Submitted by Moira Parker
A crowd gathered at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre last week for an evening with visual historian Willy Waterton, whose presentation (titled Salt of the Earth: People of Bruce County) offered a heartfelt look at the people and stories that have shaped the Upper Peninsula.
Introducing Waterton was longtime friend Scarlett Janusas, who described him as a true renaissance man. “A renaissance man is defined as someone who practices cross-disciplinary thinking, has a relentless appetite for acquiring new skills and knowledge and has a well-rounded personality,” Janusas told the audience. “Willy is all that.”
Waterton, who describes himself as a visual historian, guided attendees through a collection of photographs featuring many familiar faces from the region, including Stan McClellan, Bob Day, Ken Johnstone, the Krug brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Brown of Emmett Lake, the Addison brothers, and many others. Accompanied by historical context and personal anecdotes, the images painted a portrait of community life and the individuals who helped define it.
More than a photographic presentation, the evening was a celebration of local history and the connections that tie communities together. Many audience members found themselves reflected in the stories being shared.
“The talk was excellent,” attendee Tom Lemon commented afterward. “Great photos and back stories. Good turnout. Glad I went.” For Lemon, the presentation was also a reminder of the unique character of the region. “Like many in the crowd, I knew quite a few of the people featured and a few of them well,” he said. “Willy’s presentation reminded me of how remarkable it is.”
SOK Talk June 11 – The Ashbridge’s Bay Wreck: A Newly Discovered Lake Ontario Schooner in Context
The successful event marked another memorable evening in Sources of Knowledge’s ongoing speaker series, which continues on June 11 with a look beneath the waters of Lake Ontario.
Sources of Knowledge will host archaeologist Dr. James Conolly for a presentation titled The Ashbridge’s Bay Wreck: A Newly Discovered Lake Ontario Schooner in Context. Conolly, a professor of archaeology at Trent University, has spent many years researching maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage. His work focuses on submerged archaeological sites throughout the Great Lakes, using advanced marine remote sensing technology to uncover and document Ontario’s underwater history.
The presentation will explore a recently identified schooner wreck lying approximately 100 metres below the surface of Lake Ontario and examine the vessel within the broader history of Great Lakes shipping and trade.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on June 11, with the presentation running from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Donations are welcome, and all are invited to attend. For more information about upcoming events, visit sourcesofknowledge.ca.
