During May 6, 2012 Jane’s Walk in Long Branch (Toronto), Mike James speaks at Parkview School at site of Colonel Samuel Smith’s cabin, built in 1797

We had a great Jane’s Walk in South Long Branch on Sunday, May 6, 2012 — about eighty people (conservative estimate) were there.

The weather was great, and our portable amplifier from Long & McQuade worked beautifully.

We owe many thanks to Councillor Mark Grimes’ office for suggesting that we organize Jane’s Walks in Long Branch this year.

We also owe thanks to staff at Heritage Toronto who have mentioned to us in the past that such walks bring much of value to local communities. As well, Fanny Martin, Jane’s Walk Event Manager, provided us with helpful advice throughout the planning process; Ruth Grier shared with us her notes from the 2010 Long Branch Jane’s Walk; and Denise Harris, President of the Etobicoke Historical Society, provided valuable advice based on her experience in the leading of Heritage Walks.

We owe thanks to all the great people who attended, and to all the great people who worked to ensure that the event was well planned and well publicised.

We were delighted that the event received publicity in The Lakeshore Villages, The Etobicoke Guardian, The Toronto Star, and elsewhere.

Mike James

We owe thanks to Mike James for his knowledgeable commentary about local history, and for the excellent commentary and text readings by several highly talented guest speakers.

People gasped audibly when we pointed where the western branch of Etobicoke Creek used to run, and when we pointed to where the southern part of the creek used to run into Lake Ontario at the Mississauga border.

We distributed a ‘before and after’ map of Marie Curtis Park as a handout. This and other handouts are incldued as links at the end of this blog post.

The visit to Parkview School went beautifully.

Pamela Gough, the school Trustee for Etobicoke-Lakeshore with the Toronto Public School Board, spoke about Marie Curtis Park’s environmental story (she has a background in environmental science) and also spoke at Parkview School.

Along with Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Laurel Broten, and the large number of residents who wrote letters, Pamela Gough was a key player in ensuring Parkview School remains in public hands.

It was a highly successful walk. We got great feedback and comments

May 15 meeting at Long Branch Library; May 16 talk at Mimico Centennial Library; June 2 Heritage Bike Ride

We’re looking forward as well to the May 15 meeting of the Long Branch Historical Society (discussing Marie Curtis Park capital improvements) — and to the June 2, 2012 Heritage Bike Ride for which Mike James and Jaan Pill will share information related to local history.

Details about the May 15, 2012 meeting are included as part of links at the end of this page.

We’ll post details about the latter bike ride soon.

A reminder as well that Denise Harris will deliver a highly engaging and well-researched talk about Etobicoke and the War of 1812 on May 16 at the Mimico Centennial Library. Please refer to link at the end of this page.

Please note also that the May 8 talk at the ROM is sold out.

Seating is limited for these events. Please ensure you check first to ensure that seats are available.

Below are PDF files of handouts from May 6, 2012 South Long Branch Jane’s Walk

As well, for your convenience, we’ve also attached a membership form for the Long Branch Historical Society. We welcome new members, wherever in the world you may live.

May 15, 2012, 6:30 pm Long Branch Library – Marie Curtis Park capital improvements

Etobicoke War of 1812 lecture – May 16 2012 – Mimico Centennial Library

War of 1812 series of talks – Please note seating is limited, in many cases.

Marie Curtis Park, before and after (1920s c.f. 2012)

Long Branch subdivisions (showing years in which subdivisions were formed)

Long Branch Historical Society – Membership / Membership Renewal form

The archaeological remains of the Colonel Samuel Smith homestead are located on the school grounds of Parkview School in Long Branch. The Ontario government announced on August 25, 2011 that it would provide $5.2 million in funding to enable the school to stay in public hands. A new French elementary school is slated to open on the site in 2013. The sale of the school has turned out to be a ‘good news’ story thanks to the efforts of Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Laurel Broten; Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore TDSB Trustee Pamela Gough; Toronto Lands Corporation officials; large numbers of people who wrote letters in support of keeping the school in public hands; and key individuals who shared strategic advice. Photo credit: Peter Foley