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Mountain Memories presented by Bob Williamson
This series of articles relating to people, places and events of historical significance in the Hamilton community was written on behalf of the Hamilton Mountain Heritage Society by Hamilton Historian Robert Williamson. They are presented here with the permission of the author. This is an ongoing series of articles and new entries are being added at regular intervals. Anyone who wishes to contact Mr. Williamson directly concerning these articles may do so
via e-mail at robertwilliamson10@rogers.com or by telephone at (905)383-6084.
The most recently published articles appear at the top of the list.
Articles published in 2021
Beckett House 1900-2020, A Captivating Sequel As often happens, the publication of one of Bob Williamson's columns spurs a response from a reader that leads to another column. The column entitled "The Beckett Drive", published in October and available below, was one such story. Here is the sequel that has emerged. To read this full column select Beckett House.
Articles published in 2020
Remembering Victory in Europe Bob Williamson shares some personal childhood memories of events on the home front during World War II. Don't miss reading his column which is both serious and amusing. To read the whole article which appeared in the Mountain News in December 2020 select Victory in Europe.
A Forgotten Canadian Hero In a column marking Remembrancve Day 2020 Bob Williamson relates the story of two decorated Canadian pilots and their heroic service in World War II. To read the account, which appeared in the Mountain News in November, select A Forgotten Canadian Hero.
The Beckett Drive Story Bob Williamson documents the story of the Beckett Family farm on Hamilton Mountain and how the Beckett family name became associated with Beckett Drive. To read this story, which appeared in the Mountain News in October, select Beckett Drive Story.
Mountain Resident Receives Rare Reward for Promoting Local History Read the whole story of the rare reward recently awarded to our own Commander Williamson for his diligent work as both a local and a naval historian. To view the details select Rare Reward.
Mountain Resident, A Foremost Canadian Radio Personality. As a follow up to his last month’s column, Bob Williamson documents the broadcast history of Raymond Ambrose (Beau) Summers – a son of George and Belle Summers. To read the complete article as it appeared in The Mountain News in August select Raymond “Beau” Summers.
Congratulations! Commander Williamson
Commander Robert Williamson was recently awarded an honorary replica of the Naval General Service Medal for his work on naval history by the Naval Establishment of the Crown Forces of North America, Great Lakes Station, in association with with the Canadian Maritime Heritage Society. Bob has done extensive work documenting and making public presentations concerning the naval history of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. He is, of course, also known for his unique work in presenting the history of the Hamilton area in numerous books, articles and public lectures. We add our congratulations to Commander Williamson for this well deserved recognition.
Gone Are the Days In these days when Covid-19 has shuttered many of Hamilton's entertainment venues, Bob Williamson takes us back to a variety of great entertainment options offered in Hamilton in the early decades of the last century. He reminds us of the Summers Theatre on the Mountain brow and some other, now mostly forgotten, entertainment sites in Hamilton. To read the full article, which appeared in the Mountain News in July, select Gone Are the Days.
Solving an 1813 History Mystery Bob Williamson presents a truly intreresting story that deserves to be known because it fills in a critical missing chapter in our early Canadian story. Read the details by selecting Mystery Solved.
Covid-19 Recalls Chedoke's Legacy In the light of Covid-19, Bob Williamson explores the role that Chedoke Hospital played, starting in 1904, to respond to an earlier international medical crises. To read this article select Mountain Tuberculosis Sanatorium.
An International Women's Day Story Bob highlights the critical contribution made by several women who worked at the Decoding Centre at Bletchley Park during World War II. To read the column, which appeared in the Mountain News in March 2020, select International Women's Day.
Hess Heritage Restored Bob Williamson discloses the rich Hess family heritage on Hamilton Mountain. To read his full article which appeared in the Mountain News in February 2020 select Hess Heritage.
More Mountain Pioneers In his Mountain Memories column Bob Williamson has presented the stories of many of the poioneer families on Hamilton Mountain. In this article, published in the Mountain News in January 2020, Bob tells the story of the Laidman family from which are descended many current Hamilton residents. To read the details select Mountain Pioneers.
Articles published in 2019
Glenn Miller's Mountain Connections Bob Williamson once again displays his uncany skill in linking people and things in the Hamilton community with the bigger historical picture. In this column, as the title indicates, he opens some local connections with famed band leader Glenn Miller. Select Glenn Miller to read the complete column as it appeared in the Mountain News in December 2019.
A Neighbourhood that Remembers Bob Williamson provides some interesting background on the Raleigh neighbourhood on Hamilton Mountain. He includes notes on Peace Memorial School and the memorial cenotaph in Peace Memorial Park. To read the whole article, which appeared in the Mountain News in November 2019, select Peace Memorial.
A War-Winning Device In his column in the Mountain News in October 2019 Bob Williamson reveals a Hamilton connection with the Enigma Machine - a German coding machine that contributed greatly to German naval successes in the north Atlantic and elsewhere in WWII. A ten year old Hamilton girl, a passenger on the SS Athenia, was one of the first Canadian casualties of the Battle of the Atlantic. To read the full article select "The Enigma Machine."
St. Martin's Manor Bob Williamson discloses the fascinating history of a surviving residence on Hamilton mountain that was built by Arthur Binkley on land owned by the Binkley family since about 1800. To read the complete story which appeared in the Mountain News in September, 2019, select St. Martin's Manor.< /p>
A Sister's Love This is the 4th. in a series of columns by Bob Williamson highlighting local Hamilton connections to D-Day. It focuses on the heroic service of WWII veteran Earl McAllister. This column appeared in the Mountain News in August 2019. Read it here by selecting A Sister's Love.
D-Day: Hamilton's Navy Connection This column by Commander Williamson, which appeared in a July 2019 issue of the Mountain News, explores some Hamilton Naval links with D-Day. To read the article select Hamilton Navy D-Day Connection.
Hamilton's D-Day Connection This column by Bob Williamson, which appropriately appeared in the Mountain News in June 2019, traces some Hamilton links to D-Day. To view the whole article select D-Day Connections.
Finding Memorable Stories This column by Bob Williamson appeared in the Mountain News in May 2019 and relates the experiences of two Hamiltonians, John Copland and Mel Webster, who participated in the events D-day 1944. Read Memorable Stories.
The Creation of Neighbourhoods In a column which appeared in the Mountain News in April 2019, Bob Williamson shares the fascinating story about the original survey of Hamilton and tells how neighbourhoods became part of our landscape. To read the full article select Neighbourhoods.
The Balfour Neighbourhood In a column that appeared in the Mountain News in March 2019, Bob Williamson traces the links between the Balfour Neighbourhood on the Mountain and noted Hamilton architect James Balfour (1854-1917). Read Balfour.
The Saga of Shifting Stones In this column, which appeared in the Mountain News in February 2019, Bob Williamson reveals the fascinating story of some family tomb stones that have been on the move since the late 1980's. Read Shifting Stones to learn the intriguing details.
The Concession Street Heritage Murals In this column, which appeared in the Mountain News in January 2019, Bob Williamson draws our attention to the heritage murals being installed in the Concession Street Business Community. To read the story, including a description of the mural sponsored by the Hamilton Mountain Heritage Society, select Heritage Murals.
Articles published in 2018
Sustaining Remembrance Day Bob Williamson provides some reflective insights on the importance of observing Remembrance Day. Read Remembrance Day, which appeared in the Mountain News in November 2018.
The Faces of our Mountain Heritage Following up on his September column on the Rymal family, Bob Williamson presents a rare family portrait and provides additional information about the family. Read Faces which appeared in the Mountain News in October 2018.
Rymal Family Footprints Remain Bob Williamson has tracked down some surviving Rymal family residences of previous generations. Read Rymal Footprints which appeared in the Mountain News in September 2018.
Small Neighbourhood, Lots of History Bob Williamson presents some historical highlights relating to the Bonnington neighbourhood on Hamilton Mountain. Read Lots of History, a column which appeared in the Mountain News in August 2018.
Mountain Memories Finds Bonnington The mystery of the naming of the Bonnington neighbourhood on Hamilton Mountain solved? Read Bonnington by Bob Williamson, which appeared in the Mountain News in July 2018.
The Gilkson Neighbourhood Anomaly Bob Williamson works at sorting out a curious question with regard to the naming of a Hamilton neighbourhood. This article, published in the Mountain News in June 2018, can be read by selecting Gilkson.
Abandoned Mountain Access Routes One of the challenges for residents of Hamilton has always been making one's way up and down the escarpment. In this article, published in the Mountain News in May 2018, Bob Williamson tells the story of some of those routes that have now been abandoned. Read Abandoned Mountain Access Routes.
Balfour (Chedoke) House Bob Williamson relates the history of another early elaborate family homne on Hailton Mountain. To read the story that appeared in the Mountain News in April 2018 select Balfour (Chedoke) House.
Bulmer's Glen Bob Williamson presents the story of a long forgotten business at the bottom of the Hamilton escarpment. To read this fascinating story published in the Mountain News in March 2018 select Bulmer's Glen.
Former Mayor's Mountain Ancestors In a timely article Bob Williamson explores the Mountain connections of the recently deceased Bob Morrow - Hamilton's longest serving Mayor (1982-2000). To read this article published in the Mountain News in February 2018 select Bob Morrow.
The Mountain's Most Memorable Citizen: Bob Williamson continues his series of articles into 2018 by providing a brief but informative sketch of Isaac Buchanan's crucial role in bringing the Great Western Railway to Hamilton. Read the story published in January 2018 by selecting Isaac Buchanan.
Articles published in 2017
Making Mountain Heriatage Memorable: Bob Williamson concluded his series of articles for 2017 by announcing the publication by the Hamilton Mountain Heritage of a wonderful collection of articles authored by Bob himself. To read about this new publication select Hamilton Mountain Memories.
Searching for Benjamin: Bob Williamson tells the moving story of searching for the grave of a relative who died in Belguim in the First World War. The read the article, published in November 2017, select Benjamin.
A Coincidental Salute to our Naval Heritage Bob Williamson reminds us of Hamiltoln's naval heritage. This article appeared in the Mountain News in October 2017. To read the article select Naval Heritage.
Mountain History in Retrospect In this year of Canada 150 Bob Williamson draws some interesting parallels between the history of Hamilton Mountain and Confederation. This article appeared in the Mountain News in September 2017. To read the story select History in Retrospect.
Albion is a Popular Place In a story which appeared in the Mountain News in August 2017, Bob Wiulliamson tells the story of Albion Falls. To read the whole story select Albion.
The Rymal Neighbourhood on Hamilton Mountain Bob Williamson explains the history of the Rymal Neighbourhood. This story appeared in the Mountain News in July 2017. To read the story select Rymal Neighbourhood.
Our Mountain and Tall Ships! What do they have in common? Bob Williamson makes an interesting connection in this story that appeared in the Mountain News in June 2017. To read the story select Tall Ships.
Unsung Genius Changed the World Bob Williamson highlights the story of Reginald Aubrey Fessenden and his roots in our community. This story appeared in the Mountain News in May 2017.
Terryberry: A Mountain Heritage Name Read Bob Williamson's account of the Terryberry family. This story appeared in the Mountain News in April 2017.
Railways, Confederation and Our Mountain Heritage Read yet another of Bob Williamson`s engaging accounts of our Mountain heritage. To read the story select Railways and Confederation. This story appeared in the Mountain News in March 2017.
Mountain School Sets A Precedent Bob Williamson provides an interesting story of the ways that Sackville Hill and Ernie Hutton contributed to the development of Hill Park High School on the Hamilton Mountain. To read the story select The Hill Park Story.
Political Upheaval and Mountain Heritage 1837 Bob Williamson comments on our political heritage as reflected in the life of Dr. Harmanus Smith. To read this story select Dr. Smith. This article appeared in the Mountain News in January 2017.
Articles published in 2016
How a Fire Changed Mountain History Bob Williamson reflects on how a fire on December 21, 1914, may well have changed our Mountain history in significant ways. To read the story select Mountain Fire. This article appeared in the Mountain News in December 2016.
1916-2016: Finding Bill! Bob Williamson shares a very personal Remembrance Day story. To read the story select "Finding Bill!. This article appeared in the Mountain News in November 2016.
Chedoke Teddy Bear's Picnic Bob Williamson recalls the Charming story behind The Teddy Bear's Picnic and its association with Hamilton celebrations. To read the article select Teddy Bear's Picnic. This article was published in the Mountain News in October 2016.
Heritage Society Celebrates 20 Years Learn the details about the 20th. Anniversary of the Hamilton Mountain Heritage Society. To read the article select Mountain Heritage Society Anniversary. This article was published in the Mountain News in September 2016.
Memories of Sanatorium Inuit Art Bob Williamson reminds us of the strong association between Inuit art and the Mountain Sanatorium. To read the article select Inuit Art. This article was published in the Mountain News in August 2016.
Back to the Future Bob Williamson highlights the role of the Mountain Brow in providing entertainment for the city of Hamilton. To read the article select Back to the Future. This appeared in the Mountain News in July 2016.
Defining Moments Read about two more "Defining Moments" in the War of 1812. To read this article select Defining Moments. This article was published in the Mountain News in June 2016.
Mountain Memories on Post Cards Read an interesting example of how post cards preserve the history of our community. To see the complete article select Mountain Memories on Post Cards. This article was published in the Mountain News in May 2016.
A River Ran Through It Learn more about the fascinating geological history of the Dundas Valley. To read this article select Dundas Valley. This article was published in the Mountain News in April 2016.
The Shirley Temple of Hamilton Mountain Read the story of Mabel Ruth Summers who had a most promising career as a child actress right here on Hamilton Mountain. To read the details select Mabel Ruth Summers. This article was published in the Mountain News in March 2016.
Hamilton Mountain and the Canal Building Age Read about the canal system that once existed in our area and of canal plan's that were made but never completed. To see the whole story select Canal Building. This appeared in the Mountain News in February 2016.
Mckenzie's Ride: Fact or Fiction As a sequel to the story published in December 2015 (and available immediately below this one), Robert Williamson takes a look at some features of Mckenzie's ride which have attracted local interest. Here is Robert Williamson's verdict on some stories about Mckenzie's ride that have circulated in recent years. To read the story select Mckenzie's Ride: Fact or Fiction. To view an enlarged copy of the photo of Mckenzie that appears in the column select Mckenzie Photo. To view an enlarged copy of the original art piece created by Robert Williamson to depict Mckenzie's ride select Robert Williamson's Art.
Articles published in 2015
Mackenzie's Midnight Mountain Ride The fascinating story of the route across the Hamilton mountain taken by William Lyon Mackenzie in December 1837 after his participation in the failed rebellion of 1837. To read the story select Mackenzie's Mountain Ride.
Remembrance of a Mountain Veteran A celebration of the naval career of Alex Tennant (1918-2002). To read the article select Alex Tennant.
Mountain Institutions Plaqued Recent historic plaque unveilings now mean that all three original Mountain medical institutions have been recognized. To read the article select Plaques.
Olivet United Church Celebrates its Centennial To read this article which appeared in September 2015 select Olivet.
"Rapid" Ray Lewis Outstanding Hamilton athlete honoured at the George Hamilton Day celebrations on August 3rd., 2015. To read the article select "Rapid" Ray Lewis.
Lester B. Pearson's Hamilton Connection Learn more about the Lester Pearson's years in Hamilton. To read the article select Lester Pearson.
The Mountain when Theatre was Supreme Learn about the Summers Theatre on the Mountain. To read the article select Theatre on the Mountain.
A Famous Mountain Woman: Margaret Clark Learn more about the woman who inspired the song "When You and I were Young Maggie." To read the article select Margaret Clark. There is also a photograph of Margaret Clark's Home and the Historic Plaque that commemorates her life.
Norwood Park School: A Mountain Heritage Crossroad Learn more about Norwood Park School and the history of its neighbourhood. To read more select Norwood Park
Hamilton as a Rail Centre This column identifies the significant role of the Mountain in local rail transport in former days. To read more select Hamilton as a Rail Centre.
Tobogganing A look at tobogganing in Hamilton in the good old days. Published in February 2015. To read more select Tobogganing: The Good Old Days.
1812 Bicentennial Comes to an End A reflection on the War of 1812 and our recent celebrations. Published in January 2015. To read more select 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations
Articles published in 2014
Hamilton: The Electric City Disclosing the role the Escarpment played in Hamilton's development. Published in December 2014. To read more select Electric City.
Bill Randall: Lancaster Pilot was a Mountain Resident
A remembrance of the life and service of Bill Randall, Lancaster pilot during WWII. Published in November 2014. To read more select Bill Randall
St. Stephen-On-The-Mount: Mountain Church Has a Long History
The legacy of Canon John Samuel and St. Stephen-on-the-Mount Anglican Church. Published in October 2014. To read more select St. Stephen-on-the-Mount
Rapid Transit is Not a New Idea
Early examples of rapid transit on Hamilton Mountain. Published in September 2014. To read more select Rapid Transit
Mountain South Gate Church's 65th. Anniversary
A tribute to Dr. Mel Bailey as The South Gate Church celebrates its 65th. anniversary. Published in August 2014. To read more select South Gate Church
Albion Falls - 220 Years of Mountain History
The significance of Albion Falls in the history of the Mountain. Published in July 2014. To read more select Albion Falls
What is the Connection between Bruce Park and the AGH?
Notes on the life of artist William Blair Bruce and his Hamilton roots. Published in June 2014. To read more select Bruce Park
The Battle of Stoney Creek
An appraisal of the significance of the Battle of Stoney Creek in the War of 1812. Published in May 2014. To read more select Battle of Stoney Creek.
Ernie Brown's Memories - Community Hall Entertainment
Recollections by Ernie Brown of social events at the Barton Community Hall. Published in April 2014. To read more select Community Hall Entertainment
Ernie Brown's Memories - The Mountain View Hotel
Recollections from Ernie Brown's early life on Hamilton Mountain. Published in March 2014. To read more select Mountain View Hotel
Black History Commemorated on Hamilton Mountain
A plaque celebrating "Little Africa" is installed at the Hamilton Mountain Branch of the Public Library. Published in February 2014. To read more select Black History
Plaque Will Find a Home in Front of Henderson Wing
A plaque honouring Nora Frances Henderson (1897-1949) has been erected on Concession Street. Published in January 2014. To read more select Nora Frances Henderson.
Articles published in 2013
Mountain Hospital Finally Fulfills a 95 Year Old Vision
The story behind the Mountain Hospital now known as the Juravinski Hospital. Published in December 2013. To read more select Mountain Hospital.
Hamilton Mountain Plays a Significant Role in Remembrance Day
The story behind the historical plaque at St. Paul's Church in Mount Hope. Published in November 2013. To read more select Remembrance Day.
The Future of Mountain Pioneers Looked Grim 200 Years Ago
An assessment of the prospects of Mountain pioneers in 1813. Published in October 2013. To read more select Mountain Pioneers in 1813.
Burkholder Church and the Burkholder Cemetery
A brief summary of this historic property on Mohawk Road East in Hamilton. (Published in September 2013) To read more select Burkholder.
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