1

One would think hard working farmers, lumbermen and merchants would have little time for socializing. But along with the numerous churches and activities, a variety of clubs and societies provided a means of entertainment, shared experiences and community spirit.

2

Ronald and Elsie Inch House, New Jerusalem, 1952
1952
New Jerusalem

Credits:
Base Gagetown Community History Association

3

Elsie Machum was born in 1904, the daughter of Frank Machum and Lillian Howe. In 1925 she married Ronald Inch and went to live with her husband's family. They shared a love of music and together provided entertainment for many a church or social gathering. The following recounts the courtship of Elsie and Ronald:

"You see there was no high school in those days. And when he got through school, why, he lived on the farm and he was working. He played the violin, and a good singer too. They had a maple syrup place, you know, and it was a way down, pretty near to where I lived, about two miles from their place. So he'd be down there working, and lots of nights when we were grown up then pretty well you know, going to school. And when we'd be going home from school, why, a bunch of us would go down in the woods to the sap can and get some maple syrup and treats. And, good heavens, every once in a while he'd come over home and come up home meeting me or something because he couldn't go home at nights, because he had to keep the thing going most of the time. You see in Jerusalem, everybody went to everything. We were all, wherever one was, the other was."

4

New Jerusalem Agricultural Hall, 1952
1952
New Jerusalem

Credits:
Base Gagetown Community History Association

5

The Jerusalem Agricultural Hall #114 was originally built for the Sons of Temperance in 1855. This organization, primarily the domain of men, promoted lively debates, writing, poetry and theatre. By the 1930s, however, the hall stood practically vacant. It was moved across the road and found new life as the home of the local Agricultural Society, but was also used for a variety of community events. In 1948 the local Women's Institute built and equipped a new kitchen.

6

Minute Book, 1925 Jerusalem Agricultural Society No. 114
1925
New Jerusalem

Credits:
Queens County Museum Collection

7

These pages from the minutes of the Jerusalem Agricultural Society #114 note the activities of the group in 1925. References to the Dairymen's Association, correspondence concerning fruit trees, seed prices, the procurement of lime, and thoughts on clover and timothy indicate a lively but serious round of discussions. One can also imagine a smattering of humour and more than a few off-topic stories interspersed in these meetings.

8

Certificate, 19 February 1952 Jerusalem Agricultural Society No. 114
1952
New Jerusalem

Credits:
Queens County Museum Collection

9

On January 19, 1952, Mr. Robert A. Howe received this citation from the Jerusalem Agricultural Society #114 on his 81st birthday. It was in recognition of his forty years as secretary of the organization, praising his faithful service, leadership and knowledge.

10

Watercolour painting by Bob Standen, Hibernia Union Hall, 2003
2003
Hibernia

11

The Hibernia Hall, illustrated in this painting, was a short distance from the Hibernia Baptist Church and was used for suppers, political meetings, elections and many other community events. The local chapter of the Orange Lodge met in the hall and at the time of the expropriation was under the name of the Hibernia Union Hall Co.

12

Lawson Lodge, No.387 Badge, about 1950 Clones
1950
Clones

Credits:
Queens County Museum Collection

13

A variety of fraternal organizations also kept the residents of the area active. The Loyal Orange Lodge, dedicated to the celebration of the historic victory of William of Orange over the Catholic King of England in the 17th century, had a large following. The Women's Institute, temperance and agricultural societies, and other lodges made for a busy schedule of events. This badge is from the International Order of Good Templars at Clones.

14

Dance at Orange Hall at Dunn's Corner, about 1952
1952
Dunn's Corner

Credits:
Queens County Museum Collection