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Summary of an interview with Elsie Curry in 1991. June Chambers, Anne Coffey, Joe Saint, Irene Moriarty and an unknown woman interview her. Elsie discusses her childhood, family, marriage, career and memories. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

History Group is Established

An historical society for the Scotch Settlement was established last week at Fred C. Cook Senior Public School.

Mrs. Eleanor Reid, of Lefroy, a descendant of one of the Scotch settlers, was named the president of the group, and Dave Sheppard, was named secretary.

The group will gather historical data pertaining to the history of the settlers, from their tragic exile from Scotland to their settlement on the lands in this area.

The most important priority for the group now is to collect all of the information concerning the Scotch Settlement that they can.

Mr. Sheppard said it was crucial that the information was gathered soon, because much of it is in the minds of elderly people in the community, and if they fail to pass it on, it could be lost forever.

Mrs. Reid said she was "really quite pleased with the turnout last week and the interest and enthusiasm shown."

She said the Scotch Settlement was one of Ontario's most important historical sites, and the story of the hardships of the settlers is not only historically interesting, but also romantic.

Many descendants of the settlers still live in the area, and former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker also traces his family back to the Scotch settlers.

The historical society is appealing to anyone who has information, photos or other memorabilia, to contact Mrs. Reid at Box 148, Lefroy.

The next meeting of the society will be held in the Scotch Settlement church June 10.

Summary of an interview with Sam Neilly. The interviewer is George Jackson. Sam and George discuss where Sam's friends and family lived in accordance with a map of Gilford they are looking at. See the Related Descriptions below for summary.

Summary of an interview with Mike and Dorothy McKinstry. The interviewer is not introduced, but it is believed to be Joe Saint. Mike and Dorothy discuss people who lived in the Holland Marsh and Bradford areas, histories of the houses, professions of the home owners, business owners in Bradford and anecdotal stories. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

A summary of an interview with Bill Malcolmson. The interviewers are not introduced. The interview discusses The Great Depression's effect on Barrie, specifically the price of cars and buggies in the 1920’s and 30’s. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

Summary of an interview with Professor Arthur Lower on June 23, 1973. His sister joins in the interview part way through. The interviewer is not introduced. Professor Lower shares his memories of Simcoe County and his life. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

Due to length, the audio is split into two parts (see related descriptions below for links).

A summary of an interview with Dr. William C. Little. He is being interviewed by Jack Coleman and Norbert Moran at the Simcoe County Archives. The interview talks about his family's history, his path to becoming a doctor, working in Camp Borden during World War Two, working with veterans and his career after the war. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

Summary of an interview with Edgar Kneeshaw on an unknown date. Edgar Kneeshaw is speaking to his son Keith with George Jackson also present. Edgar identifies the people who owned property in the early 1900s. As he geographically makes his way through the hamlets of West Gwillimbury he also comments on what the region looked like, noting businesses, shops, and other landmarks that were in the area. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

Summary of an interview with Dalton Jermey on March 27, 1974. He is interviewed by Jack Coleman and Peter Moran. Dalton talks about his life, including politics (he was Warden of Simcoe County), his early life and his memories of the county. See the Related Descriptions below for audio.

Summary of an interview with Art Janse on November 13, year unknown. He is interviewed by George Jackson with Dawn Saunders also present. Art discusses the Holland Marsh, his family and his career (politician, Holland Marsh Drainage Commission). See the Related Descriptions below for audio.