Join us on Saturday November 22 at 2:00 pm as the Langford Conservancy hosts Dr. Catharine Wilson speaking about her book “Being Neighbours” at the Langford Schoolhouse (1694 Colborne St. E, Brantford). Wilson researched cooperative work bees and reciprocity in rural Ontario through 1830-1960’s. Her book is based on the diaries of over one hundred men and women (some of which will be displayed during the event!).
This is a free event, but space is limited, so please register here, call 226-802-2801, or email info@LConserv.org
Dr. Wilson will talk about how rural households helped each other and how rural neighbourhood worked. She’ll also talk about the negative aspects of barn raising, quilting & threshing bees, including accidents and murders.
Dr Wilson’s book on rural “neighbouring” shows how rural families cooperated to do difficult jobs, such as barn raising & threshing with limited resources. Wilson shows the vital role that rural men and women played in being good neighbours.
Images of work bees from Documentary Video about the book “Being Neighbours, Youtube)
The Langford Conservancy is working to create a museum with a rural archive of records from the Langford and surrounding community. Ella Haley, Project Manager, is hoping that Dr. Wilson’s talk will encourage people to share old photos, histories, and artifacts from the Langford community.
Dr Wilson’s research highlights the importance of being neighbourly to agricultural progress, the viability of the family farm, and rural culture. Following her presentation there will be time for questions and discussion.
Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. The event is free but donations are welcome. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase at the event.
To learn more contact Ella Haley at 226-802-2801 or ehaley1LC@gmail.com