Made in Peterborough
The Peterborough Museum and Archives dug into their into their own collection to create Made in Canada, Really!, the latest exhibit to open at the museum.
There are about 33 artefacts on display, including a 140-year-old canoe made by the Peterborough Canoe Company, a De Laval cream separator and a vintage snowblower.
The exhibit focuses on Peterborough’s manufacturing vibrant past though locally produced products, as well as archival photo reproductions.
“I’m amazed at how much Peterborough produced for the world stage,” said curator Kim Reid.
The project took about a year and a half to complete, from artefact selection, research, design and installation.
“We were working on other projects as well,” she said.
The display is entirely built on what artefacts were available in the PMA collections, presenting a unique Peterborough perspective.
“It was a collection-based decision. We worked with what we had,“she said.
Visitors can check out info and a vintage boat motor from Outboard Marine, a woodstove made by Hall Stove Company and vintage products made by Quaker Oats.
If there was one difficulty with planning the exhibit, it was not enough information to include more of the Peterborough manufacturing story. There were artefacts in the collection that didn’t have many details about them.
“We know the stories are out there, but without a story we couldn’t include it,” said Reid.
Some local manufacturing, Like Raybestos and Brinton Carpet closed down, while others adapted. Fisher Gauge became Dynacast; General Electric downsized.
“The shocking thing is how much of Peterborough industry is now nothing but memories,” said Reid.
The museum also celebrates 50 years this year. The museum created a coordinating exhibit to mark the milestone.
“We were one of three centennial projects,” she said.
Be sure to check out the museum’s fiftieth anniversary display case which features artefacts from 1967, the year the museum opened.
There’s a guest book to sign and comment cards for you to leave your own Made In Canada, Really memories.
“We are hoping that people will share their stories as well,” said Reid.
Made In Canada, Really runs until Oct. 1. You can view it weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located at 300 Hunter Street E., on top of Armour Hill. Admission is by donation.
Peterborough Theatre Guild
PTG presents The Foursome, written by Norm Foster and directed by Ray Henderson.
The comedy is staged on a golf course and opens as four college friends reconnect at their 20-year college reunion. The play features Mike Judson, Dan Smith, Sean Quinlan and Aaron Goedhuis.
The Foursome runs until Jul. 22. For info or tickets call the box office at 705-745-4211 or order online at http://theatreguild.org/playbill/.alexsandra_thompson@yahoo.com