Jean Hibbert Memorial Award, 2008
Douglas M. Willoughby
Doug is receiving the Jean Hibbert Award for his long term and valuable service to both the Etobicoke Historical Society and the James Shaver Woodsworth Homestead Foundation "Applewood".
Doug's interest in history was prompted by his Grade 13 history teacher, who taught in a way that was truly interesting and exciting. It was not just about names, places and dates: it was about the people who created our history and their personalities!
Etobicoke Historical Society:
Encouraged by his wife, Beth, Doug joined the Etobicoke Historical Society (EHS) in 1979. A few years later, when John Michele became President, Doug joined the Board as Recording Secretary. In 1983, when the Society was celebrating its 25th anniversary, Doug was appointed chairperson of the committee. Soon after he became Treasurer, a position he held for 5 years. He was then elected Vice-President, and subsequently President, a position he held until he retired in 1994. In total, he served on the Society's board with skill and good humour for over 13 years. Many subsequent Presidents have had occasion to find numerous examples of Doug's hard work and great insight in tackling problems in the Society's file and archives!
The James Shaver Woodsworth Homestead Foundation "Applewood":
Doug got involved with Applewood when he helped Norma Carrier organize their first Fall Fair in 1981. A furnishings committee was formed to decorate and furnish the Applewood. Doug served on this committee and saw the home completed furnished over a period of several years. He took over from Ruth Harper as Registrar of Acquisitions, a position he held until the year 2000. Doug continues to do a great deal of valuable volunteer work at Applewood, including hosting Doors Open Toronto, planning Concerts in the Park and leading Applewood house tours.
Doug exemplifies the heart and strength of the world of volunteerism. He has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution to the preservation of heritage in Etobicoke.
Joan Harris presenting the Jean Hibbert Memorial Award to Douglas M. Willoughby
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Robert A. Given
Robert, who is know to all of us Bob is receiving the Jean Hibbert Award for his long time interest in research, writing and long term valuable service to the Etobicoke Historical Society. Bob was one of the founding members of this Society, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
At the inaugural meeting held May 8th, 1958 Bob became the Societies Historian a position he has held ever since. It was Bob that had a co-worker at Eaton's create the Crest for the Society.
Bob Given's lifelong passion for history was sparked by Josephine Creech. Her family had a small farm on Government Road since 1830, and gave Bob the chance to type Lambton Mills Women's Institute's "Tweedsmuir History" on his grandfathers Underwood typewriter some 70 years ago.
Bob's research and writing of THE STORY OF ETOBICOKE in 1950 was to commemorate the Centennial of the Incorporation of the Township of Etobicoke 1850 – 1950. His book went into its second printing in 1973 requested by the Etobicoke Historical Society.
Bob had spent many years with the York Pioneers and Historical Society and was involved with the organizing group that formed the Etobicoke Historical Society led by Dorothy Hobbs, our late first President Frank Longstaff, along with Donald D. Gunn and E.W. "Joe" Anderson to name just a few. Once underway, the Society had a list of 81 Charter Members.
Bob had a column in the Etobicoke Press for over 5 years from 1955 to 1960 on the history of Etobicoke.
Bob was named to Etobicoke's Hall of Fame in 1974 and his picture hangs outside the Council Chamber in the Etobicoke City Hall.
It was 15 years ago that the Etobicoke Historical Society had a contest to name their newsletter, it was Bob's submission of "Aldernews" that won out over the many names submitted to the Board of Directors.
The fire still burns brightly for Bob as his latest book ETOBICOKE REMEMBERED, a comprehensive volume on the history of Etobicoke from 25,00 years ago to present day. It was during his research of the 50th anniversary of the Sunnylea School Bob located the lady who submitted the winning name for the school, living near Collingwood thus allowing her to attend the school's anniversary celebrations. Researching and writing of Etobicoke's history proved an all-consuming hobby and a labour of love for Bob that span the last 15 years or as Joyce Given says many years before that..
Bob exemplifies the heart and strength of research and writing. Bob has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution to the Etobicoke Historical Society and to the preservation of heritage in Etobicoke.
Joan Harris presenting the Jean Hibbert Memorial Award to Robert A. Given
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Here are both winners of the Jean Hibbert Memorial Award for 2008.
Seen here holding the large Memorial Plaque
along with their individual award plaques
The large plaque hangs in the Community Room of Montgomery's Inn
Robert A. Given and Douglas M. Willoughby