Marie Williams: An impressive crowd gathered for the “Haunts of Peter McArthur” road trip Sunday afternoon, June 16, starting out at what was the McArthur homestead on McArthur Rd. before moving onto the Eddie Cemetery on Glendon Dr. and finally back to the Archives in Glencoe. Two plaques were unveiled along the way as McArthur trivia and memories were shared. Both young and more established fans of the works of the “Sage of Ekfrid,” family members and historians enjoyed the afternoon which was organized by the Glencoe and District Historical Society. The Society is marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Peter McArthur in 2024. See photos on Facebook Post.
Fundraiser: We are fundraising to pay for the interpretive panels dedicated to the life work of Peter McArthur. Target is $750. Mark cheque “Peter McArthur” and mail it to G&DHS, 178 McKellar St, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0 or bring it along June 16, 2024
Installed plaque at Peter McArthur’s Farm
Address: 22517 McArthur Road, Southwest Middlesex. Hosted by John Sinclair and Stacey Wills, and their children.
Emcee: Norm McGill, Vice President, Glencoe & District Historical Society
- Kosta Vaklev: A reading.
- Stephanie McDonald: A fan of the writings of Peter McArthur, read a favorite excerpt about Mr. McArthur’s love for the farm and Ekfrid Township.
- Don Sinclair: The story keeper: Keeping the stories and the storyteller alive. A community treasure. Mr. Sinclair is much indebted to Marion Dobie and Mrs. Ken McKellar who stopped him on the street and claimed that he was “Just the man” to be the storykeeper of the famous Peter McArthur, whose works deserved to be read and enjoyed by the next generations. They wanted Donny to write a book. Dougald Sinclair, Don’s grand dad, and Peter were neighbours and peers. It is whispered that they tipped the bottle together. John Sinclair, Donnie’ s Grandson, is carrying on the legacy
- Isabelle Sinclair: Don Sinclair’s great granddaughter read “Home Again”. Isabelle lives on the McArthur farm.
- Descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Peter McArthur: Charlotte Waller, granddaughter and her son, Robert Waller, grandchildren, Don Sinclair and Isabelle helped unvile a commoerative plaque.
- “My Home” Lyrics to “My Home” written by P. McArthur. Copyright 1908. Music by Miss M.F.E. Frerichs. Sheet music published by Whaley, Royce & Co., Limited. Winnipeg. Toronto. Canada. Illustrated by famous Canadian illustrator, C.W. Jefferys.
Because their hearts were hungry,
Our fathers crossed the sea,
They yearned for homes and firesides
Where their souls could all be free.
The grasped the hand that led them
With hands of patient toil
And wrote their faith and courage
Upon the kindly soil.
Chorus:
My Home! My Home! The home they made for me!
God bless our land, our Canada! Oh Canada! My home!
From all the weary nations,
The heavy laden come
They fear not tyrant’s anger
And they hear no conquering drum
From ocean now to ocean
We hear sweet music reign,
The tender silver tumult
Of children as they sing
Upon this firm foundation
Our future sure shall stand
The graves of humble heroes
Who wrought this happy land.
To all the warring peoples
We send our hail of cheer,
“Lay down your laid of sorrows!
The day of hope is here!”
2:30 p.m. | Eddie Cemetery
Mr. McArthur’s Graveside, 490 Glendon Dr, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0.
Emcee: Mary Simpson, President, Glencoe & District Historical Society
- Bliss Carmen’s Poem read at Peter McArthur’s funeral. Read by Mirah Simpson.
- Kasia Kalita: Granddaughter of Harold Carruthers reads the quote on the plaque.
- Harold Carruthers: “Life” by Peter McArthur.
- Memories by Charlotte Waller.
- Unveiling of the Graveside Plaque:
- Harold Carruthers, Kasia Kalita, Stephanie McDonald, Charlotte Waller, Robert Waller and family members.
- Stephanie R. McDonald: A few words of inspiration.
- Ken Willis: Wardsville Historian and researcher for the Glencoe & District Historical Society. Prayer and Commemoration.
“Amazing Grace” – sung by all.
3:30 p.m. | The Archives
Many returned to the Archives for refreshments and more visiting. There was a display of McArthur’s books and news clippings. Stephanie McDonald’s presentation on YouTube.
Many thanks to all the helpers! Too many to list. You know who you are!!!