What Went Down in Struggle Town? 

Tracey Donaldson, Acting Manager and Acting Education Officer Sarah Holla from the Goulbourn Museum present What Went Down in Struggle Town? This presentation will examine the settlement, historic figures, and structures, which have defined the narrative of Stanley’s Corners.

Settlement of land in Upper Canada became a priority for the British Government following the conclusion of the War of 1812. Discharged soldiers who accepted land grants were the first to settle in Goulbourn with their presence creating a line of defense for Upper Canada against the Americans.

Wallins Atlas 1863

Belden’s Atlas 1879

At the intersection of 9th line and Regional Road 5 (Flewellyn and Huntley Roads) a small community known as Rathwells Corners grew as a busy stopping point between Richmond  and the Upper Ottawa Valley. By the 1850’s John Rathwell an early school teacher taught at a school located just west at Black’s Sideroad. Also his wife kept a stopping place or hotel at Rathwells Corners. By 1879 there was a store, St. Thomas Church, a saw mill, and a school. Later the community also supported a cheese factory, cement factory, post office and blacksmith shop. Eventually the Rathwell’s sold the Hotel to John Manchester and in turn to Jonathon Stanley. The small community then became known as Stanley Corners. It was nicknamed “Struggle Town” by the early Irish settlers, the history of Stanley Corners is marked by success, prosperity and tragedy.

SS#10 Stanley Corners 1926 – From Farms and Families

Were the settlers justified in nicknaming the community Struggle Town?

This presentation at the Goulbourn Museum, Saturday May 13 2017 starting at 1:30pm accompanies the Museum’s outdoor exhibition, which will formally launch during the summer event, Father’s Day Flashback: Ireland’s Own in June 2017.  As usual, attendance, parking and refreshments are free.  And remember, “tell a neighbour, bring a friend.

History of Goulbourn – Caretaker of Dreams
– event now completed

Audience enjoying the screening of “Caretaker of Dreams” – photo Robert Halberstadt

This event was very well attended, including several participants from the original live presentation in 2000. The movie-theatre-like presentation, including bags of popcorn added to the atmosphere.Thanks for all who attended.

You’re in for a treat as we digitally reprise the Millennium Pageant “Caretaker of Dreams” on Saturday March 25th, 2017 at the Richmond Legion. The Play was written by Barbara Bottriell, directed by Shelagh Mills and produced by the Goulbourn Millennium Project Committee.

Goulbourn’s 2000 Millennium Pageant

This is the story of Goulbourn Township from the early Richmond settlement in 1818 to the youths’ vision of the future beyond 2000. It was conceived not as a history lesson, but as recognition of the achievements of the township pioneers. The play was initially planned as a millennial project, but also became a record of our history as the Province on Ontario decreed that Goulbourn Township would disappear with the expanded border of the City of Ottawa in 2000.

The Goulbourn Township Historical Society was sponsor of the project and the play was produced by the Goulbourn Millennium Project Committee chaired by Jean Shaw.

This was a great community event including over 100 Township actors, musicians and dancers supported by dance director Christine Delorme-Lamarche, Sets by Ron Martin, Lighting by Paul Gardner, musical director Barbara Bottriell, Costumes by Lynn Griffiths and Production co-ordination by Hilary Dick.

The pageant was held November 22-25 2000 in the then new Theatre of the Performing Arts at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Stittsville. Videographer Sandy Durocher recorded this spectacular event. It is this recording transformed into a digital format by Russell Mason, that we will be showing at the Richmond Legion as our March 25th 2017 community event. Show time is 1:30pm. The Legion is located at   6430 Ottawa St, Richmond, ON. Come along, and bring a friend to relive our heritage. Refreshments will also be available.

COMMUNITY SECRETS

Here is an event you don’t want to miss. It takes place at the Stittsville Library on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The event is being held for the occasion of Heritage Day.

Have you heard stories about ghosts, murder, cemeteries and other unknowns in your community? Attend this event on February 18 to discover in full detail all of the grisly or odd activities that have taken place right here in your own backyard. There will displays with court records, photos and written accounts of these unknowns.

You can attend for free and browse through each display while enjoying complimentary refreshments. There is ample parking and handicapped accessible parking so all can attend.

Bring your family and friends to unearth the truth for these community legends!