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This Page is part of a Historical and Cultural Web Site created by students of Laval High School, Placentia, NFLD (A0B 2Y0) .March 2000. |
Placentia's first Historical Society was founded in 1937 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to preserve and promote local history. It was one of the first historical societies in Newfoundland. Over the years the members of the Society researched and collected local history. Eventually, in March 1972, the Placentia Area Historical Society was incorporated. To get an idea of what took place at that first meeting in 1937, information from a preserved copy of the minutes is presented below. The copy of these minutes is preserved in its original handwritten form, laminated for historical purposes and held in the society's office.
Its Origin
On August 10, 1937, the first meeting of the Ancient Capital Historical Committee took place. Convened by Magistrate Sinnott, the meeting was held at the request of a group of men and women of the Parish and was attended by the following people.
Magistrate Sinnott Mrs. Sinnott James Collins J.P.H.A. Kelley (war vet) James Verran Patrick O'Keefe Richard Phippard (S.E.) Leonard Miller (MHA) Mrs. M. Cahill Miss Sadie Griffen (Teacher) Sergeant Carrole Miss K. Ryan (Jerseyside) Darrel Green P.M. Green (Point-Verde) Joseph Matt Collins Mrs. Neila Murphy
These people agreed to be members of a committee which would be known as the Ancient Capital Historical Committee.
An election voted in the following executive:
Chairman: Mrs. Neila Murphy
Secretary :Mrs. P. O'Keefe
Treasurer :Leonard Milley (MHA)
Some objectives decided upon by the committee were:
Today the Placentia Area Historical Society is a group of volunteers from all communities in the area who work to achieve the objectives similar to those outlined at the founding meeting and who follow a constitution which was officially drawn up in the 1970's. Many projects have been undertaken in recent years, in particular the buying and restoration of the old Magistrate's residence, known as O'Reilly House. This house dates back to 1902 when the magistrate was a Mr. O'Reilly. Most of the original features were still intact when the house was bought, but a lot of work had to be done by area residents, including removing 80 years of paint, to restore it for museum purposes. Mrs. Patricia Power, a resident of Jerseyside, was president of the society at the time. Today the house displays period furniture and several items (iron pots, etc.) which were used in earlier days. As well, it has exhibit rooms and one room displaying an old-fashioned bedroom. More detailed information is available on the O'Reilly House.
Another project initiated by the society involved the collection and collation of all historical information that can be found in libraries, archives, etc. on the history of the area. While the society already has at its disposal a great deal of historical information, this project, coordinated by Mrs. Olive Power, resulted in a major database of information which is available for reference purposes and will be easily accessible.
Another project presently ongoing is the restoration of the convent in Placentia - a very worthwhile project and a huge undertaking.
The present executive, in the year 2000, is as follows:
Charmaine
Cooney President Kenneth
Flynn Vice-President Rita
Pomroy Treasurer Gower
Browne Secretary
The society is active in:
It is worthy to note that Mrs. Hilda O'Keefe is one of the oldest members of the society and is the only chartered member today.
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This Page is part of a Historical and
Cultural Web Site created by students of Laval High School,
Placentia, NFLD (A0B 2Y0) .March 2000.
