Elaine Becker is author of now-published historical book
Woodstock Museum recognizes importance of fire trucks to city's heritage
By Mark Schadenberg
The
Woodstock Museum National Historical Site was once city hall in
Woodstock, so it’s important to note they have preserved what was
the council chamber as part of the museum’s on-going main exhibit.
The
many permanent displays place their focus solely on Woodstock at the
466 Dundas building (519 537-8411).
History
of industry in Woodstock is depicted with a timeline mural, along
with a video you can watch produced in the 1970’s to promote The
Friendly City as an ideal destination for your commerce.
The
museum also includes a tribute to ‘Klondike Joe’ Boyle (Pictured here), and also
recognizes this area’s efforts in two world wars, features old
community maps, the importance of the railway to our lore, a piano
(manufactured in Woodstock) or two or three or four, and a Penny
Farthing bicycle. There is lots to learn and explore.
Joe Boyle
The
Museum’s second floor is where temporary exhibits can be enjoyed
and where summer camps are hosted for children seeking knowledge and
a hands-on education.
CAMPING
WITHOUT A TENT
Mighty
Mastadons is a current highlight, continuing until July 10. The age
bracket of focus is 6 – 12 for a summer camp, but I’m sure older
prehistoric folks would like to see the fossils from the dinosaur era
and other artifacts as well.
FIRE
TRUCKS
The
main temporary exhibit is also a tribute to Woodstock’s industrial
lineage in the building of fire trucks as a show recognizing the
evolution of the fire truck continues until Sept. 5. Woodstock was
the home to both Bickle and King-Seagrave fire trucks. Here’s what
the museum website says:
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
“The
‘Defined Under Pressure’ Exhibit follows the History of the
Woodstock Fire Department from small town fire brigade to modern city
fire department. The exhibit is based on research conducted by Dr.
Elaine Becker for her new book of the same name. Using
artifacts, photos and video clips of oral history the exhibit will
take the visitor from the early day of the department to now. Come
see and hear what it was like to be a fireman in Woodstock throughout
our history.”
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Elaine Becker photo is from The Sentinel-Review story
Becker
offers a unique perspective on the history of the local fire brigades
as her grandfather was once chief. Her book is also for sale at the
museum for $15.
On
Thursday, July 30, Becker will be part of the Downtown BIA farm
market in museum square by hosting a book signing, 1 – 3 p.m.
On
Sunday, Aug 9, from 10 a.m. – 3p.m. (Part of the Downtown BIA car
show following the Streetfest sidewalk sale days), the museum will be
taking part in a ‘Fun With Firetrucks’ display show of vintage
fire trucks. Becker will be a guest speaker that day as well.
By
the way, the Reaction & Recruitment: Oxford Goes To War touring
exhibit is in Norwich for the summer. It’s an educational series of
display that note Oxford County’s contribution to the First World
War. That show has already appeared in Woodstock and Ingersoll.
There were many fire stations in the past, but the first real fire hall in Woodstock was built in 1899 on Perry Street and it exists today as an office building with its tenants including MPP Ernie Hardeman.
Be
sure to read the current What's On Woodstock magazine for a fire
history of Woodstock, which promotes the Becker writings. The story
notes that the Parkinson Road fire hall opened in 1974 and I wouldn't
have guessed that building was already 41 years old. The VanSittart
station made its debut in 1990.
LINKS:www.woodstockmuseum.ca
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2015/06/25/defined-under-pressure-by-dr-elaine-becker-explores-the-fascinating-history-of-the-woodstock-fire-department
www.oxfordhistoricalsociety.ca
http://www.markroyallepage.blogspot.ca/2015/05/oxford-remembers-is-100-events.html
February of 2015 story:
Perry Street Fire Hall
Writing about Woodstock to promote
The Friendly City as a great place to live:
Mark
Schadenberg, Sales
Representative
Senior
Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal
LePage Triland Realty
757
Dundas St, Woodstock
(519)
537-1553, cell or text
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