cktimes.ca Archives for Cultural Musings on Chatham-Kent
Cultural Musings on Chatham-Kent
HISTORY OF BOTHWELL SPRINGS TO LIFE IN NEW BOOK
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Every now and then a book on local history is created that is so full of interesting stories, provocative pictures, fascinating anecdotes and obvious passion that it simply overwhelms you. Just such a book has been recently published by Marion Matt of Bothwell and it is a book that is sure to become the subject of a good deal of discussion over the next few months.This book (and the word "tome" might be a better description) entitled LIFE OF A BOOMTOWN was written by the noted and very well-respected, life long resident of Bothwell, Marion Matt. Marion has a reputation for doing meticulous research (for over 35 years), possessing an astounding number of local images, documents and artifacts (around 10,000!) and having an eclectic range of interests.
Ms. Matt has written six books, has been involved with tourism, drainage, photography, school programming and was the last Reeve of Bothwell (1995-98). To say that she has a firm grasp of Chatham-Kent and especially Bothwell is a gross understatement.
This deep understanding and marvelous wealth of material has been wonderfully put together into LIFE OF A BOOMTOWN. Containing over 2300 images (some dating back to the 1800s), numerous interviews, fascinating newspaper ads and a detailed historical look at EVERY major street in Bothwell (map included) this book is literally like nothing you have seen before!
As you turn the pages of the book (and once you start looking at it, you can't stop!), the entire history of Bothwell springs from the pages. Virtually every one of the pages whisks you back through the 125 year history of Bothwell as you watch homes, buildings, landscapes and streets change before your very eyes.
Even if you were a complete stranger to the area, a casual perusal of this massive book would immediately make you feel that you had an affinity with the exciting history of Bothwell and make you want to stroll the streets of Bothwell in the footsteps of Ms. Matt.
The important oil boom that arrived in Bothwell in the 1850s hit this sleepy little town like a massive explosion and in virtually no time at all eight thousand new residents crammed its streets and altered it direction, appearance and personality forever. LIFE OF A BOOMTOWN carefully reflects upon this unbelievably exciting time and carefully shows how the town developed after this boom time era.
Enchanting, humorous and historically significant images leap out at you as you turn each page. The Bothwell Tennis Club (c. 1907) and its stylish members would look very much at home along the Hudson River in the same era. A very unique picture of an early oil refining process (1870) is absolutely fascinating as is the many views of Bothwell's Main Street over the years.
There is an absolutely charming picture of a group of Red Cross girls from 1918, a fascinating picture of a 1908 chariot race winner, a cinder wagon spreading cinders on Main Street, a somber but regal horse drawn hearse from Robinson's Funeral Home (c.1890s) as well as a picture of a rare hearse sleigh used for winter funerals. Each one of these would make truly unique, one-of-a-kind prints if transferred into poster form.
Hockey and baseball teams from the early 1900s are pictured, the all important GTR Train Depot is highlighted, the stately Merchants Bank, the Joy Theatre, the Bothwell Times and dozens of other integral businesses crucial to the development of Bothwell are not only pictured but written about in clear and concise detail. The result is that you have a sympathetic feeling and deep appreciation for the development of Bothwell as well as for its historical, cultural, industrial and business progress over the last 125 years.
All in all, the book LIFE IN A BOOMTOWN is a well-written, highly entertaining and valuable resource for anyone having an interest in Canadian history, local history, the oil industry, boom town development, architecture, people, period clothes, period life and, in fact, life in general.
On Saturday April 22 (a week from to-day) the Bothwell Branch of the Chatham-Kent Library Services will be hosting a book signing for Marion from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Bothwell Library. This will be an excellent opportunity to purchase your book from Marion ( $95.00) as well as getting her to sign a copy that is destined to become a very valuable and highly sought after publication ( only a 1000 have been printed).
If you cannot make the book signing, the book will be available at Mrs. A's General Store and Lorraine's Hair Styles both of which are situated on Bothwell's historic Main Street. Copies may also be ordered by phoning Marion at (519) 695-2096. It is also hoped that copies will be made available for sale during the Doors Open celebrations on May 13th when their lovely town hall will be featured.
I highly recommend that you add this book to your local history collection. I assure you that it is a publication that you will spend hours pouring over and come back to, time and time again, as time creeps forward and the past (yours as well as the areaís) becomes even more treasured, valued and important.
Jim and Lisa Gilbert are local, national and international award winning educators and historians.
