GVHS Awards History
List of Awards
- Honorary Life Membership
- For outstanding and prolonged contributions to the Society by a member
- Award of Honour
- For outstanding contributions to making know the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley
- Certificate or Letter of Commendation
- For assistance to the GVHS
- Arthur Davison Prize
- See Arthur Davison Prize Winners In the Up the Gatineau! section.
2011 Awards presented at the Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Marion Phelps Award awarded by the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) to Carol Martin.
- Certificate of Commendation:
- Mike Bardell - Awarded in appreciation for his efforts in designing the software application for the GVHS Textual Records Bank and for providing general technical assistance to the GVHS Archives. His contributions have greatly assisted the Society's ability to preserve its growing digital collections and to make them available to researchers on the GVHS website.
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Mary Armitage - Awarded in recognition for having served the GVHS as Treasurer for over fifteen years, and in appreciation of her efforts in maintaining the Society's financial and membership records. Her dedication and professionalism towards the GVHS's financial matters has enabled the Society to continue its mission to make known the history and heritage of the Gatineau valley.
- Margaret and Harold Reid - Awarded in recognition of their mutual dedication in marketing and distributing GVHS publications since 2003. Their efforts in managing the inventory of GVHS publications, supplying local outlets, and making them available at GVHS meetings and events, havesustained the GVHS publications program and allowed the Society to continue its mission to make known the history and heritage of the Gatineau valley.
- Award of Honour:
- Linda Bardell - Awarded in sincere appreciation for her ongoing volunteer efforts and commitment to the GVHS. Her invaluable contributions as Society Secretary and her enthusiasm in managing and adding to the Society's digital archives have permitted a wider audience to discover its digital resources about the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley.
- Robert Martin - Awarded in recognition for his ongoing support of the Society and for his many years of volunteer assistance at numerous GVHS events and activities. His contributions, especially in helping market publications at history and genealogy fairs and for assisting at the Society's Annual Auction for over 30 years, are greatly appreciated by the Society.
- Erik Rask - Awarded in appreciation for creating and maintaining the GVHS website and for undertaking innovative updates to improve access to the Society's digital resources. His contributions have permitted the GVHS to reach a wider audience in which to make known the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley.
2010 Awards presented et the Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony (Newsletter 2010-03)
- Certificate of Commendation:
- Louise Lebrun & Hector Leblanc - GVHS members, supporters, and especially good and vigilant neighbours of the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery and Cenotaph. The GVHS Cemetery Committee greatly appreciates their assistance in watching over and maintaining the beautiful gardens at historic Chelsea cemetery and war memorial for the Society's Remembrance Day Service.
- Brigid Phillips Janssen for your efforts to make the The Grange a community meeting place for Cantley and especially for continuing the Society's tradition of welcoming and honouring the troops of the Royal Canadian Regiment at the Society's Remembrance Day Service.
- John Spears in appreciation for his efforts welcoming and honouring the troops of the Royal Canadian Regiment to The Grange at the Society's Remembrance Day Service.
- Peter Jessen in appreciation for his care and concern for the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery this past year and in previous years. The GVHS Cemetery Committee greatly appreciates the assistance he provided by helping repair the Thompson grave enclosure and for providing the Society with the means to conduct the GVHS Remembrance Day Service.
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Annette Brand in recognition of over twenty years of outstanding volunteer work with the Society archives, mainly with her help in starting up the GVHS Image Bank with the Pat Evans image collections, and for continuing to help build the archives digital collection to over 7000 images. Loved by all her fellow archives volunteers as she is always so pleasant and willing to help.
- Michael Cooper in recognition of his many years of service and support for the Gatineau Valley Historical Society. His knowledge of the history of the community, his leadership, loyalty, and enthusiastic approach in all matters have been an inspiration to all who have the good fortune to work with him.
- Award of Honour:
- Low Down and Mantell family - in remembrance of journalist Ernie Mahoney - for their on-going support and promotion of the Society's mission and for contributing to preserve an important historical record of Gatineau Valley society and its significant stories.
- West Quebec Post and Ryan family - in remembrance of journalist Ernie Mahoney - for their on-going support and promotion of the Society's mission and for contributing to preserve an important historical record of Gatineau Valley society and its significant stories.
- Margaret Phillips - for an outstanding contribution to making known the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley - in appreciation for her contributions to the Society while serving on the Executive Committee. Her leadership has contributed to inventive program and activities which continue to reach an increasingly broader audience, and which also continue to maintain the Society's roots and traditions.
2009 Awards presented at the Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony (Newsletter 2009-03)
- Certificate of Commendation:
- Don Kenny in appreciation for hosting Society members on a revealing tour of Stormont County in July 2008. The GVHS is grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the efforts of the wider heritage community beyond the Gatineau Valley.
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Theresa Winfield in appreciation for her many years of tireless effort in making the GVHS Auction a success and for her dedication to the Society's efforts.
- Award of Honour:
- Peggy Atherton in appreciation of her efforts and assistance as GVHS Librarian and for her long time commitment and support for the Gatineau Valley Historical Society.
Phil Cohen in appreciation of his dedicated support of GVHS activities, for attending all our meetings, and for his passion for making known the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley.
- GVHS Archivist Emeritus
- Jay Atherton in recognition of his leadership in establishing the professional reputation of the GVHS, for his expertise in managing Society volunteers, and for instituting archival practices and secure accommodations to enable the Society to acquire and preserve the documentary heritage of the Gatineau Valley.
- He was presented with a key to the GVHS Archives by R.J. Hughes and shall be accorded the following privileges:
- He will be listed with the designation of Archivist Emeritus, where applicable.
- The Society Archives will be open to him on the same basis as that of all Society archive volunteers, and he will receive free services and products.
2008 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2008-02)
- Certificate of Commendation:
- Erik Rask in appreciation for his efforts in renovating the GVHS website.
Shirley Brown in appreciation for her efforts in innovating the delivery of the Society Newsletter.
Both the website and newsletter greatly enhance the Society's means to make known the history of the Gatineau Valley; to communicate with its members; and toassist the wider heritage community.
Richard Hofer for his leadership and assistance to the Gatineau Valley Historical Society's efforts to restore the meaning and essence of the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery after it was vandalized in December 2006.
Paul Fydenchuk for his leadership and assistance to the Gatineau Valley Historical Society's efforts to restore the meaning and essence of the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery after it was vandalized in December 2006.
The Society has been tremendously heartened by the response it received from members of the local and wider community and it is pleased to know that this community continues to recognize and cherish its significant historic places.
- Award of Honour:
- Fergus Maclaren in appreciation for his dedicated service to the Society Executive. As a member of the GVHS Executive Committee, Fergus has contributed sound judgment and advice to all the Society's activities and has an ever increasing audience of GVHS supporters.
Harold and Margaret Reid for distribution and sales of our publications. Their presence at Society meetings, as well as representing us at genealogy and history events in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, is much appreciated. Thanks to their dedication and interest, our publications are also distributed for sale to 17 stores and boutiques. We are very grateful for their enthusiasm and work on behalf of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society.
2007 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2007-03)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Vincent Hendrick for his support of the Society over many years. In particular the citation recognized Mr. Hendrick's generous contribution of land in Wakefield for the Fairbairn Museum. President Marc Cockburn stated that the property in question would add materially to the Museum and increase the attractiveness of the building to visitors.
Louise Lebrun, Caryl Green, and Peter Jessen for their help in dealing with the vandalism at the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery in December. Their assistance was seen as a fine example of civic collaboration at its best
Bob Hughes for his work in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of Chelsea School. It was as a result of his initiative and follow-through that the community and the school were made aware of this significant anniversary, and the various related events took place successfully
Preston Wilson for his initiative in having his article on the "Meech Creek Valley Girl," which originally appeared in Up the Gatineau!, volume 31, serialized in The Low Down to Hull and Back News. Preston also generously donated his fee from The Low Down to the Historical Society.
2006 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2006-02)
- Award of Honour
- Jean Perras, Mayor of Chelsea, for his effort in ensuring that the Municipality of Chelsea would enjoy the benefits of a cultural policy suitable for all its citizens, and for his support for the work of the Historical Society.
Robert Bussière, Mayor of LaPêche, for his leadership in saving from the wrecker's ball the Fairbairn House, the most historic building in Wakefield, and moving it to Hendrick's Park for development as a museum.
Mary Armitage for dedication in her duties as Treasurer of the Historical Society. Her efficiency and effectiveness contribute significantly to the activities of the Society.
Bent Nielsen for his contributions to the smooth running of the Historical Society over the years. His ongoing assistance, with activity in many areas, has helped substantially in the smooth running of the Society.
William (Bill) Gonzales for his long-time interest in the heritage of LaPêche through his leadership of the municipal Heritage Committee. His efforts have assisted us greatly in achieving our mission "to promote matters of historical or heritage significance in the Gatineau Valley."
- Letter of Commendation:
- Marcel Marchildon, Director of Planning for the Municipality of La Pèche, for his technical assistance and valuable advice on the relocation of the Fairbairn House.
Pascale Barrette, Municipal Archivist of Chelsea, for her assistance and support, especially in the development and implementation of the programs for the 130th Anniversary Celebration, as well as her positive cooperation with the Society's Archives.
Charles Cardinal, Director of Public Relations, Municipality of Chelsea, for his valued assistance and cooperation in the successful programs promoted and developed by the Society, especially.during Chelsea's 130th anniversary.
Bruce Devine, Director of Recreation and Cultural, Municipality of Chelsea, for his untiring effort in the establishment of a Cultural Policy for the Municipality
2005 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2005-02)
- Award of Honour:
- Michael Francis for his ongoing support of the Society and, in particular, his assistance in establishing a presence in the MRC de la Vallée de la Gatineau through a permanent exhibit at the Low Reception Centre.
- Certificate of Commendation:
- Joanne Hendrick who, acting on behalf of the estate of the late Leo Hendrick, helped the Gatineau Valley Historical Society save the lintel of the 1876 West Hull Township Hall, thus preserving an important element of the Township's heritage.
Linda Payne Bardell for her efforts to ensure the transfer to the Archives of the collection of photographs acquired by her mother, Gladys Cross Payne, over her lifetime. Linda has also collaborated with a team of enthusiastic volunteers to select and describe the photographs, which document the history of the Cross family in the Meech Creek Valley and the Village of Cascades.
- Certificate of Appreciation
- David and Eileen Castleman who, for three years and more, have tirelessly laboured to enter the data on the Archives' holdings of photographs into its Image Bank. Without their work, we would know not what we see!
2004 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2004-02)
- Certificate of Commendation:
- Wakefield Mill Inn: Robert Milling & Lynn Berthiaume, Innkeepers.
In appreciation for their effort in maintaining and incorporating heritage value in the design and rehabilitation of the Wakefield Grist Mill and MacLaren House.
By conserving the fundamental character of the original buildings, by making additions visually compatible, and by illustrating Wakefield's local history through the use of photographs drawn from the GVHS Image Bank, the Wakefield Mill continues to serve as an essential historic place in the community.
Les Trois Érables (Wakefield): Jim Fitzgibbons and Joanne Hunter, Hosts
In appreciation for their dedication in conserving and incorporating heritage value in the operation of "The Maples" as a Bed and Breakfast.
Through their effort to maintain architectural integrity in recent renovations, by displaying the building's social meaning through the use of photographs drawn from the GVHS Image Bank, and by marketing Society publications, Les Trois Érables continues to tell the significant stories of the community.
Wakefield General Store: The Nesbitt Family
In appreciation for their effort in incorporating heritage value in the reconstruction of the Wakefield General Store.
By including some of the original building's character-defining materials, forms, and elements in the design of the new store, by recalling the store's historic associations and meanings through the use of photographs drawn from the GVHS Image Bank, and my marketing of Society publications, the new Wakefield General Store has maintained its function as one of the community's historic meeting places.
Dépanneur M & R (Old Chelsea):
In appreciation for the effort made in marketing the Society's publications, and especially for the outstanding display of the complete works of the Society. The initiatives undertaken have contributed to the fact that M & R was the leading dealer of the seventeen retailers of GVHS publications.
Alexa Pritchard:
In appreciation for her support for the Society, in particular, her recent donation to the Archives of anextensive published genealogy of the Maxwell family, Anselm Maxwell & his Celtic Connections 1822.
This book was researched and written by Alexa Pritchard and Mary Gail Wilson. These two authors also provided the GVHS Archives with a copy of an earlier work, The Wilsons of Denholm. Both books contain valuable genealogical information, forming a marked addition to the sources available for family history research in the Gatineau Valley.
- Award of Honour:
- Douglas Cowden: for his many contributions to the work of the Historical Society since its founding in 1962. Mr. Cowden has been instrumental in the identification and improvement of what is now the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery in Chelsea, containing the graves of members of the Alexander family-in particular Bertha Alexander and her husband, Private Richard Rowland Thompson, recipient of The Queen's Scarf of Honour for valour during the South African War.
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Ernie Mahoney: in recognition of his many years of service and support for the work of the Historical Society.
His knowledge of the history of the community, his leadership, loyalty, and positive approach in all matters have been an inspiration to all who have the good fortune to work with him.
2004 Awards presented at the Annual Dinner (Newsletter 2004-03)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Wayne Rostad for his work in preserving history in the areathrough his songs and for his outstanding work in supporting communities across Canada
2003 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2003-02)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Rae Moore and Rene Nielsen, whose contributions over the years to their community (especially Chelsea) have been marked by their professionalism and dedication. They have significantly assisted the Historical Society in its activities aimed at promoting interest in the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley.
- Award of Honour:
- Lorne Shouldice for his initiative in spearheading the establishment of a new cenotaph in Wakefield recording the names of the fallen in the First and Second World Wars.
Duncan and Gudula Marshall For their mutual dedication in marketing the publications of the Historical Society in a timely and efficient manner, assisting us greatly in achieving our mission 'to promote matters of historical or heritage significance in the Gatineau Valley'.
Royal Canadian Regiment, Petawawa for the Regiment's dedication in attending the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the grave of Private Richard Rowland Thompson, QS, in the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery.
- Letter of Commendation
- Janeth McKinley for her interest and enthusiasm in support of the work of the Archives.
Charis Palmer for her assistance over the years to the Chelsea Library and the Historical Society in the distribution of our newsletter. (Ernie declared her to be our "Number 1 Administrative Assistant!".
2003 Awards presented at the Annual Dinner (Newsletter 2003-03)
- Award of Honour:
- Major John Vass, Commanding Officer, Para Company, Royal Canadian Regiment, Petawawa, with Major Warrant Officer Wayne Bartlette is presented with an Award of Honour by Ernie Mahoney, President of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society.
The award was made "in appreciation of the Regiment's dedication in attending for nearly 20 years, the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the grave of private Richard Rowland Thompson, Queen's Scarf, in the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery".
2002 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2002-02)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Anita Rutledge, whose contributions over the years to her community (especially Wakefield) have been marked by her professionalism and dedication. She has significantly assisted the Historical Society and the Municipality of LaPêche in promoting interest in the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley.
- Letter of Commendation:
- Robert J. Hughes, for his interest and enthusiasm in searching out documents (especially photographs) recording the history of the Village of Cascades and the Cascades Club, and arranging for their deposit in the Archives of the Historical Society.
- Letter of Commendation:
- Del Trudeau, for his assistance to the Society over the past year, in particular for his role in ensuring the replacement of the Trudeau family tombstone, and his work with Allan Richens in identifying the names of veterans for the memorial unveiled at the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery on November 11, 2001.
Rae Moore and Marjorie Evis for their faithful support over the years in ensuring the distribution of our bimonthly newsletter. Their assistance in facilitating effective communication with our members is appreciated by the entire Society.
2001 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2001-02)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Judith Grant
- Award of Honour:
- Adrienne Herron
Beatrice O'Byrne
William Gonzalez
- Letter of Commendation:
- Charles Cardinal
2000 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 2000-02)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Allan Richens, for many years of valuable service to the Society.
- Award of Honour:
- David Nobbs and Louise Mailloux for their work in setting up the HSG website on the Internet.
Michael Cooper for his work on the Wakefield trail and interpretive plaques.
- Letter of Commendation:
- Gordon Graham, history and geography teacher at St. Michael's School in Low, for inspiring his students to research the HSG archives and produce computer slide presentations of archival records.
1999 Awards
- Honorary Life Membership:
- David and Eileen Castleman
- Award of Honour:
- Anne Goodeve
Anette Brand
Klaus Decker
Terry Winfield
1998 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 1998-02)
- Award of Honour:
- Ann Chudleigh for her work with the Wakefield Covered Bridge Committee
Dr. David Geggie recognizing his many years of wise counsel.
Irene and Bent Nielsen for services to the Society and the community over many years.
Joan Gherson for her contribution to the success of the publication program.
- Letter of Commendation:
- Phil and Glennis Cohen for their contributions to the community of Wakefield
Winnifred Johnston who recently retired as first chair of the Lapêche Heritage Committee<
1997 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter 1997-03)
- Award of Honour:
- Allan Richens recognizing his many contributions to the Society over the years
Neil Faulkner for his invaluable work in seeing to the engineering details of the Wakefield Bridge construction
George Gould in recognition of his devotion to the development of the two protestant cemeteries in Chelsea
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Norma Walmsley in particular for her leadership role in connection with the reconstruction of the Wakefield Covered Bridge
Jay Atherton in recognition of his services as President over the past five years
- Letter of Commendation:
- Robin MacLeod and Mario Breton for their work on the Wakefield Covered bridge project
Vincent Hendrick who contributed a parcel of land fora park near the Bridge
Annette Brand for her work with the Archives over the past few years
Diane Ross who provided urgently needed storage space for the holdings of the Wakefield Mill and Maclaren House museums when they were forced out of those buildings by the NCC
Alain Piché recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Friends of the Gatineau River
1996 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter March 1996)
- Letter of Commendation:
- James Strate retiring Director of the Annual Auction
Theresa Winfield long time supporter of the annual auction and flea market
- Award of Honour:
- Malak Karsh landscape photographer of the Gatineau
Anita Rutledge leader in historical and heritage movement in Wakefield
Judith Grant Mayor of Chelsea, strong supporter of the Historical Society
1995 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter March 1995)
- Letter of Commendation:
- Joan Gherson for her sterling services in connection with the planning and distribution of the society's publications
Michael Reford in appreciation of his research on the Hetherington family and its farm, and the presentation of the Hetherington genealogy to the Archives
Anne Goodeve for her services with the Archives over the past five years
Bill Place as recognition of his services in reconstructing the operations of the Wakefield Mill
- Award of Honour:
- Janet Benedict for her devotion and skills as the Benedict family historian, including the conducting of interesting and valuable research, editing her mother's reminiscences, and presenting valuable documents and photographs to the Archives
Enid Page of our sister organization, the Aylmer Heritage Association, also received an Award of Merit, in commemoration of her role In the battle to preserve the British and Symmes Hotels In Aylmer
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Gunda Lambton in appreciation of her long and varied services to the Society - "a true lady of the arts"
1994 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter March 1994)
- Letter of Commendation:
- Ann Chudleigh and Charles Landon for their valuable leadership as co-presidents in 1988 and as president (Ann) and vice president (Charles) in 1989
Malcolm (Mike) Nelles for his service to the Society's Archives over a period of some years
- Award of Honour:
- David Castleman for his long and faithful association with the Society, including his work latterly as chair of the Finance Committee
Chelsea Elementary School where the idea had birth of procuring a tug boat which had previously been used to control the floating logs on the river, which practice had recently been brought to an end, after almost 150 years.
A double purpose, it is hoped, is to provide a new play structure at the school and to remind today's pupils and students in the future, of the reason why the vessel had been built originally.
The activities of the tugboat, and others like it, had been in our grandfathers' and great grandfathers' time the means of putting food on the family table and clothes on the backs of the family, through the wages earned in the lumbering business.
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Carol Martin in appreciation of her long and varied service to the Society. Mrs. Martin is the current editor of Up the Gatineau!
1993 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter March 1993)
- Award of Honour:
- Gilles Lachance
Gunda Lambton
Beth Macfie and Paul Fydenchuck
Colin Chrisholm posthumously
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Ray Daly for his work in support of the Maclaren House and the Wakefield Mill
1992 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter February 1992)
- Award of Honour:
- Andy Tommy for his dedication in preserving the Fairburn/McNally House in Wakefield
Ernie Mahonie in recognition of his long standing support for the Society, especially through the pages of the West Quebec Post
Commander Tony German for his many written contributions to increased history among young people as well as "oldsters"
Rae Moore and Marjorie Evis whose hard work over a number of years has contributed significantly to the communications among members of the Society
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Rolf Latté for his years of service to the Society, particularly his work with the Search for History Committee
1991 Awards
- Award of Honour:
- Ed and Lid Ryan
Diane Aldred
1990 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter February 1990)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Stuart and Norma Geggie for their initiatives in research and publicationd on the history of the Gatineau
- Award of Achievement:
- Carol Martin for her substantial contributions to the work of the Society over a number of years
- Award of Outstanding Achievement:
- Lise and Bill Jack for their renovation of the historic Dunn's Hotel (now Dawn House) in Old Chelsea
1989 Awards presented at the Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting (Newsletter March 1989)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- P.M.O. (Pat) Evans who has been a member of the Society for 26 years and currently serves as its Archivist
R.A.J. (Bob) Phillips a leader in the heritage movement in Canada, a founding director of Heritage Canada, and a former President of our Society
- Award of Outstanding Achievement:
- Diane Aldred for her history of Aylmer and excellent work with the Aylmer Historical Association
Jacques and Madeleine Mercier for their devoted work in preserving the Stevenson House in Wakefield
- Award of Recognition:
- Pierre-Louis Lapointe of the Archives nationales du Québec, founding President of the Institut d'histoire et de récherche sur l'Outaouais
1988 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter February 1988)
- Honorary Life Membership:
- Sheila Strang who was a mainstay of the Society as Secretary and Treasurer through many years
- Award of Honour:
- St. Stephens Church, Father Gauvreau for beautifully preserving and illuminating the exterior for the pleasure for all passers-by
Place 1870, Jon Purcell for saving and preserving this historic corner of Wakefield
1985 Awards presented at the Annual General Meeting (Newsletter February 1985)
- Arthur Davison Prize:
- Patrick M.O. Evans for substantial contributions to Up the Gatineau! In the first ten annual editions he has had articles in six of them and for all ten he has given invaluable advice and assistance to the editor.