By CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — The kept history in this region could fade away if people don’t begin volunteering for the Whitewater Historical Society.
A year ago, long-time member Mac Coughlin said the society was in trouble then and there may be a possibility the municipality would have to take over. He had already resigned from the board.
A year later, president Clare Stoppa is repeating those words. However, with her retiring, along with the current treasurer, Ms. Stoppa said something has to be done.
“There just aren’t any workers,” she said. “No one wants to work. No one wants to volunteer.
“The Society is really in trouble.”
Ms. Stoppa is hopeful people will see the importance of the historical society and want to help out. The positions of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and directors must always be filled.
The annual general meeting is next Thursday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. in the community hall at the township office in Cobden.
“I would definitely like to see the young people become involved,” Ms. Stoppa said. “They just don’t seem interested.”
However, she added, it’s not just this organization that is lacking in volunteers, but many others.
“Young people are not interested in volunteering,” she said. “There are just too many other things for them to do.”
Local people should be interested in their own part of the world, their history, while those who have moved here, should learn about the history of the area, Ms. Stoppa said.
The Society operates the museum throughout the summer months, which is quite busy with visitors from near and far, Ms. Stoppa said.
This museum, and the society, are the keepers of the area’s history, she said. The antiques stored in the exhibit hall, museum and storage shed, are all from the area.
She encourages people to join the Society with a $10 membership, which will give them an opportunity to give their opinion, ideas, and suggestions. While it’s not necessary to attend the few meetings that are held throughout the year, helping out is necessary.
Ms. Stoppa said while it hasn’t been formally discussed, the township may have to take over the operation of the museum if there aren’t enough volunteers. How that would work is not known, she added.
“The township owns the buildings and we own the artefacts,” she said.
At last night’s Whitewater Region council meeting, Ed Newhook of Milestone Strategy, presented the Recreation Master Plan Preliminary Findings. In this report, it was quoted: Issues – Ross Museum: Operated by 4 volunteers; future operations in doubt
Whitewater Region Councillor Daryl McLaughlin, who is one of two council representatives on the society, agrees that while there hasn’t been an official discussion on the township taking over the museum, it is a good possibility.
“The discussion could come up at next week’s AGM,” he said.
Robert Tremblay, Chief Administrative Officer for the township, said, “it has been verbalized” that the township may have to take over the museum, but nothing has been brought to council for discussion.
Ms. Stoppa encourages as many people as possible to attend the AGM next Thursday, 2 p.m. If that’s not possible, contact Coun. McLaughlin or Mayor Hal Johnson and let them know you want to join the society or volunteer/work with the society, as they are the council representatives.
During last night’s council meeting, Mayor Johnson spoke about the museum and historical society.
“We have a fantastic museum located in Foresters Falls and it represents our heritage,” he said. “Unfortunately, most of the (volunteers) of the museum have come to the point they can’t volunteer anymore.
“We need to take the torch up.”
Mayor Johnson noted there is some “exciting history” depicted in the museum.
“We would hate to lose it,” he said. “It’s integral to our community.
“If anybody thinks that they would be interested in helping out, and it is quite interesting, come out to the meeting.”
“I plead for anybody who could volunteer, or who is interested, to be downstairs at two o’clock. They will be welcomed with open arms.”
