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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 16, 2008 - 23 Some things never change Growing up in North Oakville was always a unique experience. I was surrounded by farms and open fields, and I knew each of my neighbours by name. No streetlights or bus routes interfered with the natural landscape and there wasn't much within walking distance: I took a bus to school and we drove to the store. The convenience of urbanization was never far. Driving to the grocery store only took about four minutes, and the mall was a mere ten kilometers away. The further south I drove the more modernized everything was ­ shared mailboxes, townhouses, restaurants and stores. As development continues to grow north I know I will no longer be sheltered by Dundas Street, and the only real worry I have is about all the history from the area that goes unmentioned. Its really tough for me to imagine what Trafalgar Township was like back in history. I know my ancestors helped settle the area and my family's farm has provided livelihood here for many generations. I take pride in knowing I am the seventh generation to live in Oakville. The Biggar name is woven throughout the historical records ­ but all I know is the basics. To help me think more about the times gone by I retrieved an artifact from our family collection ­ an issue of the The Oakville Star, the independent paper of days gone by. The sheets are dated Friday May 25, 1934. It seems like a typical newspaper with updates on local council meetings, high school sports and small classified advertisements. But if you read between the lines you can get a real sense for the feeling of the area in the 1930s. Here are some of the actual articles from Issue No. 21 ­ 1934: Political debates raged on ­ who would pay for the new third road in Halton County? The tax rate was under discussion as the budgets were being reviewed. Ratepayers criticized any raises but enjoyed the relief provided to them in the winter. Inside the paper an article advises readers to keep a small stomach, because being underweight at age 35 is best for your heart. Another article speaks to parents of the benefits of keeping in close contact with their children's teacher. If you were feeling creative you could enter the sketch contest, and the final page boasted "Local Gossip" including announcements about upcoming Girl Guide meetings and praising successful tea dates. When you look through a modern day newspaper like this one, the content of the messages has definitely changed, but fundamentally the themes have truly stayed the same. We aren't building a third road in Halton county but rather readying ourselves to develop north of Dundas. Tax rates are still a popular issue both locally and federally especially with the falling GST, and we are reminded daily of the international battle against obesity. In today's paper, parent-teacher relationships are still emphasized and community announcements abound ­ just not so much about successful tea dates anymore. I'm sure many things were very different in 1930, but I take comfort in considering that other things haven't changed much. What worries me is the notion that some of these links to the past may be lost. In working with the dedicated local historical preservation groups recently, I have been inspired to ensure my family's trinkets and photos are preserved forever. I encourage you to submit any historical items you may have for cataloguing and preservation. However, if you don't have a dusty box of hidden treasures, why not enjoy what others have shared by visiting a museum an archive or simply the website from one of our great local historic resources. There are many fantastic historic accounts that have already been preserved. Perhaps like me you will find that the Oakville of yesterday wasn't so very different, and find new reasons to enjoy this great town. by Stacey Biggar Amos Biggar House Recent history: · In 1995, the house was designated by the Town of Oakville as a `property of historical, architectural and contextual value and interest' under the Ontario Heritage Act. For some time after 1996, the house stood vacant and was subjected to vandalism and vagrants living in the house. · The land was purchased for a shopping mall by a development company who was required by the Town to move the house to a nearby location and to board up the windows and doors. In 2000, the house was moved from its original location to 2441 Neyagawa Blvd. The house was acquired by Jelinek Cork Group who restored the house with great care to preserve the spirit of the house. This is a wonderful example of how history can combine with commerce in the interests of the community. `The Cork House' as it is now known, is used as a product showroom. · In September 2006, Jelinek Cork Group had a public unveiling of the historical plaque provided by the Oakville Historical Society. Invited guests included the Mayor of Oakville, friends, and members of the King family and others who had connections to the house. The Jelinek Cork Group are to be congratulated for their dedication in the restoration of this heritage building. by Lance Naismith and May Issac with thanks to the Oakville Historical Society. February 29 - March 2, 2008 Metro Toronto Convention Centre - North Building Retiring? Recently Retired? Then you must attend! North America's Largest Consumer Golf Show Test t Manufacturers Showcase on 2 HUGE indoor ranges! & ctor Dr. Elaine Dembe is one of Canada's outstanding authorities on longevity, stress management and motivation. 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