Lakefield library prepares for 125th birthday celebrations
The Lakefield branch of the Selwyn Public Library is celebrating 125 years of history in 2020.
The Lakefield library originally started as a Mechanics’ Institute in 1891. In 1895, the library received its first legislative grant from the Ontario government, becoming the Lakefield Public Library. A library has operated continually since that time in several different locations within the village of Lakefield, including the main floor of Memorial Hall (1921), and the upper level of the Memorial Hall (1967), until finally moving to the current location in 1993.
To celebrate the history of the Lakefield branch, the Selwyn Public Library has created a Lakefield Library History blog, which features a digital collection of photographs, articles and miscellanea from the past. Go to lakefieldlibrary.wordpress.com and “follow” the blog to see regular updates. Click “follow” in the lower right corner to receive email notifications.
Follow the blog from now until August 2021 to see regular posts celebrating the history of the Lakefield Library. If you would like more information, email kgardiner@mypubliclibrary.ca or phone the Lakefield branch at 705-652-8623.
Trent Valley Archives
Trent Valley Archives will offer ghost walks this October. The Wicked Walk of the West will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 22, 27 and 29. This tour begins at Driscoll Terrace and will feature stories of the Instant Weaver of Driscoll Terrace, the Night Watchman at Quaker Oats, Sarah and Nicole who haunt the Lundy House and the strange demise of noted barrister John Burnham.
The East Side Stories Tour will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 23, 28 and 30. It starts at the Peterborough Museum and Archives, and you’ll hear about ghosts, flying tools, and strange noises at the Lift Lock, the kindly nun at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and the resident dapper gentleman ghost “Chappy” who has his own seat at the Theatre Guild. There will be COVID-19 screening prior to the tour, and attendees are expected to be physically distanced at all times.
Tickets are available at trentvalleyarchives.com/events, or by reserving with Heather at 705-745-4404, or by emailing admin@trentvalleyarchives.com. There is a limit of 14 persons per tour. The cost is $20 per person, and registration and payment in advance are required.
Christ Church Community Museum
Christ Church Community Museum in Lakefield is unable to have its annual fashion show this year. Diana Carter, from Style Boutique in Bridgenorth, is offering a weeklong event in her shop from Oct. 19 to 24. During the event, 20 per cent of regularly priced purchases at the store and online will be donated to Christ Church. Use the code words “Christ Church” at the checkout to have the purchase tallied for the event. Additionally, Style Boutique will enter your name in a draw as a thank you. Store hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Money raised will go toward masonry repairs being done this year and next year at the museum.
Writers and Poets Lakefield
Independent Poets and Writers, who meet in Lakefield, have published their first book. It is a literary collection with more than 60 entries and includes illustrations. The group has 19 poets and writers and claims Catharine Parr Traill as their mentor and model. The publication, production, and editorial team consists of Gail and Bill Corbett and Cathie and Clint McIntyre. The poets and writers are: Noreen Basciano, Lois Brennan, Rose Burri, Gail H. Corbett, Claire Durand, Wendy Durand, Karen Elmhirst, Judy Field, Phyllis Kirk, Marjory Ludgate, Joyce MacLean, Cathie McIntyre, Mary Morgan McKnight, Gwedhen Nicholas, Judith Nicholas, Thomas Orsi, Elaine Ralph, Roberta Ann Walker, and Frances Zaniewski. The book is called “Inspirations and Expressions” and it can be purchased from Happenstance Books and Yarns in Lakefield. For more information, email writersandpoets777@gmail.com