WHITEWATER REGION (Foresters Falls) — It was at the Annual General Meeting for the Whitewater Historical Society (WHS) at 12:00 p.m. on January 30. Changes on the executive saw Evelyn St. Amour step down after two years at the wheel. Beatty Pilgrim moved up a notch from Vice President to become President. Judith Humphries filled the role of Vice President. Connie Tabbert remains as Treasurer while the vacant Secretary position was filled by Janis Tomkinson.
St. Amour welcomed the 25 people in attendance to the meeting, which has been happening for 35 years. She remarked progress had been seen and noticed by many. She reported to have a list of 125 members and volunteers. “We have kept the Society on a healthy road which nicely lines up with the WWR expectations,” she concluded.
After approval of the minutes from January 31, 2019, Tabbert presented the Treasurer’s year-end report and budget. Pilgrim reported on the Property Committee, which completed all upgrades and tasks required. Councillor Daryl McLaughlin volunteered his help with this committee.
The Garden Committee involved Joanne Pratt. Her green thumb supported the plant sale in the summer to raise nearly $600, all by donation. “I have lots of plants donated already for planting in the spring,” she said.
The WHS has been around for 35 years and considerations were given to holding a catered dinner at the Westmeath Community Hall on September 18. Pratt, St. Amour, Pilgrim and Lawrie Barton make up the anniversary committee.
Hazel Hawthorne is the only member who has been with the museum continuously for 35 years, formerly known as the Ross Museum. The first meeting was July 1, 1985 in the Ross Township Council Chamber. There was expansion over the years, according to Hawthrone.
”We opened with 100 exhibits. Today, we have three thousand exhibits and they are all identified and photographed,” she said. Her favourite building is the Exhibit, formerly a Fire Hall. “It depicts what a ‘little rural community’ looks like with its particular exhibits,” she explained.
