Lost Burial Grounds - Victoria Cemetery Controversy

An old church site has caused a big stir in Lambton County and raised ethical questions about burial grounds and monuments. This blog post will provide a brief outline of the controversy and then summarize some of the documents in our collection at the Lambton County Archives that point to the existence of a pioneer cemetery.

At the beginning of October a small woodlot at 8947 Petrolia Line was cleared by a bulldozer. When a citizen noticed broken monuments on the bulldozed site, the individual posted a notice on the internet expressing concern that a pioneer burial site was being disturbed. This post resulted in a flurry of activity on social media (see posts on the Lost Lambton, Found! Facebook page) and a backlash from local residents. One group erected a sign and a roadside memorial commemorating the Victoria Methodist Episcopal Church that once stood on the site.

Broken monuments at the site,
published in The Independent, Oct. 23, 2014 p. 1.

The Cemeteries Regulation Unit of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Affairs was contacted. Spokesman Stephen Puddister was quoted in The Independent urging caution about the site: "The presence of broken and discarded monuments does not necessarily mean there are burials under the monuments. It is not unusual to find old, discarded monuments throughout Ontario."

Many local residents remain concerned about how this site has been treated.

What can we learn from the records at the Lambton County Archives about this mysterious burial ground?

According to our land records, Bennajah Doan granted the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church a small portion of land on Lot 28, Concession 10 on June 14, 1965.[1] The small church folded in approximately 1892.[2]

The Brooke Township Women's Institute Tweedsmuir History has the following reference: "Keith Houston has the cemetery fenced in and has never ploughed it. It is on his property. Most of the headstones were removed. There are only about 1½ left there."[3]

Some accounts from local historians have also supported the presence of a cemetery. Helen Clark of Chatham grew up in the area and remembers talking about the site with other local residents: "A number of years ago I also talked with a person … She found only a partial stone amongst the overgrowth, with a portion of a name - 'Peter McDerm....' During the past 2 years I have been compiling a community history on many of the early pioneer families and have done further research on the McDermid family. I really feel that Peter McDermid was buried there, but have no documentation to support that conclusion."

We can confirm from the OGS cemetery transcriptions that at least two bodies were moved from "Victoria Church cemetery" and interned in Alvinston Cemetery. These were the bodies of Thomas Styles (d. May 18, 1888) and Sarah Styles (d. May 19, 1886).[4] One of the key questions in this debate should be: if some bodies have been removed, are there other bodies that remain buried at this site or have all the bodies been removed?

Keep an eye on the news to see if more developments are published as this story continues to unfold.

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[1] Brooke Township Land Abstract Book B p. 292. The landowner is also referred to as "Benjamin."

[2] Sara L. Campbell, Brooke Township History: 1833 - 1933 p. 113.

[3] Brooke Township Women's Institute Tweedsmuir History, "From the United Church Archives, Toronto, ON." Supplied by Catherine Watson.

[4] OGS Cemetery Transcription, "Alvinston and St. Matthew's Roman Catholic" p. 58.

¡Hola! Lambton

When you think of Lambton County's nineteenth century oil boom, do you think of exotic beaches, palm trees and sunshine? Probably not! Would you be surprised to hear that at least one newspaper in sunny Mexico City was reporting on our local oil industry in the 1860s? The international appeal and impact of our local oil history is truly astounding!

Reporter Felix Foucou wrote for The Two Republics, an English-language newspaper that was distributed in Mexico City. It was published between 1867 and 1900. Between October 1869 and January 1870 Foucou published a series of chapters exploring the international oil industry. He traveled to North American oil fields including Petrolia, and provides an overview of our local oil boom and a firsthand account of his visit here.

Foucou's account of the travel by plank road from the railhead in Wyoming to Petrolia is both 

visceral and amusing: "Our journey was one series of shakes and jolts. The logs of wood, shaken night and day by the heavy teams laden with barrels of oil, were all out of place, leaving great holes... the calash [light carriage], knocked out of the plank road by a great heavy wagon, was plunged up to the nave of the wheel in the mind. My 'Compagnons de Voyage' jumped to the ground in the twinkling of an eye, I did the same, but my boots, come from Paris, were truly microscopic and insufficient for an oil man." (Two Republics, November 13, 1869 p. 1)

He also provides a description of mealtimes for the Petrolia oil men: "… I heard about a hundred steam-engines whistle; it was midday the hour for the second breakfast. The white smoke disappeared amongst the derricks and the trees which surround us; the machines stopped, and I saw, pouring forth, from all sides of the forest, the oil men of Petrolia making their way to the various hotels of the place… it is necessary, above all to keep the human machinery in working order, subject as it is there, to a severe moral and physical strain." (Two Republics, November 13, 1869 p. 1)

One of his Foucou's most interesting experiences involved venturing into the oil field with an "oil smeller" or "diviner," an individual trained to identify land rich in oil: " Having come to a little bit of land whose proprietor accompanied us, [the oil smeller] took notice of where he was, and then commenced walking slowly towards the Southwest, holding in each hand one of the branches of the magical implement: it was a little hazel-rod in the shape of a V… our sorcerer therefore walked on holding the two branches with great force; the top of the V was upwards and continued in this position for several minutes, when I saw it suddenly bend towards the breast of the operator, who immediately stopping us affirmed that in this same place, they would find at a depth of 400 feet a vein of petroleum…" (Two Republics, November 13, 1869 p. 1)

This story was featured prominently on the newspaper's front page from October, 1869 to January, 1870, indicating a strong Mexican interest in the international petroleum industry. Even all those years ago, Lambton County's oil story garnered international recognition. Foucou provides a great summary of the industry's impact when he notes, "Such was the commencement of a business, whose importance the Americans so laconically describe by the two significant words: mammoth business." (Two Republics, October 23, 1869 p. 2)

Preserving Historical Documents: Caring for your family documents at home

Preservation at Home

Many family documents, photos, letters, and diaries are passed down from generation to generation. You can help to preserve your own family documents by properly storing and safely handling them in your home.

By keeping your documents in appropriate conditions, you can help ensure that they are preserved for generations.

Storage Conditions

Temperature extremes and fluctuations lead to degradation of documents. UV light from the sun or interior light bulbs can cause paper to degrade and ink to fade. To ensure that your documents last, keep them in conditions that are comfortable for people. A good rule of thumb is to keep your family documents in the central part of your home, where it is not too hot or cold, and not too dry or damp. 

• Keep documents on the main floor (not in a hot attic or damp basement)
• Keep the temperature between  15-21 degrees C (60-70 F) and 40-50% humidity
• Ensure good air circulation
• Keep away from light
• Store flat in acid-free boxes, folders, or polyethylene plastic sheets (these can be found in stationary or art supply stores)
• Keep like documents together (separate original papers, photos, and newspaper clippings from each other)

A family photo can be safely stored in a polyethylene plastic sheet or acid free folder.

Handling of Records

Treat your historical family documents with care. Don't do anything to the documents that cannot be reversed (such as writing on them, laminating, taping, or gluing them.) Avoid frequently handling your records which can expose them to wear and tear.

• Don't eat or drink near records
• Keep hands clean and dry (or wear white cotton gloves) since oil on skin can damage records
• Use plastic paper clips instead of metal clips or rubber bands (which can rust or tear paper)
• Don't put documents on permanent display (since light can damage them) and use copies for display purposes instead
• Contact a professional conservator to repair or clean historic documents

Ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling family documents or wear white cotton gloves to ensure skin oils don't cause damage.

Your Local Resource

If you have any questions, contact the Lambton County Archives. We may be able to assist you with storage suggestions or minor repairs. Remember that if you properly store and handle your family records today, they will be saved for your descendants!

Written by guest blogger Archivist Heather Lavallee.

The Imperial City

Sarnia is celebrating its 100th year of incorporation as a city in 2014. There are numerous events, tributes, and celebrations occurring all year long and the Sarnia Centennial Celebration Committee is promoting many on their website. The Lambton County Museums department is also joining the celebrations! The feature exhibit at the Lambton Heritage Museum (LHM) this year is Sarnia: We Built This City which explores how Sarnia has changed, the challenges it has seen, and where the City is going in the future.

These flags were distributed to the crowds at the Incorporation Day Parade.

The Imperial City Exhibit

In partnership, the LHM along with the Lambton County Archives has created an exhibit titled The Imperial City at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This exhibit explores the festivities surrounding Incorporation Day in 1914 and contrasts that scene with the parade of 1916 where Sarnia bid farewell to troops heading off to fight in the First World War. Both days saw an emerging city come together in celebration and support but for very different reasons. This exhibit can be seen at the Legislature in Toronto from April until July and we've provided a peek at some of the most interesting images and artefacts here in this post.

The Imperial City exhibit installed at the Legislature in Toronto.

Incorporation Day

On May 7, 1914 Sarnia became a city. The day was filled with celebrations and the crowd that gathered along Front Street gave a loud welcome to Canada's Governor General, the Duke of Connaught, and his daughter Princess Patricia. A small village sixty years earlier, Sarnia had grown into a major industrial, manufacturing, and transportation centre.

Citizens of Sarnia welcome the Governor General and his daughter in open top carriages along Front Street.

 First World War

Just three months later Canada entered into the First World War. Soldiers from Sarnia would fight and die in the Somme, at Vimy and Ypres. The men and women who stayed behind worked in factories farmed, raised funds, scavenged resources and wrote letters to loved ones overseas.

Troops Leave for War

Sarnia residents bid farewell to their local 149th Battalion in the spring of 1916. Troops marched from the city hall square to the Grand Truck railway station amid much pomp and ceremony. Though the crowds cheered and waved flags, it was a heart-breaking moment for many who would never see their sons, husbands, brothers or friends again.

Soldiers of the 149th Battalion board a troop transport train at Sarnia's Grand Trunk Railway station.

Written by guest bloggers, Lambton County Archives Archivist Heather Lavallee and Lambton Heritage Museum Assistant Curator Luke Stempien.

Archives Awareness Week 2014

Many of our researchers at the Lambton County Archives are finding their genealogical roots. There are so many rich resources in our collection that can be used for a multitude of projects and during Archives Awareness Week (April 7-12, 2014) we are celebrating the variety of creative works that our researchers have produced.

Misunderstood: The Cookie Gilchrist Story

Our photo and Sarnia Observer Negative Collections were highly accessed to locate images for the documentary film Misunderstood:The Cookie Gilchrist Story. This film uses images of Mr. Gilchrist, the Sarnia Imperial football team, and the city to tell the story of the life and career of football great and former Sarnia Imperial Cookie Gilchrist. By digitizing these images, researchers can use them in a variety of new and exciting projects.

Join us for a screening of this film on Monday, April 7 at 7pm in the Sarnia Library Theatre.

The Bells of Prosper Station

Our history files on Petrolia were used to research the town's history by local author Gloria Pearson-Vasey. Pearson-Vasey has used the information to provide the setting for her new historical fantasy novel The Bells of Prosper Station. Local history can provide inspiration for creative writing as Prosper Station is an oil town based on Victoria era Petrolia.

Join us for a presentation and reading by the author on Tuesday, April 8 at 7pm in the Lambton County Archives.

A River Runs By It

Local authors from the Writers in Transition group have written an anthology celebrating the Centennial of the City of Sarnia. In the book titled A River Runs By It, images from our photograph collection were used to supplement the text by providing visuals of the heritage of the city. 

Join us for a presentation and reading by the authors on Saturday, April 12 at 1pm in the Lambton County Archives.

 

Conclusion

The above examples are just a highlight of the amazing works that researchers at the Archives have produced. Join us during Archives Awareness Week for the above special events! We are also offering free admission to researchers April 7-12. Those who are interested in learning more about researching their family tree, the history of their home, or the heritage of their local community are invited to visit the Archives where staff will demonstrate the vast resources that can aid in research.

The above blog post was written by guest blogger Archivist Heather Lavallee.

History Club: An Archival Program for Students

History Club was started by a group of teachers at LCCVI high school in Petrolia. Participating students were given the opportunity to research a local fallen soldier from the First World War and write an essay on their findings for submission to Library and Archives Canada's Lest We Forget Project. In the fall of 2012, a work-to-rule disruption threatened the survival of the initiative.

Thanks to a timely community partnership, the Lambton County Archives (LCA) was able to ensure the continuation of the club. Archivist Heather Lavallee and local librarian Leigh Jackson acted as consultants, providing research help, offering instructional sessions, and creating an online research guide for students.

Program Objectives: Fostering Community-Led Partnerships

Through History Club the LCA, which traditionally served retirees and seniors, saw an opportunity to connect with an underserviced user group -- teenagers. Previously, LCA programming and service priorities worked in favour of existing patrons.

Archivist explaining research methods to members of History Club. (Photo courtesy of David Pattenaude, The Petrolia Topic.)

By consulting and engaging with the club's teacher representatives, the LCA was able to design, plan, and deliver tailored outreach activities to meet the immediate needs of a local community group, and thereby shift the programming focus outward.

Program Outcomes

With the ACRL Information Literacy Standards as a framework, a series of monthly instructions sessions was developed. Using recommendations from William Horton's E-learning by Design manual, a dedicated research site was created to share links to recommended resources, research tips, presentation summaries, and contact information.

Participants:

• learned genealogical and historical research skills
• gained a better understanding of their community through the study of local history
• created materials to add to the archival collection (local and national) while contributing to the historical record
• developed an awareness of the role of the LCA within the community

LCA:

•  promoted our collection and services
• developed relationships with members of the community that were not typically represented
• removed traditional barriers to archives use by developing an online research guide allowing students to easily access resources remotely and waived user fees for in-person visits
• highlighted the value of the LCA as an important community resource
• gained materials to add to the archival collection

Results

Through collecting statistics and using assessment metrics, we were able to
generate the following results.

Most importantly, the essays which
the students wrote will be added to
our collection at the LCA.

Conclusion

History Club was a successful program for participants, the LCA, and the local community. The students learned genealogical and historical research skills, and the club was able to continue and thrive thanks to the support and expertise of the LCA.

Through instructional sessions and the creation of a research site, the LCA reached an under-represented user group, developed new community partnerships, increased in-person visits, and raised awareness of LCA resources and services (while adding to the archival collection with user-generated content.)

Most importantly, the LCA was able to offer timely programming to meet community needs. Moving forward, the LCA hopes to establish further community-led partnerships and work to expand the History Club program by connecting with other local high schools.

The above blog post was written by guest bloggers Archivist Heather Lavallee and Librarian Leigh Jackson.