Category: Uncategorized

New Summer Hours

June 26, 2025

With many thanks to our summer students, the museum at 14 East St. will be open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays until August 23rd.

Come out and see our featured exhibit, From Farm to Factory.

A Warm Welcome to Our Summer Students!

June 25, 2025

We were very excited and fortunate to be able to hire summer students to help us keep everything running smoothly. Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs are huge supporters of this endeavour. Many thanks to Moira Haldenby and Rae Slattery for joining the team!

Moira Haldenby

Moira Haldenby is going into her third year at Western University for Family Studies and Human Development. She is excited to list and accession the Museum’s current acquisitions.

Summer student Moira Haldenby

Rae Slattery

Rae Slattery is entering her 5th year studying Psychology and Sociology at Laurentian University. She is very excited to begin learning about the history of Aylmer, and how to preserve these artifacts diligently and carefully.

Summer Student Rae Slattery

 

A Generous Donation from the Calton Community Centre!

April 25, 2025

We were very grateful to receive a kind donation of $2,500 from the Calton Community Centre in November! The funds will be allocated to the general operations of the museum and to the care of our extensive collections.

For over fifty years, the Calton Community Centre was located in the former Calton Schoolhouse. This was a union schoolhouse, serving School Section No. 7 of Malahide and School Section No. 6 of Bayham. The first school constructed in this union section was a wood frame building located on the northwest corner of the main intersection in Calton. In 1860, this frame schoolhouse closed, and a new, larger wood frame school was constructed on land donated by the VanVelzer family. In 1915, the building was veneered with brick. By 1949, overcrowding was becoming an issue, with as many as 60 students attending the one-room school. In the fall of 1951, construction of a new two-room school began on the northeast corner of the intersection, next to the Baptist Church. This school was designed by Charles Gillin and built by Ray James, both of London, for a total cost of $42,000. In 1952, the original schoolhouse was converted into a community hall. Bayham/Malahide U.S.S. No. 6/7 was closed in 1970, and on April 24, 1976, the building was sold for $32,000 to Charles Philip Corp. The board of directors of the Community Centre chose to sell the building in the early 2000s.

We are so incredibly grateful that the Calton Community Centre corporation chose to distribute its funds locally, and to institutions like ours that strive to preserve local heritage. Thank you so much!

Sepia-toned photograph of a wood-sided building. A group of children poses at the front of the building.
Undated photograph of the students of the Calton schoolhouse. (Digitally enhanced.)
Grainy black and white image of a one-room schoolhouse
Image of the Calton Schoolhouse from the 1913 Farming and Industrial Number of the Aylmer Express.

 

An Incredible Donation from the Mennill Family!

March 6, 2025

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that the Mennill family has made an extraordinary donation of $100,000 to our Relocation Fund. On behalf of our entire team, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Mennills, including Dave and Judy Mennill, who made this donation on behalf of their family and their parents.

Five people holding a presentation cheque
Left to right: Dave Mennill, Judy Mennill, Office Manager Kathi Vandermeer, Director Mary Hamm, and Finance Chair Larry Jeffery. Image courtesy of Rob Perry and the Aylmer Express.

In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, we are proud to announce that our new downtown location will feature the Mennill Family Conference and Research Room. Designed to be a versatile, rentable venue, the room will host local groups and businesses, providing a welcoming space for meetings and community gatherings. It will also feature our extensive reference library of local history books, as well as access to our digitized database of artifacts and archival materials.

Dave and Judy Mennill have long been supporters of our museum and active members of our community. In addition to operating their tobacco farm, Judy was a much-beloved teacher at Assumption Catholic School, and Dave was a successful politician (being a Mayor of Malahide and a Warden of Elgin).

We were also extremely lucky to recently receive a collection of items formerly belonging to Joseph and Marjorie Mennill, Dave’s parents. As a navigator with the RCAF in WWII, Joe was captured by German forces and kept as a prisoner of war for 2.5 years. The Mennills kindly donated a collection of Joe Mennill’s wartime letters, including those he sent as a prisoner of war. We’re very excited to be able to preserve and document these records, to serve as a resource for our community for decades to come. The Mennills also gifted us the “Do Nothing Dress” (below), a sample of Marjorie Mennill’s extraordinary craftsmanship.

Phase one of the Relocation Project is already underway, and the Mennill family’s donation comes at a crucial juncture. After reviewing our draft Building Condition Assessment, the museum decided to ask our engineering firm if destructive testing may help us narrow down the extent of the renovations we expect to undertake. We met with representatives of the firm on February 25, 2025, and made plans to cut a series of 20 holes in the drywall throughout the building to assess its structural integrity. Afterwards, we should have a more informed cost estimate and game plan for the next stage of the project. Staff were able to finalize a desired floor plan for the building, and forwarded the plan to our architects for analysis.

The Mennill family’s unparalleled generosity has laid the foundation for both a bright future for our museum and a renewed commitment to our community’s heritage. Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Their generosity will resonate for years to come, ensuring that our museum remains a vibrant center of learning, collaboration, and historical preservation. We look forward to sharing more updates as our project progresses and, one day soon, welcoming community members into the brand-new Mennill Family Conference and Research Room!

Black and white portrait of a man identified as Joseph Mennill
Portrait of Joe Mennill
Metal card-shaped item, with string strung through two perforations at each top corner
German-issued Prisoner of War identification tag. The tag is stamped “OFLAG XXL B 86” on either side of a centre-serrated line. If the prisoner died, the tag would be broken in half; half would be kept with the prisoner’s body and half would be kept with their records. Thankfully, Joe Mennill returned home safe, with both halves.

Smocked dress with extensive embroidery on the chest, forming the image of four children around a maypole
The “Do Nothing Dress”
Image of a little girl wearing the dress to the left
Image of Rita Mennill wearing the “Do Nothing Dress”

Marjorie Mennill smocked the above dress, which won her $100 in a contest hosted by the Toronto Star in April of 1953. Judy Mennill penned the following story about the dress:

When the dress that had won the $100.00 prize in the 1953 Toronto Star contest, came into the hands of Rita Mennill, it was a great honour.

We all recognized the value of the dress and the countless hours of time that Grandma Mennill had put into making it. So Rita’s mom set down some rules.

“Rita, when you wear that dress, I don’t want you to run around. Don’t eat or drink anything in that dress. Don’t play with glue, crayons or markers. Stay away from the cat and dog in that dress. Be careful not to get anything on that dress.”

Six year old Rita cooperated with all of the requests as she perceived that this was a very special dress, and, I knew she understood the message when she said to me, “Mom, shall I wear my ‘Do Nothing Dress’ today?”

And thus the very special dress, that won a prize in the Toronto Star contest, was named, and will be forever more ‘The Do Nothing Dress’.

Many Thanks to the Bushell Estate and the ESCF!

March 5, 2025

We’re pleased to announce that we recently received a generous donation of $2,000 from the Estate of Donna Vera Bushell within Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation. This support will play a vital role in the development of our upcoming featured exhibit, From Farm to Factory.

This exhibit will explore the rich history of Aylmer’s industrial growth, focusing on three major contributors to local commerce and community— the Aylmer Canning Company, Carnation Milk, and Imperial Tobacco. Through this funding, we will be able to create an engaging and informative display that highlights how these industries shaped our town’s economy and daily life. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Estate of Donna Vera Bushell within Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation for making this project possible. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this important story to life!

The Swans Are Here!

March 4, 2025

The Elgin Stewardship Council has announced that 65 swans arrived in the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area on Monday, March 10th.

The Tundra Swan Line (available at (519) 773-7926 and graciously provided by Eastlink) is live.

The Swan Line will be updated daily with current numbers of swans, as provided by the Elgin Stewardship Council. The Stewardship Council will also be providing onsite interpretation services, as per the below schedule.

Interpretation calendar for March 2025

 

For more information and current swan numbers, visit our Tundra Swan Line page.

 

 

 

Featured image courtesy of David Helsdon

50/50 Raffle

February 18, 2025

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum is excited to announce our online 50/50 raffle fundraiser! Grab your tickets now!

Tickets are:

  • 3 for $10
  • 10 for $20
  • 50 for $50
  • 200 for $100

Sales begin on January 2ⁿᵈ, 2025
Sales end on March 30ᵗʰ, 2025
Drawing on March 31ˢᵗ, 2025

We’re partnering with the RaffleBox platform to facilitate this fundraiser. Tickets are available here!

Link to our RaffleBox raffle

Fifty percent of the money gathered through ticket sales will be awarded to the winner of the draw, and fifty percent will go to our Relocation Fund. Funds raised through this raffle will help us to renovate our new, historic building into an exciting museum space and cultural center for our community.  The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.

Thank you for your support!

Licence #RAF1375246

Please play responsibly. For mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services, get in touch with ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or at connexontario.ca.

Thank You for Attending the 2024 Tour of Homes!

November 27, 2024

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives Tour of Homes Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the Tour of Homes such an incredible success! We had a record year, raising over $21,000 for our general operating fund, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

A special thank you to the homeowners for showcasing their homes on the tour!

  • Julie and Chris Cox
  • Jodi and Adam Gardner
  • Mary and Frank Giesbrecht
  • Tracy and Pat Goris
  • Nicole and Jeff Wiebenga
  • Cathie and Ron White

The Tour of Homes Committee & Decorators

  • Bozena Boadway
  • Linda Charlton
  • Julie Cox
  • Yvonne Gavey
  • Jacquie Jeffery
  • Larry Jeffery
  • Sandra Nesbitt
  • Barb Pede
  • Kara Stanley
  • Michele Toth
  • Gail van Kasteren
  • Tricia Van Gorp
  • Deb Waite

Merchants, Contributors, Sponsors, & Ticket Sellers

 

Thank you to the myriads of volunteers who staffed the homes even though not members of the museum. Thank you to the local businesses who placed advertisements in our ticket, donated door prizes, and provided samples. Finally, thank you to the community and tour-goers; without your support and enthusiasm, the tour would not have been such a success!

Please check back again next year to join us for our 21st tour!

Many thanks to the South Dorchester Optimists!

November 22, 2024

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum and Archives extends heartfelt thanks to the South Dorchester Optimist Club for their generous $1,000 donation to our general operating fund. This support is vital to preserving our community’s history and ensuring it remains accessible through our exhibits, programs, and collections. We deeply appreciate their commitment to enriching our community and helping us bring local heritage to life for future generations. Thank you!

Image of three people holding a presentation cheque
Museum Collections Manager Sarah Bentley, Optimist Brooke Ostrander, and Optimist Ken Nesbitt

Old Imperial Market Gift Card Giveaway

November 14, 2024

The Old Imperial Market will be hosting their Christmas market this Saturday, November 16th! Drop by between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm at 516 John Street for some great vendors and great products!

Show your Tour of Homes ticket to market staff to be entered into a draw for a gift card!

The Old Imperial Market will kindly gift one lucky Tour of Homes ticket holder a gift card. Show your ticket to staff during their Christmas market on November 16th for your chance to win!

 

Relocation Project Update

November 7, 2024

Building Condition Assessment and Designated Substances Survey

On recommendation from the Town of Aylmer, the museum has hired Rimkus Consulting to perform phase one of the Relocation Project. Rimkus sent five employees to assess 75 Talbot St. E. on June 26, 2024, alongside two sub-contractors to perform the designated substances survey. The Building Committee received reports resulting from this assessment on September 10th, consisting of a Pre-Renovation Designated Substances and Hazardous Materials Assessment and a draft Building Condition Assessment Report. Our Building Committee was able to review these items on September 25th, and the board was able to review them on October 15th.

Pre-Renovation Designated Substances and Hazardous Materials Assessment

A “designated substance” is defined in the OHSA as “a biological, chemical or physical agent or combination thereof prescribed as a designated substance to which the exposure of a worker is prohibited, regulated, restricted, limited or controlled”. The Ontario Health and Safety Act contains a list of these designated substances.

The sub-contractors found evidence of asbestos and lead within the building, and also noted the presence of gypsum board (which contains silica). The report we received recommended that these substances be removed only should their disturbance be required to complete our planned renovations. Contractors should be able to advise whether the removal of these substances is a necessity, and how much that removal would cost.

Draft Building Condition Assessment Report

We’ve only received a draft of this report, and have yet to approve a final draft.

The museum requested that Rimkus perform no destructive testing for this assessment. We currently use the building for events and pop-up exhibits, and wished to avoid testing which would limit those activities. However, Rimkus reported that it had trouble assessing some structural components of the building. The museum plans to ask our engineering firm if we may benefit from further destructive testing.

Overall, there were no surprises within the assessment. The building has no fire suppression system, and museum staff would ideally like to look into an artifact-safe fire suppression system. All systems, including the structure, roof, exterior, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and general components, received a rating of “replacement required for building components which have a direct and significant impact on the building or operation of the building as a whole”. The report goes on to say that this rating is “generally prepared to form the basis for budget authorization, appropriation, and/or funding”.

List of assessment ratings:

  • Structural systems: Fair/Poor, to be addressed within 2-5 years, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Roofing systems: Fair/Poor, to be addressed within 2-5 years, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Exterior wall systems: Fair/Poor, to be addressed within 2-5 years, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Exterior window and door systems: Fair, to be addressed within 5-10 years, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Building interior systems: Condition varies (moderate efflorescence, minor masonry cracking, no spalling, minor mortar joint problems – no sealing on exposed brick, older walls in poor condition), priority “D” for building functionality
  • Mechanical systems: Fair, to be addressed within 5-10 years, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Plumbing and drainage systems: Fair, to be addressed within 5-10 years, varied priority (section of pipe in basement needs immediate replacement)
  • Fire suppression systems: only portable fire extinguishers present, priority “A” for life safety
  • Lighting systems: Good/Fair, no replacement required, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Fire alarm systems: Fair, to be addressed within 5-10 years, priority “D” for building functionality
  • Site components (pavement): Poor, to be addressed within 0-2 years, priority “D” for building functionality

Based on these results, Rimkus has informed the museum that it may expect to spend between $530,000 and $1,900,000.

Next Steps

The museum wishes to narrow down exactly what we need to do in order to transform the building into an operable museum. Alongside assuring that the building is generally sound, we need strict climate control to ensure the safety of our artifacts, and the addition of features to meet accessibility standards. We wish to ask our engineering firm to price out those items.

Should further destructive testing allow us to narrow down a cost estimate, the museum is willing to perform further destructive testing.

The design of the building’s future layout is of some concern. We may wish to work with Rimkus to define what is feasible in terms of remodelling. However, with current monetary restrictions, the museum may be limited in what it is able to pursue.

We will have updates once a final draft of the Building Condition Assessment Report has been issued.

Current Finances

  • Total cost for the condition assessment: $49,675
  • Total cost for DSS: $8,600
  • Current relocation fund: $134,779.84

F.A.Q

We’ve received some recent inquiries, so we thought we might clear up some things!

Why don’t we move in right away?

We can’t move into the building at 75 Talbot St. E. until renovations are complete. Our primary purpose is the preservation of the collection of artifacts belonging to the Town of Aylmer and the Township of Malahide, which contains upwards of 50,000 items. The current condition of the building at 75 Talbot St. E. poses a risk to those artifacts. Moisture is a problem throughout the building, with efflorescence, mould, and mildew throughout all three levels. Insects which eat artifacts, including silverfish, isopods, and moths are present, alongside insects which could potentially nest inside of artifacts, such as house centipedes. These issues will be addressed in our planned renovations. However, the renovations themselves will also pose a risk to artifacts. We cannot move our collection into a building in which it would be subjected to open air, particulate substances generated during construction, and generally to the circumstances within an active construction zone. Renovations must be completed for the museum to move into the new building.

There is also the question of staff, volunteer, and public health. Exposure to mould and mildew poses a risk to those with respiratory concerns. Exposure to the bats living within our building poses the risk of rabies infection.

As a business serving the public, we are also required to meet certain accessibility standards, such as accessible entryways and accessible washrooms. There currently are no accessible entryways or bathrooms in the building.

Why don’t we sell the building at 14 East St. to fund the renovations?

If we sell the building at 14 East St. before completing renovations, we would have nowhere to go. We cannot move into the new building before renovations are complete, to protect our collection of artifacts and ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and the public.

When do we expect to move?

Operating two locations has put immense financial strain on our general operating funds, and immense logistical strain on our employees. We would like to move as soon as possible. However, our move is contingent on completing renovations first. We are working with our engineering firm to narrow down exactly what renovations need to take place, and how much those renovations will cost. With a cost estimate in mind, we will have a fundraising goal. We must then complete our fundraising goal in order to renovate, complete renovations, and move in.

We purchased the building in June of 2022, with the goal of completing our fundraising within one year, and renovating within another year (to complete the project in 2024 or 2025). However, the project is realistically much more complex. We expect to fundraise and complete renovations within the next five years (by 2029 or 2030).

 

Learn more about the Relocation Project here!

Thank You for Attending the Hertz Castle Killer!

September 16, 2024

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our recent murder mystery, The Hertz Castle Killer! We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Through this event, we were able to raise $2400 for our general operations and collections maintenance. Thank you all so much for your generosity.

Special thanks to everyone who made the event possible!

  • Writer, director, and actor Ron Sawyer
  • Actors Alex D’Alessandro, Tina Berry, Evan Thompson, Katherine Thompson, Colleen Sawyer, Kathi Vandermeer, and Peter Leack
  • Kitchen helpers Jeanette Pesall, Jennifer Kirby, Bertha Strickland, and Valerie Strickland
  • The Royal Canadian Legion Colonel Talbot Branch 81
  • Museum volunteers Rosemary Kennedy, Chris Dancey, Ferne Taggart, Marie Nelson, Linda Charlton, Tom Charlton, Ron Hilborn, and Lorna Hilborn
  • Everyone who attended!

We look forward to seeing you again next year!

 

The cast of the Hertz Castle Killer
Left to right: Board Chair Ron Sawyer as Maypo, Alex D’Alessandro as Darryl Fireblanks Jr., Tina Berry as Meryl Fireblanks, Evan Thompson as Elliot Nice, Katherine Thompson as Theda Bareit, Colleen Sawyer as Hedda Heifer, Kathi Vandermeer as Minnie Mae Hertz, and Peter Leack as William Random Hertz.

 

This event was kindly sponsored by:

McDonald's Canada - Wikipedia
Johnny's Restaurant
Spicer's Bakery — Turner's Farm Market
Home - IDA Pharmacy
Goflyer - Your Independent Grocer
Home Hardware - Tree Canada

Congratulations to Our 50/50 Winner!

August 26, 2024

We drew the winner of our most recent 50/50 raffle on August 1st! Congratulations to Janice VandenWyngaert for winning half of the $730 pot. Special thanks to Janice and to everyone who purchased tickets! We were able to put $365 towards our Relocation Project.

Our next 50/50 raffle through Rafflebox is scheduled to begin on September 1st, and will end on November 30th, to be drawn on December 1st. Check back with us later this month for more details!

Link to our RaffleBox raffle

Many Thanks to the Springfield Swans!

August 20, 2024

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Springfield Swans for their generous donation of $500 towards our featured exhibit, The Roaring Twenties: Flappers, Fashion, and Freedom. The Swans’ donation is helping us cover the costs associated with the exhibit and ensuring it remains accessible to the community.

Their support also helped us host a fun and exciting open house event. The event, a 1920s-themed costume party, was organized by our summer students, Morgan Kerr and Julia McCord, both university students. They worked hard to create a lively and authentic atmosphere, and the evening was a great success, with many attendees dressed in period costumes to celebrate the exhibit.

We invite everyone to visit The Roaring Twenties: Flappers, Fashion, and Freedom at 14 East St., open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. This exhibit offers a great opportunity to learn about the connections between fashion and social change during the 1920s. Thank you again to the Springfield Swans for their generosity and for supporting our efforts to preserve and share local history.

Image of three people holding a presentation cheque

Summer students Morgan Kerr (left) and Julia McCord (centre) accept a cheque from Swans representative Kelly Pearson (right)

Thank you for attending “The Artifact”!

July 29, 2024

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended “The Artifact,” our recent costume party, open house, and reception for the exhibit on 1920s fashion at the Aylmer-Malahide Museum and Archives. The evening was a resounding success, and it was wonderful to see so many of you embrace the spirit of the Roaring Twenties with your fabulous costumes and enthusiastic participation. Your presence made the event lively and memorable, and we are thrilled that many of you took the opportunity to explore our exhibit and gain a deeper appreciation for the fashion and culture of this vibrant decade.

A special shout-out goes to our dedicated summer employees, Morgan Kerr and Julia McCord, who organized the event with remarkable creativity and effort. Their hard work and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the evening, from the stunning decorations to the engaging activities. We are grateful for their contributions and proud of their achievements. Thank you once again to everyone who joined us for “The Artifact.” Your support helps us continue to preserve and celebrate our shared history. We look forward to welcoming you to future events at the museum!

Summer students Julia McCord and Morgan Kerr in their best 1920s getups

Summer students Julia McCord and Morgan Kerr

Become a Member!

July 2, 2024

In our dedication to preserving and presenting the history of Aylmer and Malahide, we rely on the generosity of the public to stay afloat. Please consider purchasing an annual membership so that we can further our charitable cause!

Memberships start at $20 per year. Membership includes free exhibit admission, five newsletters per year, and a discount at our gift shop. Memberships above $20 are eligible for tax receipts.

Visit this page for more information.

Relocation Project Update

After a long period of fundraising and research, we’re pleased to announce that Phase One of our Relocation Project is underway! Our structural, mechanical, and architectural inspection of the new building took place on Wednesday, June 26th, alongside a designated substances survey (to find things like asbestos and silica).

Once our engineering firm issues us a report on their findings, it’s on to the initial design phase. The staff, board, and building committee will discuss one final, no-frills design that the architects at our firm will work with. We will be tackling the most important issues first, like ensuring the building is artifact-safe and accessible

Our engineering firm for the first phase quoted us a total of $58,275 for these services, which we’ve been paying monthly in small increments. As of mid-June 2024, the Relocation Fund contains $161,299.70.

Thank you all so much for your support along the way! We’re so excited to finally be moving forward with this project. We’ll issue another update as soon as we can!

The 2024 Volunteer Service Awards

Six of our volunteers were recently invited to the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards in London as thanks for their dedication to the museum! Colleen Sawyer, pictured below, was accepting her pin commemorating five years of service with the museum. We very much appreciate your help and support, Colleen!

Three individuals standing in front of a stage

Left to right: Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, Museum Volunteer Colleen Sawyer, and London North Centre MPP Terence Kernaghan

As a non-profit charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of our volunteers to preserve and celebrate our local history. Their efforts range from curating exhibits and organizing events to preserving archives and engaging with visitors. Without their unwavering commitment, our mission to educate and inspire the community through our rich cultural heritage would not be possible. Their hard work and enthusiasm inspire us daily, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support. To all our volunteers, thank you for being the heart and soul of the Aylmer-Malahide Museum and Archives.

Where Is Your Family From?

May 16, 2024

We were so incredibly lucky to host the Leaving Canada exhibit recently! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by, and to the exhibit’s sponsors:  Mennonite Community Services of Southern Ontario, the Norfolk Community Help Centre, and the Mennonite Central Committee. Additional thanks to the exhibit’s developers, the Mennonite Heritage Village, the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, and the Plett Foundation. We had a great turnout, with 550 people attending the exhibit, including 280 students! We are very grateful to have received over $1,000 in donations from visitors attending the exhibit and partaking in the tours offered by MCS.

Our “Share Your Story” room prompted visitors to tell us where their families are from. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to share their heritage with us! It’s so heartwarming to see that our community is so diverse.

Sticky notes gathered on a wall around text that reads, "where is your family from?" The sticky notes have various countries and cities written on them.

Congratulations to Our Third 50/50 Winner!

April 23, 2024

We drew the winner of our most recent 50/50 raffle on April 1st! Congratulations to Al Hooghiem for winning half of the $710 pot in a stunning display of good luck. Special thanks to Al and to everyone who purchased tickets! We were able to put $355 towards our Relocation Project.

Our next 50/50 raffle through Rafflebox is scheduled to begin on May 1st and will end on July 31st, to be drawn on August 1st. Check back with us later this month for more details!

Link to our RaffleBox raffle

 

Please play responsibly. For mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services, get in touch with ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or at connexontario.ca.

Licence # RAF1375246

Unusually Low Swan Statistics This Year

March 27, 2024

The Aylmer Wildlife Management Area saw a peak of 386 tundra swans on March 10th, as reported by the Elgin Stewardship Council—this unexpected low surprised many swan enthusiasts, with a peak of 4,300 swans visiting in 2023. Totalling the daily number of swans in 2023, we saw over 37,000 swans; in contrast, the daily swan numbers in 2024 total 2,351 as of March 27. The trend of unusually few swans was common throughout southern Ontario, with the Lambton Heritage Museum reporting a maximum of only 1,000 visiting swans at once.

Our contacts at the Elgin Stewardship Council speculate that the unusually warm winter is to blame for the lack of swans. Elgin Stewardship Council Director and Aylmer Wildlife Management Area Manager Ron Casier, in consultation with biologists following the migration, provided some context to museum staff.

We received many reports that tundra swans were sighted in the Aylmer and Malahide areas much earlier than expected. With the mild weather, the tundra swans seem to have begun their journey westward in January of this year. Many swans likely made the journey on the night of the full moon on February 24ᵗʰ. Birds tend to favour clear, moon-lit nights for their migrations.

The tundra swans that stop by the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area usually winter in Chesapeake Bay in the United States, positioned between Virginia and Maryland. With the warm weather, fewer swans may have wintered so far south as Chesapeake. From a position northward, Aylmer wouldn’t necessarily be along the swans’ flight path to return to their breeding grounds in northern Canada and Alaska.

Swans that did take the usual route may not have been compelled to stay in the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area. Having experienced an easy winter, birds weren’t necessarily relying on the Wildlife Area as a food source along the way.

Altogether, we’ve witnessed a strange migration this year! Many of us were holding out hope that larger numbers would come later in the month, but it seems that we’re currently seeing the tail end of the migration.

Wildlife Area Manager Ron Casier likened the low swan count to the 2019 migration, when planned maintenance to the Wildlife Area necessitated draining some of its water, and prevented many swans from landing. The migration progressed as planned in 2020, and we hope that tundra swan numbers will likewise recover in 2025.

In collaboration with the Elgin Stewardship Council and Eastlink, we plan to continue updating the Swan Line ((519) 773-7926) with daily statistics until the end of this week (Friday, March 29, 2024). The Aylmer Wildlife Management Area remains open for visitors, though interpretation services will be unavailable for the remainder of the migration.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Elgin Stewardship Council for their efforts in taking care of the tundra swans and the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area, as well as for counting the swans each day. We would also like to thank Ron Casier for his valuable assistance in helping our staff understand this year’s migration.

 

 

View the Swan Line here.

 

 

Featured image courtesy of David Helsdon

Sponsor Spotlight

March 22, 2024

We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Jackpot Time Gaming Entertainment for affording us the funds to purchase four new mannequins for our featured exhibit, The Roaring Twenties: Flappers, Fashion, and Freedom! This exhibit, available at 14 East St. until November, explores how the social changes of the 1920s were reflected in women’s clothing and fashion. We’re very lucky to have some wonderful examples of 1920s dresses in our collection, and we’re very excited to be able to display them with Jackpot Time’s help!

Photograph of four mannequins on a stage, wearing dresses from the 1920s. The central mannequin wears a turqoise-coloured, short-sleeved, ankle-length dress decorated with glass beads.

The dress in the centre of the image above was a belonging of the McLay family of Aylmer. It likely belonged to Kathleen (Lashbrook) McLay (October 24, 1894-December 8, 1982), a registered nurse and wife to Dr. Homer Garfield McLay. This handmade georgette dress with built-in slip, short, openwork sleeves, and a drop waist, was painstakingly hand-decorated with transparent glass seed beads.

Illustration of a woman wearing an "Egyptian Revival" dress, orange in colour, with a sash around her waist.

Above: Illustration from a McCall’s brand sewing pattern published in 1923.


The dress may have been made with the “Egyptian Revival” of the 1920s in mind. Archaeologist Howard Carter opened King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings on February 16, 1923. The grave goods and scenes painted along the walls of the burial chamber captured the world’s imagination, giving rise to an artistic style called the “Egyptian Revival”. This art movement mimicked the motifs of Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern art and architecture. The skirt of this dress is reminiscent of the combination of sheath, sheer tunic, and sash that women would wear during the Egyptian New Kingdom. 

 

Please consider joining us to learn more! Additional thanks to Jackpot Time for their assistance in displaying these beautiful dresses.

 

A special thank you to our supporter Jackpot Time Gaming Entertainment. Throughout the year, we are very grateful to receive funds from our participation in bingos at Jackpot Time in St. Thomas. Through this program, the museum receives funds monthly that we can use towards the preservation and maintenance of our collection. We are also able to fund a portion of staff salary to work on the collection. We are very grateful to be one of the charities that receive funds through the charitable gaming program, and very thankful for the volunteers that assist us with bingos each month. 

The Swans Are Coming!

February 29, 2024

The Tundra Swan Line (available at (519) 773-7926 and graciously provided by Eastlink) is live as of February 1st.

The swans are expected to arrive in the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area in late February or early March, on their annual migration from their wintering grounds around Chesapeake Bay to their mating grounds in the high Arctic.

The Swan Line will be updated daily with current numbers of swans, as provided by the Elgin Stewardship Council.

Visitors are welcome to view the swans at the Wildlife Area, and all viewing stands will be open this year.

For more information and current swan numbers, visit our Tundra Swan Line page.

 

 

 

Featured image courtesy of David Helsdon.

Opening New (Actually Very Old) Doors!

January 18, 2024

We are excited to share some great news!
For several months, a malfunctioning automatic door opener at 14 East St. was causing difficulties for visitors trying to access the museum and enjoy the exhibits. We had to address the issue promptly to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
With the support of a $1850 grant from the Aylmer Area Community Foundation, we were able to address this issue. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the board of the foundation for their help in making these accessibility improvements possible.
We hope that these improvements will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the museum and its exhibits!

Three people posing with a presentation cheque

Aylmer Area Community Foundation Director Dan Axford, Office Manager Kathi Vandermeer, and Collections Manager Sarah Bentley

Congratulations to Our Second 50/50 Winner!

January 17, 2024

We drew the winner of our most recent 50/50 raffle on December 27th! Congratulations to Kathy and John Fuller for winning half of the $1,140 pot. Special thanks to Kathy and John and to everyone who purchased tickets! We were able to put $570 towards our Relocation Project.

Our next 50/50 raffle through Rafflebox is scheduled to begin on February 1st, and will end on March 31st, to be drawn on April 1st. Check back with us later this month for more details!

Link to our RaffleBox raffle

Three people and a presentation cheque

Museum Director Rebecca Horeth, 50/50 winner Kathy Fuller, and Museum Chair Ron Sawyer

Community Services Recovery Fund

November 23, 2023

We’re excited to share some news that directly impacts our mission at the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives. Thanks to the Community Services Recovery Fund, a generous initiative by the Government of Canada, we’ve been awarded a $38,000 grant, distributed by Community Foundations of Canada and the Aylmer Area Community Foundation.

AACF and Museum representatives photographed in Monteith ParkAylmer Area Community Foundation Board Member Dennis Boadway, Collections Manager Sarah Bentley, and Office Manager Kathi Vandermeer. Image courtesy of the Aylmer Area Community Foundation.

This grant, part of a $400 million investment, aims to support community service organizations in adapting and modernizing post-COVID-19. The Government of Canada delivered the Community Services Recovery Fund through three National Funders – Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada. As we navigate these challenges, we’re grateful for the recognition of our role in the community and the acknowledgment of the evolving needs we face.

In response to the funding, we have hired a consultant to review our governance and bylaws. This strategic move will help us strengthen community ties, enhance membership and volunteer efforts, refine fundraising strategies, and invest in digital infrastructure. Additionally, part of the grant will be used to purchase three laptops, supporting research and volunteer activities.

A big thank you to the Aylmer Area Community Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Government of Canada for their support. Your commitment to community well-being and recognizing the crucial role organizations like ours play is deeply appreciated.

Thank you, Aylmer Area Community Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Government of Canada, for investing in the future of Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives and empowering us to serve our community better.

Thank You for Attending the Tour of Homes!

November 22, 2023

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives Tour of Homes Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the Tour of Homes such an incredible success! We had a record year, with over 700 people participating in the tour, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

A special thank you to the homeowners for opening their homes for the tour!

  • Donna and Ken Gallagher
  • Karen and Keith Hunt
  • Barb and Dan Pede
  • Leah and Andrew Sleegers

The Tour of Homes Committee & Decorators

  • Bozena Boadway
  • Julie Cox
  • Brigitte Fedorowich
  • Yvonne Gavey
  • Jacquie Jeffery
  • Larry Jeffery
  • Sandra Nesbitt
  • Barb Pede
  • Dan Reid
  • Kara Stanley
  • Sue Shackleton
  • Michele Toth
  • Amanda VandenWyngaert
  • Kathi Vandermeer
  • Tricia Van Gorp
  • Deb Waite

Merchants, Contributors, & Ticket Sellers

Thank you to the myriads of volunteers who staffed the homes even though not members of the museum. Thank you to the local businesses who placed advertisements in our ticket, donated door prizes, and provided samples. Finally, thank you to the community and tour-goers; without your support and enthusiasm, the tour would not have been such a success!

Please check back again next year to join us for our 20th tour!

The Return of the Tour of Homes

October 15, 2023

The 19th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes

The volunteers of the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives are pleased to announce that the Annual Christmas Tour of Homes will be returning in November of 2023 after a three-year hiatus. We’re so excited to show you what we have in store! Learn more on the Tour of Homes webpage here.

The 2023 Christmas Tour of Homes is scheduled for Friday, November 17ᵗʰ, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturday, November 18ᵗʰ, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets will be for sale in advance on this website, at 14 East St., or through participating retailers, and for sale during the tour itself at 14 East St. and at each of the four participating homes. Tickets will be for sale for $20 each.

Date and Time
Friday, November 17ᵗʰ
4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, November 18ᵗʰ
1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Tickets
$20 each
Kids aged 12 and under free!

Buy your tickets here or add them to your cart below!

$25.00Read more

The Homes

456 Talbot Street West

456 Talbot St.W. A two-storey-home, ranch-style, with a semicircular driveway. Partially obscured by lush gardens.

This home was custom-built in the mid-1960s. The current homeowners purchased the house in 2002, and have spent the last 20 years making it their home. Enjoy this home’s lovingly scaped property and serene gardens.

80 South Street West

80 South St. W. A home composed of grey cobblestone and intricate timberwork.

A craftsman-inspired home, constructed in 2019 with extensive use of local trades and supplies. This property features beautiful timber framing and exhaustive attention to detail. The homeowners recently settled on this property as their retirement home.

170 Caverly Road

8394 Caverly Rd. A single-storey red-brown brick home with a double-car garage. partially obscured by and surrounded by pine trees.

This home was constructed in 1955 under the Veterans’ Land Act. The homeowner lived just down the street from this property, and dreamed of one day owning it. She and her husband purchased it in 2003. They enjoy the privacy of their backyard and its towering pines.

8394 Imperial Road

8394 Imperial Road. A single-storey grey brick farmhouse-style home, with a three-car garage.

This home was constructed by DeSutter Homes in 2019, in a popular modern farmhouse style. It was built with family in mind, boasting an open concept and four bedrooms. The homeowners enjoy hosting friends and family, especially in the downstairs family space with its giant screen and wet bar.

 

About the Tour of Homes

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum Volunteers’ annual Christmas Tour of Homes began in 2001. This fundraiser was developed to benefit the museum’s operation and raise awareness of local businesses. It is now a Christmas tradition for many locals and visitors from all over Ontario and beyond. Four unique, interesting and/or historical homes are chosen in the Aylmer Area. These homes are decorated for Christmas and then opened for participants to tour. This is a major fundraiser for the museum. Many volunteer hours and support from homeowners and local businesses go into making this an annual success.

Tour of Homes Logo

At the Going Down of The Sun

We are pleased to announce the publication of At the Going Down of the Sun: The Fallen of Aylmer and Malahide, 1939 to 1945, written by James L. McCallum.

At the Going Down of the Sun aims to honour and biograph the soldiers of Aylmer and Malahide who lost their lives during WWII. It pays tribute to those listed on the Aylmer Cenotaph, those whose casualties were reported in the Aylmer Express, and those who died at the No. 14 Service Flying Training School in Aylmer.

This book was researched and written by James L. McCallum, who graciously gave his work to the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives to profit from its publication.

Copies sell for $35 for non-members and for $30 to members.

The Aylmer Express is currently printing this publication! Check back here to find out when it’s in stock.

View the book in our online shop here or add it to your cart below!

$35.00Add to cart

We will be hosting a book launch on Thursday, October 26th, from 7 PM to 9 PM, at 75 Talbot St. E. The launch will coincide with the opening reception of our complimentary exhibit, which examines the impact of WWII on our community. We hope to see you there!

James L. McCallum is a genealogist and historian with extensive family ties to Malahide Township. James is a member and past chair of the Elgin County Branch of the Elgin Genealogical Society, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives. At the Going Down of the Sun is his sixth book, and he plans to publish a seventh in 2024.

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives extends its sincere and enthusiastic thanks to author James McCallum. Jim has been an unyielding source of support since he joined our organization in 2022. We are so very grateful for his insight, passion, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of our heritage. The museum thanks Jim for the opportunity to collaborate on this publication, and for his offer to contribute its proceeds to our charitable cause. 

This project was sponsored by the Aylmer Express, the Royal Canadian Legion Colonel Talbot Branch No. 81, the Springfield Swans, Rosemary Kennedy, and James L. McCallum.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon

Thank You for Attending Mayhem at the Museum!

August 23, 2023

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our recent murder mystery, Mayhem at the Museum! We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Through this event, we were able to raise $910 for our Relocation Project. With your help, our new location will be a vibrant community hub that celebrates our local history.

Special thanks to everyone who made the event possible!

  • Writer, director, and actor Ron Sawyer
  • Actors Rebecca Horeth, Larry Jeffery, Colleen Sawyer, Dan Reid, Laurie Reid, and Kathi Vandermeer
  • Caterers Helen Voros and Marg Reynaert
  • The Royal Canadian Legion Colonel Talbot Branch 81
  • Museum volunteers Deb Waite, Chris Dancey, Jeanette Pesall, Betty Segui, and Rosemary Kennedy
  • Everyone who attended!

We’re so pleased that our first try at this event went so well! We hope to be able to host another murder mystery dinner theatre event next year. Stay tuned!

 

Actors of Mayhem at the Museum
Left to right: Rebecca Horeth as Lindsay Doyle, Ron Sawyer as Ted Sturgeon, Larry Jeffery as Bill Broadsheet, Colleen Sawyer as Charmain Bungalow, Dan Reid as Gregori Popov, Laurie Reid as Anne Teak, and Kathi Vandermeer as Ada Yeserno
Attendees and the action on stageTheatre-goers and the action onstage

Old and Classic Car Show

August 16, 2023

We’re pleased to announce that we will be hosting a car show on Saturday, September 9ᵗʰ, from 9 AM to 3 PM, at Saxonia Hall.

Come on out to see some cool cars, enjoy some great food, and enter to win a 50/50 raffle!

Proceeds from car registration and raffle sales will benefit our Relocation Project.

Car aficionados are welcome to bring a car and register as an exhibitor!

We’d love to see your oldest cars!

All registered exhibitors will be entered into a draw to win a driver draw prize. Driver draw prizes will be provided by local businesses, to be determined.

Prizes will be awarded to the best cars, as decided by registrants.

Registration will be open from 8 to 9 am. Price for registration remains to be determined.

Email info@aylmermuseum.ca to pre-register. Pre-registry does not require pre-payment.

We hope to see you there!

Frankie and the Fairlanes: Lucky 13

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives is pleased to be partnering with Frankie and the Fairlanes for Aylmer’s showing of Lucky 13, the band’s latest concert. Join us at 7:30 PM on Saturday, October 21ˢᵗ at the Old Town Hall Theatre for a night you won’t forget! Frankie and the Fairlanes are kindly donating a portion of the proceeds to our Relocation Fund.

It’s Frankie and the Fairlanes 13th season of Quality Rock n Roll so hang on tight kidz as the band blasts thru some cool blasts from the past. Rockabilly hits by Elvis, Wayne Cochran and Gene Vincent, Surfin’ tunes by all the West Coast greats and the music from the golden era of Las Vegas are just the tip of the Rock n Roll iceberg! And as always, the energy, the humour and all the crazy fun that has made Frankie and the Fairlanes a crowd pleasin’ favourite for nearly 20 years!

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 5 get in for free! Tickets will be available for sale through this website, at the Aylmer-Malahide Museum (14 East St., Aylmer), and at the Aylmer IDA (6 Talbot St. W., Aylmer). Tickets purchased through this website will be held at the door for their respective attendees. Please leave us your name at checkout and we’ll be sure your tickets are waiting for you on the night of the 21st!

Tickets
Adults: $20
Kids 12 and under: $10
Kids 5 and under: Free!
Purchase online, at 14 East St., Aylmer, or at Aylmer IDA

$20.00Read more


Location
Aylmer’s Old Town Hall Theatre
38 John St. S.,
Aylmer, ON
N5H 2C2

Date and Time
October 21ˢᵗ, 2023
7:30 PM
Doors open at 6:30 PM

 

Extending our Rolling Storage!

July 28, 2023

We were very excited to be able to extend our range of rolling shelves for our general artifact collection recently! With the funds we received through our volunteers’ assistance at Jackpot Time Gaming Entertainment, we were safely able to re-house bays three through nine. That’s up to 270 boxes of artifacts! The rolling system of shelving is a huge space-saver, and we couldn’t be happier.

A special thank you to our supporter Jackpot Time Gaming Entertainment. Throughout the year, we are very grateful to receive funds from our participation in bingos at Jackpot Time in St. Thomas. Through this program, the museum receives funds monthly that we can use towards the preservation and maintenance of our collection. We are also able to fund a portion of Sarah Bentley’s salary to work on the collection. We are very grateful to be one of the charities that receive funds through the charitable gaming program, and very thankful for the volunteers that assist us with bingos each month. Learn more about Jackpot Time here.

A Big Thank You to the Family of Pat Johnston!

July 27, 2023

We’re incredibly grateful to have received a substantial $10,000 donation from the family of Pat Johnston towards our Relocation Project! We were able to meet with the family to celebrate the donation recently. Many thanks to Rob Perry for this wonderful photo!

Thanks to this generous contribution, we are taking significant strides towards realizing our relocation and renovation project. The funds will play a crucial role in creating a vibrant community hub that celebrates our local heritage.

Presentation of $10,000 to the Aylmer-Malahide Museum in memory of Pat Johnston

Left to right: Jenelle Krahn, Nora Krahn, Lindsay Williams, Hannah Krahn, Matthew Smale, D.J. Smale, Kim Smale, Roland Krahn, Museum Office Manager Kathi Vandermeer, and Museum Board Chair Ron Sawyer.

Pat Johnston was a dedicated supporter of the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives for many years, and she is sorely missed. Patricia Muriel “Pat” (Ryan) Johnston was originally from Saskatchewan but moved to Aylmer in the early 1950s. Like many locals following WWII, she found employment at Aylmer’s RCAF base, as a payroll administrator. She married fellow RCAF employee, Ralph Johnston, in 1954. The two owned and operated Ralph Johnston Motors Ltd. for over 35 years. Pat passed away on October 21, 2021, at the age of 93. Her obituary describes her as “a very independent woman who adored her family, valued and appreciated her friends and cherished her house and little black car.” Readers can view her obituary here.

As we remember and honour Pat’s life, we are truly grateful for the opportunity to commemorate her legacy through this generous gift, and we will ensure that her memory lives on in the new space we create for generations to come.

Mayhem at the Museum

June 29, 2023

A night of fine food and even finer entertainment! Join the Aylmer-Malahide Museum for a trivia night, but keep an eye out for a sinister someone lurking in the crowd. Can you find the culprit after the night takes a tragic turn of events?

We’re so excited to present our first murder mystery dinner theatre event! Join us on August 19, 2023, at 6:30 PM at the Aylmer Legion for a night of interactive theatre and a three-course meal. All proceeds will go to our Relocation Fund.

Tickets are $30 each and are for sale only in advance. Please stop by the museum at 14 East St. or visit our gift shop to purchase yours today! Tickets purchased through this website will be held at the door for their respective attendees. Please leave us your name at checkout and we’ll be sure your tickets are waiting for you on the night of the 19th!

August 19, 2023
6:30 PM

Royal Canadian Legion
Colonel Talbot Branch 81
211 John Street North
Aylmer, ON

$30 each
For sale in advance only.
Purchase online or at 14 East St., Aylmer

$40.00Read more


 

A Warm Welcome to Our Summer Students!

June 7, 2023

We were very excited and fortunate to be able to hire summer students to help us keep everything running smoothly. Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs are huge supporters of this endeavour! Many thanks to Aidan Haldenby and Morgan Kerr for joining the team and for helping us to photograph, list, and enter our collection into the database. We’re very grateful to have Aidan join us for the second summer in a row and to have Morgan join the team!

 

Aidan Haldenby

Aidan Haldenby is a resident of Aylmer and is currently studying Health Sciences at Western University. He is looking forward to helping preserve the heritage of Aylmer and Malahide. Additionally, his goal is to digitize the Museum’s General Artifact Collection, as well as the Textile Collection.

Photograph of summer student Aidan Haldenby

Morgan Kerr

Morgan Kerr is a recent graduate of East Elgin Secondary School. She will be attending Western University for English Literature in the fall. Morgan is looking forward to continuing the digitization of our oversized archival materials this summer!

 

Summer student Morgan Kerr

Many thanks to Hills Pharmacy!

May 30, 2023

We are thrilled to express our deepest gratitude to  Hills Pharmacy for their contribution of $10,000 to our Relocation Project! We met with pharmacists and owners Julie LeClair and Chris Sawler recently, along with Julie’s daughter, Ellory, to commemorate the donation. Thanks to Rob Perry for this wonderful photo!

With Hills Pharmacy’s generous contribution, we are one step closer to making our relocation and renovation project a reality. The funds will be instrumental in creating enhanced exhibition spaces, improving storage facilities for our growing collection, and developing a vibrant community hub where history enthusiasts can gather, learn, and engage with the rich heritage of Aylmer and Malahide.

 

Left to right: Pharmacist Julie LeClair, Ellory LeClair, Pharmacist Chris Sawler, Museum Office Manager Kathi Vandermeer, Museum Director Rebecca Horeth, Museum Chair Ron Sawyer, Museum Curator Amanda VandenWyngaert

About Hills Pharmacy

We are so grateful to be able to partner with such a long-standing pillar of our community! The building that houses Hills has been a pharmacy since 1869, when it opened under pharmacist Lewis Gundry in a business partnership with his brother, Charles Gundry. The brothers sold the business to J.E. Richards around 1886, who in turn sold it to Ray Lemon in 1907. Stan Durkee (of Durkee’s Ltd.) purchased the business in 1946, and hired a pharmacist to handle the drug department.

Godfrey Hill
Godfrey Hill’s graduation photograph, 1943

John Hill
John Hill’s graduation photograph, 1943

John and Godfrey Hill grew up in Tillsonburg, where they interacted with a pair of pharmacist brothers and were inspired to go into pharmacy, themselves. Both graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1943, and shortly enrolled for service in WWII. Upon returning from service, the pair decided to tour Highway 3 to find a place to settle down and establish a business. Godfrey Hill recalled knocking on doors, asking around about pharmacies for sale. Stan Durkee sold his pharmacy to the Hill brothers on August 12, 1946, only a few months after purchasing it, himself.


Listen to our 1986 interview with Godfrey Hill above. We apologize for the audio quality!

Godfrey’s son, Tom, joined the business as a pharmacist and co-owner after John Hill’s retirement in 1981. Godfrey’s daughter, Tracey, and John’s son, Rowland, were also integral to the operation of the pharmacy. Tom Hill’s daughter, Julie, purchased the business alongside fellow pharmacist Chris Sawler in 2020.

Learn more about the Hill family and Hills Pharmacy in our recent publication, Just What the Doctor Ordered!

Thank you!

We are beyond lucky to have such incredible businesses and individuals in our community who believe in our mission. We extend our deepest gratitude to Hills Pharmacy for their exceptional generosity and support.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments on our Relocation Project. We couldn’t do it without your support, and we can’t wait to embark on this new chapter together.

 

MCS Charity Food Fest

May 29, 2023

We’ll have a small information table at the MCS Charity Food Fest this year. We’ll have information on our relocation along with information on our Mennonite History Project. Questionnaires for the history project will be available if anyone would like to participate.

Find us and the Food Fest at the Aylmer Sales Barn between 10 AM and 2 PM on Saturday, June 10th.

Geranium Heritage House Tour

May 8, 2023

Take a stroll through the tree-lined streets of Woodfield in the heart of London and learn about the history and architecture of this delightful neighbourhood. Pick up your map and informative brochure at the starting point, Lord Roberts Public School, any time between 12:00 and 5:00. Enjoy guided interior tours of 8 sites and end your afternoon with lemonade and cookies at our refreshment stop.

First named “Geranium Walk” – later the “Geranium Heritage House Tour” – because homes open to tour-goers are marked with red geraniums. Tickets include a keepsake booklet including descriptions of the streetscapes, a map of the tour route, as well as explanations of the exterior and the interiors of the homes on display. Afternoon refreshments are offered at a public building included in the Tour.

Geranium Heritage House Tours have been held every year, each in a different historic neighbourhood, on the first Sunday in June attracting a sell-out attendance of 500+ visitors.

The Tours have encouraged people to appreciate London’s architectural heritage, provide publicity for the branch, as well as being a flagship fundraiser.

This year’s tour, Woodfield Ramble, will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT. The tour starts at Lord Roberts Public School, 440 Princess Avenue London, ON N6B 2B3. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the tour day. Tickets are available at Tuckey Hardware, Jill’s Table, Featherfields, and online via Eventbrite (Eventbrite fees apply).

Façade Facelift!

April 25, 2023

We’ve given our façade a minor facelift! Many thanks to Jackpot Time Gaming Entertainment for giving us the funds for our brand-new Cricut machine. We were able to use it to cut the vinyl for our awnings!

A special thank you to our supporter Jackpot Time Gaming Entertainment. Throughout the year, we are very grateful to receive funds from our participation in bingos at Jackpot Time in St. Thomas. Through this program, the museum receives funds monthly that we can use towards the preservation and maintenance of our collection. We are also able to fund a portion of Sarah Bentley’s salary to work on the collection. We are very grateful to be one of the charities that receive funds through the charitable gaming program, and very thankful for the volunteers that assist us with bingos each month. Learn more about Jackpot Time here.

Additional thanks to the Aylmer Express for printing a graphic for our front door, as well!

 

Collections Manager Sarah Bentley paints the awnings

 

 

Witness

Presenting Witness: an extensive exhibition from the collection of local photographer David Ritchie. On display will be images of people, places, signs, landscapes, sports, buildings and more.

The Witness exhibit is a benefit to raise funds for necessary renovations needed at 75 Talbot St. E., the future home of the Aylmer-Malahide Museum and Archives. Mounted prints with signed mats will be available for purchase at $40 each, ready to fit a standard-size 11×14 inch picture frame. Each print sold will contribute $30 to the Museum renovation funds.

A select number of rare framed vintage b&w darkroom prints will also be available. The only remaining poster of Heritage Aylmer, a Ritchie poster printed in 2003 will also be offered. 25% from sales of these rare prints will be contributed to the Museum renovation funds.

Witness will be exhibited at 75 Talbot St. E. in Aylmer. The opening will be held on April 22ⁿᵈ, from 7 to 10 pm, and the gallery will be open on April 23ʳᵈ, 29ᵗʰ, and 30ᵗʰ from 12 to 6 pm. We will happily arrange private viewings, and interested parties can email info@aylmermuseum.ca or photog@amtelecom.net, or call (519) 773-9723 for more information.

Many thanks to the Aylmer Area Community Foundation for their generous support of this event.

About the Artist

David Ritchie came to Elgin county in 1976, first living east of Mapleton. He has resided in the Aylmer area since that time. As a self-employed photographer, he concentrated on industrial and commercial work. In the late 80s, he purchased Maxwell’s Camera in Aylmer and operated there until 2001. The store offered custom framing, photo processing, supplies and equipment. For several years there was also a portrait studio, however formal portraiture held little interest for Ritchie and the studio was replaced with a colour film processing and printing lab to compliment the black & white darkroom.

He resisted the change to digital photography until 2008, continuing with his love for black & white, hand printing fine-art archival enlargements. Presently, Ritchie is semi-retired and continues to do some custom framing, photo restorations and sales of his photographs.

 

Celebrating 150 Years of Railway History

February 21, 2023

We were pleased to participate in an event to commemorate the 150th anniversary of railway operations in Aylmer and Malahide this afternoon.

We were joined by Ferroequinologist David Harding, Town Crier David Phillips, Aylmer Councillor and Museum Director Arthur Oslach, Museum Board Chair Ron Sawyer, Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw, Malahide Councillor and Museum Director Sarah Leitch, and long-time museum volunteer Betty Segui. The event was held at the rail line adjacent to Elgin Feeds, at the former site of the Aylmer railway station. David Harding is the proud owner of a four-wheeled handcar, a small, passenger-powered vehicle used to transport small groups of people along rail lines. With guests aboard Mr. Harding’s handcar, Mr. Phillips cried a proclamation to commemorate the event. Mr. Harding and those aboard then operated the handcar, travelling a short distance along the tracks.

The Great Western Railway’s “Air Line” brought the railway into Aylmer. The inaugural run was in February 1873, with Malahide Councillor Thomas Nairn and other Great Western directors aboard. The Canada Southern Railway would open in June 1873, with stations in Kingsmill, Little Aylmer, and Springfield. Transportation of products and materials in and out of Aylmer and Malahide facilitated a boom in local industry.

Many thanks to Mr. David Harding for organizing the event. Additional thanks to:

  • Elgin Feeds for hosting us!
  • Town Crier David Phillips
  • Aylmer Councillor Arthur Oslach
  • Museum Board Chair Ron Sawyer
  • Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw
  • Malahide Councillor Sarah Leitch
  • Museum Volunteer Betty Segui
  • Museum Finance Chair Dan Reid
  • Museum Director Larry Jeffery
  • John Cairn
  • The Aylmer Police Service
  • All those who attended!

Museum representatives aboard the railcar alongside David Harding and Ed Ketchabaw. Betty Segui and Sarah Leitch hold a red ribbon in front of the handcar.
Front row (L-R): Betty Segui, Sarah Leitch
Centre row (on handcar, L-R): Sarah Bentley, Ron Sawyer
Back row (on handcar, L-R): Arthur Oslach, David Harding, Ed Ketchabaw

Museum Finance Chair Dan Reid, ready to capture period-appropriate photographs
Museum Finance Chair Dan Reid, ready to capture period-appropriate photographs

Elgin Countyt Warden Ed Ketchabaw (left) and Elgin County Town Crier David Phillips (right)
Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw (left) and Elgin County Town Crier David Phillips (right)

Aylmer Police Officers aboard Mr. Harding's handcar
Aylmer Police officers aboard Mr. Harding’s handcar

David Harding's handcar
David Harding’s handcar

For more information on the railway history of Aylmer and Malahide, join us for our latest pop-up exhibit, On Track: The Railways of Aylmer and Malahide.

On Track: The Railways of Aylmer and Malahide

February 1, 2023

The Great Western Railway’s “Air Line” began operation in February of 1873. To celebrate 150 years of railroad heritage, we’ll be hosting a pop-up exhibit on local locomotive history and the area’s competing railways.

Join us at 75 Talbot St. E., from:

  • 11 am – 4 pm on Saturday, February 18

  • 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday, February 19

  • 11 am – 4 pm on Monday, February 20

  • 3 pm – 6 pm on Wednesday, February 22

  • 11 am – 4 pm on Saturday, February 25

  • 11 am – 4 pm Sunday, February 26

We hope to see you there!

Train at the Aylmer Grand Trunk station

A large group of people at the Springfield Canada Southern Railway station

 

Thank you for attending the art show!

December 1, 2022

We were so happy to see so many talented artists and to have so many visitors! Thank you so much to the Aylmer BIA, Wendell Graves, the Chamber of Commerce, and Miller’s Your Independent Grocer for organizing and contributing to the event.

We’re pleased to announce that we received $635 in donations at the event, and sold plenty of tickets for our gift basket draw!

View the featured artwork at the following locations through the month of December:

Healthy Life-Styles Nutrition
30 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Amber Jones
Contact: aejones@gmail.com

Hills Pharmacy
35 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Catharine Spratley
Contact: catharinespratley@gmail.com

Inclusive Communities Consulting
55 Talbot St. E.
inclusivecommunitiesconsulting
@gmail.com

Mennonite Community Services
16 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Raine Klassen
Contact: raineklassen@gmail.com

Miller’s Your Independent Grocer
125 John St. N.
Artist: Wendell Graves
Contact: wgraves9078@gmail.com

Pet Valu
150 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Gert Anckaert
Contact: artistyogigert@gmail.com
& Artist: Valaurie Carson

 

Roszell’s Furnishings
34 Sydenham St. W.
Artist: Abe Harms
Contact: aharms@amtelecom.net

Showcase East Elgin Realty
51 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Gert Anckaert
Contact: artistyogigert@gmail.com

Abby Mae’s Gluten Free Bakery
300 Talbot St. W.
Artist: Cheryl Garrett Jenkins
Contact: ruby@rubyeyes.com

BReezy’s Boutique
29 Talbot St. W.
Artist: Katrina Farrow
Contact: katrinapearlstudio@gmail.com

Campbells II
15 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Barry Acheson
Contact: bwacheson@gmail.com

Campbell’s Office Pro
17 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Andrea Martinez-Weninger
Contact: onlyspanish@hotmail.com
& Artist: Kim Nelham
Contact: mutzy.4.u@hotmail.com

Durkee’s
29 Talbot St. E.
Artist: Judy Mennill
Contact: judymennill@gmail.com

Epiphany in Aylmer
43 Talbot St. W.
Artist: Kathryn Desrosiers
Contact: kathryn.desrosiers.art@gmail.com

Flower Fountain
27 Talbot St. W.
Artist: Grayden Laing
Contact: grayden@laingstudios.com

HB Market
300 Talbot St. W.
Artist: Shirley Goddeeris
Contact: shirleyinaylmer@hotmail.com

 


We would love to see you at our next event, Christmas Through the Ages! Tickets for our gift basket raffle will be available.

Reads "THE AYLMER-MALAHIDE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES PRESENTS CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES Opening November 26, 2022 11 am to 4 pm 75 Talbot St. E. Aylmer Open 1-6 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until December 10

Gift Basket Draw

A returning tradition from our Tour of Homes, we’ll be giving away 13 gift baskets this year as a fundraiser for our Relocation Project.

We’re selling six tickets for $5.  Tickets will be available in person at our pop-up exhibit, Christmas Through the Ages, exhibited at 75 Talbot St. E., as well as online in our website’s shop.

We will be drawing on December 10th.

Gift basket themes include (hover over or tap on each theme for a list of contents):

  1. Tea
  2. Movie Night
  3. Scratch Tickets
  4. Books
  5. Play Day
  6. Birds
  7. Beer, Wine, and Hockey
  8. Honey
  9. Puzzles
  10. Coffee
  11. Wine
  12. Vintage Recipes
  13. Locally Handcrafted Bowl

Buy your tickets here!

 

Announcing the Mennonite History Project

November 3, 2022

About This Project

In the early 1950s, Mennonites began migrating from Mexico to this part of Southern Ontario. The families who stayed put down deep roots. Their legacy can be found in every corner of Aylmer and Malahide. This is evident in strong church communities, commerce, industry, and civic engagement.

As time passes and one generation follows another there is always the risk that essential parts of family and community history may be lost, forgotten or discarded. The Aylmer-Malahide Museum and Archives (A.M.M.A.) would like to partner with interested groups and individuals in preserving Mennonite stories, photographs and artifacts for future generations.

This phase of the project is focused on immigration to our area before 1972.

Community Outreach

We hope to receive the following items from the Low German Mennonite communities of Aylmer and Malahide:

  • Completed questionnaires
    These questionnaires can be submitted online or in person.
  • Historical photographs
    We would be happy to scan and return the photographs. We’re also happy to consider photographs for donation to our collection.
  • Audio/video recordings
    Please review our scheduled events to record an interview or statement in person.
  • Artifacts
    All donations to our collection (e.g. tools, utensils, clothing, heirlooms, etc.) are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

How These Materials Will Be Used

  • Museum display
    The A.M.M.A. has previously hosted exhibits focused on the experience of Mennonite migrants. One part of the proposed plans for our new building includes a dedicated room for a permanent exhibit on the Low German Mennonite experience. There may also be special exhibits in the main gallery area from time to time.
  • Research and genealogy
    The A.M.M.A. has archived tens of thousands of documents, photographs & artifacts covering the length and breadth of our shared history. These materials are made available to academics, social groups, members of the media and family historians to carry out research. The new facility will include a dedicated research room to allow for the examination of online and physical materials.
  • Publication
    The A.M.M.A., in conjunction with community partners, will often publish books or contribute to other publications which highlight some specific aspect of our history. In 2012, as part of a summer-student project, a book was published based on the settlement history of the Low German Mennonites in Aylmer and Malahide. This book focused on the stories and photographs of eight local families. This is just a small sampling of the rich and diverse history of the Mennonites.

Learn more about this project or submit a photograph here!

Christmas Through the Ages

October 26, 2022

Join us for Christmas Through the Ages, a pop-up exhibit looking at Christmas traditions and popular decorating styles through the years.

We will be holding the exhibit opening on November 26ᵗʰ between 11 am and 4 pm, during which visitors can enjoy complimentary refreshments and enter to win a door prize. The exhibit will be open from 1-6 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays over the following two weeks, including:

  • November 29

  • December 1

  • December 3

  • December 6

  • December 8

  • December 10

Exhibited at our new building located at 75 Talbot Street East.

Donations to the AMMA Relocation Project and non-perishables for the Aylmer Corner Cupboard Food Bank are gratefully accepted.

We hope to see you there!

Postcard depicting Santa Claus in profile amid decorative garlands.

Black and white image of a young girl looking up at a mobile.

 

The Mennonite History Project: AEMMC

October 21, 2022

As part of the first phase of our Mennonite History Project, we will be visiting the Aylmer Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church on Saturday, October 22ⁿᵈ, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

The purpose of the Mennonite History Project is to preserve Mennonite stories, photographs, and artifacts for future generations. We are particularly interested in the groups which arrived from the 1950s-1970s.

What to Bring

  • Completed questionnaires
    These can be completed online here ahead of time, OR you may instead complete a paper copy available from the church office.
  • Photographs—These can be donated or scanned and returned.
  • Your stories
    For willing participants, we would like to do an audio-video recording of you telling your own story. You may choose to read something you have written or to do it interview-style. Please sign up for one of the 15-minute sessions online here OR contact the church office (519-719-1383; office@aemmc.ca).
  • Artifacts
    In addition to photographs, the museum accepts donations of many varieties of historical artifacts. This may include tools, utensils, books or Bibles, clothing, family heirlooms, etc. These items are assessed by a committee for suitability to the Museum collection. A tax receipt will be issued for all artifacts accepted to the collection. Any artifacts not accepted will be returned or redirected to another museum as the owner wishes.

Learn more about the Mennonite History Project here.

 

Original Exhibition of Artworks

Stop by our new location at 75 Talbot St. E. between 6:30 and 8:30 to attend an exhibition of local artworks, as organized by the Aylmer BIA in partnership with Wendell Graves.

The BIA will be exhibiting works in a variety of media, including but not limited to paintings, photography, and sculpture. After the exhibit, the artworks will be displayed in a variety of downtown businesses.

Donations to our Relocation Project will be gratefully accepted.

We’re excited to see everyone there!

 

Thank you for coming out to the car show!

October 3, 2022

We were pleasantly surprised to have over 90 cars turn out to our car show this past weekend! Thank you all so much for coming. We very much appreciate your time, support, and cool vehicles.  We’re pleased to report that we raised $1677 for our Relocation Project!

A major thank you to:

Our judges

  • Brian Duffett
  • Dominique Giguère
  • Ron Sawyer
  • Tom Charlton

Our driver draw donors

  • Auto Parts Centres
  • Aylmer Glass & Mirror
  • Aylmer Tire
  • Bestway Auto Supply
  • Canadian Tire
  • Duff’s Garage
  • Goodwill’s Used Cars
  • Mike Laur’s Auto
  • North End Auto
  • Wiebe’s Wheels Inc.

Our performers

  • 1962
  • The Springfield Connection

Additional thanks to M&D’s Taco Truck for catering the event and The German-Canadian Club for partnering with us for Elgin’s Oktoberfest! Thank you to our volunteers, and thank you to everyone who attended and brought a vehicle!

We hope to see you again! We have a Christmas-themed pop-up exhibit in the months of November and December, and would love to have you along.

 

Reads "THE AYLMER-MALAHIDE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES PRESENTS CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES Opening November 26, 2022 11 am to 4 pm 75 Talbot St. E. Aylmer Open 1-6 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until December 10