Arlene Knowles Letheren and Art Knechtel unveil an historic plaque

13/01/2009 04:25 PM

Sam Klaman of the Cottage Life Committee explains there are four more plaques to be established

Arlene Knowles Letheren, granddaughter of William Knowles and Arthur (Art) Knechtel, Southampton's longest in-term mayor, unveiled an historic plaque at the foot of Morpeth Street on the beach boardwalk, commemorating the history of how the Knowles family began tourism in Southampton in the late 1800s - early 1900s.

The Knowles and Knechtel families have a long history together that spans several generations.  "I remember 'Biscuit' Knowles and my father were boyhood friends," said Knechtel.  "They were the first two in Southampton to enlist in World War I and their enlistment numbers bear that out.  My father's was 6818 and Biscuit's was 6819.  They did everything together."

Arlene Knowles Letheren's father petitioned the government of the day to save what was known as the Long Dock, a feat of construction in its day that resulted in a harbour of refuge between the shore and Chantry Island.  "My father used the word erosion before it was even known," said Letheren.  "He saw that the Long Dock would prevent the erosion of the sand on the beach, but the government didn't listen."

Today, descendants of both families still live in Southampton and area and those who don't continue to return each summer.
 

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Arlene Knowles Letheren and Art Knechtel unveil an historic plaque

Back (L) Gordon & Laurie Cameron, Will Mitchell, Penny & Bob Hodgkins, Holly Knowles.  Children (L) Graeme, Stuart & Ross Cameron. Front (L) Jean Innes, Lorna Knowles Brown and Arlene Knowles Letheren.

93-year-old Jean Innes represented the late Shirley Anne Knowles