Author: Chris Dearlove
It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting colder, and the holidays are just around the corner. From now until November 30th, you can get 15% off your purchase of FHG merchandise on our online store – just use promo code 15FRIDAY.
There’s a great range of clothing available, including sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets, and it’s all customizable. And best of all, a portion of the sales support Guard Club activities.
Happy shopping!
We are sad to share the news that Donald “Ian” Rothwell (FHG 686) passed away on October 29, 2020. Ian joined the Fort Henry Guard in 1967 and was a member of the Drums.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dementia Society of Ottawa & Renfrew County or the Granite Ridge Care Community.
As many of us know, Fort Henry opened as a museum and historic site on August 1, 1938. A crowd of more than 5,000 people gathered to see Prime Minster William Lyon Mackenzie King review the first Fort Henry Guard, followed by a keynote address. Mackenzie King was deeply moved by the visit, and he later wrote, “The visit to Fort Henry itself was of exceptional interest. Indeed I shall recall it always as one of the greatest and most significant events of my life”.
The Prime Minister’s speech was carried live across the country on CBC Radio. Thanks to extensive research and outreach by Club Archivist Daniel Rose, CBC’s licensing division authorized Library and Archives Canada to make the recording available. It’s a wonderful speech, and stands as one of the most notable moments in the Guard’s 80+ year history.
With cooler weather ahead, now is a great time to check out some of the new Fort Henry Guard clothing that’s available online at our Entripy shop. In addition to hats, hoodies, t-shirts and jackets, we’ve just added some classic sweatshirts in a variety of colours, and with different logo options. And just a reminder that shipping in Canada is free for orders over $75.00.
Visit our store here – happy shopping!
We are saddened by the news that Richard Wilder, FHG 625, passed away on August 10, 2020 at the age of 76. After a long and successful career in medicine, he had spent the last 10 years dividing his time between Florida and Howe Island.
This year’s Fort Henry Guard Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 25th at 4:00 pm. For the first time, the AGM will be held virtually.
Members in good standing are invited to take part. To receive information on how to access the meeting and this year’s reports, please fill out this form.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing what the club has been up to over the past 12 months.
Fort Henry has a new podcast that profiles the people who make history come alive at the Fort, featuring stories that are both new and familiar. Hilltop History is co-hosted by JJ and Alex McLean, Fort Henry’s Curator and Program Support Officer (and one of the Guard Club’s board members).
The first two episodes of Hilltop History are now available here.
Good news! On July 1st, Fort Henry partially re-opened to the public with modified programming. The Fort is offering self-guided tours, and some members of the Guard are stationed at points throughout the Fort to offer interpretation experiences.
While it’s not the summer we were all hoping for, we’re happy to see that the Fort is accessible again. If you are planning a visit, more details are available on Fort Henry’s website, including information about what’s available on-site and the health and safety measures that are in place.
