Submitted by Arvina Bennett
Throughout the pandemic the president of Muskoka North Probus Club, Michael Walmsley, has written a weekly newsletter for members which includes an article called Streetscapes where he shares the history of Huntsville’s streets. The articles are well researched, insightful and fun to read. Michael’s column appeals to those of us who were raised here as well as to newcomers by providing interesting and related tidbits.
During one of my conversations with Michael, I realized there were so many men and women who left a positive mark on our town and its youth through their leadership, profession, and volunteerism who have not been honoured in this small way.
After speaking to Mayor Karin Terziano, I understand that naming of new streets is at the discretion of the developer, but that others can make suggestions or recommendations.
Listed are just a few leaders who come to mind that I feel should have an access road or street named in their memory:
– Harry Thornton, high school principal
– John Laycock, public school principal, committee for founding Muskoka Pioneer Village
– Doug Stone, high school principal
– Irene Stewart, public school teacher
– William Litchfield, chair for founding Muskoka Pioneer Village
– Esther Spencer, hospital administrator and Girl Guide commissioner
– Dr. E. G. Evans, I believe the only Huntsville and area doctor in the early thirties and forties
– Previous mayors
I am sure there are many, many more names that should be considered.
Reminiscing on these good people, I have reread Mr. Laycock’s Fifty Years in Huntsville, 1934-1984, books by Joe Cookson, publications by H. E. Rice, and several others. I would recommend them to anyone who does not know the history of our town.
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Known Mike since a young fellow when we were friends in the town of Burlington Ontario. Started my hockey through him, I am a right wing forward and Mike played defense, A great friend to have.
In response to a few comments, my letter does not mention Changing any street names. That would only cause years of confusion with mail, maps, GPS etc. as well as upsetting many residents.
My suggestion is to name NEW streets or access roads in memory of past leaders so those good people who shaped our town are not forgotten.
Re changing street names:
No matter what the name of a street, there will be some who oppose the name. And, changing a street name means the residents on that street will have to advise their bank, Ministry of Transportation, doctor’s office, insurance companies and so on about their ‘new’ address.
We could rename Dufferin and Landsdowne Streets, named after two British governors general who are well represented in place names across the country.
Also West Street North and West Street South, Centre Street, and Main, which are a little short of imagination.
I think most of the developers’ names should stand. Cora, Florence, Susan, Minerva and so on were real people and the honour given to them was part of the incentive for the developers to do the hard work of building our town.
Mike does a great job of researching not just the streets but also houses and other buildings.I look forward to his posts every Sunday and also his commentary on What’s Going On with Probus and our lives.He’s got a great sense of humour.
I have been forwarding his messages to a friend who also enjoys it.
What a great suggestion, Arvina. Let’s hope that the Town takes you up on it.
We have learned so much from Michael’s weekly Streetscapes and I know that our membership loves getting these newsletters.
Very nice article Arvina Bennett and thanks for sharing Mr. Walmsley’s subject. Street names are always something of interest to me, in so much as who chooses them and of what significance they have to either the town or the person choosing the name. Street signs can be more than names they can also be informative, such as the street signs in Kingsville that are named after migrating birds giving their usual dates for best observation of them. I want to make this suggestion to people wishing to know more about Huntsville, there are many books written by local authors about the Muskoka Region ( not a typo) ,early settlers referred to the areas inside Muskoka as well as land to the North of us as Muskoka.
I would suggest to all those “book club enthusiasts “ that they might want to read and discuss some of these great books such as Threads from the Loom of Time , No Return, The Reluctant Pioneer or with Spirit and Resolve just to mention a few.