
people, who sat in our gorgeous garden to listen to a
variety of pop music, Broadway musicals, and classics. It
was a terrific fundraiser for the museum.
For me, the highlight of the year was the 37th
Anniversary Dinner this past September. The Westmeath
and District Recreation Centre hosted 85 members
(and non-members) for a delicious meal, entertainment by
Jocelyn and Bradon Smaglinski, door prizes and a silent
auction of Joanne Pratt’s fall grapevine wreaths. The
dinner gave me the chance to meet and mingle with you,
the members of WHS. Our guest speakers, Dixie and
Murray Dittburner, gave a true historical account of the
Ross Museum and we honoured three longstanding
members: Hazel Hawthorne, Lawrie Barton, and Joanne
Pratt. We missed celebrating the 35th Anniversary, but
good news – the 40th Anniversary Dinner is only three
years away!
Our membership has increased this past year due to our
attendance at local fairs and events. Our next step is to get
many of our members actively participating in our events,
so we can have more of a presence in Whitewater
Township. We are currently exploring ways to “refresh” the
museum and the historical society. From public signs, to a
new website, increased advertising and repairs to outdoor
items.
I want to give special thanks to those who donated
artifacts, photos, and other heirloom items to the
museum. We are always interested in your donations that
represent the Region and the Ottawa Valley.
So all in all, I say yes. I think we did have a few
accomplishments in 2022 that we can brag about just a
little. I’m hoping there are more in 2023.
Finally, look for us in the 2023 Ottawa Valley Road Map
Are you interested in becoming a member of the
Whitewater Historical Society? Would you like to lead one
of our committees such as the property or archives
committee? Please join us at our Annual General Meeting
on January 20th, 2023 at the Cobden Agricultural Hall. The
meeting will begin at 11:30, followed by a light lunch and
refreshments.
T H E W H S W I S H E S E V E R Y O N E A H A P P Y A N D S A F E H O L I D A Y
S E A S O N , A N D A H E A L T H Y A N D H A P P Y N E W Y E A R
