I’ve resigned as president of the Long Branch Historical Society as of June 19, 2012.

I enjoy volunteer work involving extensive planning and collaboration among large numbers of people. Such work requires a clear structure for decision-making and a culture of mutual respect.

I wish the Long Branch Historical Society every success in its work under new leadership. I’m highly impressed with the work it has done in the past — such as its sponsorship of a preliminary archaeological dig in 1984 at the Colonel Samuel Smith homesite — and I have the hope that it will do productive work in the future.

The Estates of Mimico Beach: June 19, 2012

During the course of my tenure as president, our most recent meeting was on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Long Branch Library at 3500 Lake Shore Blvd. West.

Our speaker was Michael Harrison, who has conducted extensive research about the history of Long Branch, New Toronto, and Mimico. His topic was The Estates of Mimico Beach.

Among other topics, Michael Harrison described the significant early twentieth-century heritage buildings located at the Amedeo Garden Court apartment complex in Mimico. 

You can find more information about these heritage buildings by clicking on the ‘Mimico 20/20′ Category on the home page of this website.

March 20, 2012: History of Canadian aviation

The speaker at our March 20, 2012 meeting was Hon. Colonel Gerald Haddon, grandson of John A.D. McCurdy, Canada’s first aviator.

There’s a plaque in Mississauga not far from Long Branch which has details about McCurdy’s role in local history.

The lecture had a large turnout, and the response was uniformly positive. We’ll post videos based on the talk when the videos have been edited. 

The Long Branch Historical Society table at the Seventh Annual Government and Community Services Fair on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Cloverdale Mall, Highway 427 and Dundas Street West, offered a great opportunity for the Society to engage in extensive networking among individuals with an interest in the history of Long Branch.

Jane’s Walk, Heritage Ride, and presentation about Marie Curtis Park capital improvements projects

The event also helped in the publicizing of the May 6, 2012 South Long Branch Janes’s Walk. The latter event was attended by eighty people and met with a highly positive response.

Three other successful Jane’s Walks were held in Long Branch, New Toronto, and Mimico on the weekend of May 5 and 6, 2012.

The May 15, 2012 meeting focused on the capital improvements projects at Marie Curtis Park:

Poster for May 15, 2012 meeting – Marie Curtis Park Project

The majority of people at the May 15 meeting we’re pleased to have the update from City of Toronto officials. One long-time member objected to the topic, however, on the grounds that he felt the Society’s mandate is to focus strictly on history. We have taken that comment into account.

As well, the Long Branch Historical Society was pleased to have the opportunity to publicize the valuable and informative talk that Denise Harris presented on May 16, 2012 on the topic of Etobicoke and the War of 1812.