What's New with CDHS
Book Launch: Bridging the Centuries: The History of Chesterville: 1988-2020
The Chesterville and District Historical Society is launching its new book “Bridging the Centuries: The History of Chesterville: 1988 – 2020” at the Chesterville Legion on December 5th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with ceremonies beginning at 1:30pm. Books will be available for purchase, cash sales only, at $50 each. Meeting protocol applies.
The book will also be available for purchase at Chesterville’s Bank of Nova Scotia during banking hours from December 6th until December 31st, as well as at the Heritage Centre, 14 Victoria St., on Saturdays December 11th and 18th and Sundays December 12th and 19th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Add this to your Christmas list – what a wonderful gift!
This beautiful book features over 200 contributions from local authors and residents, updating Chesterville’s history over the last 30 years, as well as covering some earlier stories not included in Chesterville’s earlier history book “The Time that Was”, which was first printed in 1978. |
Many colour pictures, including aerial photographs and maps illustrating significant locations, grace the pages of this new publication. Buy soon, as the book is a limited edition. For more information contact the Chestervillle and District Historical Society at [email protected]
An Updated History of the Village of Chesterville
A committee of the Chesterville and District Historical Society composed of local residents and members of the CDHS are working together to produce an update of the history of Chesterville Ontario. Led by Gail Parker, the committee includes Maryke DeJong, Shelagh Derks, Carol Goddard, Ashley Harper, Corrie McRae and Pauline van Kessel who are planning to chronicle the history of this small North Dundas community since the CDHS last produced an update to the 1977 “The Time That Was” in the latter part of the 1980’s.
“The Time That Was”, a history of Chesterville and area, was published in 1977 as the village’s Tweedsmuir History to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the local W.I. branch. Compiled by the Heritage Committee of the Chesterville Women’s Institute, this book provides the reader with the history and stories of this North Dundas community and is the Tweedsmuir History of Chesterville. In 1989, an update to “The Time That Was” which covered the history of Chesterville between 1977 and 1987 entitled “A History of Chesterville & District 1977-1987: A Supplement to The Time That Was” was published. In early January 2020, the CDHS decided it was time to provide an update to the history of this community and the provide an update to the history of this community and the committee was struck. Over the past few months, the |
group has met by teleconference to discuss the parameters of the work, researching and reaching out to local businesses and personalities in the Chesterville area. It is hoped the information will be received by the end of June 2020. Compiling and writing the book will subsequently commence, with an anticipated publication date of later this year. For further information, please contact the CDHS at [email protected] or Gail Parker at [email protected]. |
35 Years of CDHS
2019 marked 35 years of the Chesterville and District Historical Society serving the community. This milestone was celebrated with a fall dinner on 26 October 2019 at the Chesterville Legion. We were joined by many former members, including founding members Jack Durant and Grace Macaulay (widow of John Macaulay), members of the North Dundas Township Council, and others. The night was a huge success - thanks to everyone who supported us!
CDHS in the News
CDHS Working Together on an Updated Version of the History of Chesterville
Published 16 June 2020 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – A committee of the Chesterville and District Historical Society composed of local residents and members of the CDHS are working together to produce an update of the history of Chesterville Ontario. Led by Gail Parker, the committee includes Maryke DeJong, Shelagh Derks, Carol Goddard, Ashley Harper, Corrie McRae and Pauline van Kessel who are planning to chronicle the history of this small North Dundas community since the CDHS last produced an update to the 1977 “The Time That Was” in the latter part of the 1980’s..." |
Chesterville Historical Society Strives to Update "The Time That Was" Last Produced in 1980s
Published 16 June 2020 by Nation Valley News "CHESTERVILLE — A committee of the Chesterville and District Historical Society composed of local residents and members of the CDHS are working together to produce an update of the history of Chesterville. Led by Gail Parker, the committee includes Maryke DeJong, Shelagh Derks, Carol Goddard, Ashley Harper, Corrie McRae and Pauline van Kessel who are planning to chronicle the history of this small North Dundas community since the CDHS last produced an update to the 1977 “The Time That Was” in the latter part of the 1980’s..." |
New Edition of Chesterville's "The Time That Was" in the Works; Contribute Your Business History
Published 11 June 2020 by Nation Valley News "CHESTERVILLE — Thirty-three years have passed since the last edition of this village’s local history volume, The Time That Was, and the Chesterville Historical Society figures it’s time for an update. The organization is in the process of securing new and refreshed articles about the businesses and institutions that have made their mark on Chesterville. “We’ve had a lot of fun with it, and the people, they’re great in getting back to us,” says Society member Gail Parker..." |
North Dundas Resident Receives Ontario Heritage Award
Published 25 February 2020 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – Ashley Harper, a history student active in several historical associations, received the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement on Feb. 20 at Queen’s Park in Toronto. This award is presented to individuals 24 years and younger who have contributed to preserving Ontario’s heritage. The award is sponsored by Canada Life and partly by the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award program administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust.... |
Spinners Gather in Chesterville to Demonstrate Their Skills
Published 18 February 2020 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – Once again the Chesterville Spin-In organized by Nancy MacMillan and sponsored by the Chesterville & District Historical Society was a resounding success. The event, developed by former CDHS member and long-time local resident Margot Dixon in 1999, was held on Sat., Feb. 15 at the Chesterville Legion. MacMillan estimates between 100 and 200 people visited the Spin-In and were able to see first-hand the ancient art of spinning wool into yarn..." |
CDHS Celebrates 35 years Protecting, Preserving, and Promoting Chesterville's History
Published 30 October 2019 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – It was an event 35 years in the making, with the Chesterville and District Historical Society celebrating the founding of the society in 1983 with a dinner at the Chesterville Legion on Sat., Oct. 26. Included in the approximately 80 guests at the event was founding member Jack Durant and Grace McCauley, wife of John McCauley, who with Durant, Robert Bennett and Jack Cross comprised the committee, which started the road to the creation of the CDHS..." |
Back row (left to right): North Dundas Councillor Gary Annable, ND Mayor Tony Fraser, and ND Councillor John Thompson. Front row (left to right): CDHS Treasurer Verne McMillan, CDHS President Ashley Harper, CDHS Vice President Caroline Roberts, and CDHS Secretary Kim McInnis. 26 Oct 2019. Photo by Carolyn Thompson Goddard, Record Staff.
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Historical Night for Historical Society
Published 30 October 2019 by the Winchester Press "CHESTERVILLE – When keeping track of a region’s history is your primary job, celebrating your own milestones often falls by the wayside. But Sat., Oct. 26 the Chesterville and District Historical Society (CDHS) took a few moments to acknowledge their 35 years as an organization. Arranged by CDHS president Ashley Harper and her team of dedicated volunteers, the evening showcased an array of artifacts collected through the years and honoured past presidents and key contributors..." |
Victoria Day Weekend celebrated in style!
Published 22 May 2019 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – Hosted by the Chesterville and District Historical Society, the third annual Victoria Day Tea held on May 18 at the Heritage Centre in Chesterville was by all accounts a resounding success, with CDHS President Ashley Harper commenting a post event email to The Chesterville Record that an estimated 30 to 40 people attended the Tea..." |
Histor-tea!
Published 22 May 2019 by the Winchester Press "The Chesterville and District Historical Society held their annual Victorian Tea open house Sat., May 18. Increased advertising and the use of social media resulted in a big jump in attendance. The reorganized space was also more open and inviting allowing for closer looks at some artifacts..." |
Leadership change at CDHS
Published 6 March 2019 by the Winchester Press. "CHESTERVILLE – There’s been a youthful boost of energy at the helm of the Chesterville and District Historical Society. In a decisive vote last month, Ashley Harper, a second year Carleton University history student, was given the presidential mandate..." |
Spin-In rolls into Chesterville for 20th time
Published 7 February 2019 by Nation Valley News "CHESTERVILLE — An Eastern Ontario haven for fabric, fibre and textile crafts, Chesterville again served as the natural home of a popular regional ‘Spin-In,’ Feb. 2.Put on by the Chesterville & District Historical Society, the 20th annual Spin-In filled the village Legion hall with traditional wool-spinning and yarn-making enthusiasts and related vendors. Special guest of honour was Margot Dixon, former longtime resident of the area and stalwart supporter of the event..." |
Spinning wheels, spinning 'round
Published 6 February 2019 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – For those who wished to have a close look at heritage household crafts, the 20th annual Spin-In held in the Chesterville Legion on Feb. 2 provided the opportunity. Organizer Nancy MacMillian explained that members of nine guilds whose members knit, weave, rug hook and spin were present at the event, with some participants creating special items in honour of the anniversary..." |
Historical society toasts royal couple with tea party
Published 23 May 2018 by the Winchester Press "CHESTERVILLE – This past weekend was all about one major news story – the royal wedding. People were up as early as 4 am to watch the ceremony and then there were others who celebrated with a royal viewing tea party..." |
Historic tea looks forward to May 22
Published 21 May 2018 by Nation Valley News "CHESTERVILLE — The Chesterville & District Historical Society pulled in a good turnout for its ‘Victoria Day’ tea yesterday, including (from left in top photo) Bonnie Wright, Candy Rutley and Rosemary Rutley. The trio visited the event in historic Victorian dress to raise awareness about this summer’s 150th anniversary Stormont County Fair in Newington, which began during Queen Victoria’s reign..." |
A royally good time on Victoria Day weekend
Published 21 May 2018 by Nation Valley News "CHESTERVILLE — High tea brought a royal flavour to the Chesterville Heritage Centre on Sunday, the day before Victoria Day. Members of the Chesterville & District Historical Society marked the birthday of Canada’s late Sovereign with a proper tea accompanied by summer sandwiches, cakes and dainties..." |
Commemorative painting of Morewood Cenotaph commissioned by Chesterville Historical Society Published 11 April 2018 by Nation Valley News "MOREWOOD — This community’s exquisite Cenotaph has been commemorated in a new painting as the 100th anniversary of its original dedication approaches. The Chesterville & District Historical Society (CDHS) recently commissioned professional artist and former Morewood resident Gordon Coulthart to create the work depicting the Cenotaph located on the village’s main corner. As was the case in the founding of the soaring monument itself nearly a century ago, the money for the latest initiative was raised by public subscription. CDHS will donate the painting to the Morewood Memorial Committee..." |
Victorian Tea celebrates Chesterville Heritage Centre's sesquicentennial
Published 24 May 2017 by the Chesterville Record "CHESTERVILLE – There was plenty of delicious tea sandwiches, desserts and more than a few treats to enjoy with a variety of teas during the Victorian Tea held at the Heritage Centre in Chesterville. Close to 40 people attended the event which celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary..." |