Month: December 2024

Peter McArthur: the “horrible, horrible” war

Peter McArthur: the “horrible, horrible” war

Glencoe & District Historical Society

Part 1: Peter McArthur, the hardest question and the “horrible, horrible” war

By Stephanie McDonald, December 2024

It’s a question from a child no parent is equipped to answer: Should I go to war? It was what Daniel, eldest son of Mabel and Peter McArthur, asked of his father in the early years of the First World War. 

Even as prolific a writer as Peter McArthur was, one can imagine how the man dubbed the “Sage of Ekfrid” struggled to find the right words to share with his son. His response reveals both his wish for his child to come to his own decision as well as the urge to protect and keep him safe.

Peter penned his answer to Dan’s question in a letter on January 25, 1916, a year and a half into the war:

Read more →
My Friends, The Trees

My Friends, The Trees

Glencoe & District Historical Society

By Peter McArthur

Near the house there is a sturdy oak tree that I always think of as one of the oldest of my friends. I grew up with it. Of course that is not exactly true, for I stopped growing many years ago, while it kept on growing, and it may keep on growing for centuries to come. But when I was a growing boy it was just the right kind of a tree for me to chum with. It was not too big to climb, and yet it was big enough to take me on its back and carry me into all the dreamlands of childhood.

Read more →
Support our Local Authors

Support our Local Authors

Glencoe & District Historical Society

Local stories written by local folk for us:

On December 5, 2024, the Mary Webb Centre in Highgate organized an Afternoon With Authors book sale as a fundraiser to restore the beautiful stained glass dome.

Kae Elgie and her book about the history of her family farm in Lambton County at the Book fair at the Mary Webb Centre, Highgate on December 7, 2024.


The Mary Webb Centre came to life in 2010 when a group of people in the Highgate area saw an opportunity where the wrecking ball threatened to demolish the 100 year old United Church. The vision was to create community centre, art gallery and concert hall and now in 2024, 14 years later, the 250 seat venue is a “must-play” address for renowned as well as up-and-coming musicians from across Canada and for local performers too.

Read more →

Ken Willis, Curator, Wardsville Museum

Glencoe & District Historical Society

Long-time Dedication

For over two decades, Ken Willis has dedicated himself to preserving Wardsville’s history, curating a collection donated by residents that tells the story of Wardsville and its people. The Wardsville Museum is a cherished part of our community that houses a collection of artifacts and stories that showcase Wardsville and Mosa’s rich history. The museum depends on community support to preserve its treasures.

Ken Willis, the long-time curator of the Wardsville Museum, shares his personal story and an appeal for support.

Ken is committed to the museum’s future and is planning for the museum’s collection.  He is asking Your Wardsville Community Association to step in. Proceeds from the Your Wardsville Silent Auction (Dec 3–10, 2024) supported this vital effort.

Please denote your donation to benefit the Wardsville Museum and a tax receipt will be issued. Every dollar helps preserve Wardsville’s heritage for future generations.

Your support means the world to Ken and the entire Wardsville community. Thank you for helping us keep our history alive!

Post by Denise Corneil, December 1, 2024.

Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs

Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs

Glencoe & District Historical Society

What happens when the story gets twisted?  The story keeper and the storyteller got their wires crossed.  Bunny, the story keeper, decided to tell a different story about her son.  And the extended family all colluded. Eventually the son found out his true story – ‘the last man standing’.  Tom Wilson discovered he is a descendant of  mohawk warriors, hunters and chiefs …but he was denied the truth until he was in his 50s.  You can see his artwork at the TAP Centre of Creativity until December 21st.  Now he gets to tell his story – his story can be viewed here on film.  

Everyone has a story.  And all our stories are compelling and amazing.  Why not write yours down for your descendants?  Our children want to know about their ancestors and our ancestors want us to tell their stories. Truth preferred – the truth as we know it and have experienced it.   Story keepers and story tellers.   – Mary Simpson

Art by Tom Wilson

TAP Centre for Creativity presented Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs, a solo exhibition of the artwork of Tom Wilson tehohåhake (two roads). Tom is a musician, writer and visual artist based in Hamilton, Ontario. Tom’s art exhibition ended December 21, 2024

Read more →