WHITEWATER REGION – A small group of people gathered in the council chambers of Whitewater Region last Thursday evening in hopes of ensuring the survival of the Whitewater Historical Society.
Hazel Hawthorne, Joanne Pratt and Lawrie Barton are the only three remaining charter members and are very hopeful of its survival.
Ms. Barton, who is secretary, spoke about the importance of continuing to educate people about the history of the area. She noted the Whitewater Historical Society, formerly the Ross Museum Historical Society, covers the whole municipality, from Haley Station to Foresters Falls to La Passe and Westmeath and Cobden, and all points in between.
She noted the mission statement is the preservation of local and regional history.
While many people have come forward to volunteer, no one has stepped forward to take a position on the executive, Ms. Barton said. People don’t seem to want to attend meetings or are afraid to make a commitment, she said. It’s important to realize the society doesn’t take a lot of time from a person, but the executive is required.
Ms. Hawthorne strongly believes there are people out there who want to see the survival of the historical society, they just need to be invited to sit on the executive. She volunteered to sit on a nominating committee and make phone calls and talk to people, encouraging them to take a position. Two other volunteers stepped forward to work with her, Ms. Pratt and Evelyn St. Amour.
It was agreed there will be another meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 in the council chambers – everyone is invited to attend.
