This year, two Chatham-Kent communities, Ridgetown and Wallaceburg, mark their sesquicentennials. Both were incorporated as towns in 1875 and both plan celebrations.
This year, two Chatham-Kent communities, Ridgetown and Wallaceburg, mark their sesquicentennials. Both were incorporated as towns in 1875 and both plan celebrations.
This week, let’s look at Wallaceburg and activities planned for Canada Day weekend by the Wallaceburg and District Museum.
On Saturday, June 28, the museum is offering the Baldoon Wagon Run, tours of the historic area of Wallaceburg in a tractor-pulled wagon. Along the way, you’ll see some of the town’s oldest buildings and meet some of the people associated with them. It’s like a spirit walk on wheels.
If you’re interested, there will be two tours, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 – a steal, if you ask me. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a spot by visiting the museum at 505 King St. in Wallaceburg, or calling them at (519) 627-8962.
If you take the tour, stick around the museum until 3 p.m. for the unveiling another Chatham-Kent Heritage Network plaques. This is Wallaceburg’s second plaque and I’d like to thank Henry Van Haren and Kaelyn Gregory for their work to bring this one to fruition. The unveiling ceremony with be brief – no more than 30 minutes – followed by conversation and refreshments in the museum.
The big day for 150th celebrations at the Wallaceburg museum is July 1, Canada Day – why not celebrate both birthdays at once?
In the museum and on the grounds, there will be lots to do, from carnival games, face painting and inflatables for the kids, to a street market and thrift stall foradults. You might just see and catch up with some people you know. After all, isn’t that what holidays are for?
If you come around noon, you can join in the Canada Day ceremony, including the singing of O Canada, speeches and a cake-cutting (and eating). Afterwards, relax and enjoy the music of Jeff Black. All in all, a fun and relaxing day.
While at the museum, walk a block down to the river, to the south side of the L.O. Stonehouse Memorial Walking Bridge. Here, the museum is presenting Baldoon Days, an annual event where you can learn about life in the early 19th century in the original Baldoon Settlement. We’ll say more about the settlement in a future column.
The Baldoon Settlement is the least-known of the settlements initiated by Lord Selkirk. Everyone learns about the Selkirk Settlement in Manitoba and its association with Louis Riel, but few know about Baldoon. That’s a pity, because it is no less interesting a story.
At Baldoon Days, you’ll see artifacts and early maps, and learn about early homesteading and try some early skills. Of course, you’ll hear about the Baldoon Mystery, one of Canada’s most famous hauntings, and other stories.
So be sure to get out to Wallaceburg next weekend. It’s not every day a community celebrates its 150th birthday. I know they’d love to share some of their history, and their pride, with you.
The Gilberts are award-winning historians with a passion for telling the stories of Chatham-Kent’s fascinating past.
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