What’s Happening Now
Earl Murray : Kawartha Settlers’ Village has lost a pillar. A tribute to our dear friend.
With the passing of Earl Murray this week, Kawartha Settlers’ Village will experience a change that will be the biggest challenge it faces for the foreseeable future. Earl spent part of almost every day at the Village since it was established in 1990. When he retired from Scarborough Hydro, Earl and his wife Doreen purchased a condominium in Edgewater in Bobcaygeon. Earl wanted to keep active and become part of his new community. He joined the LOL No.121, the Masonic Lodge and the Kawartha Shrinners. Earl decided early in his retirement that he needed to keep active and use some of the many skills he possessed. So he and Doreen became members and active volunteers at Kawartha Settlers’ Village. For many years there was no paid staff at the Village so Earl was the first person you met when you went to the Village to ask about an event, arrange a rental or offer an artefact for the Village. Earl, Neil Oliver and Byron Edney were instrumental in working with Pollard the House Mover and the contractors in the community to move, construct and renovate the many residences and other buildings that became part of the Settlers’ Village landscape. Earl was a skilled tradesman who was always willing to take on carpentry, masonry and electrical projects. Earl often worked alone and took a lot of pride in his work .He also enjoyed working with others on various projects. This year he encouraged the board to build the new veranda on the Henderson House and helped with the construction. He also helped with the construction of the water wheel grist mill and the water system of the windmill. Over the years Earl built additions to several of the main outbuildings. One of the major projects he undertook almost single handily was the restoration of the Fairbairn church. An important and difficult task in the restoration of old log buildings is the chinking between the logs. Examples of his excellent workmanship can be seen on many of the log buildings. Earl took great pride in the appearance of the grounds at Settlers’ Village. He would take two days to cut the grass and then go to the Village and do the trimming on the weekend .He developed several flower beds and a rock garden to enhance the appearance of the grounds. Recently he took on the task of clearing the small trees, bushes and rocks from the east yard by the Murphy barn to expand the usable site and
improve the site line from Dunn St. You could count on Earl to do the every day tasks such as putting out the garbage, feeding the cat or shovelling the snow from steps and walks. He never complained about the many tasks and only asked for help rarely when he was going out of town. Earl was always available to help with property or equipment requests from the Quilters, Artists and Carvers who call Settlers’ Village home. Earl also pitched in to help with the many events held at the Village. Although Earl enjoyed doing the physical work at the Village, he realized that governance was important too and he and his wife Doreen have served for many years on the board of directors. Earl’s contributions to the community were recognized when he was named Citizen of the Year in 2009. Al Ingram, president of Kawartha Settlers’ Village, said “ he feels everyone will remember Earl when they see the street sign “ Murray Drive “ as they enter the Village.
It is unlikely we will ever have another volunteer who would duplicate Earl’s contributions to the Village.”
January 4, 2012
The Christmas Holidays are well underway. I hope you have enjoyed time with family and friends. The Village has been very quiet and peaceful and with the fresh snowfall last night, it certainly is a beautiful winter wonderland. We wish all of our supporters all the best in 2012. We are certainly looking to a very busy year, lots of projects, ideas and fun activities to entertain and interest everyone. Cheers to you as we ring in the New Year.
Merry Christmas to you! We have received a wonderful early Christmas present… The Kimble House! Just when we were thinking time was not on our side, Peter Karcher called and sure enough the Kimble House was moved to the Village! It is now sitting in place, with only a few more blocks to be laid and it looks wonderful! What a fabulous addition for Settlers’ Village. Now our work will begin, windows, drywall, painting, displays, shelves and more. So if you are handy and looking for a few hours of work, come on up and get on our work committee. W e would appreciate your help.
Classes are in Christmas mode right now, but in the New Year things will pick up, maybe you would like to learn ceramics or writing? Please call the office for more information. 705-738-6163.
Christmas is my most favourite time of the year. This year I want to wish each and every one of you a very Blessed Christmas, enjoy your family, friends and celebrate in whatever fashion you choose. I hope that you have all the best for 2012.
We now have a fresh coating of snow on the ground and the Christmas decorations from the 14th Festival of Trees are being packed away for another year. I hope you were able to join us this year: it was a wonderful success! This is attributed to the teams of Volunteers who work so long and hard to make everything just perfect for our Festival guests. From the girls in the cafe, making and serving soup, cider and hot chocolate to the decorators, merchants in the store, the Secret Santa Shoppe, Toyland, each of the houses, the crafts, the horse rides, and of course the Jolly Old Man himself, Santa. Every singe part joins together to give our guests an incredible visit and a Christmas tradition they will fondly remember. Thank you one and all for the successful event we hosted.
Now our thoughts turn to winter and please come and see the Nature trail while it is snow covered, bring your snow shoes, your dog and go for a walk around the trail. It is beautiful, fresh and the clean fall air is delightful. We are still in the office, regular hours until the end of November, then our hours will cut back. Classes will continue as scheduled, but the office will only be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Our next classes will be for volunteers who would like to participate in pioneer demonstrations during our next season, 2012. Please call 705-738-6163, if you would like more information or email me at gail@settlersvillage.org.
Our next event is the 14th Annual Festival of Trees November 11 – 13, 2011. Check out the details of the specific events by clcking the Festival of Trees icon. Looking forward to seeing you there. The decorating team have been working late to make this the most wonderful festival yet!
Thanks to everyone who attended and volunteers to make this evening such a wonderful howling success! Over 3000 attended and all had a fun filled time collecting candy from the haunted houses, being scared to death and tortured by Pirates. Thank you.
Haunted Village Happy Halloween!!! October 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m. – Come and see our ‘Haunted Village’ – An evening of scary fun for the whole family!
Admission by donation – Wearing a costume is encouraged!! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
You can tour all of our Haunted Village, bob for apples, face painting, hear GHOST STORIES by the bonfire.
And much more! Come out for a howling good time!!!
Ghost Walk – Friday 14 October – 8 p.m. Find out who plays the piano in the Murphy Barn when the rest of us are sleeping! Who is it that walks the halls and attic of Henderson House? And why did the lady look like she ‘SAW A GHOST’ when she came from the Wray House? All this and much more! Come and have a whoooot of a time.
Tickets $5 per person and should be purchased in advance, 705-738-6163.
Chi Kung Energy Exercise – You are invited to join a 5 week course to learn this health improvement style of Chi Kung (or Qigong as it is known in China). This course will focus on Chi-Lel style of Chi Kung, but will also incorporate a variety of styles of energy work.
The Fairbairn Church is 125 years old and we are celebrating this on September 25th. The church was moved to Settlers Village in 1996 after being used as a farm building since it was discontinued as a parish in 1963. The former glory of the church was faithfully restored by a group of dedicated volunteers led by Earl Murray and has since been a valued addition to Settlers Village. The history of the Church includes many area families, including the Bicks, Fairbairns, Falls, Humphries, Walkers and many others.
Our celebration is on September 25 at 2 p.m. and will focus on the history, the move, restoration and present day value of the church to Settlers Village. Cross Beat will perform. We welcome Rev. Walter Murray and guest Rev. Wallace Whyte and everyone to join in this social event.
