Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » David Heard

Lets Go To The Aurora Farmers Market, A Regular Event

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:14:05 +0000

If we can’t think of anything to do on the Saturday morning – simple, lets go to the Aurora Farmers Market. It is a regular event for us. We don’t shop we just go to indulge on popcorn, cookies and lollipops. Yes me first and now Matthew, we love lollipops. Never too old for a lollipop. Perhaps, one day we will stay for a lunch.

This gentleman is not hiding from me, just happened that he covered his face with his hand. But, I do like his shirt EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME.

EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME T-Shirt; Aurora Farmers Market

Once at the Aurora Farmers Market, I really don’t want to explore everything there, because I want to be back and every time I am back I want to find something new. Never mind I go there to socialize as well and sometimes to meet new people. Last Saturday I got to meet Megan who sells delicious baking products.

As always I cannot avoid David Heard. I am always curious what’s in his booth, but I also like to chat as he always fills me in with interesting facts about Aurora. David now sells Vinyl records and has some interesting Vinyl artwork you will definitely enjoy.

David Heard, LP Vinyl Record, Aurora Farmers Market

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts that day had open house, so I walked in. I have not been back since my last photo shoot of the inside the building, and that will be almost a year. The auditorium is renovated. What was intriguing – the large panels halfway through the hall way to create an illusion of the old hallway. Loved it.

Well Street School Lofts, Inside

And there is Arron Morris biking away. I met Arron this year at the Aurora Farmers Market and got a chance to see him in action playing with his The Manatee Band during Aurora Street Festival. If I am not mistaken next week there will be strawberry festival at the market and Arron with his band will be playing at the bandshell at the Town Park. And there is Megan on the background.

Aaron Morris Biking Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

It is good to see that people use other means of transportation to drop by and leave the Aurora Farmers Market – like this man rolling away on his roller blades.

Rolling Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Some enjoy sitting around. Unfortunately I didn’t escape candid shot this time. Oops he looked into my lens.

Sitting Around, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Have you ever stopped and read THE TOWN PARK sign. This time I did and photographed as well. Here is what the sign reads.

“THE TOWN PARK. Purchased from John Mosley in 1867, the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his “Aurora Speech” there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the par on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show. Town of Aurora Heritage Commitee (LACAC) 1997.“

I wonder if the town will do anything special for the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Aurora – like planting a tree, or updating this sign, or a new plaque. We don’t have Wells Street School anymore.

Also I didn’t know that we used to have Victoria Day celebrations at the Town Park. Funny that this event was mentioned on the sign because every Victoria Day traffic on my blog doubles as people are searching for Victoria Day long weekend activities in the Town of Aurora.

The Town Park, Heritage

Lots more to do at the Town Park – eat breakfast and lunch, drink coffee, indulge on the treats, sit around, play in the open space. Playground is always filled with children running around or playing in the water. Yes splash pad is now open.

Kids Playing, Town Park

Or practice baseball like this young boy who was vividly practicing with is father.

Practicing Baseball, Town Park

Or you can have fun at the bandshell like we did. Just a quick update. For few weeks now Matthew was not well. He was diagnosed with HSP [Henoch–Schönlein purpura] which is inflammation of the blood vessels, a side effect after the upper respiratory tract infection. It all started with re-occuring stomach cramps, vomiting and not eating for almost 5 days. Interesting rash spread on his lower part of the body.

Last Saturday we thought that everything was going away, but now after the market we came home and Matthew’s knee joints started to swell. He lost mobility until Sunday. Then on Monday after an appointment with a pediatrician at the Southlake, Matthew’s ankle joints started to swell and he had terrible arthritic pain.

Matthew is now much better. Unfortunately, he is on anti-inflammatory medication. Slowly everything is resolving itself. The rush is still spread all over and may be staying for a while. I was so glad to see him running away from me when I had to administer the medication. He is my little Happy Camper and you can see more photos of him here.

Us at the Bandshell, Town Park

After we exhausted all the possibilities what to do at the Town Park we drove back home. Until next time …

Driving Home, Wellington Street & Industrial Parkway, Aurora Ontario

Aurora Street Festival, All The People I Don’t Know & Know

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:02:02 +0000

I bet I captured almost all the people at the Aurora Chamber Street Festival walking along the Yonge Street last Sunday June 2nd, 2013. If you would like to find yourself on my photos then you can check out my Facebook album ‘Aurora Chamber Street Festival, June 2, 2013‘ – oh and good luck.

For the small town, town like Aurora, we really do have a great community here. I would never thought that I will be able to walk the longest, busy street festival and met so many people I know, and I like it because I have then more stories to tell.

Unfortunately, some people still think that I am from SNAP. What do you think? Perhaps it is time to get my own tag saying – NOT MEDIA or JUST A BLOGGER.

Michelle, Autism Support Services

When I arrived I thought no problem I only need few pictures and I will be out at no time. How wrong was I? Believe or not, three hours later I was finally back at my car.

The first person I spotted was Michelle who is offering Autism Support Services at her booth. I met Michelle last summer during play days at Chris Watt’s house, and if I recall I did meet her once at the Aurora Public Library. Small world, or just small Aurora.

Watson’s Family Karate, Mike and Joan Watson, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

I arrived a bit earlier for Arron Morris’, The Manatee Band performance. So I stopped by Watson’s Family Karate booth to photograph interesting karate demonstrations. I used to do kickboxing at Watson’s when I was much younger, but I slowed down now and Tai Chi is just all I need. I didn’t get a chance to say hello since I had to run back to the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival booth.

Charlotte Watts, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

As I was walking back I spotted Chris Watts with his two girls. It was fun chatting with Chris once again while Charlotte was enjoying her ice-cream.

Johnmark, Cracklin’ Kettle Corn, Aurora Chambers Street Festival

Eventually I got to the end of the street festival that physically ended at the Wellington Street. And who do I see there in the corner? The Cracklin’ Kettle Corn booth. These guys sell the best cracklin’ popcorn at the Aurora Farmers Market every Saturday. Here meet Johnmark if you haven’t yet.

Batman, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Never know may be that was the real Batman. At least he looked like he was. Since I stopped twice by the Batman’s booth (can’t remember who he was representing) I can assume that I know him. He kept posing and I kept taking pictures, probably thought I was from SNAP.

Alexandra Riccio, AHS Community Development Assistant & Matthew

It is always good to see Alex from the Aurora Historical Society. She is my source to all the good happenings at the Hillary House. Also I got to meet her brother Matthew. Not to mention I run into Catherine Richards and Suzanne Reiner in the busy festival crowds.

A Couple, Aurora Chamber Street Festival.

I don’t know who these two are on this picture (above), but I liked the outcome.

Matt Maddocks, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Once I made a turn at the Wellington Street I was more or less heading home. On the way back I met my good friend Matt Maddocks. We chatted for a bit and decided to finish up our conversation some other time.

David Heard, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

I didn’t even get chance to stop by David Heard’s booth, but he always seems to spot my camera’s and wave at them, or me.

Frank Klees, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Couldn’t miss this. I have decided to snap few pictures of Frank Klees as I was passing by, MPP for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora. Next thing I am being directed by one of the guys from Frank’s booth what pictures to take. Again, I was mistaken to be from media, but he didn’t really care when I told him I fly solo. I also got picture with Frank Klees (the longest photo taking ever). Got to know him finally. We talked about me and then I really headed home.

This is not all the people I have met on that day. There were many more. Most of you are reading this blog so you know who you are.

When I finally arrived at my car I got a surprise email from Gina, Tristan’s mom. Tristan and my son Matthew are both in the same school and same class (JK). We sometimes see each other at the school in the morning dropping off our children or picking them up.

She wrote me: ‘It’s so funny, I have been reading your blog since I moved to Aurora (a year and a half ago). I found it when I was first trying to learn what the town had to offer. Your site is fantastic by the way. What’s funny, is I only just realized that its you that writes the blog. I didn’t make the connection before for some reason, but I just recently recognized you from the photo on the blog.‘

… and that email made my day!

Step Into The Booth, Step In Time, Have You Heard About The Latest Chills

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:07:22 +0000

Chilling stuff everywhere. We are seeing ever changing Aurora – especially now when buildings are coming down in front of our eyes. Last week on Tuesday the sales centre on North East corner of the Wellington and Yonge Street was demolished.

Former Zellers store’s facade came down as well sometime last week. Soon there will be fence banners saying ‘Target Loves Canada’, same as we have seen today at the Upper Canada Mall where Zellers used to be.

Perhaps fast changes like that make us more appreciate history of Aurora. I know I don’t buy anything from David Heard’s booth at the Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park, but I really enjoy visiting his booth for sake of stepping back in time.

Sports Memorabilia, David Heard’s Booth

Beside the sawing machine and other small artifacts, David has also display of sports memorabilia such photos of athletes and that one hockey stick which for love of me I cannot remember to whom it used to belong. But you can find out for yourself when you pay David a visit. We still have about a month of Aurora Farmers Market for this season.

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth

The other day when I went to photograph the demolishing of the mentioned above sales centre I had a nice walk downtown Aurora along Yonge Street. I have been historic downtown few times and I always never fail to find something old but new to me. There is so much of character in some of the old buildings and each having a string of different architectural elements interestingly enough all of the buildings do belong together and beautifully landscape Aurora’s historic downtown.

With the new condominium to be standing in the near future the North view will definitely change and will probably last another 200 or more years.

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth

Cows in Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth

Look look look – cows on the picture. This is something we will never see here in Aurora. We can still see horses, but definitely not cows. Today I was actually surprised to see two horses on the North West corner of Yonge Street and St. John’s sideroad. It was just a block away from the entrance to the St. Andrew’s College.

I was on my way to the gas station and when I was filling up the gas I remembered the good old days when the gas was forty five cents per liter. Wishful thinking but we will never see price like that again. However, we may not be far from having our own car plug in the garage to recharge the car as oppose to refuel.

So in the meantime I refueled the car. It was interesting to see that on Sunday morning all the cars at that Petro-Canada gas station were refueled by ladies. It is interesting to note that on Sunday mornings you have a better chance to spot fathers with children at the Aurora playgrounds.

A Scary Guy, David Heard’s Booth

Well scary stuff is happening in Aurora all around us, and if you really want to see scary, spooky, chills on your back, ghost hanging over your shoulder, spirit walking beside you stuff – get your spirit walk tickets for the Spirit Walk Aurora, only two more walks are left.

Annie’s Legacy

Meeting Elizabeth Milner, 150th Anniversary Of The Hillary House

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:14:47 +0000

I did not have the name and I did not have the close up picture. I had a story and I knew that someone will put it all together. Family, friends and neighbors commented on the last post identifying the barn guide as the young remarkable 13 year boy, Geoffrey Sharp.

I just want to acknowledge his efforts again and how wonderful it was to see all the support and encouragement he received from his family and friends.

Hillary House

The visit to the Hillary house wasn’t just seeing the Hillary House after all. By the end of the day I looked back – it was all about the people and the Hillary House made it happen – interesting phenomena that worked.

Elizabeth Milner Signing My Book

That day I came to the Hillary House to meet Elizabeth Milner for the first time. She didn’t know I was coming and I didn’t know if I will be there. When I finally arrived, I brought my own copy of Elizabeth’s book Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change to be signed. After all it was through her book we connected and have been corresponding since last year September.

What can I tell you about her? We all know that Elizabeth is a historian, teacher and writer but do we know that she is also a very friendly, funny, charming and charismatic lady. Yes I do know now and I am telling you that she is.

I wish that all my past history teachers were like that as I wouldn’t have any difficulty with all the dates, events and leaders memorization. There is a lot to learn when comes to European history so may be that is why the European system had us to learn history right from grade four in elementary school.

Elizabeth Milner with David Heard

As you can see I wasn’t the only one meeting Elizabeth for the first time. David Heard met Elizabeth for the first time that day and I over heard that he read her book ONLY four times.

Musician Performing At Hillary House

Looking at the picture of the musician performing that day at the Hillary House it only make sense to share with you an important musical history event Elizabeth shared with me via email.

She wrote: ‘The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Louise McDowell, actually Sara Louise McDowell, who lived in Aurora at various times, and was related distantly to the Willis family, was taught piano by Edward Fisher the founder of the Conservatory. She was one of the first students at the Conservatory which opened in Septenber of 1887.

In her last years she lived on Reuben Street on the north east corner of Temperance Street. I wrote about her in Aurora 1945-1965 on pages 31 to 34. I called her Aunt Louie, but she wasn’t actually my aunt. She died at 93 in 1965 and is buried in Aurora Cemetery.‘

This is only an excerpt from Elizabeth’s book about Louise McDowell, who was a musician, teacher and writer as well. Yes Louise McDowell also wrote a book, Past and Present: A Canadian Musician’s Reminiscences, potentially the next book on my list to read.

Hillary House

Speaking of writing books, Elizabeth Milner is working on the second book consisting of stories about Aurora during the same period 1945-1965, and in the near future it will be great addition to my Aurora books collection. A collection of two books only – second being AURORA A History in Pictures by W. John McIntyre.

John McIntyre Talking To Elizabeth Milner

A Bit Of Museum & History At The Aurora Farmers Market

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:22:39 +0000

Meeting The Cracklin’ Kettle Corn gang and having popcorn for the first time this year I thought that was enough excitement for us for the day – speaking of last Saturday.

We were heading home. As we passed by A Step In Time booth I had my feet ready to run. David Heard was after me. Okay, what did I do now? All I did I just had popcorn.

A Step In Time, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

No worries it was happy ending, he just wanted his picture I took of him and posted on my blog. Wow, almost a year passed, last June, since I actually spoke to him.

David Heard, Aurora Farmers Market 2012, Town Park

We had nice history chat especially about the Aurora pet cemetery. He had some interesting facts and he also mentioned that the builder is going to preserve the site. That is a very good news.

Sawing Machine, A Step In Time Booth

Another good news I have for you is that David is probably the only person in Aurora that sells Aurora postcards. Since he is heavily into Aurora history his postcards are from the past.

Postcards are diminishing because of the digital technology. One day postcards will be rare and the world without postcard will not be the same – just my thought. I actually have small European collection hiding in the closet and holding strong.

A Step In Time Booth, Artifacts, Aurora Farmers Market

Before I move on to something else I have one more comment about David’s booth. In addition to everything else about Aurora, David also has small display of artifacts.

Not sure if we ever will get museum back, so if you are interested in the Aurora history there are few places in town where you can find museum artifacts – at David’s booth of course; at the Aurora Public Library often; at the Hillary House for sure and if I am not mistaken St. Andrew’s College has something on display as well.

The photo above shows display from last Saturday. I wish I was paying more attention to remember anything about the display. Well, it is an old sawing machine for sure.

David Heard, A Step In Time, Aurora Farmers Market 2012, Town Park

I guess after getting to know David more and his friend – they posed for the picture. Now I will have to really hide to get my candid photo shots.

David's Friend, A Step In Time, Aurora Farmers Market 2012, Town Park

Speaking of postcards there is one more postcard available at the Aurora Farmers Market. It is special postcard because photograph used to create this advertising postcard was taken by me and I got a very generous name credit on the front page.

Former Wells Street Public School, View From Town Park, Aurora

If you have not seen it yet you can pick one up at the Aurora Farmers Market, the information booth. The website for Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts is now published as well and you can register for more information.

Wells Street Public School, A View From Town Park

Lastly, as I was viewing my photos from the market I also found interesting subject to talk about in the future. I will be investigating further because I found connection to my past. Stay tuned.

Aurora High School Teachers Photo Journey

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:08:08 +0000

A while ago, (June 2011) I have published post (Aurora, A History In Pictures Collectible Book Arrived With A Surprise, An Old Photo) about a photograph that arrived in the mail inside the Aurora, A History In Pictures, a book by W. John McIntyre I have purchased on Amazon.

In a matter of few days of posting about the photo I was contacted by the descendant and grandson of J.H. Knowles, former Aurora Councillor Bob McRoberts.

Book and Photo, Miss Humphrys & Mr. Knowles, Oct 18, 1943

Also, by talking/writing to a couple of people prior the telephone call, instead of having one descendant per family, that is Knowles and Humphrys, I had leads for two Knowles in town. My life was getting complicated, but only for a day or so. I like to sleep on my decision no matter how urgent they are. And what will few days of thinking do to the photo that not many knew about and was lost for many years. My scanner wasn’t working properly, so that helped to get that extra ‘decision’ sleep and get the photo to the right person.

By listening to Bob McRoberts family history and doing some research in the old Aurora Era newspapers from 1940s, a decision was made. I delivered photo to Bob McRoberts. Delivering by mail was out of question. The photo was lost for many years, so this time wasn’t going to happen. Not to mention the Canada Post was going on or was on strike around that time.

We made a surprise delivery to Mr. McRoberts. During our chat for few minutes, he also showed us another picture of his grandfather J.H. Knowles. It was a picture from the army. I couldn’t believe how prefect the photo was. I really mean perfect. No scratches, no nicks and no fading, and it was also older photo than the one I delivered to him. Well, there is an excuse for that, the photo of the teachers was on the road for many years, and only protection it had was a book.

The results of my findings were published in The Auroran this week (Week of August 02, 2011 Volume 11 Number 40). I wrote Letter to the Editor, Journey of the lost photo from Aurora (pg 6, pdf file) and Bob McRoberts let The Auroran publish the photo (pg 4, pdf file). Few words were written under the photo for which I am very thankful. That was definitely a big surprise. That was also my first ever Letter to the Editor published in The Auroran, and it was very generous of Ron Wallace to let mention my blog.

To find the new place for the photo was a joint effort of few people in Aurora, including Bob McRoberts himself. I also had a nice chats with David Heard (A Step In Time), emails with Chris Watts (Temporary Sanity), and Michael Suddard (Michael’s Blog) hit the nail in the head with his comment here and confirmed my findings. Michael is now residing in Richmond Hill; however, he always calls Aurora his home.

‘Anna, It just hit me. The person you may have a photo of is J.H. Knowles the former Principal of Wells Street Public School. He had a house on Catherine Avenue (J.H. Knowles House) and is related to former Deputy Mayor Bob McRoberts somehow (grandfather?). House reference here:
http://www.town.aurora.on.ca/aurora/index_e.aspx?ArticleID=478

Miss Humphrys may be a teacher at that time at Wells Street Public School at the time because of the context of the way the photos are referenced (Mr. Knowles & Miss Humphrys) as students would politly call them.
In the Aurora a History in Pictures there is a picture of Wells Street Public School with all the glee club in front with Mr. Knowles, the Principal, included.

Baldwin’s Restauarant has a small copy of the photo on their website near the bottom of this page: Baldwin’s Restaurant has a small copy of the photo near the bottom here: http://www.baldwinsrestaurant.com/history‘

That was a very interesting journey to be part of and I will always ask myself – why me?

The Aurora Farmers Market, A Good Luck Horseshoe Found

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:51:57 +0000

When I delivered my accessibility recommendations to the Town of Aurora about two weeks ago in front of the Town Hall I noticed pained picnic tables. Happens to me all the time. Every time I find something nice to photograph, I don’t have my camera with me. However, I found them at the Town Park visiting again the Aurora Farmers Market. Such a great idea that was to paint nice art work on them. I just wonder who did them? I cannot find any reference.

Bench Art

‘Nice camera‘ – she commented when she passed by me last Saturday. This was my third encounter with Anna Kroeplin, the Chair of this year Aurora Farmers Market. During our first visit at the market at the Aurora Cultural Centre, she greeted us warmly, ‘Come in, come in, don’t be shy‘. Some how she also found my blog and commented.

Bench Art

On our last visit we purchased this very tasty, delicious, addictive kettle popcorn and we were back to get some more. Unfortunately, we did not hear any popping that day. May be next time, and may be we will see the chocolate dipped kettle popcorn as we suggested when asked. While I was looking around I noticed the horseshoe in the booth of one of the vendors. So cool …

Horseshoe

Needle work can be very time consuming, but I think it is very theraputic. I did some cross stitching in the past. Need to work on attention to detail and patience – just grab a sewing needle.

Sewing Works

Bead work, I am sure you need patience for that too.

Bead Work

I think I am little bit shy. Lucky me for the big lens to zoom on the booth to see more detail. I got to find out what this booth is all about – its all about Aurora. This must be David Heard host of the Step In Time,a historical walking tours of Aurora, Ontario, and I just hope it is him.

David Heard, A Step in Time

A step in time adventures sound like a lot of fun. It is on the list of things to do in the future, but not yet. It will take me a life time to explore everything in Aurora.

A Step In Time T-Shirt

Thinking about popcorn the Optimist Club of Aurora offered some for Matthew on our way to the car. We visited the Optimist playground in the past many times, and now the picture of the Optimist Park name is coming together. As we were passing by the booth, my son got popcorn, and he ended up singing for the lady in the booth a song ‘hot popping popcorn …‘. We ended up buying a book which I read for Matthew when we drive places.

We have so many good cause organizations in our community and the Optimist Club is one of them, the Friend of Youth; and ‘Bringing Out the Best in Kids‘ is their slogan.

The Optimist Club of Aurora Booth