Leslieville residents now have a group dedicated to researching and celebrating the community’s vibrant and extensive history.
Earlier this month, about a dozen community members gathered at the historically significant Maple Cottage at 62 Laing St. to mark the official inauguration and incorporation of the new Leslieville Historical Society (LHS).
During the meeting, members of the society’s board of directors also signed the not-for-profit corporation’s constitution.
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Guy Anderson, a Leslieville resident for 13 years, is LHS’s first president.
During a recent interview, Anderson said he became interested in exploring further the history of the community after attending and getting involved in the 150th anniversary of Leslieville Public School last spring.
In recent months, Anderson, who worked with local historian/author Joanne Doucette on the 150th anniversary project as well as the formation of the new local historical society, also chatted with Gerald Whyte, the president of the neighbouring Riverdale Historical Society about what’s involved in setting up such a group and making it a success.
"He really gave me some insights," said Anderson, who has several generations of family members who have called Leslieville home.
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He also got in touch with the Ontario Historical Society, which helped guide the LHS through the process of getting started and incorporating.
The idea of forming a Leslieville Historical Society really came to fruition this fall.
An initial community meeting took place in October at Rock Lobster Food Co. at 1192 Queen St. E. at Curzon Street, the former general store of George Leslie, the neighbourhood’s namesake.
The LHS’ first official meeting was held Dec. 3.
"There’s a lot of interest. So many people have reached out," Anderson said.
Moving forward, he said members are working on setting up a website as well as discussing ways to grow the membership and raise funds to help pay for the erection of historical plaques in the community and other events.
"Things are going to start moving pretty quickly," Anderson said.
The next meeting of the Leslieville Historical Society is set for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Maple Cottage, 62 Laing St.
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