Society meeting in the Beaver Valley

The July Meeting & Pot-Luck Picnic of the GCHS was held at the home of Michael and Christine Kirby on July 15^th. Usually an outdoor affair, the threatening rain turned it into an indoor affair. Nevertheless, the spacious open-concept rooms with cathedral ceiling and wall-to-wall windows provided vista views of the outside lawns and gardens where, on other occasions we have enjoyed eating and socializing together.

Over two dozen members and guests, sat down to a pot-luck supper of delectable dishes and congenial chatter. Following the meal, the Society adjourned to the lower-level family room that had been set-up theatre-style in preparation to hear Suzanne Purdy, Curator of the Craigleith Depot give an illustrated presentation on the history of The old “Depot” sits on a portion of the early farmland of Sir Sandford Fleming’s parents. The members enjoyed seeing old photos of the “Depot’s” history, from being a flag-stop railway station, to a home, a popular restaurant; a skier’s destination and finally a Heritage Museum

Members commented on the renowned lilac bushes that still surround the building and that have grown from spring to spring into a magnificent grove of purple blooms. They were surprised by the intermittent neglect and deterioration of the building at various periods of its history, yet each time, it was rescued and brought back to life by people who couldn’t let a structure of such charming architectural style perish. Today, it holds a remarkable assemblage of area artifacts as well as an impressive collection of artist’s renditions of the late Victorian Grand Trunk Railway Station.

the above information is from Paula Niall, communications chair

Further to the posting concerning the evening - the potluck food was delicious with a well balanced presentation of all courses e.g., wiener and beans, chili con carne, several salads, ham, turkey, rhubarb and strawberry dessert, carrot cake, strawberry pie, home made butter tarts, etc.