President’s Report

Annual General Meeting, 2012

Preserving the Past in the Present for the Future

It must be increasing age but each year the Annual General Meeting seems closer to the last one; the calendar tells a different story and the exciting speakers that enlightened us in the last year have
added a special set of memories. If you found yourself unable to attend, it was you who missed out but perhaps this year most of you will attend at least one meeting.

It was wonderful to have Alyssa Cyr present her Andrew Hunter Prize-winning paper Midland Corvette Construction: More than Shipbuilding in September. In 2010 there were no qualifying entries but the good news is that for 2012 we have multiple papers submitted, and the results will be revealed at the A.G.M. Having a representative on the Board who teaches history students has been a helpful connection. Thanks Dan.

In October,Jill and Amy Hynes Introduced the War of 1812 era. Perhaps Jill, as our News and Views editor, would consider putting some of that presentation in our Quarterly Newsletter since the 200th
Anniversary of that war continues. A well deserved thank you to Jill who juggles a full time teaching job with two girls who have needs, as well as the Newsletter and the correspondence of our Association.

At our November meeting Our Vice President, Mark Fisher, shared the sources and some of the contents of the Gowan Papers which he has compiled into a book available now.

After breaking for the winter that didn't come, we were privileged to have Christine Cowley read excerpts of her book Butchers, Bakers and Building the Lakers: Voices of Collingwood as she talked
about all the interviewing of knowledgeable residents of the town that fill the book. What a surprise that her husband and box carrier was someone I met through Municipal channels.

A former resident of Simcoe County, Larry Cotton came back in April as someone conversant with the Rebellion of 1837 to share the why and how Our County was involved as well as the involvement of his ancestors. Larry and his wife stayed over with us and we enjoyed "catching up".

In addition to those already mentioned, the rest of our Officers and Committee Chairpersons truly support our organization and consequently those meetings not all of you come to flow smoothly. Thanks to Ellen, the two Gords and Audrey while Earl keeps track of your memberships and Pat updates you on our website.

Mrs. Helen Coutts
President