1998
HOMECOMING REPORTS

Written by Christopher Prince - Summer Student

In this, the 31st year of preserving and promoting our community's rich and unique history, the BUXTON HISTORIC SITE AND MUSEUM is proud to celebrate yet another successful year.  Although our total attendance numbers for the season are down, we have still had a total of 40 buses and 1300 visitors as of July 1, 1998.  This year we have been able to hold a variety of fundraisers and successfully complete the production of our new video "The Many Roads to Buxton".  We would like to extend a special thanks to the tireless work of producer Robert Gibbons, musical composer, and performer Tom Starks, narrator Glen Turner and to CKSY-CFCO for the generous use of their studio, equipment, and staff.  The completed video was shown to the public on Sunday May 3, 1998 and is available for sale in the museum's gift shop. 

The crowd was also treated to a story from local storyteller Shannon Prince.  George Denys, the former reeve of Raleigh Township, presented a certificate of appreciation to all of the people who have given so much over the years to preserve the history of Buxton.

Due to an unfortunate illness, Alice Newby is temporarily unable to take the curators position for the first time in over ten years.  Luckily, we did not have to look far for a temporary replacement as Charlene Freeman gladly took on the challenge of filling Alice's shoes.  Charlene has worked at the museum before so it has been nothing new for her, and her knowledge and enthusiasm in Black history made her an excellent choice.  Christopher Prince and Heather Robbins fill the summer staff positions this year.  In addition, of course, Margo Freeman remains as the dedicated Assistant Curator throughout the year.  We all wish a very speedy recovery to Alice.

New to our museum was the fund-raiser "A Snapshot of the Family".  This event rose over $700 for the museum and gave some of the area's vast talent a chance to display their skills.  Included in the program were numerous musical selections from solos to instrumental collaborations.  Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to this service, it will hopefully become an annual occasion.

Over the winter, the museum has continued to host numerous bingos and a bake sale, which has helped to provide the museum with funds to operate.

Last, but not least, on the agenda is the upcoming Labor Day Celebration.  This year marks the 74th annual Homecoming.  This year plans promise an all around good time.

September 4 is the First Annual Black History/Genealogy Conference.  This program involves an experienced panel of historians, writers, storytellers, and lecturers such as:

Charlene Cutler, North Buxton
Rose Mary Sadlier, Toronto
Barbara Carter, Dresden
Gwen Robinson, Chatham
Norman McRae, Detroit
Tony Burroughs, Chicago
Donald Vest Sr., Detroit
Bryan Prince, North Buxton
Shannon Prince, North Buxton
Karolyn Smardz, University of Waterloo

September 5 is the 6th Annual Family Feud Slo-Pitch Tournament which features some of the community's elite baseball families against each other on our park grounds.

September 6 is your chance to come out and enjoy our annual "Ride Back in Time." This year, the story is that of the Rapier/Thomas family. Follow their journey from slavery, on the Underground Railroad, to freedom and prominence in Buxton and across the Americas.

Do not forget - 1999 marks the Elgin Settlement's 150th Anniversary!

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website created July 2008; updated November 2009; by Lori Gardner