Perth & District Historical Society: 100th Anniversary Review of the Halifax Disaster

The following is a meeting notice from the Perth & District Historical Society.

Thursday, January 18, 2018
100th Anniversary Review of the Halifax Disaster
History’s Largest Man-made Non-Nuclear Explosion

Our society launches its New Year meetings, on January 18, 2018, with a presentation by committee member, Ellen Dean, on the devastating ‘Halifax Explosion’, of December 6, 1917, one of Canada’s worst disasters, and the world’s largest man-made non-nuclear explosion.

Although our society’s main objective is to examine historical events of Perth and surrounding district, the Halifax Explosion was one of the most tragic events in our country’s history.  Coming at the time of national, and often personal, distress from WWI, it was felt across the country.  On that December 6th morning, two ships collided in Halifax Harbour.  The ensuing fire on one of the ships led to a man-made explosion of a magnitude never before seen, literally obliterating a large area of Halifax and the companion community of Dartmouth.  The effect of the blast and the resultant fires created an unimaginable horror that could only be compared to a battlefield scene.  The shock wave was felt hundreds of kilometres away.

This past December 6, 2017, marking the 100th anniversary of that fateful day, Canadian news organisations effectively related the story of the disaster.  For our meeting, we will examine some of the relevant facts:  the reasons this completely preventable accident happened; the event’s human element, including racism; the aftermath and the stories of witnesses.  We will also consider the legacy of the disaster, many elements of which continue in Canada to this day.

Ellen Dean and her husband, who was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, spent their early married life in Greater Halifax.  They moved to Ottawa in 1990, until retirement from their respective careers, and relocated to Perth 12 years ago.  In addition to her many appreciated duties with the historical society, Ellen volunteers at the Perth Museum and Visitor Information Centre.  She is also a member of both the Lanark County Quilters’ Guild and the Perth Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Please join us for this month’s presentation at Perth's Royal Canadian Legion,
home of the Hall of Remembrance, 26 Beckwith Street E., Perth, 7:30pm (Toonie Donation)

Our January Notices
Several interesting new articles have been added to our website, in the history section - including ‘The Perth Railroad Station’ and an ‘Early Log Driving’ video – and, also, in the ‘Mysteries’ Page.   Viewable at www.perthhs.org

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Perth & District Historical Society is dedicated to studying and popularising our area’s rich history and culture, and providing a forum for discussion and celebration of our
heritage.  Our meetings are open to the public, usually on the third Thursday of each month, at 7:30 pm.  For more information, call 613-264 8362 or 264 0094 – or visit our website at www.perthhs.org .
To contact us by e-mail or to unsubscribe from our mailings, kindly address your e-mail to: perthhs@gmail.com