The Denise Harris Prize
The Denise Harris Prize was created in 2022 to recognize individuals who have contributed articles to The Aldernews, and with the intent to inspire interest in both EHS members and non-members to research and write articles for the newsletter. It is named in honour of Denise Harris whose many contributions to the Society include the more than 80 articles she wrote for the newsletter between 2009 and 2019. Each Fall a panel of judges comprised of EHS board members and volunteers review the articles in the previous volume of The Aldernews (7 issues from September to May). The winning article and author is chosen based on such criteria as depth of research, writing style, public appeal, originality and contribution to Etobicoke history.
Past Recipients
2024 - Hilary Dawson - George Cromwell: A Black Etobicoke teacher in the 1910’s
2023 - Neil Park, Bartoletti's Fountains of Islington
2022 - James Geneau, Kerr's - A Sweet Part of Etobicoke History
2023 - Neil Park, Bartoletti's Fountains of Islington
2022 - James Geneau, Kerr's - A Sweet Part of Etobicoke History
About Denise Harris
Denise Harris has been a life-long resident of Etobicoke and a long time member EHS member. Denise served on the EHS Board of Directors from 1995 to 1997 as Program Director. She then returned to the board in 2007 as Membership Secretary before becoming the President of the Society in 2008 - a position which she held until 2012. Denise then continued on with the board as Chief Historian until retiring from researching and writing in 2021 due to health challenges.
Denise has made a significant contribution in researching, recording and informing us about the history and heritage of Etobicoke. As well a her more than 80 articles for The Aldernews between 2009 and 2019, Denise wrote 105 stories between 2013 and 2018 on different aspects of Etobicoke history that were published in the Etobicoke Guardian newspaper as a regular series called History Corner.
Denise was also active in leading historical walking tours, giving presentations to community organizations on Etobicoke history, and as a member of the Etobicoke York Community Preservation Panel.
Denise has made a significant contribution in researching, recording and informing us about the history and heritage of Etobicoke. As well a her more than 80 articles for The Aldernews between 2009 and 2019, Denise wrote 105 stories between 2013 and 2018 on different aspects of Etobicoke history that were published in the Etobicoke Guardian newspaper as a regular series called History Corner.
Denise was also active in leading historical walking tours, giving presentations to community organizations on Etobicoke history, and as a member of the Etobicoke York Community Preservation Panel.