Bruce County 150 celebration ends with time capsule; Snowbirds were major highlight
By: Liz Dadson
December 26, 2017
Bruce County’s year-long 150th anniversary celebrations ended with the dedication of a time capsule (right) which is intended to be opened by Bruce County residents celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2067.
In a message from 2017 warden Mitch Twolan, the residents of Bruce County in 2067 “are challenged to take the roads less travelled and to keep exploring new and sustainable choices for Bruce County the place, and Bruce County the organization.”
The time vessel is a small two-piece set of luggage from the early 1950s, purchased as part of a wedding trousseau by Bruce County’s own Audrey (Urbshott) Hepburn, a born-and-raised resident from Purple Valley.
In true Bruce County style, the time capsule was piped into the county council chamber and presented to the public at the time capsule event, Thursday, Dec. 21. Past wardens, current council, county staff and members of the public were on hand to be part of the celebration and browse the contents of the capsule.
Along with a message from the warden and a booklet that included photos of all the past wardens, there are a variety of items included that were forwarded from:
- The Bruce 150 Committee
- The eight municipalities of Bruce County
- Bruce County departments
An electronic version of the commemorative Bruce 150 Booklet can be viewed on the Bruce 150 website (see the link below).
"It's important to appreciate that stories are the basis of all communications," said Kelley Coulter, county chief administrative officer. "This time capsule will tell the story of Bruce County’s journey over our first 150 years."
Current warden Paul Eagleson shared his appreciation toward the Bruce 150 committee and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication over the past year.
"Their efforts surpassed anyone’s expectation," he said. "The New Year’s Eve Gala, the curling bonspiel, the Military Reunion luncheon, the 'Brush with the Past' art piece, the partnership with the community to bring the Snowbirds to our area, along with other events, have resulted in amazing and memorable celebrations acknowledging our first 150 years.”
The Bruce 150 committee wanted to ensure that anyone interested in viewing the contents of the time capsule, has an opportunity to do so. The time capsule and its contents will be on display at the following locations until they are permanently located in the county council chamber at the end of July:
- January – Brucelea Haven - Walkerton
- February – Kincardine Branch Library
- March – Wiarton Branch Library
- April – Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre – Southampton
- May – Gateway Haven - Wiarton
- June – Port Elgin Branch Library
- July - Chesley Branch Library
One of the major highlights of the year was the Snowbirds air show, June 21, at the Saugeen Municipal Airport near Walkerton.
The Snowbirds perform a heart at the show
A massive crowd attended the event which also featured the OPP Golden Helmets motorcycle team, a number of vintage and interesting airplanes, the Durham Girls Alumni Band, and speeches by several dignitaries, including warden Mitch Twolan, Brockton mayor David Inglis, and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.
To view photos and stories of the 2017 Bruce County 150 celebration, and to see pictures of the items in the time capsule, visit www.bruce150.ca.
The Snowbirds perform at the air show, June 21; video by David Dadson
The OPP Golden Helmets perform at the air show
First World War planes perform at the air show; video by David Dadson
An L-29 jet flies past the crowd at the air show
The Durham Girls Alumni Band performs at the air show
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