14

Hon. William Davis (Premier of Ontario, 1971-1985) served first as Minister of Education in the government of John Robarts, and Davis supported the reconstruction of Sainte-Marie I as a valuable provinicial and national educational facility. He visited Sainte-Marie I himself and revamped the provincial education curriculum to place greater emphasis on history and encourage class trips to facilities such as Sainte-Marie I. He unveiled a plaque at Sainte-Marie I in June 1968, at which time he paid tribute to Wilf. In 1965 he had unveiled a plaque near Penetanguishene to commemorate Champlain, based on research Elsie had completed. As Premier he officially opened the new museum at Sainte-Marie I in May 1971 and again paid tribute to Wilf. As both Minister of Education and Premier, Davis attended certain historic plaque unveilings at which Wilf and Elsie were also present.

15

Wilf, Elsie, Mrs. Frost and Leslie Frost, Premier of Ontario, at Sainte-Marie I
1958
Midland, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Museum of Ontario Archaeology

16

Of all the important people that WIlf and Elsie met and interacted with, it was perhaps Leslie Frost who had the most significant impact on them. Frost was raised in Orillia, Simcoe County and throughout his life he did a great many things
to promote heritage in Huronia and throughout the province. On October 1, 1947 Frost laid the cornerstone in the restored northwest bastion at Sainte-Marie I. In his address that day, he stressed that his government fully supported the
restoration for the educational value it would have. The Jury archives at the London Museum of Archaeology contain originals and/or copies of several pieces of correspondence to and from Mr. Frost. These include both official letters
on provincial government letterhead and personal letters between Frost, Wilf, and University President George Hall and other University personnel. Collectively this correspondence conveys the deep respect Wilf and Mr. Frost had for
each other and an indication of their close friendship.