The History of the Elgin Historical Society
by Pete Sheridan Dec 16/2022
On April 21st. 1891 a group of men attended a meeting at the home of James Coyne, at 49 St. George St., St. Thomas. They had gathered to gauge the interest in establishing an historical society. A short lived society had existed in the 1870's but had succumbed to financial difficulties. This new society would have the support of several of St. Thomas' leading men. Coyne lead the effort, along with Judge C.O. Ermatinger, John Farley, Frank Hunt and others.
They quickly concluded that the interest existed to form a Society, and the Elgin Historical & Scientific Society was born. Their first business was to contact the minister of Education to announce their formation and to request support in carrying out their objectives.
Under its first president, Coyne, the Society soon had a waiting list for membership. The county could not contain his energy, and Dr. Coyne could soon be heard speaking throughout southwestern Ontario.
This energy caught the notice of the Pioneer & Historical Association of the province of Ontario, an organization founded in 1888, “to unite the various Pioneer and Historical Societies of the Province”. Coyne was made President of the Provincial Association. At a special meeting of the Association at Toronto in 1898, President Coyne laid out the difficulties facing the organization. A committee was struck, with Coyne as the chair, to consider the future. They came back with a report suggesting a vast reorganization of the Association, with it being renamed “the Ontario Historical Society” which exists to this day.
Coyne served as the first OHS president in 1899.
The Elgin Historical Society (the “Scientific” in the name would come and go for the first decade eventually disappearing altogether) continued to flourish, and in 1901 the Elgin Women's Historical Society was founded. The Women were associated with the main Society, but held separate meetings, kept separate membership lists, and funds. The OHS reports contain reports from both Elgin Societies, with the Women's Society matching the men in membership, public events, and fund-raising. Women, such as Julia Payne Smith, served on the executive of the main society.
The early Society was keen to publish books on local history, and we are very fortunate that they did. Coyne, Ermatinger, McKay and Hunt all left us books and other writing preserving valuable information on the history of the county.
In 1903 the Society lead the City of St. Thomas & Elgin County in a celebration of one hundred years since the arrival of Col. Talbot. Events spread across the City, and to leave a remembrance of the event, the stone cairn in Pinafore Park was built from stone gathered from across the breadth of the Talbot Settlement.
Coyne was not finished. He would soon be named a member of the Royal Society of Canada, eventually serving as its president in 1926. Just prior to this, he had served on the first committee drawing up the register of national historic sites. In 1923 Coyne was able to put one of his favourite places, the Southwold Earthworks on the register on the first day it was open. The Earthworks remain a National Historic Site.
In 1924 the Society placed four historic markers around the county. All the plaques survive nearly a century later. They mark the Old English Church in St. Thomas. The site of the first seminary in St. Thomas at the corner of Stanley & Walnut Streets, the first Congregationalist Church in Canada in Frome, and the site of the registry office at Burwell Corners (on the northwest corner of Fingal Line & Iona Road).
By the 1930's the Society's membership had declined. The Women's Society disappears and becomes merged with the main Society. After a period of silence publications reappear from the Society, written by President, Ella Lewis.
In 1967 St. Thomas City Clerk and longtime EHS member, Warren C. Miller wrote a history of early St. Thomas, Vignettes of Early St. Thomas. Mr. Miller donated the proceeds of the books sale to the Society. Those funds formed the nucleus of the EHS Trust Fund.
In the late 1960's new momentum saw the reorganization and revitalization of the Society under the guidance of George Thorman. George's enthusiasm for local history cannot be overstated. His impact on local history can be seen in the naming of two “George Thorman Rooms”, one at the St. Thomas Public Library, and one at the Elgin Military Museum. He edited a number of history books, and left us the invaluable “Local History with George Thorman” broadcast on the local cable station in the 1970's and 80's. Many of these programs are available on this website.
Although it has taken the efforts of many to sustain the Society, it would be unfair not to note the special contribution from Don Cosens. Don's vast knowledge, and endless enthusiasm for local history has been a resource for the Society for decades. Serving as president on a number of occasions, and as every other executive position, the Society owes Don, and many other a large thanks.
In the 1990's local politician Stephen Peters took a large role in the Society serving as president and reviving “Local History” the cable access show created by George Thorman. Stephen's passion for collecting, and learning has infected many fellow citizens. He is frequently called upon to speak on all matters of local history.
The Society celebrated its centennial in 1991, with a large meeting at 97 Metcalfe St., long the home of Society President, James Coyne. This event, along with Talbot Anniversary Dinners, plaque dedications and others have marked the years. Many of the Society members from that 1991 celebration are now gone. Kay Lemon, Joan Peters, Carole Watson, Don Cosens, Dr Bob Farley and many others have gone. But the work of the Historical society continues. (click here to see the 100th Anniversary meeting of the EHS)
In the 2010s Pete Sheridan, with the assistance of Ryan Belanger brought the Society into the modern era, making the Internet a central tool in our mission to preserve and promote local history.
Our website, elginhistoricalsociety.ca, has reached thousands of people curious about our local history. Our YouTube channel has show many thousands of hours of local history programming.
Thank you for learning about the Society.
The Executives of the Elgin Historical Sociey
EHS EXECUTIVES
INTERIM FORMATION COMMITTEE (APRIL 29, 1891)
JAMES COYNE, PRESIDENT
J. W. STEWART, SECRETARY
OFFICERS
ELGIN HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE
1891.
JAMES H. COYNE _ _ _ _ PRESIDENT
JUDGE ERMATINGER _ _ _ _ _ VICE-PRESIDENT
W. H. MURCH ------ SECRETARY
J. S. ROBERTSON --_-._ TREASURER
F. HUNT ------- EDITOR
K. W. MCKAY ------ LIBRARIAN
FRANK L. FARLEY - - _ _ - CURATOR
COUNCIL
J. WILKINSON, W. R. JACKSON, J. S. BRIERLEY,
A. W.CAMPBELL, AND W. ATKIN.
1892
JUDGE ERMATINGER - - - - PRESIDENT
DR. H. H. WAY - - - - VICE-PRESIDENT
W. H. MURCH ----- SECRETARY
K. W. MCKAY _ - _ _ TREASURER
J. H. COYNE ----- EDITOR.
J. W. STEWART - - _ - CURATOR AND LIBRARIAN
COUNCIL
W. ATKIN, J. S. ROBERTSON, W. R. JACKSON, A. W. CAMPBELL
J. S. BRIERLEY, J. WILKINSON, F. HUNT.
1893-4.
K. W. MCKAY - _ _ _ PRESIDENT
W. ATKIN - _ ^ - - VICE-PRESIDENT
W. H. MURCH - - - - SECRETARY
J. A. BELL ----- TREASURER
J. W. STEWART _ - _ - LIBRARIAN AND CURATOR
JUDGE ERMATINGER - - - - EDITOR
COUNCIL
J. H. COYNE, J. S. ROBERTSON, W. R. JACKSON, A. W. CAMPBELL,
J. S. BRIERLEY, J. WILKINSON, F. HUNT, DR. WAY.
K1.(1IN HISTORICAL AND S(^IKNT1FIC INSTITUTE.
LIST OF MEMBERS. (1894)
AT.KIN, W.
BRIERLEY, J. S.
BELL, JAMES A.
COYNE, JAS. H.
CAMPBELL, A. W.
DOYLE, MATTHEW
ERMATINGER, JUDGE
FORD, N. W.
GILBERT, M. A.
GLASGOW, CHAS.
HUNT, FRANK
HUGHES, JUDGE
HENDERSON, CHESTER
JACKSON, W. K
JELL, H. F.
KAINS, JOHN A.
MURCH, W. H.
MOORE N. W.
MARSHALL, JOHN
MCADAM, JOS.
MCKAY, K. W.
MCKENZIE, GEO.
MCCAUSLAND, JNO.
MCDOUGALL, COLIN
MCLENNAN, J. C.
OAKES, CHAS.
ROBERTSON, J. S.
STEWART, J. W.
STACEY, JNO.
SUFFEL, GEO.
SUTHERLAND, PETER
WILKINSON, J.
WAY, DR. H.
1895
PRESIDENT W. ATKIN
VICE-PRESIDENT - - JAMES BELL
SECRETARY- JUDGE D. J. HUGHES
TREASURER - W. H. MURCH.
EDITOR : JUDGE ERMATINGER
COUNCIL.
M. A. GILBERT, A. W. CAMPBELL, J. W. STEWART, K. W. MCKAY,
FIRST OFFICERS
JAMES H. COYNE, PRESIDENT
JUDGE ERMATINGER, VICE-PRES.
W. H. MURCH, SECRETARY
J. S. ROBERTSON, TREASURER F. HUNT, EDITOR
K. W. MCKAY, LIBRARIAN FRANK L. FARLEY, CURATOR
COUNCIL
J. WILKINSON W. R. JACKSON
J. S. BRIERLEY A. W. CAMPBELL
W. ATKIN AND THE OFFICERS
OFFICERS A. D. 1911
J. H. COYNE, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.C., PRESIDENT
MRS. J. H. WILSON, VICE-PRES. HERBERT S. WEGG, SECRETARY
W. H. MURCH, TREASURER MRS. ST. THOMAS SMITH, CURATOR
C. O. ERMATINGER, EDITOR
COUNCIL
K. W. MCKAY DR. A. LEITCH DR. C. W, MARLATT
J. W. STEWART MRS. C. O. ERMATINGER
AND THE OFFICERS
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY, FOUNDED JANUARY, 1901
MRS. S. E. BURNS, PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON, VICE-PRES.
MRS. J H. COYNE, SECRETARY
WOMEN'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 1910-11
MRS. J. H. WILSON, PRESIDENT
MRS. J. H. COYNE ,1ST VICE-PRESIDENT
MRS. H. MCCONNELL, 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT
MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, 3RD VICE-PRESIDENT
MRS. G. SYMINGTON, SECRETARY-TREASURER
MISS MCLACHLIN, ASS'T SEC-TREASURER
MISS H. TRAVERS, CORR. SECRETARY
MRS. T. A. FESSANT, JOURNALIST
MISS M. LANGAN, CURATOR
EXECUTIVE (WITH OFFICERS)
MRS. E. H. CAUGHELL MRS. W. R. JACKSON
MRS. ARCHIBALD LEITCH MRS. COLIN LEITCH
MRS. W. H. KING MRS. M. L. SWEET
MRS. T. H. HUTCHINSON
1897-8
PRESIDENT W. H. MURCH.
VICE-PRESIDENT JAMES A. BELL.
SECRETARY-TREASURER K. W. MCKAY.
EDITOR JUDGE ERMATINGER.
CURATOR J. W. STEWART.
COUNCIL JUDGE HUGHES, W. ATKIN, J. H. COYNE, F. M. GRIFFIN, M.
A. GILBERT, E. H. CAUGHELL, DR. WAY.
1898-9
PRESIDENT, J. A. BELL.
VICE-PRESIDENT, W. B. WATERBURY.
EDITOR, - JUDGE ERMATINGER.
SECRETARY-TREASURER - MISS MCCARTNEY.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL :
JAS. H. COYNE, MRS. J. H. COYNE,
K. W. MCKAY, E. H. CAUGHELL,
W. ATKIN, W. MURCH,
JUDGE HUGHES, MRS. BURNS,
MISS ERMATINGER.
1899-1900
PRESIDENT, JAMES A. BELL.
VICE-PRESIDENTS,
W. B. WATERBURY, MRS. A. BURNS.
EDITOR, JUDGE ERMATINGER.
SECRETARY-TREASURER, MISS FRANCES MCCARTNEY.
COUNCIL,
JAMES H. COYNE. KENNETH W. MCKAY.
W. ATKIN. JUDGE HUGHES.
E. H. CAUGHELL. W. H. MURCH.
MISS ERMATINGER.
1900-1
PRESIDENT J. W. STEWART.
VICE-PRESIDENT - - S. SILCOX, B.A.
SECRETARY-TREASURER K. W. MCKAY.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY - - W. H. MURCH.
CURATOR - MRS. W. SMITH.
EDITOR J. H. COYNE, B.A.
COUNCIL.
JUDGE ERMATINGER, W. ATKIN, P.S.I., MRS. GUSTIN, W. B. WATERBURY,
F. HUNT, MRS. S. BURNS, AND MRS. J. H. WILSON.
1901-2
PRESIDENT J. W. STEWART.
VICE- PRESIDENT - S. SILCOX, B.A.
SECRETARY-TREASURER K. W. MCKAY.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY W. H. MURCH.
CURATOR - - MRS. W. SMITH.
EDITOR - J. H. COYNE, B.A.
COUNCIL, 1901.
JUDGE ERMATINGER, W. ATKIN, P.S.I., MRS. GUSTIN, W. B. WATERBURY,
F. HUNT, MRS. S. BURNS AND MRS. J. H. WILSON.
1902.
EDITOR - - JUDGE ERMATINGER.
COUNCIL, 1902.
MRS. J. H. WILSON, MRS. S. E. BURNS, MRS. E. W. GUSTIN, MRS. F. M.
GRIFFIN, MRS. S. CHANT, W. ATKIN, C. OAKES AND J. H. COYNE, B.A.
OFFICERS OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY.
PRESIDENT - MRS. J. H. WILSON.
1ST VICE-PRESIDENT - "
J. H. COYNE.
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT "
C. O. ERMATINGER.
3RD VICE- PRESIDENT- " D. O'SHEA.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS GUSTIN.
RECORDING SECRETARY S. SILCOX.
ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY - MISS CLARIS.
TREASURER - MRS. E. CONGHILL.
ASSISTANT TREASURER - MISS F. MCLACHLIN.
CURATOR - - MRS. W. ST. THOMAS SMITH.
1902-3
PRESIDENT C. O. ERMATINGER, ESQ.
VICE-PRESIDENT - - - S. SILCOX, D. PSED.
SECRETARY-TREASURER W. H. MURCH, ESQ.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY - - CHARLOTTE S. WEGG.
CURATOR ------ MRS. ST. THOMAS SMITH.
EDITOR - .... FRANK HUNT, ESQ.
COUNCIL.
MRS. GUSTIN, MRS. CORMACK, MRS. GRIFFIN, MRS. JACKSON, MRS. WILSON,
MR. OAKES, MR. COYNE, MR. MCKAY, MR. STEWART.
WOMEN'S
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON.
1ST VICE-PRESIDENT - MRS. J. H. COYNE.
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT ... MRS. C. O. ERMATINGER.
3RD VICE-PRESIDENT - - - MRS. D. O'SHEA.
TREASURER ----- MRS. E. H. CAUGHELL.
ASSISTANT TREASURER - MISS F. MCLACHLIN.
SECRETARY ----- MRS. S. SILCOX.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - - MRS. E. W. GUSTIN.
REPORTING SECRETARY -..-'- MISS L. WEGG.
CURATOR - - - - - MRS. ST. THOMAS SMITH.
1903-4
PRESIDENT SYDNEY SILCOX, PH. D.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. (SENATOR) WILSON.
SEC.-TREASURER W. H. MURCH.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY MISS CHRISTINE COYNE.
CURATOR MRS. H. ST. THOS. SMITH.
EDITOR JUDGE ERMATINGER.
WOMEN'S
PRESIDENT MRS. A. A. WILSON.
VICE-PRESIDENTS MRS. COYNE, MRS. JACKSON
MRS. GUSTIN.
RECORDING SECRETARY MRS. K. W. ANDERSON.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY MRS. STEVENSON.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS. R. H. MCCONNELL.
TREASURER MRS. E. H. CAUGHELL.
ASSISTANT TREASURER MISS MCLACHLIN.
CURATOR '. MRS. T. SMITH.
ASSISTANT CURATOR MRS. F. H. GRIFFIN.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
MESDAMES SILCOX, 'SHEA, ROBERTSON, REYNOLDS, RICH, GILBERT, HUTCHINSON,
MCLACHLIN, DOHERTY, MOORE, CAMERON, MISS FITZGIBBON, WITH THE
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.
1905-6
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON.
SECRETARY FRANK HUNT.
TREASURER W. H. MURCH.
CURATOR MRS. W. SMITH.
EDITOR JUDGE ERMATINGER.
COUNCIL.
DR. S. SILCOX, JUDGE COULTER, J. W. STEWART, CHAS. OAKES, K.
W. MCKAY, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, MRS. C. O. ERMATINGER, MRS.
T. W. DUNCOMBE, AND MRS. W. R. JACKSON.
WOMEN`S
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON.
IST. VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. JAMES H. COYNE.
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON.
3RD VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. TRUMAN DUNCOMBE.
SECRETARY-TREASURER MRS. R. H. MCCONNELL.
ASSISTANT TREASURER MISS MCLACHLIN.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY MRS. O. J. STEVENSON.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MISS COYNE.
RESPONDING SECRETARY MISS WEGG.
CURATOR , MRS. F. M. GRIFFIN.
1906-7
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, M.A., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON.
SECRETARY FRANK HUNT.
TREASURER W. H. MURCH.
CURATOR MRS. WM. ST. THOMAS SMITH.
EDITOR JUDGE ERRNATINGER.
COUNCIL
DR. S. SILCOX, JUDGE COLTER, J. W. STEWART, MR. CHARLES
OAKES, K. W. MCKAY, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, MRS. JUDGE ERNIATINGER,
MRS. 'MARY DUNCOMBE, MRS. W. R. JACKSON.
THE WOMEN'S ELGIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO.
OFFICERS, 1906-1907.
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON.
IST. VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. COYNE.
2ND. VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON.
3RD. VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. TRUMAN DUNCOMBE.
SECRETARY TREASURER MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY MRS. COMFORT.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MISS LENA TRAVERS.
CURATOR . MRS. F. M. GRIFFIN.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1908-09.
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, M.A., F.R.S.C.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY... HERBERT S. WEGG
TREASURER WILLIAM MURCH
CURATOR MRS. W. S. THOMAS SMITH
EDITOR JUDGE ERMATINGER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JUDGE COTTER, SAMUEL PRICE, F.
HUNT, J. W. STEWART, X. WT
. MCKAY, CHAS. D. OAKES,
MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, MRS. C. O. ERMATINGER, MRS. TRUMAN
DUNCOMBE, MRS. C. ST. CLAIR LEITCH.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1908-09.
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, M.A., F.R.S.C.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY... HERBERT S. WEGG
TREASURER WILLIAM MURCH
CURATOR MRS. W. S. THOMAS SMITH
EDITOR JUDGE ERMATINGER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JUDGE COTTER, SAMUEL PRICE, F.
HUNT, J. W. STEWART, X. WT
. MCKAY, CHAS. D. OAKES,
MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, MRS. C. O. ERMATINGER, MRS. TRUMAN
DUNCOMBE, MRS. C. ST. CLAIR LEITCH.
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY OF ELGIN COUNTY HISTORICAL
AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY.
ORGANIZED 1901.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1907-08.
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. JAS. H. COYNE
VICE-PRESIDENTS MRS. DUNCOMBE AND MRS. ROBERTSON
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MISS HELENA TRAVERS
SECRETARY-TREASURER .... ... MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON
ASSISTANT TREASURER MISS F. MCLACHLIN
REPORTER MRS. F. A. FESSAIIT
CURATOR MRS. R. H. MCCONNELL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMRS. JACKSON, ANDERSON, CAUGHELL,
DOHERTY, GREEN, HUTCH INSON, MCLACHLIN, CAMERON,
FINLAY, MCKAY, MISS FITZGIBBON.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1909-1910.
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, M.A., LL.D.,
F.R.S.C
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. JOHN HENRY WILSON
SECRETARY HERBERT S. WEGG
TREASURER WILLIAM H. MURCH
EDITOR JUDGE ERMATINGER
CURATOR MRS. W. ST. THOMAS SMITH
COUNCILLORS JUDGE C. W. COLTER, DR. CHARLES
W. MARLATT, C. ST. CLAIR LEITCH, K. W. MCKAY,
MRS. C. O. ERMATINGER, MRS. J. B. MORFORD,
MRS. C. ST. CLAIR LEITCH, MRS. T. W. DUNCOMBE.
WOMEN'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE
COUNTY OF ELGIN, ST. THOMAS, ONT.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1909-1910.
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. COYNE
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT...MRS. W. R. JACKSON
THIRD VLCE-PRESIDE?NT...MRS. R. H. MCCONNELL
SECRETARY-TREASURER....MRS. G. SYMINGTON
ASST. SECRETARY MRS. F. A. FESSANT
ASST. TREASURER MISS F. MCLACHLIN
COR. SECRETARY MISS LENA TRAVERS
CURATOR MRS. C. ST. CLAIR LEITCH
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1910-1911.
PRESIDENT.. JAMES H. COYNE, M.A., LL.D.,
F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY H. S. WEGG
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ENNATINGER
CURATOR MRS. W. ST. THOMAS SMITH
COUNCILLORS K. W. MCKAY, MRS. ERMATINGER,
DR. A. LEITCH, DR. C. W. MARLATT, J. W. STEWART.
ADVISORY MEMBERS MRS. CURTIS, W. W. OHNSTEAD,
MRS. SYMINGTON, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON.
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY OF THE ELGIN HISTORICAL
SOCIETY.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1910-1911.
PRESIDENT MRS. WILSON
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. COYNE
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON
THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. R. H. MCCONNELL
SEC.-TREASURER MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON
ASST. SECRETARY MRS. F. A. FCSSANT
ASST. TREASURER MISS F. MCLACHLIN
COR. SECRETARY MISS LENA TRAVERS
CURATOR MISS LANGAN
OFFICERS :, 1912-13.
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY H. S. WEGG
TREASURER R. W. H. MURCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ERMATINGER
COUNCILLORS DR. A. LEITCH, DR. C. A. MARLATT,
K. W. MCKAY, MRS. ERMATINGER, J. W. STEWART.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE JOHN F. LANGAN,
F.R.G.S., C. ST. CLAIR LEITCH, MRS. FESSANT, F.
B. HOLTBY, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, MRS. SYMINGTON.
THE WOMEN'S AUXILIARY OF THE ELGIN
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
OFFICERS : 1911-12.
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. COYNE
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT..MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON
THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. M. GREIEN
FOURTH VICE-PRESRDENT MRS. SWEET
SECRETARY-TREASURER...MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON.
ASST. SECRETARY MRS. F. A. FESSANT
ASST. TREASURER ... U. ... MISS F. MCLACHLIN
COR. SECRETARY MISS HELENA TRAVERS
CURATOR MISS LANGAN
OFFICERS, 1913-14.
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY HERBERT S. WEGG
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ERMATINGER
WOMEN'S
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
VICE-PRESIDENTS. .MRS. J. H. COYNE, MRS. J. M. GREEN, MRS. J D
CURTIS.
SECRETARY-TREASURER MRS. SYMINGTON
ASSISTANT SECRETARY MRS. F. A. FESSANDT
ASSISTANT TREASURER MISS FLORENCE MCLACHLIN
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MISS HELENA TRAVERS
CURATOR MISSM.LANGAN
1914
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY W. W. OLMSTED
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. 0. ERMATINGER
CURATOR DR. ARCHIBALD LEITCH
COUNCILLORS K. W. MCKAY, J. W. STEWART, A. W. GRAHAM, DR.
CHARLES W. MARLATT, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON.
ADVISORY COUNCIL JOHN F. LANGAN, F.R.G.S., REV. PRINCIPAL
WARNER, M.A., D.D., H. S. WEGG, MRS. SYMINGTON, C. ST. CLAIR
LEITCH, MRS. W. ST. THOMAS SMITH, F. B. HOLTBY, MRS. ARCHIBALD
LEITCH, MISS ELLA N. BOWES, B.A.
WOMEN'S
PRESIDENT MRS- J- H. WILSON
1ST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. COYNE
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. D. CURTIS
3RD VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON
SECRETARY-TREASURER MRS. SYMINGTON
ASSISTANT SECRETARY MRS. F. A. FESSANDT
ASSISTANT TREASURER MISS FLORENCE MCLACHLIN
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS. J. H. JONES
CURATOR MISS M- LANGAN
AMELIA A. WILSON, PRES. BELLE SYMINGTON, SEC.
1914-5
PRESIDENT J. H. COYNE, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
RECORDING SECRETARY W. W. OLMSTEAD
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
CURATOR DR. A. LEITCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. 0. ERMATINGER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REV. N. H. MCGILLIVRAY, DR. C. W. MARLATT,
MR. K. W. MCKAY, MR. A. W. GRAHAM, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON.
ADVISORY COUNCIL JOHN F. LANGAN, F.R.G.S.; REV. R. I. WARNER,
M.A., D.D.; JOHN W. STEWART, MRS. WM. ST. THOMAS SMITH
MRS. COLIN ST. CLAIR LEITCH, GEORGE A. ANDERSON, E. S. ANDERSON,
HERBERT S. WEGG, F. B. HOLTBY, MRS. ARCHIBALD LEITCH, MISS
ELLA N. BOWES, M.A., MRS. SYMINGTON.
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (ST. THOMAS.)
(ORGANIZED 1896.)
OFFICERS FOR 1914-1915.
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
1ST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. D. J. CURTIS
3RD VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. M. GREEN
4TH VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. W. H. MURCH
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS. J. H. JONES
RECORDING SECRETARY MRS. G. SYMINGTON
ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY MRS. A. E. MARLATT
TREASURER MRS. G. SYMINGTON
AUDITOR COL. E. H. CAUGHILL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS AND THE FOLLOWING LADIES: MESDAMES
A. LEITCH, E. H. CAUGHILL, H. HEARD, J. H. CARRIE, MOSFORD,
J. W. STEWART, HOLTBY, E. A. SMITH, W. H. KING AND MISS;
BOWES.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR: 1916
PRESIDENT DR. J. H. COYNE, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY W. W. OLMSTEAD
TREASURER -. W. H. MURCH
CURATOR DR. A. LEITOH
EDITOR JUDGE C. 0. ERMATINGER
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL KEY. DR. R. I. WARNER, K. W. MCKAY, DR. C. W.
MARLATT, A. W. GRAHAM, MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON.
MEMBERS OF ADVISORY COUNCIL REV. N. H. MCGILLIVRAY, H. S. WEGG, MRS.
W. ST. THOMAS SMITH, F. H. HOLTBY, MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON,
J. W. STEWART, MISS ELLA BOWES, G. A. ANDERSON, J. A. TAYLOR
AND A. ROBERTS.
OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR: 1917-18
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, L.L.D., F.R.S.C,
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY DR. C. W. MARLATT
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
EDITOR HIS HONOUR JUDGE C. 0. ERMATINGER
CURATOR DR. A. LEITCII
COUNCILLORS K. W. MCKAY, A. W. GRAHAM, REV. R. I. WARNER, M.A.,
D.D., MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, P. B. HOLTBY.
ADVISORY COUNCIL CAPTAIN (REV.) N. H. MCGILLIVRAY, H. S. WEGG, MRS.
W. ST. THOMAS SMITH, MRS. J. H. JONES, MRS. GRAHAM
SYMINGTON, J. W. STEWART, MISS ELLA D. BOWES, M.A., GEORGE
A. ANDERSON, J. A. TAYLOR, M.A., A. ROBERTS.
WOMEN'S
PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
1ST V'ICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. M. GREEN
3RD VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. W. H. MUROH
4TH VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. T. H. HUTCHINSON
SECRETARY-TREASURER MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY MRS. F. A. FESSANT
ASSISTANT-TREASURER ^ MISS FLORENCE MCLACHLIN
CORRESPONDING-SECRETARY MRS. J. H. JONES
CURATOR MISS M. LANGAN
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE OFFICERS ABOVE NAMED AND THE FOLLOWING LADIES:
MRS. A. LEITCH, MRS. W. H. KING, MRS. J. B. MORFORD, MRS.
F. B. HOLTBY, MRS. A. E. MARLATT, MRS. E. H. CAUGHELL, MRS.
J. H. CARRIE, MRS. J. W. STEWART, MRS. E. A. SMITH, MISS ELLA
N. BOWES.
1918-19
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY DR. GEORGE A. SHANNON
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
CURATOR DR. ARCHIBALD LEITCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ERMATINGER
COUNCILLORS MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, REV. R. I. WARNER, K. W. MCKAY,
A. W. GRAHAM, F. B. HOLTBY.
ADVISORY COUNCIL CAPTAIN (RSV.) N. H. MCGILLIVRAY, H. S. WEGG, MRS.
W. ST. THOMAS SMITH, MRS. J. H. JONES, MRS. GRAHAM SYMINGTON,
J. W. STEWART, MISS ELLA D. BOWES, B.A., GEORGE A.
ANDERSON, J. A. TAYLOR, A. ROBERTS, DR. F. W. SMITH, REV.
J. W. J. ANDREW.
----------------------------------END OF OHS RECORDS---------------------------
1919-20
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
SECRETARY DR. GEORGE A. SHANNON
TREASURER W. H. MURCH
CURATOR DR. ARCHIBALD LEITCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ERMATINGER
COUNCILLORS MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, REV. R. I. WARNER, K. W. MCKAY,
A. W. GRAHAM, F. B. HOLTBY.
1920-21
HONOURARY PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
PRESIDENT: J. A. TAYLOR
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT: W. H. MURCH
SECRETARY DR. GEORGE A. SHANNON
RECORDING SECRETARY: E. C. SANDERS
TREASURER: F. B. HOLTBY
CURATOR: DR. ARCHIBALD LEITCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ERMATINGER
COUNCILLORS MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, REV. R. I. WARNER, K. W. MCKAY,
A. W. GRAHAM
ADVISORY COUNCIL MISS ELLA D. BOWES, B.A, J. W. STEWART, DR. P DOBSON, REV.
J. W. J. ANDREW, A. W. BAINES.
1921-22
HONOURARY PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
PRESIDENT: J. A. TAYLOR
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT: W. H. MURCH
SECRETARY DR. GEORGE A. SHANNON
TREASURER: F. B. HOLTBY
CURATOR: DR. ARCHIBALD LEITCH
EDITOR JUDGE C. O. ERMATINGER
COUNCILLORS MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, REV. R. I. WARNER, K. W. MCKAY,
A. W. GRAHAM, J C SMITH.
1922-23
HONOURARY PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
PRESIDENT: A. W. GRAHAM
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT: DR. GEORGE A. SHANNON
3rd Vice President: DR. P DOBSON
SECRETARY J E NELSON
TREASURER: F. B. HOLTBY
CURATOR: DR. ARCHIBALD LEITCH
EDITOR W. H. MURCH
COUNCILLORS MRS. J. S. ROBERTSON, K. W. MCKAY, W WEBB, J A TAYLOR, REV. R. I. WARNER.
1923
The Nominee for President, DR. GEORGE A. SHANNON, Died after his nomination in April, 1923, but before his election in May, 1923. Dr. Coyne was nominated to replace him
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
SECRETARY J E NELSON
KNOWN EXEC MEMBERS – DR. P DOBSON, E. SANDERS, J. W. STEWART (CHAIRMAN, TABLET COMMITTEE, WITH JAMES COYNE, J. W. STEWART AND MISS ELLA LEWIS )
1924 (ELECTED APRIL 7, 1924)
PRESIDENT JAMES H. COYNE, LL.D., F.R.S.C.
VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. J. H. WILSON
2ND VICE-PRESIDENT DR. P. DOBSON
3RD VICE-PRESIDENT DR. C. W. MARLATT
SECRETARY J E NELSON
ASST SECRETARY : MISS ELLA LEWIS
TREASURER F. B. HOLTBY
EDITOR J. S. ROBERTSON
CURATORS: F. SOUTHERLAND, MISS ELLA LEWIS, A. W. GRAHAM
COUNCIL : REV. J.W. J. ANDREWS, J. A. TAYLOR, A. W. GRAHAM, K. W. MCKAY, J. E. SMITH
ELLA LEWIS – 1930`S
EHS INACTIVE DURING WW2 – COYNE DIES 1942
REORGANIZED 1946- MEMBERS W C MILLER, JOHN E PEARCE
1967
PRESIDENT, GEORGE THORMAN
1968
PRSIDENT, PAUL BALDWIN
1973-4
HONOURARY PRESIDENT: GEORGE THORMAN
PAST PRESIDENT JOHN KERR
PRESIDENT DON COSENS
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT DUNCAN MCKILLOP
SECRETARY-TREASURER GEORGE CONNOY
MUSEUM MRS REXFORD
LIBRARIAN WAYNE NEAL
DIRECTORS: DON ANDERSON PAUL BALDWIN CATHRYN IRELAND
TRUSTEES:GEORGE THORMAN, JOHN KERR, WILFRED JOHNSTON
2008-2009
PRESIDENT, DIANA PLAYER
2010-2011
PRESIDENT, GRANT HUGHSON
VICE PRESIDENT, MIKE BAKER
TREASURER, DON COSENS
SECRETARY
CURATOR, DEAN PADDON
2012-2013
PAST PRESIDENT, GRANT HUGHSON
PRESIDENT, MIKE BAKER
VICE PRESIDENT, PETE SHERIDAN
SECRETARY-TREASURER MARY CLUTTERBUCK, PERRY CLUTTERBUCK
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, MARY LOU STANLEY
CURATOR, DEAN PADDON
2014-15
PAST PRESIDENT, MIKE BAKER
PRESIDENT, PETE SHERIDAN
VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER LESLEY BUCHANAN
SECRETARY-TREASURER MARY CLUTTERBUCK (2014)
SECRETARY SUSAN BUTLIN (2014), JESSICA SWALES (2015
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, MARY LOU STANLEY
CURATOR, DEAN PADDON (2014) (POSITION DISCONTINUED JAN, 2015)