Time Warp

Unexplained Happenings plus Harry Houdini

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:12:24 +0000

This week, another hallowe'en episode. Kate has some reputedly unexplained happenings in a 1917 Haliburton village building that was originally a residence and now is the home of the Echo nespaper. Plus, Paul has the story of the demise of Harry Houdini who died on Hallowe'en in 1926 - 100 years ago. The circumstances that led to his death happened in Montreal and involved a McGill University student.

Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Spooky Stuff 2026 plus Suffragettes

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:23:12 +0000

This week, Kate get's an early jump on Hallowe'en with some news that the Museum's 1800's Reid House will be featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters of the Grand River over reports of paranormal activity. The house was also investigated by the Wellington County Paranormal Investigators in 2019. And, she has some general historical observations about Hallowe'en. Plus, Paul takes a look at Canada's suffrage movement and how women were confirmed in 1929 to be "persons" by Britain's Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (the Council was Canada's highest level of appeal at the time).

Momentous Anniversary plus WW2 Bomber Group

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:52:49 +0000

This week Kate has a front page headline from the Echo newspaper in 1952 - it involves the story around a 48th wedding anniversary. Plus, with Rembrance Day just a few weeks away and thinking about the 2024 tv mini-series, Masters of the Air, Paul decided to do an episode on an equivalent squadron of Canadian bomber aircrew. It was the No 6. RCAF Group. There were also contributions on the home front like the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and the Victory Aircraft plant in Malton, Ontario producing Lancaster bombers.

Trains and Tree Colours plus Canada's Flag

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:25:24 +0000

It's Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada! So This week, Kate ties a few topics together. Thanksgiving; fall tree-leaf colors; and the establishment of a train service to Haliburton County that had many uses - including fall leaf-color tourism. Plus, many don't realize how recently (1965) Canada adopted its instantly recognizable Maple Leaf Flag. It was a long divisive journey for many who didn't want to give up their traditional French and Bristish symbols. But most would now agree that the right decision was made in adopting the Maple Leaf Flag. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Dorset Fire Tower plus Comic Books

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:35:56 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the fall tree-leaf colour extravaganza which led her to the Dorset Fire Tower. The tower is a great lookout to take in the colours. The fire towers were iconic for defence from forest fires at one time. As technology developed they outlived their usefullness and most were removed, but a few - like the Dorset Tower - have been preserved and make a great viewing platform. Plus, Paul has the story of how Canada developed a homegrown comic book industry during WW2 with unique Canadian heroes and the impact of comics on the wartime piblic.

Mystery Quilt plus Buck Martinez

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:42:01 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of the newest item to have arrived at the Haliburton Highlands Museum. It's a quilt that comes with a bit of a mystery. Plus, a week ago, as of this episode's broadcast, the Toronto Blue Jays honoured long time player and broadcaster Buck Martinez in a pre-game ceremony. So, in that spirit Paul has the story of of what has gone down in history as one of the greatest plays that a Blue Jay has ever made. Buck's double-play at home plate while severly injured.

Much of today's story comes thanks to Adam Bunch, the Toronto Time Traveller's blog "Buck's Broken Leg" from August 29, 2026. Check torontohistory.substack.com for more.

School Days plus Lord Beaverbrook

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:10:09 +0000

This week, Kate takes a look at going back to school and school days in early Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the story of William Maxwell Aitken, better know as Lord Beaverbook, an ambitious Canadian entrpreneur who became wealthy; moved to Britain; became influential in British politics; served in government during both World Wars including becoming responsible for aircraft production in WW2; acquired an extensive media empire and was a philanthropist. Yet he maintained always his Canadian roots and was repatriated to New Brunswick on his death.

Lumber Camp Story plus American Revolution in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:30:28 +0000

This week, Kate has an amusing anecdote about life in the early lumber camps and what happens when the log drivers finally hit town after having been in isolation for a long winter and early spring. Plus, Paul has the story of American efforts and propoganda designed to tempt Canadians to join their revolution against Britain and to, in effect, become the fourteenth colony in their new union. The efforts also included the first military campaign authorized by Congress in the war - an invasion of Canada by two armies (one led by Benedict Arnold).

Women's Work plus Sir Hugh Tudor

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:27:18 +0000

This week, Kate talks about women working to make a livliehhod in early Haliburton County. Plus. Paul has the story of Sir Hugh Tudor who was significant in British security policy and militarized policing in Ireland during the early 1920's. The policy of retaliation and deterence against IRA attacks led to the escalation of the 'troubles', brutal reprisals, and destruction of property. Was he simply the wrong person in the wrond place? Tudor retired from the army in 1924 and moved to Newfoundland where he tried to change his life and escape his past. Not always successfully.

Check out Linden Mcintyre's 2025 book :"An Accidental Victim: Sir Hugh Tudor, Churchill's Enforcer in Revolutionary Ireland".

Horses plus The Almost Perfect Heist

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:56:39 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the importance of horses in early Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the story behind an audacious 1977 heist at the Vancouver Safety Deposit Vault that was protected by thirty inches of reinforced concrete and steel plating. It remains one of the boldest and technically sophisticated thefts in Canadian History. Questions remain - many of the heist-crew have never been charged and only a fraction of the loot was ever recovered.

More information is available in Don Lever's 2026 book "The (Almost) Perfect Heist".

Red Cross Outpost plus Confederation-Newfoundland

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:33:09 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of Alfred Schofield who was born in England in 1867, had an adventurous life, and eventually settled in Haliburton County. He was instrumental in community development by bringing 2 Red Cross Outpost,Hospitals to the County as well as being active in the salvation Army. Plus, Paul has the last chapter in the arc of Canadian Confederation. This week it's Canada's 10th Province - Newfoundland.

Yesterday's News plus Confederation - Alberta & Saskatchewan

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:44:22 +0000

This week, Kate has some historical stories from the local newspaper. Plus, Paul continues the arc of Canadian Confederation. This week it's Alberta and Saskatchewan, the 8th and 9th provinces, that were created in 1905. The situation with these provinces was a little difference - they were already part of Canada as a "Territory" after Canada acquired Rupert's Land from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1870. However, they now wanted full Provincial status and the higher level of self-government that it implied.

Royal Visit plus Confederation - Prince Edward Island

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:16:09 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of the adventure a group of Haliburton County students making the long trek to Toronto to hopefully catch a glimpse of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their 1939 Canadian Tour. Plus Paul continues the arc of Canadian Confederation. This week Prince Edward Island - the British colony that first said 'absolutely not' only to come to join Canada in 1873 after their circumstances changed.

Dominion Day plus Canadian Confederation - BC

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:46:47 +0000

This week, Kate goes back to when Canada Day was to the late 1800's-early 1900's when it was known as Dominion Day, and the celebrations that took place in Minden and elsewhere in Haliburton County. Plus, as part of the mini-series on the sometimes troubled path of Canadian Confederation, Paul has the story of British Columbia. And how things could have gone quite differently.

Drama and Survival plus Canadian Confederation-New Brunswick

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:03:46 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of 1860's pioneers in Haliburton County - the Hartle family and the dramatic survical story of William Hartle on a trapping expedition. Plus, Paul has the continuing story of how the story of Canadian Confederation was never a foregone conclusion or an easy road. This week it's New Brunswick where Confederation was resoundingly rejected, and then ressurected a year later to become a yes.

County Fairs plus Canadian Confederation

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:33:07 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Haliburton County Fairs, some that have been in existence since 1864. Originally with agricultural roots, many have adapted to remain relevant as society and communities change. And yet they are still reminiscent of a an earlier, gentler time. Plus, Paul has a brief overview of Canadian Confederation. Many have a nostalgic view of Confederation as being easily achieved through common interests, but in fact it was a tough step-by-step process that was never a foregone conclusion. And some of the issues still resonate today in, for example, Quebec and Alberta where some are urging separation from Canada.

Founding Stories

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:16:57 +0000

This week, it's two founding stories, one about a Haliburtonian named Joseph Paull who Kate describes as a Haliburton treasure. Plus, Paul has the story of the Louis Hebert and his wife Marie Rollet who are credited as the first true European settlers, as opposed to merchants and contract workers, in Canada. And that was before the Pilgrims arrived in the US. They were the first Europeans to clear land in Quebec, the first to plow a field, and to raise crops. It's a tremendous story about back-breaking labour and perseverance. Yet, their story isn't well known in English Canada.

Dysart's First Reeve plus Captain Nichola Goddard

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:06:24 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of Dysart's (Dysart et al is a municipality within Haliburton County) first Reeve - Captain John Lucas. John was a sea captain in the mid 1800's who eventually came to settle in Haliburton. He was an entrepreneur, was the first Reeve when the community was established, and he and his family became significant to the community. Plus, Paul has the story of Captain Nichola Goddard who was one of the first Canadian women to serve in a front line combat-arms leadership role. Unfortunately she died in Afghanistan as a result. Her life was shaped by service, compassion, and courage and she left behind a fantastic legacy.

Victoria Day plus Three Canadian Horse Breeds

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:28:02 +0000

This week, has the story of Victoria Day and the long weekend when Canadians celebrate the UK's Queen Victoria's birthday. Spoiler alert - apparently Canada is the only country in the world that still celebrates her birthday. Plus, Canada has at least 3 unique breeds of horses that originated here, with histories that go as far back as the 1600's. New France's Canadian breed; the Lac La Croix Indigenous pony; and the Sable Island wild horse. Each has been close to extinction at times, but have persevered and still have a presence today.

Kinmount plus Metis Resistance

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:10:15 +0000

This week, Kate the story of Kinmount. Existing just outside of Haliburton County, Kinmount is still often seen as an honorary member of the County. Plus, it's the wrap-up....the third episode of 3 episodes about the evolution of Canada's interior from a territory created by the early fur trade; the development of the Metis people with a presence in both the European and Indigenous communities; to the clash between a growing Canada and the entrenched Metis people. Tragically it meant resistance; executions; and a wound that in some ways still exists within Canada today.

Husbandry Hijinks plus Building Canada's West

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:29:55 +0000

This week, Kate has some tales about farmyard animal pranks and hijinks in pioneer Haliburton County. Plus, today Paul is building on the westward expansion of Canada in the 1860's. Last episode dealt with the amalgamation of the Hudson's Bay (HBC) and North West fur trading companies. Essentially the HBC, a private company, now governed a huge territory in central Canada. But it didn't take into account a growing presence in the prairies - the Metis people. With Confederation in 1867 the new Canadian government had set it's eyes on expanding to the west. The stage was being set for a clash between cultures and religions. Part 3 will be next week.

Pioneer Bridges plus Pemmican War

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:46:06 +0000

This week, Kate talks about early bridges - and those that built them. In a rural pioneer county crossed by lakes and rivers, bridges were an absolute necessity that we now take for granted. But back then it would have been pretty tough to get around without them. Plus, Paul has the origin, growth, and competition between the fur trading Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company that devolved into armed conflict and death. And yet, the struggle between the two companies helped lay the foundation for a future country.

It's Maple Syrup Time plus Linking Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:34:35 +0000

This week, the Spring season has almost sprung and Kate is using it as an opportunity to talk about early maple syrup production. Plus, in the late 1700's Captain Cook's exploration of Canada's west coast led to a boom in sea otter pelts. Sea otter pelts were the world's softest and most luxurious furs, and some people were willing to pay a small fortune to acquire them. Canada's North-West fur trading company was active in the interior, but not wanting to miss out on the bonanza they needed to find a land route to the west coast. Enter Alexander Mackenzie who explored and found a route - and in the process helped link Canada from coast-to-coast.

Early Churches in Haliburton County plus Japan Bombs Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:23:11 +0000

This week,

Pioneer Demographics plus Nylon Stockings

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:44:05 +0000

This week, Kate has the country of origin of many of Haliburton County's pioneers. Ironically, although there's many community names that are Welsh in origin there weren't necessarily that many Welsh settlers in the County. Regardless, there were settlers from England, Scotland, Ireland, and eventually Italy among other countries. Plus Paul has the story of the first synthetic fabric - nylon - created in the late 1930's that had one of its first use in women's stockings as a replacement for silk. It was a product that became a fashion statement, caused near riots, and changed life.

Int'l Women's Day plus North America's First Commercial Oil Operation

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:38:24 +0000

This week, Kate was thinking about International Women's Day and that brought her to musing about it in terms of the contributions of pioneer women in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the story of the first oil well and commercial operation in North America. It's sort of a "coming up from the ground came a bubbling crude" story. It wasn't in western Canada or the prairies, it was a quiet corner of south-western Ontario in the mid-1860's where a smelly nuisance was turned into an oil-boom.

Little Church That Could plus Soviet Spy Networks

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:53:16 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of the life of a charming little church that was built in Haliburton in 1875 for the local Presbyterian congregations. Plus, Paul has the tale of early Soviet spying in Canada before and just after WW2.Today's episode introduces 2 men who never met but who's actions are often cited an opening moment in the outbreak of the Cold War. The first man is the spymaster Sam Carr, and the second is Igor Gouzenko a Soviet clerk at the the USSR Embassy in Ottawa who revealed Carr's spy networks.

Lent in Lumbercamp plus Canada's Secret Mission in Vietnam

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:20:16 +0000

This week, Kate has an anecdote about life in the winter lumbercamp - this one revolves around celebrating Lent. Plus, Paul has the story of J. Blair Seaborn, a Canadian diplomat who participated in secret missions to Vietnam in the 1960's to try and mediate between the U.S. and the North Vietnamese.

It's Valentine's Day!

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:16:39 +0000

This week, it's an all-Valentine's episode. Kate has love in the pioneer Highlands while Paul has a a light look at how Canadians have tended to have a more laid-back attitude about Valentine's Day then maybe some other countries where it's seen as a time to make grander more extravagant demonstrations of affection. Maybe it's the influence of our British origins?

More Love & Romance plus Hudson's Bay Company

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:14:29 +0000

This week, Kate is back with more love & romance stories from pioneer Haliburton County. Makes one wonder what she has up her sleeve for next week with Valentine's Day coming up. Plus, Paul has the story of the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company that recently folded after 355 years of existence - making it historically the world's longest living corporation. It goes back to two French fur traders that had an idea for a start-up that would simplify the collection of furs in early Canada, and how the idea was spread to investors in London's coffee houses.

Fur Trapping plus Kitschy Roadside Attractions

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:32:01 +0000

Haliburton County recently hosted a fur trapping workshop and it got Kate thinking about historical fur trapping when it was more significant in the community. Plus, Paul went down a rabbit hole thinking about all the kitschy "world's biggest" road side attractions that were part of road trips when people starting driving the roads on family vacations. For example there's the world's biggest lobster, the Big Apple, and many more. And, of course, the refrain from the back seat - are we there yet?

Love & Romance plus Battle of Medak Pocket

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:27:46 +0000

This week, Kate has a prelude for Valentines Day coming up soon - it's love & romance in the Highlands. Plus, Paul has the story of the 1993 Battle of the Medak Pocket - Canada's largest military engagement since the Korean War. And it wasn't supposed to happen since it was a UN Peacekeeping Mission. The Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was the unit assigned to monitor a ceasefire but ran into Croatian Forces determined to block their advance. When it was all over and the Canadians managed to advance into the Pocket they found a tragic scene of destruction and ethnic cleansing.

Antics at Wakes plus Beer

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:07:03 +0000

This week, Kate has some stories of mourning practices during pioneer times where things were more formality and social practices surrounding the loss of a loved one than today. But there was still room to let your hair down and engage in....antics. Plus, Paul has the history of beer brewing in Canada from a domestic kitchen staple that everyone including kids drank because you couldn't trust water to drink, to small local breweries with local ingredients, to industrial production. And now back to the past with the huge growth in local craft brewing.

Country Doctor plus Americans Invade Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:19:18 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of a local doctor in pioneer Haliburton in the late 1800's. Plus Paul has the story of an American invasion of Canada in 1775, early in the Revolutionary War. It was a 2-prong attack, one led by Benedict Arnold, that had the goal to capture Quebec from the British. Part of the planning was the assumption that the French inhabitants would join them in a popular revolt against the British. The plan fell afoul of weather, geography, lack of supplies and the fact that the French inhabitants didn't rise up.

Highlands Christmas plus Hudson's Bay Christmas

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:05:49 +0000

This week, Kate talks about early Haliburton Highlands Christmases plus Paul has 'Christmas on the edge of the world'. Early Hudson Bay trading posts wereisolated, snowbound, frozen places with the clerks, traders, and labourers far from home and their normal family-oriented festive traditions. So how did they adjust? They adapted in ways that created new northern Christmas traditions that have lasted to today.

Early School Memories plus Canadian Christmas Traditions

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:21:32 +0000

This week, Kate brings some more early childhood memories from early Haliburton County history. Plus, Paul has some stories of early Canadian Christmas traditions and their origins. They include "is Santa Claus Canadian?"; "the annual Christmas tree that Nova Scotia donates to Boston"; and "the world's first Santa Claus parade".

Winter Cheer plus John Cabot

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:41:19 +0000

This week, Kate'dips her toes' into some Christmas cheer and a tale of childhood sledding. Plus, Paul has the tale of Giavannie Caboto, an Italian navigator who came to be known as John Cabot. Cabot came to age at a time when Europe was speculating that there might be a route to Asia by sailing west into the Atlantic. He tried to convince Spain to take a chance on him, but lost out to Christopher Columbus. Instead he went to England who sponsored him for a voyage across the Atlantic. As a result, England got a toe-hold in North America....and the rest is history.

Early Theatre plus NORAD

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:38:46 +0000

Haliburton County has a well known reputation as an arts and culture centre. This week, Kate has the story of some of the early origins of theatre in Haliburton County going back to 1907. Plus, Paul has the history of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), a post-WW2 binational partnership between the US and Canda. It was designed during the Cold War as an early warning system in case of nuclear attack. It was a unique arrangement, and it still exists today although its been updated and adapted to take in account emerging technologies. Unfortunately it also contributed to the demise of Canada's Avro Aroow - a state of the art interceptor-fighter plane.

Game Wardens plus Spiritualist Prime Minister

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:46:17 +0000

This week, Kate has some stories about getting one over on the game warden plus Paul tells the tale of Canada's most unusual Prime Ministers - William Lyon Mackenzie King. King had two sides. He was Canada's longest serving prime ministers and accomplished a lot during his tenure. He also had a public persona as a skilled negotiator who could find practical solutions to problems, but privately was a very lonely, quiet individual who turned to a belief in seances, omens and spirits to find reassurance. Interestingly he was able to keep his two sides separate.

Remembrance Day Pt 2 plus The Flying Bandit

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:59:06 +0000

This week, Kate has a follow-up on Remembrance Day and the additional story of a lucky local WW2 pilot who crashed while flying with the RCAF, but managed to survive. Plus, Paul has the tale of Ken Leishman who pulled a record gold-theft from the Winnipeg airport on March 1, 1966. Ken was often described as an intelligent, charming, and charismatic man who always had a smile and was liked by everyone - including police, prison guards and fellow inmates. He earned the nickname of the 'Flying Bandit' and the'Gentleman Bandit'.

Remembrance Day plus Ukrainians in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:42:31 +0000

This week, Kate has some thoughts about Remembrance Day and how people on the home front tried to carry on life during WW1. Plus, Paul has the story of Ukrainian migration to Canada since the late 1800's, how they contributed to the cultural and social mosaic in Canada, and why Canada tends to support Ukraine in their war with Russia.

Halloween Spookiness

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:52:25 +0000

This week, both Kate and Paul have tales of Halloween spookiness. Kate has stories from Haliburton County - especially in regards to the museum buildings. Plus, Paul has a personal anecdote and 3 stories that cover Canada from the east coast to the west coast. From Halifax there's strange happenings from a funeral home that housed victims of the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion where thousands died or were injured. And from Victoria BC there's Bastion Square and the 'Hanging Judge' Mathew Bedbie.

Planes, Trains, etc plus Nootka Sound Crisis

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:05:41 +0000

This week, Kate brings 3 separate quirky stories about modes of transportation in early Haliburton County - therefore, planes;trains; and automobiles. Plus Paul has the story of the 1789 Nootka Sound Crisis that determined that Canada's west coast became British territory and eventually Canada could stretch from coast-to-coast. Otherwise British Columbia could have been Spanish or even Russian territory. It also involves a cast of famous names like Vasco Balboa, Captain James Cook and George Vancouver.

Jam Cracker plus World's Strongest Man

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:05:04 +0000

This week, Kate brings the story of loggers and the spring log drive down Haliburton County's rivers and lakes. Who do you call when you het a log jam? Jam crackers! Plus, Paul has the story of Louis Cyr, a farm boy born from the late 1800's Quebec who earned the title of the 'Strongest Man on Earth' through prodigious feats of strength like using his back to lift a platform with 18 men standing on top.

Pioneer Families plus Scots in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:12:02 +0000

This week, Kate riffs on Canadian Thanksgiving and segues into stories of 2 early pioneer families in Haliburton County. Plus Paul has a brief overview of Scotland's Highland Clearances in the early 1800's, the migration of Scots to Canada - in particular Reverend Norman McLeod and his congregation - and the lasting impact of Scots on Canadian culture that still exists today.

Thomas Mason Pt 2 plus Metrification

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:02:55 +0000

This week, Kate has Part 2 of the story of Thomas Mason, an early pioneer in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the history behind how the world has had different systems of measurement and how Canada evolved to having a hybrid system of measurement - partly Imperial and partly Metric. It's created a bit of a muddle and doesn't always make sense, but by and large it works. Except maybe in the case of the "Gimli Glider Incident".

Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and 97.1, and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at info@canoefm.com

Pioneer Thomas Mason plus Olympic Boy Wonder

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:06:56 +0000

This week, Kate has the first half of the story of Thomas Mason - a world traveller and resilient character who came to be an early settler in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the story Canada's 'boy wonder', shy teenager Percy Williams, who overcame his 5'7" and 123 lb stature and rheumatic fever to become an unlikely double gold medal sprint winner at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. Percy was an underdog, beat an international field of favourites, and became a Canadian sensation at a time when Canada was a young country looking for its identity in the world.

School Stories plus Canada's Victoria Cross

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:59:41 +0000

This week, Kate has a 'lighter topic'. It's the back to school time of year, so here's a couple of school stories from yesteryear. Plus, Many Canadian servicemen have earned Britain's Victoria Cross Medal since its creation during the 1850's Crimean War. But, it's no longer awarded to Canadians. It has to do with Canada's evolution from a colony to an independent country. So, who was our first, and last, Victoria Cross winner?

R.H. Baker plus Heavyweight Champ Tommy Burns

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:50:27 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of one of Haliburton County's many characters - R.H. Baker who was the one time owner of the Haliburton Echo newspaper. Plus, Paul has the rise and fall of Canada's only Canadian-born boxing heavyweight champ, Tommy Burns - the Little Giant of Hanover. At only 5'7" and 175 lbs he was an unlikely heavyweight who beat opponents who were many inches taller and much heavier. But in this, and a number of other ways, he was pioneer and ahead of his time.

Lumber Camp Cook plus Female Mob Boss

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:59:01 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of late 1800's lumber camp cook George Roach. Plus, Paul has the life and gangland death of Besha (Bessie) Starkman, a Canadian female crime boss who together with her partner Rocco Perri ran crime in eastern Canada and the Northern US during the 1920's.

Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 or 97.1 and streaming on your computer devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at info@canoefm.com

It's Fall Fair Time plus Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:06:39 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of the significance of Fall and agricultural fairs in a rural community and how they became popular during pioneer times. Plus, Paul has the story behind women stepping up to work outside the home in support of the WW2 effort, and how Canada's Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl, who was a real person, came to symbolize all her sisters working in factories. And she preceeded her more famous (and fictional) counterpart in the US - Rosie the Riveter - by a couple of years.

Pioneer Woman's Story plus Canadian Woman in WW2 Dutch Resistance

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:53:45 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of Miriam Holland, a 17 year old woman who settled in Haliburton County in 1860, ended up living there into her 90's, and seeing an huge arc in community change. Plus, Paul has the life-story of Mona Roberts who was born in Nova Scotia, ended up in WW2's Dutch Resistance, and became the only Canadian woman to be tried by a Nazi tribunal and sentenced to death by firing squad. Spoiler alert - the sentence was commuted to life with hard labour but it wasn't the end of her remarkable story.

Guilford Boy plus Sinking the I'm Alone

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:24:55 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of horse racing in Haliburton County in the early 20th century, the local racetrack from 1909-1925, and a local race horse of some renown - Guilford Boy. Plus, Paul has the seafaring tale of the 'I'm Alone', a rum-running schooner out of Lunenberg, Nova Scotia during prohibition. The I'm Alone was chased over several days by the US Coast Guard who, out of frustration, sank her on the high seas.

Time Capsules Pt 2 plus Angel of Long Point

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:57:04 +0000

This week, Kate has an update on last week's episode on time capsules then talks about art and art-artifacts that the museum has seen lately. Plus, Paul has the story of Abigail Becker, a pioneer who came to be known as the 'Angel of Long Point'. Abigail rescued the crews of at least 3 shipwrecks on Lake Erie in the mid-1850's and as a result received international recognition - including from Queen Victoria.

Time Capsules plus The Marco Polo

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:54:08 +0000

This week, Kate muses about time capsules in general and including one found in Haliburton County in 1931 - it had been left in a stone wall on September 4, 1985. Plus, Paul has the story of the rise and fall of the Canadian sailing clipper the Marco Polo. She was launched at Saint John, New Brunswick in 1851, was phenomenally fast - setting voyage records, was known as the fastest ship in the world at the time, and was described as one of the shipping wonders of the world.

Haliburton County General Stores plus 4th Earl of Minto

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:00:17 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of the practices of early General Stores in Haliburton County along with their often credit and barter practices. They were an example of what helps a close knit small community work. Plus, Paul has the history of the evolution of Governor Generals in Canada, and specifically about the 6th Governor General - Gilbert Elliot Murray, the 4th Earl of Minto. The story includes his contribution to Canada's first ever involvement in a foreign war when British General Charles Gordon became bogged down in a ill-fated siege in the city of Khartoum, Sudan.

Dysart Municipal Phone System plus The One That Got Away

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:55:21 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a time when municipalities set up their own local phone utilities. In the 1920's as the world of communication was evolving, Dysart (part of Haliburton County) set up their own phone system. And it was partly because of the budgeoning tourist summer lodges. Plus, Paul has the story of POW camps in Canada during WW2 and the only POW to ever have escaped Luftwaffe pilot Franz von Werra. It's the tale of 'the one who got away'.

Pioneer Builder plus Casa Loma's Wartime Station "M"

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:18:18 +0000

This week, Kate has the origin story of John Henry Billings who learned his trade as a builder in England, then eventually ending up in Haliburton Countyaround the turn of the 1800's. Plus, Paul has the tale of Toronto's Casa Loma castle built in the 1860's. During WW2 the basement and a secret 800 foot tunnel were turned into a wartime facility called Station "M" (for magic) for the production of equipment to circumvent the Nazi U-Boat threat...then it evolved into a factory for the invention and production of spy gadgets that became an inspiration for Ian Fleming's Station "Q" in his James Bond novels and movies.

Cow Rentals in Haliburton County plus Baseball in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:52:35 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of a time in the late 1800's when newcomers to Haliburton County needed a cow for all it provided to help their family survive, but couldn't afford one. The answer? Cow rentals. Plus, Paul talks about how early baseball was so popular in Canada that it easily could have become our national sport. Canada's adoption of baseball was, in many ways, ahead of the US.

Haliburton County Fair plus Canadian Tire Money

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:19:47 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the roots of the almost 160 year old Haliburton County Fair. It all started in Minden in 1864.m It's a remarkable record given that Haliburton County and cottage country isn't especially known for things agriculture. Plus, paul has the story of the iconic Canadian Tire company, one of Canada's most recognizable retail chains, and their 'money' - customer rebate coupons which were possibly the world's first customer loyalty program, and is certainly fondly remembered today by generations of Canadians.

Early Arts in Hali County plus Corps of Guides

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:15:50 +0000

This week Kate tells us about an example of early arts in Haliburton County. Duncan Bain was an in-demand talented musician with a great voice and was an accomplished fiddle player. Plus, Paul has the story of the Corps of Guides, an early mounted militia unit and how it evolved to become the forerunner for the modern Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch.

May 24 Weekend plus Assassination of D'Arcy McGee

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:25:23 +0000

This week - it's the first holiday weekend of the summer and it's called the May 24 weekend but it falls on May 19. Kate tries to clear up the confusion. Plus, the 1860's were a troubled time in Canada due to the Fenian crisis. And then Irish-Canadian politician D'Arcy McGee was assassinated. A person with Fenian leanings, Patrick James Whelan, was convicted and executed for the crime. But was he guilty?

Early Haliburton Picnics plus Aberdeen School Strike

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:33:01 +0000

This week, Kate takes a look at the many instances of picnics in the early years of European settlement in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the story of the student's strike at Montreal's Aberdeen primary school 122 years ago in February 1913. The students were the children of poor Jewish immigarants attending a school staffed and administered by the Protestant school board. Religious, cultural, societal differences, and anti-Jewish discrimination resulted in the students walking out on a strike in protest. It was a very early example of students protesting for a social justice cause.

Early First Responders plus Political Sex Scandal

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 02 May 2025 14:51:12 +0000

This week, Kate recognizes First Reponder Day with some musings about what it meant to be a first responder in early Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the cold war political spy and sex scandal involving Gerda Munsinger - a German/Russian immigrant to Canada who came to move in high society and became involved with some high ranking politicians including Prime Minister Diefenbaker's Associate Defence Minister. She was investigated by the RCMP then quietly returned to Germany after it was determined that she likely wasn't a spy.However, five years later the whole affair broke and began a scandal that was followed around the world.

1938 Construction Project plus the 4 Kings of Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:35:26 +0000

This week, Kate points out that large construction projects don't have to take years. Here's one - the building of a church in Haliburton village - that with a little community help only took a month. Plus Paul has the story of the what were dubbed the 4 Indigenous Kings of Canada. They were part of a 1710 displomatic mission to Queen Anne of England lobbying for an invasion of French Quebec. In England they were held in high esteem by the public and feted as world leaders. And the mission was a success. The British launched a combined land and sea invasion of Quebec later that year. The visit by the 4 Kings also had a positive impact on British-Indigenous relations that resonated through the following decades, although it also became a factor in the causes of the American Revolution.

Belated St Paddy's Day Theme plus 'Rocket Richard'

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:22:37 +0000

This week, Kate was inspired to go back a couple of weeks to St Patrick's Day and brings a St Paddy's Day theme about Irish immigration to Haliburton County in the early 1900's. Plus Paul has the story of Maurice 'Rocket' Richard, possibly one of the best Canadian professional hockey players who's career with the Montreal Canadiens spanned 1942 to 1960. Maurice was a mercurial, passionate, player who was targeted by opposing players trying to slow him down - and he wasn't afraid to retaliate. In 1955 he was suspended for an episode where he retaliated against a Boston Bruins player, punching a linesman in the process. Maurice was supended and Montreal fans were enraged leading to the 'Richard Riot' that caused over a million dollars in damage, injuries, and arrests.

Pioneer Wedding plus Canadian Luxury Ocean Liners

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:56:29 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of a March 1888 Haliburton village wedding in a prominent family. Plus, Paul brings the story of the Canadian Pacific prestigious line of luxury ocean cruise and container ships and that plied the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the 1880's until the mid-1900's. The CP ships were also pressed into service in the merchant marine, contributing to the war effort in WW1 and WW2 with many sunk mby enemy action. The whole era is seen through the story of one ship in particular - the Empress of Asia.

International Women's Day plus Canadian Shipbuilding

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:14:06 +0000

This week, Kate celebrates International Women's Day with some stories from Haliburton County history. Plus, Paul talks about the over 300 year old proud history of shipbuilding from world class sailing schooners to steam driven paddle wheelers and naval minesweepers. It's a story of innovation and techological change that continues today.

Fred Freeman plus WW1 anti-German Riots

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:53:51 +0000

This week, Kate brings more reminisces from Marjorie Clarke. Marjorie brings her 1890's child's eye view to give insights to a local character, Fred Freeman. Fred had been the proprietor of one of the oldest original buildings in Haliburton village that still remains. Plus, Paul talks about the fears and rumours that led to anti-German and Austro-Hungarian sentiments that swept the world during WW1. The result was discrimination against loyal citizens and riots in some Canadian cities, including today's story of a pair of riots in 1916 Calgary, Alberta.

Problems With Cows plus Canadian Icon Lorne Greene

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:23:11 +0000

This week, Kate brings more reminisces from Marjorie Clarke who grew up in Haliburton village in the 1890's and early 1900's. Today it's all about Marjorie's memories of what do you do with cows wandering the streets, especially when every household tended to have a cow on their small property? Plus Paul has the story of Lorne Green, a Canadian radio personality, actor, musician and singer. Lorne became a well-known face and name, especially in North America, for his many roles including as Ben Cartwright in the long-running tv western series Bonanza and as Commander Adama in the cult sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica.

Valentine's in Haliburton Highlands plus Early Communism in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:06:50 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Valentine's Day and love stories from the early Haliburton Highlands plus Paul has a brief history of the origins and impacts of the early days of the Communist Party in Canada up to WW2.

Governor General Comes to Town plus Lucille Teasdale

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:53:21 +0000

This week, Kate brings the tale of what would have been a huge event in the life of a small community miles from any city. It was the 1930 visit by the Governor General of the time The Viscount Willingdon of Ratton. Paul has the story of Lucille Teasdale who fought the mysogeny of the 1940's to become a successful doctor and surgeon. Lucille treated and saved the lives of thousands in strife-torn Uganda, continuing to work even after she caught a mysterious unkown disease when she cut a finger during an operation. It's was AIDS. She persisted to build, along with her husband Piero Corti, probably the premier medical facility in Africa that still exists today.

Curling in the 1940's plus Two WW2 Canadian SOE Agents

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:24:21 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a new display being created for the Haliburton Highlands Museum. It's all about winter sports, particularly curling that started in the early 1940's. Plus, Paul has the story of Frank Pickersgill and Ken Macalister - 2 young regular Canadians who found themselves teamed up and trained as SOE (Britain's Special Operations Executive) agents. The pair were parachuted into France to work with the Resistance, but were betrayed with tragic results.

Unlikely Soldiers: How Two Canadians Fought the Secret War Against Nazi Occupation, by Johnathan Vance (HarperCollins, 2008)

Dominion Hotel plus Boer War

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:15:54 +0000

This week, Kate brings some reminisces from a child's view of a Minden landmark - the Dominion Hotel in Minden. This time it's comes from Mildred Mortimer memories from around 1915 when her parents owned the hotel. It shows some insights into life at the turn of the 20th century. Her memories are recorded in Susan Wilson's book 'Explore Haliburton'. Plus, Paul has a very brief history of the origins of the Boer War and Canada's involvement. It took place only 32 years of Canada's birth as a country and roughly a decade before WW1. Canada punched above their weight in the Boer War with mounted soldiers, artillery and 12 nurses and earning numerous medals including 5 Victoria Crosses and raising the young country in the world's view.

Skating in the Highlands plus Sable Island

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:09:43 +0000

This week, Kate talks about winter activities for kids 120 years ago in the Haliburton Highlands - especialy that iconic winter activity of ice skating. Plus, Paul has the story of Sable Island - a lonely, desolate sandbar of an island in the Atlantic Ocean over 300 km from land. It has a fascinating history going back to the 1500's including a failed colony of convict settlers, an estimated 350 shipwrecks, and the famous Sable Island wild horses. Today it's a tourist destination and nature reserve.

Promoting Pioneer Settlement plus Jamaican Maroons in Halifax

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:19:31 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of some of the ways that the Canadian Land and Immigration Company tried to entice early pioneering settlers to Haliburton County in the late 1860's and early 1870's. Plus Paul has the tale of how escaped slaves in Jamaica fled to the interior and mountains, set up farms and communities, and collectively came to be called Maroons (from a Spanish word that roughly translates to castaways or runaways). After a century of being a thorn in the side of the British colonial government, it was decided to deport one of the Maroon factions to Halifax in the British colony of Nova Scotia. In 2022 the event and it's aftermath was designated a Canadian national historic event.

Pioneer Christmas plus FBI Raids Donald Sutherland

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:53:42 +0000

This week, Kate muses about some miscellaneous matters that impacted on Christmas traditions in early Haliburton. Plus, we lost Donald Sutherland in 2024 - an actor who's been called the best in his craft never to have won an Oscar. So, Paul brings a brief story of Donald's background and carrer, including the time that he and his wife's residence in LA was raided because of suspected activist activity with the Black Panthers - including allegations of buying hand grenades for the group.

Based on: Toronto History Weekly blog by Adam Brunch (June 27, 2024)

ToquePic plus Great Canadian Train Robberies

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:46:28 +0000

This week, tells the story of making the most of winter in the Highlands and how in the 1960's and 70's there was a huge winter festival, including the festival's mascot - ToquePic. Plus, Canadians tend to downplay our history and it often seems to pale when compared to our colleagues from south of the border in the US. It may surprise our listeners to hear that Canada had its share of great train robberies in the late 1800's and early 1900's featuring dramatic heists, man-hunts, and shootouts.

Partying in Haliburton plus Bodysnatching

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:03:04 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of the Golden Slipper Dance Hall just outside Haliburton Village from the mid-1930's to the late 1970's. It was a happening place with live music and open late 7-days a week. Plus, Paul has a brief history of bodysnatching in Canada in the 1800's. There was a catch-22 at the time. Medical students were required to do dissections of cadavers in order to learn to be surgeons, but the law meant they could be punished for dissections except for bodies of executed criminals - and they were in short supply. Enter the 'resurrection men' aka bodysnatchers who found ways to fill the need and outrage the public.

The Railway Arrives in Haliburton! Plus, Police Arrest a Ghost

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:19:23 +0000

This week, as Kate explains, a momentous event happened on November 26, 1878 - the building of the railway finally reached its destination - Haliburton village. But it seemed to take forever to actually get there and anticipation had been building for a couple of years. So here's some of the behind-the-scenes happening. Plus, Paul has the story of the day in Sptember in 1925 when a huge crowd attended a seance at a hall in downtown Toronto where officers from the Morality Squad arrested a ghostly apparition.

Bad Religion and Bad Business: The History of the Canadian Withcraft Provision; Riley Klassen-Molyneaux; May 2024 Canadian Journal of law and society

Article by Adam Brunch; The Toronto History Weekly

Winnipeg Fever plus Home Front War Hysteria

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:12:08 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Winnipeg Fever in Haliburton County. In the 1870's and 1890's many local settlers found that trying to farm in the area was difficult with thin top soil that wore out quickly. Once the railroad came to Haliburton people had more mobility and an exodus started for greener pastures and land grants out west. Plus, WW1 was a new experience for Canadians on the home front who didn't know how to deal with their fears and anxiety including rumours of imminent attacks and sabotage by American-German agents from the US. And then there was the implications of that new invention - the airplane - that could allow the enemy to launch bombing attacks into Canada.

Halloween in the Highlands plus George McCullagh

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:24:52 +0000

This week, Halloween is 2 weeks out so Kate has brought a preview with an 1870 Highlands Halloween story. Plus, Paul has the tale of George McCullagh . In the 1930's and 40's George was Canada's first media mogul who was hugely influential with politicians, in the sports nworld, and in publishing with 3 major Toronto newspapers in his portfolio. Yet you've probably never heard of George. He had a dark secret and quickly faded from public memory following his death at the early age of 47.

Mark Bourie "Big Men Fear Me"

Women's Institute plus Rebellion in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:54:27 +0000

It's Women's History Month! So, Kate brings a story about how women contributed to the betterment of the Haliburton County community in the early 1900's through the Women's Institute. Plus, Paul tells the tangled tale of John Colborne - Lieutenent General of Upper Canada in the 1830's, the Family Compact, festering frustration and grievances, and the rebellions that resulted in Upper and Lower Canada in 1836-37.

Tribulations of an 1874 School Teacher plus The Hart Affair

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:05:13 +0000

This week, Kate has the story of a teacher in a one-room, multiple grade, pioneer era school. It wasn't always easy. Plus, Paul has the story anti-semitism in Lower Canada (Quebec) in the early 1800's and The Hart Affair. Ezekial Hart was a successful businessman who developed a passion for politics and won a provincial legislative seat in a Trois-Riviere election - twice. The legislature refused to let him participate because of anti-semitism, and Ezekial was expelled both times. Ezekial returned to his hometown where he became active in lobbying for equal rights for Jews.

Samuel Peck plus Gerald Bull

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:32:47 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of Samuel Peck - a United Empire Loyalist who settled near Minden in Haliburton County and was an early community leader. Plus Paul has the fascinating story of Gerald Bull - a brilliant engineer during a time of leading edge aeronautical research in Canada It's also a story of international intrigue; assasination; and maybe even a hint of a James Bond villain.

The LONG Journey plus Convention of Colored Freemen

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:25:39 +0000

This week, Kate describes the long tedious trip for early settlers to journey to their new homes in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul has the story of the American Convention of Colored Freemen held at Toronto's St Lawrence Hall in September 1851. It was an opportunity for North American Black and White leaders to gather and discuss issues facing free and escaped Blacks from the US. Canada was a safe space to hold the Covention - especially given the American Fugitive Slave Act that had resulted in escaped salaves being returned to slavery in the South, and even instances of free Blacks being kidnapped and sold into slavery without legal recourse.

Snowed in the 1890's plus Pirate Peter Easton

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:14:27 +0000

This week, Kate delves into the pages of the Echo newspaper and Marjorie Clark's column where she shares her reminisces of life as a child in 1890's Hakliburton County. Plus Paul tells the story of Peter Easton - a privateer then a pirate who was active off the east coast of Canada in the early 1600's. Peter was arguably the most successful pirate of all time, and who retired to a life of leisure as a very rich individual.

1920 Hockey Celebration plus Edwin Baker and the CNIB

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:57:22 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of the 1910 Haliburton Hockey Ball clebrating a toournament win by the local heroes. Plus. Paul has the story of Edwin Baker who was blinded by a sniper in WW1's trenches, but who overcame his personal adversity to become a world-renowned advocate working on behalf of the visually impaired. Edwin became a co-founder and long-time Managing Director for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). He also received awards and acolodates from around the world for his work, including from King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Pope John XXIII, and Helen Keller.

Back to School in 1949 plus EJ Lennox and Old City Hall

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:06:33 +0000

This week, Kate delves into some of the changes students faced returning to school in 1949's Haliburton County. Plus Paul tells the story of late 1800's-early 1900's architect EJ Lennox and the over 70 iconic buildings he designed in and around Victorian Toronto. Today's tale Includes the drama, disputes and revenge centred around one of those buildings - what's known today as Old City Hall. Oh yes - there's also 3-ton gargoyles.

St Margaret's Church plus Ontario's First Provincial Detective

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:18:44 +0000

This week, in 1918 the small community of Wilberforce in Haliburton County wanted a church. They came up a simple solution - repurpose an already existing building. A huge challange came up a short time later - moving the 2-story church to a new loaction. Plus, the story of John Murray - who became Ontario's first Provincial Detective. His sensational cases, innovative investigative techniques and use of early forensic techniques made him a household name. Plus, he was the inspiration for the CBC's The Great Detective and the Murdoch Mystery of novel and tv fame.

An Iconic Local Character plus 1800's Fire Horses

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:48:46 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Haliburton businessman and character Frederick Freeman that ran a store in Haliburton village for 69 years. Plus Paul reminsces about an earlier romantic and nostalgic time before mechanization when horses were everywehere - for better and worse. Including the main focus for today, fire-horses.

Cow Trouble plus 1800's Canadian Automobile Inventions

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:57:55 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of landscaping problems that happen when cows roam free in early Haliburton County. It caused problems similar to what you get with deer these days. Plus Paul talks about early Canadian automobile inventions in the late 1800's including a steam driven buggy, a hybrid gas/steam vehicle, and a battery operated car. To wrap it up there's the depression era Bennet Buggy and the Avrocar which can probably be best described as a cross over between a hover-car and a flying saucer.

Lumber Camp Culture plus 1812 Coloured Corp

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:14:20 +0000

This week, Kate brings a tale of the macho culture in late 1800's lumber camps. Plus Paul has the story of Black veterans of the Revolutionary War who fought for Britain then migrated to Canada to take advantage of freedom and land grants. There were also Black slaves who had accompanied Loyalists who fled to Canada. Well, when the War of 1812 broke out these individuals were concerned about an American invasion of Canada and possibly being re-enslaved, so many enlisted in militia units and with the British regular forces. Today it's about the all-Black militia unit that came to be named the Coloured Corp.

Alcohol During Prohibition plus Canadian Merchant Marine

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:05:42 +0000

This week, Kate takes a look at alcohol in Haliburton County during Prohibition. Plus, Paul tells the story of Canada's Merchant Marine during WW1 and WW2. The Merchant Marine was a fleet of ships owned by the Canadian government and was an unofficial branch of the Armed Forces. The merchantb sailors were constantly exposed to danger as they helped keep the Allies in the war in Europe, and delivered food to feed civilians in the UK. And they had a higher casualty rate proportionate to their numbers than any of the other military branches. Yet, once WW2 was over they had to fight to get veteran's benefits.

Campfire Ghost Story plus Greatest Female Athlete

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:16:32 +0000

This week, Kate points out that summer has officially started, as has cottage and camping season. What better than a story that could be told around a campfire? Plus, Paul has the story of Montreal's Louise Armaindo - trapeze artist, circus strongwoman, marathon walking competitor, and professional high-wheel (penny farthing) bike racer in the late 1800's. Louise has been described as the greatest female athlete. Unfortunately her life and accomplishments have been largely forgotten today.

Thoughts of a Teenage Pioneer plus United Irish Uprising in Newfoundland

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:14:58 +0000

This week, Kate talks about an early account from 1870's Haliburton County from the diary of a teenager on what life was like in pioneer rural Ontario. Plus, Paul has the story of the late 1700's connections between the British colony of Newfoundland and Ireland, and the 1800 United Irish Uprising in Newfoundland.

From the Haliburton Echo July 30 1953 plus Rebellion in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:12:39 +0000

This week, Kate delves into the pages of the Haliburton Echo from July 30, 1953 to bring us stories about the local efforts of the Rotary Club. Plus, Paul talks about the Constitution Act of 1791 - one of the steps in the long evolution of Canada from being a colony to an independent country. Under the Constitution Act Britain split the former colony of New France into Upper and Lower Canada. The good intentions of the Act ended up with the Family Compact and Clergy Land Reserves. These in turn built up tensions that led to separate rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada in 1837/38. The British response to the rebellions moved Canada one step closer to Confederation.

Haliburton's Company Store plus Canada Invades Normandy on D-Day

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:57:18 +0000

This week, Kate tells us the story of the Canadian Land & Immigration Company's promise to provide early settlers with certain amenities to ease their transition. One of those was the Company Store. Plus, on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day (as of today's recording), Paul recounts how a scrapy army of young largely untested Canadian soldiers were assigned a significant role to invade Normandy on D-Day. The allies landed on 6 sites on the coast of France - Canada's objective was an 8 kilometre stretch code named Juno Beach. And they punched way above their weight!

Pioneer Social Graces plus Canada's Last Birth Control Trial

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 31 May 2024 15:52:15 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Freeman family who came from Leeds, England to the Haliburton area. They brought with them little social graces that brought a taste of home for the pioneer family. Plus, Paul tells the story of how cynical eugenics started to promote birth control in Canada in the early 1900's. On the other hand was Dorothea Palmer. She was an altruistic social worker who was counselling poor women with large families on birth control but was charged with distributing birth control information contrary to the Criminal Code. She was caught in the middle between the eugenics movement trying to manipulate the system, and providing birth control information for educational reasons. Regardless, she was commited for trial and was potentially facing 2 years in jail.

Origins of Victoria Day plus the Quebec Act

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 May 2024 15:01:32 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the origins of the Victoria Day long weekend and why the traditional first long weekend of summer doesn't necessarily fall on her actual birthday any longer. Plus. we've done a series of episodes on how a few battles in New France over a couple of years near the end of the Seven Year's War radically shaped today's Canada from a French to an english colony. Today's episode is the aftermath as Britain struggled to juggle and accomodate all the North American political realities, including their French subjects, Indigenous issues, and the New England colonies. They hoped the answer would be the Quevbec Act but it very quickly contributed to the American War of Independence and started to shape Canada into the countries as we know it today.

Highway 35 - a depression era work project. Plus, The amazing Philip Kives and his K-Tel company.

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:36:43 +0000

This week, Kate brings the story of a depression era relief project that helped families survive by providing work, but also opened the Haliburton Highlands further to tourism and cottaging. Plus, Paul has the story of Winnipeg entrepreneur and proud Canadian Philip Kives who created the iconic K-Tel company that hawked dozens of items ranging from kitchen products to compilation record albums. K-Tel was really the first marketing concept of its kind - selling products on the relatively new medium of television - that set the stage for today's info-mercials. music streaming, and on-line sales.

Haliburton County's Leatherby Family plus Battle of Sainte-Foy

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 03 May 2024 15:11:53 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Leatherby family that settled in Haliburton County in 1867 and uses them as an example of how families had to diversify to make ends meet. Plus, Paul talks about the Battle of Sainte-Foy. Sainte-Foy took place pretty much on the grounds where the Battle of the Plains of Abraham had taken place just months earlier. but this time the roles were reversed. The British held Quebec City while the French were trying to take it. Spoiler aalert - the French won the battle, but lost the war.

Snapshot of Haliburton County May 1918 plus Sir William Stephenson

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:47:17 +0000

This week, Kate brings a snapshot of Haliburton County going-ons from the pages of the Echo newspaper from May 1918. Plus, Paul has the story of Canadian spy-master Sir William Stephenson - the man code-named Intrepid.

Reminisces from the Echo plus Canadian Spy Winthrop Bell

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:26:13 +0000

This week, Kate brings a first-hand reminiscence of early Haliburton County from Marjorie Clark - a columnist in the Echo newspaper. Plus, Paul has the story of Winthrop Pickard Bell - a Canadian academic and spy who became arguably the world's foremost foreign expert on the political and military state of Germany after the end of WW1. His early warnings of the rise of the Nazis, increasing militarism, and threats to Jews and other groups had influence on the preparations of the allies for WW2. Author Jason Bell has called Winthrop Canada's greatest spy.

'Cracking the Nazi Code - The Untold Story of Canada's Greatest Spy' Author Bell, Jason HarperCollins Canada September 26, 2023

Haliburton County Centennial 1974 plus Canada's First Female War Correspondent

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:13:35 +0000

This week, Kate tells us about Haliburton County's centenial anniversary in 1974 and some of the uniques, interesting celbrations that took place including a full day event at Toronto's Ontario Place. Plus, Paul has the story Kathleen 'Kit' Coleman who was a successful journalist, columnist and reporter in the late 1800's - early 1900's. Kit became the first North American female war correspondent who was accredited by the US government to report on the 1898 Spanish-American war being fought in Cuba.

CNE Causing Highlands Angst plus The Edmonton Grads

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:47:46 +0000

This week, Kate tells the 1961 story where Toronto's Canadian National Exhibition announced a scheduling change that concerned Haliburton Highlands tourism operators. Plus, Paul tells the tale of the phenomenally successful Edmonton Grads world champion women's basketball team. First formed in 1915 the team came to make world-wide headines, draw large crowds, and winnning roughly 95% of their games before disbanding in 1940 during WW2.

1927 Theatre in Haliburton Highlands plus General James Wolfe

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:48:21 +0000

This week, Kate delves into a back copy of the Echo newspaper from February 1927 to show the deep roots of local culture and theatre in the Haliburton Highlands. Plus, Paul builds on the story of Fort Louisburg from the last episode of the TimeWarp to tell the tale of British General James Wolfe who at the age of 32 commanded the flotilla deployed to capture Quebec City from the French during the Seven Years War. He met the French army on the Plains of Abraham where both Wolfe and the French commander, Montcalm, died of wounds inflicted during the battle.

1946 Haliburton Echo Archives plus Fortress Louisbourg

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:31:32 +0000

This week, Kate went down another rabbit hole reading a Haliburton Echo newspaper archive from 1946 and came up with 2 stories - one on a committee formed to figure a way for the community to increase tourism in the post WW2 era, and another on Haliburton's Red Cross Outpost Hospital - the building that Canoe FM now occupies.Plus Paul tells the tale of the rise and fall of France's Fort Louisbourg, and the strategic place it held in the see-saw battle between France and Britain for predominance in North America.

1949 Minden Public Speaking Contest plus the HMCS Uganda

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:53:05 +0000

This week, as local schools take a break for spring Kate talks about a 1949 public speaking competition held at a school in Minden and the wide breadth of topics that must have been much tougher to research in a pre-internet world. Plus Paul talks about the odd saga of WW2's HMCS Uganda. The ship's crew served with honour against the Japanese in the Pacific, but are best remembered today as the only Canadian warship's crew known to vote themselves out of the war and return home. But they weren't mutineers. Here's their story.

From the Echo Newspaper Archives plus Canadians in the WW2 French Resistance

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:13:59 +0000

This week, Kate dives back into the archives of the Haliburton Echo newspaper and comes up with Marjorie Clark who wrote a series of columns called 'This I Remember' where she reminisced about life in the County. Marjorie was born in 1882 and her recollections give a first-hand window into life in early Haliburton County. Plus, during WW2 there were many Canadian men and women who worked as secret agents behind the lines with Resistance cells for British Intelligence. Their lives were in constant danger from betrayal, capture and execution. Yet they contributed so much to the war effort. Today is the story of two of those agents.

Haliburton 1870's Dr DeRenzy plus Canada's Civil War Doctor of Courage

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:22:23 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of Mathew DeRenzy and his wife Henrietta who came to Haliburton County in 1869. Matthew was a doctor - or was he? He also dabbled as a veterinarian and as an apothecary. Plus, Paul tells the story of 'Doctor of Courage' Alexander Thomas Augusta who enrolled as a medical student at University of Toronto's Trinity College after hitting higher-education roadblocks in the US. Alexander returned to the US some years later where he became the first Black surgeon and the highest ranking Black officer in the Union Army.

Joseph Pimm plus Canadian Troops vrs Soviets in WW2

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:42:50 +0000

This week, Kate tells the tale of Joseph Pimm, the propietor of Minden's Dominion Hotel in 1892 and the odd details around his demise as the result of a ruckus at the hotel one night. Ironically Joseph was a temperance man despite owning a bar. Plus, Paul tells the story of Canada's 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and their assignment to rush and block a Soviet army advance across the north of Germany during the last few days of WW2.

The Story of a Haliburton Church plus Lord Stanley's Cup

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:00:32 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how early settlers worshipped in Haliburton County, how local denominations welcomed anyone to their services, and the origin story of one denomination's church - the Baptist Church(s). Plus, Paul talks about Canada's 6th Governor General (since Confederation) Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley and the trophy he presented to be awarded each year to the best team in Canadian amateur hockey - the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup that became known as the Stanley Cup awarded to the NHL Champion Team.

1934 Haliburton Highlands Hockey plus the Parkdale Murder Mystery

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:25:51 +0000

This week, Kate talks about winter in the 1934 Haliburton Highlands and how important hockey was to the community. Plus, Paul talks about a Victorian era murder mystery in the west Toronto village of Parkdale. On October 6th, 1894 18-year-old Frank Westwood answered his front door, was shot by a stranger, and died 3 days later of his injuries. The story involves a cross-dressing suspect, a nation wide media frenzy, a trial, and even author Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame.

January in the 1970's Highlands plus the Fruit Machine

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:45:38 +0000

This week, Kate has gone down another rabbit hole in an issue of the Haliburton Echo newspaper and tells us about some of the things that happened from a January 1972 issue. Plus, Paul talks about the cold war, Russian espionage in Canada, and the the resulting discriminatory attempt to purge gays and lesbians from the federal civil service, the RCMP and the armed forces.

Does Christmas Day Start or End the Season? Plus, Canadian Actress Nell Shipman

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 17:06:53 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how the Christmas Season has evolved and how at one time it ends the holiday season while at other time it was considered as starting the season. When and how did it change? Plus, Paul talks about Hollywood's silent era and how Canadian actress Nell Shipman was a trailblazing pioneer.

Grand Opening of Haliburton's First Church plus Canada's First Secret Service

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:30:06 +0000

This week, two stories that originated in the mid 1860's - the grand opening of Haliburton villages first church (it didn't work out quite as planned) plus the creation of Canada's first undercover secret service agency (the Western Frontier Constabulary) to deal with fallout from the US Civil War then the Fenian threat.

Haliburton County Christmas Traditions Part 2 plus Ron Turcotte and Secretariat

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:01:42 +0000

This week, Kate carries on with some tales of Haliburton County Christmases - this time with some stories from back issues of the Haliburton Echo. Plus, Paul tells the story of the great Canadian Jockey Ron Turcotte (the first jockey to win five of six consecutive Triple Crown horse races) and his partnership with Secretariat - the American race horse that rewrote the definition of thoroughbred greatness.

Early Haliburton County Christmas Traditions plus Epic Canadian Bank Failures

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:44:45 +0000

This week, Kate revisits some 1860's Haliburton County Christmas traditions, Plus, today Canadian banks are today considered to be safe and stable system - and a model for the rest of the world. Like, zero depression bank collapses and no failures or bail outs during the 2008 world-wide financial crises. But it wasn't always that way. It took a few epic failures in the late 1800's and early 1900's before things would change for the better.

Early Booster of Haliburton County's Railroad plus the 1775 Independence Hurricane

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 16:55:06 +0000

This week, Kate tells the story of Alexander McDonald - a young Scottish immigrant to Haliburton County who in the 1860's and 70's was a multi-term member of council and Reeve. Alexander was also a mover and shaker who's personal passion project was to bring the railroad to Haliburton. Plus, Paul has the story of the 1775 Independence Hurricane that struck the 13 colonies in the early months of the War of Indepence, then moved north causing death and devastation in the colony of Newfoundland and the Islands of St Pierre-Miquelon. It was the first recorded hurricane in Canada and remains on the list of the top 10 worst Atlantic hurricanes. In Canada where up to 4000 people perished it's known as the 1775 Newfoundland Hurricane.

Haliburton County 1860's Farming College plus Marion Orr - Pioneering Female Aviator

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:59:53 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the challenges facing new immigrants to 1860's Haliburton County who were hoping to farm. One of the proposed answers was to set up - and advertise in England - that they could be trained at a local agriculture college and farming co-op. It didn't exactly live up to the hype. Plus, Paul tells the story of Canada's pioneering female aviator Marion Orr who led the way for women in an overwhelmingly male bastion.

Remembrance Day in Haliburton County plus Canada and the Normandy Invasion

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:37:18 +0000

This week it's Remembrance Day related stories. Kate talks about a WW1 soldier's story with a Haliburton County connection and how historical events usually involve individuals who can get lost in the bigger story. Plus, Paul tells the story surrounding Canada's mission to take Juno Beach during WW2's Normandy invasion - history's largest amphibious assault.

Halloween in Haliburton County plus Edmonton's Haunted Hotel

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:56:36 +0000

Halloween is coming up very shortly. For this week's TimeWarp episode Kate specualtes about whether - and how and why - Haliburton County pioneers might have celebrated Halloween. Plus, Paul tells the eerie tale of one of Canada's reputably most haunted places - Edmonton's luxurious Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. You can book a room, if you dare!

Daniel Bowen plus Winnipeg's WW2 'If Day'

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:25:11 +0000

This week, Kate tells us about the typical - yet unusual - pioneer story of the Daniel Bowen family in Haliburton County in the late 1800's and early 1900'. Plus, Paul has the story of Winnipeg's invasion by 'German forces' during WW2. It was called 'If Day' and it was all part of a War Bond initiative to raise funds to fight the Axis powers.

William Ritchie plus Battle of Thousand Islands

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:29:14 +0000

This week, Kate tells the story of William Ritchie who came to Haliburton County in the late 1800's and had a significant, but largely behind-the-scenes role in the early days of the community - despite the fact that his tenure only lasted a few years before migrating to the west looking for more land. Plus, Paul talks about how the first truly world war - the 1760's Seven Years War - was fought partly in North America and forever changed the continent. One of the key battles was in the Thousand Islands in the St Lawrence River at the east end of Lake Ontario. It was a stepping stone towards the French ceding their North American colonies to the British.

Ethel Curry plus the Canadian Origins of Labour Day

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:36:45 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Ethel Curry - a Haliburton County arts and cultural icon. She was born in 1902 and died in in 2000 at the age of 97. She was well known as a painter, but her talents were much broader and she was very influential in the art world. She was the inspiration for the naming of Haliburton village's Ether Curry Gallery, which is unfortunately scheduled to close in the near future. It'll leave a hole in the local art scene. Plus, Paul talks about the the 130 year old origin and history of Labour Day in Canada. It's more than just a holiday and the unofficial end of summer.

Pioneer Social Nets plus Isabel Macneill

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:29:34 +0000

This week, talks about the late 1800's and community efforts to help those in need during a time when formal social safety nets didn't exist. In today's example we hear about John and Mary Sutherland who came to Haliburton County around 1866, but by the 1880's were in need. Plus, Paul tells the story of a remarkable Canadian woman - Isabel Macneill who accomplished many firsts for a woman. Among other roles, she was the first female commanding officer of a naval ship in the British Commonwealth and the first female Superintendent at Kingston's prison for women in Kingston.

1850's Transportation in Haliburton County plus Louis Gamache

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:35:55 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how people tended to get around in pioneer Haliburton County when roads were.....rustic at best and options were limited. Plus, Paul tells the story of Louis Oliver Gamache who lived on Anticosti Island at the mouth of the St Lawrence River in the late 1700's to mid 1800's. He chose to live a solitary existence but grew concerned about his personal security while living such an isolated life. The solution? To foster and amplify stories that he was a dangerous oddball who should be avoided. Yet he could be a bit of a joker. Tales and legends about Louis still make the rounds today in southern Quebec and the Maritimes.

Entertainment Options in the Early 1900's plus Lieutenant James FitzGibbon

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:14:49 +0000

Pioneers in the late 1800's and early 1900's were very social people that wanted to get together with their friends and neighbors. But with large spaces between people and no phones or social media, what were the entertainment options and opportunities to gather? Kate talks about a few items from the pages of a 1907 Minden Echo newspaper. Plus, when Laura Secord made her trek through the wilderness to warn the British of an impending American attack during the War of 1812, she passed the information on to Lieutenant James FitzGibbon who's life and career is deserving of a TimeWarp episode.

A Prospector's Story plus The Canal That Never Was

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:13:31 +0000

This week, Kate talks about William Nichol who arrived in Haliburton County in the 1860's. His story was pretty typical - until he diversified into something a little unique - prospecting in the County and beyond. Plus, Paul talks about the development of canals in Canada in the early 1800's and how they were so impotant to the mobility and the economic growth of a young Canada. And there was a proposal on the books for a huge canal slicing across Ontaio that would have rivalled the Panama Canal - but it became 'the canal that never was'.

Haliburton High School Turns 70 plus Canada's Forgotten War

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:19:01 +0000

This week, Kate talks about secondary school education in Haliburton County as the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School turns 70 this year. But what came before the HHHS? Plus, Paul has the story of Canada's significant involvement as a United Nations partner joining 20 other countries deployed to the Korean War. It became Canada's 3rd bloodiest conflict. But, despite the sacrifices, it's become Canada's 'forgotten war'.

Early churches in Haliburton County. Plus Willie O'Ree - breaking the NHL color barrier.

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:13:30 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how early churches in Haliburton County tended to welcome all faiths and to be non-denominational because there just wasn't the population to support and build churches for each faith. As a result Hal;iburton County has always been a very religiously tolerant community. Plus, Paul talks about Willie O'Ree - the first athlete to break the color barrier and play hockey professionally in the National Hockey League. It wan't that long ago. He debuted with with the Boston Bruins in 1958, and is still a well-respected hockey ambassador.

Camping in Pioneer Times plus Manny McIntyre

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 14:37:53 +0000

This week, Kate talks about camping in pioneer times. Of course, there were professionals like surveyors, trappers and hunters. But, maybe counter-intuitively, there was recreational camping as well. Plus, Paul talks about Manny McIntyre - an exceptional multi-sport athlete who competed in hocky internationally and who became the first Black Canadian to sign a professional baseball contract....just weeks after Jackie Robinson broke the baseball colour barrier.

School's Out For Summer plus Mickey O'Rourke VC

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:11:38 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the evolution of summer tourism in the Haliburton Highlands once school was out. Plus, Paul takes an individual from last week's episode on the Battle of Ballantyne pier - Victoria Cross winner Mickey O'Rourke - and does a deeper dive into his story.

Haliburton County Royalty plus Battle of Ballantyne Pier

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:11:52 +0000

This week, Kate talks about John and Caroline Williams who came to Haliburton County in the 1860's from England. They were from well-to-do families that had fallen on financially difficult times and decided to come to Canada. But in Haliburton County they were part of the 'upper-crust'. Plus, there's many stories of the difficult evolution of unions and worker rights in Canada starting post WW1 and continuing into the late depression. Often the worker's rights movement was suppressed by intimidation. This is the story of one of those confrontations - the 1935 Battle of Ballantyne Pier in Vancouver.

Old-Timey Occupations plus Sunnyside Beach Park

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:17:04 +0000

This week, there's old time occupations that are very rare today. Kate takes a dive into the topic of boot and shoe making and repair for example. Plus, Paul takes a nostalgic look at a bygone era - the history of Toronto's Sunnyside Beach Park with roots that go as far back as the 1850's.

Haliburton County Ghost Town plus Battle of Mont Sorrel

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:55:41 +0000

This week, Kate talks abouthow boom and 'bust' led to the rise of communities in Haliburton County, and how times led to some of those becoming 'ghost towns'. This is the story of one of those - the hamlet of Gelert. Plus, WW1 in many ways gave rise to Canada becoming a country. Here's the story of the Battle of Mont Sorrel in June 1916, the first battle in WW1 that was independently planned and executed by Canadians.

Haliburton Marks the Coronation of QE2 plus Canada's Worst Nautical Disaster

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:31:43 +0000

This week, 2 items from this week in history. Kate talks about how Haliburton marked the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II seventy years ago today (as of this broadcast). Plus, Paul talks about Canada's worst nautical disaster - the sinking of the Canadian Pacific Railway's trans-atlantic luxury liner the Empress of Ireland 99 years ago this week (as of this broadcast).

Pioneer Accommodations plus The Americans Invade Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 May 2023 14:59:15 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Haliburton village in the early 1900's. It's a small pioneer town with limited accommodations. But where do temporary workers and visitors stay when they don't have a place of their own? Plus, it's the 1700's and the 13 colonies in the US are in rebellion against Britain. Paul talks about why an American army invaded Canada - their neighbours to the north - in 1775 trying to tempt Canadians to rise up and join their cause. Spoiler alert - it didn't work out well.

One County Man's Milestones plus Tragic Arctic Exploration

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 May 2023 15:52:44 +0000

This week, Kate was looking through archived back issues of the Echo newspaper - and went down a rabbit hole again.This time it's about milestones in the of one Haliburton County man. Plus, Paul talks about the unbelievable conditions that early Arctic explorers faced in general, and specifically about the tragic expedition of one small flotilla led by Jens Munk in 1619-20.

A Summer Story From the Highlands plus Tragic Tale of the MV St Louis

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:20:13 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how summer is special and how a couple of Haliburton County traditional summer events were just the thing to lift winter-weary spirits. Plus, Paul brings a sad story from the months leading up to WW2 when a ship-load of 937 German-Jewish refugees sailed across the Atlantic in the MV St Louis to a hoped-for sanctuary in North America, only to be turned away - including by Canada - and forced to return to Europe with tragic consequences for many of the passengers.

A Local Public Holiday plus the Rock Slide Disaster in Frank, Alberta

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 May 2023 16:28:23 +0000

This week, Kate talks about an event that was momentous enough in Haliburton County to qualify for a local-only public holiday. It was something significant for any small pioneer community. Plus, Paul talks about the deadly collapse of the Turtle Mountain mountain rock face onto the community of Frank, Alberta, inundating parts of the town causing devastation and numerous deaths.

Coping In Difficult Circumstances plus Canadian Robber Baron

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:16:14 +0000

This week, Kate completes the story of Maria Gilmore who came to Haliburton County from Ireland in the 1870's to join her estranged father. It's a story of a resourceful pioneer woman who learned to cope with very difficult circumstances. Plus, from the 1870's until the turn of the century was the 'Gilded Age' of industrial and economic expansion. A few elite did extremely well through often ruthless and unethical financial maneuvers. They were called Robber Barons. Here's the story of a Canadian Robber Baron - Samuel Zimmerman.

Building a Garden Fountain in 1860's Haliburton plus Canada and the Defence of WW2's Hong Kong

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:44:45 +0000

This week, in the 1860's Haliburton County didn't have electricity or indoor plumbing so how the heck do you make a garden fountain work? Plus, the Canadian army's contribution at the start of WW2 was still small, so what might be a small symbolic way to support the war effort. The answer seemed to be to send just under 2,000 soldiers to help defend Britain's colony of Hong Kong. There wasn't a war in the Pacific so although the Canadians were undertrained and underprepared - what could go wrong?

It's Spring Ice-Out Time plus The Last Beothuk

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:04:33 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Haliburton village's annual tradition of guessing what day winter's ice would finally disappear from Head Lake. But when did the tradition start? Plus, Paul talks about Newfoundland's Indigenous people - the Beothuk - and the sad disappearance of the Beothuks starting with the arrival of Europeans in the late 1400's. And the story of Shawnadithit who's been called the last Beothuk.

Pioneer's Two-Way Trips Across the Atlantic plus a Canadian's Hunt for Lincoln's Assassin

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:19:36 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how it wasn't always a one-way trip for pioneers in the late 1800's - it could be a two-way trip, or even back or forth several times for different reasons. And it wasn't often an easy trip, so why do it? Plus, Paul talks about Edward P. Doherty, a Canadian who enlisted in the US Civil War and at war's end was assigned to lead the hunt to track down US President Abraham Lincoln's assassin.

Tory Hill March 1914 plus the Sordid Tale of Francis Rattenbury

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:01:31 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Haliburton County of Tory Hill in 1914 and negotiations with the Ministry of Militia and Defence to purchase a local facility as a drill hall. Unknown to all concerned WW1 was just around the corner, which likely would have made a huge difference in the negotiations. Plus Paul talks about the riches to rags tale of Francis (Ratz) Rattenbury - an outstanding architect who helped shape the landscape of Western Canada. Unfortunately his life had a dark side of arrogance, bankruptcy, scandal, sex, and murder.

Haliburton County Poet plus Canada's Best WW2 Bomber Pilot

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:04:34 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Burleigh Wallace. Burleigh was a Haliburton County resident who was inspired to write poetry about local daily life and inadvertently ended up writing stories that gives us an historical perspective of the times. Plus, Paul talks about John Fauquier who was Canada's most highly decorated and successful WW2 bomber pilot including tours of duty commanding and flying with the Pathfinders and the Dambusters squadrons. He's a member of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.

Isabella Hutchings plus Irish Famine Emigrants to Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:39:27 +0000

Last week Kate talked about pioneer women in Haliburton County in general. This week, Kate talks specifically about one woman - Isabella Hutchings. Plus Paul talks about the terrible impact of famine caused by the potato blight in the mid-1800's on the Irish. Millions emigrated with many coming to Canada. Unfortunately, many died enroute and there were many orphans as a result. Here's the story of the Canadian response.

International Women's Day plus The Guibord Affair

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 16:39:00 +0000

This week, Kate recognizes International Women's Day and talks - broadly - about what lifestyle changes must have been like for pioneer women emigrating to a rural community like Haliburton County. Plus, Paul takes us back to Quebec in the mid-1800's and the integration of church and state at the time. The Guibord Affair was one of the first indications that the relationship was about to change with Quebec evolving to become more secular. But the Catholic Church wasn't going to give up their influence easily.

Looking After Others in the Late 1800's plus Battle of Hudson's Bay

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 16:27:56 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the tragic - but ultimately heartwarming - story of young Alice and Bill Smith who were orphaned twice in the late 1800's, and how the community responded to look after them. Plus Paul talks about what historian and journalist Peter C Newman called 'the greatest Arctic sea battle in North American history' - the Battle of Hudson's Bay.

Dentistry in the Highlands plus the Redpath Mansion Murder Mystery

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:54:22 +0000

This week, Kate talks about dentistry in the early decades of the 1900's in the Haliburton Highlands. You have a terrible toothache - what do you do? Maybe wait for the travelling dentist who comes around twice a year? Or maybe take matters into your own hands. Plus, Paul talks about the the origins of Canada's Redpath family.....and the 1901 Redpath Mansion Murder Mystery - one of Canada's most notorious unsolved mysteries. Will we ever know what really happened?

The Parsonage Family plus Machine Gun Molly

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:44:15 +0000

This week, in 1863 the Parsonage family arrived in Haliburton County and cleared land for a homestead. Unfortunately all the hard work was for naught as it was unfortunately someone else's lot. It was a tough first winter after that. Not too many years later the family largely joined the exodus moving west, looking for better agricultural land. Plus, Paul does a follow-up on the plague of bank hold-ups that hit Montreal in the 60's-70's. Today the feature is on Monica Proietti who the newspapers nicknamed 'Machine Gun Molly'.

A Lumber Camp Tall Tale plus Canadian Boxer Sammy Luftspring

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:18:43 +0000

This week, Kate talks about lumber camps. There's thousands of lumber camp stories - this is one of them. Plus, Paul talks about Jewish-Canadian boxer Sammy Luftspring. A shy, slight young man who overcame discrimination - and perhaps even used it as a springboard to success - and became one of Canada's best boxers in the mid 1900's.

Haliburton County's Old Time Fur Industry plus Canada's First Olympic Gold Medal

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:16:31 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how far away Haliburton's early fur industry attracted interest from as far as away as New York State. Not bad for a small rural County without great access at the time. Plus, Paul talks about George Orton who was Canada's first Olympic gold medalist. It all happened at the 1900 Paris Olympics - but he wasn't officially recognized as Canadian until over 70 years later. On top of his many accomplishments, he did it all with a disability that he didn't let hold him back.

A Woman's Story From Early Haliburton County plus The Demise of Capital Punishment in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 16:09:45 +0000

There's not a lot of individual in-depth pioneer women's stories from pioneer times. Well, this week Kate talks about the story of Katherine Allcorn in Haliburton County from around the end of the 1800's - and interestingly a butter discussion breaks out between our hosts. Plus, Paul talks about the evolution of capital punishment in Canada, its slow demise, and the last two convicted murderers hung in Canada in 1962.

Neighbors in the late 1800's plus Inspirational Story of Escaped Slaves

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:57:55 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the small communities in the late 1800's and how pioneer neighbors needed to get along and relied on each other. Here's an example from Eagle Lake in Haliburton County. Plus Paul talks about the inspiring story of Thornton and Ruthie Blackburn - escaped slaves who managed to escape to Toronto and ultimately became entrepreneurs and 'Persons of National Historic Signifance' in Canada.

How Minden Was Named plus The Santa Bandit

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:29:01 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the naming of Minden in Haliburton County. There are a couple of theories discussed, but bottom line is no one really knows for sure anymore. One theory is that it goes back to the Seven Years War. Plus, Paul talks about a plague of bank robberies in 1960's Montreal and how it even had a ripple effect as far away as Toronto. Today it's about one of those robbers - The Santa Bandit.

Christmas Cooking plus the Quaker Oats Factory Explosion

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:37:13 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the evolution of turkey as a Christmas meal. Turkey is a North American bird, but may have first appeared in England at Henry VIII's court. Plus, Paul talks about the the 1916 explosion and fire at the Quaker Oats factory in Peterborough, Ontario. The pre-Christmas disaster made news around the world and was a disaster for the community.

Christmas in 1864's Haliburton County plus Montreal Skylight Caper

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:14:48 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the first Christmas celebrations in Haliburton village's first year of existence including the need to postpone St George's dedication; music and getting around in those days. Plus, Paul talks about the unsolved hollywood-type theft of millions of dollars worth of art from Montreal's Museum of Fine Arts in 1972. It's called the Skylight Caper. They should make a movie!

Christmas From The Echo's Archives plus Alberta's Lost Lemon Gold Mine

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 16:01:04 +0000

This week, Kate picked up a copy of the Echo newspaper from December 15, 1966, went down a research rabbit hole, and came up with some local historical Christmas items. Plus, Paul talks about Alberta's 1870's Lost Lemon Gold Mine in the Rockies. Was it cursed, and is it still out there to be found?

Volunteer Fire Departments plus The Ripple Rock Explosion

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:22:38 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the recent death of Dysart Fire Department's Chief Mike Iles. It also led Kate to chat about the genesis of Haliburton County volunteer Fire Departments.Plus, Paul talks about the Ripple Rock Mountain that was located in a narrow section of the shipping passage between Vancouver Island and BC's mainland. It was a signicant hazard to ships that led to the sinking of at least 120 vessels and the loss of at least 110 lives. What to do? Why try and blow 'er up. But not everyone was happy with the solution. Regardless, the result was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions on record.

Haliburton's Molou Movie Theatre plus the LONG History of the CNE

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:52:15 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the decades long history of a small town movie theatre named The Molou and what it meant before other forms of entertainment like TV were available. Plus Paul talks about the Canadian National Exhibition - also known as the CNE and the Ex. It's been around for almost 175 years. The changes at the Ex over the decades is really representative of the changes in Canada from a rural, agricultural society to an industrial society. Let's Go To The Ex!

Haliburton's Frederick Freeman plus Prohibition Gangster Rocco Perri

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:23:35 +0000

This week, Kate talks Frederick Freeman who moved to the Haliburton area in 1880-81 and operated a store in an inconic yellow wood sided building on Pine St that still exists today. And Frederick could be a character! Plus, Paul talks about the rise and fall of Hamilton, Ontario prohibition era gangsters Rocco Perri and Bessie Starkman who have been linked with US gangsters Frank Costello and Al Capone.

Remembering Those From Haliburton County plus James Campbell Clouston

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:56:44 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the impact of WW1 and WW2 on Haliburton County from some individual and family points of view. Plus, Paul remembers a little known WW2 Canadian hero, James Campbell Clouston, who had a significant role in saving nearly 200,000 trapped allied soldiers from Dunkirk - and gave his life in the process.

So Much Info From a Small Piece of Paper plus Canada's Most Grisly Murder?

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:49:51 +0000

This week, Kate puts on her historian's hat and delves into the amount of information that even a small piece of paper - like an old receipt - can provide and that connects different people from 1916's Haliburton County. Plus, Paul talks about the mid-1940's homicide case in Halilton, Ontario that some newspapers have called 'Canada's most grisly murder'. The suspect? Evelyn (nee MacLean) Dick.

It's the Spooky Season!

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:28:52 +0000

This week, in honour of Spooky Season Kate talks about early Halloween in Haliburton County. Plus Paul talks about a couple of instances of Phantom Trains in Canada.

Early Italians in Haliburton County plus Origins of the War of 1812

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 15:12:43 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Haliburton Highlands Museum's recently donated artifact - an early 1900's wine making press that led her to ponder a little deeper about the origins and growth of the Italian community in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul got to thinking about the War of 1812 between British North America and the US - and what the background causes were to the war breaking out in the first place.

The Wallings Family plus Mona Louise Parsons

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:12:56 +0000

This week was originally broadcast in April 2020 but never made it to a podcast. Kate talks about the Wallings family - that began settling in Haliburton County in the late 1800's, opened a prominent dairy, and have lent their name to a street in Haliburton Village. Plus, Paul talks about Mona Louise Parsons whowas born in Nova Scotia, emigrated to the Netherlands just prior to WWII, and became a resistance fighter rescuing downed allied fighter pilots. She was captured and tried by a German military tribunal, was sentenced to death - but that wasn't the end of her story.

Attic Treasures plus Viola Desmond

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:16:43 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a treasure that was found found in the attic of a Haliburton County home from 1888 (an invitation to a Valentine's Day dance in 1888) and connections that can be made. Plus Paul talks about the background of Viola Desmond, the discrimination she suffered at the Roseland Theatre in Nova Scotia, and the malicious prosecution that followed.

Thoughts on Queen Elizabeth plus UFO's in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:28:01 +0000

This week, Kate has some thought about the historical implications of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and puts them into the context of the impact the passing of Queen Victoria would have had on Haliburton County. Plus, Paul talks about the history of reported sightings - and some of the investigations - of UFO's in Canada.

Early Doctor (1866) in Haliburton County plus George Brown

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:17:00 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a young doctor who came to Haliburton County and what it really meant to be a doctor in a pioneer community at the end of the 1800's. Plus Paul talks about George Brown who launched Toronto's Globe newspaper (today's Globe & Mail) in the 1850's. As well he put aside political differences to lobby for Canadian Confederation and is considered to be a father of confederation. Unfortunately, he came to an untimely end.

Tale Of A Quirky Individual plus Canadian Prohibition Rum-Runner

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Robert McCormack, a quirky individual who lived in 1800's Haliburton County. He even shingled his barn at night by lamplight. And, Paul talks about the 'I'm Alone', a VERY successful Canadian rum-running ship during American Probition. Swashbuckling Captain Jack Randall successfully evaded the US Coast Guard for 6 years.

Photography in Early Haliburton plus Canadian Animals in Wartime

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:11:39 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the huge difference it made to early Haliburton County's historical record with the advances in photographic technology, and the record it left for future generations. Plus, Paul talks about the wartime connection - most especially during WW1 - between soldiers and their animal partners. Some of those animal partners were a little obscure - like slugs and glow worms.

Minden's Daniel Buck plus Fanny 'Bobbie' Rosenfeld

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:01:51 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Daniel Buck who arrived in Haliburton County in the mid-1800's, built Buck's Tavern (now known as the Domion Hotel) and had a sawmill on Buckslide Road. Plus, Paul tells the story of an incredible athlete who in 1950 was named Canada's female athlete of the first half of the half century. Fanny 'Bobbie' Rosenfeld also had a stellar career as a sports comunist for Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper.

Rising Above Diversity plus WW2's Operation Fish

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:22:27 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Anne Dean (nee Weller) a woman who came to the Haliburton Highlands in 1870. Her family grew to 8 children - then her husband died. This is the story of how this remarkable woman rose above diversity. Plus, Paul talks about WW2's Operation Fish, a top-secret program that saw Britain's total gold reserves and other securities being shipped to Canada for the duration of the war. The convoys crossed the Atlantic during the peak of German submarine wolf-pack activity, and yet miraculously not one ship was sunk or one bar of gold lost.

Maple Lake Church Part 2 plus Mack Sennett

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:27:42 +0000

This week, Kate takes another look back in Part 2 of the history of Haliburton County's almost 125 year old Maple Lake Church which had its last service on July 17, 2022 - and has now unfortunately had to shutter its doors. Plus, Paul talks about Mack Sennett who was born and raised in Danville, Quebec and went on to be a pioneer studio mogul in Hollywood and early film's 'King of Comedy'.

Maple Lake Church plus Kathleen Rice

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:44:06 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the origins of Haliburton County's Maple Lake Church - after almost 125 years the quaint, picturesque church is needing to close the doors permanently after its last service on July 17, 2022. So many stories can be told! Plus, Paul talks about Canadian explorer, adventurer and prospector Kathleen Rice who broke the Edwardian era mold for women during the end of the Edwardian era in the late 1800's and into the 1900's.

Historic Canada Day plus Canada and the Cuban Missile Crisis

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:08:29 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how Canada Day was celebrated in the late 1800's in Haliburton County.....just what exactly was the 'jumping in socks' contest? Plus, Paul talks about Canada response and involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was a tough time for US-Canada foreign relations - partly because Canadian Prime Minster John Diefenbaker and US President John F. Kennedy were not the best of friends.

Sir Sam Hughes plus Valour Road Victoria Cross Awards

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:39:33 +0000

This week, Kate has been getting visitors at the Museum with lots of questions. A frequent question asked is...who was Sir Sam? As in the namesake for Sir Sam's Inn and Ski Hill. Kate decided to share the answer with our listeners. Plus Paul talks about 3 Canadians who were each individually awarded Victoria Cross Medals for valour in seperate actions during WW1. Improbably, they also just happened to have lived near each other on a short stretch of street in Winnipeg - the only known instance of this having occured anywhere else in the British Empire.

The Museum is Seeing School Groups and Tours plus Jumbo the Elephant

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:18:42 +0000

This week, Kate talks about finally being able to get back to the Haliburton Highlands Museum finally being able to see school groups visiting the museum, historical village tours resuming, and summer programs running again. Plus, Paul talks about Jumbo the elephant, his interesting history, circuses, and his unfortunate demise in St Thomas, Ontario. And how did his name become synonymous with 'super-sized'?

Two New Artifacts at the Museum plus Canada's Avrocar Flying Saucer

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:31:05 +0000

This week, Kate talks about 2 new artifacts at the Haliburton Highlands Museum from circa 1890 that tell a story of an already burgeoning arts, skills and culture in the Highlands. Plus Paul talks about Avro Canada and their flying saucer project - the Avrocar - that could have replaced helicopters for the U.S. Air Force and jeeps for the U.S. Army.

Haliburton County Insights June 8 1934 plus Lester B. Pearson

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:14:18 +0000

This week, Kate went down a research rabbit hole perusing an issue of the Minden Echo from June 8, 1934 and came up with several local tidbits to share. Plus Paul talks about Canada's 14th Prime Minster, and only Nobel Peace Prize winner, Lester B. (Mike) Pearson. An extraordinary life and career of accomplishments!

Recipe Cards From 150 Years Ago plus Murder Trial of Angelina Napolitano

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 May 2022 14:59:44 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how household management information and recipes were passed around the Haliburton County community, including the time-honoured family recipe cards. Olus Paul talks about the 1911 murder trial of Angelina Napolitano - the first time that being a battered woman was tried as a defence in Canada. It turned an international spotlight on Canada and the issues of spousal abuse and capital punishment.

Origins of Haliburton's School of Arts and Design plus WW2 Origins of Ottawa's Annual Tulip Festival

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 May 2022 14:47:16 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how 'crafty' members of the small community of Haliburton conceived and grew its School of Arts and Design from humble beginnings - and grow it did! Plus, Paul talks about the special WW2 connections between Canada and the Netherlands that led to an annual Tulip Legacy donation to Canada and Ottawa's fabulous annual tulip display and Festival each May.

Time Capsule Stories from the Minden Echo plus Origins of the Canadian Navy

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 06 May 2022 14:59:18 +0000

This week, Kate talks about 2 time-capsule stories from an August 1926 edition of the Minden Echo highlighting some local going's on. It's always interesting to get a ground level local view of life in times gone past. Plus, Paul was curious about how the Canadian Navy came to be. It's a bit of a convoluted story.

Agnes Jamieson plus Kamagata Maru

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:09:21 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Agnes Jamieson a rare (at the time) female medical doctor who worked in Haliburton County in the mid-1900's - and who was an accomplished artist who lent her name to an art gallery in Minden. Plus, Paul talks about the Kamagata Maru and the sad saga of her 376 optimistic passengers - would be immigrants to Canada from India who were not allowed to disembark in Vancouver and were sent home to a tragic fate.

Late 1800's Social Nets in Haliburton County plus First Solo Sail Around the World

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 15:29:15 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Henry and William Pamplin and how they're examples of how the community looked after their own in the late 1800's Haliburton County. Plus, Paul talks about Joshua Slocum of Mount Hanley, Nova Scotia and his amazing adventures - including the first ever solo sail around the world in 1895.

Etiquette in 1940's Haliburton County plus Stompin' Tom Connors

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:35:36 +0000

This week, Kate takes a dive into the pages of a 1940's Echo newspaper and finds an etiquette column. The suggestions for how to conduct ones self seem to be a little quaint and Victorian. Plus, Paul talks about the gritty life of a troubador and Canadian icon - Stompin' Tom Connors - and the influence he had on culture, the music industry and new generations of musical performers. .

Marilyn Monroe in Haliburton County? Plus, Canada's First Major Political Scandal

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 14:56:32 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a picture of Marilyn Monroe featured on the front page of the April 17, 1952 Haliburton Echo newspaper. She was filming the movie 'Niagara' at Niagara Falls at the time. Was it possible she was heading for the Highlands? Plus, Paul talks about the story behind Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald and the first major Canadian political scandal - the 1873 Pacific Scandal - that saw him resign from office and the Conservative Party defeated in the subsequent election.

Local History Writer Nila Reynolds plus Brief History of Slavery in Canada Pt 2

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:26:44 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Haliburton County history columist and author Nila Reynolds who was able to interview some early settlers of the County and weave their stories into a historical record. Plus, building on last week's episode about enslavement in Canada, Paul talks about the circumstances in the late 1700's - early anti-slavery activism, court decisions and legislation - that paved the way to abolish slavery in Canada. The first legislation to limit slavery in the entire British Empire originated in today's Ontario.

Origin of the Kozy Korner in Haliburton Village plus Brief History of Slavery in Canada Pt 1

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:31:37 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the depressuion era origins of Haliburton's iconic restaurant - the Kozy Korner. It was a tough start for the little restaurant that could - why would people spend perfectly good money to have someone else make you breakfast when you could make it yourself - cheaper - at home? The restaurant still exists today in a different location on the main street and is still a breakfast destination. Plus, Paul talks about slavery in Canada. Many people thing that Canada was always a slave free society - but that isn't really the case - and here's Part 1 of the story.

Spring Passage in Haliburton County plus Great Lakes Shipwreck Graveyard

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 14:56:12 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Spring's renewal of life in late 1800's Haliburton County - logging drives, maple syrup and planting crops. Plus, Paul talks about the Great Lakes - huge bodies of sometimes treacherous water that collectively are the world's largest freshwater shipwreck graveyard. So many stories with 6,000 ships having sunk and 30,000 lives lost over the centuries - today is the story of only a few of those unfortunate vessels.

Midwife Catherine Shaw plus Witch Trials in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:21:56 +0000

This week, Kate was thinking of International Women's Day and decided to talk about a midwife in early Haliburton County - Catherine Shaw. Plus, Paul was thinking about the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts and wondered if there was anything similar in Canadian history. There were several, but the outcomes were quite different.

Lost in the Bush plus a Canadian Privateer - The Liverpool Packet

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 16:36:54 +0000

This week, takes a look at an archived copy of the October 1965 Haliburton Echo newspaper and finds the dramatic events surrounding a young man lost in the bush. Plus, Paul talks about the Liverpool Packet - a speedy 2 masted schooner that was converted to a privateer during the War of 1812 and captured 50 American merchant ships.

A Founding Family in Haliburton plus Captain Frederick Peters VC

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:06:51 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Archibald and Margaret Burke and their 13 children (phew) - another interesting story about 1860's settlers in Haliburton County. Plus, Paul talks about Captain Frederick Thornton Peters - Canada's most decorated naval hero with medals from both world wars - including the Victoria Cross. And a couple of updates on 2 earlier stories - the Great Stork Derby from Nov 12, 2021 and Lucy Maude Montgomery from Dec 10, 2021. It's six degrees of separation where Thomas Foster who wasn't involved in either story had a connection to both. Cryptic? Give a listen.

Haliburton's First Blacksmith plus the Aroostook War

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:57:09 +0000

This week, Kate talks about 1895 Haliburton when there were 4 businesses. One was the first blacksmith - James Erskine - who went on to do so much more. Plus, Paul talks about the border dispute in the late 1830's between New Brunswick and Maine that almost became all-out warfare between British North America and the US.

Love Stories in 1800's Haliburton Highlands plus Pirate of the St Lawrence

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:04:39 +0000

This week, Kate talks about some late 1850's Haliburton Highlands love stories in honor of Valentine's Day. Plus Paul talks about William Johnston, a Canadian Loyalist who became a smuggler, spy, rebel, and pirate. Unfortunately, it was for the Americans - starting in the War of 1812 - because the British had embittered the wrong man.

Bullies and Bar Fights in 1890's Gooderham plus John Ware - Black Canadian Cowboy

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 16:31:29 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Jimmy Scott's tavern in 1890's Gooderham (Haliburton County) and a lumber camp bully looking for trouble. What could go wrong? Plus, Paul talks about John Ware who was born a slave in the U.S. prior to the Civil War, was freed, became a cowboy, and ended up in Alberta where - despite racism - rose to the top of his profession and earned the respect of his colleagues.

The Lucas Family in Early Haliburton plus the Sinking of the Karluk

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:44:59 +0000

This week, Kate ponders why many communities in early Haliburton County were situated on intersections and were named after a significant early settler. That being the case, Haliburton could have been named something like........Lucas Corners? Plus, Paul talks about the 1914 sinking of the Karluk in the high Arctic and the extraordinary leadership of her Captain - Robert Bartlett - in saving many of the crew and passengers.

A Neighbourly Interaction in the Late 1800's plus Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Small

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 17:16:41 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how small communities at the end of the 1800's were built on families and neighbours - their interactions and relationships. And here's a quaint example. Plus Paul talks about Ambrose Small, a theatre mogul working out of Toronto. Ambrose was not well liked and people weren't surprised when he disappeared in 1919 - never to be seen again. The case remains unsolved today.

A Full Week Away to Attend 2-day Council Meetings plus the Wreck of the HMS Nancy

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:42:15 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the difficulties that the Reeves (mayors) of the various Townships in Haliburton County would have in getting to County Council meetings in the early 1900's. A full week there and back to attend 2 days of council meetings, including picking up more Reeves on the way and changing teams of horses. All for a low paying, part time job. Talk about dedication! Plus, Paul talks about the struggles between the British and the Americans for control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, and the shipwreck of the HMS Nancy as a result.

Gunshot in 1879 Haliburton and no doctor plus Anna Leonowens

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 15:59:58 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the dramtic events around a young man who is shot while hunting in the bush near Soyers Lake in 1879's Haliburton County - and there aren't any doctors available. What do you do? Plus, Paul talks about the Canadian connection to Anna Leonowens who is probably better known from 'Anna and the King of Siam' fame.

1890's New Year's 'Bar Scene' plus The Black Donnellys

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 17:02:38 +0000

This week, stories of New Year's celebrations and alcohol from the 1890's Haliburton County. Plus, the feuds that led to the 1880 massacre of the Donnellys in Lucan, Ontario fueled by religious differences, grudges imported from back home in Ireland, vigilantes, and a small Ontario farming community with a wild-west atmosphere.

Christmas in the Village Pt 3 & Music plus Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:37:03 +0000

This week, Kate wraps up her Christmas in the village celebrations from 150 years ago. Lights and music are an iconic part of Christmas, but what did early settlers do without electricity and modern technology. Plus, Paul talks about the origin story of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Hint - he started as part of a Department Store promotion during the depression.

Christmas in the Village Pt 2 plus a Short History of Bicycles

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:55:31 +0000

This week, Kate talks about what it might Christmas might have been like for new settlers first Christmas in Haliburton County in 1864. The postal service was one way to keep in touch with far-away family. Plus Paul talks about bicyles from the Dandy Horse, to the Penny-Farthing to the first modern bikes in the late 1880's. And how do you get on a penny-farthing bike? And, then there's the 'Great British Bicycle Bubble' stock market crash from the late 1890's to talk about as well.

Christmas in the Village plus Lucy Maud Montgomery

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:38:06 +0000

This week, Kate embarks on stories of Christmas life over time in Haliburton County. More seasonal stories next week. Plus Paul talks about Lucy Maud Montgomery who was born in Prince Edward Island and wrote her first two Anne of Green Gables novels there. But she moved to a small rural community called Leaksdale when she was 37, wrote most of her sequels there, and served the local church community with her Minister-husband. But life wasn't always easy for the couple and there was a dark side to Montgomery's life.

The Old West in Pioneer Ontario plus 1954's Disastrous Hurricane Hazel

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 14:42:52 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Walter Kidd, born in 1854. Walter had a pretty diverse life in Haliburton County - lawyer; school teacher; farmer; hunter - and finally pioneer rebel. Plus, Paul talks about a storm that might not raise many eyebrows now during this age of climate change, but in 1954 Hurricane Hazel was a rare - and disastrous - event that struck Ontario resulting in death and destruction.

Definitely Not Disabled plus Motherhood During Wartime

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 17:20:00 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Joseph Burns who was born in the Minden area (part of Haliburton County) in 1868. He was blinded in an accident at an early age but went on to accomplish so-much with his life. He was a man of many talents. Plus, Paul talks about Anna Durie who at the age of 60 followed her son Arthur to war-time Europe. Arthur died in battle, but Anna was not going to accept France as his final resting place.

The Canadian Legion - a Worthy Institution plus The Great Stork Derby

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 21:54:50 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Haliburton Village's Branch 129 of the Royal Canadian Legion that was originally chartered in 1928 following WW1. The Legions were organized by - and for - veterans of the war for mutual aid and to do community work. It languished for a few years between the wars, but came back stronger than ever due to the foresight of one man - Alfred Schofield. Plus, Paul talks about a practical joker Charles Vance Millar who is more famous for what he did after his death than for anything he did during his life. One of the clauses in his will bequeathed much of his estate to the Toronto woman who had the most babies born between his death and its tenth anniversary. The result was called the "Great Stork Derby".

War on the Home Front, plus the WW1 Kinmel Park Camp Mutiny by Canadian Soldiers

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:07:55 +0000

This week, it's a Remembrance Day episode of sorts. Kate talks about what non-combatants at home in Haliburton County did to contribute and help the war effort - ranging from fund raisers, metal collection, knitting and quilting. Plus, Paul talks about the WW1 riot by demobilizing Canadian soldiers staged at the Kinmel Park Camp in Wales. They were to be there for 1-2 weeks before shipping home, but it was up to 6 frustrating weeks in awful circumstances with no end in sight. It's hard not to have sympathy for their plight despite the property damage, deaths and injuries that took place.

A Lumber Mill in Haliburton. Plus, the Great Depression - A Canadian View

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:28:16 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Hodgson family and their lumber mill on Haliburton Lake. Lumber mills were ubiquitous in Haliburton County at one time. One of the unique features about this particular mill is an artifact that has been loaned out but has returned to the Highlands Museum for display. Drop by and see it if you're in the neighborhood. Plus Paul takes a look at the Great Depression that kicked off 72 years ago today (October 29, 1929) on Black Tuesday. It was initially a US phenomenon but not before too long Canada was suffering as well for different reasons - and the impact wasn't the same for all Canadians.

Small Town Local Newspapers plus Mr McIntosh's Mysterious Apple

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 18:34:14 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a small community newspapers and how they were the social media of their day. There's some items from a June 1919 copy of the Haliburton Echo that include who's having visitors for the weekend, how well the strawberry crops are doing, local soldiers returning home from WW1 - as well as that nasty flu pandemic sweeping the world. Plus Paul talks about a pioneer who was clearing land in 1811 and came across some small saplings. One of the saplings survived to yield the marvelous McIntosh apple. The survival of the little apple tree was in doubt for a while, but - it went on to become a Canadian icon and a worldwide best-seller.

Culture and artisans started early in Haliburton County. Plus, shipwreck & heroism in 1860's Labrador

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:41:32 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Ferdinand Sipe who was an example of the early culture and craft tradition of Haliburton County that persists today. Kate still has an example of one of the inlaid tables he built in the 1940's in the Haliburton Highlands Museum that visitors can check out. Plus. Paul talks about Captain William Jackman, shipwrecks, heroism and rescues on the high seas during a raging storm off the east coast of Labrador in the 1860's.

Pets in Early Haliburton County plus the Bre-X Mining Scandal

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 17:15:45 +0000

This week, Kate talks about pets and animal companions in early Haliburton County - we even know some of their names. Plus Paul talks about Canada's world-wide mineral exploration and mining reputation that took a beating in the late 1970's with the Bre-X multi-billion-dollar gold mineral deposit fraud. Who was involved and how deep did it go? Conspiracy theories abound - even up to today.

Historic-Car Rallies in the 1950's plus Canada's Last WW2 VC Medal Winner

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 14:37:50 +0000

This week, Kate talks about how Haliburton County was a destination for historic-car rallies, even in the 1950's. Enthusiasts came from far and wide - often to take in the County's glorious fall leaf colour season. One of these organizations was the Upper Canada Automobile Club. Plus Paul talks about Andrew Mynarski, a young airman from Winnipeg who became the recipient of the last Victoria Cross Medal awarded to a Canadian from his actions during WW2. It is indeed a heroic - but tragic - story.

Early Haliburton County Halloween Spooky Tales plus Black Fur Traders in Early Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 16:14:50 +0000

This week, Kate takes an early Halloween opportunity to talk about a couple of spooky tales from Haliburton County history. Plus Paul talks about what we know about Black involvement in early Canadian history - especially in the fur trade.

Joseph Paul plus Rubin Carter's Canadian Connection

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:39:45 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Joseph Paul who came to Haliburton in 1870. Nominally the local butcher, but really a man of many facets. And perhaps a representative of what the community of Haliburton County is all about. Plus, Paul talks about Rubin Carter who, along with a friend, was convicted of a triple homicide in 1966 in Patterson, New Jersey then fought for almost 20 years to overturn his conviction. But he didn't do it alone. Along with celebrity advocates - like Bob Dylan - a collection of Canadians and their adopted ward Lesra Martin contributed significantly to his ultimate release. Then Rubin settled in Toronto for a number of years - even becoming a Canadian citizen.

Legacy of Francis Harvey in Dorset plus Grand Duchess Olga - a Romanov Royal in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 18:17:13 +0000

This week, Kate continues the story of the legacy of Francis Harvey, his land donation on which Dorset's St Mary Magdelene Church was built, and how it contributed to the community for over the next 100 years. Dorset is about 3 hours north of Toronto in the Haliburton Highlands. Plus Paul talks about the last Grand Duchess of Russia - Olga Alexandrovna, who was sister to the last Tsar; how she escaped the Revolution and ended up in Canada; and where she lived her last days. A true Cinderella story in reverse.

Back to School in the Early 1900's plus From the Highlands Clearances to the Red River Colony

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:24:33 +0000

This week, Kate talks about school in Haliburton County circa 1908 and Olive Robertson - an 18 year old school teacher in a 1 room schoolhouse (the Moon school) outside Haliburton Village. Plus, Paul talks about Lord Selkirk's humanitarian efforts to relocate poor Scot and Irish tenant farmers displaced by the Clearances - and the unitended impact when indigenous and Métis found themselves displaced and their way of life disrupted as a result.

Francis Harvey in 1800's Dorset plus Chinese Canadians in WW2's Force 136

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 17:29:09 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Frances Harvey who settled in Dorset, Ontario (near today's Algonquin Park), but his wife and children lived in Prescott near Ottawa. Yet Harvey somehow managed to travel back and forth and make it work - during a time of few roads. A definite case of wanderlust. Plus Paul talks about Chinese Canadians who largely weren't accepted into the regular armed forces during WW2 due to discrimination, but were recruited as commandos in the British SOE's Force 136. Their job? Go behind enemy lines in Japanes occupied SE Asia.

Robert McKelvey's Queens Hotel plus Joseph Whiteside Boyle

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 20:38:05 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Robert McKelvey whose family immigrated from Belfast in the mid-1800's. Robert went on to open Haliburton's OTHER (and lesser known) hotel, the Queens Hotel around 1880. It was an early attempt to attract tourists by providing a full outfitter experience for the outdoorsman. Even the hounds for deer hunting. Plus, Paul talks about Joseph Whiteside Boyle - one of Canada's lesser known heroes - who was an extraordinary entrpreneur and adventurer, including having been a confidant (and some say lover) to a Romanian Queen.

Phoebe Ann Clark on 1870's Boshkung Lake plus Canadian Red Cross During Wartime

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 20:12:55 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Phoebe Ann Clark who was born in eastern Ontario in the 1830's, married and settled on Haliburton County's Boshkung Lake in the 1870's. Phoebe then led a pretty interesting and diverse life over the years as she adapted to whatever fate brought her. Plus, Paul talks about the first recorded mention of the Red Cross in Canada during the NorthWest Rebellion, the rapid growth of the organization and the humanitarian work they did - especially during the Boer, WW1, WW2 and Korean wars.

Early 1900's Haliburton County Women's Institutes plus Gold Rush Overlanders

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 13:01:53 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Women's Institutes in Haliburton County that provided an outlet for the County's women who wanted to do-good for the community, but couldn't join the fraternal organizations dominated by men. Luckily, Kate has access to the record books and minutes of the Haliburton village chapter to give us a glimpse into the lives of women in the community. Plus Paul talks about the Overlanders who chose to take the shorter - but much more difficult - all Canada land route, crossing the Rockies to the Cariboo gold fields in British Columbia's interior. Normally prospectors would take the Pacific coast route from San Francisco, Seattle and Victoria to head to the interior from the west coast of Canada.

Career Reinvention in late 1800's Haliburton County plus Irish Fenian Invasions of Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 17:59:55 +0000

This week, Kate uses William Cashmere - who came to Haliburton County in the 1860's - as an example of how early settlers would often reinvent themselves and their livlihood to try and succeed in life in the challenging new Ontario frontier. Plus Paul talks about the Irish Republican Brotherhood and their support group in North America - the Fenian Brotherhood - and their campaign of armed invasion from the U.S. into mid-1800's Canada. It was an unlikely strategy to try and win independance for Ireland from Britain. But some say it helped convince parts of the country to join join a new confederation called Canada.

1910's Postcards From Haliburton County plus Plane Crash and Survival in Northern Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 18:16:04 +0000

This week, Kate talks about when the iconic Canadian department store, Stedmans, commisioned picture postcards for Haliburton around 1910 that were accompanied by quite elegant prose regarding what could be found here. Plus, Paul talks about the 1972 crash of a twin engined Beechcraft airplane on a medical mercy flight in Northern Canada and a tragic story of survival involving cannibalism.

Late 1800's Summer School Vacation plus The Curious Case of Isobel Gunn

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 12:46:17 +0000

This week, Kate chats about what the end of the school year would have been like for kids in Haliburton County in the late 1800's and early 1900's. It might sound somewhat familiar - without the electronic devices - but there's always the old swimming hole. Plus, Paul talks about Isobel Gunn - a young lady from the Orkney Islands who fought gender stereotypes by assuming a male identity in the early 1800's to travel and adventure in the Canadian fur trade.....until the delivery of a baby boy revealed her true identity.

Transition From Horse to Automobile plus WW2 Canadian Cree Code Talkers

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 12:23:54 +0000

This week, Kate talks about what happens in a small town when new fangled automobiles start to replace the tried and true horse and buggy - and the effect when they have to share the road. Plus, Paul talks about when Canada's Indigenous people volunteer and enlist in the Canadian military during WW2, and how a select group sign-up for an elite group - Canada's Cree Code Talkers - and why so little is still known about them today.

Canadian Huron in early Haliburton County plus Battle of the Hat Pins

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 12:56:14 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Bernard Naraseau - a Huron from the Montreal area - who settled in Haliburton County and played a significant (although largely unacknowleged) role in the early development of Haliburton County. Plus Paul talks about an attempt to assimilate Ontario's Francophone minority through changes to the educational system that was overcome by a grass roots resistance and the 'Battle of the Hat Pins'.

Who were Haliburton village's Reid family? Plus, John Anderson - escaped slave.

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 14:54:03 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the Reid family who built Haliburton village's iconic Reid House in the late 1800's that you can still visit at the Haliburton Highlands Museum. But who were the Reid family, and did they stay in Haliburton? Plus, Paul talks about John Anderson - a slave who killed a man while escaping from the US to Canada, and the legal attempts to try and extradite him back to the US. And the impact of the case on the relationship between Britain and the almost-independent-country of Canada.

Bill Hudgins plus John Joseph Kelso

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 13:42:12 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Bill Hudgins and his wife Emily - a well matched happy couple who added so much to the fabric of the early small village of Haliburton. Plus Paul talks about John Joseph Kelso, an Irish immigrant to Toronto who rose above early adversity to create charitable organizations protecting poor children and abused animals. His reforms were eventually enshrined in legislation across Canada and internationally. In fact he was invited to the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt to speak to a Child Welfare Conference in 1906.

Haliburton's Evergreen Cemetery plus La Corriveau

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 May 2021 20:19:20 +0000

This week, Kate talks about early Haliburton village's attempts to create Evergreen Cemetery - their first cemetery in the late 1860's. The type of service you don't necessarily initially think about and plan for when carving a new community out of the wilderness. Plus Paul talks about Marie-Josephte Corriveau - a young woman in 1760's Quebec who was convicted of murdering her husband, was executed and subsequently became a scary folk-lore figure in popular Quebec culture. A boogielady, if you will.

Haliburton County's Arthur Bachelor plus the sinking of the HMCS Esquimalt

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 22 May 2021 14:31:06 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Arthur Bachelor and his legacy in early 1900's Haliburton. Arthur was a classic mover and shaker who was into EVERYTHING and contributed so much to the community - and died too young under tragic circumstances. Plus, Paul talks about the minesweeper HMCS Esquimalt, its fateful meeting with the German submarine the U-190, and how the two ships came to rest together forever on the ocean floor. The HMCS Esquimalt was the last Canadian warship sunk in WW2 - roughly 3 weeks before the war ended.

A Little Town Named Cheddar plus Toronto - Belfast of North America

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 15 May 2021 15:14:07 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the little town of Cheddar in Haliburton County from the late 1800's and how it may have gotten its name. BTW - it's a ghost town today. Plus, Paul talks about how Ireland's potato famine and land clearances led to tension and violence between Irish Protestant and Catholics in mid-1800's Toronto - all leading to Toronto being nicknamed the Belfast of North America.

Celebrating Nurses plus Winnipeg's 1919 General Strike

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 07 May 2021 19:24:52 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Nurses Week coming up, the connection between Florence Nightingale and Haliburton County and nursing in the County including at the Red Cross Outpost. Plus, Paul talks about the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike where almost all of the city's working population walked out for 40 days, and the short - and long - term legacies of the strike for worker's in Canada.

1860's Young Men's Literary Society plus WW2 POW Camps in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 21:03:44 +0000

This week, Kate talks about members of the community in Haliburton County aspiring to greater things - 'the little community that could', if you will. One example was the late 1800's Young Men's Literary Society where young men aspiring to greater culture could gather for tea, recitations, songs and stories. Plus, Paul talks about the more than 34,000 WW2 POW's who were held in camps in Canada and some of their experiences. Six thousand ended up asking to stay after the war.

1892 Canoeing Diary plus the Boyd Gang

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 19:14:38 +0000

This week - as early as 1892 people were canoe treking for recreation in Haliburton County. Kate talks about the diary entries of 2 such canoeists and their experiences while treking in September 1892. In some ways not so different from today. Plus, Paul talks about Edwin Alonzo Boyd and the Boyd Gang of bank robbing - and jail breaking - folk heroes from 1950's Toronto.

Historic Rockcliffe Tavern in Minden plus Shipwreck of the SS Atlantic

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:08:08 +0000

This week, Kate talks about an iconic building in Haliburton County's village of Minden - the Rockcliffe Tavern. Built in 1903 it's had a number of owners, the building has changed over time and it's use has evolved over the generations from a hotel to a small town tavern. And now it has new owners! Plus, Paul talks about the tragic sinking of the SS Atlantic off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1873 with the loss of at least 535 lives. The Atlantic was a luxury ocean liner owned by the White Star Line - the future owner of the SS Titanic that sank almost exactly 39 years later in 1912.

An 1896 Family Tragedy plus John Graves Simcoe

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 18:53:29 +0000

This week, Kate talks about a memorial stone dedicated to 5 pioneer children in Essonville (part of Haliburton County) who succumbed to diptheria - all of them separately over the period of roughly a month in 1896 - and the other 3 children and the parents who survived. Plus, Paul talks about Canada's first Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe and how he was portrayed in the Netflix historical/fiction series "Turn: Washington's Spies". Was he the villain the Rebels thought he was, or was he a British & Canadian hero?

Theatrical Traditions in Haliburton County plus 'Queen of the Hurricanes'

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 13:40:52 +0000

Today, Haliburton County has a strong theatrical culture with at least 3 community theatre groups and an annual advanced opera studio. This week, Kate talks about the roots of that tradition that go back 120 years or more. Plus, Paul talks about Elsie MacGill who was born in Vancouver in 1905 and went on to become the aeronautical engineer who oversaw the production of Hawker Hurrican fighter planes for the Battle of Britain - earning her international recognition and the nickname 'The Queen of the Hurricanes'.

Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays, broadcasting on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on CanoeFM.com or your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Tea or coffee? Plus Dr Norman Bethune

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 13:04:17 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the beverage of choice in early Haliburton County history - was it tea or coffee and why? Plus Paul talks about Dr Norman Bethune. A brilliant Canadian medical doctor who dedicated his life to social issues and working for the disadvantaged here in Canada, but also on the front lines in conflicts during WW1, the Spanish Civil War and China's war with Japan during the 1930's. And unfortunately worked himself into an early grave.

Spring Log Drives plus Canada's Whiskey War

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:08:07 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the trials of lumber men 'driving' the trees harvested over the winter to their destinations via the thawing lakes and rivers. Focus is on Eldridge Bull who was a 13 year old working the drive around 1911 and was interviewed about his experiences in the 1970's. Plus, Paul talks about Hans Island that sits on the border between Canada and Greenland and how it's caused a 'war' between Canada and Denmark that has some light-hearted aspects.

Janet Bain plus Rose Fortune

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 21:58:15 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Janet Bain - a governess and teacher in the early 1900's Haliburton County plus Paul talks about Rose Fortune of mid-1800's Anapolis Royal. Both of these women stand out in the historical record through being unconventional. Rose in particular because she was a woman and black, yet managed to create a successful business at a time when her colour and sex made it highly unlikely. And she's arguably the first female police officer in North America.

Reverend George Finch plus Canada's Youngest VC Winner

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:51:19 +0000

This week, it's the story of Reverend George Finch and his family who moved to Haliburton in 1906 and was based at the Haliburton Baptist Church. The Rev made a weekly circuit over 'rustic' roads to serve seven local communities. Plus, Paul talks about WW1 pilot Alan Arnett McLeod from Manitoba, a hero who had a harrowing experience to earn a Victoria Cross medal for gallantry at the age of 18 - Canada's youngest winner ever of the medal. And his unfortunate and untimely demise.

Shoemaking in 1870's Haliburton County plus A murder in 1840's Ontario

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 16:15:23 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Samuel (or Lemeul) Neily - a shoemaker in the Haliburton area in the 1870's. Interesting to hear how people in an isolated area managed to get boots and shoes in the 1800's. Plus Paul talks about Grace Marks, a 16 year old Irish immigrant caught up in a murder in 1840's Thornhill, north of Toronto. Grace became the inspiration for Margaret Atwood's 'Alias Grace' and the case remains an enigma even today.

Remittance Men in 1800's Haliburton County plus Camp X - Canada's WW2 Secret Spy School

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 13:57:12 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Remittance Men in 1800's Haliburton County. Remittance Men were 'black sheep' sons of Victorian English aristicocracy who were were sent far by their families with an income - as long as they stayed far away. One of those was Theophilus Bellairs. Plus Paul talks about Canada's top secret WW2 spy school on the shore of Lake Ontario near Whitby - it was the first of its kind in North America and many famous people were either students or visitors.

Mid 1800's Lumber Baron Mossom Boyd plus Canada and the Manhattan Project

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:32:31 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Mossom Boyd an entrepreneuring yound man who emigrated to Canada from Ireland in the 1800's and became a Lumber Baron in Haliburton County - and beyond. Plus Paul talks about how Canada was an early pioneer in nuclear research - going back to 1899 - and how that lead to a significant role in the Manhattan Project that created the first atomic bomb.

Snapshots of a Day in 1891 Haliburton Village plus the First Canadian Born Black Doctor

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 20:38:21 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the several photgraphs that exist of the day Harry and Fanny Clark were married - August 12, 1891. They create a snapshot of small town life in Haliburton Village. Plus Paul talks about Anderson Ruffin Abbott who in 1861 became the first Candian born Black medical doctor. Among his many accomplishments was to be one of the doctors who stood vigil by President Abraham Lincoln's bedside after he was shot by John Wilkes Booth.

Community Names in Haliburton County- Fact or Fiction? Plus Pearl Hart - Canadian Stagecoach Robber

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 14:34:27 +0000

This week, Kate talks a light hearted look at how a couple of Haliburton County communities might - or might not - have been named. Is it Fact or fiction? The communities this week are Tory Hill and Gooderham. Plus, Paul talks about Pearl Hart from Lindsay, Ontario who gained fame and notoriety as one of only two female stagecoach robbers in the American Old West.

Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on-air at Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your internet devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Was Fort Irwin a Fort? Plus, Canadian POW's and The Great Escape

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 16:11:42 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Fort Irwin - a small community in Haliburton County and how it got it's name in the 1880's. Was it actually a Fort? Plus talks about the real Great Escape from Stalag Luft III in World War II and the significant Canadian involvement.

Christmas Carols 150 Years Ago plus Canada's Most Famous Bear-oil Salesman

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 15:51:52 +0000

This week, Kate talks about which Christmas Carols would have been popular with settlers in Haliburton County 150 years ago. Plus Paul talks about Kelly Chamandy - an adventurer, entrepreneur and arguably Canada's most internationally famous bear-oil salesman.....and curer of baldness.

Pioneer Christmas plus Vancouver Island Pioneer Cougar Annie

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 16:58:04 +0000

This week, Kate talks about what Christmas was like for Haliburton County's pioneers and their Christmas traditions. Maybe it wasn't unlike Christmas under COVID-19? Plus, Paul talks about 'Cougar Annie' (real name Ada Annie Jordan) a remarkable, feisty woman who pioneered on Vancouver Island's rugged and wild west coast in the mid-1900's.

Culture Shock in Haliburton County plus WW2 Canadian Drama On The High Seas

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 16:57:06 +0000

This week, Kate talks about culture shock for newcomers to Haliburton County 100 years ago - like do I really want to milk that cow and is that big dog actually a bear? Plus, Paul talks about WW2 drama on the high seas when a Canadian naval ship - The Oakville - on convoy duty in the Caribbean encounters a German U-Boat.

West Guilford Post Office circa 1930's plus Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 16:48:55 +0000

This week, Kate talks about typical small post offices in Haliburton County circa 1930 using the West Guiford PO as an example. That branch operated out of the back of the post-masters residence, the business hours were flexible, and it went above and beyond expectations. Plus, Paul talks about the first daredevil to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, and who also just happened to be a 63 year-old woman - Annie Edson Taylor. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Life in Early Winter Lumber Camps plus Pirates in Canada

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 15:47:07 +0000

This week Kate talks about recollections of life in Haliburton County's turn of the century winter lumber camps. Plus, Paul talks about pirates in Atlantic Canada during the "golden age" of piracy - and why the Maritimes were a hot-bed of pirate activity. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 - and streaming on your computer and other devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Historic Annual Hunt in Haliburton County plus The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 13:59:58 +0000

This week, Kate talks about hunting in Haliburton County over the years and the impact on local lives and the economy. Discussion includes a description of an iconic picture taken on the platform of the local train station around the late 1800's. Plus, Paul talks about Canada's largest ever theft - the $18 million Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist.

Remembrance in Haliburton County plus Remembering Canadian Women at War

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 14:51:59 +0000

This week Kate talks about Haliburton County's contribution to the military in WW1, the effect that COVID-19 is having on this years' Remembrance Day ceremonies and how we need to remember differently this year as a result. Plus, Paul talks about a brief history of the evolution of women's roles in Canada's military, and how our thoughts should be with them and their sacrifices as well.

Hauntings in Haliburton County plus Ghostly Sightings at Toronto's Casa Loma

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 15:51:00 +0000

This week, it's a Halloween Special. Kate talks about a couple of haunted buildings and paranormal investigations in Haliburton County - particularly in Minden and Haliburton Village. Plus Paul talks about Sir Henty Pellatt and ghostly sightings at his castle in Toronto - Casa Loma. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming everywhere on electronic devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Albert (Bert) Thompson Porter plus First Cross-Canada Car Trip (1912)

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:29:43 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Albert (Bert) Thompson Porter from Haliburton who was a County Court Clerk and a wounded WW1 Vet. He was popular in the communiuty and his legacy lived on into the 1930's and 1940's as the namesake for the Major A.T. (Bert) Porter Memorial Cup that was awarded to the winner of a hockey tournament held annually in Haliburton Village. Plus, Paul talks about the almost impossible first cross-Canada car trip in 1912.....along with all the problems, accolades and legacies of the trip. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your electronic devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Early Bridges Help Make Communities in Haliburton County plus Grey Owl

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 16:42:50 +0000

This week, Kate talks about early bridges in Minden and Haliburton (parts of Haliburton County) and how they helped bring the communities together in more ways than one. Plus, Paul talks about Archibald Stansfeld Belaney - an Englishman who emmigrated to Canada in 1906, disguised himself as a First Nations person known as Grey Owl and came to be known world-wide as a leading conservationist. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Historic Reid House in Haliburton Village plus Bride Ships to 1860's British Columbia

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 12:11:26 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the 1882 Reid House in Haliburton Village. The house was the first home for the Haliburton Highlands Museum. It was moved to the Glebe Park and can still be found there as part of the Museum grounds. Plus, Paul talks about the "Bride" ships that brought women to the British colonies on Canada's west coast in the 1860's. They were meant help to bring some balance to the population and to help keep the colonies British - rather than becoming American. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Minden 1850's - Squatters, Land Grants & Settlers plus Canada's WW1 Cycling Soldiers

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:09:46 +0000

This week Kate talks about early settlement in Minden, squatters, land grants and what pioneers needed to do to legitimately settle the land with focus on one example - Frances Kent. Minden is towards the southern part of Haliburton County. Plus Paul talks about the experiences of Canada's cycling soldiers in WW1 - our calvary on two wheels. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Dance Halls in 1930/40's Haliburton County plus Catharine Parr Traill

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 23:28:15 +0000

This week Kate talks about dance halls in 1930/40's Haliburton County. In particular the Golden Slipper and the institution the Slipper became in the community. (Kate is apppealing for anyone with pictures/stories/anecdotes about the Golden Slipper to contact her). Plus, Paul talks about the fascinating story of Catharine Parr Traill throughout the 1800's. Catharine was a successful writer of children's books and was an amateur naturalist/botanist - her books are still used as sources of information today by researchers studying life in Ontario 150 years ago. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. You can contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

1973 Festivals & Newsprint Shortage in Haliburton County plus Calgary Stampede

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:02:07 +0000

This week, Kate talks about 1970's Festivals and the impact of the North American newsprint shortage on Haliburton County. Plus, Paul talks about the roots and long history of the Calgary Stampede. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays available live on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Minden's 1890 Main Street Fire plus Leslie McFarlane - Secret Author of The Hardy Boys

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:41:05 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the July 28, 1890 destructive fire on Minden's main street that led to the creation of their Volunteer Fire Department. Plus, Paul talks about Leslie McFarlane who was born in Haileybury, Ontario and during the depression became the secret ghostwriter of many of The Hardy Boys mystery novels. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of Your Haliburton Morning Show 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Dugan Family in 1860's Haliburton County plus Joseph Tyrrell

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:36:33 +0000

This week, Kate talks about the origins of the Dugan family and their early years in 1860's Haliburton County. Plus Paul talks about Joseph Tyrrell - the discoverer of the first major dinosaur fossil in Alberta....but who was not a paleontologist and accomplished so much more with his life. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show from 7 - 9 a.m. Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

Gainforth Family in 1860's Haliburton plus James Doohan - Canada's other Star Trek Actor

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 18:53:50 +0000

This week Kate talks about the Gainforth family - personalities, hospitality and fun in 1860's Haliburton County. Plus Paul talks about the career of Canada's other Star Trek star - James Doohan....otherwise known as Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott or Scotty. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning show from 7 - 9 am Fridays on Canoe FM 100.9 and streaming on your devices. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Contact us at timewarp@canoefm.com

The Naming of Stanhope Township plus Toronto's 1918 Anti-Greek Riot

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 15:13:34 +0000

This week Kate talks about the naming of Stanhope in the 1800's. Today Stanhope is part of the Township of Algonquin Highlands within Haliburton County. Plus, Paul talks about Toronto's anti-Greek riot in 1918 that led to the community's businesses largely leaving the Yonge and Carlton Streets area and re-settling further east on.......the Danforth. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning show from 7-9 Friday mornings on Canoe FM 100.9 You can reach us with feedback or suggestions for topics at timewarp@canoefm.com

IB&O Railway in Haliburton County plus The Devil's Brigade

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 18:26:44 +0000

This week Kate talks about building the IB&O (Irondale, Bancroft & Ottawa) Railway in Haliburton County and its 'quirky' start in the late 1800's and driving force Henry Howland. Irondale is part of Haliburton County today. Plus Paul talks about World War II's First Special Service Force or Devil's Brigade - the forerunner for elite units like today's Navy Seals. The Brigade was made up of half Canadian and half American personnel and played a significant role during the war. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show from 7 - 9 Friday mornings on Canoe FM 100.9

Early Haliburton County Schools plus 1857 Black Nova Scotian Victoria Cross Winner

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 17:20:43 +0000

This week Kate talks about early Haliburton County Schools, an 18 year old teacher - Lola Chaney - and some early students. Plus Paul talks about William Nielson Edward Hall - the first Black person, first Nova Scotian and third Canadian to receive a Victoria Cross medal for military valour. It was awarded for action in India during the 1857 Indian Rebellion. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning show on Canoe FM 100.9 from 7-9 am on Fridays

Ebenezer Hunter of Eagle Lake plus Canadian Inventors of the Light Bulb

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 20:17:21 +0000

This week Kate talks about Ebenezer Hunter who emigrated from Scotland and eventually settled on Eagle Lake in the 1890's. And built a somewhat imposing - for the times - 3 story home. Plus Paul talks about Henry Woodward and Mathew Evans - 2 gentlemen inventors from Toronto who patented an incandescent light bulb in 1874. They never received the credit they deserved. Their patent was bought by Thomas Edison who used it to create his version of an incandescent light bulb years later.

Irwin's on Boshkung Lake plus Colonel John By and the Rideau Canal

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 13:54:10 +0000

This week Kate talks about the Irwin's who were early cottagers (1920's) on Boshkung Lake in Haliburton County plus Paul talks about Colonel John By, the construction of the Rideau Canal in the late 1820's and the origins of Canada's capital city - Ottawa. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show - Friday's from 7 - 9 a.m. on Canoe FM.

Early Haliburton County Settler James Brown plus John Brown's Canadian Connection

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 15:23:22 +0000

This week Kate and Paul talk about James Brown - an early settler (1870's) in Haliburton County plus a Canadian connection to John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show - Friday's from 7 - 9 a.m. on Canoe FM.

Moore Lake plus First Trans-Atlantic Flight

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 20:21:15 +0000

Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto and was first developed in the mid-1800's. This week Kate and Paul talk about the American colony on Moore Lake in the late 1800's plus the first Trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland in 1919 - only 16 years after the Wright brother's first flight.

Postcards plus Toronto Circus Riot

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:29:00 +0000

Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto and was first developed in the mid-1800's. This week Kate and Paul talk about early postcards from Haliburton County and how the Circus Riot in 1850's Toronto led to police reform.

Lake Kashagawigamog plus Georgina Pope

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 13:56:16 +0000

This week, Kate talks about Lake Kashagawigamog and it's importance as early water transportation between Haliburton village and Minden. Paul talks about Georgina Pope who could be called Canada's Florence Nightingale. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show - Friday's from 7 - 9 a.m. on Canoe FM.

Early groceries in Haliburton County plus Spanish Flu and the NHL

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:35:17 +0000

This week, Kate and Paul talk about the origins of a fruit market in Haliburton village that led to bigger things for the Dollo's......and the impact of the 1918 Spanish flu on sports - especially the NHL's Stanley Cup. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto Kate Butler is the Directorof the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show on Canoe FM on Friday's from 7 - 9 a.m.

1900's Road Construction in Haliburton County plus Nootka Sound Crisis

Paul Vorvis and Kate Butler | Canoe FM — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This week Paul and Kate talk about early 1900's roads in Haliburton County and the Nootka Crisis where Britain and Spain almost went to war over Canada's west coast. Haliburton County is in cottage country about 2 1/2 hours north of Toronto. Kate Butler is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Paul Vorvis is the host of the Your Haliburton Morning Show - Friday's from 7 - 9 a.m. on Canoe FM.