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December 18, 2008
For immediate release
Story Boards Highlight Clyde River History
Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour
The project was funded through a Heritage Canada grant and the Clyde River Community Council. The boards were designed and manufactured with funding from the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour.
“I am pleased to see the results of this very significant project,” said Minister Bertram. “The story boards and photo display are an impressive addition to Murchison Place Park and I congratulate everyone who worked on this project. The community of Clyde River can be very proud of this new recreational area and historical display.”
Murchison Place Park officially opened in June 2007. It was created over a two- year period with funding from the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) and volunteer effort by the residents of Clyde River. This wheelchair-accessible and tree shaded park is situated on land that was donated for community use by the Murchison family. The area contains something for residents and visitors of all ages: a play area for children, a basketball pad for youth, a wooden walking trail for fitness purposes, and a gazebo, benches and picnic tables.
Throughout the park, there are many treasures such as heritage trees, a perennial flower bed and several other flower beds, colorful birdhouses, a gnome area; and, the newest edition, story boards. The Murchison Place project has renewed interest in the history of Clyde River and a committee is now in the process of writing a community history.
Background - The Story Boards:
In June 2007 the first two story boards were erected. In the summer of 2008, Sara Richard, an Algonquin College history and museum studies student, completed research into the community’s history, which led to the creation of two more story boards. The four story boards add an interpretative value to the new Murchison Place Park.
The story board themes are as follows:
Story board #1 “The Doctor's Property” as it was known in the early 1900's when Dr. A.J. Murchison and his family lived there.
Story board #2 “Dr. A.J. Murchison” noting his contribution to health care, church and community.
Story board #3 “The Early Years” reviews the early years in Clyde River beginning with the first settlers around 1808.
Story board #4 “The Later Years” focuses on the community of Clyde River in more recent years, up to 2008.
