As Grey County Historical Society (GCHS) begins selling tickets for its 51st annual dinner (details below), they share their "year in review".
"In May 2017 the Grey County Historical Society (GCHS) held its 50th annual dinner at the Meaford Arts and Cultural Centre. Associated with our dinner and to celebrate Canada 150, GCHS presented a Canada 150 Variety Show which featured cultural/historical vignettes performed by four Grey County theatre groups from Feversham, Meaford, Owen Sound and Rocklyn. The theatre vignettes were supplemented with musical performances by local artists Scott and Helen Merrifield. For the event which was well attended GCHS received funding from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce/Canada 150 fund and the Ontario 150 Community Celebration Program. The net profit, $2800, was distributed equally by the GCHS to the four non-profit community theatre groups for their continuing efforts in promoting the culture and history of Grey County through live theatre.
Since 2009 the Grey County Historical Society has awarded the Heritage Certificate of Recognition annually to individuals or organizations. The GCHS Heritage Certificate recognizes and honours the work of an individual, organization, institution or business that has made a significant contribution to the promotion or preservation of the history of Grey County. In 2018 we are honouring two individuals, Mr. Harley Greenfield and Mr. Ron McCann.
Harley Greenfield is being recognized for his work as a playwright of stories about rural community life, as well as individuals and events of importance in Grey County's past. Perhaps the best known of his plays are "Andrew Gauley, the Man With Steel Hands" and "the Asia's Gone Down". Mr. Greenfield has been an active member and supporter of the Meaford Community Theatre for many years and has often been an actor in their productions. He has also served on the council of the Municipality of Meaford for some 18 years and is currently the Deputy Mayor of Meaford.
Ron McCann is a passionate and dedicated volunteer at Grey Roots Museum and Moreston Village. His interest in Grey Roots began as a result of his enthusiasm for old cars and the replica period garage in Moreston Village. This initial experience soon expanded into support of the educational programs for the many students who visit Grey Roots. Ron is also a key volunteer in the organization and set-up of the many special events which have come to Grey Roots over the years. In the summer months Ron's efforts are directed to Moreston Village, helping in terms of site maintenance and improvement as well as assisting in interpretive work. In the words of Stephanie McMullen, volunteer coordinator of Grey Roots "Ron is an unsung heritage hero whose work at Grey Roots is accomplished quietly, day by day and visitor by visitor."
The Grey County Historical Society will honour these two deserving recipients at the Society's 51st annual dinner on Wednesday, May 16th. The dinner is being held at the Cedar Rail Camp, 015259 Grey-Bruce Line. The guest speaker will be Mr. Mel Turner the current owner of the historic Scone Mill. Tickets for dinner are $25 and may be purchased by calling 519-376-9589. For more information about the Grey County Historical Society please visit our website at www.greycountyhs.ca "
