Tiverton news

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Two huge billboards, featuring a substantial part of Tiverton's history, now grace the west entrance to the Tiverton Lions Walk of Memories.

The unveiling of the historical billboard project took place Tuesday evening, with editor and project co-ordinator Lisa Robertson Taylor conducting the ceremony.

The photoboards used in the project were produced during th 2009 Tiverton Reunion. They were placed in the original storefronts and residences to celebrate Tiverton's "Pride in our Past and Faith in our Future."

The boards progressed to a walking tour of Tiverton's downtown during the summer of 2009. Local historian Eldon Roppel provided cemetery tours, describing the thriving early settlement; departure of the settlers' grown children to mostly eastern Ontario and western Canada as a result of the railway system; accomplishments and tragedies of numerous local residents; headstones of relatives of famous Canadians; and the challenges and accomplishments during the phases of Tiverton's history.

Working with Robertson Taylor and Roppel on the project was research specialist Dianne Todd.

Robertson Taylor said it was Michelle Lamont who had the vision of an outdoor display to feature Tiverton's history.

"These billboards capture a small glimpse of Tiverton's amazing history," said Robertson Taylor. "Additional history is for you to discover at the Tiverton Library. This project is a tribute to the early settlers who had faith to persevere through all the challenges and revel in community spirit."

She credited Burt McClure, the first postmaster in Tiverton and an avid photographer, for the many photos of downtown buildings. Many of his pictures are featured on the historical billboards.

Others named in the credits are Hilda Downey who recorded much of Tiverton's history, the Tiverton Women's Institute for documenting historical information, those who donated toward the photoboards, and the project sponsors: Ontario Power Generation, Enbridge, Spruce the Bruce, and the Tiverton Lions Club.

The project design, labour, materials and/or installation were provided and/or completed by: Working Iron of Dungannon, C&I Graphics of Kincardine, Municipality of Kincardine staff, J&J Millwrighting Inc. of Listowel, Fastenal Inc. of Tiverton, Teeswater Concrete of Tiverton, Ken Scott Electrical and Plumbing of Kincardine, and volunteers from the Taylor family: Glen, Lisa, Blake, Taarna and Lance.

During the unveiling, pastor Rob McFadden of Tiverton Baptist Church dedicated the billboards as a beautiful addition to the Tiverton community.

Brent Crawford of the Tiverton Lions Club said the end result is even better than what he had envisioned when the project was first presented. "It's a great addition to the Walk of Memories; thanks for a job well done."

Mayor Larry Kraemer echoed those sentiments and said the park has never looked better. He congratulated the volunteers who put this project together.

Dianne Todd (L) presents flowers to Lisa Robertson Taylor in appreciation for her hard work and dedication to this project

Michelle Lamont (L), representing Enbridge, presents a sponsorship cheque to Lisa Robertson Taylor for the billboards

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011