historical society news
FIRST REGULAR MEETING SINCE COVID-19
June 23, 2020
Members of the historical society gathered at its archives headquarters in Prescott June 17 for their first meeting in more than three months because of COVID closures.
About 10 members were present, most of them wearing masks. The social distancing protocol was respected. Members decided to keep the premises closed to the public until it was clear that museums can open.
Among items discussed were the 60th anniversary and possible ways of recognizing it later this year, a sizable estate donation to the society which must be sorted, the annual student bursary of $500 which, because of COVID, will be awarded next year, the treasurer's report from David Robertson, and committee reports. Sandra Shouldice advised that the next Sentinel newsletter will be ready by the end of July.
Fraser Laschinger updated the board on preparations for two heritage plagues, their progress delayed by COVID. He reported that a lease has been finalized on storage space at 159 King Street where the board also plans to mount a window display.
GCHS SELLING MORRISES HISTORY OF PRESCOTT
June, 22, 2020
Ten crates of the John Morris local history book have been acquired by the society from his widow and former Prescott Journal owner Beth Morris and will be sold at a 60th anniversary price of $35 each.
"When the book was first published it sold for $50," said GCHS Vice-president Fraser Laschinger. "Thanks to Beth, we got a good price on the mass purchase and can offer the special rate."
Laschinger added that no home in Prescott and area should be without the 528-page, illustrated, hardcover book: "There are some very entertaining, revealing and informative stories in the book dating back more than 200 years to the founding of Prescott."
Arrange for your copy by calling 613-925-0489.
HISTORIC PRESCOTT JOURNALS TO BE PRESERVED
March 12, 2020
GCHS has acquired Prescott Journal newspapers and other files dating back more than a century which at one point were threatened with disposal.
After the paper changed hands and changed names to the South Grenville Journal, the historical society was advised that the space on King Street where the files were stored was to be vacated and their fate was uncertain. With approval from former Prescott Journal owner Beth Morris, the society took over the lease on the space and all contents.
Board members felt the material was too important in the annals of Prescott not to be preserved. The newspapers and files are being sorted and, when funding is secured, will eventually be digitized. While this process is underway, the society is planning to place some exhibits in the front window on King Street to promote its archives in the town's former train station.
March 12, 2020
GCHS has acquired Prescott Journal newspapers and other files dating back more than a century which at one point were threatened with disposal.
After the paper changed hands and changed names to the South Grenville Journal, the historical society was advised that the space on King Street where the files were stored was to be vacated and their fate was uncertain. With approval from former Prescott Journal owner Beth Morris, the society took over the lease on the space and all contents.
Board members felt the material was too important in the annals of Prescott not to be preserved. The newspapers and files are being sorted and, when funding is secured, will eventually be digitized. While this process is underway, the society is planning to place some exhibits in the front window on King Street to promote its archives in the town's former train station.
