Over 60 history buffs gathered, in person and online, to listen to Doug Ferguson as he described his “Ancestral Odyssey” at the Glencoe and District Historical Society Archives on Wednesday evening, January 17, 2024. His Ferguson ancestors had left Craignish, Argyleshire for Aldborough Twp. in 1818 and then moved to northern Mosa Twp. in 1827. The McDonalds left Inverness for Quebec in 1830, before settling in Ekfrid Twp. in 1835.
Read moreGlencoe & District Historical Society
Christmas Cheer at the Archives
The Glencoe and District Historical Society welcomed members, volunteers and special guests for a Christmas open house on Thursday afternoon, December 12, 2024 to celebrate the season and the Society’s many partnerships.
April 16. AGM: Reviewing 2024
April 16th at 7:00. In person event – no zoom.
If you have wanted to join, show up and purchase a membership. Individual Memberships are $20 and family memberships are $25. Tax Receipts will be issued by Membership Secretary Harold Carruthers.
Existing members: this is your official notice to attend the annual general meeting to be held at the Archives, 178 McKellar Street, Glencoe, Ontario.
We’ll share stories and reports for the year 2024 and look ahead. What’s coming up? Celebrate the younger generation that is getting involved and telling stories about the past.
Show and Tell! Bring a family heirloom, artifact, or mysterious thing from the past to share with the group.
WWI Sacrifice – Private Ellwyne Ballantyne
Ellwyne Ballantyne’s twenty-two years of brief, bright life are summed up on a simple plaque attached to a majestic buttonwood tree in Carruthers Corners. When local author CJ Frederick first saw the memorial tree in the rural area just outside of Glencoe, ON, she experienced a keen reverence. “It’s just a dot on a map. I was not prepared for how beautiful the tree was. It looked like it was wearing a cloak; as my mother says, ‘wrapped in a queen’s robe’. Knowing that this tree was dedicated to the life of someone who had given that life in a faraway, long-ago conflict really made me stop and think about remembrance and the enduring nature of love.” Ballantyne’s story had to be told; Frederick was eager to record it.
Read more
The Appin Cemetery Commemoration
Appin Cemetery Commemoration July 28, 2024
As part of an annual commemoration of area cemeteries, Glencoe & District Historical Society (G&DHS) organized a presentation and community walk at the Appin Cemetery. Prayers, dedications, singing, and community conversation were key parts of the afternoon.
Read more
Peter McArthur’s beloved farm, his grave, and back to the Archives in Glencoe.
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.
Read more
Highlights from the 2024 Annual General Meeting
Date & Venue: Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, at the Archives, 178 McKellar Street, Glencoe.
Attendance: A solid turnout of 30 members, with all executives present except President Ken Beecroft.
Opening: Vice President Mary Simpson initiated the meeting at 7:00 PM, welcoming members old and new.
Remembrance: A moment of silence was observed for the late Lorne Munro, a member for 20 years.
Business as Usual: The minutes from the previous year’s AGM were approved without issue, and discussions moved smoothly to current matters.
Financial Health: Treasurer Marilyn McCallum presented a detailed financial report and budget for the upcoming year, which were both accepted unanimously.
Membership Milestone: Harold Carruthers announced a record membership count, reflecting the society’s ongoing relevance.
Engaging Programs: Program Director Mary Simpson introduced upcoming events, including a talk by local author C.J. Fredericks.
Election Excitement: Nominations for the new executive team were made and approved smoothly.
Dynamic Presentations: Members shared updates on various projects, showcasing the society’s diverse activities.
Closing: The meeting concluded at 8:50 PM, setting the stage for the incoming executive team.
Read more
April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 in review
Report for the Glencoe & District Historical Society
K.W. Beecroft, President, Glencoe & District Historical Society, Dated March 31, 2024
Founded in 1978, the Glencoe & District Historical Society (G&DHS) set out on a mission to preserve the rich history of Southwestern Ontario, particularly around the Glencoe area. Ambitious projects, such as mapping local cemeteries, took place from 1978 to 1988. In 1983, G&DHS found a home in the basement of the old Andrew Carnegie Library and expanded to both floors in 1994. A substantial collection of land registry deeds was rescued in 1997, finding a secure home in the original land registry vault. The partnership restoration of the Glencoe Train Station in 2001 became a symbol of the society’s commitment to preserving local heritage. The Society is a not-for-profit volunteer organization with charitable status and a member of the Ontario Historical Society. The Society was founded upon a Constitution, which continued to define our operational structure
Short road trip: The Haunts of Peter McArthur. June 16
Farmer, writer, radical, sage: Re-introducing Peter McArthur
Peter McArthur’s Haunts – his farm, his grave, and back to the Archives.
June 16, 2024. 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
A tour with three stops: Please park carefully. Bring a lawn chair. There is no rain date – check facebook Page for last minute instructions:
1:30 p.m. Peter McArthur’s Farm, 22517 McArthur Road, Southwest Middlesex.
2:30 p.m. Eddie Cemetery, 4490 Glendon Dr, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0. Mr. McArthur’s grave.
3:30 p.m. The Archives, 178 McKellar St, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0
Father’s Day afternoon. Bring Dad and Grandpa out for a trip down our local literary path. Get to know Peter McArthur. Who was this local writer that was famous across Canada.? He was a pal of the Prime Minister, had an amazing career in New York City and London England, and gave it up to came back to write in his cabin on the farm. That’s when he found his audience.
Download his timeless books on your e-reader here: faded page downloads.
Detailed itinerary:
1:30 p.m. Peter McArthur’s Farm. 22517 McArthur Road, Southwest Middlesex. Carefully park along the road. Hosted by John Sinclair, current owner of the McArthur property. We’ll check out the new interpretive sign; listen to tales by Donny Sinclair; and learn about this famous writer’s life. We will coordinate our parking at Eddie Cemetery for the utmost safety.
2:30 p.m. Eddie Cemetery. We’ll jump in our cars and go a couple miles north to Mr. McArthur’s grave where the historical society has installed another commemorative panel. We’ll share some readings and pay tribute to a great Canadian writer. Please take your time to park carefully along the side of the road.
3:30 p.m. The Archives. Then we’ll go back to The Archives in Glencoe, drink coffee, learn about his family, and check out his books and memorabilia. Stephanie McDonald and Harold Carruthers will share more stories. We are hoping some of Mr. and Mrs. McArthur’s descendants will attend.
For more information, email contactus@glencoehistoricalsociety.ca or phone (519) 287-3897 or Mary Simpson at 5193181074
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
“Although I have lived in far countries and great cities, no place ever was my home except this farm.”
“Something of this farm struck a tendril into my heart which neither time nor distance could break. It is the only spot on earth that ever gave me the feeling of home. … At all times it was my place of refuge, and, when I finally returned to it, it was with a feeling that my wanderings had ended, and that I could settle down and enjoy life where I belonged.”
July 20, 2024: Tartan Days !!
Tartan Days in Glencoe, over the past several decades, has been a unique opportunity for the community to celebrate its Gaelic heritage and allow the people of Glencoe and area to get involved in local activities and have some fun. For us this year, we decided to host an open house event at the ARCHIVES. It was a truly historic Saturday for the Glencoe and District Historical Society. After numerous visitors made their way to the Archives throughout the morning, a ceremony was held at 1:00 pm, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Glencoe, the belated 200th anniversaries of the Townships of Mosa and Ekfrid, the 170th anniversary of arrival of the first train in Glencoe and the 45th anniversary of the Society itself.
G&DHS also had a booth out near the Glencoe Train Station beside the Old Auto magazine. CJ Frederick, who has written a beautiful historical novel about a local boy, joined the booth offering local readers a sneak peak to her first full length historical fiction novel, Rooted & Remembered. The author’s parents and husband were on hand to help CJ Frederick get this new book into the hands of readers.
The Appin Cemetery Memorial
This year we remembered the people in The Appin Cemetery.
Time: 2:00 p.m. on July 28, 2024
Location: The Appin Cemetery, 22886 Thames Road (Concession 2, Lot 12)
Link to interactive G&DHS Cemetery Map.
[archiveorg history-of-appin-cemetery-jim-may-2000 width=560 height=384 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]
Mural Project 2022
By Ken Beecroft – President G & DHS
The Glencoe & District Historical Society expresses appreciation to Middlesex County Tourism and the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex for recognizing the importance of our heritage and ensuring that our community and visitors are reminded of our past.
Lecture: What does Sacrifice look like?
November 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Hybrid: zoom or attend The Archives, 178 McKellar St, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0
Master Corporal Patterson told us about his career in the military from Army Cadets until his Medical release: 34+ years.
Commendations for safety and first aid.
Deployments: OPDANACA, UNEF 2, 73 Service Battalion and OP PALADIUM, ROTO 1 SFOR.
Serving Member of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
Diploma as a Social Service Worker.
Sergeant-at-Arms, Branch 219 The Royal Canadian Legion Reg Lovell.
AGM: Show & Tell. Celebrating 45 years.
7 p.m. Annual General Meeting.
Join the Glencoe & District Historical Society and come to the meeting of the members to review the accomplishments of 2022 and make plans for the coming year. Individual Memberships are $20 and family memberships are $25. Tax Receipts will be issued by Membership Secretary Harold Carruthers.
Show and Tell! Bring a family heirloom, artifact, or mysterious thing from the past to share with the group. We’ll have some fun with this.
Existing members: this is your official notice to attend the annual general meeting to be held at the Archives, 178 McKellar Street, Glencoe, Ontario.
Or attend via Zoom meeting.
Topic: Glencoe & District Historical Society Annual General Meeting 45 years!
Time: Apr 19, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83282727090?pwd=KzRZL0k2anJIbVhCaFNnamp3NzY5UT09
Meeting ID: 832 8272 7090
Passcode: 298019
One tap mobile
+15074734847,,83282727090#,,,,*298019# US
+15642172000,,83282727090#,,,,*298019# US
Dial by your location
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
Meeting ID: 832 8272 7090
Passcode: 298019
Open House to Celebrate 45 years.
Apr 19, 2022 Open House to Celebrate 45 years.
2 – 5 p.m. Open House
7 p.m. Annual General Meeting.
A good crowd was in attendance for an afternoon open house and members returned in the evening for the 2022 annual general meeting of the Glencoe and District Historical Society. Once the evening business was complete, a show and tell featuring historical items provided by attendees wrapped up the busy day.
Memorial Service: Battle of Longwoods
Join us on March 5th as we commemorate the Battle of Longwoods which was originally fought on March 4th 1814. Arrive at 1:45 p.m. and park carefully. We will remember them.
We will remember those injured and killed at the Battle of the Longwoods in 1814.
Battle Hill National Historic Site, 2945 Longwoods Rd, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0
Watch this beautiful short video of the MOURNING RING OF LIEUTENANT PATRICK GRAEME OF THE 89TH REGIMENT OF FOOT. KILLED ON MARCH 4, 1814, WHILE LEADING THE BRITISH ATTACK AT THE BATTLE OF LONGWOODS.
Click to Facebook Event by the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society https://www.royal-scots.com/
Co-hosted by the Glencoe & District Historical Society
No Guns, Just God’s Glory: Tom Wilson. Nov 8
Local guests: Arrive at the Archives at 1:45 p.m. so we can join our on-line guests at 2:00 p.m. Author Tom Wilson joins us from the French Riviera. The Archives is located at 178 McKellar St, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0.
No Guns, Just God’s Glory is a book about the Chaplains who fought the good fight during WWII. Details about the role of Allied military chaplains and stories of those who died in the Battle of Normandy from June 6, 1944 to August 25, 1944.
On-line guests: Join Zoom Meeting before 2:00 p.m.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84100493163?pwd=bThlYnp4NXVEOGk4bTB4Vno5Nmo0dz09
Meeting ID: 841 0049 3163
Passcode: 512908. More numbers below.
Rev. Tom Wilson is a local son, who for 12 years owned and managed the Why Not Shop in Glencoe and lived on a farm near Melbourne. He is a Canadian Anglican Priest who has served in Southern Ontario, Scotland and now the French Riviera. Tom holds 3 degrees, a BA and Mdiv from Western and a doctorate from Drew University in New Jersey. He and his wife have 3 small dogs, a Bichon and 2 chihuahuas. Welcome home Tom. Looking forward to your presentation direct from the French Riviera.
Order his book, No Guns, Just God’s Glory at: 
https://www.orepeditions.com/fr/histoire/566-no-guns-just-god-s-glory-9782815104166.html
Tom: “I look back with fondness on my time in Glencoe and SW Ontario. I confess though, I do like the winter here on the French Riviera, as it is normally sunny and warm during the days, but the nights are cool.”
Dial by your location
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,84100493163#,,,,*512908# US
+13126266799,,84100493163#,,,,*512908# US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 841 0049 3163
Passcode: 512908
What’s on the Horizon for G & DHS?
K.W. Beecroft, President, G & DHS. Dated April 20, 2022
Our April 20th Members Meeting represents G&DHS’s 44th anniversary. A wonderful achievement for our organization.
With Covid 19 hopefully on the decline, we hope to move ahead with Program ideas and initiatives that will be informative and educational for our members and the public. We plan to have at least four or five member’s meetings and several events, which has been mentioned that we normally attend or sponsor annually. Hopefully, we can also present an “Open House” event where we can invite people in, and see what we’re about.
We also intend to broaden our relationships with other area historical organizations, and participate and promote events of common interests. Just recently, on April 2nd G & DHS was featured in a presentation sponsored by the London/ Middlesex Genealogical Society. We are also pleased to be involved with Backus Page House. Certainly, the Wardsville Museum and Ekfrid Museum are also close partners.
During this past year, we have reached out to the Lower Thames Conservation area, in order to promote preservation of historic buildings in their care, and also to support restoration efforts of the Fugitive Slave Chapel in London. We will continue efforts into this year toward heritage preservation.
One special Project which we have planned in partnership with the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, is the manufacture and installation of standardized Cemetery Signs within the municipality. These signs will outline to the public the name of area cemeteries and when they were established. We intent to sign the forgotten ones also, so that our pioneer ancestors will be remembered.
We hope that our volunteer sub-committee will move forward with cataloging and inventorying. We will continue to work with standardizing our approach to the handling and storage of archival material. These activities are viewed as being an activity to be focussed on in the coming year with the involvement of our members.
In closing, the 2021/ 2022 year was full of challenges, but we look forward to continuing in the coming year.
Many thanks to the Municipality of SWM
K.W. Beecroft, President, G & DHS. Dated April 20, 2022
The ARCHIVE – G&DHS and Municipality of Southwest Middlesex have an agreement for the use of the facility at 178 McKellar Street. This has proved to be a very positive arrangement for both parties involved. There is room for G & DHS meetings, restoration workshop, a sales area, an office, stacks for books, documents and artifacts along with special collections, microfilm library, and archival space for artifacts. Key also for the move is that the precious property records again make their home in the original Registry Office, which we now call “The Vault”.
Our new facility allows us to host educational Program activities onsite, as we now have everything available –access, washrooms, seating capacity and parking. We are also pleased to say that we share our facilities with other community organizations, on a revenue neutral basis. Organizations such as local cemetery boards, such as Oakland and Eddie, and Southwest Middlesex’ “Celebrate Community Committee” conduct their routine members’ meetings at 178 McKellar Street.
Who We Are 2019
Mission: to promote, encourage and foster the study of local history and genealogy including original research.
The Historical Society primarily focuses on local history within the bounds of the current Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, located in the south-west tip of Middlesex County.
The area includes:
- Village of Glencoe
- Ekfrid Township [Former]
- Mosa Township [Former]
- Appin
- Newbury
- Melbourne
- Middlemiss
- Wardsville
Local Expertise: Many of our members are experts in regional history:
- land registry records for West Middlesex 1790-1973
- regional settlement in the 1800’s
- life and culture throughout the past 200 years
- involvement in WW1 and WW2
- history of local families
- significant buildings and structures
- local agriculture
- building design and methods, and
- textiles, sewing, quilting.
Objectives: The Glencoe & District Historical Society is an incorporated non-profit volunteer organization. It is a member of the Ontario Historical Society and the Ontario Genealogical Society. Our objectives are:
- To promote, encourage and foster the study of local history and genealogy including original research.
- To collect and preserve information, including books, manuscripts, typescripts, charts, maps, photographs, photostats, microfilms, tapes and related material for such historical study.
- To reproduce some of the talks presented to the Society, as well as other research and materials, particularly relating to the region and to sell such reproductions.
- To encourage, support and solicit research information on heritage buildings in our District as well as lend our support to other community groups who are active and interested in the preservation and restoration of heritage buildings.
The founding president Reverend George Hamilton held a strong passion regarding the preservation of local history and believed in the importance of sharing knowledge and engaging people with an organization that would provide an environment focused on encouraging these interests. The Society was formed in April 1978.