If you’re a history buff, particularly when it comes to Huntsville, this could be music to your ears.
He’s a career politician, a real estate agent, and now he’s venturing into the world of publishing. Parry Sound Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison told Huntsville Council at their January 25 meeting that during his spare time he’s been working on a project that’s near and dear to his heart, something he began working on when he was mayor of Huntsville.
“You’re all, I think, fully aware of my fascination and passion for the history of Huntsville particularly and I’ve always dreamed of somehow seeing the next volume of Huntsville’s history sort of from Huntsville: With Spirit and Resolve, that book is a tremendous book but it ends around 1955,” said Aitchison. “The next volume of the history of the community really does need to be published.”
He said he’s worked on council timelines and mayoral biographies which have helped lay the groundwork for the work he’s embarking on now “which is to actually get that book written.”
Aitchison said he’s reached out to key community members who are willing to help with the research. “I wanted to let council know about it because I think it’s important that you be aware that we’re doing it and also that we’d like your blessing to do it, I guess. I don’t think I need any money, which is also a nice thing especially considering the fact that you’re about to debate the budget which is never fun.”
Aitchison told council he’d be returning with more details “because I’ll probably need a little help from some of your staff, potentially Sara [White] at the village doing some photo searches, those kinds of things.”
Aitchison said he’s hoping to have the book published by the end of the year.
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Aw, that is lovely. I think Scott should be commended for this. He has been working on the project for a very long time, since his first years as mayor in Huntsville in fact. He asked me if I was able to help with editing remotely from Australia. I regret my eyesight is no longer up to the long hours of editing on a computer screen any more. But what an amazing thing it would be to see the history continued. Best of luck.
Golly Hunter Truswell, aren’t politicians an easy shot? Considering Mr. Aitchison’s opinion is not being requested by the government of the day, it seems a bit of a reach to blame him for the problems you mention. But we all need something to do and all work and no play makes for a dull day (sort of).
And maybe the Grinch will enjoy the book when he goes back to the cave after Christmas.
What’s next? Billboards on highway 11 promoting another horrible book available on Amazon? I’m thinking as our federally elected official, Scott should focus on his day job and worry about a worldwide pandemic, loss of FedNor funds to our area, loss of rail transit, homelessness, poverty, opioid crisis…. But I guess another book to give away at Christmas is important too…my goodness how low is the bar in 2021?
Contact huntsvilleandareahistoricalsoc@gmail
Or books may be purchased at Artisans and Pharmasave in Huntsville
It looks like it’s still available here: https://www.muskokabooks.ca/bookstore/history/item/huntsville.html
Where can u purchase the first volume Huntsville: With Spirit and Resolve, ?